A Little of This, A Little of That...

I'mmmm Baaaaacck!:) The last week and a half we have had our family here so my blog took the back burner. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I have had a wonderful holiday season so far.... mostly because my sweet husband had the last week off!!!! My sister and her precious husband were here for 5 days:) There is nothing I love more. We did some shopping, but mostly we spent time together at our home. We decorated for Christmas and watched some of our favorite holiday movies. The boys were in heaven..:)

My sister left Wednesday morning and my in-laws arrived Wednesday evening:) Weston spent the day putting up lights on our house and making a pot of chili for dinner. Grammie brought Wyatt and Elias a few Christmas movies and the movie "Brave." So, we spent the evening watching Brave and eating homemade chili....perfection. I wish I could have shared my delicious Turkey dinner with you all. It was sooo yummy! I made another Cajun Turkey and it was to die for!!! My sweet MIL made green beans, and I finished it off with homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, and cherry cobbler. Weston and I did our annual Black Friday shopping. We couldn't bring ourselves to shopping on Thanksgiving Day. It just doesn't seem right. At what point do you draw the line and remember what this holiday time is about? We just aren't going to take our family time on Thanksgiving Day to go shop. So, we left out house at 4am on Friday and hit up all the stops on our list. We got some really great things for our boys and I cannot wait until they open their gifts. We then met up with my friend Jenn and her husband for breakfast and then hit up a couple more stores. I actually like that all of the crazies had gotten their shopping done because the stores were restocked and the lines were much shorter:) SCORE! We spent the next fews days cooking, went shopping for the boys winter clothes (got some ADORABLE STUFF), and went to our favorite restaurants around here....

This is the sweetest picture from their visit. Wyatt brushing his Grammie's hair;)

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I miss my family terribly, but am already counting down the days until we leave for Georgia....Until then, we have lots of parties, get togethers, SEC championship;)), shopping, eating, time with sweet friends, and the start to some new traditions. One of which I will share tomorrow on my blog..

Happy Post-Thanksgiving and Welcome Full on Christmas time!!:)

Randoms and Thankfulness

Well, we had a great 4 day weekend. Veteran's Day is always special as I have many men/women in my life to celebrate. I am starting to miss blogging again, so I think the break I took was definitely worth it;) I was reminded of how much time I spend trying to "keep up" with the world and the standards of people around me. God has been showing me so much of himself and what he intended for my life. I am striving to pray daily, "God, what should I be doing for you today?" I am learning so much about my Lord and I am cherishing it.

For many years, the time change has been a dreaded day;) This year, God has really given me the desire to take advantage of waking up at 5 or 5:30 AM. I am aiming to use that quiet time to spend the early morning with my honey and get my bible study in:)

The holiday season brings up the "I am thankful fors"....on Facebook, instagram, etc. I get where people can get annoyed, and yes some people miss the real meaning of the thankfulness...I however like to look at the bright side and the fact that they are acknowledging whats important to them. For me, a lot of what I am thankful for are the people in my life. I have been so blessed. Today, however, I am thankful for my dearest friends here in Louisiana. Even before we moved here, I knew God had something special for us. I knew we would grow even more....I thank God everyday for bringing us here!! We are more settled now than we have ever been. For me, these girls are always there, they are always honest, loving, examples of Christ. Their children are such wonderful influences for my boys. I have not gone a day without hearing from at least one of them. That is so huge for me. I have been blessed with the friends in my life and I cherish all of them:) Here is the last picture we got together (which will change come Friday;)) We always get to eating, talking, "whatevering", that we forget to take pictures;)

Jenn being Jenn;), Hannah, Kristen, and Shaina

Missing Kayla

I have many more people I am thankful for, so heres to a few more "thankful for" posts;)

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I hope you all have a great Tuesday! I made some homemade recipes this weekend and I am looking forward to sharing them.....stay tuned! I am also getting together my "Christmas Wish List." I have so many wonderful holiday things coming up!! I cannot wait!:)

Today's the Day...VOTE!

