HO, HO, Hope you don't mind I'm skipping a few holidays!

I love the holiday season! I'm so glad it's finally back! I already have my tree up, wreath on the front door, and garland on the porch! It's the most wonderful time of the year! I'm already using Santa as leverage.
(BT-Dubya: It's not working quite as well as I'd hoped)
We decorated the tree up one afternoon Blake was post-call so he could be a part of all the madness.
He and Carter manned the man chair, Avery and I decorated the tree, and Will broke various decorations, nativity pieces, etc.

Avery took this one...this is his typical reaction to his siblings

Getting our decorate on! What a horrible picture of myself..Grumble, grumble

Cookies and Milk at HH...my sweet boy

Avery and Mrs.Claus.

 We've already had sooo much fun and it's not even Thanksgiving yet! We have even already had family pics taken by the lovely Jodie Fairchild and the Christmas cards are made, stuffed, and addressed. Wahoo! I am ready.
I think ever year it gets more fun. Having little kids does make Christmastime so magical! When R and I were little our dad would shake jingle bell necklaces (you know the one, you know you had one and wore it ALL. THE. TIME. I did) to make us think the reindeer were flying away. AND we got to leave the tree on all night long. Little memories- the best ones. Ahhh! I can't wait. I hope my kids remember all the silly little things.

I'll leave you with a day early throwback (TBT, right?).
The picture from our first (maybe second) Christmas card. Amanda keeps this one on her fridge and I love it!

HO, HO, HOpe you have a great Thanksgiving.
Now, bring on the oreo truffles, macaroons, and fruit cake!

Mr. August and everything after...

Carter Wright Phillips

 Fair warning, I'm going to ramble about Carter's birth (nothing gory, I promise) but I cannot promise I won't get overly mushy, and emotional about this journey so far.

I went to the doctor for my 37 week check-up. I'll be honest, I felt like crap. It was the hottest July on record, August wasn't very pleasant either. I really just thought that this pregnancy was a little harder than the other two because it was summer. The nurse does the usual- weight, tinkle, blood pressure. "Ohhh, your weight is up a lot from last week" Grumble, grumble. I had spent at least 4 days a week working on my fitness at the gym- the entire pregnancy. I didn't want to hear this. "Ohhh, your blood pressure is high- really high" My MD walked by "Yikes, calm down. We'll recheck it" So, I wait and it doesn't go down. And there's protein in my urine. Solid. I know these are not good things. So, we talk and decide that today is the day. I had to have a c-section. I had no change and she was worried about me laboring with pre-ecclampsia. This was a little devastating since the plan all along had been to have a VBAC, but when it comes to your babes it doesn't matter. And that was it- baby boy Phillips would be here in a few short hours.
I called Blake and through some tears told him we were having a baby today. I still remember what a blur that day was. I felt like this pregnancy had sped by. I went home, loved on Will and Avery and bumbled around the house trying to get everything together. Thankfully, my sister was still off for summer break and she could stay with the kiddos. Off I went!

We had been back and forth over a name for this poor kid. We just couldn't agree on anything- not that we fought over names, just that neither of us was in love with any name. Leave it to two of the biggest planners to have waited until the 11th hour to name their baby. (I think it's a little funny how we pride ourselves on being such planners yet this pregnancy was quite the surprise) So, about 30 minutes before they took me back we named our sweet Carter Wright Phillips. "It's three last names, Jess"-Blake says this to me and with pleading, super pitiful "I'm about to have major abdominal surgery to bring your child into the world" eyes, Blake shakes his head and smiles and that was that.

Everything went perfectly! And there he was. All 7 lb, 1 ounce of him screaming at the top of his lungs. Three memories I will never forget- hearing each one of my babies scream for the first time and looking at them and realizing how possible it was to love someone so much instantly. It's fierce. That immediate connection you have with this tiny little person peering back at you is really amazing. And every time closing my eyes and thanking God for this precious gift.

 Blake and Carter

We moved to recovery and I finally got to hold him! Then all the usual, but his nurse noticed he wasn't breathing great on his own. He was breathing really fast and his oxygen levels kept falling.
She called the ped's resident on call and after some discussion decided he need to go to the NICU. This was all such a blur. Blake had gone home, he had a long day and had surgery in the morning.
We have a system in place where B's mom stays with me in the hospital. It's always worked out well. She keeps my mom in the loop and helps her not to worry and B can keep going to work.
 She was there to take him up to his room and meet his nurse and then back to go upstairs with me. It was such a strange feeling being so far away from your brand new baby. I didn't sleep the entire night. I was so anxious to get up and walk (I had to be able to walk on my own before they would let me wheel down to the NICU). My wonderful nurse kept checking on me- bringing me Popsicles and ice and begging me to sleep. Every two hours I would try to pump and my mother in law would take the bottles down to Carter's nurse. He wasn't eating yet, but we really didn't know much that night. Bright and early the next morning, you better believe I was laying on the call button to get up. (Having worked in a hospital, I realize how annoying I was, but I didn't care) I got up, walked "See, I'm fine!" Now, lets go see this baby!

