Bootastic Bash with the Beaver's!!

The treats and festive touches.....from pumpkin cookies with maple glaze, to snickerdoodles, to chocolate crinkles and Buffy's delicious pumpkin cheesecake trifle...

The folks behind the bash...just a bunch of YARD ART!!!!!  Our little garden gnome wouldn't wear her hat...daddy as the flying pig--which he thoroughly enjoyed wearing...and mommy as a pink flamingo!  I love how we were accidentally color coordinated!  Don't forget the "junk"yard doggy!

And the Characters that made the night extra special!!  Some of our favorite creatures!!!  Ladybugs, tigers and spiders...OH MY!  Greasers, cowboys and cowgirls and to really heat it up...a devilish momma!  Luckily a zoo keeper came to keep this bunch under control!!! 

We had such a blast celebrating and look forward to next year!  We even took the little ones to trick or treat at the neighbors!  P had her first piece of candy--and loved it!  Thanks to all who made our Spooktacular event extra-special!!!

Picture Perfect Weekend!

We have been on a different adventure everyday this weekend since Thursday!  Mini and I had lunch with a great friend and her new baby Thursday afternoon and watched daddy and Chad do their annual pumpkin carving that evening!

 
 On Friday we baked away lots of goodies to complete the treat part of our trick or treating bash!  We have lots of FANTASTIC cookie recipes to share!!

  Friday evening we headed to a Halloween village designed for the wee little ones!  Lots of nursery rhymes, hayrides and fun!!

 
 
 Saturday morning we got up bright and early and participated in a family Halloween walk where the munchkins dress up and get a little exercise!  We needed that because we had LOTS of goodies planned for the big frightful evening!


To Be Continued.......

Champagne Taste on a Beer Budget...

No matter what you are shopping for it is good to have a little research under your belt, a set budget and expectations.  The older I get the better I get at such things.  But still, I think its human nature to kind of long for the upgrade! 

This morning Mini and I had to go get two tires repaired.  We acquired to semi-flat tires in our weekend adventures which could turn out to be pretty dramatic when you only have one car in your family!!  We made it to our local tire shop and they fixed us right up!  On the way home I decided I would stop at a Bernina sewing machine shop since its on the way home and I have been gathering information on sewing machines trying to decide which one to get.  DISCLAIMER--I had NO idea how much these little beauties were before going into the store! 

I have only used Singer machines...my grandmother's, Janet's and Kim's.  So I have been planning on getting myself a Singer.  In fact, I did the research 6 months ago and decided on one that Martha Stewart recommended for someone with my skill level and the type of projects I plan to do but CANNOT find the note I made myself telling me the model.  Grrrr...so I decided one of the sweet ladies at Bernina might be able to help!  Oh could they!  The sweet lady walked us around showing us everything and asked what type of projects I like to do or wish to do.  I told her I make simple blankets but would like to get better at quilting, making drapes, bedding, pillows...mainly household things and possibly some simple children's clothing but nothing extravagant or fancy stuff.  Then she brings up embroidery.  Hmmm...I would have said no right off the bat but several of my friends have recently invested in embroidery machines so I wanted to know more...what's the craze all about?  Then I saw a few treasures made with the embroidery machine.  Well, I MIGHT be interested...then Janet, Tiff and I could all benefit from this machine right?  So if its a little more expensive but we ALL get use out of it, might be worth it.  So I will listen.  Like all good sales people, they never give you any inclination what these treasures might cost.  But the more she showed me, the more I felt like I was in a multi-million dollar house and had a budget of $150,000.00.  Or just slipped on a $15,000 wedding gown but had a budget of $1,000.  It feels so good at the time but when you reach for your pocket book...chirp chirp chirp!  Luckily Mini started squirming so I asked for a few brochures and prices so I could look everything over and come back in for more demos when I had some extra hands to help with the babe. 