Well, technically I voted 2 weeks ago, but it gets counted today! Have you voted? I always say, if you don't vote, don't complain. Today is a big day for our country. Every election day is a big day. It is a chance for us to stand for what we believe. It is also our right as american citizens to vote. Not only is it our right, it is a privilege. One in which we all should be taking advantage of today. Colorado, Florida, Virginia, and Ohio are the key states, so for those of you in those states, no pressure;)

Today I am forgoing "Turn The Page Tuesday" and focusing on something that has always been important to me. I grew up going to the polls with my mom and being taught how important it is. I am so thankful for a mother who taught me about voting and made a point to live out that teaching. Even this morning my mom called me and my sisters making sure we were voting. ;) As important as voting is to me, what is more important is my walk with the Lord. I am called as a christian to vote for the things that coincide with God's word. I am not worried about who is going to get elected, although I sure would like my candidate to win, or what will happen if things stay the same. It doesn't matter because God is still the one and only true God and He will use either candidate for his purpose. I hope you all get out to vote today and make a choice based on what you believe is right. Our vote shouldn't be based on race, political parties or affiliates, what the news channel says, etc. It should be based on what you feel is right. 

I hope you all have a wonderful election day and I hope you arrive when the lines have slowed down..:/ 

With that said, Happy Voting:)

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Next week I will pick back up with "Turn The Page Tuesday" so get your posts ready:) I have a great Thanksgiving book to share. I will also be posting Melissa and Doug's 2012 toy picks....

See you all tomorrow for another week of WIAW!:)

T-shirts for Monday+ It's Time to VOTE!

I hope you all had a great weekend and last week. It feels weird to not be blogging as much, but I have needed the extra time more. We had a great weekend of hanging around the house. We don't have those weekends very often, so we were pretty excited about it. Saturday was a great day for us Georgia fans! We won our game and are now 1 win from going to the SEC championship!!! Woohoo! We moved up to #5 in the country and now head to Auburn this week. After Auburn we will be 9-1. I am pretty pumped because we have a good shot at heading to the National Championship:)

I always think of this day when we play Auburn. I thought this t-shirt was pretty cute;) Our dear friends Amanda  and Brian are Auburn fans so it has always been like a "house-divided" when we are together, as they are like family. I do have to say out of all the SEC teams, other than Georgia, Auburn is one I like. They just aren't as obnoxious;)....no, we Bulldogs are never obnoxious;) GOO Dawgs!

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For those of you who like to embroider, (I am obsessed) I have a friend who has a business and she has amazing stuff! Michelle is one of my sorority sisters and she lives in Dahlonega, where we went to school. She has an amazing business, E is for Embroidery, and I highly recommend you checking out her site! She has some awesome holiday ideas, gifts, etc. She is also making this shirt and can make it in your sports team colors:

I just ordered one with red chevron and my initials:) Cannot wait to wear for the rest of our game days!

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Today is a typical Monday here. I am finishing up my cleaning and making some homemade soup. My friend Hannah and her girls are coming today so that makes my Monday even better! A nice run in the park with my honey tonight and home to some hot soup will be perfect! I hope you are all ready for tomorrow!!!! It is a VERY important day in our country and it should be on everyone's priority list. If you don't vote, you can't complain! I have some voting wisdom to share tomorrow that was shared with me this weekend. Our Pastor did a phenomenal job of preaching on simply what God says....so until tomorrow!:) Also, don't forget tomorrow is also another edition of "Turn The Page Tuesday" and I will be sharing a really great Thanksgiving book:) This week I have a post of My holiday wish list items, top rated kids toys for christmas, black friday deals, and more! So come back by....

Are you registered to vote? Are you going to the polls tomorrow?

If not, why?

Turn The Page Tuesday Week 10

Happy Tuesday, Y'all! I hope you had a great weekend and a great Monday! It's been a great week here so far and I am already looking forward to the weekend:) It is full on fall here in Louisiana and although I am loving the cool weather, I am already missing the warm:/ Probably not a good thing...I am a warm weather girl. However, I am excited for the holidays, sweaters, warm drinks, baking, changing trees, etc. 

I will tell you I am obsessed with the Gingerbread Latte at Starbucks....yum! I cannot get enough of these holiday yummies!:)

Yes, it is as delicious as it looks! I've also decided I am making gingerbread cookies for The Great Food Blogger Cookie Swap!:) I am so excited!!!! If you haven't signed up, its not too late! This is a holiday cookie swap where you send cookies to three people and you receive cookies, too:)

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 It is also time for another Turn The Page Tuesday! Yes, Halloween is tomorrow but I am going to jump out of the Halloween theme and straight into another fall book! 

One Little, Two Little, Three Little Apples

By: Matt Ringler

 We got this book last year from Chickfila. It is a very simple counting book, but it also is about baking an apple pie:) We baked an apple pie this week so this is the perfect book. Brother and sister go and pick apples with their family. When they get home, they get to enjoy playing in the leaves while Mom and Dad bake. I love this book because it describes the simplicity of what I love about fall. 

