Texas Tigers

insta-lately

2013-05-15T14:51:00.000-06:00

Happy Wednesday ya'll! It's begining to feel closer to summer after this abnormally cool spring we've had lately. Normally it's hot by now and we've been swimming for the past month, this year - I haven't even thought about going to the pool yet. I, however, made the mistake of letting my kids know the pool at the Y is open.... and now Abby and Micah changed into suits first thing after she got home from school wanting to go swim. I wonder how long they'll last in the water?

Now a little of what we've been up to lately on instagram

Abby and Micah started with 'normal' animal sounds like woof and moo. This girl: roar for the dino and the alligator.
She looks like such a big girl playing sweetly with her baby doll. I love seeing and playing baby doll with my girls.

Being FOUR means that Micah can now climb the rock wall at the gym. He was so excited to give it a try the other day. I'm pretty sure they could just easily hoist him up there, he's so light!
We met friends to play at the park and ride bikes on the trail. It was perfect timing because Micah had just days before figured out how to ride his big boy bike. He was so excited to show his friends how he could ride.

This girl is worn out from all the playdates we've had lately. It's been so nice to see our friends and play with them often. She's also exhausted from her late night parties - molars are no fun. The past two nights she's been up until 10:30 not wanting to sleep (partly due to late naps but also due to molars) Even a little motrin didn't help get her to sleep earlier last night, at least it kept her from waking up every hour like she had the night before.

What have you been up to lately?

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sunday afternoon scenes

2013-05-14T19:07:00.002-06:00

Mother's day afternoon we kept it low key around here. Beau had to work so since it was Mother's day I gave myself grace and we kept it casual with a movie for quiet time before a late lunch with Beau before he headed off to work.

Lexie even joined in on the movie time for a little bit. (Tell me that ruffly bottom isn't one of the cutest things ever!)

She was mostly happy about having swiped Micah's leappad. She was content with pretending to play with it as long as it was making a little noise. I see either passing down sister's or one of her own come Christmas time.

Then after naptime we head outside. I was finally able to convince Micah to pedal forward on his big boy bike - the brakes when you pedal backwards kept tripping him up since the trike doesn't do that. He was and still is so proud of himself for riding his big boy bike (he kept wanting everyone to look at him riding it this morning at the park!)

I pulled out the water table for this little bit. Summer #4 with the water table and it's still a hit. She of course got all wet and we stripped down to her diaper because wet clothes were chilly in the shade and hint of wind. Just keeping it classy around here. She was giving me high tens and then clapping for herself. She's so stinking cute lately. I need to do an update on her with all her cuteness as of late.

Then we headed in for an easy dinner, bath, books and bed. A simple but sweet Mother's day.

kidecals

2013-05-14T14:15:00.004-06:00

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post

Personalized Kids Name Labels:

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Waterproof Labels:

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Fun Mustache Stickers:

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Chalkboard Labels that you can write on:

Chalkboard labels are the easiest way to get organized fast without having to create new printed labels from scratch. kidecals makes the prettiest designs, and their chalkboard labels are super durable and can even go through the dishwasher!

Daycare Labels:

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As seen on the Today Show personalized clothing labels:

kidecals is such a fun site for personalized clothing labels! If you're getting ready to send your kids off to camp, you'll need to label everything. Labels HAVE to be waterproof and washing machine safe. kidecals clothing labels are crazy durable and I love their cute designs. They were even featured on the Today Show!

Camp Labels:

It's obvious kidecals is founded by a mother of two boys, because not only are kidecals designs amazingly cute er - "cool" for boys, they are super duper durable for all the stuff I need to label for camp. kidecals are dishwasher, washing machine AND dryer safe. They literally do not come off. Ever. kidecals makes the perfect camp labels for this mom, who is expecting her kids to return with every single thing she packed. (yeah right.)

And mom isn't left out either. How cute are these keyboard labels?

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*I received a set of labels for posting but all opinions are my own - they are the cutest labels I've seen.

Mother's Day 2013

2013-05-12T13:53:00.001-06:00

Every year since Micah was born, our Church has arranged for volunteers to take family pictures so that Mom's can be in the picture too on Mother's Day. It usually means that sleeping in and breakfast in bed aren't an option for the morning since we have to get up and ready but I love our tradition of having a Mother's day family picture.

