The Riherd Family

In 500 Days

2012-01-30T13:00:00.005-06:00

So, what's this "big news", you ask?

Well...

Daniel just accepted a musculoskeletal (aka: MSK) radiology fellowship position from July 2013 through July 2014 in...

{image via}

Cleveland, OH.

This means that in less than a year and half, we'll be packing our bags and moving.
To a city I've never set foot in.
Or ever wanted to live in.

But the strangest thing is...
I am so, so, so excited.
Because the road only God could have navigated us down, lead us straight to this city.

More to come.

Lundi Love

2012-01-30T12:50:00.000-06:00

We are barely two weeks away until Valentine Classroom Party Time!

So, in light of that, I recently received an email from Tiny Prints asking if I would blog about their Valentine cards. Considering I blogged about their Christmas cards and received 50 free; it would be insane for me to not show them some love when it comes to Valentine's Day too!

After drooling over the classroom Valentine Card selection on Tiny Prints' site (you all know I have a stationery obsession as it is...), I came up with some simple, affordable, girl/boy, non-sugary (except for one) classroom Valentine ideas that I think are beyond SWEET!

Now, sure you can just pick up a box of cards at the store, write each kid's name on the front, have your child scribble their John Hancock, maybe tape a sucker to it, and call it a Happy Valentine's Day.

But after this post, maybe you'll come away with a little bit of Valentine inspiration.

So, are you ready to think outside the {heart-shaped} box?!

Extra Sweet :: football card with mini football.

Lasso'ing Love :: cowboy card with red bandana (maybe wrap some treats inside?)

O'FISH'ally in love :: fish card with fish bath sponges.

LOVE-ly Princess :: princess card with glow-in-the-dark wand.

(I was WAND-ering if you'd be my Valentine?)

Higher Love :: heart balloon card with latex heart balloon (not inflated when given)

Play it cool :: penguin card with flavor-ice popsicle (given unfrozen, of course)

Head in the clouds :: airplane card with mini gliders.

Queen of Hearts :: royal highness card with deck of playing cards.

Love Bot :: robot card with candy robot puzzle (remember these from the Robot Party?)

I can't hide my love :: jungle card with kid binoculars.

Groovy kind of love :: Surfer card with heart shaped sunglasses.

Love like a Rockstar :: Rocking card with echo microphone.

Dino-mite Delivery :: T-Rex card with mini plush dino.

Toad-ally in love :: frog card with stretchable flying frogs.

Love Saves the Day :: superhero card with color your own mask.

Love You to the Moon :: astronaut card with glow-in-the-dark ceiling solar system.

So, what do you think?!

Click on over to Tiny Prints and check out the amazing selection of Valentines cards.

You can also follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and/or Pinterest.

Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-29T13:00:00.002-06:00

We just landed some big news this past week.
A full update is on the horizon.
:)

Lundi Love

2012-01-23T13:00:00.001-06:00

So, remember when I said there was an explanation for this picture?

Well, today is the day I explain why my 3-year-old daughter was generously applying lipgloss with my permission.

So, what is it?!

Well, Aubrey was working on a special delivery package:

A Hug and Kiss via USPS!

This project was actually for my dad who had surgery last week (he's doing great, in case you were wondering...), but it's so cute that I thought it would make a perfectly sweet Valentine to send to out-of-town family/friends.

It's so simple...

Roll out craft paper or gift wrap:

(I snagged a fun roll of Valentine wrap from Target's $1 bins)

By the way, is my child the only one who prefers to wear nothing but panties when at home?!

Trace the cute, little bod with outstretched arms and then let them add as much "detail" as they want:

(Aubrey thought it was very "tickle-y" when I traced her arms/sides, hence the "deformities". :))

{My munchkin decided she only wanted to add hair. No eyes, nose, necklace, shirt -- nothing. I guess, since she was in her undies, I should just be glad she didn't insist on adding nipples. But, honestly, the creative options are endless. Maybe even drawing a shirt that says: I {heart} Grandma (or whomever) to make it more personalized?}

Apply a generous amount of lipstick* and give the face a big smooch-a-roo:

*I don't recommend using lipgloss (turns into a grody grease spot), we ended up using a print-out of some kissy lips to cover it up:

Lastly, just cut around the traced body and gently fold the arms and head so that it slides into an 8x11 envelope:

(I covered the outside of the envelope with the gift wrap. Obviously.)

And that's it!

A big hug and kiss to the ones you love!

{My dad LOVED getting this in the mail. I hear it's on full display in my parents' kitchen. :)}

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Okay, I just had a last minute thought:
How insanely sweet would this be for a child to send to his/her parent serving our country overseas?!
Imagine the mom or dad opening it up, unfolding the delicate little arms, and hugging their paper-sized child...

And now I'm emotionally done for the day.

Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-22T16:09:00.009-06:00

My Little Romper

2012-01-18T14:45:00.002-06:00

With some of Aubrey's Christmas money from generous relatives, I decided to enroll her in the 3-year-old Romper Gymnastic class instead of spending it on a year's supply of socks and undies.

Well, I cannot tell you how excited this girl has been to start.

We've been on a countdown to the magnificent day, and she couldn't have been more pumped...

(Sorry for the abrupt ending -- I'm figuring out the video recording setting on the point and shoot camera.)

So, about the first day.
We were 2 minutes late.
I could go into a rant about a crazy SUV-driving mother* who flat-out stole my parking spot, but I won't go there.
{Deep breath in...deep breath out...}
But. Like I said, we were 2 minutes late.
I hate being late.
Probably my biggest pet peeve ever.
{Again...deep breath in...deep breath out...}

As we booked it inside, a lady at the front desk offered, "I'll take her on to her class while you finish up the registration..."
Aubrey went with her, but I felt like I needed to go to make sure she was in the right group and meet the "coach". So, I abandoned my spot in line and entered the bouncy-foam floor of Tumbletown.
By the time I navigated my way through the mass of preschool monkeys, I walked up on Aubrey as she was announcing, "My name is Aubrey Riherd. A-U-B-R-E-Y. I am super excited about this gymnastics class!"

Oh, my little Miss Independent.

And since she's a big 3-year-old, that means I stay behind the glass wall during the class.
Seeing that I was clearly not needed, Aubrey had it all under control, off I went (unintentionally) bounding my way back across Tumbletown to the Parent Room.

I fully intend to use this gymnastics class time to leisurely read (ah, a lovely daytime break!), but for the first day I was more than antsy to "see" Aubrey in a class/peer/instructor setting. I've often wondered what she's like at MDO, and this was about as close as I could get to being a fly on the wall.

First observation (not that I didn't already know this): Aubrey is most certainly Type A.

She's a rule-follower and a good listener.

She even covered her mouth when she ~~hacked up a lung~~ coughed!
You have no idea how many times I have to remind her at home. It was joyous to see that she did it without me there to give a prompt reminder. There was also no booger or wedgie picking. Major parental successes in my book.

Aubrey did everything with gusto.

Aubrey is a sweet encourager. She doled out hugs to the other girls (and the one boy) after they finished each station, and she was constantly cheering on the others with "Good job!" the entire time.

(She told the girl in pink, "I like your pretty swimsuit!" :))

After 55 minutes of non-stop activity (well, 2 short water fountain breaks), a stamp on both hands and feet, and a high-five from her coach -- Aubrey informed me that she'd like to go home to get her pillow/lovey/and blankie so that she could come back and spend the night at gymnastics.

I'd say she liked it.

Much more than any socks or undies, that's for sure.

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*Now, I didn't get a close look at the SUV mom from the parking lot, but this could very well have been her.
Out of ALL the seats, she chose the one DIRECTLY in front me and my view of the class.

I wonder if this gym offers adult wrestling classes?

Hmmmm...

;)

Lundi Love

2012-01-16T20:00:00.001-06:00

We're a month away from one of my most favorite holidays ever...

Valentine's Day!

Oh how I love love love it.

Candy. Chocolates. Roses. Lace. Romance. Candles. Sappy songs. Love letters. Gushy poems. Sweet gifts. Dinners for two.

Ahhhh....looooooooooooooove...

So, in honor of my beloved holiday, I have decided to feature something Valentine-y each Monday.
{P.S. Those of you who picked Spanish in school, Lundi is French for Monday. Thus, Lundi Love.}

Now, since I just decided to do this whole "Lundi Love" thing at 6:57 a.m., that left me with 3 measly minutes to think up something before the morning announcement at precisely 7:00 a.m.: MAMA! MY CLOCK IS YELLOW!

Then I remembered a recipe I flagged awhile back...
Easy Strawberry-Coconut Pound Cake from Tasty Kitchen.
A perfect Valentine-y treat!

Strawberry + Coconut + Icing Glaze = Delight!

love.

And oh, so delicious...

Feel free to give it a try!

{Click here if you can't read the recipe.}

Trust me, it's so easy, even a 3-year-old can do it!

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Endnotes:
*This was the first time I have ever had a "bundt" cake actually dislodge perfectly. It was gloriously satisfying.
**I whisked powdered sugar and milk together for the icing glaze. I then added a drop of red food coloring to make it pink. Just for funsies.

Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-15T14:30:00.000-06:00

{There's actually an explanation for this, but I'll save it for another day...}

And the winner is...

2012-01-13T09:15:00.002-06:00

I called in my trusty robot to select a winner for the $50 Erin Condren stationery giveaway. I put all the names in her robot container and told her to give it a little shake, draw a name, and show me who she picked...

In case you can't read robot computations...the winner is...

EM!

Congratulations, Em! I'll send you the voucher today!

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Happy Friday the Thirteenth!

From A to Zulily

2012-01-11T08:10:00.001-06:00

If you have children, obsess over cute kid clothes, and love a good bargain -- you've probably heard of Zulily.

If not, I'll give you the quick rundown: Zulily is an online store that offers daily sales on a range of things such as clothing, shoes, accessories, home goods/decor, games/books (all for babies, toddlers, kids, and moms). Members get up to 90% off the retail prices. Oh, and it's free to join -- all you have to do is enter your name, email, and a password.

Sounds easy enough, right?

Well...let me give you this warning:
Zulily is extremely DANGEROUS.

If you struggle with impulse shopping -- do NOT become a member.

There are only a certain number of items in stock, so you gotta make quick decisions if you see something you want. In five minutes, the item could very well be sold out.

There is a wide variety of brands -- some really trendy, some really traditional, some really cute, and some really ugly. And, for all my Southern Smock Addicts: you need an additional level of warning. The site features LOTS of smocked clothing each week. Try to avoid bankruptcy. Please.

I am a conservative shopper/spender, and Daniel had to stage an intervention after a few months of my membership.

Because I'm now at a "healthy" place when it comes to shopping on Zulily, I feel the need to pass along my acquired wisdom.

Here are my 5 Rules of Zulily:

1. I ask myself the following questions before completing an order:

Is this something Aubrey needs or something I just want to buy her because it's so freaking cute?
Does Aubrey already have something like this in her closet?
Is this style something that would even look good on Aubrey?
Will I have to buy something else (hairbow/shoes/leggings) to complete the outfit?
Will I have to iron this after washing it? (That's usually the final deal-breaker for me.)

2. Don't forget you pay shipping costs, which is usually a minimum of $6. So, that adorable pink ruffled top marked down from $42 to $19.99 is actually over $25 once you check out. For me, it's always hard to pay more than $20 for something that has a 92% chance of getting stained within the first 3 hours of wear and will more than likely be worn a maximum of 2-3 times before it's too small.

3. From my experience, if I order something on December 5th, I won't actually receive it until January 5th. It's typically a full month of waiting. Keep this in mind when buying seasonal items* or items intended for someone's birthday. I ordered a precious Easter dress for Aubrey last year that came 9 days AFTER Easter. I also bought a cute cupcake necklace for one of Aubrey's friends that arrived one week POST birthday party. Not good.
(*Before Christmas, there were items marked with a guarantee to make it before Dec. 25th.)

4. If you aren't familiar with a brand, be careful of sizing. I've had two items (at least) that arrived and didn't fit Aubrey properly. It's one of those things that I would have known if I was at a store looking at the item, but online -- you just have to make a click of faith. This stinks, especially because you can't return these items. Big time bummer. Also, check the brands to see if your local stores carry it. One of the first purchases I made was an outfit that I later found on JC Penney's clearance rack. Nothing against JCP, but I felt like I had been duped. The outfit online looked so boutique-y on Zulily, yet there it was dangling from a broken plastic hanger with a marked down price of $7.99. Lesson learned.

5. Budget for it. I allow myself one purchase a month, and the whole order must be under $50. This way, I have to really think about the purchase before ordering. Is it really worthy of the one-time monthly allowance? Because of this, there have been months when I didn't buy anything. And that is absolutely FINE. Aubrey has never not had something to wear.

Okay, I think that's all the wisdom I have to depart.

Now, I'd like to end this post by giving back...

