- Grilled Chicken Pineapple Sandwiches & Sweet Potato Fires
- Sausage & Summer Vegetable Skillet
- Quesadillas & Mexicorn Casserole
- Sweet Smoky Salmon with Red, White & Blue Salad
- Chicken Crescents, Rice Pilaf, Green Beans & Salad
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Menu Monday
Thursday, April 21, 2011
My Favorite Things
1. Sara Evans CD. I LOVE her. So excited about her new CD. Did you see her get a standing ovation at the CMA's a couple of weeks ago? Way to go, Mrs. Jay Barker.
2. Traffic Light. This show is so funny. If you don't agree - you are a Bonebag. That's an inside joke from the show. Wanna know why it is so funny? Watch the show.
3. Dyron's Low Country. My new favorite restaurant. They have the most amazing Shrimp & Grits and Bananas Foster Creme Brulee. It is in Crestline Village by La Paz if you want to check it out.
4. Ann Taylor's 40% off EVERYTHING Sale. That one pretty much explains itself.
5. Janie & Jack - 3 Parts:
A) Baby Elephant Collection. It finally went on sale so I was able to buy these 2 pieces:
B) Sailboat Collection. Not on sale yet but I am patiently waiting.
C) Their Forever Exhange Policy. Keep your receipt and your time to return it never expires. That means I can buy something on clearance in a 4T and in 3 years when Asher can wear it I can change my mind and take it back.
6. Magazines. Not many things makes me quite as happy as a glossy new magazine. I love the photos and recipes. I have let all but one subscription expire pretending to sacrifice for our budget. But the truth is I end up buying them anyway. Which costs more. Unless you buy them at Sam's! Thank you Sam's for selling me my favorite magazines at a fraction of the cost!
7. Favorite Movie Night. We started a new tradition a few weeks ago. Ben and I both love movies. And movie theaters happen to be one of the few places we can't really take Asher. So on Friday nights we take turns picking movies from our way too big DVD collection and watch it from the comforts of our own living room. We choose one of our favorite movies that the other has not ever seen before. For Ben's night he chose Star Wars Episode IV. My first selection was The Phantom of the Opera. Neither of us were very crazy about the other one's movie but at least Ben stayed awake for all of Phantom. Sorry, honey! To be fair, I have fallen asleep in Broadway shows before. And to be even more fair, I didn't like Star Wars AT ALL.
8. John Freida's Root Awakening. This stuff keeps my hair smooth and smells soooooo wonderful. It costs about $6 a bottle which is high for me. So I tried another cheaper shampoo last time and regretted it. It's worth the price.
9. Reese Witherspoon. I LOVE LOVE LOVE her. And am so excited about this little flick coming out THIS weekend!
10. Funfetti Cake. Thanks for sharing your birthday cake, Lanie!!!
Have a blessed Easter weekend!
2. Traffic Light. This show is so funny. If you don't agree - you are a Bonebag. That's an inside joke from the show. Wanna know why it is so funny? Watch the show.
3. Dyron's Low Country. My new favorite restaurant. They have the most amazing Shrimp & Grits and Bananas Foster Creme Brulee. It is in Crestline Village by La Paz if you want to check it out.
4. Ann Taylor's 40% off EVERYTHING Sale. That one pretty much explains itself.
5. Janie & Jack - 3 Parts:
A) Baby Elephant Collection. It finally went on sale so I was able to buy these 2 pieces:
B) Sailboat Collection. Not on sale yet but I am patiently waiting.
C) Their Forever Exhange Policy. Keep your receipt and your time to return it never expires. That means I can buy something on clearance in a 4T and in 3 years when Asher can wear it I can change my mind and take it back.
6. Magazines. Not many things makes me quite as happy as a glossy new magazine. I love the photos and recipes. I have let all but one subscription expire pretending to sacrifice for our budget. But the truth is I end up buying them anyway. Which costs more. Unless you buy them at Sam's! Thank you Sam's for selling me my favorite magazines at a fraction of the cost!
7. Favorite Movie Night. We started a new tradition a few weeks ago. Ben and I both love movies. And movie theaters happen to be one of the few places we can't really take Asher. So on Friday nights we take turns picking movies from our way too big DVD collection and watch it from the comforts of our own living room. We choose one of our favorite movies that the other has not ever seen before. For Ben's night he chose Star Wars Episode IV. My first selection was The Phantom of the Opera. Neither of us were very crazy about the other one's movie but at least Ben stayed awake for all of Phantom. Sorry, honey! To be fair, I have fallen asleep in Broadway shows before. And to be even more fair, I didn't like Star Wars AT ALL.
8. John Freida's Root Awakening. This stuff keeps my hair smooth and smells soooooo wonderful. It costs about $6 a bottle which is high for me. So I tried another cheaper shampoo last time and regretted it. It's worth the price.
