The Moore Family

Cupcake Birthday Party: Caroline Turns 1

2013-06-19T07:30:00.000-04:00

On May 18, we celebrated Caroline's first birthday with a Pink and Green Cupcake themed birthday party. We set everything up outside and 10 minutes after the start of the party, it started raining. Thankfully I had already decorated inside as well so we just moved the party indoors.

Despite being confined inside, all the kids did a wonderful job entertaining each other. I had set up a cupcake decorating station for the kids and it was a big hit. Huge mess in the kitchen but still a big hit.

Caroline started to fade so before it got too close to nap time, we striped her down to birthday bloomers and brought out the smash cake. This was her first ever taste of sugar and let's just say.. she didn't

disappoint.

After a quick cleanup, we opened presents then the sun came out! So most of the kids went outside to play games, get out some energy and take rides in Mason's truck while the birthday girl napped.

We had a wonderful time celebrating our special girl with our close friends and family. Thank you Jennifer for being our photographer during the party. I am so thankful for all the wonderful shots you captured.

Happy Birthday Brian!

2013-06-18T08:15:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my amazing husband! Thank you for being such a wonderful loving and hardworking man. Thank you for being so selfless and doing everything you do so that I can stay at home with our 2 children. Not only are you an amazing husband but you are also an amazing father. I think that's evident in how much Mason and Caroline love you!

We hope you have a wonderful day and can't wait to celebrate with you tonight! Love you to the moon and back.

Menu Monday

2013-06-17T08:04:00.001-04:00

Monday - Skinnytaste Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps, Okra

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Tuesday - Brian's Birthday - Mexican Dinner

Wednesday - Good Housekeeping Spaghetti with Pesto Verde, Mixed Fruit

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Thursday - Good Housekeeping Shrimp and Fresh Corn Grits, Salad

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Friday - Pizza and Salad Night

Saturday - Skinnytaste Quinoa and Spinach Patties, Sweet Potato Fries

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Sunday - Dada's Night

Several new recipes to try and crossing my fingers they are a win. I love adding new meal ideas to our routine.

What's on your menu this week? Share and link up!

Team Will

2013-06-12T09:43:00.000-04:00

I know that many of you are familiar with the stories of Kate and Will and their incredibly strong mom, Lindsey. If you aren't familiar, you can read about their story on Lindsey's blog here.

Kate and Will both have a rare genetic disorder that requires them to have a bone marrow transplant soon after they turn one. Kate received her bone marrow transplant in August 2011 and is an incredibly healthy and beautiful two year old now that is thriving and so full of life.

Today is the big day for Will! Today around 1 pm CST Will will receive his bone marrow transplant which is essentially the start of his new life. Friends and family of the Boggan family have come today and are covering them in prayers every minute from midnight to midnight today. I encourage you to join us in prayer and lifting up Will, Lindsey, Kate, Alex and Will's medical team.

Also, the Boggan family is asking everyone to wear green today in support of Will and to spread the word about bone marrow transplant and donation.

Recently I felt led to join the Be A Match registry. It couldn't have been easier to do. Fill out a questionnaire making sure you met the requirements, they send you a swab kit, you swab and send it back. This is a decision that I thought about, prayed about and discussed with Brian. It isn't something that should be taken lightly. But I encourage you to research and think about it. You could help save a precious life. If you feel led, you can find out more information on the Be A Match website.

We are lifting you up today, Boggan family!

Menu Monday

2013-06-10T09:53:00.000-04:00

We are back from a week at the beach and it is time to get back into our healthy eating routine. I had time to read a few magazines at the beach and found a few new recipes I am excited to try.

Monday - Shrimp Taco Salad from Good Housekeeping

Tuesday - Sweet and Sour Chicken, Veggies

Wednesday - Caesar Pasta Salad from Good Housekeeping

Thursday - Grilled Fish and Grilled Veggies with Watermelon

Friday - Pizza Night for Daddy and kids (Girls Weekend for Mommy!)