With a $50 voucher to the personalized stationery site: ErinCondren.com.
The site offers lots of "organizational" items that would be a great way to start off the New Year -- especially if one of your resolutions is to stay on top of things!

I purchased this voucher on Zulily awhile back and realized I absolutely do not need a single thing from the website. Oh I want practically every single thing, but I don't NEED it. (I have a very deep and strange addiction to all things stationery.) So, I want to offer it to one of you! There's all kinds of cuteness that can be personalized with name and/or photos: gift labels, calendars, journals, address books, gift wrap, invitations/announcements, We've Moved cards, lucite trays, growth charts, book plates and more.
Here are just a few pics to see a sample of the goods...

{Gift Wrap}

{Invitations}

{Address Book}

{Family Calendar}

{Jumbo Calendars}

{Life Planner}

[More info on the life planner. It's pretty spiffy -- watch the clip.]

{Sorority themed items/stationery}

Okay, I must stop before I delete this post and order one of everything on that darn site!
So...
Just leave a comment, and you're entered!
(Make sure I know how to contact you in the event your name is drawn!)
I'll announce the winner on Friday, January 13th.
Hopefully it'll turn that unlucky day into something fun!
Good luck!

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Overall, I think Zulily is fantastic.
If you want to join (and help a former addict out), you can click here.

A "Grand" Weekend

2012-01-09T16:00:00.000-06:00

Grammy and Pop Pop came for a little visit over the weekend.
It was super low-key.
In fact, we only ventured out once the whole time...
With the weather being freakishly fantastic, we grabbed some take-out and enjoyed a picnic at the park.

Growing up, I wouldn't say my mom was the silly/funny type of parent. But watching her as a grandmother, I'm seeing a side of her emerge that makes me smile...

And her all-time favorite thing to do is to mess with Aubrey.
(i.e. stealing hat and gloves and poking a polka-dot bottom on a backyard "hike" to just name a few...)

Of course, Aubrey loves it.

As any silly little goofball would...

Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-08T19:15:00.000-06:00

Let's Do This!

2012-01-04T14:00:00.001-06:00

Alright, the party's over.
Time to get down to business and nail down some resolutions for 2012!

Personal Goals

Blog more about the issues closest to my heart: foster/orphan-care and adoption topics.
Cleanse my closet of the things I don't wear, don't like how I look wearing, or keep for "one day this might fit..."
Clear out clutter and donate/sell unnecessary household items.
Make a recipe that calls for dry-active yeast. (It's my kitchen phobia.)
Learn how to play chess. (It's true -- I have no clue how to play. Daniel intends on remedying this asap.)
Go to a concert. (I don't know what it is with me and wanting to go to a concert...)
Use the rest of the spa gift card Daniel gave me nearly TWO years ago!

Aubrey Goals

Start working on memorizing Scripture.
Start music lessons. (Aubrey says she would like to learn how to play the piano but is upset that she cannot pronounce it very well. She says "planyo". I think it's adorable.)
Incorporate more focused/planned activities during our days.
Get rid of LOTS of toys.
Start eating more variety of foods.

Family Goals

Finalize post-residency plans. To do a fellowship/To NOT do a fellowship? That is the question.
Clean and keep clear our tornado safe spot. (Hello, Oklahoma.)
Take a family trip.
Start eating dinner as a family. (With Daniel's schedule becoming more regular, this will be so nice!)
Take a just "Dan/Ashley" trip.
Start a regular Family Fun Night each week.

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Recap on 2011's goals:

Personal Goals

Invest significant time with children in need (orphans / foster children). Well, the supply closet is GREAT, but I didn't have as much direct contact with children as I had hoped.
To not watch a single minute of American Idol this season. Not one second. Not one article. Nothing. It was liberating.
Give food to a homeless man or woman on the side of the road. Chicago homeless man.
Read through the Bible in a year. I did it! More on that for another post...
Go to a concert. Didn't happen. Unless I can count Shane and Shane who lead worship at church a awhile back. It was amazing...
Not get a speeding ticket. No flashing lights in my rear-view mirror! Yahoo!
No more wearing tennis shoes unless going to the zoo or park ('cause let's face it, they're sure not being worn to work-out!). I've been wearing "real" shoes, but there is the occasional grocery run when I don't. And if flip-flops are Summer's equivalent to Winter's tennis shoes, I'm in trouble.
Try a new recipe once a month. DONE! And I have found some good ones! I'll share them with you soon. :)

Aubrey Goals

Get her potty trained. I don't know how it happened, but it just did. I am still waiting for the day Aubrey decides she's over it. It was way too easy.
Get rid of the papi (pacifier). You all know about it from this post.
Pick a scripture to be "Aubrey's" verse that I pray for her every day. Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Convert the loft to a playroom. Done!
Ditch the diaper bag. Not yet, but I've been prowling around for the perfect purse. Ironically, all the ones I gravitate to look like diaper bags. Oh, and I'm totally obsessed with this one, which won't be happening any time soon.

Family Goals

Go to an amusement park. Yep! Holiday World!
Go on a trip with Daniel. Chi-town!
Finish our family's 2010 blog-book. Oh, yeah...the blog book. Uhhhh...well...uhhhh...I finished a Shutterfly photo book -- can I count that?
Use our video camera to capture every day moments once a week. Okay, maybe I haven't pulled it out every week, but I've been using it a ton more.

Overall, I'd say 2011 went wonderfully well! Having this list was a great motivator for me! Let's hope the trend continues through the new year!

Sunday Snapshot

2012-01-01T09:00:00.002-06:00

My first resolution for 2012:

To find beauty and peace even amongst the weeds of this life.

Christmas Recap

2011-12-29T15:15:00.001-06:00

Christmas is a time of family, fellowship, fun, and FOOD!

I had several festive recipes pulled for the holiday weekend, especially with Zubie being in town.
She's one of those women who could teach cooking classes -- it's definitely one of her (many) gifts.
We were all helping in the kitchen at one point or another...

Aubrey has decided that the best way to not ruin her clothes while cooking is to simply not wear any.
And to think all these years I've been using aprons...

The whole No-Apron Policy is something that could have been brought to my attention yesterday, says Daniel.

After the candlelight service at church Christmas Eve, we dashed home just in time for Aubrey to write a special note to Santa, set out a plate of cookies (one red velvet crinkle cookie and one double chocolate chunk -- we're all about variety over here), and a mug of cold milk.

Now I don't care if you do or don't believe in Old St. Nick -- there's just something inexplicably magical about Christmas Eve...

Aubrey was pretty pleased to see all the goodies waiting for her under the tree...

Or perhaps "totally psyched" would be a better description...

And beware: if you look too good in the wee hours of the morn -- you better be prepared to have your head bitten off.

I won't tell you who is responsible for the chocolate decapitation, but let's just say you'll know her when you see her...

Gotta love a scraggly chaotic family photo on Christmas morning!

Amidst all the Santa hoopla and gifts, we didn't forget about the birth of Jesus!

After singing Happy Birthday Jesus!, gobbling down cupcakes, playing with new toys, cooking some more, and getting all showered and dressed -- it was nearly time for Christmas dinner!

We invited our neighbors and fellow residency friends over for the Christmas feast -- after spending Thanksgiving together we decided Christmas just wouldn't be the same without them!

Aubrey took the group pic above and then this one below of Zubie.

And not that the day wasn't entirely delicious, but the grande finale was absolutely scrumptious.
Key Lime and Raspberry Dessert and Chocolate Mousse Torte. Lord have mercy...

And forget the eggnog...I'll take a Reinbeer please! :)

'Twas a Merry Christmas indeed!

House SWEET House

2011-12-28T09:30:00.005-06:00

I'm sure glad I have Aubrey around -- she is a great excuse to do fun things like making a gingerbread house. And that's just what we did one morning over the Christmas holiday...

It was actually supposed to be a gingerbread village, but only one little house wasn't broken when we opened our kit. I guess you can't have too high of expectations when you pay less than $10. And truthfully one house is plenty for a toddler's attention span. Not to mention Aubrey taste-tested every sugary decoration, so if we had powered through the entire village I can only imagine the tummy ache it would have produced...

She wasn't a huge fan of the green gummies. Luckily chasing it down with a swig of mini M&Ms helped get the taste out of her mouth...

Here's Aubrey's final product from start to finish...

Not too shabby for a first-timer...

Of course, immediately after construction and final touches, Aubrey was asking, "Can I eat it now?!"

Now I like my fair share of sugary goodness, but Aubrey definitely inherited her sweet tooth from the man of the house...

It's such a sweet life with these two around. :)

Night Lights

2011-12-27T10:30:00.001-06:00

It just wouldn't be the holidays without a night outing to look at Christmas lights!

There's an area in downtown Oklahoma called Automobile Alley, which used to be home to over 50 car dealerships but has since been converted to a street of funky shops and restaurants. For Christmas most stores-fronts have strings of lights covering the entire building. This isn't the best picture, but this gives you a glimpse of the street as we approached...

It's kinda amazing...

Of course, you can't go out to look at lights without making a trip down to Chesapeake to check out their insane display. (Some of you might remember the post years ago about our first trip out to see the lights). We had Zubie in for the holidays, so we definitely wanted her to see it while she was visiting.

I'm telling you, if something sits still long enough, you can bet it will have lights on it.
Even a construction crane.

You can even get out and walk through the company's campus to get an up-close look at the light magic.

Daniel really, I mean really, likes Christmas lights.
But I'm sure you just figured that out...

This photo below was supposed to be a group shot of us all. As you can see, Zubie was still trying to convince the missing member to join the rest of us. Daniel and I have learned it's futile to attempt photo negotiations with a toddler.

It was c-o-l-d, and I was ready to head back to the heated car when Aubrey finally relented to have her picture taken with "just the girls"...but she sure wasn't going to smile.

We have learned to accept small victories.
Of course, we also tend to immediately press our luck, which turns into another battle...

Funny how Aubrey's protest resembles a slight smile.
We'll count it as a win.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-12-25T18:31:00.000-06:00

I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. -John 12:46

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

2011-12-23T14:00:00.001-06:00

"Whenever Christmas begins to burden, it's a sign that I've taken on something of the world and not of Christ. Any weight in Christmas has to be of this world." -- Ann Voskamp

I pray that you feel a soulful peace as you cherish the truth that Christmas is the most precious gift ever given to the world.

Merry Christmas!

Santa, Santa, Santa!

2011-12-20T14:30:00.002-06:00

We have been seeing quite a bit of Santa these days, which has one little girl as happy as can be!
(She's come a long way since last year...)

Santa was visiting our local Bass Pro Shop, which really goes all out for the holiday season with lots of activities for kids throughout the store. Some stations, however, seemed a little less "kid-friendly" if you ask me...

Even if they are just play guns...there's something deeply unsettling about young children playing with firearms, ya know?

This little lady goes by the name Cowgirl Sassy and can literally shoot the lights out. POW!

I found the Santa Letter Writing station to be much more appropriate for the youngsters...

________________________________________________

Apparently that letter did, in fact, make it to Santa -- look what we found in Aubrey's stocking a few days later...

When Aubrey woke up from her nap (some of us prefer to sleep practically nude around here...), she was beyond excited to discover her own personal letter from Santa!

{Thank you to Grammy and Pop Pop for this fun surprise!}

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And to sum it all up, last week we had our annual Playgroup Christmas Party!

And just look who caught wind of our little holiday shindig... Mr. AND Mrs. CLAUS!
(Aubrey was a tad excited, if you can't tell...)

And the most exciting thing of all...he brought gifts for all the good little girls and boys!

(Aubrey was midway into saying, "Fank You, Santa!" for the millionth time when I took this pic. Haha!)

Oh what fun!

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I promise we take the time to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.

That's a Wrap!

2011-12-19T13:22:00.004-06:00

I will never forget the day I decided to try my hand at wrapping Christmas presents. I believe I was in the tween-age years, and I had just surfaced from our basement after an entire afternoon of The Princess Bride and a mountain of milk chocolate Santa wrappers. I was bored and poking around to see when dinner would be ready.

Just outside the kitchen, the dining room table was covered in boxes, gifts, tape, gift wrap, tissue paper, ribbons and bows. I nonchalantly wrapped one little gift and peaked around the kitchen to my mom, "Hey, does this present look okay?" to which she said, "Oooo...YES!" I asked if I could wrap more and before I knew it, I had full reign on all the holiday gift wrapping.

It was win-win for both of us really. Working a full-time job, my mom didn't exactly have a ton of free hours piled up to tackle the mountain of gifts. And during my Christmas break from school, there were only so many days in a row a girl could watch The Princess Bride before running out of chocolate Santas.

Thus began my love of wrapping gifts...

Now, with this love, it's tempting to want to buy all the chic gift wrap, ribbon, unique gift tags, etc. but I just can't justify spending a fortune on something that will get tossed in the garbage.