I don't really know that I knew what to expect.  When I wheeled into his room I was so overwhelmed with joy and nervousness and there was my sweet boy with all these tubes. I knew in my heart that Carter would be ok. I think God gave me this peace inside that he would be fine, but still the emotion of seeing your helpless baby is so much. I cried- ok, I sobbed. I got to hold him and snuggle him- all these things I should have been doing all night long. It's an amazing thing- how his little, brand new body knew me. My nurse told me his breathing had gotten more stable and his oxygen saturation was coming up. Amazing. The doctors explained what was wrong, that it wasn't uncommon in babies born a little early and without laboring. Transient tachypnea of the Newborn- it usually resolves on it's own but it's a wait and see game. So, over the next few days we waited and watched, looked at x-rays, prayed. I was very excited when they told me I could start nursing him. It was a little tricky at first. He had an og-tube and oxygen tubing, but he was a champ. The second day Avery and Will came to visit. You can't see them, but they both have on health clearance stickers.

A slightly nervous big sister

Pumped about meeting his new best friend

The face we all make when Papa is rambling on

My sweet boy in his little bed

Snoozing during a middle of the night visit to nurse

Carter spent three nights in the NICU at UAMS. And like magic, at 72 hours his breathing regulated and his oxygen saturation improved. That night all the tubes, sensors, pokes and prods were removed and he moved into my room.
It was just the two of us that last night. I wanted to cherish that precious time with him. The calm before the storm of a three year old sister and 16 month old brother and all the responsibilities of being home. Just bond with the newest love of my life.

I realize how lucky we are. Lucky isn't right... blessed. Blessed our boy turned the corner and made it just fine. Blessed to have had such wonderful doctors and nurses taking care of both of us.
Just blessed...

A happy, healthy Carter

My loves.

Well, Carter is two and a half-months old now. We've made it through the first few bumps in the road we've had. He was fussier, more high maintenance than W & A. (Avery told me his nickname was "Crying Carter".) He's already had two ear infections. He's starting to get settled though, smiling and cooing, batting at the elephant on his tummy time mat. Laying down and going to sleep on his own. It's better everyday.
  And, yes three is much different than two :), but everyone seems to be adjusting just fine. Avery is completely in mother hen mode with her two little brothers. Will is enamored by his future best friend. I am smitten with all of them- Blake included.
Some days the chaos is overwhelming. Some days I think this couldn't get any harder. And then Will comes wheeling around the corner, completely naked from a bath, pees in the kitchen floor, and lets out his loud, goofy laugh and runs off. I can't help but laugh and be reminded that I'm so lucky.
And every sleepless night, every gained pound, every new wrinkle, every declined social activity is worth it.
We welcome you Carter, into this crazy family.
I am loving getting to know you. 

Sweet, sweet Summertime

May? Has it really been since May since I've blogged? Nooo...ok, probably it has. But, in my defense it's been REALLY busy! What have we done?

In June we went to the beach.

July was just fun outdoor summer fun. We spent A LOT of time at the LRAC pool. Only place a hot mama can play with her kiddos and not have fainting spell because of the oppressing summer heat! Many a Popsicle were eaten.

August was busy!!

I celebrated my 31st birthday at the yummy Big Orange and four days later I got my best present ever! Sweet Carter Wright Phillips (I will save all the exciting details for his very own post!)

 And then home in time to celebrate our 6th wedding anniversary. I'm sure we ate sandwiches and went to bed early! Those first few days after a baby are always such a wonderful blur.

And then Avery and Will started back to school! Will's first year at school and I have to say he's doing great! Avery loves school, so I know she was ready to go back!

Summer went by too quickly! We enjoyed the long, lazy days. And our last few months as a family of four.

Soccer Girl

Avery just finished up her first season of soccer. She really seemed to enjoy it (everything except her cleats, shin guards, and giant socks...) It was super fun as a mom watching her play a team sport.  She got to spend some more time with Emma and make some new friends too. Will also started the season taking a step or two and finished it chasing the soccer balls. Proud Mama here!

Here are a few pictures from the season...

First Practice

Awards!

Proud of her medal

Soccer Ball Hoarding

Avery and Emma at the soccer party!

Potty Mouth

This picture has nothing to do with this post, but it's cute. This is from Easter morning. I love that Avery is dressing herself these days and she refuses to wear pants. For the last two weeks, she refuses to wear anything but dresses. But I digress...

This post falls under the "Adventure in Bad Parenting" and "funny things that come out of my daughter's mouth" headings.

Last Sunday afternoon I had a VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL meeting- I'm the preschool recreation leader.
Remember this, there's some irony in it.

Blake was on call the night before, so he was exhausted and napping. Both kids were napping (RARE) when I left.

I went to my meeting and came home. Everyone was up having an afternoon snack. Avery was coloring. All was well. I was pleased.

I sat down and asked how long everyone had been up? Everyone happy? What are we going to do this afternoon?
We chatted for a minute and then Blake says (rather dryly) "You'll never believe what your daughter said."

Oh no.