Beau cooked a yummy lunch for us after Church - with a baked brie appetizer, steak and mashed potatoes. It was delicious. The rest of our day is going to be low key - Beau has to go in to work and the kids and I will watch movies, play outside, and then some ordinary getting ready for the week ahead chores. The kids really want to blow up the water slide but it's not quite warm enough (crazy as it's usually plenty warm by now!)

And a look back at our last 4 years of pictures....

- 2012 -

we were distracted by all the rolly pollies on the round and Micah was mad I mad him look up

- 2011 -

- 2010 -

- 2009 -

My itty bitty 5 day old Micah

I hope ya'll are enjoying a happy Mother's day as well!

Micah's dino party!

2013-05-07T19:05:00.000-06:00

Micah has been oh so excited for his party for the past three weeks. Sunday morning on his birthday, he and Abby woke up about 7, Abby is telling him "Happy Birthday Micah, you're 4 now" then they quickly put on their swimsuits. Ummm... it was about 55 degrees outside... in May... in South Texas.

Micah only had about 3 requests for his birthday - the water slide, party hats and a dino piñata. I'm happy to say that we were able to give him all 3. I'm not so sure what the deal was with party hats or where they got the idea as I don't remember taking them to a party with party hats before but he sure wanted one!

I tried to keep things simple - we had cupcakes - because a party isn't a party without cake!

Dino cookies - because I have a love for iced sugar cookies even though it's like a 3 hour task to bake and decorate them.

Dino goodie bags - with some dinosaur tattoos, dinosaur crayons and more to come....

The dinosaur piñata. I think he's kinda cute.

The simple set up....

I blew up and filled up the pool of the water slide 4 hours before the party and it warmed up the water.... until I turned on the water to the slide and made it cold again.

So while they had fun, we did manage to turn all Micah's friends into popsicles. He's got some sweet friends who were glad to huddle around him and help him warm up after I convinced him to get out.

thanks for the great picture Wendy!

Happy Birthday Micah!

Once we froze everyone and had some cake, we sent them out on a dino egg hunt.

And then it was pinata time!

Micah had a great time at his party and we are so happy his friends were able to come over and celebrate with us. We've promised to have to have them all back when our normal Texas weather returns and we won't freeze them on the water slide.

last week(s) in recap

2013-05-06T12:43:00.001-06:00

We've had several busy weeks.... busy weeks that mean mama is exhausted and too tired to blog after the littles are in bed. So here's a quick recap - mostly for my own memory since that's what this blog is.

Last week we went to the zoo with friends. As we waited for our friends at the front, Micah mapped out our visit. Lexie was content to be a passanger - as long as she had a snack to munch on. When the snacks ran out, she was ready to run. Once we had seen the animals we wanted to see, we found a picnic spot to let the littles take a stroller break before getting in the car for the ride home. Lexie was very proud of her self for both stealing Micah's drink and sitting at the picnic table like a big girl.

Two days later, we were back at the zoo so that Abby and Beau could join us. We wanted to get one more visit out of our pass before it expired. We'll renew it eventually but I'm debating waiting to renew it until fall when it's slightly cooler (well cooler if you don't count this really odd cool front we are having now)

Lexie does enjoy eating black beans... and chocolate cupcakes. Can you tell? Some days (well a lot of days it feels like when I'm constantly worried if she's eating enough to gain weight) she isn't interested in eating and more interested in being busy. This day - she wanted to eat and made quite a mess too.

She also looks adorable in pigtails. These were the perfect bows for pigtails or a side sweep in the front - just the right size and a nice full pretty bow.... until she yanked one out of her hair while we were in the car and took one of the bows of the double bow apart. These came off her new bow squeaky shoes - I emailed the company and should have new bows headed my way since this one came apart so quickly.

Little polo tennis dresses are darling! This surprisingly isn't too big on her for being two sizes bigger than she wears right now. It must run small... and so therefore I couldn't resist letting her wear it. Then crazy Texas weather came along and we had to pull out our winter clothes, jackets and hats. It was freezing... okay so it was 'spring' for anyone up north but it was like another taste of winter down here. Bad timing for a cold front with Micah's party in which he requested the water slide make an appearance. Jackets and waterslides all in the same week.... yup that's crazy Texas weather for ya.

