Currently

I've just started a project.
 Currently I hate it but I find that creating is therapy for me.
And it's just paint I can always cover it with more. 

Which, I will be doing today after the little monsters go to bed.

The mister just bought me this. I have to say I'm in love with it. I have cake plans swirling around in my head. Let's just say my family better be ready for cake at Easter. Is it weird I'm trying to color coordinate a cake to my cake plate? 

Oh and this is on my must have list.

I'm currently Easter outfit shopping and I'm fighting the urge to dress my boys in ways to make them hate me later in life. I can't help it, the thought of seersucker and gingham get me every time! I'm now looking for things that go with clothes we already have and I won't have heart palpitations when they destroy them from rolling in the dirt with their cousins.

On the menu this week:

Garlicky Avocado Grilled Cheese with Tomato Pesto

Vietnamese Chicken, Avocado + Lemongrass Spring Roll Salad With Hoisin Crackers

Spicy Pecan Banana Bread

I've been dealing with my health issues again the past couple of weeks so I have been super boring so is this post and the blog has been kind of lame. Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things sooner than later. 

Currently

Deep Bathtub Fishing is his specialty!

 Waking up is hard work people! 

Post nap L, no makeup for me, and weird sun glare.

He found a new style while moving my Granny into her new apartment.

Finally got to see my bestie on my birthday!

We rarely stop and take sibling pictures. 

Here is the first one in a couple of years. 

How adorable are my "baby" sister and brother? 

Liam and Daddy needed a nap but Liam had other plans.

He smuggled a bag of Chocolate Cap'n Crunch (disgusting) into the bedroom and rolled n it.

Those sheets has just gone on the bed the night before. grrr. Good thing he's cute!

Horrible traffic Wednesday and I was starving. 

Good thing I packed my Green Tea Blueberry Smoothie.

Work on Wednesday = my messy desk, my smoothie and my new glasses!

I totes dressed super professional on Wednesday for work. 

I'm surprised they let me in the door like that!

Lunch time! 

That day I ate a whole avocado with salt and lime juice with about 10 chips.

Is that weird?

I need these overalls. Yes, I said overalls. Don't judge me. 

Suddenly, I feel the need to go buy gold vinyl and pull out the ole Cricut. Why you ask? See here.

I just bought a sushi mat, nori paper and sushi rice. Expect some new sushi recipes once I learn how to make decent sushi. 

On the Menu:

Lemongrass Salmon Burger

Corned Beef and Cabbage

Irish Beef Stew

Spring Greens with Candied Lemon and Spicy Fried Goat Cheese

Sweet Thai Chili Salmon Quesadillas with Spicy Mango 

Currently

I got kicked out of my own bed this morning. 

These guys watched Ghostbusters on the TV and then played games on my phone in my bed now they've moved on to Mario but they still refuse clothes. 

Apparently they want a lazy day to de-stress from their hectic life style. 

(Imagine a giant eye roll and sarcastic hand gestures when reading the previous statement) 

Now, I'm going to weasel my way in and force them to cuddle me! It's my right as their mother, you know. 

.

My 4 year old clearly takes after his father. No matter how hard we try to keep him away from all things scary, he gravitates to them. Needless to say, he LOVES Halloween. He plans his costumes all year long. They usually change multiple times a year, as of now we are planning a Ghostbuster costume. Looks like I better make the little guy a Stay Puft Marshmallow Man costume while I'm at it. I better get to googling "DIY Proton Pack" and looking for flight suits.

I'm in love with this Etsy shop. If you follow me on Pinterest, I should probably apologize for taking over your feed yesterday with these prints. Sorry, not sorry.

 Homemade peanut butter baking chips!?!? Oh, yeah! Want to guess who will be trying this out? Yeah, that'd be me.

These! Pardon me while I run to the store for some cashews. BRB!

Better grab some almonds for this granola while I'm there!

I'm turning 31 Sunday. Excuse me while I go barf. Why is 31 so much worse than 30 you ask? Because, my best friend and I have this theory that you aren't in your 30s until you have passed 30. So our little mind trick got us through last year without wanting to hide under a rock, but now there is no turning back, nothing I can do about it, it's staring me in the face. I am in fact in my 30s and I feel OLD! Also they say (who is they anyway? and will they please stop saying things I don't like?) you start falling apart at 30. Guess what? I did.

We have a family tradition of Sprinkle Pancakes for birthday breakfasts. But, since I'm having to be very careful of what I eat these days. I plan on making my self a pina colada spinach smoothie and topping that sucker with sprinkles on Sunday.

But, this is what I really want for my birthday breakfast.

So much good food on the internets right now.

I made a Pinterest Board for my Photobooth obsession. I must figure out how to make a GIANT Moon cutout...

What are you doing currently?

Currently

I have to fight for my smoothies with this little guy around. 

I love this. It made nostalgic. If you need me I'll be tracking down every season and binge watching Friends.

