'Tis the Season ...

... to break out your crockpot and put it to good use! Especially all of you busy moms!

It was wonderful to walk into our delicious-smelling home after a chilly outing to the park earlier in the week and have our dinner waiting for us! Here are two of my favorite recipes if you need something to get you going!

Beef Stew

1-1.5 lbs Stew Meat or Round Steak, cut into pieces

1-2 Cups Carrots, chopped

1 Cup Celery, chopped

1/2 Medium Onion, chopped

4-5 Small Baking Potatoes, peeled and cubed

1 can French Onion Soup

1 can Tomato Soup

Toss everything together in your crockpot. If you're only going to cook it for 3-4 hours, set the crockpot on high. If you're going to cook it all day, set it on low.

Confession: I actually ate HALF the crockpot of this stew on Tuesday evening. As a family, we finished the whole thing!

While Bean Chili

48 oz. Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed

3 Chicken Breasts, cooked and shredded

8 oz Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded

1 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1 small can diced green chiles

16 oz. jar salsa

1-10.5 oz can chicken broth

Toss everything together in your crockpot. Same cooking directions as above. It's great served with some tortilla chips crumbled on top!

BTW, there HAS been more going on in my life than cooking and eating. :) My little boy who never gets sick has been to the doctor 4 times in the past 4 weeks.

1. Well-Baby Check
2. Ear-Infection
3. Amoxicillin Rash + Lagging Ear-Infection
4. Today ... I noticed some blisters on his hands ... and a few on his foot ... and a sore on his tongue. Yes, it was his second time getting Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Unlike his last go-round, he had no fever at the onset, and has generally been in good spirits. I wouldn't have even known he was sick if I hadn't seen the blisters. I just feel bad that it's highly contagious and we've been around SO MANY other kids this week!

p.s. I'm pretty sure he's not in pain, but JUST IN CASE, I had to take him for ice cream at McDonald's on the way home from his appointment, just to make sure he had something to soothe the sores in his mouth. And in my pregnancy-induced haze, I ordered a small french fry in addition to our ice cream. The guy accidentally gave us a large. Shucks. We were in HEAVEN.

Whats On My Mind

Sour Patch Kids

Donuts

Coffee with Coconut Creme Creamer

Arby's Roast Beef Sandwich with Curly Fries and a Jamocha Shake

Any candybar with chocolate, nuts, and caramel. Oooh -- or a Butterfinger ... or Reese's Peanut Butter Cups

Nutella Gelato (never even had it ... it just sounds so good!)

Ballpark Nachos (with a crazy amount of jalapenos piled on top)

I've been thinking/dreaming nonstop about food for like a week now. What is going on????? Good thing I have a tiny bit of restraint. Otherwise it's very likely that I'd double my body weight by the end of my pregnancy.

Gross

This isn't the first time it's happened.

But, seriously, how do you NOT freak out when your child poops in the bath tub?

As soon as I saw it had happened, I screamed for Jon to help me. (Poor guy thought something was seriously wrong. But, HELLO, it was!) Then I whipped my boy out of the water and did what any other mom would do. I sat him on the toilet to see if he was finished or not.

Hilarious. I wish I had a picture.

At least I can laugh about it now.

p.s. I probably would have been a little more upset about it if he hadn't put on a show similar to this earlier in the day ...

Review

I just finished Gone With The Wind on Thursday. All 950+ pages.

Best.

Book.

Ever.

I wanted to weep when it was over.

FallFest

Today we went to FallFest at a local farm. We got kind of a late start, but made it nonetheless and had a great time! Out of sheer adoration for our little man, we were totally suckered into buying $20 worth of tickets for rides/straw maze/petting zoo before we even got around to pumpkin picking, but it was all worth it in the end -- and I had packed us a lunch, so at least we saved money on food! Tanner really enjoyed the petting zoo and riding around in their wagons. He couldn't have cared less about the pumpkins -- he just wanted Jon and I to keep wheeling him around in the wagon. My favorite part was the homeade apple cider donuts -- YUMMO! (Second trimester cravings are here for sure!) Here's some pics of our day!