The past few years it's been warm - almost hot by this point. The pools opened this weekend but the water is going to be awfully cold for swimming! I'm debating trying to switch Micah to a later swim lesson session - I have him currently signed up for the second session right before Abby is out of school so I can enjoy watching his lessons (while Lexie plays in childwatch) but if it doesn't warm up soon it's going to freeze his little no-body-fat self!

Sunday was Micah's birthday and party - my little Cinco de Mayo baby. Once day maybe we'll have to incorporate that into his party and serve Margaritas and Mexican food but this year it was all about dinosaurs (more on that tomorrow) To start his birthday however - we had birthday donuts. Which means we stick a candle in our usual Sunday donut and get to pick out a pink sprinkle one.

What have ya'll been up to lately?

Meeting Curtis Stone at the Tanger Outlets

2013-05-03T20:19:00.000-06:00

The other weekend I had the chance to go out and see the fabulous Curtis Stone. I used to watch him on the Take Home Chef and hope I'd to run into him at the grocery store. I think every one who watched probably hoped for the same thing. I mean who wouldn't want a chef to come cook a fabulous meal at your house? Well since that never happened to me - seeing and meeting Curtis Stone at the Tanger Outle ts in San Marcos was the next best thing.

My mom joined me and along with all the littles, we headed up to San Marcos. We arrived and were seated to watch Curtis Stone cook a few meals from his newest cookbook.

Lots of yummy recipes for easy, healthy and quick weekday dinners.

*some photo courtesy of the Tanger Outlets FB - I didn't bring my good camera and Lexie kept stealing my phone #bloggerfail

After the cooking demonstration, we were able to meet Curtis Stone and he signed our cookbooks. He was so nice in person.

In addition to the Curtis Stone demonstration and book signing, Tanger Outlets had several food trucks set up in the parking lot. There were lots of yummy options for food - we settled on some delicious mini-cupcakes.

Then since we were at the Outlets - we had to do a little shopping right? The Tanger Outlets in San Marcos put on quite the successful event and the shopping wasn't bad either.

*I was provided with VIP access to the Curtis Stone event in exchange for posting about the event - all opinions are of course my own.

Craft night out

2013-04-29T07:33:00.000-06:00

Girls night out with my Mentoring Moms girls is always a highlight of my month. I haven't been able to make our normal monthly meetings due to conflicts but I've luckily been able to make our get togethers. This past month we met at our mentors house which is always like a mini-vacation. I think we always joke we should just bring our sleeping bags and stay the night instead of heading home at the end of the night whenever she hosts us at her house. It's a gorgeous house and we all enjoy a the break to relax, enjoy each other's company without all our littles. It helps us to go back to them refreshed when they wake up the next morning (because hopefully they are asleep when we get home!)

This month we got crafty . Our mentor really spoils us. She prepared some burlap with crosses drawn on them for us to paint, set out her impressive paint collection to choose from and we went to town. It was really pretty simple - so much that someone like me who isn't that creative when it comes to free painting was able to make it look pretty good!

Julia had prepared a couple examples for us to reference (if we wanted of course.) The most difficult part of this whole project was deciding on what paint colors to use!

It was fun to paint away while we chatted and catch up on all the happenings in each other's lives. We all mostly were able to finish our crosses before we went home with the exception of outlining the dots in a puffy paint. Which reminds me I still need to make a trip to Hobby Lobby and pick up the right color for that.

And I said she spoils us right? Look at this delicious cake she made for us. The chocolate cake was so rich and delicious and the frosting was so tasty. Then after we ate, she served some up for us to take home to the husbands who were on childcare duty that night.

I am so blessed to have this group of girls and such a wonderful mentor for my Mentoring Moms group.

insta+lately

2013-04-17T20:22:00.000-06:00

It's been a low key week so far. I broke/badly bruised/sprained my little toe Sunday night (purple and was swollen Sunday night/Monday) so no gym so far this week. I can walk on it easier now so I'm hoping to hit up cycling tomorrow morning.