These ribs.

If I don't make this pudding for my husband, like, now he may never forgive me.

I waaaaaaaaant this stir-fry. NOW!

I made the most amazing cranberry habanero pepper jelly in the history of the universe. Stay tuned for the recipe. It's coming soon. I've been eating with cream cheese and crackers constantly. There is a pork loin in my freezer that is calling out to be covered in the jelly at this very moment.

Details from another party are also coming soon. I'm finally getting around to editing the pictures and making a scrapbook of the party for my Grandmother. I've made blank copies of the printables that I should hopefully have available to download.

I just bought a couple of these and I love them!

We are in the market for a new bed. Want to see the bed of my dreams? Here it is. I wish. I'll be looking for something a tad more affordable for the time being. But, I'll be buying something like this guy one of these days.

Oh, and History of Rap Part 5!!!!! I love me some JT + Jimmy Fallon!

This is the BEST recipe round-up each week!


P.S. All my links on my banner and side bar should finally work!

Currently.

I have had my new camera in my hand constantly this week. Most of my pictures are just so so now but once I get this thing figured out I cannot wait to see what I can capture.

This is what I've been working on and one of the reasons I have been absent this week. It is my Granny's birthday party and I have been making menus, banners, gathering jars. I'll be posting blank 8x10 and 4x6 PDF files for download next week along with pictures and hopefully some recipes too.

My bestie sent this to me this week. It's like she knows me or something.

These make me ready for spring/summer to get here.

I foresee these being hung in the window of my kitchen. LOVE!

I am obsessed with this brunch. It is an annual thing so make sure and click through the links of the older parties.

I just bought this and I cannot wait for warm enough weather.

Currently...

Happy Valentine's Day! We originally didn't plan on doing anything, since we don't really celebrate it, but since my husband managed to get tonight off and my kids will be with their Nana and Papa we decided to have a date night, we usually go out one Friday a month anyway. Last night we looked at each other and and I was like, "well crap, we can't go out on our normal Friday date, all of the restaurants will be packed. Want to pick up sushi and watch tv?" Dang, Valentine's Day, why you got to ruin my date night? I only get one a month!

We had a little snow this week. I have to admit, I like that we only get more than an inch or two every few years. The fact that it doesn't happen often means there is some sort of magic in the air that makes it special. But, now that its melting I'm ready for Spring.

My husband bought me a new camera for my birthday and he could not keep me inside because I was too busy taking pictures in the snow. I still have no clue what I'm doing but I got a couple of good shots.

I went to Target the other day to get a birthday present for my nephew and three birthday cards. I left with a heart shaped plate, heart straws, a new skirt, two shirts and yoga pants. And let's not talk about the things I put back or talked myself out of! What is it about that place? I cannot go in without buying more than I need!

This burrito! We had it Wednesday, it went against my want and need to eat healthier lately but it was so worth it!

Speaking of eating healthy. We went grocery shopping the other night and I looked down and in our cart was the strangest array of food. We had chia seeds and flax seeds, tons of fruit and veggies, the ingredients for chili dogs and Captain Crunch Oops All Berries sitting side by side. Seems like we can't commit to a particular way of eating.  I guess everything in moderation.

I'm Sandy. I'm not sure if I agree or not. Who are you?

On the menu:
Cafe Caramel
One Pan Coconut Shrimp Noodle Bowls
Crispy Croissant Sundaes with Red Wine Hot Fudge
I'm dying to find some of those pink cherries!
Toasted Marshmallow Salted Caramel Cookie Bars

Currently

I may be addicted to Parks and Recreation.  This poster might be living in my kitchen or hallway very soon.

This makes me happy.

My granny is turning 87 this month and her mind, well, it's, ummm... Let's just say she has good days and bad days. There is paranoia, delusions and no sense of time on the bad ones. But, on the good days, she's my stubborn little Granny who loves to laugh and has been known to drop a cuss word or two and has on a few, okay, several occasions whipped out her middle finger. Anyway, her sister is in the last stages of Alzheimer's and Granny spent the week of Christmas with her nephew to spend some time with my Aunt Viola. So, in true spit fire fashion she decided since she missed our big family get together at Christmas, she wants a party for her birthday, and it better be big. She said she may not hit 90 and she wants EVERYONE to shower her with attention. Of course, now when you ask she says she just wants to see her kids, grandkids and great grandkids nothing big. She's a big ole' LIAR! She wants something major. You should go look at the Pinterest Board that my Mom, cousin and I have been pinning to. If you like flowers, purple, and mason jars you'll love it! I made this little cutie as an inspiration for what we are going for with the theme.

I'll be sharing the invites and menus soon.

I am OBSESSED with this kitchen. In fact, I hate how much I love it. It makes me want to re-do our kitchen something fierce, but I can't so I now hate mine even more because I love this one a little too much!