Again, before letting me know how much the three dream machines we "test-drove" were, she let me know I would have a free two year bumper-to-bumper warranty, free sewing classes and a few other things I can't quite remember.  So I was getting excited!  Everyone is getting something bedazzled for Christmas!!  As I look at the price sheet and listen to her I realize the numbers she is saying are in the thousands???  I must have misunderstood?  I looked at the sheet...no, it was not a misunderstanding.  I have just test drove three machines that range in price from $2800-$3600!!!!!!!!   I honestly didn't know they could get that expensive...no wonder there is a "bumper-to-bumper" warranty!  They cost as much as a car!  So I went from looking at a sewing machine that costs $150, to one that costs $3600.  I am sad to report that you all should stop getting excited about your embroidered treasures for Christmas this year.  Its not going to happen!!! 

Lesson learned...I will be cruising up to Target later to pick up a trusty Singer that fits into my budget and as Kim said, "You've been using mine for a year now and it never did you wrong, now did it?!"  Nope, it didn't and it certainly won't require a 15 year mortgage!  It will probably be a while before I stop dreaming of that Bernina...she sewed like butter and did tricks your wildest crafting dreams couldn't even begin to imagine....If you are a sewer and want to waltz through dreamland, google the Bernina Aurora 440-Quilter's Edition.  Or if you want to purchase it and send it to my house, send me a message and I will gladly send you shipping information:) 

Dear Santa, I have been a VERY good girl, please send me the Aurora 440 Quilter's Edition...I will never ask for another sewing machine if you bring me this one!!!!!  xoxo, heather

P.S. If any of you are sewer's and have a good recommendation for a machine, let me know!  I am going to go with a Singer but can't decide which model yet...

Oh Martha...

I have gone back and forth over the years on if I really can handle Martha Stewart.  Not because I don't like her as a person--she is just so intense that I was always intimidated by her projects and recipes.  She always says they are easy but really you would need 6 months and a staff of designers and chefs to complete anything.  But, this past year I have grown to love her...I have made several of her recipes thanks to my friend Leah and her projects seem to be toned down a bit.  I catch her show every once in awhile and she seems less abrasive too.  Anyway, I really want her new crafting book and am crushing on this pumpkin centerpiece from one of her blogs. 

Isn't it magnificent!?!  I may have to give this one a try this year.  Wouldn't this be fabulous as the centerpiece at a fall wedding!?!?!   

The Black Plague

The Beaver family came home with a not-so-pleasant party favor last weekend--a really nasty stomach bug!  Paige started the lineup on Monday with mommy going downhill very early Wednesday morning (just in time for Tyler's birthday!) and daddy finishing the family off yesterday.  I will leave out the disturbing details but it has been a pretty horrible week!  This was Paige's first, official illness and first time throwing up:(  Nothing a mommy likes to see or clean up! She is back to her self today but still crabby with sleepy time. 

The champ of the week is Oscar!  He has been by my side every second.  Its so amazing how dogs just know what to do--its times like these that I know, he knows, he is my dog!  He LOVES Tyler and Paige.  So much!  Tyler runs with him, takes him places and worries about his feelings all of the time.  So it kind of seemed like he became everyone's dog after we had Paige and I focus more of my attention on her.  But when times get tough, he sticks with his momma.  When I would rock Paige he would lay his head on my lap and stay out of the way.  When I got sick, he laid right next to me-never moving a muscle.  When Tyler got sick and I got stressed from more germs and nearing my limit of disgustingness...he did not go lay with Tyler...he stayed with his mom. 

And here are a few oldies but goodies...

This was the last time Tyler got sick...my 26th birthday!

 Isn't he delicious?! 

Looking through these I think Oscar may just be an Opportunist.  He seems to capitalize on others' feelings and knows he can get on furniture and lay on top of people when they are at their worst!  I love this furry guy and whatever his motives, he sure helped us all get through this horrific week of yuck!  Our brown bear turned three last week!  For his birthday, we went to a local BBQ joint and had lunch at the park and he dined on polish sausage.  Then we got him his favorite toy--a Kong Wubba!  He shreds the main part of the toy in a day but the ball inside is the real treasure.  It lasts about a year and he carries it EVERYWHERE!  A year is a long time for a toy when you have a doberman!  He just destroyed his old one last week. 

Snicker-Delicious!