Over the past week we've spent more time at the park. Thursdays have become a picnic afternoon for us and we have dinner down there and enjoy playing. We are soaking it all up before it gets too hot. Lexie is a daredevil and loves to go down the biggest slide - she'll giggle as she beelines it up there.

We did homework outside a couple afternoons as Beau watered the yard.... and Micah. Maybe he'll grow? Hard to believe he's almost 4!

We had another picnic at the park on Saturday. Not as much kitchen clean up if we eat at the park. :)
Sunday - we headed to HEB. Not the brightest idea to go on the busiest day of the week but we needed groceries. Thank goodness for samples - the kids will eat just about anything if it's an HEB sample! This day it was bacon jam coleslaw.

At the gym, our favorite childwatch lady gave Lexie her first pigtails. I'm still trying to figure out how she got her to sit still long enough!
Lexie was a content little girl after she was all clean and ready for bed. Such a big girl sleeps in a toddler bed now that we are in the new house. She's sharing a room with Abby now. Sad mommy, my baby is growing up too fast.

She's making up for the growing up too fast part by spending the better part of the past 4 days on my hip. Teething? Developmental spurt? I'm not sure...
She took a break from whining and was very content to sit in my lap with full access to the popcorn bowl. Like mother, like daughter.

What have you been up to lately?

Dog and Kite festival

2013-04-15T14:47:00.000-06:00

The weekend before last, the kids and I took a little road trip to see my parents. Their new neighborhood, where they are building a new house, was having a dog and kite festival.

When we got there, they had all these beautiful, elaborate kites flying up in the air at the front of the neighborhood. Then near the model homes there were tents set up for various booths. After getting kites and frisbees for the kids, we headed to watch the Houston Disc Dogs perform. As we walked that way we saw the fire truck and took a look inside.

Both kids got a fire fighter badge sticker.

They love when they get a chance to check out a fire truck!

The disc dogs were pretty awesome at their tricks and catching the frisbees, even with some strong wind.

I didn't realize dogs would airplane like my kids like to ha!

Next stop was the balloon animal guy. The last event we were at that had balloon animals, they ran out of balloons so the kids really wanted one this time. This guy was from England and was the most talented balloon animal maker I've ever seen. Not your simple one balloon dog there.

Not sure where he got the idea from but Micah wanted a sword so he made it easy on the balloon guy.

In the time we were there I saw him make Ariel, Rapenzuel, Mario, the Hulk, Spiderman and more.

In addition to balloon animals, there was hair (for kids and dogs!) and face painting.

We had to wait in line but I had a very happy unicorn

and dinosaur by the time we left.

And one very tired little Lexie. Well actually all three were tired and all fell asleep on the way back to Gigi and Pop's apartment.

On the way out we of course checked out all the big kites again. It was the perfect day for kite flying with a good amount of wind. The kids had fun flying their little kites they got as well.

Curtis Stone Taste and Style Experience at the Tanger Outlets

2013-04-12T15:44:00.001-06:00

*Disclosure: I was provided with a VIP package to see the Curtis Stone demo and VIP meet and greet package along with a free cooking item in exchange for this post.

Tanger Taste & Style Experience

04/20/2013 to 04/21/2013 http://www.tangeroutlet.com/sanmarcos/events/4 Tanger Outlets will combine our great style and savings with the great taste of gourmet dining through Great Style and Good Taste! The Taste & Style Experience will be an weekend long event hosted by the Emmy award winning morning show anchor on KXAN an NBC affiliate, Sally Hernandez and CW Austin Star Taylor. Taste and Style will also include a Celebrity Appearance by Curtis Stone with a Live Cooking Demonstration, Live Music Stage, Wine Pairing with 3 Dudes Winery, Spring Fashions, Free Photo Booth, Local Chef Demonstrations, KitchenAid Demonstration, Food Trucks such as Hey Cupcake, BeMorePacific, Little Fattys, Love Baked, Llama Peruvian Creole and much more!

Meet Celebrity Chef Curtis Stone on Saturday April 20th, 2:00-4:00 PM!

The Top Chef Masters wonder from Down Under will be here to tempt your taste buds. And who better to dish out what's hot this spring? Enjoy his live Cooking Demonstration and then have a chance to meet Curtis, get his autograph and maybe even pick up one of his books!