And, since we will not be traveling to Kentucky for Christmas this year, we're shipping most of the gifts to our Bluegrass friends and family. I thought it would be fun to use brown packing paper as the wrap and paper doilies with red/white/tan thread (Brown paper packages tied up with string...these are a few of my favorite things... was going through my head the entire time, by the way). No use in doing frilly bows that would inevitably get squished in the shipping process, right? I also found free gift tag printables online and used letter stamps to indicate the recipients. All in all my gift wrap supplies cost came to $4, and I have lots left over. (By the way, the Dollar Store has all sorts of mailing supplies for...well, $1. ha.)

Midway through the wrapping, my little elf showed up wanting to help. Now, because I didn't want to squelch any future desire to one day wrap gifts, I pulled out some finger paints and let Aubrey give several of the gifts a personal "touch".
Can you pick out which ones she helped with..?

Aubrey found a little jingle bell and asked to add it to Grammy's gift...love it.

I had to wrestle the spatulas out of her hands for Aunt Mel's gift with the promise of making footprint snowmen for Zubie's present...

I love the one for Pop Pop, the avid deer hunter...

After all that wrapping, Aubrey asked pitifully, "So, when are you going to wrap a present for me?"
She lives such a sad, depraved life doesn't she?! HA!
Well, that night Daniel and I each picked out a little gift and wrapped it for her. Besides, I don't like the idea of everything being from Santa. He shouldn't get all the credit, you know?!
Daniel's gift to Aubrey on the left makes me melt -- at one point during his wrapping process, he was on www.marthastewart.com learning how to make paper snowflakes step-by-step. Does it get any sweeter than that?! As for my gift to Aubrey, I used some sequined ribbon and added a grouping of cotton-balls as a "snowball". Not that kids don't automatically gravitate toward gifts, but these are two that she's itching to unwrap. :)

It's also fun to use the gift as part of the presentation (like with the red/green spatulas for Aunt Mel's gift). And speaking of Aunt Mel, when it came to getting something for Aubrey's MDO teachers, I took some advice from my seasoned sister -- the teacher. I steered clear from all holiday coffee mugs and any cheesy holiday paraphernalia. I found these chalkboard cookie jars and filled them homemade goodies. Hopefully it's something they will enjoy, share with friends and family, and then be able to use the cookie jar long after the holidays!

Chocolate chip cookies, chocolate covered popcorn with red sprinkles, and double chocolate chunk cookies. I may have tried a little of each treat, you know...to make sure they weren't bad or anything... ;)

The two larger jars are for Aubrey's teachers and the middle jar is for the MDO Director. I figure, the teachers put up the kiddos and the director has to put up with the parents. I'd say they all deserve something sweet for everything they do!

And last but not least, I wanted to give something to Aubrey's Sunday School teachers whom I absolutely adore. I may literally cry when she ages out of their class. They are two Middle Eastern women with the most wonderfully thick accents you can imagine (everyone knows I'm a sucker for accents), and they are -- hands down -- the most genuinely sweet women I have ever met in my life. They dote on Aubrey each Sunday and find the most creative ways to show Christ's love to all the little ones. I hope they liked their gift:

And, well...I'm officially done with my Christmas wrapping this year.
Is it weird to already be looking forward to next year?
I have a problem...
Now pass those chocolate Santas, would ya?!

And in the words of Aubrey's Sunday School teachers...

Meeeehry Chreeeestmas to yoooou, sweet leeeettle ones!

Sunday Snapshot

2011-12-18T12:00:00.000-06:00

Happy 35th Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Your true commitment to one another has been such a testimony to Daniel and me long before our "I do"s.

{Scanned photo from our wedding -- Miami, FL ~ 2003}

Do You Ever Just Have One of Those Weeks?

2011-12-15T10:20:00.000-06:00

Well, you're not alone...

Sunday Snapshot

2011-12-11T18:45:00.004-06:00

O-Ring

2011-12-10T20:30:00.006-06:00

Friday night Daniel called to say he was on his way home.
"Okay Aubrey! Let's get everything picked up -- Daddy's coming home!"
Aubrey chose to pick up the fridge magnets that seem to never actual BE on the fridge.
I hear her say, "Hey Mom, look at my ring!"
Then, "Heeeeyyyy, it's STUCK."
Then, "AAAAHHHHHH!!! HELP!!!!! IT'S REALLY STUCK!!!!!!!!!"

I see Aubrey with the yellow O magnet lodged over her index finger knuckle with the top part of her finger swelling and turning colors by the second.

It was REALLY stuck.

I tried cutting the plastic magnet with a pair of our strongest scissors, but it was no use.
Aubrey was panicking (and so was I), so what do we do?
"YOU NEED TO GET HOME NOW!!!!" I said in as calm a voice as I could muster over the phone to Daniel.
After telling him our situation, he coolly said, "Just get an ice pack for her finger, and I'll take care of it when I get there."
The second he walked in the door, he went into action while I physically restrained the kicking/screaming/freaking out munchkin.
He had her soak her finger in an ice bath to reduce the swelling.
He tried to slip off by applying some oil around the area.
Nothing was working.
I was already envisioning Aubrey at a piano recital while people murmured, "And can you believe she only has nine fingers?! Yeah, something about a tragic childhood accident..."
I can be dramatic, I know.
Finally Daniel went in with the wire cutters, slowly and carefully snipping away the freakishly strong yellow plastic until the finger was free at last!

The sad little finger stayed swollen for awhile...

It was pretty traumatic for us all.

Needing to get things on a happier note, we wiped our faces, put on our shoes and coats.
This evening called for dinner at a restaurant (we never go out to eat...) where Aubrey recovered over a grilled cheese sandwich, fresh fruit, and a chocolate frozen yogurt cone at Jason's Deli (did I mention that we never go out to eat? :)).

And all was well once again.

Except for the O magnet.

Which is more like the C magnet now...

Munchkin Manor Merriment

2011-12-06T19:15:00.002-06:00

Growing up, my sister and I always had our own mini Christmas tree with our Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Series (more on that another day...) to display in our rooms. I absolutely loved my tree and just thinking about it now makes me giddy.

With such fondness of my childhood tree, I knew Aubrey would love to have one to call her own too.
So, with a budget of $0.00, I had to get creative...

I ended up going over-budget and spent $2.
$1 for the silver bow used as the tree topper (dollar store).
$1 for 3 mini silver bows (again at the dollar store).
The mini pre-lit tree is an outdoor decorative tree that we've had for years but didn't end up using this season.
Aubrey's tutu turned into a tree skirt.
And I used some left over sequined ribbon from the Robot party to add some shimmery-ness and weighted it at the ends with pairs of Aubrey's hairbows.
Also, each year Aubrey is given an ornament that summarizes her year, so I didn't count the cost of this year's ornament (which is never over $10) since it was going to be purchased regardless of her mini tree.

{2008: for this memory. 2009: for this memory. 2010: for this memory. 2011: for this memory.}

Once the tree was done, I thought it would be fun to add some whimsical holiday touches around her room...

Aubrey received this stocking last year from her MDO teachers. I just did a quick free-handed stitching of her name on it as an accessory stocking on her doorway, not the main one above the fireplace.

{Free printables found here.}

But Aubrey's favorite part of it all?

This little surprise under her tree...

{Inside is this little book, in case you were as curious as Miss Aubrey...}

Oh the fun, joy, and agonizing wait that is Christmas!

********************

It's about to kill Aubrey to not open this gift. I'm starting to think it may have been cruel of me to put it under her tree. She stares at it all night in anxious anticipation. It's like the Ultimate Skittles experiment for a toddler:

If you open this gift before Christmas it's the only gift you'll get...BUT if you WAIT...

you'll get LOTS more presents to open...it's up to you...

Maybe I should put a little candy-cane or chocolate treat in her door stocking each morning to help ease the wait?

Parade of Lights

2011-12-05T16:35:00.000-06:00

Last week we bundled up and made our way to downtown Edmond for the annual Christmas Parade of Lights.

Aubrey's bestie was there too, which made it extra wonderful. :)

From the storefront windows painted with Christmas cheer to seeing all sorts of lights on display down the street -- it was a fun way to get into the festive spirit.

And look who made a surprise cameo...

Aubrey announced in pure excitement, "I didn't know SANTA was going to be here!!!!"

She has proceeded to tell me every day since, "Mom, I had so much fun at the parade!"

Gotta love good, old-fashioned holiday fun!

Sunday Snapshot

2011-12-04T17:49:00.000-06:00

Just Because

2011-12-01T13:30:00.011-06:00

I haven't done a post on the munchkin in awhile...
And since I have lots of sweet pictures of my girl...
I'd say it's the perfect time to give a little update!

First of all, she's growing up so darn fast.
And she'll tell you she cannot wait to be a grown-up! When you ask her why, she says, "Because then I can chew gum, drink coke, drive, and have real babies."

She loves to sing, dance, and play her instruments (drum-set, plastic flute and saxophone, and keyboard).
She's our little superstar...

She is stubborn, strong-willed, and gives me a run for my money every dad-gum day.
I constantly remind her that she is not the boss, but she's still not convinced.
A recent conversation between the two of us:
Aubrey: Okay, we can either go to the park or the ice cream shop. It's your choice, Mom.
Me: Well, it's 39 degrees outside so we're not going anywhere.
You can either color or play with your playdough. It's your choice.
Aubrey: Well, I like my options better, so...pick one.
Lord help me.

She's a perfect angel at school and church -- the model child.
Sweet, polite, and follows directions.
I get nothing but rave reports from her teachers.

She is a fast little booger.
Daniel is already day-dreaming of her following his footsteps in running track/hurdles.

She could talk the hind leg off a mule (name that movie/mini-series), and speaks very understandably for a toddler. She does have trouble pronouncing some letters, which I find adorable:
Cs and Ks (She was a tuptake [cupcake] for Halloween, and she loves to give tisses [kisses].)
Ths -- fank you [thank you]
Ls -- wittle [little]
gs -- She's a good dirl [girl].
She used to have a lisp, and I about cried the day she properly pronounced octopus without it sounding like octoputhsss. I know it'll break my heart the day she perfectly pronounces, "Mom, may I have a little cupcake for being a good girl. Oh, thank you -- here's a kiss!"

She can definitely crack herself up, and the girl loves a good joke.
Her favorites are of the knock-knock variety.
She makes up her own and thinks they're all hilarious.

She loves to make up rhyming words, "calculate" numbers -- adding/subtracting, and she turns everything into a pattern. She is still obsessed with robots and wants to go to the Science Museum every single day. I get asked all the time, "Will I ever be able to live in outer space?" It's a rough life here on Earth, I suppose...

Aubrey used to have an imaginary friend named Mia. Then, Mia stopped showing up, but a girl named Maya started "calling" on the pretend phone in Aubrey's play kitchen. (uhhh, spooooky!) The other day in the car she told Daniel and me that Maya used to be real but now she isn't. We didn't probe into it. I'm hoping this means the calls will stop soon.

She sleeps from 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. and will usually ask to go to the potty at some point during the night. She RARELY takes a nap these days but stays in her room for 50 minutes of "rest time" thanks to the magical clock. Oh how I miss those days of 2.5-3 hour naps...

I must admit that the 3s have been rougher than the 2s. In the midst of toddler tantrums, out-of-nowhere fits, and outright defiance -- I can see that those growing pains are just part of making room for the young lady she will soon become.

And even on the worst days, God grants me moments of pure sweetness that warm my heart.

And I'm reminded of just how blessed I truly am.

You are loved to the moon and back Miss Aubrey Ruth!

Lucky Number 15

2011-11-29T14:00:00.001-06:00

I've been meaning to do a follow-up post after this Sunday Snapshot...oh, ya know, a month ago!

It's a pretty awesome story, actually...

So, back in August I left a comment on Kim Haynes Photography Facebook page for a free photo session in September.

Would you believe I won?!

Lucky number 15, that's me!
Free photo session: free CD and free 5x7 prints of ALL the pictures.
$400 value for F-R-E-E.
Um, boo-yah.

I have been so spoiled by the amazing Ann Wade, who always brings her camera when she comes for a visit. But, as you can imagine, she's kinda super insane busy because if anyone is engaged, getting married, having babies, showing off their pets, or just living life they all want Ann Wade to take a picture of it...so it's kinda been impossible to get her out here. Never fear though -- we plan on remedying that at some point before we pack our bags and bid farewell to the Sooner State. Besides, she has some kick-a cowboy boots that are just begging to scoot back over to Oklahoma.

Anyway...after being totally disappointed using someone else for Easter pictures many moons ago, I've been too leery to pay anyone else to click our pic.

But winning a free photo session from a highly regarded photographer?
Why not?

So, after all my blah-blah-blah, wanna see some of them?
{I've left my favorite ones out for Christmas card purposes, and the solo shots of Aubrey will be featured in a separate post.}

I'm so glad that Kim took some pictures of just Daniel and me.

'Cause I'm kinda crazy in love with him...

And it looks like he gives another little lady that smitten, giggly feeling too...