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Time to grab the below button and go link up!! I have started buying books for my boys for Christmas. There have been some great deals. I am hoping you all share your holiday book choices!:) I have some fun blogs coming up, so come back!!:)

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Flashback Friday

Happy Friday! I hope you have all had a great week! It has been really busy here and I am ready for the weekend. I will be honest with you, my blogging is going to subside for a bit. I started to realize how much time was being put into it, and days just aren't long enough. My time with the Lord in my bible study is what I want my extra time to go to. I usually only have that time in the early morning as the afternoons and evenings are BUSY. I do love to blog, so don't worry you will still see me:) There just may be weeks where I don't get to blog much....especially now that the holidays are here:) eek! Speaking of holidays, yes, I am the annoying "listens to Christmas music after Halloween" person;) I LOVE the holidays and am so excited they are here. I have my Christmas list up and running and shopping has begun!!! I even received some Black Friday early bird ads this week. This year is going to be a good Black Friday day! This year Weston and I will be able to shop ALONE as my in-laws will be here and offered to keep the boys. This is HUGE because Weston and I are the ones who stand in the Target line at 3am;) And there are stores we hit all morning. I am so excited this year, because I have gotten a head start on gift ideas!!! My mom and I ate at a new restaurant here in DeRidder this week. OH MY was it amazing!!! I can't believe it took us this long to go. Two Sisters Deli and Pecan House is right down the road from us. They are a deli so they serve things like soups, salads, baked potatoes, and sandwiches. Everything is made fresh daily and so are their desserts! I had the pulled pork BBQ sandwich and a bowl of homemade chicken-n-dumplins. Hands down the BEST dumplins I've had other than my Grammies! I forgot to take a picture, but we are headed there this weekend so I will try and snap some shots! If you noticed they are a "pecan house". They make about 20 different kinds of homemade pecans, from bourbon praline to cajun. My mom got three different types for my step-dad and he LOVED them! It is run by a bunch of older women, which as you know, those are the ones who can cook. So, now we have our main go-to place here in D-town;) One more reason I love living in a small southern town!This is is my flashback for this Friday! This was Wyatt at Halloween last year. Poor Eli was stroller stricken behind him;)  

We have a beautiful park here in our town. Every year they set up a huge trick or treating trail. They sell food, treats, etc. and provide people to hand out candy to the kids. Its perfect because we just walk through the park for about an hour, the kids get their fill, and we head home:) I hope you all have a safe and fun Halloween next week!

See you on Monday for some weekend recap! We are having football Saturday with some new friends this weekend. I am looking forward to getting to know a couple new military wives! These guys are my hubby's closest friends at work and their wives are so sweet. Sunday we have our pumpkin patch day (finally;)) with my precious friend Jenn and her family! Cannot wait!:)
Happy Weekend!

WIAW:Toddler Eats

I hope you all had a Terrific Tuesday! It was a busy, yet fun, one for us:)

 I wanted to take the time to share some holiday fun!!!! I am officially signed up for the 2012 Great Blogger Cookie Swap!!!!:) I am so excited. I found out about this last year, we had just moved, and I missed sign ups by a week. So I am so excited to join in this year. I love blogging, I love the holidays, I love blog fun, and I love cookies:) So this is a win, win, win, win! If you don't know about the cookie swap, click here! Julie and Lindsay are hosting the second annual cookie swap and they have all the info you may need. All you have to do is sign up! This year they are collecting money for Cookies for Kids Cancer. When you sign up, you also have to donate $4 to this amazing cause. It is so worth it! After you get signed up, confirm your donation, you will then receive and email on the details:) I can't wait to get in the kitchen and play with some new recipes...and then receive yummy cookies from others:) Okay, so go sign up! Happy Baking!

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Breakfast

Banana Zucchini Mini Muffins with

Homemade Cinnamon Apples

Lunch

Roasted Turkey, Raspberries, and Veggie Sticks

Dinner

Yellow Squash Ravioli with Steamed Broccoli

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The debate last night was quite heated at times...yikes. I was actually uncomfortable at times. Like I had the awkward, had to look away, feeling:/ Anyways, we watched it and it was very telling. We definitely have two very different paths to vote for come next month! I am trying to get my early voting in..I am a BIG promoter of voting so I will be casting my ballot asap:)

Are you voting this year? Did you sign up for the Cookie Swap?

What did you find interesting in the debate last night?