Saturday - I'm out of town for a girls weekend so it's Daddy Night

Sunday - Father's Day

Link up and share what you are having this week!

Summer Days

2013-06-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

The blog might be sporadic this summer as we are spending our days doing things like this...

Having walk dates with best friends

Taking friends for rides on your "truck"

Evening meals outside

Bike rides

Picnics, playing in our turtle pool and our sandbox.

Basically spending as many hours as possible outside.

HAPPY SUMMER Y'ALL!

End of Year Picnic

2013-06-06T07:30:00.000-04:00

On Mason's last day of school, May 23, all the parents and siblings were invited to an end of the year picnic in the large playground area at his school. Brian surprised us by getting out of work during the time of the picnic!

We had a wonderful time hanging out with Mason's buddies and getting to know their parents a little better. We also had a chance to catch up with Katie and sweet baby Hudson!

We absolutely adore Mason's teacher, Ms. Perkins and Ms. Howerton, so I tried my best to get pictures of Mason with them but this was the best I could do. The kid runs from the camera!

In both pictures he was showing them his new cars and trucks. Very fitting considering he decided his name is now "Tow Truck Mason". I kid you not. He won't answer to "Mason" and will correct people by telling them his name is "Tow Truck Mason". His teachers were great sports about it and got a kick out of calling him "Tow Truck Mason".

We are certainly going to miss these two next year when he moves up but are excited about Caroline having them in a year.

Wordless Wednesday: First Day vs Last Day of School (May 23)

2013-06-05T07:30:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day Cookout

2013-06-04T07:30:00.000-04:00

Memorial Day weekend we decided to have a cookout and invite our dear friends, The Smarts, to join us. Mason and Caroline always have so much fun with Harper, Palmer and Archer and I just knew it would be the perfect evening. The weather was gorgeous, the food was plentiful and the kids were all in good moods.

While I was getting everything ready, Brian brought out Mason's blue truck and the kids took turns driving/riding it. They had a lot of fun and were very good about waiting their turn. I think Mason loved showing off his truck. His truck is actually an old lawnmower that Brian's dad converted to a truck for Mason and added a basket on the back. It's really neat.

After delicious food and yummy cupcakes, we let the kids play while we cleaned up. Once the food had settled, the Smart kids decided they wanted to race Brian. Even Archer joined in the fun. Meanwhile, Mason was in his element in his sandbox and Caroline was just taking in the whole scene.

We had a wonderful evening with such good friends and look forward to spending many more summer nights together!

Our Summer Bucket List

2013-05-31T07:30:00.000-04:00

With summer upon us and Mason out of school, I knew I had to come up with activities to keep him entertained throughout the summer. When kids are bored, that's when they get into trouble. So I have made it my mission to keep us on our toes and busy the whole summer. I am excited about the list that I created and we have already started to mark things off.

I thought I'd share in case you are in need of some ideas. Some cost money, some are free but no matter what... they all seem fun! Since my kids are younger (2.5 and 1), I was somewhat limited on the activities but I think the list provides a good mix of things to do.

I plan to this out and put it in a big frame. As we complete an activity we will check it off with a dry erase marker. Who doesn't love checking items off a list?

What's on your summer bucket list this summer? I'd love more ideas and to add more to our list. A lemonade stand is a must when the kids get a little older and can grasp the concept of one.

A little box of sunshine

2013-05-30T07:30:00.000-04:00

I pinned this idea a long time ago and just waited for the perfect opportunity to make this for someone. Recently one of my dearest friends has had to deal with more than any one should ever have to. Newly separated and now a single mom of three, I knew this was something that might bring a smile to her face.

See, this girl is amazing. She has the kindest heart and will do anything for anyone. My heart breaks for all she is dealing with. But she is so strong in her faith and has only become stronger through all this. She texted me after opening it and told her this was the nicest thing someone has ever done for her. It made my heart smile so big that I was able to do something for her that made her smile. She deserves it.