I need to make this, this, oh and most definitely these! Oh and this, shut the front door, I need it in my life!

So, I finally went to a doctor to help figure out why I felt like I was dying after every meal and in between. I thought she was going to look at me like I was nuts. Apparently I'm not and she has a good idea of what is causing this and I can be fixed! It is either caused by a bacteria, which will mean antibiotics and and acid reducing medicine or caused by the fact that I threw up almost everyday multiple times a day for my last pregnancy and it cause my system to confuse itself and now my stomach won't break down foods properly. I'm not sure how they'll handle the second, which is most likely and harder to prove, scenario. She isn't a fan of just putting me on a medicine and leaving me on it for the rest of my life, which I must say I am thrilled about. I am hopeful. In the mean time, I am not supposed to eat raw fruits and vegetables and eat more carbs. Yeah, so that is problematic for me since I don't eat carbs like crazy (which is not what you would think judging from this blog) and would rather have fruits and veggies. She also recommended that days where I feel particularly horrible to stick with a liquid diet. I asked about juicing and smoothies, since I had already planned on doing that as ways to sneak in extra nutrients, and that is just about the only way my body will deal with the good stuff for the time being. Be prepared for more juice and smoothie recipes. It is so nice to know I'm not nuts, that this is a real thing and won't be a lifetime problem either!

Currently

This guy wasn't sure about the snow.
His brother on the other hand, wouldn't stay still long enough to get a clear shot. :)

I feel like I can't get my crap together. That is about to change.

The mister has been home on a staycation this week and we had snow. Although I missed a full day of work it has been lovely staying home with my three favorite guys.

I need this. I feel an adult slumber party with some of my favorite girls coming on because of it.

I kind of love this painting. I want to recreate my own version. Pronto.

I'm dying to put this in my mouth.

...and this.

I do something similar but her process is genius.

Everyone needs to take a note of this.

So that's about it. More soon. What's going on with you currently?

Currently

http://fgr.am/f/qUN9xiOXhm

I'm baaaaaccckkkkk! And I bring you yet another annoying Flipgram. I am obsessed with the app! For some reason it will only about 1/3 of this one but you get the idea. It's my 2013 year in review Flipgram. Love it!

I disappeared for a little while. Between the holiday craziness and some of the same health problems that popped up over the past few months, I just couldn't do much of anything. But I go to the Dr. on Monday and hopefully he can decipher allllll of my weird symptoms. If you know me, you know, it must be bad for me to go to a doctor. Until recently, the only doctors I've seen since I was 18 have been those delivering my kids, and the only reason I went them was because my insurance didn't cover homebirth midwives. But that's another story all together. I don't have anything against doctors, but I'm a "of it ain't broke don't fix it kind of girl." But, now that my back pain can't be managed by stretching and yoga and my fatigue is debilitating, plus, a whole slew of other things that are affecting my life, my parenting, my relationship with my husband and friends and family then it's time to suck it up and go get checked out. I'm a little nervous to be honest, but, I need to see why I feel bad 99% of the time. I can't be the wife, mother, friend, daughter, granddaughter, employee, baker, crafter, planner, PERSON that I want to be when I just want to sleep or hurt all the time. All of that to say, I hope 2014 will be better and I can invest myself in life again.

I'm packing up Christmas this weekend and it is bitter sweet. But I am on a reorganize, simplify and purge mission and that can't happen with shiny, fluffy trees hanging around. I guess it's a new year, new me kind of NOT resolution, but lifestyle change.

This year will be more about my husband and I sneaking off alone. More family game nights and secret snuggles with each boy by themselves. More mother and son ice cream dates. More time invested in making me feel like a person again. More speaking my mind and standing up for myself. More being compassionate but not a a pushover. I want to become Ashley again.

I'm thinking that I'm going to start juicing again too. Not as meal replacement because I didn't lose a pound and I didn't feel more energized, I actually felt worse while I did a cleanse. I was super cranky too and that is not what I want! It simply didn't work for me to do a cleanse. But, I find that I can get some good nutrients and vitamins in me and my family when I add a juice or smoothie per day, to our normal diet. So things like this,  this, this, this and this will be making a comeback around here.

Oh and this! It must happen!

ummm, y'all... shut. the. front. door. How amazing does this sound?

New motto.

What does this year mean for the blog? I have no clue! But I am going to be focusing on some home projects that I will probably share. And I am working on a series of Quick and Easy Dinners that should, hopefully, be up two to four times a month. When I had bronchitis last year, we survived on take out because, I can only eat Ramen and breakfast for dinner so many times before I go crazy. Seeing that those are the only two thing the hubby can cook, I realized it's time to create some simple, healthy meals for my arsenal. That way if I'm sick, out of town or just simply need a break we can still enjoy something homemade.

I am also toying with an idea of a series of family recipes. Foods Lee and I grew up eating, things that we still make today. So many good things come from our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, cousins, aunts, friends. Think I may need to share the love. And share the stories behind some of the recipes and the relationships with people who make them.