Weekend Recap+Oatmeal Chocolate Chips

Phew. That was a weekend. The stomach virus went through our house this past week and weekend. We so very rarely get sick and have never all been sick at the same time that it was quite the treat. Its over now and I am ready for this busy week! Among the other things I have to do this week, it was Wyatt's birthday yesterday so I am in party planning mode:) We are having a super-hero party so I have a lot to do:) Some of the girls that are coming do not have superhero clothing so I am going to throw together a few "girly" capes:)

Ok, so who watched Revenge last night?! LOVE LOVE that show. Seriously like my favorite. It is getting so good and I am dying to see where they take the show this season. I am wanting Jack and Emily to reunite and be together so much...however, I see them dragging that out for.ever.

There is another round of presidential debates this week. I am hoping it goes a bit smoother for one party. Our VP made himself look like a child at the last weeks, which then in turn just makes the president look worse. I obviously am not a fan of either, but I still think Biden needs to think about his actions affecting other people. Maybe he should stop running his mouth...and the smiling...eek. Okay, off that soapbox;)

I made some delicious cookies last night and thought I would share. What is the best way to to tell if your cookies will be good, you ask?! The dough. Yes, always go by the cookie dough. I am telling you, that is key!

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

by Rachel Layfield

Prep Time: 15 Minutes

Cook Time: 9-12 minutes

Ingredients (3 dozen)

• 3 1/4 C Flour
• 1 t baking soda
• 3/4 t salt
• 1 1/3 C soft butter
• 1 1/4 C Sugar
• 1 C brown sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 t vanilla
• 1 package of mini chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup oats

Instructions

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Beat butter and sugars on medium until creamy. Add eggs and vanilla. Mix well and then slowly add dry ingredients. Stir in chocolate chips. Scoop with an ice cream scoop onto cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees.

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Ok I am off to finish my Monday things but head back over here tomorrow for another week of Turn The Page Tuesday!!! I have a classic to share with you:) Halloween edition, of course! For those of you who want to know more about our Tuesday link up party, check out the link above! See you tomorrow!

WIAW

Happy Wednesday!! I hope your week has been great so far:) So I am going to go random for just a minute. Yesterday I was made aware of how many times I use an an exclamation mark to finish a statement. I have noticed it before, but never really realized the full magnitude of the usage;) I find that I use them a lot in text messages for some reason. So, my goal today is to try and not use so many:) So, here goes....

On another side note, I was doing my thing yesterday, with my 1.5 year old tailing behind. I asked him if he had a dirty diaper and he said yes;) So, I proceeded to go get him to change it. As I turned around I noticed him running into the bathroom. When I got in there he was pointing at the toilet. I asked him if he wanted to go potty on the toilet and he said, "YES!" I was shocked. I am not quite sure that he is ready to start the potty training process yet, but I'd say when we do he will catch on pretty quickly!:) He was very proud of himself when I clapped and praised him;) I have heard from some "mentor" moms of mine that having older siblings really helps with the potty training process. The fact that Eli has Wyatt to look up to, follow around, pester, and shadow, I am hoping will pay off:)

Now on to What I Ate Wednesday!!! Head over to link up with Jenn of Peas and Crayons.

Breakfast

Pumpkin Spice Muffins

Source

Lunch

Turkey Sandwich on Rudi's

w/Chips

Dinner

Chickfila!!!!:)

(this deserves exclamation:))

Well, there ya have it. Any days that start or end with a Chickfila stop are GREAT days:) We also had TWO new bloggers link up with us yesterday for Turn The Page Tuesday! Get your book choices made and come join us next week:)  Come back tomorrow for the muffin recipe and some more blog fun!

Do you use a lot of exclamation marks when you type? What are your potty training secrets?

Do you love Chickfila as much as I do?:)

Turn The Page Tuesday Week 7+Melissa and Doug Giveaway!

I know I have been gone a couple days but we had our best friends Amanda and Brian here! We had an absolute blast and picked up right where we left off! But, we will get to the weekend later this week:) I have lots of pictures to share....it deserves a post of its own! I finally found some yummy coffee creamers last week! I ended up coming home with 4:/ I clearly am indecisive when it comes to choosing between a yummy treat! I ended up with Salted Caramel Mocha and Pumpkin Spice!! mmm!!!! Both are equally yummy so I highly recommend them! I also made a new pumpkin spice muffin this past weekend and it had a surprising ingredient! It is a must share so I will post that one later this week! It has already been a busy week and will be all week...cant complain because thats how I like it.
Amanda and I always enjoyed watching Grey's and Private Practice together...among others. When our husbands were deployed we got spoiled to having each other to watch it together, and even when we moved apart we would sometimes Skype and still watch it together. This past week she was here and we were able to watch it together! It was a lot of fun, just like the old days, but boy was that an intense episode!! I am so annoyed that they never say what actually happened to Mark!;) Maybe this week?:) The shows this fall are so intense..they must bee really trying to bring in more viewers!