He told me that ever so sweetly she had woken up from her nap, come into our room and snuggled up next to him. Then Will started babbling across the monitor. She sat up and looked at it and said "Dammit, Daddy, Will's awake."
He asked her what she said, and very matter-of-factly she repeated herself- dammit included.

Oh Fudge...

I asked if he scolded her? Put her in time out? No, he didn't he said. He was too surprised. But I'm pretty sure the thought occurred to him to put me in time out.

This word she could only hear one place. I admit it's my profanity of choice. I don't say it often, but when sleeping babies wake prematurely this is a time I mumble it under my breath.

How quickly we forget what little sponges they are. Even when we think we are mumbling.

So, I've resolved to not saying or mumbling it...or anything else I don't want my sweet Avery repeating. You can certainly feel safe your child will not come home from VBS saying "Dammit, that recreation leader is fun!"

Happy FIRST Birthday Will!

I can't believe a year (well, more now..) has gone by since this sweet boy joined our family.

We celebrated Will's birthday at our house with family. We tried to do everything Will loves... started the day with church. In the nursery...which he seriously doesn't like. Skipping morning nap...which he seriously doesn't like. Lunch and running last minute errands. And then we strapped him in his highchair and all sang to him while he cried.

First birthday parties are for us, aren't they? But I can't help myself. Here are some pics of the hoe down...

A better way to start the big day than eating dog food?

My boys. Even got a little Tanner Dog action in there

Fitting in a little Tea Time

A little less than interested in opening presents. Luckily Avery is always willing to help.

A whole year little guy. A whole year... it has flown by. You have been a joy daily. You are my 'Chill Will'. You are my great sleeper and ever better eater. You give the sweetest little hugs. You adore your Daddy and would follow Avery anywhere. And, I think you'll be a great big brother...although I think you're quite content being our Sweet Baby Will.

I'm so blessed to be your Mamma. Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy.
I look forward to many, many more.

Perfect Plates of Pumpkin

I think pumpkin is one of the most underrated ingredient. Most people think of pumpkin and think thanksgiving- Pumpkin Pie or Halloweeen- carved and toasted seeds. I'll be honest- I'm not a pumpkin pie fan. I usually skip over that pie to rationalize my bigger piece of pecan pie. But I love pumpkin otherwise! I cook with it all the time. If you remember, before my current role as CEO/CFO/Domestic Goddess of the Phillips home, I was a dietitan. Pumpkin is a superfood in my eyes. It's has fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, beta-carotene, potassium- all really great stuff for you! And it's especially super because you can easily get your family to eat it! I have two go to dishes that my kids love! Star ingredient? You guessed it- pumpkin! And Ill have you know that my sweet Blake claims my Pumpkin Pasta recipe to be my best dish and one of the many reasons he loves me so much. Right, dear? So, I'll share my secret super recipes with you. You can substitute canned for fresh, roasted, puréed pumpkin when it's in season. Pumpkin Pasta with Italian Sausage (I adapted this recipe from Rachel Ray 30 minute meals) 3 links turkey sausage, casings removed 1/2 c chopped onion 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 c dry white wine (I leave this out a lot just because I don't have any on hand and I increase chicken stock) 1 bay leaf 2 T fresh sage 1/4 t each ground nutmeg, cinnamon 1 c chicken stock 1 c pumpkin purée (careful not to get pumpkin pie filling) 1/2 c fat free half in half (use regular for a special occasion!) S & P to taste 1 pound cooked whole wheat penne pasta Cook and crumble turkey sausage over high heat. Once cooked, removed from pan, lower temp to medium. Add a small amount of olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until tender. Add wine, bay leaf, sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Increase to med-high heat and allow wine to reduce to about 1/4 cup. Add stock and pumpkin, allow to heat through and return sausage to pan. Turn to low heat, and add half and half. Let simmer 10-15 minutes. Toss with penne and serve. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins 3/4 c sugar 1/4 c canola oil 2 eggs 1 can puréed pumpkin 1/2 t vanilla 1/4 c water 1 1/2 c AP flour 3/4 t baking powder 1/4 t baking soda 1/2 t cinnamon 1/4 t nutmeg 1/4 t salt 1/2-1 c chocolate chips (I like mini or dark chocolate) Preheat oven to 400 Mix sugar,oil, eggs. Add vanilla, pumpkin, and water. Mix all Flour through salt in a separate bowl. Add wet mixture to dry ingredients. Stir until incorporated. Fold in chocolate chips. Sprinkle the tops of the muffins with chips for a little extr a yumminess. Bake in muffin liners or greased muffin tin for 20-25 minutes. I am still without computer- it's getting a new hard drive this week. More memory! Yea! But I've got a super cute pic of Will- stuffing his face with the muffins. He ate two. Hoss. I hope you try these recipes! We're having a pumpkin muffins for snack today!

Friends, where does the time go??

So, it has been brought to my attention that I haven't blogged in a while. Like since November. Seriously, no excuse. We had a great Thanksgiving.