Make. Me. Melt...

I call this one Aubrey's Abercrombie and Fitch poster pose.
(and Ashley's "Hey Honey, is there anything in my teeth?" ha.)

So...funny story with this picture below.
I had this grandiose idea to have Aubrey hold up a star as the sunlight shone brightly behind it for a symbolic image of letting our light shine for all the world to see. Or something like that. Needless to say my vision didn't quite come into fruition. But in my mind? Oh, it was going to be so amazingly awesome...

But regardless of my not-so-bright idea (pun intended), I think the pictures definitely capture "us"...

And I love us.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-11-27T17:00:00.006-06:00

Black {Party at the Cabana} Friday

2011-11-26T14:00:00.001-06:00

So after Thanksgiving, it's on to BLACK FRIDAY!
I know some people live for those break-of-dawn deals, but I'd just rather stay in my jammies and order online.
But when Aubrey's bestie {Lauren} invited us out for pedicures and lunch, that was simply an offer we couldn't refuse.
I loved the thought of crazed shoppers racing around while I sat in a leather massage chair having my toes pampered.

While Lauren was definitely on my wavelength and ready for a morning of relaxation, Aubrey wasn't so sure about this whole pedicure thing. She was, in a word, tense.

I thought letting Aubrey pick out a nail-color from the wall of polish would help get her on board.
She instantly picked her favorite one and handed me "Party at the Cabana". I liked it and thought it was very Mele Kalikimaka of her.

Lauren's Mama and I both plopped down in a pedicure seat.
You know, to show the girls there was nothing to be afraid of...(wink, wink)

Well, Lauren was more than happy to jump right in and partake in the pampering...

While Aubrey was much more comfortable watching from the sidelines...

Lauren even tried to do a mock pedi with Aubrey to show her there was nothing to fear, but Aubrey was still insisting, "No thank you!"

Besides, the mystical glow from the nail dryer was luring Aubrey over like a moth to a flame.

And that was the end of that.
At least one of us walked out with a Party at the Cabana on their toes.
:)

********

I realized that my first pedicure wasn't until right before my wedding day.
Looks like that might be Aubrey's first one too...

A Lovely Friendsgiving

2011-11-25T15:00:00.007-06:00

Last year we weren't able to go to Kentucky to celebrate Thanksgiving with our families.
This year was no different.

Daniel worked some on Thanksgiving day and will be working today and over the weekend, so going to Kentucky was not an option again this year.
Also, Daniel's mom and brother are currently in Australia!
So, yeah.
Thanksgiving minus the family this year.

As sad as that is, we are soooo THANKFUL for our neighbors who are also journeying down residency road. They were stuck in Oklahoma this year too, so we decided to have our Thanksgiving together!

And since this was not your typical Thanksgiving, we decided to spice things up a bit and fry the turkey.

The guys were pretty juiced up to see how it would work -- normally the Thanksgiving bird stress lands on the females, so it was nice to punt that weighty responsibility to the menfolk.

They were quite pleased with themselves -- man had victory over the machine.
It's quite a masculine achievement.
Oh, and the turkey was DELICIOUS, by the way.
I'm not sure I'll ever eat another plain, old turkey again.

The afternoon was a wonderful reminder of how blessed we are to have such great friends right down the street.

{photo courtesy of Aubrey}

So even though we didn't get to spend Thanksgiving with our family, we kept our chin up, and had a downright wonderful day of giving thanks!

Life Lesson from a Homeless Man

2011-11-22T13:00:00.004-06:00

**I wrote this post after Daniel and I went to Chicago back in April/May and realized I never posted it. Just in time for "Thanksgiving" I suppose...**

One of my resolutions was to give a meal to a homeless man or woman at some point before 2012.

While Daniel and I were in Chicago, we passed a lot of homeless men and women. They would hold their cup out, jangle it to get your attention, and then audibly beg for any spare change you might have.

I told Daniel after our first couple of days of walking the city streets, "I think this is the best place to check off my resolution to feed a homeless person."

I decided on our way out to a nice dinner, that I would bring back some food for the homeless man who asked us for money on our way there.

Once we finished our Italian cuisine, I had the Cavattapi con Pollo (corkscrew pasta with herb-grilled chicken breast, fresh spinach and a light creamy alfredo sauce.) and fresh bread ready to fill a hungry man's stomach.

Unfortunately, the man I saw on our way to the restaurant was long gone.

Before I had time to really wonder what I was going to do with the getting-colder-every-minute grub, I was interrupted:

"Spare change?" he asked us.
"No, but I have food for you!" I announced, instantly feeling a bit awkward now that we were face-to-face.
The man grumbled while shaking his head, "Please don't tell me it's pizza...if I have to eat one more piece of pizza..."*
I seriously laughed out loud.
"No, it's not pizza. It's pasta and bread. We just left the restaurant; it's still warm."
"Oh, okay. I'll give it a try, I guess. Sure you don't got any change? Anything?" he asked in a last attempt.
"Sorry...I hope this food blesses you tonight."
I watched as he walked down the street opening the bag.
*Ironically, the last time Daniel and I were in Chicago several years ago, we gave a homeless man our leftover Giordano's pizza.

"Please don't tell me it's pizza..." has been running through my head ever since that night.
I laugh every time I think about it.
I love it that a homeless man was picky about his free food.
It's hard for me to relate to an older gentleman who is wearing tattered clothes and sleeping in doorways or park benches every night.
But his picky-ness struck a chord with me.
He and I, all of a sudden, weren't so different.

The man was going to refuse food, Chicago's renowned deep-dish pizza no less, because he was sick of it.

Reminds me of the Israelites as they bellyached throughout the desert.
Please tell me it's not manna again.
I'm so sick of manna.

Hmmm...also reminds me of, well...me.

How often do I get sick of the manna God sends down to me each morning?
Fresh blessings to sustain me throughout the day that literally fall from Heaven down at my feet.
How many days do I just trample all over them?
Blessings I didn't work for, blessings I didn't earn.
Free manna, free blessing.

But so many days, I refuse.
Instead I hold my hand out, begging the world to fill me with something that just leads to a deeper emptiness.

So, thank you, Mr. Homeless Man in Chicago.
Your words were like a cold splash of water in my face.
You reminded me that God always miraculously provides and that I am rarely thankful for any of it.

Ever since that night on the streets of Chicago, I have started praying for gratefulness.
To hunger for it -- physically crave it.

I want to eat that deep-dish of blessing God keeps handing me morning after morning, day after day.
Because the more I look around me, the more I realize we're all begging and hungry for something.
And until we fully give our life to Christ, aren't we're all homeless?

Sunday Snapshot

2011-11-20T13:00:00.001-06:00

Are You Ready for the Month of Mailbox Magic?

2011-11-19T12:00:00.004-06:00

Now I know it's not yet Thanksgiving, and for some of us that means simply uttering the word "Christmas" is considered a true atrocity.
But.
I think you'll want to know about this...
It has to do with Christmas cards and them being F-R-E-E.

I thought that would get your attention...

Now isn't it always an exciting day when the first Christmas card finds its way to your mailbox?

I always love seeing what kind of card people choose and the photo cards with all the cute, smiling faces wishing me Christmas Cheer throughout the New Year.

So, I need to ask you -- Have you picked your Christmas card out yet?

Well if you haven't, you should definitely check out the Christmas Cards from Tiny Prints.

And the best part -- if you have a blog -- simply write a post about Tiny Prints and get 50 FREE cards (size and style of your choice!). Just fill out this form, and a rep from Tiny Prints will contact you with further instructions.

The only bad part about this deal is that you'll have to decide which card to pick!
Tiny Prints has every kind of design style you can think of...

Contemporary:

New Classic:

Vintage:

Whimsy:

Portrait:

Preppy:

Rainbow:

See what I mean?

So, if the conversation with your husband regarding Christmas Cards goes something like mine:
{After spending way too much time drafting multiple options for our family Christmas Cards online...}
Me: "Hey, Honey...will you tell me which Christmas card you like best?"
Daniel: "Hmmm...which one is the cheapest...?"
Me: "Umm, looks like the third option."
Daniel: "Okay, yeah...that one is my favorite."

Well, now you can respond, "They're free!"
Which he'll then probably say, "Well, I'll like whichever one you pick..." and immediately go back to watching football. ;)

So...just have fun picking out the one YOU like best!

As a mom, we don't get to do that very often, do we?!

Fudge!

2011-11-18T13:30:00.038-06:00

Last year I didn't make a single batch of fudge.
Tragic.
I wasn't about to let a second year go by without making it, so this week I made FOUR batches.

Tuesday was a lovely brisk and bright Fall day -- perfect for making fudge!
(Did you know you can't make fudge on a cloudy/rainy day? It's true. It won't "set". I learned that from my Mama, and she learned it from her Mama, who probably learned it from her Mama. So don't make fudge on a cloudy/rainy day, mmmkay?)

Back to the FOUR batches...
Chocolate.
Peanut Butter.
Chocolate/Peanut Butter Combo.

And, the wild card...
Cake Batter Fudge.

By the way, it's been nearly impossible to keep certain little sticky fingers out of the fudge...

So...if you make fudge, be sure to keep your eye out for this girl.
She's notorious for stealing fudge.
Authorities are referring to her as The Fudge Felon.

So what's the best way to keep your fudge safe?

Share with your friends and neighbors!

{Free Thanksgiving Printables}

________________________________________________

Chocolate Fantasy Fudge
*Recipe found on the back of most Marshmallow Creme jars. It's the recipe my mom always used. It's simple and delicious!

Ingredients

3 cups sugar

3/4 cup butter or margarine

1 small can (5 oz.) evaporated milk (about 2/3 cup)

1-1/2 pkg. (12 squares) Baker's Semi-Sweet Chocolate*, chopped

1 jar (7 oz.) Marshmallow Creme

1 cup chopped walnuts (optional in our house)

1 tsp. vanilla

Directions

Line 9-inch square pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides. Bring sugar, butter and evaporated milk to full rolling boil in 3-qt. saucepan on medium heat, stirring constantly. Cook 4 min. or until candy thermometer reaches 234°F, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Add chocolate and marshmallow creme; stir until melted. Add nuts and vanilla; mix well.

Pour into prepared pan; spread to cover bottom of pan. Cool completely. Use foil handles to lift fudge from pan before cutting into squares.

*For the Peanut Butter Fudge, just substitute 12 ounces of peanut butter in place of the 12 ounces of chocolate.

Cake Batter Fudge
*Recipe found here.

Ingredients

¾ cup sweetened condensed milk
1 (12 oz.) package white chocolate chips
3 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp almond extract
Rainbow Sprinkles

Directions

Pour milk and white chocolate into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for 2-3 minutes, or until white chocolate is almost completely melted. Stir until completely blended, melted, and smooth.

Immediately add vanilla and almond extracts and combine thoroughly.

Add a handful or so of rainbow sprinkles and fold into the mixture.

Transfer to an aluminum-foil lined 8×8 inch baking pan. Add sprinkles as topping if desired.
Let set at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Enjoy!

What the Wreath?

2011-11-16T16:25:00.006-06:00

I joined Pinterest awhile back and then tried to forget about it since it completely overwhelmed me.
I still don't actually understand it or how it works.
It. It. It.
According to the website: it's a Virtual Pinboard. (wha?)
But I do know that Pinterest (aka: It) has this weird ability to make you *think* you're crafty.

I'm reminded of this every time I pull into our driveway and notice our front door.

My first visit to pinterest, I was bombarded with about a gazillion "pins" of Fall wreaths.
I immediately closed the webpage and with glazed-over eyes was convinced that I. Must. Make. Fall. Wreath. Now.

So, that's what I did.
I made three, actually.
I'm such an over-achiever aren't I?

I didn't even want to make wreaths.
I still don't know why, exactly, I made the wreaths.
Wreaths. Wreaths. Wreaths.

I made all three for $4*.
(How I wish it was only $3 so that I could write Three. Three. Three. Well, looks like I did anyway. Ha.)
*Some of you are probably thinking...you spent that much?!

3 floral foam wreaths at $1/ea
(the wreaths weren't fully rounded and the foam was flaky-- you can see alittle of it poking through the burlap wreath *oops*...)
1 bouquet of silk flowers
(I'm typically not a huge fan of faux flowers...but whatever.)
$4 spent at the Dollar Store, and I was on my way back home in my wreath-daze.

The rest of the items I had on hand:
Satin ribbon left over from making diaper cakes.
Burlap and twine left over from Aubrey's Garden Party.
Brown tulle from my gift-wrap/ribbon stash.

At one point in my wreath-making frenzy Daniel said, "Remind me again why you are doing all this?"
"I don't know, Honey. I. Don't. Know."

All this to say...I still don't understand Pinterest or how it somehow convinced me to make three wreaths.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to pin this on my board for all my followers to see.
Whatever any of that means...

Tea {Party} Time

2011-11-14T20:30:00.004-06:00

One of the girls in our playgroup (Claire) has an older sister.