As reported, I made Tyler's favorite cookie for his birthday...Snickerdoodles!  It was the first time I have ever made them because I am just not a fan.  But these were actually decent...Ok, that doesn't sound convincing, I know...But Tyler loved them.  Here's the skinny:

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cup all purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt

For rolling-
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon


Directions
 
1.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees (F).

2.) Cream together butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Beat until fluffy (30 seconds).
3.) Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, baking soda and salt.
4.) Mix the 2 tablespoons of sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.
5.) Using a large cookie dough scoop, make balls of dough, and then roll each ball into the bowl of cinnamon/sugar.
6.) Place dough 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
7.) Bake 8-10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove from baking sheets and cool on a cooling rack.

Recipe source- Glorious Treats
I will get on one soap box today...I highly recommend investing in good, quality vanilla for your baking!  It makes a WORLD of difference in your cookies!  Its a few dollars more but you will never go back!  I purchase a few varieties from Williams-Sonoma that I just LOVE.  Or if you happen to vacation in Mexico, definitely bring back a big, glass bottle of vanilla--YUMMO!

The Cowboy's Birthday...

Tomorrow is the Mr.'s birthday so I have been trying to decide what sort of treats to make him!  He loves snickerdoodles (I despise them) but I figure its his day, you know?  So I will whip a few up!  But I think he is going to enjoy the pre-birthday celebration with some DELISH Cowboy Cookies--he may not be a cowboy exactly but he does look fab in cowboy boots so that counts right? 

They are thick, soft and wonderful!  They even include a few of his favorite ingredients...cinnamon, oats and vanilla!  I think these will be my go-to for cookie exchanges this year...and maybe some chocolate crinkles.  Sooo good!  I can't wait to dunk one in coffee in the morning!  The house is smelling good enough to eat right now.  Paige is chasing me around the house saying "BITE!" "PEEEEEAAAS!"

Ingredients

2 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

2 teaspoons baking soda

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup (2 sticks) butter

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)

2 eggs

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups chocolate chips

2 cups old fashioned rolled oats

1 1/4 cups sweetened flake coconut

1 1/4 cups chopped pecans

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350*F

2. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a bowl and set aside.

3. In a mixing bowl, beat butter until smooth and creamy (about 1 minute)

4. Gradually beat in the sugars until fully combined.

5. Add the eggs, one at a time. Add vanilla.

6. Stir in flour mixture until just combined.

7. Combine chocolate chips, oats, coconut and pecans in a large bowl, then add that mixture to your dough.

8. Using a large cookie scoop, place large balls of dough on an ungreased cookie sheet.

9. Bake 9-11 minutes.

10. Transfer cookies to a rack to cool.


Once I stop eating these, I will snap a photo so you can see how scrumptuous they are!

Oh! Most importantly...here is my source!  I am in love with this blog and printed about 10 recipes the first 5 minutes I cruised around!  Its called Glorious Treats and I have no doubt all of them are glorious!  I am going to make her pumpkin cookies with maple glaze later! 

Slider Hold Out!

I realized I forgot to post the sliders recipe and I certainly don't want to forget about it!  These were incredible...from the sauce to the mushroom/onion topping...everything...if a slider could be perfection this would be it.  The flavors are amazing.  I kind of wanted to marry the Pioneer Woman when she said to throw in some cream to the ground beef...divine!  Here you go pals...I will probably make these as regular size hamburgers next time but Kim brought up a valid point and the sliders would be perfect to cook in an electric skillet.  She has all of her brilliant ideas just after I need them! 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mayo
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 teaspoon cayenne
4 tablespoons butter
1/2 of an onion-finely diced
8 oz white mushrooms-finely diced
1/2 cup red wine
4 dashes worceshire sauce
salt/pepper
2 pounds ground beef
4 tablespoons heavy cream
4 dashes woreshire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
pepper
4 slices swiss cheese
10 dinner rolls or slider rolls-split

Preparation Instructions


In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and cayenne. Stir together until totally combined. Set aside. (This is the spicy fry sauce.)

Melt butter in a large skillet. Add onions and cook over medium heat for five minutes, stirring frequently. Add mushrooms and toss around, then add wine (if using), Worcestershire, salt and pepper. Cook for several minute over medium heat, or until all liquid has evaporated. Transfer mushroom mixture to a separate bowl, scraping all contents from the skillet.