And a very Merry Christmas

New Year's was pretty wild. We celebrated at the Berkow's. We counted down the New Year at 8 pm with Avery and Emma. They popped poppers, cheered, and hugged. We went home and our whole house was asleep by 8:45. (one hour and forty five minutes past Will's bedtime, he reminded us). Pretty wild. Both the kids had well visits in January. All is well. Avery weighed 27 pounds, Will weighed 20. Makes me giggle considering their 2.5 year difference. Last week we road tripped down to Santa Rosa Beach Florida to the Phillips' new beach house. The kids were amazing on the drive down! We found out A gets a little car sick. Oops.... We had a great time, Blake got some good studying in (Boards are coming up soon!) I would insert some cute pictures of us but I'm currently mediating an argument between my camera and the computer, so I'll just tell you about them. Here would be a picture of Will and Avery on the slide together at the MickeyD's playplace in somewhere, MS. Next Avery running carefree along the beach, sun setting behind her. Stunning oranges, ruby reds, and shadows. Blake an Will playing in the sand. Beautiful dune backdrop. So, that's the catch-up for now. And I'm going try to be a better blog updater, again. Sigh.

The lying game....cat family vacations

In our house, we don't lie. We talk about telling the truth versus a 'story' (a little kinder that a lie, right?) As a matter of fact, my sweet husband can't tell a story...he's got a serious 'tell' (Don't worry B, your secrets safe with me ;) ), when I was younger and I tried to lie, I would turn bright red and my story would crumble. So, of course as a parent we preach telling the truth, but today it all came crashing down today. I lied to Avery. And it broke my heart. Let me back this up a bit...Avery turned three in October, and we (I) wanted to get her something special- A CAT!! I begged and pleaded with Blake, I even got Blake's parents to rally my cause. And, because he loves us, he said ok. YEA!! A CAT A CAT! I love cats...I mean AVERY WILL LOVE A CAT. I went to the shelter and picked a good one Parker, a cute little tabby cat who had been adopted, but returned to the shelter because her owner lost her job. Cute cat, sad story? I'm sold. Parker initially was a great fit for the family, loved being here, loved the dog, loved curling up in AK's bed, even tolerated Baby Will- but I think it's only because he smelled like milk. But something wasn't quite right with PK (Blake and AK's nickname for her). PK won't use a litter box. Instead my house was her litter box, preferably my bed and drapes. Gross. I'll spare you further detail. So, I tried and tried, we went to the vet, new litter box, MULTIPLE litter boxes, antibiotics, probiotics, etc. One night, after sticking my toes into a wet spot on the bed, I lost my marbles and put her outside and grumbled something about not needing anymore bottoms to wipe. And outside she stayed. Blake claims this is the angriest he's ever seen me. We both started feeling guilty about it. It's cold, it's lonely, and we live on the corner of a busy street- she could get hit by a car. So, we decided to let her back in the house and put her in the garage when we left. But she still managed to make a few more house messes and we (I) decided we (I) couldn't do it anymore. So this morning I took her back to the Animal Village. I thought I would have no emotion, but I still burst into tears when they took her. And while I was crying, waiting to get her kennel back, I ran into a guy I went to elementary through HS with, who I haven't seen since HS. Although, I've know him since I was five, I figure this wasn't the first time he'd seen my sobbing (Most notably, in kindergarten when Russel Brixie pulled my pants down while I was reaching for my lunch box.). I called the 'cat lady' that works with the animal village and told her my whole, long story. Cried to her a little. She assured me she'd find PK a home. That she would get her out and play with her. But, she agreed it was the right thing to do for us. Then to pick up AK. What should I tell her? The truth? A story? Something in the middle? After polling the audience, I thought somewhere in the middle sounded good. I picked her up and we chatted about her day at school, what we were having for lunch, etc. All very lighthearted conversation. And when we pulled in the garage she started asking me where I though PK was. "Where's PK?" My heart started racing, my hands started sweating. What do I do? I can't lie to her! I said "PK isn't here, Avery." "Where is she?" Tears began to well up in her eyes. My heart sank. "She's not here, baby." Avery's quivery little voice, "We have to go get her! Where is she?" Come up with something fast, think, think, think! so I told her that we had only been keeping PK and until her cat family got back from vacation. And they were home now, and PK went home. I picked up my sobbing child and held her close. I hadn't imagined that such a little 'story' would hurt me so badly too. She cried in my arms for a while But, I know the truth was a far harder story to tell. It's hard to lie when I spend so much time trying to make sure the truth is told in our home. And I know she's only three, but it's important she knows I'm telling her the truth about things so she will trust me in the future. For now, my little story will have to do. I'm thankful Blake hasn't made me feel too bad about it, he could really rub it in that it wasn't his idea, he didn't want a cat, etc. And he let me make the decision to take her back. I'm thankful that little girl is so forgiving. I'm thankful she's young enough to not remember PK in a year. I'm thankful for the sweet lady at the animal shelter. I'm hopeful PK finds a good home. Thanks for letting me purge this terrible feeling. I'm hoping when AK wakes up from nap she'll have forgotten the whole bad story. And on the off chance you are looking for a cat. PK is available, 7 months old, spayed, not exactly little box trained, super sweet and friendly, and deserving of a good home where there is a little more patience.