Tanner LOVES the roosters. He recognizes them from his Baby Einstein Video.

Tanner and Jon went down the fun slide. Tanner didn't understand that you only got to go down once. I think he was disappointed!

I'm in HEAVEN ......

This is a sweet ride! Santa -- are you watching??

Yeah ... I can lift my own body weight in pumpkins.

Sleepy

I hate to jinx it, but the little man has been sleeping in until 8:30 the last few mornings.

Can I get an AMEN?!

Back to Reality ...

... which isn't quite so bad when you've just spent time in paradise!


We just returned from our long weekend in Sea Island on Sunday and have agreed that it's the BEST time we've had together in a LONG time! My brother-in-law's family owns a house on the island and he and my sister have spent lots of time there over the years. We were so excited when they invited us down to share in their fun! (Well, actually, I kind of invited myself, but I think they were happy to have us.) Here's the rundown of our weekend:


Wednesday evening we packed the car and headed to Michigan, where we dropped Tanner off with his grandparents. After spending the night there, we got up in the morning, acted like overprotective, worried parents, then left for the airport around 10:30. I was so organized for this trip. I had all kinds of directions and itineraries printed out and in hand. I had planned well enough to fit all of my things into a single carry-on suitcase (this is a big deal). I had basically thought of everything -- silly me.

We arrived at the airport about an hour early for our flight. As we made our way to the ticket counter, I went to get my wallet out of my purse -- only to find it wasn't there! After running out to the car and back 3 times, we finally made alternative flight arrangements and got in the car to head back to Jon's parents'. It seems a little elf had helped himself to the contents of my purse earlier that morning and hid my wallet. I was upset, but Jon was just

laughing the whole way home -- thinking about how "smart" his little boy was when he hid my wallet and forced us to come back and see him. Oh well, a few hours and several munchkin hugs later, we boarded our flight and were on our way! We finally arrived at Sea Island around 1:30am.




I awoke on Friday morning to this view from the balcony outside my bedroom and hurried to make myself a cup of coffee and start enjoying the day. We spent most of it lounging in the sun -- with repeated applications of SPF 45. In fact, Katherine's first comment when she and Pat arrived later that evening was, "You didn't even get anything today!" If you know Katherine, you know she is addicted to the sun. She wants a tan SO BAD, but only ever burns. Poor thing. Her highest priority during the weekend was to get some color! Anyways, while Lauren and I got lost in our novels of choice (I'm still reading GWTW and loving it!!), Jon and Daniel began a series of competitions that lasted for the entire weekend. Most of their day was spent playing cornhole. They also played Bocce Ball and engaged in a few bike races during our little bike tour of the island. After K and P arrived, we went out for a fabulous Mexican dinner, then returned back to the house, where the girls did some more relaxing while the boys stayed up until the wee hours playing ladder ball.

On Saturday morning, L, K, and I went to Sea Island's Beach Club while the boys went golfing. I wish I would've taken some pictures while we were there because it was more like a resort than a little beach club! It was *awesome* and made us all feel like we were truly on vacation! The boys met us down there for lunch and some swimming and then Lauren treated us to some time in Sea Island's Spa. Heavenly! Later that evening, we went to one of Sea Island's Golf Clubs, where we had cocktails on the lawn and listened to a bagpiper walk the golf course at sunset. It was totally the highlight of my trip! Then, we had a yummy dinner inside and returned home.

On Sunday morning, we slept in and then spent the rest of the day at the edge of the ocean -- watching for dolphins, reading, etc. The boys took a net out and caught some fish, which P grilled for us. Finally it was time to say goodbye and I only left on one condition -- that we return next year! (not sure when this will actually happen with a new baby, but we'll make it work!)

If you're looking for a good laugh ...

Head on over to Clemson Girl and the Coach. I found her blog through Carolina Girl and she is freakin' hilarious.

Mocktails, Anyone?

While I'm not a heavy drinker by any means, I DO enjoy the occasional glass of wine or fruity cocktail when I'm not pregnant.