Mix ground beef, heavy cream, Worcestershire, and salt and pepper in a bowl. Use your hands to thoroughly mix ingredients. Form 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the meat mixture into patties, making an indentation with your thumb to keep the patties from plumping too much when they cook. In the same skillet as the one used to cook the mushrooms, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium to medium-high heat. Add four patties at a time, indented side face up. Cook for 4 minutes, then flip. Spoon generous portion of mushroom mixture on each patty, then top with one or two squares of Swiss, depending on your preference. Place lid on skillet and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, until burgers are cooked through and cheese is melted. Remove to a place and keep warm while you repeat with the rest of the meat mixture.

Toast halved buns under the oven broiler. Spread generously with spicy fry sauce. Place patties between buns and serve immediately with fried onion strings.

Original recipe here

This is the Pioneer Woman's photograph but I promise mine looked exactly the same!!  If I find my photo I will share!  

You will not regret this...after trying the mushroom/onion topping with some good quality swiss, I now want both on EVERYTHING!!! 

Currently cooking:  Taco Soup-family fave
On Deck:  Buffy's Pumpkin Trifle, Pumpkin spice cookies, Chocolate Crinkles, Cowboy Cookies and a Christmas quilt!

The Current Fave Omelet

Paige and I have been eating a lot of eggs lately!  They are quick, easy, healthy and we both seem to enjoy them quite a bit.  Sometimes for breakfast but usually for lunch??  Here goes--this feeds both of us so cut down or add to feed your desired amount of hungry mouths:

4 Large eggs
good splash of milk
butter
1/3 of a cup of chopped mushrooms
handful of hand shredded spinach
a few cubes of cream cheese (or any shredded cheese you have on hand)

add butter to your skillet to melt.  Then throw in your mushrooms to cook up.  Beat your eggs with milk.  Once your shrooms are almost done (about 5 minutes) add spinach and then eggs.  Let cook a minute then toss on your cubes of cream cheese.  You cannot imagine how silky, creamy, perfect, eggs are with a little bit of cream cheese!  I wish I could remember the food network star that taught me this trick but it was a long time ago.  I can only imagine it was Paula or Rachel but I just can't remember.  We use cream cheese sometimes or shred a little cheddar or colby jack.  But the texture with the cream cheese is unbeatable.  Serve this up with an english muffin and call it good!  Veggies, dairy, protein...can't beat it! 

Moments I don't ever want to forget...

I wish I had today's funny moment on video tape...I am sure it will happen again so cross your fingers!  While I was making breakfast I hear jibberish coming from Mini.  Nothing unusual about that.  She never stops moving or talking...especially when it is just us.  She talks really fast and it sounds like something from Star Wars.  I take a minute to see what she is talking about and look over to see Paige with a purse on her wrist and her hot pink cell phone in the other hand standing next to the blind doberman AKA Oscar with the phone held up to his ear and she was smiling and talking for him.  He looked scared to death!  All of the men around here look a little scared when we start talking but its even worse when it is in an unfamiliar language!  She was dead serious though and was using lots of hand gestures and facial expressions.  I nearly died it was so funny.  Bless Oscar's heart!  He is so good to his little blonde best friend! 

Oh here she comes now with a baby stroller and her phone I hear her saying, "Hello, Yeah...Yeah...Hello...Please...Ha!....Yeah...".  I wonder if that's all I say when I talk on the phone?  Its pretty hilarious....

I am certain I will love this story when Mini goes off to college...

A Prayer for a Little Home

God send us a little home;

To come back to when we roam.

Wooden floors & fluted tiles;

Wide windows, a view for miles.

Red firelight & deep chairs;

Small white beds upstairs.

Great talk in little nooks;

Soft colors, rows of books.

One picture on each wall;

Not many things at all.

God send us a little ground;

Tall trees stand 'round.

Homely flowers in fertile sod;

Overhead, thy stars, O God.

God bless thee when winds blow,

Our home and all we know.