Jumping off of two feet....

I love peanut butter, I love peanuts, I love anything made with peanut butter. In a galaxy far far away, we kept three different jars of peanut butter in our pantry. One for me, one for Blake, and one for the dogs. I could seriously eat peanut butter in some form every day...two years ago. My sweet little sugar plum, Avery, is allergic to peanuts. (As just a funny little aside, I told someone she was allergic to peanut butter, please don't give her any, and she said "Wow, that's weird, it she allergic to peanuts?" Blink. Blink. What? ) When she was a little over a year old, I gave her a lick of peanut butter from a spoon of PB I was enjoying to see if she too would fall in the ranks and also be a PB fanatic. Instead she got a swollen lip that looked somewhat cartoonish. We studied it, wondered if maybe she ran into something, fell down, but in the end gave her a dose of Benadryl to be on the safe side and it went away. She had a well-child visit shortly after this incident and I brought it up to our pediatrician, she suggested we do some blood work and see if she had any allergies. The blood work showed high allergy to peanuts, and she wrote us a prescription for an epipen and counseled me have benadryl on me at all times, she asked if I'd like to speak with a dietitian and I told her I'd talk to myself (Before I 'retired' I was a dietitian ;) ). I cried after I got off the phone with her because for some reason it seemed so scary. I didn't really understand. B and I don't have any food allergies. I nursed her exclusively forever! I waited until she was well over a year old to introduce PB into her diet. Just a week or two prior to this I'd had a conversation with a neighbor mom who told me how annoying it was that they had such strict rules at her kids school regarding peanut butter. How they excluded HER kid when he brought a PB&J, not the kids that were allergic. I had agreed with her, "That IS silly! Why your kid? He's not the one with the allergy!" Some flawed logic here... So, then we begin to learn the long list of things A can't eat. The obvious: peanuts, peanut butter, candy with peanuts/peanut butter. The not so obvious: Chick-Fil-A, Kashi products, lots of "fancy" restaurants fry in peanut oil...the list goes on. It's been almost two years since her diagnosis and I still get nervous. I remind everyone- at least twice before they take her anywhere. Her preschool teacher is my sister who is a hyper-vigilant as me and I still worry..."What if she takes a bite of _____'s PB sandwich while Rachael isn't looking?" She has had two run-in's with the scoundrel, the most recently at Easter which B & I joking refer to as the Peanut Butter Trinity incident (A terrible pun I realize)- she wiped her face on a peanut butter laden towel, may or may not have taken a bite of a PB sandwich, and most definitely smeared her hands through some PB left on the counter. We caught it quickly and were able to get it under control with a man-sized dose of Benadryl. Why was she around all this peanut butter you ask? Because it's hard to tell people who eat it/love it to get rid of it for her... You get puzzled looks when you start rearranging your friends/parents pantry to move the PB up out of her reach. So, this has been my struggle for the last two years. I wonder, Will this be harder when she's older? When she gets invited to a party at Chick-Fil-A, but can't eat there? Will she try something at school someone's mom made not thinking? She can recite to me now the rules when she is away from me: 1. Be sweet 2. Listen to ______. 3. NO peanut butter. And I know, I know it could be worse, but still in it's own right it's scary. And I'm slowly learning to take small leaps of faith, jumping off two feet, and trusting. Trusting my child will remember the rules, and everyone remembers her neurotic mama is at home worrying if I remembered to tell them no Cheeburger Cheeburger. I know you are all wondering? Jumping off two feet? What's that about? Well, at above mentioned well-child visit our pediatrician was going over some milestones: physical, verbal, etc. One of those was "Child will be able to jump off two feet", I got a little hung up on that one. All day long thinking, "Geez, that's really high in the air!" I walked around our house gauging the height of different surfaces to see. When Blake came home for dinner I told him about the milestone, he AGREED with me that was really high, and an odd milestone. So we both scratched our heads and went on. Several days later, Blake finds the handout about the milestones. I see what he has in his hands and I'm waiting for him to finish reading it so we can both shake our heads that AK will surely not be reaching this milestone anytime soon, but instead he burst into that famous Blake cackle. "Jess, jumping off two feet" and he jump in the air- off two feet....Sigh. Fail, Me. Fail. And periodically B or my father-in-law reminds me that two feet is awful high in the air...