Well, Claire's big sister was having a birthday tea party, and Claire's Mama said she could pick a friend to invite so she wouldn't feel left out.
Claire picked Aubrey.

Oh the joy and excitement!
BIG GIRL TEA PARTY!
BIG GIRL TEA PARTY!

There were two prerequisites to attend the Big Girl Tea Party:
1. Wear a "fancy" dress.
2. Bring your favorite babydoll.

The morning of the party, however, Aubrey announced out-of-the-blue, "My throat hurts..."
Oh no.
Why is it that kids ALWAYS get sick on the weekends when the pediatrician's office is closed?
And, why does this always happen when the doctor in our house is at work?

Allergies are terrible around here, and I thought her throat was probably just sore due to drainage, but I wasn't about to risk infecting all the sweet girls at the party. Especially since Aubrey was technically a "wild card" attendee.

I called the after-hours clinic and squeezed into the only appointment time slot left: 11:15 a.m.
The party was going to be starting at 11:30.
Eeks.
We packed the car with Aubrey's "fancy" dress, babydoll, and gift so that if cleared by the doc
we could just dash to the party immediately after the appointment.

Well, when Aubrey realized her party fate would be determined by the doctor's evaluation, she went ballistic.
All the doctor needed to do was check her throat (and ears for good measure).
Aubrey's mentality: If I don't let the doctor look at my throat (or ears for good measure), then she can't tell me I can't go to the party.

Now, I never saw the movie The Exorcist, but I'm betting what I witnessed in the doctor's office was along the same lines. Aubrey went full psycho on me.
Luckily, when a child is screaming bloody-murder the doctor has a very clear view of the throat and tonsils. It appeared to the doctor that it was just allergies, so a $35 co-pay later and out the door we went.

Aubrey had pitched such a fit, I was sooooooo close to saying she would not be going to the tea party after that horrendous display. But when she asked in such sadness through gasps of air, "Did. The. Doctor. Say. I. Could. Go. To. The. Tea. Party? I. Really. Really. Want. To. Go. Mommy." I found myself saying Yes while pulling her "fancy" dress over her tear-stained face.

The party was in full force when we arrived.
One of Aubrey's assets is that she's basically the same size as most "big girls" so she's never too intimidated to squeeze into older girls' domain.

(It's so funny to me that I have NEVER seen a child in a smocked dress here in Oklahoma. If this had been in Alabama or Kentucky it would have been smock central.)

Each girl had their own pink 3-tiered lunch along with a little tea set for their dolls.
Can you tell Aubrey was totally LOVING it?!

The lunch menu was beyond precious:
Bottom tier: salad, grilled turkey/cheese, peanut butter and marshmallow cream heart sandwich.
Middle tier: scones, whipped creme dollop with sprinkles, grape cluster.
Top tier: brownie bite with a cherry on top, chocolate covered strawberry, and a fresh flower.
Oh, and pink lemonade to drink!

Aubrey found the chocolate covered strawberry first...

Then the flower, of course...

She fixed her babydoll tea about 23 times...

But, sadly, her babydoll was never even offered a sip. Poor thing...

(I'm going to need to go ahead and check the going rate for kidneys if Aubrey catches the American Girl Doll pandemic. It was rampant at this party. Besides, her namesake was obsessed with her Molly doll growing up, so I'm guessing it's just a matter of time...especially since there's a Ruthie doll.)

And the finale: Cupcake Time!

I don't know if it was the fact that I was surrounded by "big girls" or what, but if it weren't for the cupcake crumbs on her lips and all down the front of her dress, I would have thought I just watched my little munchkin turn into a full out young lady right before my eyes...

Would you look at this girl?
"Um Mother Dear...would you be a doll and pull the car around? I'd hate to ruin to my new shoes..."

Oh my.

____________________________________________________________

Now that Aubrey has two adorable Tea Sets (one for babydolls and one for big girls), it's pretty much tea time around the clock over here.

Anyone want to come over and play? We'll provide the tea and crumpets! :)

Sunday Snapshot

2011-11-13T17:44:00.004-06:00

Why is it so difficult to get a picture with everyone looking the same direction and smiling?

{Tootie, Aunt Shannon, Grammy, Aunt Mel, Aubrey, and me}

But I Would Be Proud to Partake of Your Pecan Pie

2011-11-12T14:00:00.021-06:00

Any time I hear the word "pecan" I think of this scene in When Harry Met Sally.
I just realized I used a movie quote for the last post too.
I'll try to stop.

Anyway...
While we were in Kentucky, Zubie invited us over to pick pecans.
This was the same day as the apple orchard excursion, so we were definitely in the "picking" mode.
We even had Aunt Mel and Tootie join us since they missed out on the morning fun.

Zubie always has the neatest tools -- she had a pecan picker-upper (that's the technical name...) for each of us. It was like a tennis or golf ball hopper, but for pecans. See?

It was fun searching for the pecans -- kinda like a camouflage Easter egg hunt.

After picking up quite a few, Zubie wanted to show Aubrey exactly what was inside the pecan shell...

Aubrey even tried her first pecan.
Which, as it turns out, was her last.

And speaking of wanting to gag...
My sister snagged my camera, snapped this photo below, and immediately announced, "Perfect -- I got all your butts!" (and almost *too* much of mine...nice.)

(Note that all of us with the pecan picker-uppers are hunched over, while Zubie's the only without one and is standing upright.)

By the way, remind me to never let my sister take my camera again...

And just to explain something -- I didn't have a hairband, and it was super windy that day.
I used the scarf to keep my hair from whipping me in the face. It worked, however ridiculous I looked.

Anyway, after Aubrey totally dominated in finding pecans (we decided she was better at it because she's lower to the ground), she took off with Aunt Mel (who still had my camera, I might add).

Hey Aubrey, with all that energy you have, why don't you pick up any spare branches and twigs you can find?
Two minutes later...

Ha, just kidding.

We ended up with quite an impressive basket of pecans once it was all said and done.
By the way, the minute you decide, "Okay, I'm done looking for pecans..." you'll find a hundred.

As the sun started to fade Aubrey announced, "This is the best day ever!"

And it kinda was.

How Do You Like Them Apples?

2011-11-09T21:35:00.001-06:00

Aubrey and I were blessed with some amazing Fall weather during our visit to the Bluegrass state, and we capitalized on every ounce of glorious sunshine.

One morning Grammy, Aubrey, and I took off to Reid's Orchard to pick apples.

We missed the Apple Festival by a week but found the perfect row of apple deliciousness.
We'd never heard of Arkansas Black apples before, but after sneaking one (or 10) crunchy bite(s) we were hooked!

We seriously couldn't pry this apple from her hands...

By the way, if you ever come across this variety of apple, I highly recommend it.
It's juicy and crisp with a hint of Granny Smith. Mmmm...

We all took turns climbing the ladder and plucking the red beauties from the tree.

It's funny how something as simple as picking apples can make your heart swell with such happiness.

We also took advantage of the other activities the orchard had to offer -- specifically for the little munchkins.

Don't be fooled by her face, she had fun.

After feeding some goats and guzzling down a cherry apple slushy, and we were back at Grammy and Pop Pop's house with our harvest.

And ended an evening on a rather sweet note...

(sorry this picture color/tone/quality is not the greatest)

I found this recipe for Apple Nachos -- feel free to give it a try!

Apple Nachos

30 large marshmallows
1/3 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup caramel apple dip
4 medium tart apples, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices
1/3 cup nut topping (the kind with the ice cram toppings) or chopped dry roasted peanuts
1/3 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

In a large saucepan, melt marshmallows and butter.
Arrange apple slices on a large platter and drizzle caramel over the apples.
Then drizzle with the marshmallow mixture.
Sprinkle with nut topping and chocolate chips.
Serve immediately.

Sunday Snapshot {Revised}

2011-11-06T20:21:00.001-06:00

As much as I would absolutely LOVE to claim that I snapped this photo, it was actually captured by the ultra talented Kim Haynes.

More to come...

The 710 mile trek to Trick-or-Treat

2011-11-02T14:30:00.006-05:00

Most people trick-or-treat in their neighborhood.

Or a neighborhood close by.
Or a neighborhood with big houses and rich people who (rumor has it) give away WHOLE candy bars.

Well, with Daniel working nights, Aubrey and I decided we didn't want to spend Halloween alone.
So, we hopped on a plane to go trick-or-treating in Kentucky.

That's normal, right?
HA!

We sat in coach, but Aubrey found a way to make her flying experience nothing short of first-class.

Once we were all settled in Kentucky, it was time to unpack the costume and embark on some trick-or-treating fun!

My sister and her hubby live in a neighborhood chalk full of young families -- JACKPOT!

Aubrey made up about five different trick-or-treating songs and dances as we went from door-to-door.

She insisted on going door-to-door with Aunt Mel.
No one else was allowed to accompany her.

The night was going splendidly -- we even ran into our old childhood neighbors who we always trick-or-treated with each year. It seemed so crazy that we were now taking OUR kiddos trick-or-treating! Oh, the circle of life!

Then the night took a bit of a scary turn, literally.
Aubrey came upon a house that had some rather gruesome halloween decor.
She stared in horror while Aunt Mel quickly encouraged an alternate trick-or-treating route.
It was too late.
The damage had been done and my happy little trick-or-treater went from singing candy songs to cowering behind Aunt Mel at each house. She decided she was done and just wanted to go back home.

She stayed safe and sound with her Pop Pop the rest of the night, which was just fine with him...

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T12:30:00.002-05:00

*I don't typically like to have Aubrey dress up as something like a witch -- the cupcake is more my Halloween preference. This was just for the pun and fun. :)

Sunday Snapshot

2011-10-30T21:09:00.000-05:00

Parting with the Paci

2011-10-28T13:25:00.002-05:00

I remember giving Aubrey a pacifier for the first time.

(Is that really Aubrey? Oh my. I don't remember her being that bald.)

And you could say it was love at first suck.
Aubrey loved it so much that she wanted it all the time.
It was the key to getting her to sleep and our best friend for car rides.
Particularly the 12 hour ones to Kentucky.

Realizing that Aubrey's love for the paci was not waning, we made a rule to only use the paci for nap-time and bedtime when Aubrey was between 1 - 1.5 years old.

She was not a fan of this new rule, as you can see...

Well, as you all know, Aubrey is now THREE.
The time had come to part ways with the paci.
But with Aubrey, things are never black and white.
I knew this was going to be tricky.
This girl is strong-willed to the core.

So, the morning of Aubrey's birthday, Daniel took her to pick up some last minute birthday party essentials and while they were gone, the Paci Fairy stopped by for a quick pick-up and delivery.

She picked-up the pacis and left a magical note, glow in the dark stars for her ceiling, a mini pillow "piggy" pet (she sleeps on a big pillow "piggy" pet), and a paci that doesn't work (snipped the tip) now that she's a "big girl".

The note from the Paci Fairy...

Well, after her Robot Party, a worn-out Aubrey came home and did not nap.
I was getting nervous as bedtime neared.
Surely she'd have to sleep at some point, right?

Well, when bedtime arrived, she was tearfully begging for her paci.
The withdrawal process was beginning, and it wasn't pretty.
After lots of crying and sadness, we gave her the "broken" paci.

She was out like a light in less than a minute.

She continued to sleep with her "broken" paci for over two weeks. Each morning she'd tell me to snip off a little more of her paci (She wants to keep her paci, yet asks me to cut more of it off. I cannot figure that girl out for the life of me.). And finally, on October 5th, she went to bed and slept through the night without it.

I wish I could end this post with And We All Lived Happily Ever After, but...um...no.

Aubrey's naps became hit or miss -- with more days being non-napping days.
And she started waking up much earlier than usual, which honestly, was not fun.
Particularly at 5:19 a.m.
On Saturday.
When Daniel is working all weekend.

This just simply wasn't going to work.
I know when you have kids, you pretty much kiss sleep good-bye, but good heavens...

It was time to brainstorm.

I thought about getting Aubrey a piggy bank and giving her a "coin" for each night she slept and each nap she took. Then at the end of the month, she could buy a prize.

Or maybe I could make a sleep chart where she gets to put a sticker on for each bedtime/naptime success with a prize at the end of the week if she gets, say 5 out of 7 or something.

But, then I got to thinking...Should I reward expected behavior?

Also, I didn't really feel like making a chart.

Hmmm...what about giving her hefty doses of benadryl to knock her out?
Juuuuust kidding. ;)

So instead of coming up with a clever, creative, non life-threatening way to catch some Zzzzs, I just bought a $60 child's alarm clock that is, quite frankly, one of the ugliest things I've ever seen.

It goes like this:
When the clock is blue = sleep time.
When the clock turns yellow = wake up time.
There is a separate nap-time function where I can set it for a specified amount of time with the same principle (blue/yellow light). This way, whether she naps or not, she is "resting" (aka: Mama gets some alone time) for at least 40 minutes. Thank you, Jesus.