I'm toying with a new look too. It seems some of my links are broken and I need to fix that but I'm ready for a change.

So... I guess, I got a little rambley and over sharey. Are those words? Nope? Yeah, I know. But, I sort of treat this weekly post as a journal and that is what is going on here with me. So how was your Christmas and New Years?

Currently

I am so behind and overwhelmed at the moment. My house is a disaster, I have cookies to bake, macaroni and cheese to make, gifts to finish and wrap, oh and mountains and mountains of laundry =! We have a party every night starting tomorrow night through Christmas. But it's all okay, tonight the boys go to my in-laws and my husband works late so I'll be cleaning, baking and crafting while watching some cheesy Christmas movies and try to squeeze in a nap too.

On the menu this week:
Truffle Bar
Cookies and Cream Peppermint Bark
Raspberry Almond Thumbprints
Buffalo Mac and Cheese
One-Pan Enchilada Pasta
Weeknight Nachos
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies

The boys and I made these and these this past week.

I must make these! Love them!

This tree and wreath! Obsessed! Love!

Currently

This was Monkey after his trip to the North Pole this year with his Nana and Papaw.
He had so much fun and was worn out! 

Is it Friday already? Seriously!

I've got a busy day ahead of me today. I'll be making and canning a small batch of Homemade Sriracha. A certain, luckily, sibling of mine may be getting it for Christmas. Then, I'll be working from home, normal cleaning and organizing, other baking and doing laundry, more decorating and making a plan of action to get the remainder of these gifts finished. I better make another cup of coffee, I'm going to need it.

Tomorrow may be just be the day I make Bacon Jam. That may be a gift for another brother... Just maybe...

I don't have any recipe links for this post, I haven't sat down and read any of my favorite blogs in over a week. I literally have 1500 unread posts waiting for me. Yikes!

These two crafts are in the plans for me and the kiddos next week.

I'm dying for these leggings!! Or these!

I've been pinning tons and tons of Christmas ideas on Pinterest.

I'm so excited for Saving Mr. Banks! I loved Marry Poppins as a child, I watched it weekly at my Granny's and Grandpa's in the summer, along with The King and I, Sound of Music, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Oklahoma and just about any Shirley Temple movie, ever made.

Speaking of Mary Poppins...

So that's about it for now. Are you doing anything special this year?

Currently.

I am on the mend! I've been to a Dr for a couple of my medical issues and I am beginning to feel more like myself! I've been on antibiotics for Bronchitis and I'm being monitored for my blood pressure problems. I have a few other things I need to figure out before I can say I'm 100% where I want to be.

Also...
*** HAPPY DANCE BREAK***
I lost 20 pounds over the past year! That doesn't sound like a lot, but as hard as I have struggled to lose anything, it is a major accomplishment! I've stayed away from scales, because I wanted to focus on how I felt and looked but, they weighed me at at the doctor's office and until then I had no idea how much I actually lost.

My being so sick the past couple of weeks made me realize, I really need to teach my husband a few easy dishes that we normally have the ingredients for. He can make quesadillas like a pro and make a basic breakfast, but, that is about it. He and I both have been planning on him learning a few of my recipes, but after resorting to take out and fast food, while I was just too weak or dizzy to stand for long periods of time, makes me realize we need to get on that ASAP! Especially when we are on a mission to save a major amount of money and payoff most, if not all debts over 2014, something like that can throw a major kink in your budget. Plus, eating out will wreck you diet and give your kids little to no nutritional items! Anyone have any healthy and delicious beginner friendly meals? I'd love some suggestions!

I'm obsessed with this Christmas Bucket List! I'm making my own, probably to be post about later.

I've also started making some homemade Christmas gifts for this year. Here are some from last year. I love giving gifts, not over top crazy forget the reason for Christmas greedy gifts, but, I love giving something special and meaningful to people. Like, when my Brother-in-law realized he found his one and only soul mate and proposed on Christmas Eve, we bought them a silver ornament with "Our First Christmas" and the date engraved on it. It was also a locket for them to put a picture of the that night in it. That kind of gift is something that they will have on their tree for years and will always love. Things like homemade extract and spice rubs to the other food loving people in my family. And, of course we are making ornaments for the grandparents again this year because how sweet is that? Something that will remind them that we care when the use it or look at it. There are tons of suggestions on Pinterest.

On the menu this week:
Vanilla Salt
DIY Chocolate Coconut Sugar Scrub
Homemade Sriracha
French Silk Pie ON A STICK!!!
Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps
Crockpot Pulled Pork Chili

One last thing, well actually two things. What do you think of the "Pin It" buttons on all of the photos? Do my links on the top and sides of the page work/appear for you? I like the "Pin It" option but I know some find it distracting so I'd love to hear what you think. And, I can no longer see my link but if I scroll over where they should be, they work. Not sure what's going on there but I do need to know if I need to fix them.