9. Reese Witherspoon. I LOVE LOVE LOVE her. And am so excited about this little flick coming out THIS weekend!
10. Funfetti Cake. Thanks for sharing your birthday cake, Lanie!!!
Have a blessed Easter weekend!
Easter in Pictures
Checking out his goods.
He got several books: Jesus Story Book Bible, a Jesus Loves Me Book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, Veggie Tale DVD's, a Momma Bunny holding her baby, swim trunks, sunglasses, a chocolate bunny (that might have been more for mom), a sun hat and a Leap Frog Scout.
 |
My Easter Basket. Thanks, Easter Hunny!  |
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Menu Plan Monday
I know it's Tuesday...I'm using the term Monday loosely.
- BBQ Kielbasa & Corn on the Cob
- Halibut, Sweet Potatoes & Sauteed Spinach
- Orange Rosemary Pork Chops & Rice Pilaf
- Curry Chutney Chicken & Brown Rice
- Chicken Milanese & Salad
Baby Food
Asher ate rice cereal for the first time on March 17 - his 5 month birthday. He wasn't so sure about it at first.
On March 29 we started adding baby food to his oatmeal. He caught on to this stuff pretty quickly. You can tell that he was sick in this video by the alligator tear on his cheek. His poor eyes watered like crazy with ear infections.
Before we knew it he was a pro and was eating baby food and decided that sweet potatoes were his favorite.
This video is really long, so feel free to bypass it. I just love it. So I am posting it for my digital scrapbooking purposes.
On March 29 we started adding baby food to his oatmeal. He caught on to this stuff pretty quickly. You can tell that he was sick in this video by the alligator tear on his cheek. His poor eyes watered like crazy with ear infections.
Before we knew it he was a pro and was eating baby food and decided that sweet potatoes were his favorite.
This video is really long, so feel free to bypass it. I just love it. So I am posting it for my digital scrapbooking purposes.
Monday, April 11, 2011
My Favorite Things
I would like to preface this blog with this quote:
That being said...
1. The Kennedy's. I haven't finished the mini-series yet. It is all on my DVR. I think it is really well done. The actors are very convincing in their portrayals of this iconic family. I LOVE the Kennedy's and have read many a book on Jack & Jackie and even a book on Bobby & Jackie. I thought I was the only nerd out there that was pumped about this show, but I was wrong. Lots of people have comments on other blogs and on facebook.
2. Orange Philosophy. I mentioned this last week. If you would like to read more feel free to subscribe to their blog. It's got some pretty great stuff on there for parents of all ages.
3. Kashi Crisp. I eat this every morning with yogurt. It is sooo good and fills me up until lunch time.
4. Chick-fil-a Banana Pudding Milkshakes. I have to admit that I was a little perturbed when I found this image and it read "starting February 28". Everyone who is anybody knows I am obsessed with Banana Pudding. So WHY did I just find out about this little piece of heaven on earth before church last Wednesday? Huh?!
5. Planting flowers. I am the world's worst at keeping them alive, but planting them and enjoying them - I could do it every day. Especially in pots.
6. Spring. I am starting to wonder if we just plain skipped right over Spring here in central Alabama. Nearly 90 degrees in April? Bit too much for this old gal. I heard it is supposed to be 72 and sunny on Sunday for our church Easter Egg Hunt. Now that's what I am talking about!
7. Cherry Blossom. I have worn this scent for the past few years. I only wear it in spring and summer so the smell of it makes me very happy.
8. Melissa & Doug Toys. I mean, I guess it might be a bit much to say that I only had kids so I could buy these toys but it wouldn't be TOO far off of the mark. I am dying to start buying this stuff for Asher. And I don't care what anyone says - boys can have play kitchens and he WILL have a buggy.
9. Fabric.com. They have a great selection, good prices and fast service. I just ordered some fabric to make a Roman Shade for my bathroom. We'll see how it turns out.
10. This smile. Makes my day. Sometimes Ben will look over and ask, "What are you smiling at so big over there?" and I will confess that I am once again looking at pictures of Asher on my phone. He can be asleep in my arms and I still miss him and look at photos of him over and over again. As any mom will tell you - the smile of your child will melt your heart like nothing else. Have I mentioned that I love being a mom?
"The best things in life are not things"
That being said...
1. The Kennedy's. I haven't finished the mini-series yet. It is all on my DVR. I think it is really well done. The actors are very convincing in their portrayals of this iconic family. I LOVE the Kennedy's and have read many a book on Jack & Jackie and even a book on Bobby & Jackie. I thought I was the only nerd out there that was pumped about this show, but I was wrong. Lots of people have comments on other blogs and on facebook.