Over the course of the past few months, we've had several social outings, where I wished I had something a little more special than a diet coke in my hands!! (and Shirley Temples DO get a little old!) This week as we prepare for our little getaway, I am hoping to have a few ideas for some fun virgin drinks to sip on while we're out. Any ideas???

For those of you in the same situation, I do have some fun ideas for "special" drinks at home. Keep in mind that you MUST use a special glass for these -- go ahead and break out your wedding crystal or a fun martini glass! I adore the IZZE sparkling juice drinks -- grapefruit is my fave! They are a bit expensive, but they are meant to be a TREAT -- not for everyday consumption! I also like the naturally flavored sparkling water (no sodium, sugar, or caffeine). I get mine at Target -- Cherry or Mixed Berry is the best. If you want to add a special touch, you can even float a few berries on the top. Yum!

What is your favorite Mocktail? Please share!

I'm Still Alive!

I haven't disappeared completely!

I am almost into my second trimester, which means my nausea is gone and the extreme fatigue is subsiding. So, I am free to blog once more during Tanner's naptime now that I'm not joining him!

What we've been doing the last few weeks ... other than looking adorable ...

1) Welcoming fall! My favorite thing about this season -- little boys in footie pajamas.

2) Playing at the park every day we can ... and generally just getting dirty!

3) Making messes at the dinner table, (Supernanny, HELP!)

Witnessing a change in eye color (blue to blue/green/hazel??)

Watching more teeth emerge (we're working on the top four -- all at the same time!)

4) Spending time with the ones we love. Last weekend we celebrated Dan and Mimi's wedding with the Hall family. They are so fun!

5) Learning how to shoot a bow. (Jon ONLY) Yes ... we are the hillbillies that practice in the backyard. Jon's hoping to deer hunt for the first time this year and has promised me a freezer full of meat! Yee Haw!

6) I started leading a women's small group at church -- such a blessing!

7) Jon started back up with his MBA classes. He's taking 2 classes this fall -- a busy guy!

8) Gymnastics, Swimming, MOPS

9) Preparing for our trip to Sea Island, GA next weekend WITHOUT the little guy! We'll miss him for sure, but we Can't Wait!

Fiddle-dee-dee

You may have notice from my sidebar that I'm currently reading "Gone With The Wind," by Margaret Mitchell. My only comment so far is this...

Why in the HECK did I wait 28+ years to start reading this book?!!

The movie has always been one of my absolute favorites. My sisters and I can almost recite the entire thing line by line. I guess I just assumed the book just couldn't compare to the richness of the film. Well, Fiddle-dee-dee! I should've known -- are movies ever really better than the books they're based on?

So ... you'll understand why, instead of posting about the swimming lesson that we arrived a week early for (go ahead and laugh), I'm going to use Tanner's nap time to snuggle up on the couch with this delicious novel and read about Scarlett, Rhett, Melanie, and Ashley until my heart's content!

Baby Gymnastics

Last week, we had our first ultrasound for the new baby. Everything looked great and the two of us were beside ourselves with excitement to see a heart beating and also to see our peanut (which is exactly what baby looks like right now) move it's little limbs -- er ... armbuds. What a miracle! Sometimes I still can't believe there is another baby in my tummy! Our due date got moved up a few days and is now officially April 3rd. So exciting, yet a little overwhelming, I must say. As often as I am praying for the health of this new little one, I am also praying that God continues to prepare our home and our hearts to welcome this perfect gift from Him. I've always wanted a house full of kids, but right now I'm wondering how I'll manage just two!

Last Friday was Tanner's first gymnastics class. What a workout ... for ME! I was literally SWEATING halfway through the class from chasing him around everywhere. The first 15 minutes are spent on the trampolines and in the "pit," which is filled with soft sponges that the kids can slide into, jump into, somersault into -- you get the picture. The second 15 minutes was "floor time," where the kids were supposed to sit on little mats and participate in some simple "stretching" movements, songs, instrument play, etc. Tanner's floor time lasted more like 15 seconds. He did NOT come prepared to stay in one spot -- that's for sure. Luckily, the last 15 minutes was devoted to an obstacle course and more somersaulting, which Tanner loved. By the end of class, he was laying flat on his back, with his arms and legs outstretched, looking totally EXHAUSTED. Mission accomplished! Tomorrow is swimming. I seriously can't wait.