Taste & Style Highlights- April 20 & 21 Gourmet Food Trucks such as Hey Cupcake, BeMorePacific, Little Fattys, Love Baked, Llama Peruvian Creole and much more all weekend long!

Live music stage all weekend long from 11:00 - 6:00 PM!

Gina Chavez from 11 AM - 2 PM, April 20th

Tje Austin from 3 PM - 6PM, April 20th

Dylan Loza from 12 PM - 2 PM, April 21st

Lex Land from 2 PM - 4 PM, April 21st

Candace Bellamy 4 PM - 6 PM, April 21st

Tanger Taste & Style Gift and Getaway

04/01/2013 to 04/28/2013

A Taste & Style Experience Gift. Great Style, Good Taste & Great Deals! Free Gift with Purchase from Curtis Stone & Tanger Outlets! Beginning April 1st 'Made to Measure' Melamine Spoons. Chef Curtis Stone has specially selected a culinary gift for you, and it's FREE with store receipts totaling $125 of Tanger Outlet purchases. While supplies last. Simply bring your receipts to the Tanger Shopper Services Center to claim your gift.

A Taste & Style Experience Getaway. Enter to Win our Foodies' Dream Trip & Dine with Chef Curtis Stone April 1-28, 2013! You could win a chance to dine with Curtis Stone just for experiencing the best Tanger Outlets has to offer this spring! Enter to win a 3-day and 2-night trip for 2 to Los Angeles, California and sit at the chef's table and dine with Curtis Stone on May 20th, 2013, PLUS a $1,000 Tanger Shopping Spree.*

facebook.com/tangeroutletssanmarcos *No purchase necessary to win. Register at any Tanger Outlet Center. Look for registration boxes or visit Shopper Services upon arrival. Winner must be able to travel from May 19-21, 2013. See official rules at Shopper Services or www.tangeroutlet.com/foodies

Bluebonnets 2013

2013-04-02T18:39:00.003-06:00

I just love Texas bluebonnets. It's probably my favorite picture session with my kids each year and this year didn't disappoint. These babies have stolen my whole heart - love these littles so much!

And a look back at previous years 2012 / 2011 / 2010 Abby and Micah both seem like they look so much older in the past year! I think I need an assistant though to come with me to get a great shot of all 3 looking at me. I had a hard time getting Abby's 'true' non-trying to smile smile if you know what I mean. Maybe I'll head back and try a third go at it? Third times a charm right?

Easter weekend 2013

2013-04-01T12:50:00.001-06:00

Our Easter weekend was jam packed with fun. Gigi and Pops came into town on Good Friday to celebrate Beau's birthday with us. After breakfast at their hotel we headed to the Easter egg hunt at our gym.

The Easter bunny was there! Abby and Micah wanted a picture with him... Lexie not so much.

Lexie loved her basket and putting eggs in her basket. As soon as she had a couple she was content.

The gym did a fabulous job and staggered the age groups so I could help Lexie hunt and see Micah hunt as well.

Everyone had a great egg hunt! It worked out perfectly that both Abby and Micah found prize eggs with the same 'level' of prize so they weren't upset over who got the better prize.

We headed shopping at La Canetera with Gigi and Pops where all the kids got new summer hats that they are super thrilled about. Abby and Micah seriously wore them all weekend. Then we met up with Beau to take him out for a birthday lunch. He wanted crawfish so we ate at Fish City Grill. Then home, a quick house tour and park tour for Gigi and Pops before they headed back to their home so Pops could go on his bike ride the next morning. Good thing they live closer than they used to! The kids and I finished the day with working in the nursery for the first of 6 Easter services at our Church (technically first of 17 between all the campuses!)

We didn't slow down any on Saturday with some gym time in the morning, park playing, naptime and back to work in the nursery for the next two services.

Sunday morning started with excited voices waking everyone up because the Easter bunny had come! Everyone loved their baskets and bunnies! After breakfast we got ready for Church. We feasted for lunch with ribs, homemade green bean casserole (the birthday boy's favorite), brown sugar carrots and mashed potatoes. Then finally naptime! We had a low key afternoon with a little park play until it started thundering. We finished Easter with popcorn, a movie and leftover pizza for dinner. Couldn't ask for a better way to end a busy busy weekend.