2. Orange Philosophy. I mentioned this last week. If you would like to read more feel free to subscribe to their blog. It's got some pretty great stuff on there for parents of all ages.
3. Kashi Crisp. I eat this every morning with yogurt. It is sooo good and fills me up until lunch time.
4. Chick-fil-a Banana Pudding Milkshakes. I have to admit that I was a little perturbed when I found this image and it read "starting February 28". Everyone who is anybody knows I am obsessed with Banana Pudding. So WHY did I just find out about this little piece of heaven on earth before church last Wednesday? Huh?!
5. Planting flowers. I am the world's worst at keeping them alive, but planting them and enjoying them - I could do it every day. Especially in pots.
6. Spring. I am starting to wonder if we just plain skipped right over Spring here in central Alabama. Nearly 90 degrees in April? Bit too much for this old gal. I heard it is supposed to be 72 and sunny on Sunday for our church Easter Egg Hunt. Now that's what I am talking about!
7. Cherry Blossom. I have worn this scent for the past few years. I only wear it in spring and summer so the smell of it makes me very happy.
8. Melissa & Doug Toys. I mean, I guess it might be a bit much to say that I only had kids so I could buy these toys but it wouldn't be TOO far off of the mark. I am dying to start buying this stuff for Asher. And I don't care what anyone says - boys can have play kitchens and he WILL have a buggy.
9. Fabric.com. They have a great selection, good prices and fast service. I just ordered some fabric to make a Roman Shade for my bathroom. We'll see how it turns out.
10. This smile. Makes my day. Sometimes Ben will look over and ask, "What are you smiling at so big over there?" and I will confess that I am once again looking at pictures of Asher on my phone. He can be asleep in my arms and I still miss him and look at photos of him over and over again. As any mom will tell you - the smile of your child will melt your heart like nothing else. Have I mentioned that I love being a mom?
Thursday, April 7, 2011
How to Raise a Jerk
Our church is embracing the Orange philospohy. To read more about it - go here. I am excited about this. To me, this is church. Coming together as children of God to lead each other toward Christ. This morning they posted a blog titled "How to Raise a Jerk". Thought I might repost it. Good stuff.
Here are a few ideas to help you effectively raise a jerk:
Here are a few ideas to help you effectively raise a jerk:
- Protect them from the consequences of their own mistakes.
- Make sure you do whatever they can do for themselves.
- Keep them away from anyone who thinks differently than they do.
- Try to give them everything they want.
- Tell them over and over again you just want them to be happy.
- Convince them that they are more special than other kids.
- Always take their side when they get in trouble with their teacher at school.
- Always take their side whenever they are in a conflict with a friend.
- Keep insisting that they are the best player on the team.
- Don’t give them consistent opportunities to help or serve other people.
- Never require them to do chores.
- Reinforce their prejudices about people from different cultures or backgrounds.
- Make your relationship with them more important than your relationship with your spouse.
- Rarely express genuine gratitude to those who help you.
- Teach them to talk more than they listen.
- Never let them hear you say “I was wrong. I am sorry.”
Saturday, April 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Asher - 5 Months
This post is extra long with lots of photos and videos. I guess that is what happens when you try to cram a month worth of blogging into one post.
At 5 months old, Asher weighs 17 lbs (75th percentile), wears size 6-9 months (in most brands), size 2 diapers, and takes five 6 ounce bottles plus 1 Tb rice cereal a day. We just started rice cereal the day he turned 5 months old (March 17). Not surprisingly, our little piggy caught on quickly and does a pretty darn good job of eating from a spoon. His first taste of it was a little iffy - he wasn't sure what was on his tongue. We laughed at the face he made and true to form, our little entertainer kept eating it to make us laugh. He thought it was hilarious! I am so glad we caught it on video.
Click here to see the video of him eating cereal for the first time.
This is Asher eating oatmeal for the first time.
His whole face lights up when he smiles. I love how he smiles with his mouth open. He has made many people's day by lighting up when he sees them. He has just started smiling with his mouth closed and it is usually only when he is eating. But it is equally adorable.
He is becoming such a "little person". He is developing an opinion on many topics and has learned how to let you know when he does or does not like something. He currently LOVES attention. He enjoys being sang to (and you may call it wishful thinking, but I swear he likes Elvis the best! He gets quiet every time I sing Fools Rush In.) Some of our other favorite songs are "To Make You Feel My Love" by Adele, "Lullaby" by the Dixie Chicks "When You Say Nothing at All" by Allison Kraus and "Your Song" by Elton John.
He gets tickled when I give him Eskimo kisses and will smile and scrunch up his little nose until I do it again.