Hope you're all having a good start to your week!

Just when things start to get exciting ...

I disappear from the blogosphere!

I just wanted you all to know that I am still alive -- just more tired than I've ever been before. So, I'm napping any chance I get and literally going to bed right after dinner most nights. I forgot how exhausting the first trimester is! Hopefully, just a few more weeks of this, then I'm back to my normal self!

Tanner is doing good -- down to one nap/day this week -- what a big boy! He is FINALLY getting his two front teeth -- Hooray! Today was a YUCKY day. It has literally been raining since we got up this morning. I feel like it's a preview of what's to come this winter -- LONG days indoors! It definitely got me motivated to arrange some weekly activities for Tanner and myself to get us out of the house. Tomorrow is his first gymnastics class, and next week we start swim lessons. Tanner is going to be a "duck!" I'm excited!

Well, I'm off to bed! I can't believe I stayed up this late!

Sweet dreams!

Coming Attraction

Coming to the Hall House

April 5, 2009

Surprised?

We Were!!

Our Weekend Together

After several busy weekends traveling to Michigan, attending weddings and different events, it was quite refreshing to have a weekend at home with just the three of us!

On Friday night, we drove up to spend time with some friends of Jon's who live on a lake near us. They have twin boys the same age as Tanner. It was the first time I got to meet them, and we had a really great time. The men spent the evening on the lake wakeboarding while us moms got to know each other and watch the boys play. The thing about being a mom is that you have an instant connection with other moms, simply because you have something in common to talk about right away -- your kids! After wakeboarding, our hosts treated us to an awesome steak dinner and then it was bedtime for all of the kiddos and time to leave.

We had intended to go to the air show downtown on Saturday, but were a little intimidated of fighting the crowds with Tanner in tow, and decided to stick around here for the day. We ended up having so much fun! I packed a lunch for the three of us, and we drove down the street where we picnicked and then checked out a new spray park. This park had a large sand area next to the spray area, and Tanner was in heaven! Is there anything better than a huge pit of dirt when you're a one-year-old boy? I cringed as he got dirtier and dirtier, but held my tongue and let him play. One more trip to the spray area and he was clean again!

Yesterday, we went to church, then came home, relaxed, and did some catching-up on the Olympics. I usually don't have the TV on much throughout the day, but lately it's been on almost constantly with all of the Olympic coverage! I hope I'm not making Tanner too much of a couch potato! Later on, Jon worked on our landscaping while I watched Tanner and attempted to tidy up the house (it's amazing how dirty it gets over the weekend!). Then, it was ice cream for everyone -- our favorite way to start the week!

Tanner has been getting some new teeth lately. He's been working on his top molars for a few weeks now, and is starting to get his top right "lateral incisor," which is wierd since his two top front teeth haven't appeared yet. Maybe in the next few days?? We'll keep watching!

Our boy is also obsessed with chairs lately -- kid-sized chairs, that is. He LOVES to climb onto them, sit down, stand up, and climb on again. The past two times I've dropped him off at the gym or at church, the workers have commented that he spent the whole time playing with a chair!! Yesterday, we were outside on our patio, and he just kept backing his little tushy up to the step, sitting down, and then standing up. He would even clap after he stood up. Too cute. I think we'll have to buy him his own table and chair set for his playroom.

Well, I'm off to start our laundry for the week! Hope you're having a great Monday!

My boys, enjoying their picnic lunch.

Can we go in now, Dad?! Pleeeeease?!

Not afraid to get down and dirty! The girls were building a little "pool" for him.

Cuddling with my little love. Is there anything more heavenly?