It has lots of other functions (as it should for $60, am I right?!) that I haven't messed with yet.
It can play bedtime stories, lullabies, wake music, and white noise (like ocean sounds). And it includes a built-in Timeout Timer (red light) and Toddler Activity Manager (green light) for any positive timed activity like picking up toys.

The clock has worked like a charm.
We've gone from "It's not time to get up -- go back to sleep!" and having her wail and ultimately get up because it was evident that no one would be sleeping anymore to "Oh look, your clock is still blue...still bedtime...be sure to let me know when it's yellow! Nite nite!"

The sixty bucks for this magical clock was hard to fork over at first, but honestly...can you really put a price on sleep?

So.
There you have it.
No more pacis.
And sleep has returned to our humble abode.
All is well once again.

Now, I'm sure by the time I turn around, I will be kicking the bed of my 16-year-old Aubrey telling her for the millionth time "GET UP! YOU CAN'T SLEEP ALL DAY!"

Parenting is the weirdest thing.

Storybook Forest

2011-10-27T12:53:00.006-05:00

Last night we shimmied Aubrey into her Halloween costume and made our way to The Storybook Forest.

Aubrey's best friend, Lauren (aka Dora the Explorer), came too which was the cherry on top for our little cupcake!

These girls were so excited to get into the Storybook Forest where they meet characters from classic storybook tales.
Oh, and get candy too. :)

There was an old lady who lived in a shoe... and Peter Peter Pumpkin Eater... to just name a few.

Aubrey was loving every minute!

After we made our way through the forest, it was time to play some games.
Aubrey had fun handing over her tickets, tossing bean bags, and leaving with some Halloween loot.

Before making our way back to the car, we enjoyed some s'mores by the fire.
(By the way, let me just tell you, Daniel roasts the p-e-r-f-e-c-t marshmallows.)

After a full evening of fun, it was time to say goodnight!

This cupcake sure had a sweet time!

Sunday Snapshot

2011-10-23T17:20:00.001-05:00

With Daniel working so much lately, Aubrey and I are finding ways to MAN UP!

{Aubrey told me to put my mustache on upside-down so it would be "smiley".}

Ghouls Night Pumpkin Carving Party!

2011-10-22T14:55:00.007-05:00

Friday night was the annual Ghouls Night Pumpkin Carving Party!
As always, hostess Jennifer made the night truly spook-tacular!

The theme this year was black and white...

I love it when people wear fun festive things to a party.
My favorites of the night were the preggo Halloween shirt and "batting" eyelashes -- LOVE IT!

I carved the second pumpkin of my life, and well...this is the best it looked.
I can't bring myself to post the finished product. It was terrible.

Next up was the Halloween sock competition.
Last year I won "Best Presentation" with my candy corn high heels, but this year I just ended up as one sad kitty.

Well, I wasn't too sad...that's impossible after spending an evening with these boo-tiful ladies!

Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

2011-10-21T14:30:00.004-05:00

Around Christmas, there's always a strange desire to make and decorate sugar or gingerbread cookies.
Well, when I found this recipe for chocolate cut-out cookies, I thought it was just begging for me to use my Halloween cookie cutters.

Of course, I can always count on Aubrey to lend a helping hand.
Note the fat cheek in the pic on the right -- it's filled with chocolate cookie dough. Stinker.

It was a fun Halloween-y activity to do with my little ghoul.
And cookies are always a great "incentive" to get her to finish her lunch. ;)

Not that I bribe her or anything...

______________________________________

If you wanna give these a try, here's the recipe!

Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Ingredients:
2 and 1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. cocoa powder
1 cup (2 sticks) regular salted butter
1 c. sugar
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350. Line baking sheets with parchment or a silicone baking mat if you have either of those.

Cream together the butter and sugar untihttp://myths.e2bn.org/library/1146299904/witch_laugh_a.mp3l light an fluffy (1-2 full minutes). Beat in the egg and vanilla until well combined.

Whisk flour and cocoa powder together and then slowly add to the butter mixture by spoonfuls with mixer at low speed. Scrape down sides and bottom of bowl as needed.

Lightly dust rolling surface with coco powder or flour or a mixture of both. (I use cocoa powder). Roll dough about 1/4 inch thick. It helps to roll soft dough in between sheets of plastic wrap or parchment and then place them in the fridge for about 15 minutes (or the freezer for 5-10) until firm.

Cut out shapes and place on baking sheets. Bake for 8-10 minutes, until set. Sometimes it’s hard to tell with chocolate cookies when they are done, so just watch for the dough to not look “wet” anymore and the edges should be holding their shape nicely.

Let cookies cool for 2-3 minutes and then use a spatula to place them on a cooling rack.

Our Pumpkin Patch Tradition

2011-10-18T18:30:00.001-05:00

When you do something three years in a row, you can start calling it a "tradition", right?
Because each year we've been in Oklahoma, we have taken a family trip to the pumpkin patch.{2009 and 2010}

This year was our third visit, thus our declaration of The Pumpkin Patch Tradition.

{Doesn't Aubrey looked thrilled to have her picture taken?}

There's always more than just pumpkins at the pumpkin patch.
Aubrey usually makes a mad dash to the petting zoo area first thing. In the picture sequence below, it seems she was willing to do anything to get this donkey to laugh. Even if he never cracked a smile, I was sure chuckling!

Telling him jokes / Dancing a jig / Tickling

Then she moseyed over to her favorite tractor.

It was all business until the cute farmhand showed up...

Now, I don't know if I have ever mentioned this before, but I have a strange obsession with gourds. I absolute love them. When I saw this, I was in heaven. Is this not the coolest thing?

In the evenings, this particular pumpkin patch hosts concerts/bands. Once Aubrey spotted the stage, I wasn't sure we'd ever be able to leave.

"Ladies and Gentlemen. It's almost time for the show! Please take your seats!" she announced.

Once Daniel and I took our seats, Aubrey would leave the stage. She would proceed to make us wait for a bit, then (in pure rockstar form) run on stage.

It was quite a performance...

I have major stage fright.
But Miss Aubrey? She basks in the spotlight.
I pray she never loses that confidence.
I feel the need to mention that Daniel was going on barely 2.5 hours of sleep.
I'm telling you...the man works all. the. time.
He was such a trooper.

As the sun was starting to fade, we each picked our own special pumpkin...
And as we left, I couldn't help but think...we'll be back here again next year in the blink of an eye.

I love making family traditions.

*********************

P.S. I will mail a $10 Starbucks giftcard to the first person who figures out what's wrong in this picture:

{And it's not the ridiculous price of their pumpkins.}

Sunday Snapshots

2011-10-16T20:05:00.001-05:00

We didn't pay $3 for the pony ride.

This little lady is notorious for wrangling freebies.

This Calls For Some Celery!

2011-10-13T13:55:00.001-05:00

Name that show.

If you guessed Wonder Pets, you would be correct.

So, the other day I was making a new recipe (which ended up being a total flop, by the way) that called for celery.
I realized my current celery had lost its crispiness and was starting to wilt.

Sad, sad celery.

As you all know, I have a strange sympathy for foods that are going bad.
It's a bizarre desire to give them one last shot at a good life or something.

Anyway...what to do with limp-y celery...

I've got it!

Let's do an experiment!

Have any of you ever done The Celery Experiment?
It's so easy!
Here's all you need:

Celery
Clear vases/glasses
Food coloring
Water

You put the water in the clear vase(s)/glass(es), add the food coloring for desired color(s), stir gently with the celery stalk (make sure there are leaves at the top), and then wait to see what happens!

It's a great experiment for a toddler -- a fun and simple way to show how plants absorb water. And how when food coloring is added to the water, it travels with the water into the celery's stem and then into the leaves. The food coloring helps to illustrate how nutrients are delivered to all parts of the plant.

I even got to use words like osmosis and photosynthesis.
I'll admit, it felt pretty nice to sound smart in Aubrey's presence, especially after my "Milky Way" fiasco the other day.

All the steps are basic enough to let the toddler be involved the whole time.
You can let them add the food coloring (counting each drop) and even talk about how to combine colors to get a new color.

And boy do toddlers love stirring. Especially with celery.

This picture below makes me have a mini panic attack.

This better be the closest Aubrey gets to a Bloody Mary.

That's all I'm saying.

Then, all that's left to do is wait for the magic.

After we had completed the prep work, I thought it would be fun to document our experiment.
(Am I turning into a nerd?)
We didn't go through all the steps of the scientific method or anything, but I did have Aubrey make her own prediction of what she thought would happen.
Aubrey's hypothesis: The celery would grow flowers.
By the way, the word hypothesis really rocked her world. Piggybacking off my osmosis and photosynthesis from earlier, hypothesis gave me that little bump into genius territory with Aubrey. It felt good.

Less than 24 hours later...

Blue was definitely the winning color -- the other colors took a little longer to show and weren't nearly as vibrant.

And since I can't just let the experiment be done, after Aubrey went to bed, I decided to try it on some white flowers (I wanted white carnations, but the place I went didn't have any.) to show the water absorption in another plant. (Again, blue seemed to be what worked the quickest.) The next morning when Aubrey saw the flowers, she said, "LOOK MOM! I told you they would grow flowers! I was right!"

That girl is never going to let me help her with her homework is she?
Hmph.

3 Hours in Enid

2011-10-11T13:40:00.003-05:00

Last week, one of the few days Daniel had off, he was moonlighting for 3 hours in a town 1.5 hours away. Aubrey and I decided that we could spend 3 hours in the car with him round-trip and find something to do during the other 3 hours he was working.

It was actually Daniel's idea to bring us along, but when we had barely driven 4 miles and Aubrey announced from the backseat that she needed to go potty and I was complaining about being hungry, I could see it in his eyes: "What did I get myself into..."

Luckily there weren't any more bathroom emergency stops, and I broke into the packed lunches I had prepared that morning. Aubrey and I dropped him off at work right on time and within 6 minutes we had found Leonardo's Discover Warehouse and Adventure Quest!

Science Museum + Outdoor Playground = Jackpot

It took Aubrey all of 0.2 seconds to find the space/astronaut exhibit.

Aubrey asked me, "What's the name of our solar system?"
"The Milky Way!" I said.
Aubrey quickly retorted, "No, Mom. The Milky Way is the name of our GALAXY, not our solar system."

For a second there I thought it was going to be OFF WITH MY HEAD!
Luckily, Queen Astro Aubrey just laughed off my scientifically incorrect statement.

The Milky Way...what was I thinking...?

Once I coaxed Aubrey off the space exhibit and royal throne, I let her loose on the insane outdoor playground.
I mean, seriously, this is just a bit ridiculous don't you think?

By the way, if you go on a Tuesday around 11:50 a.m., you'll have this place all to yourself.

So all in all Daniel made some extra moo-lah, Aubrey and I made some extra memories, and we all got to spend some extra time together.

I'd say the day turned out pretty win-win-win.

Sunday Snapshots

2011-10-09T17:47:00.006-05:00

It Was Bound to Happen "Sooner" or Later...

2011-10-08T15:00:00.001-05:00

Living in Alabama for 8 years, we never really jumped into all the Alabama/Auburn football hype. Don't get me wrong, our family loves watching football, but we never truly picked a "team" while we were there.

Then, while we were in Cincinnati we did go to a Bengals game once, but I wouldn't say we were true "fans".

For some reason, however, the minute we crossed the Oklahoma state line it seemed as if we became instant OU fans. Daniel works at OU Medical Center so...it just kinda happened that way.

Now, I am one of those girls who says she's an OU football fan but has NO clue about the actual team.
No, wait...I take that back. I know the QB Landry Jones because he has the same number (#12) as I did back in my old soccer glory days. There. I'm not a total football phony.

But honestly, I love OU football because of the excuse it gives me to get together with friends and game-day grub.

And with a monstrous rivalry game like OU vs. Texas, you can't just sit at home and watch it alone.

Aubrey seems to have some inner football player in her.
Just look at her hug the line...

By the way, Daniel has been working nights so he was asleep during all the festivities,
but us girls sure had fun cheering on our team!

Oh yeah...
BOOMER SOONER!

Toodle-oo Twenties!

2011-10-06T13:11:00.006-05:00

Well, I turned 30 on Saturday and can you believe the world kept turning?
The sun even came up the next day.
And the next.
And the next.
And it just keeps doing it. Day after day.
It's as if...dare I say it...life went on?

In fact, my birthday ended up being one of the best ones E.V.E.R.

Here are some reasons why...

1. Daniel cooked a delicious pre-birthday dinner for me and cleaned-up afterward.

2. Then the next day he took me to my favorite lunch spot in OKC. With Aubrey at MDO, it counted as a mini day-date. It was perfection.

3. Then on my actual birthday he informed me that a lady would be coming to our home to give it a routine deep clean once a month. We're talking base-board scrubbing, blind dusting, inside/outside window cleaning. I kissed him on the lips and renewed my wedding vows right there on the spot.