Last, last thing I swear. What are you planning this weekend? I'm working at my real job and doing monds and mounds of dishes and laundry that I got behind on. Maybe some crafting if I have time.

Currently.

Beef Tongue Tacos is where it's at!

Sorry I missed last weeks post. I was running around like a crazy woman packing at the time I would have normally been writing. And I'm sorry I haven't posted this past week and that I'm three days late with this weeks post, I have the plaque. Well, it's not the plaque but it feels like it. The husband took a sick day so he could take me to the ER, we actually decided to go to the CVS Minute Clinic, and I'm glad we did, I was in and out within an hour and had my prescriptions filled while I waited, which meant I came home and slept the rest of the day. Apparently if I had waited until Monday like I planned I would have been an much worse shape, the nurse was shocked I didn't have pneumonia, yikes! I also learned my blood pressure was waaaaaayyyyy up, which coupled with this sinus infection and some of the other issues I have been having explains why I'm so exhausted all the time and why I have been having some serious vertigo problems. I'm way too young to be feeling this bad and honestly, we eat pretty healthy around here so I'm confused as to what's going on. I feel like I'm getting too complainy, yes, I did just make that up. So I'll just say, that I'm sorry if my posts get kind of sporadic, I just have too much on my plate right now.

My little sister, who shares my brain when it comes to food, recently made those tacos pictured at the top. She made them with beef tongue and I know some of you are thinking, what, the what is she talking about, or that's gross, but they were delicious! And, beef tongue is a normal part of the cow to consume in many parts of the world and apparently, even here in the states but it's just not as common. She also made the tortillas too. She's kind of a power house in the kitchen, she just doesn't know it yet.

I'm dying to either starting redoing our house or find a new place. It's all because of things like this kitchen, or this kitchen, or this bedroom. I guess I'll be working rearranging and doing some cheap up dates after Christmas until we decide what the future holds. Maybe it's all because I've watched a trillion episodes of Color Splash this week, while I layed around and trying to heal myself with my brain powers.

I planned to do a Halloween re-cap for y'all but didn't get great shots so for the time being this will have to do.

Caleb in his amazing Jack Skellington costume and throwing up the rock fist, cause, ya know, he's awesome!
Liam the little Minion. He's never likes hats but he wore the glasses and hat for almost an hour before he realized it was there. I threw together a Minnie Mouse costume out of things I already had. My poor husband didn't have time to come up with anything and was too busy helping me get everything together for all of us that he got left out this year. I think I want to do a family costume next year. I'll have to get all my boys on board though.

One the menu this week:
These adorable mini chocolate chip cookies
Carrot Coconut Soup
Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Pizza
Crockpot Pulled Pork Chilli
           

Currently.

I'm kind of failing to get stuff done around here lately, hence the lack of posts. To make matters worse, I feel like I'm coming down with the funk that my boys had/have and my husband is still sick and working a crazy schedule this week. He's off tomorrow (Saturday) and that is a rare treat in his line of work. So maybe, if I nap when the boys go to their Nana's today I can get my mojo back!

How awesome is the "angry Jack Skellington" Pumpkin the hubby carved? I free handed the drawing too! He amazes me often.

On the menu this week:
Apple Stuffed Mini Pumpkins
Bacon and Eggs Breakfast Pies
Apple and Brie Dessert Quesadillas
Chicken Pot Pie Galette
Creamed Honey

I neeeeed this slow cooker in my life! Yes, I have two, one is a huge, magnificent slow cooker with a timer, that was a gift from my Mom in law and an older, small, trustworthy hand-me-down from my Mom. But, every girl needs a pink, Hello Kitty slow cooker doesn't she? No? OK, fine, I just want it.

I'm loving my cute little note book. I have been holding onto this plain little composition notebook for months but wanted to make it cute. I always have three to four notebooks laying around. One for all menus, a small one for when ideas pop up while I'm out, one for work stuff and one for everything else. A couple of evenings ago, I was over doing what I needed to do, picking up toys, wiping noses, washing dishes, explaining why the letter c faces only one way and is wrong written backwards, I needed to do something I wanted to do. I was tired and mentally and creatively blocked. I sat down in the middle of the living room floor while the hubby was sleeping (he worked a couple of third shifts this past week) the baby was napping too and Caleb was at church and the house was quiet for the first time in days. I grabbed my notebook, some washi tape, white paint and Mod Podge. I painted the note book white to block out the pattern and covered with the tape in rows then I coated the whole thing in Mod Podge. You could probably skip that step, I was purposely trying to use up old tape that was losing its stick. I let it dry folded open for a couple of hours and now I have a new cute notebook for recipes! Not what I was planning, but, it is just too cute to use for boring works stuff and to get shredded and tossed when I'm done with it. Now I can write down recipes that I want to refer back to.