Design Fun

I've had a few requests for information on how to change your design template. I found my new template and header at http://www.cutestblogontheblock.com via Carolina Girl's blog. There were lots of new templates to choose from and also several different tutorials on how to change little details on your blog. I would definitely recommend it, but be prepared to spend a few hours on it! Not only do you have to select and download a template from this site, you then have to coordinate it with a blogger template, and fix the colors and fonts within that to make it all work. But, with a little creativity and some patience it can be done!

I also found http://www.simplyfabulousbloggertemplates.com via B-Mama's blog. This site has some really fun templates, but you have to download firefox web browser if you don't already have it, and I didn't want to do that. Still -- the options there are super cute.

Happy designing! Let me know if you have any specific questions once you get started and I would be happy to help you if I can!

Wedding Pics

We're BAAAAACK!

And it only took us until Thursday to get unpacked, laundry done, and pretty much settled in again. Not a very good turn-around time, but whatever. We are happy to be home again!

The wedding was AWESOME and Katherine looked just amazing. The best part was seeing so many people that we know and love. Tanner hung in there until almost midnight on both Friday and Saturday. He was such a trooper. Jon and I both agreed, though, that from now on we aren't taking him to weddings anymore! It's definitely not as enjoyable for us!

Here are some good shots!

I was so nervous about how Tanner would behave during the ceremony. Miraculously, he fell asleep on Grandpa Hall and slept through the whole thing!

Kat and my Dad

"The Password is a Kiss!"

Newlyweds

Our only shot of the three of us. I had wanted to get some with the photographer, but Tanner wasn't very cooperative as far as pictures went...

Hooray!

If you would like to see some of the professional photographs, you can visit the photographer's blog and scroll down to "Wedding: Military Style." There are some great pictures on there!

Well, I'm signing off for now -- it's time for bed! Sweet dreams!

Generation Gap

Tanner and I have been staying with my parents for the last week, helping with preparations for the big wedding this weekend. We're so excited, but more on that in another post.

This conversation took place at our dinner table last night:

Dad: What happened to Tanner's forehead?

Me: He "bit it" outside this afternoon.

Dad: Max bit him?? (Max is our dog.)

Me: No, Dad. Tanner "bit it."

Dad: Tanner fell and bit his own forehead?

Me: Yeah, dad. :)

I can't believe I just stayed up until 1:00am playing with my blog design. It had to be done, though! I was getting incredibly jealous of the chic new looks on several of the blogs that I frequent.

I'm off to bed for now...

Christmas in July -- Oops! I mean August!

This morning, I was THAT mom.

You know the one I'm talking about. The woman in the grocery store whose child is shrieking in the front seat of the cart. The one who gives in to his tantrum and lets him out of the cart, only to realize such a decision was a HUGE mistake. She wrestles to get him back in his seat as he arches his back, wailing. Once he is finally strapped in, the child cries just loud enough for people to hear in all four corners of the store (we're talking SuperTarget here) and out into the parking lot. You've seen this mom before. Usually, you wish that management would come over and ask her to leave so that you can shop in peace ... because your child would never act that way. Ever. What kind of parent is she, anyways?

Yes, sadly, I was that mom today. For some reason, Tanner finished his snack cup only 5 minutes into our trip. Usually, I get at least 20 minutes of happiness out of this precious treat, but not this morning! I was tempted to grab a bag of Goldfish from the snack aisle and just rip it open and start feeding him, but I would've felt really guilty opening something that I hadn't paid for yet. Note to self ... next time pack some reinforcement snacks.

He finally settled down as we were checking out. As I went to refill his snack cup with some Goldfish that were actually paid for, I heard a woman talking behind me.

"Yeah, so like, tons of their toys are marked 75% off right now."

My ears perked up and I started to get excited. Even though he is definitely on Santa's nasty list right now, he might just redeem himself by December 25. Just in case, I headed over to the toy section. I was so pleased -- I got $110 worth of stuff for $29!! There's nothing like a good deal to turn around your morning. Now the hard part will be saving all of these toys until Christmas!!