4. My very best friend (Hi Lacey!!) sent me the sweetest package the week of my birthday:
She had 30 gifts all wrapped up.
Have you ever unwrapped 30 gifts? It's one of the most fun things ever.
There were lots of hilarious inside joke gifts, wonderfully thoughtful gifts, and delicious treats.
It was just so amazingly incredible that I cried. And I don't cry.

5. Daniel had to work over my entire birthday weekend, and since I was going to be all alone on my 30th birthday (insert sobbing sounds--boo hoo hoo), my wonderful/amazing/love-them-to-death parents drove over 700 miles to spend the weekend with me and (Aubrey, of course).
Speaking of Aubrey, she always hogs Pop Pop...my birthday weekend proved to be no exception.

6. We asked Aubrey to count to how old I was on my birthday and this is how it went: 1, 2, 3, 4....sequentially until...28, 29...100! Hahaha...notsomuch.

7. My parents decided the weekend wouldn't be complete without a cake. It seemed a little too providential that the Cheesecake Factory just happened to have a 30th Anniversary Cheesecake. So, they bought a WHOLE one. Layers of original cheesecake, fudge cake and chocolate truffle cream. Lord have mercy!

8. Then, my incredibly sweet neighbor and friend brought over a rather hefty gift-bag filled with 30 bags of candy, each with 30 pieces of candy in them. Oh. My. If I was at all upset about turning 30, I quickly drowned my sorrows in a glorious sea of sugar.

9. I received lots of super sweet messages/cards/calls all throughout my big day...it made my heart swell with happiness. Even the automatic text from my dentist's office: Happy Birthday Ashley! We hope you have many reasons to smile today. :-) Forth and Bender Dental Center

10. And last, but certainly not least...
My bestest Okie friends planned an evening at Paint Your Art Out. They had drinks*, hors d'oeuvres, a personalized painting smock, and the sweetest frame border with 30 things that "define" me.

(*I had to laugh...they brought wine, but since they know that I don't drink they stocked me up with Root Beer and Cream Soda -- my favs! By the way, the drinking thing is totally a personal preference. I do not, by any means, think it's "wrong" to partake in an alcoholic beverage responsibly.)

We painted the night away, laughing and chatting the whole time.
Love these ladies -- they are a godsend!

So, yeah.
I think I want to turn 30 again next year.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-10-02T18:22:00.004-05:00

{Aubrey with Grammy & Pop Pop at Martin Nature Center in Oklahoma City, OK}

The Big Hair Let Down

2011-09-28T14:30:00.015-05:00

The day before Aubrey turned 3, I had finally convinced Daniel to let the child get her haircut.

I was so excited to take Aubrey and see her with a new 'do.

A friend recommended taking her to Wendy's Treehouse for THE first haircut. It's a children's salon in the back of a kids clothing store. Wendy (hence Wendy's Treehouse) has been giving haircuts to little munchkins for ages and still charges what she did way back when. Shampoo + Cut + Style = $10!

I had been talking up the whole haircut thing with Aubrey for several days, but every time we talked about it she just honed in on the name...Wendy's Treehouse.
Our conversations usually went like this:
Me: Aubrey, two more days until your haircut! Are you SO excited?!
Aubrey: Is it really going to be in a TREEHOUSE?!
Me: Well, I don't think so...
A: Is it, Mom? Is it going to be in a TREEHOUSE?!
Me: I doubt it, honey.
A: But it's called Wendy's TREEHOUSE, Mom. Do you think it's going to be in a TREEHOUSE?

Finally the haircut day arrived -- she looks pretty excited, right?
Hey Mom, I think it's going to be in a TREEHOUSE!

It just so happened that we were able to schedule her appointment for a Friday evening. Daniel wanted to be able to join us on this momentous occasion, but as with most Friday evenings Aubrey and I were pacing by the door waiting for him to get home. Finally, he arrived without a minute to spare, and off we went!

When we arrived, it was quite apparent that it was not a treehouse.
MAJOR let-down for Aubrey.

Then we discovered that Wendy was running behind, and we proceeded to wait 30+ minutes.
(That's 2.78 days in toddler time, in case you didn't know.)
With each passing second, Aubrey became less and less thrilled about the impending haircut.
Daniel and I were starving -- we thought we'd be elbow deep in our favorite Friday night pizza by this point.
I needed to pick up Aubrey's birthday cake (this was the night before the Robot party, mind you).
Things were starting to unravel.
As you can see...

(Sorry about my gum chomping...I had just put in a piece to curb my ravenous hunger.)

Just as I was about to go and tell Wendy we would just need to reschedule for another day, she announced that she was finally ready for Miss Aubrey.

"Okay Aubrey, let's get your pretty hair washed!" Miss Wendy chirped.

Um, this is the part where I tell you Aubrey isn't a huge fan of having her hair washed.

You may want to turn down your volume.

After the traumatizing shampooing, things were still looking grim.
(Sorry Aubrey, looks like you inherited my "not a pretty crier" genes.)

Aubrey finally mellowed out after a pink sucker, a Baby Einstein DVD playing, and lots of calm persuasion that death was not imminent.

Now, as much as Aubrey dislikes having her hair-washed, she's downright petrified of the hair-dryer. Wendy decided to french braid her wet hair to let it dry naturally instead of completely scarring Aubrey from any future haircuts -- and honestly-- I think the poor woman's nerves were totally shot by this point. We were all just ready to get the H-E-double hockey sticks out of there.

I did, however, think Aubrey's tear and snot-stained face looked quite precious staring in the mirror once it was all said and done...

Aubrey pranced out of there with her typical dramatic flair.
And within no-time had the braids fully dismantled.

After the tears and theatrical performance, I can't even tell the girl got a haircut.

At least I have physical proof that it did actually happen.

I think next time I'll just "accidentally" leave a pair of scissors out and see what happens.

Just kidding...

maybe. :)

Sunday Snapshot

2011-09-25T17:00:00.006-05:00

The first Sunday Daniel's had off in over a month.

Homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh from the oven.

A munchkin enjoying an afternoon in her skivvies.

Thank you, Lord, for this day.

Aubrey's Robot Party

2011-09-21T20:15:00.003-05:00

The day the ultrasound tech announced, "It looks like you'll be having a baby girl!" I never dreamed I would be throwing a Robot Party for her one day.

But that's just what I did on Saturday.

Aubrey actually planned the party herself, she just had me do all the leg work.

Aubrey's Birthday Party Requests:
Robots
At the Science Museum
Invite all her friends and Otto the Robot, of course
Cupcakes AND a cake
Robot food (?)
Yummy snacks
Balloons -- BIG ones
Party hats
Oh, and all using her favorite colors: red, pink, yellow and orange.

Told ya she planned the whole thing. :)

So, here it is...

Aubrey's Robot Party!

The Invitation

The Venue

Otto!

He brought the birthday girl a gigantic bouquet of balloons.

And then the two of them did the robot dance together.

It was epic.

Robot Refueling Stations/The Decor
When you have a party for kids and adults over lunchtime at a high-energy burning place,
it's necessary to make sure every one has enough fuel and hydration!

I had individually packed lunches prepped for each of the kiddos:
Oh, and by the way, I made her shirt in case that wasn't already obvious. ;)

The Cake

Unlike last year, Aubrey LOVED having everyone sing Happy Birthday to her.

The Party Favors

Aubrey saw these "pinchers" one day while we were out shopping and exclaimed, "Mom! Look! Robot arms!"
She wanted one and for all her friends to have one too.

Aubrey also loves puzzles. And candy.
When I found these online, I decided to make "Robot Repair Kits".

Oh, and Robot Bubbles...or as we call them: Bubble Bots. :)

The Build-A-Bot Station

I wanted to have a "craft" or something for the kids to do when they arrived.
I decided to get marshmallows of all shapes and sizes, pretzel sticks, and edible markers to let the them make their own robot snack. This was one of those things I wondered if it would be a total flop, but all the little ones LOVED it. Yay!

They were so cute -- the kids AND their tasty robots!

The Robo Photo Booth

I found these robot hats awhile back for Aubrey to play dress up
and thought it would be a shame to not include them in the party.

There were tot-bots on the loose in no time!

And where you have tot-bots, you know mom-bots aren't too far away!

And dad-bots and a baby-bot too!

And last but not least...

The Birthday Girl!

I'm pretty sure Aubrey had the best day of her life.
She had this smile on the whole time!

She thought her party was out-of-this-world fun.

And we think Aubrey is pretty out-of-this-world amazing.

Happy Birthday to my Little Miss Roboto!

Thank You for Your Patience.

2011-09-21T08:54:00.000-05:00

I had all the best intentions of having a post about Aubrey's 3rd Birthday party up by now, but some sort of stomach bug/virus decided to attack both Daniel and me. If you've ever wondered, "What do you do with your child when both parents are sick and there's no family around to help?" Well, let me tell you it's not fun. In fact, it was downright miserable. But -- by the grace of God -- we made it through, and we're finally joining the land of the living again.

I hope to have a party post up soon!

Thank you for your patience.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-09-18T15:45:00.001-05:00

Kreme-y Kindness

2011-09-15T21:32:00.000-05:00

I don't really have time to write this post.
Aubrey's birthday bash is less than two days away and there are lots of last minute things that I need to be checking off my to-do list.
But.
Something deliciously wonderful happened to me today.

While Aubrey was at MDO, I was driving all over town trying to squeeze in as much errand efficiency into those precious hours as humanly possible.
I wasn't having much luck.
Places were "sold out" of certain items, I was hitting every red light, and it was raining.
I decided a little pick-me-up was in order.

Voila! Krispy Kreme!

When I told the guy I just wanted one chocolate-iced kreme-filled doughnut, he informed me that no one just orders ONE doughnut.

He said he couldn't let me pay for one measly doughnut -- it was on the house.

Really?!

Then he changed his mind.

And gave me half a dozen (fresh off the doughnut assembly line, I might add).

His name was Tahir.

He's my new friend.

When I picked up Aubrey from "school", she instantly noticed the box.

And a sly little grin swept across her face as she lifted the lid.

And then the claw emerged.

And the devouring began.

Dewicious.
Thank you, Tahir.

Book Nook

2011-09-13T14:00:00.002-05:00

In case you are interested in what's been by my bedside or uploaded on my new, spiffy Nook...

Loving the Little Years: Motherhood in the Trenches by Rachel Jankovic

I devoured this book in a day. Thinking back, I probably should have let more of it "marinate", but it's such a good/relate-able read that it felt like talking to one of my mommy friends. It almost seemed rude to put it down.

One thing I took-away from this book (which was never the book's intention) was realizing how EASY PEASY I have it with ONE child. (Now don't get me wrong, some people's one child is more difficult than another's five children all together. My days with Aubrey are no walk in the park.) I immediately gave the book to my friend Jennifer who has three BOYS under three. The fact that she is still a highly functioning individual leaves me in awe.

Instead of writing my own description of the book, I think the author does a perfectly accurate job:

I didn't write this book because mothering little ones is easy for me. I wrote it because it isn't. I know that this is a hard job, because I am right here in the middle of it. I know you need encouragement because I do too.

This is not a tender reminiscence from someone who had children so long ago that she only remembers the sweet parts. At the time of writing this, I have three children in diapers, and I can recognize the sound of hundreds of toothpicks being dumped out in the hall.

This is a small collection of thoughts on mothering young children for when you are motivated, for when you are discouraged, for the times when discipline seems fruitless, and for when you are just plain old tired.

The opportunities for growth abound here but you have to be willing. You have to open your heart to the tumble. As you deal with your children, deal with yourself always and first. This is what it looks like, and feels like, to walk as a mother with God.

If you have one or 10 kids, get this book...it'll be like having a best friend right next to you. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and then laugh so hard you'll cry.

_______________________________________________

Heaven Is For Real by Todd Burpo

Have you heard of this book? It's everywhere.

It's about a four-year-old boy (named Colton) from a small town in Nebraska who slips from consciousness during emergency surgery and enters heaven. He survives the surgery and months later begins talking about being able to look down and see the doctor operating and his dad praying in the waiting room.

He continues to share tidbits from his time in heaven -- how he met his miscarried sister, whom no one had told him about, and his great grandfather who died 30 years before Colton was born, then shared impossible-to-know details about each.

He tells about sitting in Jesus' lap, seeing God and the Holy Spirit, meeting John the Baptist, and a whole lot more.

The simple message is heaven is a real place, Jesus really loves children, and be ready, there is a coming last battle.

I bought this book on a whim. When I realized the dad was a pastor, honestly, I became skeptical. But after reading the book, I believe it to be genuine. Daniel read it too, and he's probably even more of a skeptic about a book like this than I am -- he agreed that he felt it was a sincere account as well. And even if the book is 100% pure fabrication, it still doesn't change the fact that heaven is, indeed, for real.