~Florence Bone

"And each heart is whispering 'Home, home at last!'" ~Thomas Hood

Tyler has been traveling a lot the past few weeks and my favorite thing when he gets home is watching his face as he comes home and looks around at our home and I can see his happiness.  Mostly he loves that we are here but he also loves our crazy pumpkins, our comfy sofas, and all of the cozy little touches that make this house our home.  I love that he appreciates things like that and always compliments me on how "home-y" our house feels. 

Counting my Blessings...

Mission Accomplished!

I am thrilled to report thst I have finished the office area and the whole family seems to really love it!  For such a small budget, I am amazed at how much we like it!  Its so much more exciting decorating on a budget because at the end of your project, you can look around the room and think...WOW!  I made this kind of transformation with such little money!  It does take more time and imagination but sooo worth it!  At some point I will figure out how to make all my cords disappear but I haven't mastered that skill yet. 

I am SOOO in love with the abacus and feel it adds such an unexpected piece of interest! It also ties all the colors together.  The orange chest pops with the kelly green accents.  I searched the internet for a green lamp finding several varieties all in the $400 price range...considering that's more than my whole room makeover I obviously didn't do that...but ran into this beauty at Target for $16!  Also found the green trunk at Target for $19 and it is the perfect home for my printer!! 

Its hard to see how great this moose canvas is but it has so many of the room colors and it looks like pop art yet not too "poppy":) 

 The frame collage came together today...from scrapbook paper, fabric, random quote and the manufacturer insert...we have a funky, creative wall...at least to me:)  Oh and one tinsy weensy family photo from last xmas.  

 I'm still thinking I may frame a few of these squares of scrapbook paper but Tyler likes it sitting here...interesting fellow my husband! 

If I Could.....

have this coat and this wreath...my life would be complete...OK, I am kidding...kind of. 

Sneak Peek...

at the semi-completed office area...drum roll please.....

There are still a few details missing.  There is a kelly green desk lamp at Target I want to get.  The abacus will be hung over the cream desk and the printer needs a residence other than the floor.  Not sure I want it on the orange chest but that may be his new home until I can locate the yellow metal file cabinet that stole my heart!  I am thinking of collecting some old random small frames and putting quotes, verses and random inspirational things in a collage over the orange chest until someday in the distant future when we put a flat screen above it.  I am quite pleased with our bargain/ecclectic finds and how everything works so well together!  I think once I have a few things on the walls it will feel just right!     

Isn't She Lovely? Our 14 month old young lady!

Isn't She Lovely

Isn't She Wonderful

Isn't She Precious

Less Than One Minute Old

I Never Thought Through Love We'd Be

Making One As Lovely As She

But Isn't She Lovely Made From Love

Isn't She Pretty

Truly The Angel's Best

Boy I'm So Happy

We Have Been Heaven Blessed

I Can't Believe What God Has Done

Through Us He's Given Life To One

But Isn't She Lovely Made From Love

 I think Stevie Wonder said it beautifully! 

This little child amazes us each and every day!

We love her more than the desert loves rain, all the way to the moon and back!

I prayed for this child, and the Lord answered my prayer and gave her to me.

1 Samuel 1:27

Smells Like Yummmmmmmm

Sunday morning I woke up happy to see Mini and Oscar but also STARVING!  A busy weekend led to a speedy motabolism so during Paige's nap I clicked on Pioneer Woman's blog and Corn Chowder with Chilies popped right onto the screen!  Check-I will be having that today!  Then I saw Mushroom and Swiss Sliders...you know me...corn goes with everything and I was in need of some protein and carbs to go with my soup so it seemed like a match made in Heaven!  I rang Tyler's parents who had been running my household all weekend to see if they wanted to join us!  They agreed so we ran off to the store to get some groceries...the beautiful thing about cooking Pioneer Woman recipes is they never disappoint!  We all ate several helpings of soup and I continue to eat the hamburgers...