If you're looking for some good recipes...look further

If you know me you know I love to cook. I enjoy chopping, dicing, sauteing, dredging...it's soothing to me, it's me showing my love to the fam. Before my house was a preschool, I loved to try 'fancy' recipes. I'd have 'theme' nights- those were my favorite. Mexican, Italian...so much fun. I don't really have that kind of time anymore, so I stick to pretty tried and true recipes, but this gets old after a while. I felt like I was in a rut...and along came Pinterest. Every recipe boasts "best ever" "never fail". I pinned tons of recipes and began to try them all... I haven't taken any pictures with my new birthday camera, but I'd like to share some my mistakes with you.. Fail 1. "Never Fail" Pizza Dough: Take One: Fail, not really sure what went wrong here (except that while the dough was kneading away in the mixer Avery needed help changing into her Tinkerbell costume and Will decided to nurse) , but my dough looked like a million little marbles. My sweet, glass-half-full sister said "Just make a bunch of really little pizzas" Take Two: No fail, super, best ever homemade Pizza Dough Highly recommend. You knead to follow instructions. Fail 2: Something called "Crack" Toffee: Take One: I under cooked the toffee and it turned our grainy Take Two: I over baked the "crack" (again, Will and his nursing...) gross. Again sweet glass-half-full sister "It's like brown butter toffee" You're a peach, Rachie, but I saw you spit it out. It's better in the long run anyway, I just got back into my pre-pre-pregnancy jeans. Fail 3: "Buffalo Chicken Casserole" This one was an epic fail, just eat Wing Stop. Anything that boasts a healthy alternative to buffalo wings doesn't deserve your time. It smelled and tasted like a trashcan. My mom happened to be so lucky as to be at my house for this one and she kept making suggestions on how it might be better. We agreed that the only way it might be better was if had gone directly to the trash can- the outside trash can. Fail 4: As Blake calls it "The S'more Incident of '11" Please refer back to previous blog entry "Never trust a broiler..." The picture says it all. It really had potential, I might give that one a second chance... I asked Blake if he could think of any and he immediately says "Every time you make brownies and Chinese food" He's right. When we moved to this house I swore off Chinese food altogether- we live walking distance from three oriental food establishments. Weight Watchers has no business telling me how to make a crab rangoon anyway... Funny Avery of the week: We were at my parents house, my mom had been telling me how she thinks there is a raccoon under her deck. Avery wasn't paying attention and walks off the edge of the deck and lands head first in the ferns around my mom's fountain. I retrieve her from ferngully, she brushes herself off, says "I was looking for your coon, Nana" and walks off.

Vegas, Baby!

Blake and I just got back from a trip to Vegas to celebrate my 30th birthday and our 5th wedding anniversary....and a little spine conference action for Blaker. We left the Wednesday after my birthday and came back on Sunday. First time away from Will EVER and first time away from AK for more than a night. I had been diligently working on stocking my freezer with milk for this trip and I'm happy to report that they didn't even make a dent in the stockpile (I know you truly care about my freezer and it's breastmilk contents). It was hard to leave them, but I'm glad to say no one (except me) cried about it.

We stayed at the Flamingo since Blake's conference was there. We spent the first evening we got there just walking the strip and looking around. We watched the Bellagio fountain- "Time To Say Goodbye" AMAZING! The next day we slept in (this is so funny to me, because not only do we both get up pretty early anyway, we were on PST and we got up like at 5 AM feeling all refreshed and ready for the day) Got up went for a 4.5 mile run on the strip (seriously, on vay-cay? In Nevada in August? It's 105 at 7 AM, but it's a dry heat. So is my oven.). We had a yummy lunch at The County Club at Wynn where I enjoyed not cutting up chicken nuggets and a glass of Pinot Gris.
We spent most of the day lazing by the pool. This Flamingo GO Pool is not exactly a family friendly location, glad we didn't bring the kiddos. The first day we saw a girl get carted off for puking (nonstop) all over her cabana and the last day a young man get arrested for who knows what, but he resisted arrest so it was pretty entertaining. Oh and a mechanical bull riding contest- not really a some of the best decisions some of the bikini clad young ladies made. It was some super fun people watching. You actually couldn't get in the pool without touching someone. I have plenty of people always touching me at home, so I stayed out of the pool for the most part.

The next two days Blake was at his conference and I spent some time looking around The Forum Shoppes, Fashion Show and Miracle Mile shops. Amazing shopping- AMAZING. I ate lunch BY MYSELF twice. At Wolfgang Puck's Spago I had a pork tenderloin sandwich served on homemade soft pretzel bread with sauerkraut and homemade grainy mustard. If my mom had been there I would have slapped her it was so good (I'm giggling because I can't imagine what would happen if I ever slapped my mom, especially over a pretzel sandwich) We had two great dinners at Bobby Flay's MESA and Mon Ami Gabi. And we walked around in the evenings and held hands- just each others...kinda nice.

By Sunday, we were both ready to come home to the babes. I was so happy to see them I burst into tears in the airport.

Overall a great little trip! Here are a few pic's...

I am the King of Wishful Thinking...

Not familiar with this awesome song? Really? No? It's probably mostly famously (and only) known for being in the opening of Pretty Woman when Edward is driving around Hollywood after his girlfriend Jessica dumps him. The song is epic. No one seems to agree with me on this. I don't know, I really like the beat, tempo (it's a 90's song, tempo was a good thing.). Anyway, enough about my terrible taste in music- please don't judge me based on my playlists.