My Mom and I just planned the menu for our big Christmas Eve dinner yesterday. Yes, were are way ahead of schedule. We rotate "themes" out each year. One year was all multiple types of lasagna, another year was all chili, we've had traditional southern fried chicken with all the fixins, a fajita bar, the year of multiple soups, one year that was all sandwiches, one that was all appetizers, we've had some major successes and some failures too. No one will let me have a stir fry theme. :( But this year after my little, okay, she's not little in size, she's taller than me but, little as in, more than a decade younger than me, cousin has been begging for the a Taco themed year. We finally gave in, sort of, we are having multiple things from Mexican cuisine. Some authentic Mexican recipes, like the tamales, some not so much, since there will be ground beef and shredded cheddar on the taco bar, along with a ton of other things too. Regardless of what we make I am looking forward to it. But now I have to learn how to make flan, mostly because my other cousin, who's more like a sister, that I call Bob, which is another confusing story, wants flan and I have to make her happy, she's mean! (and she's totally going to read this and send me an ugly text! Hi, Bob! Larry loves you!!!)

Aaaannnnndddd... I just got rambly. Is that a word? Probably not, but I'm tired and have a sinus headache and my husband is at work so he's not here to correct me or laugh and my punch drunk nature. Maybe I should wrap this up and rest so I can finally finish reorganizing my kitchen this afternoon. Literally all of my pots and pans and dishes and blah blah blah are spread out in the kitchen floor, in piles of like items, so that I can find a new way to stay organized. I doubt it will last more than two weeks, but we will see!

Currently.

↑  My new motto! I'm printing this off to keep around as a reminder to just chill and see the good things and focus on them. 

And my other new motto ↓

Duuudddeeee.... I am behind! I still haven't made the brownies that have been dancing around in my head for weeks now and I still haven't tackled my Elvis Cupcake/Blondie situation that is nagging my every thought. Don't get me started on my yearning for homemade pretzels and blackberry cheese danish muffins. And, I'm still at a lose for what to do with the left over strawberry sauce in my fridge! I have been suuuper stressed recently and there are two ways that I like to relax when problems arise, retail therapy and kitchen therapy. Well, with Christmas coming up I better not hit the stores so it looks like I better grab an apron and get to work!

So to catch you up, awesome weekend with family last weekend, only to be followed up with a wide spread, horrible stomach virus Sunday night to Tuesday night or so we thought. But, guess who reared it's ugly head again Thursday morning. Yep, it's baaaaacccckkk!

So the husband's week off to relax and get some projects done around the house, before his busy season starts, has been a full of absolutely no progress or relaxing but instead a lot of sicky gross stuff and soar muscles. Boooooo!!!

On the agenda this weekend, pumpkin carving/decorating. Minion costume making, if I can find the necessary ingredients, that is. And a whole lot of disinfecting!

On the menu this week: (once we can eat solid food)
Sweet Potato Chicken Hash
Pumpkin Cheddar Polenta
Thai Coconut Cauliflower

**SURPRISE AMBUSH BY THE HUSBAND! THIS WOMAN IS SO AMAZING. I HAVE BEEN A PUNY CHILD ALL WEEK AND SHE HAS BEEN A DREAM. I CAN'T LOVE AND APPRECIATE HER ENOUGH. I HOPE YOU HAVE AS MUCH FUN READING THIS AS SHE DOES MAKING IT.**

Currently

Can't Sop, Won't stop with the Iced Coffee!!!

On the menu for this week:
Bahn Mi Pizza
Sriracha Mac and Cheese
Chocolate Fudge Pepper Cookies
Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie
(I foresee a skillet cookie recipe coming soon)

This Smile Jar from I Am Mommy, from I Am Baker is in the works for my house right now.

This kitchen speaks to my heart.

I realized that my sister (in law) gets me this week when in a text I sent her "Rachel Ray is my spirit animal" and I got back "Yup" because other than her and maybe 2 other people I would have gotten a reply of "why are you so weird?"  I am so happy to have a sister who feels like a sister even if its because we married brothers. Aaaand that does it for my weekly gooey moment.

Speaking of spirit animals, I was wrong I love Rachel Ray but I truly believe that this girl may actually be my spirit animal!

This guy went on a Disney Cruise with the grandparents this past week. He got home last night and I can relax now. He had an AMAZING time. He loved the water slide and swimming in the ocean, he loved seeing the fish. He favorite part was meeting Jack Skellington and Sally especially since he took his Jack costume. Since it was October they had Halloween festivities and Jack and Sally were there for photos. I'll probably post a couple when I get copies from my parents.

Also, the look on my husband's face when he over heard my conversation with my aunt giving her tips on how to make dirty sweets the proper flesh color for a lingerie shower. PRICELESS!

I am in love with this DIY pillow! Hopefully mine will look half as lovely when I tackle it!