Ingredients


■2 slices Bacon, Cut Into 1/2-inch Pieces (or Smaller) I used about 10 slices of bacon...2 slices is not enough-in my opinion!~

■2 Tablespoons Butter

■1-½ whole Yellow Onion, Diced

■5 ears Corn, Shucked (about 4 Cups) (I used frozen corn)

■2 whole Chipotle Peppers In Adobo Sauce, Finely Diced

■1 whole 4-ounce Can Diced Green Chilies

■32 ounces, fluid Low Sodium Chicken Broth

■1-½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream

■½ teaspoons Kosher Salt (more To Taste)

■3 Tablespoons Corn Meal OR Masa

■¼ cups Water
 
Preparation Instructions


(Carefully) slice the corn kernels off the cob. Set aside.

Add bacon pieces to a pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Cook for a couple of minutes. Throw in diced onion and stir, cooking the onion for 3 to 4 minutes. Add butter and melt. Add corn. Stir and cook for one minute. Add both kinds of chilies and stir.

Pour in chicken broth and cream. Add salt. Stir and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low.

Combine cornmeal (or masa) with water. Stir to combine, then pour into the chowder. Cover and cook for 15 minutes over low heat. If chowder needs more thickening, add another tablespoon of cornmeal mixed with water. Cook for another ten minutes.

**This will knock your socks off, clean out your sinuses and make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside!  My favorite corn chowder recipe to date! 

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice...views from our Pumpkin Patch!

Appreciation of Fine Art

I am a well rounded gal and I wouldn't be a good mum if I didn't try to start instilling in my daughter the appreciation of fine art.  So I introduced her to one of the most magnificent art forms in the history of Arts & Crafts....BEDAZZLING!!  All of you that know me know that I definitely had a bedazzle gun as a kid and even wore a few out and had to replace them.  My clothes, shoes, blankets, everything was bedazzled.  But I am embarrassed to say this wasn't my idea...how have I not thought of this?!  My beautiful, creative, spunky, funky neighbor gave me the idea!  I have another one that isn't quite finished to show later but I am certain it won't disappoint:) 

This is Mini's FAVORITE pumpkin!  She just sits in front of it and smile & giggles!  I am sure the neighborhood thinks I have lost my mind!  I have a feeling we will have bedazzled and polka pumpkins for many years to come!!! 

No Rules Sunday!

I hate to be a broken record but MAN another busy weekend!!  This one was so special though!  Kim came in town Friday afternoon for wedding preparations for Buffy & Jeff's BIG DAY and we had our first sleepover in probably 5 years!  We had so much fun at the rehearsal dinner!  More details on the wedding festivities later though! 

I feel as though I abandoned my furry son and my fair-haired daughter this weekend so I announced to them this morning it will be NO RULES SUNDAY!  I'm a nice mom but I do have rules that must be followed.  P doesn't get many sweets, has a bedtime, can't throw tantrums....you know the usual.  Oscar can't sit on furniture, eat people food (very often), and has to stay outside when we have company.  He doesn't know he is a dog so after a few days he starts feeling abused.  So today...we are going to break all the rules!  Hopefully this home of ours is still standing at the end of our special day! 

Here is my photo of the week...it is the first picture we have taken since college where neither of us are barefoot and pregnant!  Even for some old, married housewives I think we still shine up pretty nice:) 

Where does YOUR stress shine through?!

Here's to hoping the pore refining mask temporarily cures my problem areas!!! 

Have a splendid weekend!!  I have lots of exciting things to share next week so come back soon:)

Case. Closed.

I woke up this morning knowing that I was going to clean house.  But when I went into the kitchen to start breakfast and make coffee...there was a strong scent. Kind of garlic-y, pungent, just not right.  There were no dirty dishes in the kitchen so I immediately started cleaning the fridge until you could eat out of it.  Threw out ALL of the leftovers and anything remotely close to expired.  I still felt as though I could smell that smell but I thought it was just burned into my nose.  So I moved on. 

I made the bed and put away some clothes.  Walked back through the kitchen and BAM!  Smell still there.  So I scoured the kitchen, put some citrus in the disposals, took out all the trash and finished cleaning the house.  When Tyler came home for lunch I told him about the smell.  He said he noticed it too but felt too bad to say anything because I had been working so hard getting the house cleaned up.  Honorable dude, right?  WRONG! 