But there is a line in the song that I love: "I refuse to give into my blues/ that's not how it's gonna to be."I am rapidly approaching my 30th Birthday. Like, in four days. So, naturally I've spent some time lately reflecting on my last thirty years. I have faced birthday this very indifferently- some days it's no big deal, bring it on...other days a little blue about it. Now, don't start preaching "Thirty isn't old. You wait until ___!" I know, I know. It isn't old, but to a twenty-something, becoming a thirty-something is a little frightening. There is something about your 20's that's very magical. Life is just beginning, maybe you get married, put all you have into your career, start a family, travel. You're beautiful, you can get away with low rise jeans and wearing frat t-shirts.
What's left for my thirty's? I'll be too old and weak to enjoy life?!?! But, I have faith in that thirtysomething I'm about to become. I'm am not the old lady the 18 year old I was thought the 30 year old me would be.
I feel (and look ;) ) 19.
That's all it's about right? How old you do let yourself feel? I'm going to embrace checking the 30-39 age boxes, no longer getting carded, and the aching back I occasionally wake up with. If 60 is the new 40, then 30 is the new 10 right? I'm hopeful, wishful if you will, that in my 30's I'll only get better, wiser, more comfortable in my own skin.

To finish with a line from a great song: "I'll get over you 20's, I know I will. I'll pretend my ship's not sinking. 'Cause I'm the King of Wishful Thinking"...

Happy 4 Months Sweet Baby Will!

I cannot fully participate in this "Wordless Wednesday" thing. As previously stated, I talk entirely too much. But I'm going to try and keep it to a minimum.

Will is four months old today!! He weighs 15 lbs, 5 oz (this is the baby who was smaller than Avery was at birth!) He slept ALL night long in his bed last night for the first time. He's still just nursing- no solids for this boy for a couple of more months. He coos and goos and smiles like crazy! He's rolling over front to back and back to front- you actually can't lay him down without him rolling his way across the room.
He's very calm and mild mannered- he fusses a little when he's hungry or sleepy, but that's about it. He's very interested in his wild sister. He loves to watch her talk and move about. He continues to be the love of all three of our lives.

And did I mention he's the cutest baby alive? No, I didn't. Well, I'll just show you...

Things that chap my hide...

I like to think that I'm not very easily angered/irritated, but there are a few things that totally drive me bananas.

Thing 1: People (I'm sorry, but ESPECIALLY men) who don't hold doors. RUDE! Hold the dang door. Even if I wasn't carrying an infant in a car seat and chasing/dragging a toddler along, I think you should still hold the door. Today at the post office the woman walking in in front of me looked back, saw that I was juggling a sleeping baby in a car seat and a large package to mail and she still let the door slam in my face.
Hey, thanks. You beat me to the mail counter, I hope your package gets there before mine.

Thing 2: People who park too close to your car and you can't get in. I drive a gigantic, beast of a car and I can seem to pay attention to how much space I'm taking up in a parking spot how about you and your Ford Fiesta do the same.
Disclaimer: Don't park beside me like this, I will go out of my way to 'accidentally' hit your car with my car door. It's hateful, I'm not proud, but I will do it.

Thing 3: People who don't yield to ped's in x-ings. Stop your car, wave me and my crazy crew across the street, feel good about yourself, and drive on. It's that simple.


Thank you for letting me vent. Maybe I should deal with my rage issues.


But I'll finish on a positive note. I went to Kroger yesterday to do my weekly grocery shopping. I took both kiddos along with me. They are usually angels. Yesterday they were not. But it had to be done, so I strapped Will in the baby bjorn, got my reusable bags, and went to get Avery Kate out. She wouldn't get out of the car. This was in regards to some altercation we had over Despicable Me earlier. Whatever, I smile and unbuckle her, pick her up, and carry her inside. She's screaming, kicking, pulling my dress up. A sweet little boy, about 9 ish who was carrying his younger brother stopped and asked me if I needed some help and another older gentleman also asked if I needed any help and he even got me a buggy. And as we got in line to check out Will started screaming and the sweet couple in front of me let us go ahead of them.
Thank you sweet people of Little Rock, to the rest of you, don't embarrass your Mama and remember to be courteous.

P.F. Chang Ain't Got Nothin' on me...

Well yeah they do. I am notorious for making TERRIBLE homemade Chinese food. TERRIBLE.
I think it's because I try to make them low-cal/low-fat and you just can't do that with Honey Seared Chicken. (This is also why Brownies and I have a bad relationship. Don't use the 'lower fat' recipe on the side of the box- they are BROWNIES for goodness sake, they're supposed to be bad for you!)

Ok, so here is a recipe for P.F. Chang's Lettuce Wraps that is lower fat/cal and it's delicious! I left out the Peanut Butter/Peanuts since Avery is allergic to the glorious stuff- soy nut butter would have been a good sub, but I was out. I'd also add some finely chopped mushrooms and maybe some Hosin sauce, but maybe I should just stick to the recipe considering my history with Chinese food recipe modifications...