He is becoming more independent and while he still loves to be cuddled he likes his Asher time too. When he doesn't want to be held anymore, he will arch his back likes he wants off of your lap. He really enjoys his jumparoo/exersaucer and can entertain himself in it for quite some time. He can even reach the bottom with his feet now and it won't be long before he figures out how to bounce. But for now, he just plays with the toys and chews on anything that will reach his little mouth. When he is ready to get out he will whine and hold his arms straight out - I'm thinking he may be trying to figure out how to reach for us but hasn't learned how to control his arms enough just yet. He will do the same thing when he wants out of his high chair.
He is trying to learn to blow raspberries. Sometimes it even works.
He is fascinated with his hands. He will wave them in the air and stare at them. It is pretty amusing because it looks like he is checking his manicure. It must be helping his hand control he because has come a long way in the past month. He can pick up something he wants and bring it to his mouth. He can put his hand on my face when he is eating. And he can almost hold his bottle.
He is a noise maker. He loves the sound of his own voice and will babble incessantly. He looks right at Ben and I and babbles like he is telling us a story. I'm thinking we may have us a little talker on our hands.
He wakes up so happy. Getting him out of bed is one of the highlights of my day.
His recognition skills are spot on. When he sees his bottle he gets so excited. He starts smacking his lips and squirming. We can't get that thing in his mouth fast enough! He loves my iPhone and knows the clicking sound it makes when I wake it up. As soon as he hears that noise, he starts looking for it. I usually look at it while I am feeding him and I have to hold the phone up so he can see it too or else I have a hard time keeping the bottle in his mouth due to him turning his head in the direction of the phone.
He loves watching TV. No matter where he is in the room, he will turn to see the television.
He still isn't too interested in rolling over. Which is fine with me - I can put him in the middle of our bed and as long as he can reach his feet, he is one happy little guy. He knows how to go from side to side, but can't seem to get all the way over yet.
I really cannot express how much joy this little guy brings to our lives. His smile can warm my heart like nothing else. Ben and I are enamored with him. He is so precious and we thank God for him every day.
Check out how my little guy is growing into a big little guy:
Click here to see the video of him eating cereal for the first time.
This is Asher eating oatmeal for the first time.
His whole face lights up when he smiles. I love how he smiles with his mouth open. He has made many people's day by lighting up when he sees them. He has just started smiling with his mouth closed and it is usually only when he is eating. But it is equally adorable.
He is becoming such a "little person". He is developing an opinion on many topics and has learned how to let you know when he does or does not like something. He currently LOVES attention. He enjoys being sang to (and you may call it wishful thinking, but I swear he likes Elvis the best! He gets quiet every time I sing Fools Rush In.) Some of our other favorite songs are "To Make You Feel My Love" by Adele, "Lullaby" by the Dixie Chicks "When You Say Nothing at All" by Allison Kraus and "Your Song" by Elton John.
He is becoming more independent and while he still loves to be cuddled he likes his Asher time too. When he doesn't want to be held anymore, he will arch his back likes he wants off of your lap. He really enjoys his jumparoo/exersaucer and can entertain himself in it for quite some time. He can even reach the bottom with his feet now and it won't be long before he figures out how to bounce. But for now, he just plays with the toys and chews on anything that will reach his little mouth. When he is ready to get out he will whine and hold his arms straight out - I'm thinking he may be trying to figure out how to reach for us but hasn't learned how to control his arms enough just yet. He will do the same thing when he wants out of his high chair.
He is trying to learn to blow raspberries. Sometimes it even works.
He is fascinated with his hands. He will wave them in the air and stare at them. It is pretty amusing because it looks like he is checking his manicure. It must be helping his hand control he because has come a long way in the past month. He can pick up something he wants and bring it to his mouth. He can put his hand on my face when he is eating. And he can almost hold his bottle.
He is a noise maker. He loves the sound of his own voice and will babble incessantly. He looks right at Ben and I and babbles like he is telling us a story. I'm thinking we may have us a little talker on our hands.
He wakes up so happy. Getting him out of bed is one of the highlights of my day.
His recognition skills are spot on. When he sees his bottle he gets so excited. He starts smacking his lips and squirming. We can't get that thing in his mouth fast enough! He loves my iPhone and knows the clicking sound it makes when I wake it up. As soon as he hears that noise, he starts looking for it. I usually look at it while I am feeding him and I have to hold the phone up so he can see it too or else I have a hard time keeping the bottle in his mouth due to him turning his head in the direction of the phone.
He loves watching TV. No matter where he is in the room, he will turn to see the television.
He still isn't too interested in rolling over. Which is fine with me - I can put him in the middle of our bed and as long as he can reach his feet, he is one happy little guy. He knows how to go from side to side, but can't seem to get all the way over yet.
I really cannot express how much joy this little guy brings to our lives. His smile can warm my heart like nothing else. Ben and I are enamored with him. He is so precious and we thank God for him every day.
Check out how my little guy is growing into a big little guy:
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