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!:)

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!

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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Thursday Things and Recipes

Today is finally here and its going to be a good one! I have a few things to get done at the house today and then its time to get pretty:) Our MP Ball is tonight and I am so looking forward to it. I love the chance to get dressed up and go somewhere with my honey. I can actually say that since 2006, 6 years of MP Balls, I have yet to buy a new dress. Crazy, yes. I have used past prom dresses, bridesmaid dresses, etc. Today I am wearing a gorgeous dress I bought for my cousin Christine's wedding from last year. I only wore it to her wedding so I am excited to wear it again:) This is a gorgeous shot of all of us last November. Her wedding was at Union Station in Washington DC! Needless to say, it was beautiful. 

I am going to make a new Pumpkin Spice Muffin for breakfast tomorrow, so I will let you know how they turn out! And so the "pumpkin-ness" continues....

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Did you watch the debate last night? I am not going to get into too much on the issue, but I do think it was a very good debate. It definitely made me realize, again, that the two choices come December are very different. I am voting for Romney as I believe he is the best choice. However, I was raised in to having respect for others and their opinions even if they aren't mine. I answer to God and no one else. And with that, no matter who walks into the Oval office next month, God is in control and nothing surprises him. Ok, I will get off my small soap box;)

Ok, to all my Grey's Anatomy friends.....tonight is gonna be rough;) Yes, I know, they are  not real people;) However, I am completely involved in their "lives"....;) I am so excited that I will have Amanda here to watch it with me!!!! 

I also promised you some recipes so here you go:

Garlic Cheddar Biscuits

by Rachel Layfield

Prep Time: 10 mintes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients (12 biscuits)

• 2 Cups Self-Rising Flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 3 tbs. Crisco
• 2 tbs butter
• Parsley Flakes

Instructions

Add your flour to a mixing bowl. Cut in your crisco until it is pea size. Add milk and mix until blended. Don't over mix. Add cheese and garlic and blend. Fill your muffin pan with biscuit mix. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Melt butter and add parsley flakes. Using a basting brush and top hot biscuits with the butter mix.

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Taco Bowls

by Rachel Layfield

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients (2 Bowls)

• Tortilla of choice
• 1 strip of Flank Steak
• 1/4 tsp Cumin
• 1/4 tsp Ground Mustard
• 1/4 tsp garlic
• 1/4 tsp Paprika
• Romaine Lettuce
• tomato
• cucumber
• black olives
• 3 green onions
• Fresh shredded cheddar cheese
• Fresh Salsa
• 1 avocado
• Ranch dressing
• jalapeño
• cilantro

Instructions

Marinate (4 hours-overnight) steak with spices and green onions. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cut up all vegetables and place in bowl. Using a flat dish, add 1 cup of warm water and 3 T of EVOO together. Soak tortillas until soft. Place two oven safe bowls onto a cookie sheet. Cover with aluminum foil and spray with crisco cooking spray. Lay tortillas over foil and bake for 5 minutes. Remove from oven, take tortillas off bowl and bake another 5 minutes. Grill steak to your desire. Add all veggies to bowl. Top with thin sliced steak. Top with fresh salsa, cheese, and ranch dressing.

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I hope you all have an awesome Thursday!!! Tomorrow is another edition of Flashback Friday:)

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!

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:)