I also made Nutella Cookies- only 4 ingredients, and you can tell. Not too super in my opinion, funny texture. Avery LOVES them, so I might make them again in a pinch. Personally, I'd rather have a 9 ingredient cookie (i.e. Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip)

P.F. Chang Lettuce Wraps on a Diet

1lb ground chicken breast (I ground my own, thanks ;) )
1/2 medium onion, minced
salt & pepper, a dash of each
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 inch knob fresh ginger, peeled & minced
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
2 1/2 Tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 Tablespoon water
1 Tablespoon natural peanut butter
1/2 Tablespoon honey
1 Tablespoons + 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons chili garlic sauce (or more if you like it hotter)
dash of fresh pepper
3 green onions, chopped
1/2-8oz can sliced water chestnuts, drained & chopped
1/4 cup peanuts, chopped
10-12 large butter lettuce leaves, rinsed and patted dry

Directions:
1. Heat a large, non-stick skillet on high. Add chicken, onion, salt & pepper, and cook until chicken is nearly done, stirring often to break up the meat. Add in minced garlic and ginger, and continue cooking until chicken is no longer pink.
2. Meanwhile, in a microwave safe bowl, combine sesame oil, soy sauce, water, peanut butter, honey, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce and pepper. Microwave for 20 seconds, then stir until smooth. Add into the skillet and stir to combine.
3. Add green onion and water chestnuts into the skillet then cook for 1-2 minutes until the onions are soft and the water chestnuts are heated through.
4. Scoop into lettuce and EAT!

Nutella Cookies

1 cup Nutella
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Blend all ingredients together well. Form into 1″ balls. Place on a cookie sheet. Press down firmly with the bottom of a glass dusted with flour. Bake 7-8 minutes or until set. Cool.

Never Underestimate the Four Legged Family Member

Tanner....Tanner, Tanner, Tanner. This guy comes from humble beginnings (Can you tell?). He was marketed to me as an Australian Shepherd rescue, clearly he is not. As a sweet new husband, Blake drove me to Ward, Arkansas to see this so-called Aussie rescue. Blake and I already had one dog. One very nutty dog. An Aussie named Lou. Lou, lovingly dubbed Lucifer by one of our friends, was completely dog poo crazy. She had some social anxiety, she was a total racist, and had a particular affinity for biting Blake's family members. But, she needed a little buddy and after some begging and empty "I promise I'll pick the poop up out of the yard", Blake agreed to get me that sweet little rescue. He already came with a name Tanner, we added Ward as a little joke- one of my best friends, Jill Tanner married Alan Ward, making her Jill Tanner Ward. And when she recently had a bouncing baby boy I asked her if she was going to name him after my dog. I'm sure she gave it some strong consideration, but I'm sorry to tell you Jones, you didn't get named after my loyal beast.


Then Blake left for a month to do a medical school rotation. I called him the first night crying, "I hate this dog! Why did we get this dog?". I can't tell you how many times we called the rescue group, but they never answered or called us back. I can't tell you how happy I am that they didn't.

Tanner has got to be one of the most calm, loving, dopey dogs you'll ever meet. He grins this giant toothy grin every time he sees us, and every time he does something wrong. He's obedient. He's loyal to a fault. And I like to think he's got a pretty good sense of humor.

Tanner also has the unfortunate diagnosis of canine epilepsy. He's had it for a little over a year and he has to take 6 pills a day. His seizures are less frequent now that he's on meds- maybe 1 every month or so.

Tanner is my go to man when something spills on the floor. Like a Roomba, but more effective. He's my nightwatchman when Blake is on call. And some days he's my therapist. Tanner doesn't mind a few tears shed on his soft ears. His calm, loving demeanor reminds me to not sweat the small things and relax.
So, to show my unending love for this goofy hound dog, I'll ramble a few of my favorite Tanner stories....




Puppy Tanner LOVED to go over to our neighbors house. They kept treats for our dogs and were our go to guys when we went out of town or needed some help with the dogs. And I think it was a little like going to your grandparents house- unlimited eat anything you want, stay up as late as you want. They loved it. Tanner loved them so much that one day while we were all gone he slipped under the fence, went in the CAT door, and just spent the day there. And he may or may not (may) have pulled every single one of their pillows out through the CAT door into their backyard...

As above story mentioned, Tanner slipped under the fence quite a lot. On one occasion he seemed to tear a small hole in his side. Oops. Big oops, buddy. Blake is in a surgical residency. This constitutes practice. Nothing a few stitches on the back patio furniture can't fix. Oh, did I leave out lidocane? A real man doesn't need anesthetic.




And some of my fondest memories are of gentle Tanner and my crazy Avery. He loves her. He really has to. He has been her pony, sticker book, patient, and food taster.







I love Tanner so much that I completely forgot his birthday this year and the "If found, please Call" tag on his collar has too many numbers is in. And sometimes I wake up in the middle of the night and realize I forgot to feed you dinner. I'm sorry, Tan, you deserve better. But every night, you're there beside my bed waiting patiently for me to remember you're there and hoping I'll give those soft ears a scratch. And every morning you quietly leap on to my feet for a few peaceful minutes before the chaos starts. I know you're just a dog buddy, but your my sweet dog.