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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Oh My Monday...

Well, its already almost Tuesday so this will be short. Its been a looonngg day and I am ready for bed. However, I thought I would share a little blog fun! Lindsay of The Lean Green Bean has a fun October challenge! I hopped on the band wagon and am so excited to have a fun little task to accomplish each day:) All you have to do is check out the daily challenge and join in!

Today's challenge was to eat extra veggies at lunch! So I added spinach and cucumber to my sandwich.

Tomorrow will be back to normal and I will be adding those recipes I have promised:) And I will also be holding a wall sit as long as I can....eek. This should be interesting:)

Flashback Friday

It is finally Friday and I am so glad!! We are not doing much this weekend and I am looking forward to it! I have got to get my mums planted so my porch officially feels "fall." This week has been one of those weeks where all I want is chocolate!!! Of course I try not to buy it at the commissary (military grocery store) and then I have days like these and am annoyed with myself for not getting some;) Plus, I watched Revenge, Private Practice, Grey's Anatomy, and Sons of Anarchy and phew!!!!!! Goodnedd gracious did these seasons start off rough!! Thankfully I have "The Office!" I am so sad this is the last season:( :( For those of you thinking what I would be thinking..."wow, she watches a lot of tv".....I record them and watch them in bed;) It usually takes me a few days to watch them all because I get in bed and don't usually last long;)

By the way, if you are looking for a quick and easy idea for lunch, try the Kashi frozen meals! I bought the Sesame chicken today and it was so yummy! It was filled with lots of good stuff. Better than fast food or something not so good at home.

I have promised a couple of recipes, which I am adding next week, and will also be blogging some new ones! I am trying some "fall" recipes so I will share the ones that turn out good!:)

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With today being Friday, that means its time to Flashback!!!:) YAY!

This time last year we moved from Missouri to Louisiana and our best friends Brian and Amanda moved to Colorado. It was a very sad day to leave our closest friends, and move so far away when we had lived practically next door to each other for 3 years. This picture was taken a few weeks before we moved. This is Wyatt and Jackson enjoying their lunch together;) Wyatt was 2, Jackson was 1, Eli was a newborn, and Amanda was just pregnant with Ella:)

This is also my favorite picture this week because they are coming to visit NEXT WEEKEND!!!!!! I am so so so excited!!! They surprised us with coming out and I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to 4 full days of "the old days":) Less than a week and counting.... Have a great weekend!

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 What are your weekend plans? Do you crave chocolate?

What are your must see"shows?"

WIAW

Today is Wednesday which means another edition of What I Ate Wednesday with Jenn over at Peas and Crayons!! If you don't follow her blog you need to! If you don't follow her on Instagram....yep, you need to! She has yummy things to share!:) I don't know about y'all, but I am ready for the weekend already! It is time to go buy some Mums and veggies to plant. I am so excited. I love fall (as you know by now;)) Today I need to get my grocery list done and ready for the rest of the week because its a busy one!

Breakfast

2 Blueberry Waffles with a glass of Simply Orange

(I don't use syrup)

Lunch

Steak Taco Bowls with Fresh Salsa

Dinner

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup with 

Cheddar Biscuits

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday and get your to-do list checked off! I will also be adding these recipes to the blog if you want to check them out:)

Weekend Recap+Monday Things

It's Monday again....boo. I hate how fast the weekend goes by. I hope you had a great one! We had our first whole weekend at home, with no big plans. I have to say it was very nice. We had family in town which gave us more reason to chill and relax. Wyatt had his first soccer game on Saturday and it was so sweet! My husband and I are co-coaching so that has been fun! We actually have some good little players on our team. One of 3 year olds scored 5 goals;) Wyatt scored his first one!!! We were a little excited. I just happened to turn on my camera for a few seconds to catch him playing, and I caught his first goal on video;) I look forward to his next few games to see what he does and how he grows.

Today is my cleaning and organizing day. I love having this day to clean. It starts my week off right and I have nothing to worry about the rest of the week! It is also time to start planning Wyatt's 4th birthday! I have so much to do as this is going to be a Super hero party;) I have to order announcements, invites, decide between two venues, make super hero capes, etc....phew. I do LOVE this part of being a mom. I love making their birthday parties fun and personal!

What do you do for your kids birthdays?

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On another note, I made a delicious Steak Taco Salad this weekend and it was so yummy! I will be sharing that recipe this week, along with a couple more! And don't forget that tomorrow is Turn The Page Tuesday!!!! 

This week is the Berenstein Bears 50th Anniversary so Amanda and I will be sharing our favorite books by them! We are love BB and have lots of them in our house and car! So feel free to share you favorite BB book, or just join in with another book of your choice! Looking forward to having some more people join our party!:) Have a great Monday and come link up tomorrow!

Project Date Night: Building a Porch Swing

Today is the first day in a while that I haven't posted first thing in the morning. It has been so busy around here...we have company in this weekend and something going on every weekend for the next month and a half! So, today is going to be simple.

With it being fall and all, I have been dying to get a porch swing hung outside. It is so beautiful here and its perfect weather for a swing. At first we were going to buy one, and then my husband offered to build me one...okay!:) So, tonight is a project date night!!!

I am always looking for new creative ideas for date nights at home. As you know, once you have kids it is harder to get out. So, why not have a date night at home?! I will post my creative date nights when I have them, and hope they help inspire you to bring the "dating" back home:)

Tonight my honey and I are building this:

Source

I am headed out now to go pick out a paint color, and then it will be back home to whip up some yummy Steak Taco Salad Bowls (recipe to come) and then start building!:) I will post pictures when the swing is hung!:)

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What would you build?

5 Healthy Snacks+A Favorite Thing

Happy Monday! I know it is still technically the weekend and I hope you have all enjoyed it so far! We've had a great one! Today we are continuing the fun and heading to Hodges Gardens in Many, Louisiana. A lot of our friends are from here so they know the places to go:) I was also successful in my first attempt in making good ole' cajun Gumbo, for our first Game Day of the season!!! It was delicious and I will definitely share that recipe soon!
Today I am sharing my Top 5 Go-To, yet healthy, snacks! As a mom of two VERY active boys, it can be challenging some days to not head straight for the cookie jar when I get a little hungry;)....yes, we've all been there. A lot of these aren't "genius" when it comes to creativity. But sometimes, we forget how simple making good snack decisions can be. So, here we go!

1. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter

                         

2. Turkey and Cheese Rollup

3. Chobani with Flaxseed

4. Blueberry Waffle

5. Fresh Veggies

These are all of the ones I usually have around my house! I get lots of ideas from all of you, so hopefully this gives you a couple simple ideas. I am going to do the "Toddler" version of this later!:)

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Here is something new and fun!!! Every time you see this "Little Lady Things" image pop up, I will be sharing a new "favorite thing" of mine! I hope you have as much fun looking at these as I do finding them!:) So, here is my new favorite thing:

Rachael Rays Olive Oil Dispenser = My life made easier;)

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Last but NOT least, don't forget tomorrow is "Turn The Page Tuesday!!!!" so pick out your book of the week and get ready to link up with Amanda and I!!!

RL