Well, to me, at least.

_______________________________________________

Bossypants by Tina Fey

So, you know how I mentioned my incredibly wonderful husband wrote a book for me (My Dearest Ashley) and uploaded it onto the Nook for our anniversary?
Well, he uploaded another book too.
This one.
So, on my Nook Bookshelf there was My Dearest Ashley and Bossypants.
I find this very interesting.

Anyway...Daniel and I are big fans of 30Rock. While I'm pretty sure Tina Fey and I don't share many viewpoints, I appreciate her self-deprecating humor. From the books I have mentioned before this one, it was a bit of a literary culture shock to go from reading about God to seeing the words m*th*rf*ck*r typed out in black and white. This book was sorta like having a friend in high school that your mom didn't really like you talking to on the phone.

I laughed quite a bit throughout Bossypants -- and felt guilty about doing so about 87% of the time.

Here were some of my favorite snippets:

On beauty:

"But I think the first real change in women’s body image came when JLo turned it butt-style. That was the first time that having a large-scale situation in the back was part of mainstream American beauty. Girls wanted butts now. Men were free to admit that they had always enjoyed them. And then, what felt like moments later, boom—Beyoncé brought the leg meat. A back porch and thick muscular legs were now widely admired. And from that day forward, women embraced their diversity and realized that all shapes and sizes are beautiful. Ah ha ha. No. I’m totally messing with you. All Beyoncé and JLo have done is add to the laundry list of attributes women must have to qualify as beautiful. Now every girl is expected to have Caucasian blue eyes, full Spanish lips, a classic button nose, hairless Asian skin with a California tan, a Jamaican dance hall ass, long Swedish legs, small Japanese feet, the abs of a lesbian gym owner, the hips of a nine-year-old boy, the arms of Michelle Obama, and doll tits. The person closest to actually achieving this look is Kim Kardashian, who, as we know, was made by Russian scientists to sabotage our athletes."

Life in general:

When people say, "You really, really must" do something, it means you don't really have to. No one ever says, "You really, really must deliver the baby during labor." When it's true, it doesn't need to be said.

My ability to turn good news into anxiety is rivaled only by my ability to turn anxiety into chin acne.

Once or twice a week I would set my alarm for six A.M. so I could get up and plug in Hot Stix...I would study the curls in the mirror, impressed with both the appliance and my new-found ability to use it. Then, without fail, at the last second before leaving for school, I would ask myself, "Am I supposed to brush it out or leave it?" Why could I never remember? That feeling of "I'm pretty sure this next step is wrong, but I'm just gonna do it anyway" is part of the same set of instincts that makes me such a great cook.

On pets:

I don’t hate animals and I would never hurt an animal; I just don’t actively care about them. When a coworker shows me cute pictures of her dog, I struggle to respond correctly, like an autistic person who has been taught to recognize human emotions from flash cards. In short, I am the worst.

Encouraging you to pick up a book!

Read! When your baby is finally down for the night, pick up a juicy book like Eat, Pray, Love or Pride and Prejudice or my personal favorite, Understanding Sleep Disorders: Narcolepsy and Apnea; A Clinical Study. Taking some time to read each night really taught me how to feign narcolepsy when my husband asked me what my “plan” was for taking down the Christmas tree.

So, if you're a conservative goody-two-shoes (as I'm often mistaken for), this book will put some hair on your chest.
And if you're a liberal maniac (as I'm never mistaken for), this book will put you to sleep.

_______________________________________________

The Guersney Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

Ahhhh, last but certainly not least...
Don't let the long/strange title deter you from this gem of a book. My kindred spirit friend, Dana, recommended it to me. Within two pages of the book I was in love with it. Dana's description was perfect: It's written entirely in letter form...fun, easy read with a touch of WWII drama.

I laughed, I cried.

It was one of those books that even though I read it months ago, I still think about it.
It's been my favorite among all the other books I've read.

*I uploaded this from our local library's e-book system. If you have a Nook/Kindle you should check out your local library's website to see what is offered. It's fantastic!

___________________________________

Here's a little peak at Aubrey's Top Picks right now.

The Junior Book Nook:

My Very Own Fairy Tale

Aubrey received this book for her 2nd birthday from her Uncle Jacob. The story transports the reader into a magical garden where flower and berry fairies crown her as their fairy princess. Each page illustrates a fairy bringing a letter and describing the character traits that make the little girl the perfect princess.

Example:
Letter I from the Inula Fairy: I know a generous girl who is Inspiring to me. She's as giving and kind as a princess should be.

One by one, the fairies spell out Aubrey's first and last name. At the end there's a page with all the fairies and interesting facts about their flowers/berries. It's beyond precious, even for Aubrey who's not that into "girly" things. It's a great tool in teaching your little one how to spell his/her name too. Aubrey has her first name down, and she's close to knowing all of R-I-H-E-R-D. It's also helpful in discussing desirable traits: responsible, kind, generous, organized, helpful, and thoughtful to just name a few.

Click on the title of the book to order one for your munchkin or for a gift! There are boy versions too.

Aw, my little fairy princess...

Ruthie and the (Not So) Teeny Tiny Lie by Laura Rankin

This book was a gift from Aunt Mel on the day Aubrey was born and has been a favorite ever since!

(This was me less than 6 hours after giving birth. Not exactly my most glamorous of moments. Good Lord above.)

The book is about a little fox (named Ruthie) who loves tiny things. She finds a teeny tiny camera while playing on the playground. When the camera's true owner (a little squirrel named Martin) sees Ruthie with it, he wants his camera back. Ruthie tells a big lie because she wants it for herself. Drama unfolds. It's a great book to talk through emotions and right/wrong behaviors. Major things during the toddler stage.

Here's Aubrey with her own Teeny Tiny Camera from Pike's Peak.

There's a Mouse About the House! by Richard Fowler

My parents gave this book to Aubrey a long time ago and it's been one of the biggest hits. I even had to hide it for awhile because if I read this book one more time I was going to literally go insane. It's a funny little tale about a mouse running all over a house scrounging for scraps and hunting for cheese. He's also trying to avoid the family's cat. Eek! You slide the little mouse through little slots in each page. No real educational value to it, but it's a fun book and can help with fine motor skills as your tot navigates the mouse throughout the story.

One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish by Dr. Suess

Dr. Seuss has helped Aubrey uncover her inner passion for rhyming.
A few months ago, out of nowhere, she slumped down on the couch looking pitiful.
Me: "What's wrong?"
Aubrey: "I'm not a good rhymer."
Me: "I think you're an excellent rhymer!"
A: "No, Mom. I'm not."
Me: "Sure you are...let's test you out. What rhymes with boat? Box?... Coat?...or Chair?"
A: "Hmmm...Coat?"
Me: "Yes! See! You're one of the best rhymers I know!"

I re-emerged some Dr. Seuss books since he's the King of Rhymes, as we all know.
It's taken off in our house.
Now everything is a rhyme.
And since Dr. Seuss can make up words to rhyme, Aubrey has decided she can too.

I shall conclude this post with my favorite Suess snippet:

Today is gone. Today was fun.

Tomorrow is another one.

Every day, from here to there.

Funny things are everywhere.

Sunday Snapshots

2011-09-11T14:00:00.013-05:00

Shade.

Smiles.

Slushies.

Sideways.

Singing.
Strolling.

Sprints.

Swinging.

Snooze?
S'il vous plaît?

Back to School!

2011-09-08T10:31:00.010-05:00

Someone was excited to start school (aka: Mom's Day Out) this morning.

Me: Aubrey, are you ready to go school today?!
Aubrey: YES!!! with arm pumps for extra emphasis.

I will miss this sweet munchkin...

And that silly face of hers...

But good heavens, it sure is nice to be able to shower and go to the bathroom by myself.

Firetruck Party!

2011-09-06T13:45:00.005-05:00

Aubrey's buddies Jake and Jack turned 3 over the weekend.
My friend, Jennifer, planned the most adorable Firetruck Party ever for her boys.
You all know by now, I'm sure, that Jennifer is THE party planner.
And if you didn't know, you will in 0.3 seconds.

The Dessert Table:

Cake and Cookies:

Chocolate fire hydrant lollipops, chocolate covered popcorn, and mini smores!

Oh the chocolate-y goodness...delish!

Fire hydrant squishers, Hot Tamales, fire hose party blowouts, and more!

The kids table was set for all the little fire chiefs:

(Oh -- can't forget to mention the bounce house!)

Seriously.

How cute is all this?!

I could end the post and it would have been an amazing party, right?!
But, oh no...not a party thrown by Jennifer!
This was just the beginning...

Jennifer invited the Dalmatian Shelter (Rocky Spot Rescue) to come and bring some spotted friends! (It's probably a good thing Daniel was working and couldn't join us at the party -- we would have brought one home for sure!) There was also an area where you could donate to the shelter. The kids LOVED petting the dogs and were able to pick out bandannas to take home for themselves or their pet.

Again...the set-up, the goodies, the dogs...wow.
But the grand finale...

A FIRETRUCK!

The firefighters let the little ones climb and explore all through the truck.
Aubrey formed quite a crush on this firefighter.
"Um Mom, don't you need to go get a juice box or something...?"

Needless to say, Aubrey had a BLAST.
Happy 3rd Birthday, Jake and Jack!!

We love you guys!

Sunday Snapshots

2011-09-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

Okay everyone, it's time to take a group picture by the firetruck!
I'm waiting...

Nevermind.

I'm over it.

Typical.

Aubrey's Pre-Party

2011-08-31T14:20:00.001-05:00

When we knew we'd be visiting our Kentucky family less than a month from Aubrey's 3rd birthday, we thought it would be fun to have a little pre-party in her honor.

Zubie graciously hosted a dinner fiesta.

{From left to right: Daniel, Aubrey, Grammy, Pop Pop, Zubie, Woody, Aunt Mel, Great Grandma Tootie, and Great Grandmother Eleanor.}

Aubrey has three living great-grandparents, we just needed MiMi here to complete this picture.

After dinner, Aubrey was off to play on Zubie's playground.
It's actually even larger than what you see here, I just couldn't zoom out enough to fully capture it.
A child's dream, to say the least.

It's a little too "big kid" for Aubrey at this point, but she manages quite well...

Besides, all us "big kids" gladly climb up ~~to play on it too~~ to make sure Aubrey doesn't get hurt. ;)

Okay, sorry Aubrey.
Your parents are total dweebs, but we can act "normal" when we want to...

Okay, back to the pre-party playground fun.
The "wobbly" bridge is Aubrey's favorite part.
She makes everyone (at some point) be The Grumpy Old Troll who lives under the bridge.
You have to talk like a grumpy old troll, and you have to make up a riddle for her to solve in order to cross. One episode of Dora and now we can never just cross a bridge without a full production.

You can imagine how hard it was to corral Aubrey back inside,

but the promise of presents proved to work like a charm.

{For memory's sake: lots of adorable outfits, cute sets of jammies, precious raincoat, Alfie the Robot, Ambulance toy, Zoo Duplo set, Burger Builder Playdough Set, bubbles, books, and little stuffed puppy.}

After all that playing and unwrapping of gifts, it was time for dessert!

Zubie made an insanely delicious fruit pizza and yummy black bottom cakes.

The Birthday Girl LOVED every bite.

And a wonderful surprise was having my best friend, Lacey, stop by for some birthday fun!

{She's is currently living in Owensboro while completing her residency at a nearby hospital.}

It was great having Aubrey's Aunt Lay Lay there!

Needless to say Aubrey was a little grumpy when it was time to leave.

But hey -- it's her party, she can be a troll if she wants to...

Hotdog, Hotdog, Hot Diggity Dog

2011-08-30T13:20:00.001-05:00

During our KY visit, just for funsies, we had a mini cook-out / picnic lunch.

Aubrey and Pop Pop helped set out all the necessary items.

Then it was time to load up the hot-dogs.
{By the way, can you tell it was hot outside?}

Aubrey snapped this picture of Pop Pop (along with 7 other pictures that look exactly like it).
She's kinda obsessed with him.

"Hey Pop Pop, are those hot-dogs ready yet?"

"Hey Pop Pop, look what I found..."

"Hey Pop Pop, you could do FOUR hot-dogs at a time with this one! See!?"Finally, the hot-dogs were done.
And our chatterbox was quiet for 0.2 seconds.

We all savored the peacefulness...

P.S. It was root-beer.
P.S.S. Daniel only models on the weekends.

"Heeeeey, didn't I hear someone say something about making s'mores?!"
Grammy has a hard time keeping secrets.

Well, she found the marshmallows.
Game over.

Not that any of us were too sad to have an excuse to go ahead and make these...

After hot-dogs and s'mores, it was glorious being all together sharing shade and laughter.

I can't remember the last time I had so much fun eating lunch.

Sunday Snapshot

2011-08-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

{Aubrey with Zubie and Great Grandmother Eleanor at Yellow Creek Park in Owensboro, KY.}