So if you ever think about making a little box of sunshine for someone... DO IT! You can put as little or as much in it. Anything that is yellow. It's so versatile and you can make it as personable as you wish. I tried to pick out things that I knew my friend would really like.

These are the items I included:

Teddy Grahams, Lemonade packets, Scripture cards, Yellow nail polish, Peanut M&M's

Lemonheads, Lemon Bliss candle, Cute packet of tissues, Burt's Bees, Hand lotion and a Notes book

I found a little basket a Dollar Tree that held everything perfectly. I also decided to jazz up the box a little. I painted in inside yellow and added white stickers! Simple and easy.

Then I placed the printable I found on pinterest on top before I sealed it and wrapped it up.

All wrapped and ready to brighten a day!

I really think it made me just as happy to give this gift as it made my friend to receive it. Do your part and help brighten a person's day! You never know what battles a person might be fighting.

So What! Wednesday

2013-05-29T07:30:00.001-04:00

This week I'm saying So What! if:

Caroline's birthday decorations are still up from her party on May 18! To my credit, her actual birthday was just yesterday so maybe I'll take them down today.

Speaking of her birthday, I blew up instagram with #cgmturns1 pictures. I can't help it. Since she might be our last baby, I wanted to cherish the day as much as possible.

I am OVER having poison ivy! Seriously, this stuff is straight up from the devil. It's awful and it still looks like I have a black eye from it. Therefore I try to only go places where I can wear my sunglasses.

One of the highlights of my week is a weekly walk date with one of my best friends, Sarah! We met up and push our double strollers for over an hour. It is hot and sometimes the kids whine but it is so good for the soul.

I am starting to wonder if Mason will ever be potty trained! Ugh. It is a goal of ours for this summer. I honestly bribe him all the time to just sit on the potty!

I am so excited about completing our summer bucket list! I have a post scheduled all about it and can't wait to share our ideas.

Now tell me, What are you saying So What! to this week? Link up with Shannon and let us know!

Happy First Birthday, Caroline!!!

2013-05-28T07:30:00.000-04:00

I can't believe it has already been a year. From a 6lb 4oz newborn to a 20+lb one year old, we have come a long way. We wrote letters to Mason on his first birthday and wanted to do the same for you, Caroline. Our hope is one day you will look back and read these letters and know just how much we love you. You continue to amaze us each and every day. Our hope is you will always keep us on our toes and keep us young at heart. Never grow up, sweet girl.

Dear Caroline,

Where has the time gone? It seems like yesterday that I was in the hospital room waiting for your arrival. You were 9 days early, and even surprised the doctors with how eager you were to be born. I will never forget the first words that your mother said when she saw you. "She has hair!"

Yes, you did have some hair, and a lot of personality to go with it. During your first year, I think we both learned a lot. You learned to sit, crawl, walk, eat, and cry when you want something. I learned patience, understanding, tolerance, and how to function on less sleep. I hope you learn all those things also, but in due time.

From the first day that you came home, I knew that you would be special. You love to be held, but only when you want to. You love to nap, but only when you want to. You love to play outside, but only when you want to. You love to eat, well, you love to eat all the time. I think you get the picture.

Always know that you have two men in your life that will always look out for you, your brother and I. Mason loves you dearly. It is pretty obvious because you are the only one that he will share his trucks with, he hugs you multiple times per day, and greets you with a "Good Mornin' Baby" like only he can say it. The two of you will probably feud at some point in the future, but don't get mad at him for being protective of you. It is only because he loves you.

And as for old Dad. I hope you remember me now, before all my hair turns gray, and while I can still keep up. Thank you for being my early morning partner, for listening even though you couldn't understand, and for being a good little girl. Just remember that you'll always be my Ltl' Bit.

Happy First Birthday.

Love,

Dad

PS. If you read this years from now and there is a rut in the kitchen floor, it is probably from the 872 laps that we walked together in the middle of the night when you couldn't sleep.