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Now onto another edition of Turn The Page Tuesday!!

My book choice for this week is one my son Wyatt just received in the mail! His 4th birthday is on Sunday and my best friend Elizabeth sent him this awesome Halloween pop-up book...he loves it!

Silly Ghosts

By:Janet Lawler

The Spooky Ghosts pop up at night. What is it that they want? Is it to haunt, eat candy, play games? Read along and find out what the ghosts come out to do!!! 

I like this books because it isn't really scary and is perfect for little ones! The best part are the illustrations and pages. It has bright colors and big pop ups! The best page is the last page so have a blast reading to the end!!!

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I hope you all enjoy this book as much as we are! One thing I am doing today is ordering birthday gifts for my sweet baby! He turns 4 on Sunday:( Where has the time gone???! I can't believe it. We aren't celebrating his birthday until next weekend but we have a special day planned on Sunday! Has anyone seen "Hotel Transylvania?" I have been dying to take him to see it! Im not usually a fan off those types of movies but it looks like they did a good job of making it kid friendly!

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On another note, one our "TTPT" readers is hosting a giveaway!!! Head over to Trainy Brainy Blog and enter to win a Melissa and Doug Puzzle book!!!

Have you found any new fall treats? Have you read any of our "TTPT" books?

What are some of your birthday ideas for kids?

Okay, time to pick and book and link up!!!! See you tomorrow for What I Ate Wednesday!:)

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WIAW

Here we go Wednesday! Man, it has been a long week but I have gotten a lot done, so its been worth it! I also cannot wait for tomorrow because we have our annual Military Police Ball and the best part you ask?!?!!? Our best friends are coming to OUR HOUSE!:) I cannot wait. We haven't seen them in a year and we have 4 full days with them!:)

I bought some pumpkin a coupe days ago and am ready to start baking pumpkin style;) I am thinking my first bake will be Pumpkin Spice Muffins or bread:) MMM....I can taste it now! I haven't had much luck finding seasonal coffee creamers yet...a con to living in a small town. One thing I have fully stocked up on are my wallflowers! If you haven't stopped into Bath and Body Works you should, again, head there pronto!

Now onto What I Ate Wednesday with Jenn over at Peas and Crayons!!! If you haven't jumped on board with this yummy link party, you definitely should! You can get lots of food ideas:) I will definitely post some Halloween and Pumpkin treats next week!

Breakfast

2 Van's Blueberry Waffles

Lunch

Kashi Freezer Meal:

Sesame Chicken

Dinner

Zucchini and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken

Potato and Brussel Sprout Medley

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Well there ya have it! Tomorrow will be recipe day....yeah, the procrastination has gotten that bad;) Now to change the subject...Is it too soon to say Christmas season is near;) I am soooo ready!!!!:) Have a great Wednesday!

Turn The Page Tuesday Week 6

Phew. Yesterday was a crazy day and today is the same. Ive had so many little things to do and they are taking up my entire day. It has been so beautiful outside so the boys and I have taken full advantage. I finally got my garden planted and ready to go. I decided on broccoli, lettuce, spinach, kale, brussel sprouts, jalapeños, and more herbs. Yep, lots of GREEN!!! Although my spring garden didn't produce like I had hoped it would, I learned a lot and am back for Fall!:) We shall see how this one does...I will do a garden post soon!:)

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It is Tuesday again and time for another edition of Turn The Page Tuesday!!!! If you want to know more about our link up party and how to tag along, just click the link above. Now onto my book choice for this week:

I just got this book for Wyatt a few weeks ago and it is adorable! We don't really celebrate Halloween but there are thing about it I enjoy:) This book, like all Mickey books, has such great pictures and bright colors! 

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse presents

Haunted Clubhouse

Its time again for Mickey's annual Halloween party! Everyone is coming to the costume party. Mickey and Minnie are setting up, Daisy is bringing cookies, Claribelle is making a yummy halloween drink, and Donald is too busy watching. Just before the guests arrive, Donald realizes he doesn't have a consume!! You know what happens next...."Oh, Toodles!" Go get this book to see all the clubhouse characters' costumes and if Donald finds his!

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Okay so I promise tomorrow will be recipe day!:) I have a few I need to add so get ready for some good eatin';) Time to Link Up!!!

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