I still owe you some Nutella Cheesecake Brownies from last week. That should happen soon. Things went awry with a grandmother in the hospital (she's is going to be fine but gave us a big ole scare) and our Monkey out of town. I should hopefully have those and Elvis Cupcakes up next week and maybe a new juice.

I leave you with some new art I made for my house.

Currently.

The past week was all about Cinnamon, Foxes and Squash.

Today alone, we have watched this video 5 times! Caleb cannot get enough of it.

You've be making you're cinnamon toast wrong. Seriously. I kept seeing pins and blog posts about Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Toast and I just ignored them, until last week. In a week we've had cinnamon toast at breakfast or snack time almost every single day. Both boys are in love with it.

Thai Butternut Squash Soup happened last night and that is the true sign of the beginning of fall in our house. I'll be making this weekly for the next few months. I believe this might be the hubby's favorite thing from my arsenal of recipes.

The other sign of Fall in our house is me getting sick. I woke up with no voice yesterday then it slowly came back late in the day only to wake up with no voice again today. My children appreciate this fact very much, I believe. That may also explain why I feel like I'm dragging more than normal these days. Time to consume a trillion times of my daily allowance of Vitamin C and drink some green tea.

What I really want to drink is a Very Berry Hibiscus Refresher from Starbucks but we are on a dining out black out in our house for the next monthish. I'll just look at the picture instead and dream or order dried hibiscus flowers off the interwebs and make my own. Hmmm... Yeah, so I'm off to find my debit card...

So yeah, that's that. Stay tuned for Mango Cardamom Oatmeal and Nutella Brownies later this week and beginning of next week. What are you doing currently?

Currently.

This last weekend we celebrated Monkey's 4th birthday. I cannot believe how quickly this is happening. I want to slow time down so I can enjoy each new stage and really soak it all up. Most days I feel that way, then there are others but, most days I would keep him this age for years.


I am so making this next week and this and this. My poor husband never knows what he is coming home to when it comes to dinner.


I am finally embracing Fall but I just can not get into pumpkin in my coffee. Le ewww! However, salted caramel mochas always come out the same time as pumpkin lattes and those my friend, are the bisnaaaasss!

Speaking of Autumn, I can't tell you how happy I will be to get my boots out! But I'm in the need of a new pair I wore my favorite pair last year so much they're showing a lot of wear. I can't decide but I'm thinking something like these or these or these. You know maybe I need to stopppp with the combat trend and move towards booties like these or these as my go to fall/winter shoes. I also really really really want these but can find no justification for them in my wardrobe.

I cut 12 inches off my hair just over a week ago and you know what I FREAKIN LOVE IT! I mean, sure I miss a giant messy bun on top my head sometimes but I love how quickly I can style my hair. Now if I can get the bangs grown out and  my color done I will be one happy camper.

This post is exactly what I needed the other day. I try so hard to be everything for everyone and justify myself and why should I? Why should you? Be the best Mom/parent for your kids be the best you and stop worrying what other parents or people think! 

So yeah, life around these parts has been pretty much same old same old, except one little thing. One teeny weeny, itty, bitty MAJOR HUMONGOUS thing! My Brother-in-law is back from deployment. We couldn't swing a trip to visit when he got back and well, we thought he may want some alone time with his wife first! I know for a fact she needed some time with him before we bombarded them with all of our craziness! But we are all happy and relieved he arrived home safely and I have two boys who can't wait for some Unc time!

Yep, so that is it.. What have youuuu been up to currently? 

Currently.

Yeah, so, I've been a bit absent lately. My bad. But I was doing this. That and being sick, again. You know what? I'm over it, not the party, the being sick thing! Anyway, moving on. Oh, and if anyone who went to the party has any pics of the boys blowing out candles send the to me please!!!! I forgot the change the setting on my camera and they were too bright and blurry.

You. Must. Make. THIS! I mean seriously! Make it! We had them last week and I have been craving them since. I foresee them being added to my menu for this week too.

And these! Oh yeah, they're are happening!

I'm starting my plans for another homemade Christmas. When you make majority of your gifts you have to start early. I may have already been listening to A Very She and Him Christmas to get myself in the mood. And with that I realized I turned into my mother...

I cannot wait for my shows to come back! I've managed to go through all 9 seasons of CSI NY and I'm half was through CSI Miami and re-watched How I Met Your Mother beginning to end this summer. I've been high-fiving people a lot and saying Legendary way too much. It's time to watch something new.

Okay, am I the only person that isn't ready to let go of summer produce? I'm so over the heat and can't wait for fall weather but I am not ready to turn my watermelon, peaches, tomatoes and cucumbers loose! My husband on the other hand, is so excited for butternut squash, pumpkin and apple season he can't stand it. I made the menu for the next two weeks last night and I have a couple of summery salads listed and I asked him for requests and he asked for my Thai Butternut Squash Soup, clearly we are NOT on the same page.