Caroline,

My sweet girl. My mini me. My little girl. Where has the time gone? I'll never forget the way you made your entrance into the world. I'll never forget rejoicing that you actually had hair. From the minute I saw you, I knew you were a "Caroline". I knew you would have your daddy and I wrapped around your little finger before we even got home. I knew Mason would love you as soon as he saw you. How could one not love that infectious smile.

The amount of love and joy you have brought into our family is immeasurable. You don't know just how lucky you are to have two guys that would move mountains for you. They love you so much and will always protect you. I will give you the world, if I can. You and I have a special bond. You are my little girl who loves to shop, carry your baby dolls and lets me dress you up all the time.

There are so many things I want you to remember about this time in your life.

You have a spit fire personality. You are always on the go and hate to stand still. You are a mover and a shaker. You will dance on key and it is hilarious.

You will only lay your head and snuggle on mommy's right shoulder. Never the left.

At 11 months, you decided you didn't want a bottle anymore. You gave it up cold turkey and made so easy on us.

You never took a paci and now you only suck your thumb if you are tired and right when we lay you down for naps and bedtime.

Speaking of naps and bedtime, you have always been our good little sleeper and we thank you for that.

You adore Deacon and O'Malley. You love to stand at the back door and "talk" to them when they are outside.

Everyone always comments on how "smiley" of a baby you are. And it's true. You smile all the time. You are always a ham for the camera. If there is a camera, you will smile. Always.

You have never met a food you didn't like. We are so grateful that you are just like you brother in this area and are such a good eater.

Caroline Gray, thank you. Thank you for all the love and joy you have brought into our lives. Thank you for being a best friend to Mason. Thank you for YOU!

We love you to the moon and back.

Love,

Mommy

P.S. I'll do a 12 month Stats update on you after your doctors appointment but this is how you look today sweet beautiful girl!

Memorial Day

2013-05-27T07:30:00.000-04:00

May we honor those who have fought and died for our freedom on this day and everyday. God Bless all the United States Armed Forces.

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Mother's Day Recap

2013-05-22T07:30:00.000-04:00

Before I recap my Mother's Day I wanted to let everyone know that one of our own, Heather, was affected by the Oklahoma tornado. Heather's house is completely gone. Thankfully, her, her twin girls and husband are all okay. The blogging and twitter community have once again come together to help! If you feel led, you can make a donation through paypal. Just click on the link and it should take you to the correct site.

Pray for Oklahoma

2013-05-21T07:30:00.000-04:00

I originally had another post scheduled but this is all that is on my heart and mind right now. It is utterly heart breaking watching the coverage of the damage, destruction and loss. Please pray and help where you can.

Menu Monday

2013-05-20T07:30:00.000-04:00

Be sure to link up with Rachel!

Shop Yellow Friday

2013-05-17T07:30:00.000-04:00

SHOP YELLOW FRIDAY at The Chirping Moms!

Yellow Friday, Spring Fling edition, has FINALLY arrived!
All shop deals are revealed below. In the next few hours, keep an eye on the blog for follow-up posts with more information about each shop and details on their deal. All deals will run through Sunday at midnight. There are LOTS of great deals at fantastic stores. If you have any questions, feel free to email the chirpingmoms@gmail.com. We are so excited to bring this fun shopping extravaganza to you!
EVERY shop is using the same code: yellowfriday
Anne Riggs Designs: Spend $50 in shop and get a free set of 25 makeup/facial pads AND mesh laundry bag, value $16 The BBQ Pantry: 20% off Baxter & Beatrice: 25% off The Beaufort Bonnet Company: 15% off Carly Megan: 25% off Dolphin Organics: 25% off sunscreen and aloe based lotion The Idea Box: 25% off The Little Crane: 10% off London Times: 30% off Love Bubs: 20% off Messy Kids Designs: Buy One Shirt, Get Another One 50% off Mis-Tee-V-US: 25% off Miss Monogram: 15% off and Free Bow when you spend over $100 Missy Madewell: 25% off Olivia and Owen: 20% off Posh Princess Bowtique: 20% off The Recycled Bin: "Spend More, Save More" deal...see detailed post for more info! Refined Inspirations: 20% off Ruffles and Twirls: 20% off Sila Boutique: 15% off Simply (Darr)ling: 20% off Smock Your Tot Website or Etsy Shop or Facebook: 20% off Snapping Turtle Kids: 30% off Starlight Woods: 15% off Owl Be Sweatin: 15% off Wild Sprout Design: 20% off
Again, EVERY shop's coupon code: yellowfriday.
Thank you for shopping with The Chirping Moms!
Earn entries in the giveaway below by shopping or sharing these deals on social media! You could win a $25 Amazon.com gift card! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Caroline: 10-11 Months Old