I realized there was just one sneaky place I hadn't looked.  The oven.  Instead of rinsing off his plate of spaghetti and broccoli the other night, he hid it in the oven?  So the aromas of garlic salt and funky broccoli come swarming through my ever so clean home as I lower the oven door.  Tyler's eyes were like headlights as he realizes what he had done or should we say, forgot to do!!! 

You see, my hubby is the master of moving things, not cleaning anything.  He thinks he is very helpful by shuffling things to different locations and hiding junk in closets or ovens! 

So I decided if I'm not going to kill him, I better just love him like crazy.  So as a sign from God, the song "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice came on after he went back to work.  So I decided I would go ahead and love him like crazy and never let my prayin' knees get lazy--when you all stop snickering you can go ahead and pray he stops leaving creepy stuff in the oven too!  This is not my first oven surprise BTW! 

So as a reward to myself I decided to stop of at the ol' Starbucks for a Pumpkin Spice Latte which got me in the pumpkin mood so mini and I cruised on over to the local punkin patch.  Which led to a small temper tantrum, not by mini, when I was told that the polka dot pumpkin was not for sale...display purposes only--that's stupid, who has a pumpkin patch where the best pumpkins aren't for sale??  Then calmly  frantically explained to her how I would die without it...she reluctantly agreed that if it was that bad, I should probably get the pumpkin.

Moral of the story:  No matter how bad your week is, how bizarre your husband is, no matter how many teeth your mini is getting ALL at once...it can all be fixed with a latte and a polka dotted pumpkin.  If your me, anyway:) 

Here she is in her new home!

BZZZZZZZ is for B-U-S-Y!!

P loves when I sound things out for her so we have been doing a lot of that lately!  She copies most of the sounds I make which is terribly precious!  I am still in the process of hiring the perfect someone to watch mini a few hours a day a couple days a week so things have been pretty tight trying to get my work done with a terrorizer toddler running rampant!  Hopefully I will have that handled by next week but just so I don't leave all you wonderful people what we have been up to recently...here are a few snipits! 

Only a few more days before she becomes a Mrs. so we took her out in style last weekend!  Isn't she going to be the loveliest bride?!?!  

I take ALL opportunities to hold the sleeping beauty as they outgrow this phase oh too fast! 

 The Doc is in!  She has been tossing the idea around of pediatric medicine but shortly after started chasing the dog around with a stethascope so maybe a veterinarian? 

 10 year reunion?!?!  NOT possible!  When did I get old???  It was a blast catching up with old friends and even a playdate with some great friends and our minis!  So weird seeing close friends from the younger years as mommies!  But it makes them so much more special! 

 Enjoyed lots of family time back home and even had plenty of makeovers...Kenna always makes sure I get a makeover when I am there!  Paige even got some blush...thought daddy was going to have a heart attack!  I am actually fairly certain I wore this shade of lipstick in high school...HAHAHA 

My take on Beef Stroganoff

One of my favorite dishes growing up was beef stroganoff!!  I can't make it like my grandma just yet but Tyler and I LOVE this recipe I have been making for a couple years now and I always have these ingredients on hand!  So here goes:

1 box penne noodles
1 lb hamburger meat
1 red bell pepper
1 cup heavy cream
handful of parm/romano cheese (whichever is fine if you have one or the other)
couple spoons of sour cream
1/4-1/2 stick of butter
mushrooms

Brown your hamburger meat and dice your red bell pepper and throw in with the meat to get soft.  Meanwhile cook your noodles as directed on the box.  In a separate pan, after your meat is fully cooked, heat your butter until melted then add in your heavy cream.  After combined, whisk in your sour cream and let it simmer just a second--NOT BOIL!  Drain your noodles and return them to their pan throw your cheese onto the noodles and toss them!  Then dump your cream sauce on the noodles...the noodles will be so happy they were prepped with cheese and will be good little noodles and drink up all the cream!!!  Then add your meat mixture, stir and enjoy!  I like to serve this with a green veggie like asparagus or broccoli!  This feeds 4-6 people and also warms up wonderfully! 

* I learned the cheese on warm pasta trick from Rachel Ray...although I am not a big fan of a lot of her recipes, her tips are marvelous and I will never leave my noodles naked again!