Also, how weird am I that I am whining about the end of summer yet I am eagerly making Christmas plans?

My little dude asked to have his hair cut short last weekend. He's always wanted to grow it out but he got so hot in the bouncy house at his birthday party he was OVER IT! So my mom cut it off for him a couple of days later and well, I love it and I hate it. He is always so handsome and the style is much more versatile but now he looks like a little man and that is not okay with me!

Speaking of cutting off hair, I'm seriously considering chopping mine off. Of course but chopping it off I mean not shorter that shoulder length. When your hair hangs all the way down your back that's a lot to cut! If I do I'll be donating it. I've been growing out my hair for 5 years and I love it, but now is so long it won't hold any curl it has no shape and I think its making me look older, and we cannot have that! Look my age or dress my age, NO WAY! So I'm on the hunt for a new do but I think I want to go outside my comfort zone! I will be dying it for sure probably super dark but I really really want to add dark purple to the bottom. Apparently my brain didn't get the memo I'm now 30. Yikes!

Oh and at 13 months my little Doodlebug has finally decided that after two months of faking us out he is really going to walk! He's been taking several steps at a time for the past two days. It's been all in his head that he couldn't. He obviously had the balance and muscle tone seeing that he could stand and bounce unassisted for 5 minutes (yes we timed him) at a time but he would panic and lunge at us knowing we would catch him to stop him from slamming his head onto our hardwood floor. Needless to say I am one proud Momma!

I'll be back tomorrow with a Photobooth post and hopefully again on Thursday with recipes from the party. If all goes according to my plans the next couple of days. Which translates to if the heathen nap like they are supposed to!

Currently.

My Doodlebug turned 1 last Sunday, y'all. I don't like it one bit. He's not supposed to grow. I still owe you a post for that. Next week, I promise.

Also, I'm going to apologize in advance for there being spotty posts for the next couple of weeks. I'm not sure what is going on with me but I don't feel well. And for me to admit that means I really don't feel well. After the hubs business trip, in a couple of weeks, I'm scheduling an appointment with a doctor. Other than while pregnant, I haven't been to a doctor since I was probably 16. And before any of my family gets any ideas; No I am NOT pregnant! :) But hopefully a doctor can either help me or point me in the right direction. 

Tonight (Friday) is usually date night so I was going to try to cook a real meal for us, which hasn't been happening much lately. But now he's working late, so we are having these, swapping the blue cheese for mozzarella. Unlike me, the husband HATES blue cheese. We've had them before and wow, I mean WOW, why didn't I think of this? (Also, I'm writing this the night before posting it so I'm not crazy I do know what day it is, usually.)

I've been window shopping the internets for a couch for a bit, we won't be buying for a long while, but ours has seen better days and since it was an impulse buy that has not lasted nearly long enough, I'm prepping before we dive into another. But I kind of really want this dude. Its so impractical and I'm sure, won't be around when we get around to it but, I love it! Plus he doesn't match my color scheme at all. I would have to redo the whole living room and hope the boys didn't ruin it. Guess I'll keep searching and find something a little less in your face.

While I'm sitting here typing this I get a text from Bob, she's my cousin, yes SHE, but that's another story for another time, yeah so back to the point, she sends me a text saying she thought of me because she and her Mister were making ham and couldn't decide if it was country ham or city ham. Back earlier in the summer we, along with my bestie, went to see NKOTB and Boyz II Men, your totes jeally right? (I apologize for the end of that sentence, I am definitely not hip/cool/not awkward enough to pull that off!) So, you're saying what do they have to do with ham? Wellllll, give me a minute, I'm getting there. So we stopped at an awful waffle, which I LOVE by the way, and although we had all eaten there a trillion times we had never seen this before, there was an option for country ham and city ham. We, being the county bumpkins we are, had no clue what that meant started snorting with laughter and Googling this phenomenon. Guess it not really a phenomenon but whatever. We were all shocked that there was such a thing a "city ham" although we had all eaten it throughout or lives we just called it ham! It also made me start singing this spicy little tidbit Monkey watched over and over on my phone. You should also watch the Grandma's Special Pants video. Makes me think of my Granny. Shhhhh... Don't tell her, she's mean, y'all.

Judging by my last paragraph I think I'm sleep deprived. I blame the one year old, he's got teeth coming in like CRAZY!

Here are a few of my favorite recipes that I'm dying to try from this week.

This handy little number is on the menu for the week the Daddy Monsster is out of town and the munchkins need some cheering up. I love anything s'mores but frozen s'more pops! Whaaaatttt!?!!? This one isn't from this week but this ice cream needs to be in my mouth pronto! This cake is on the to make list.

And if you want a totally obnoxious amount of recipes and party pins follow me here.

I made this to hang over the boys play kitchen, which is going to be making its way into my kitchen so they can get the chef on while I get my domestic goddess on.