2013-05-16T07:30:00.000-04:00

Caroline will soon be ONE! I am not sure where the time has gone but I do believe this has been the fastest year to date.

Birth Stats: 6 lbs 4 ozs, 20 inches
One Month Stats: 8 lbs 12 ozs, 21 inches
Two Month Stats: 11 lbs 4 ozs, 22.25 inches
Four Month Stats: 13 lbs 3 ozs, 25.50 inches
Six Month Stats: 15 lbs, 27.25 inches
Nine Month Stats: 17 lbs 2 ozs, 29 inches
We won't find out her stats until her 12 month appointment but based on our scales at home, she is around 20 pounds at 10 months old.

This month has been a lot like last month. She continues to crawl and cruise around furniture. She is wearing size 3 diapers and 12-18 month clothes and pajamas. She has never met a food she didn't like and eats all the time. She can out eat Mason sometimes. She takes 3 bottles a day of about 5 ozs. Napping and sleeping through the night like a champ. Rocking those two bottom teeth.

Eleven Months Old!! This month has brought a lot of changes for "lil bit" (one of our many nicknames for her).

On April 28 she took her first unassisted steps then on May 6 she decided she wanted to walk for good. We have a WALKER! Since then she has really taken off. Sure, she looks like a drunken sailor but when she falls, she gets right back up.

She also has four teeth now. 2 bottom and 2 top but one more on the way up top. It has poked through the gum. She is wearing size 3 diapers but we are using up what we have then moving up to size 4. She is wearing 18 month clothes and pajamas.

The day she turned 11 months, she also decided to give up the bottle. I guess she saw Mason drinking from a sippy and she wanted to do the same. I'm certainly not complaining as washing bottles was my least favorite chore. She eats what we eat and usually out eats most of us. People are always amazed at just how much she can eat.

Her favorite foods/snacks are mandarin oranges, graham crackers, club crackers, applesauce (unsweetened), Cheerios and peas.

Her vocabulary is much the same "mama, dada, hi, bye bye" but her babbling has picked up and it's so fun to have a conversation with her. She really thinks it's a full blown conversation.

But let me tell you.. sister can have a temper! She can be such a drama queen at the drop of a hat. She will throw herself on the floor, kick her feet and fuss until you look at her. Once you look at her, she gives you that smile and it's so hard not to laugh.

In just a few short days, we will have a ONE year old. It's so hard to believe. Where did my baby go?

Race for the Cure 2013: In honor of Mimi

2013-05-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

This year we participated in the Triad Susan G Komen Race for the Cure in honor of Mimi aka my mom. We have participated in this race in years past and have decided it will be an annual thing we do as a family. Supporting the fight for the cure of breast cancer is obviously something that is near and dear to our hearts. My mom is a breast cancer survivor!

It was bitterly cold and windy this year so we made the decision to take Caroline to my parents house while Mason went with us to walk in the race. We had no plans of running the race. We are just going to walk but I was way too cold so we decided to run. I was actually surprised with our time of 30 minutes considering I had run in awhile.

I think there were over 6,000 participants this year! I am glad the weather didn't keep people away.

After the race, we hit the kids zone where Mason saw a pink firetruck.

This is an event that we look forward to participating and supporting each year. Afterwards we picked up Caroline and came home to warm up.. and make silly faces!

Pink and Green Cupcake Party Inspiration

2013-05-07T09:42:00.000-04:00

Right after Caroline was born, I knew I wanted her first birthday to be a "cupcake" theme party. This may or may not have to do with the fact that I love cupcakes. For whatever reason, I chose a pink and green color scheme. I am still not sure how or why I chose these colors considering I am not a pink kind of gal but it is what it is. I will admit that they do make fun party colors.

I turned to Pinterest to gather inspiration for her party. After countless searches, I decided to use all shade of pink and green gingham and polka dots. Little Laws Prints designed the perfect invitation for the party. I gave her an idea of what I was looking for and she ran with it. Kristen is wonderful to work with and I highly recommend her for all your party needs.

This is the board that I put together for my inspiration. Using wrapping paper as a table runner is an inexpensive way to dress up a table. What is a cupcake party without a cupcake decorating station? The invitation shown is the one Kristen designed for Caroline's party. Of course information has been changed for privacy. Fun green, pink and white decorations will be hung. I made a balloon wreath for Mason's first birthday and I loved the idea of making one for Caroline. Using candy as decorations is always a fun idea. Balloons, balloons and more balloons. The cupcake liners in different patterns will be featured as well.

I am excited to see the party come together. I know the first birthday party is more for the parents than the child but what can I say, I love to throw party!

Where do you turn to gather ideas and inspirations for parties? Are you more a low key or go big go home kind of person when it comes to parties?

Menu Monday

2013-05-06T07:30:00.000-04:00

Linking up with Rachel again for Menu Monday. I've said it before but menu planning really does help me stay on track for my weight loss as well as helps our budget.

Monday: Breakfast Night - Eggs, Pancakes, Turkey Bacon

Tuesday: Skinnytaste Petite Turkey Meatloaf with Red Pepper, Spinach, Feta Quinoa

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Wednesday: Fend for Yourself (evening obligations)

Thursday: Cooking Light Chicken & Brie Sandwiches with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes, Veggie Mix

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Friday: Pizza and Salad

Saturday: Skinnytaste Bangin' Good Shrimp and Rice, side salad

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Sunday: Mother's Day

What's on your menu this week? Do you have have health cooking blogs? I'd love to find more other than just skinnytaste.

So What! Wednesday

2013-05-01T07:30:00.000-04:00

This week I'm saying SO What! if: - Easter decorations are still up! Fear not, they are coming down today, promise. - I am more than happy to have dinner outside every night simply because it makes clean up easier and my dining room floor stays clean. - I have been slack about planning Caroline's first birthday party. Perhaps this is because I am in denial that she is turning one THIS MONTH! - I am ready for Caroline to walk full time. I honestly think it will make my life easier. - I have yet to finish decorating Caroline's nursery or Mason's big boy bedroom. I really need to get on the ball and just finish them. - We have decided when we are going to Disney world and even though its over a year away, I am already planning the kids outfits for the trip. - Some days I just want to give up blogging. I know everyone says they don't care about comments but I think that's BS. Everyone loves getting comments. And the lack of comments makes me wonder if anyone is even still reading. That's it for me. What are you saying SO What! to this week? Don't forget to visit Shannon and see what others are saying So What! to.

Spring Days

2013-04-30T09:35:00.002-04:00

We have enjoyed our spring thus far and are looking forward to more warmer weather in the near future. Just a peek into how we spend our days...

Not a bad way to spend the day, if you ask me! Looking forward to making our spring/summer bucket list and checking things off.

Is it just me or does the warmer weather put everyone in a good mood?

Family Friday

2013-04-26T07:30:00.000-04:00

These are my people. My Heart. My Soul. My Everything.