Happy Easter!

2013-03-31T14:41:00.002-06:00

We hope ya'll are having a wonderful Easter!

He is Risen!

strawberry picking

2013-03-28T18:19:00.000-06:00

It was a beautiful, though slightly chilly, morning and nothing else pressing that needed (see boxes don't really need to be unpacked right?) to be done, so we set off on a fun morning. We were out of strawberries and we are in the peak of our short strawberry season. I would have loved for Abby to be able to join us but since we weren't able to go over spring break and the weekends are much more crowded, we decided to go ahead and go yesterday.

The drive out the orchard is beautiful. It's about an hour away but it's not a bad drive. The Texas Hill Country really is beautiful, especially this time of year with all the bluebonnets blooming. The peach trees were all in bloom as well. Can you see all those beautiful pink blooms on the peach trees? We have yet to make it back for peach picking at the orchard (as strawberries are my kids favorite) but I think we will make an attempt to go this year.

After a quick recap of the berry picking instructions we were off. Micah really was a terrific berry picker this year. He was very careful, examining the berries, asking me if they were red and ready before picking them off the plant.

He was very happy to have his own box to put the berries he picked in and was also a terrific helper with moving the boxes along with us as we moved down the row.

Lexie was also a sweet girl. She hung out on my back in the Ergo and snacked on some animal crackers (can't have strawberry juice down my back! ha!) The wind make it much chillier than the temperature said it was. We were not quite dressed for that! From the weather report I thought it would start warming up but it didn't seem like it did because of the wind.

Right next to the orchard is a darling little old school house. I just couldn't resist stopping to take a picture with the kids in front of the school house.

To end our day we had breakfast for dinner because I thought pancakes with strawberries on top seemed like a yummy way to end our day. The kids gobbled up strawberries. Especially Alexis who was covered in strawberry juice by the end of the meal. She may not have eaten any pancakes but she ate at least as many or maybe double the amount of strawberries the bigger two did.

I highly recommend finding a farm and picking your own berries - not much is better than a fresh strawberry. Now I need to find some good strawberry recipes! Though if I don't do it quickly I think my kids may just eat them all before I have a chance to make anything. If you are local-ish to me I recommend Marburger Orchard up in Fredericksburg. We've been going up there for our berry picking for 4 years now.

insta + lately

2013-03-27T14:24:00.002-06:00

Moving apparently kills most of my photo taking but since all our stuff is at least in the new house (even if it's still in boxes!) we've been having a little fun between unpacking boxes and organizing a new space. I was barely even on instagram for a while during the move - gasp! That's unheard of for me but gosh moving is a huge task even if it's just down the street.

The house we moved into has a little playground at the end of the street. Moving took over playtime for a good week so the unpacking is going slowly as we fit in lots of playtime enjoying the beautiful spring weather. They are only little once and unpacking pictures and other things can wait for a rainy day (or in the South Texas drought - a way too hot day) when we can't go outside and play.

Lexie has mastered climbing all the way to the highest slide - the spiral one that's taller than I am. She climbs up, looking back to see if I'm following her then giggles and continues climbing trying to get there before I catch her. She'll either sit and try to go down on her bottom or feet first on her belly. I however catch her and we slide together. At least I know that she's probably not going to dive/fall off the slide if she manages to go up without me.

Easter in San Antonio means that the cascarones are out at the stores. So we had fun smashing some on each other the other day.

Lexie is following in Micah's footsteps at the bottom of the growth chart but I found out recently that she really likes (for now at least) mashed potatoes. She has showed she liked them before but this week she couldn't get enough of them in her mouth fast enough. She was shoveling it in and ate as much or more than I did.

After running an errand we had time to kill before kickboxing but not enough time to do anything else. So we played for a little while in the gym tree house playground. When we joined the Y and Abby was just 2 and 1/2 it took her at least 6 months before she headed to the top and went down the big spiral slide. It took Lexie all of 2 minutes to be coxed up there by big sister. Seeing a pattern here?

Sunday was a day of rest. Micah must not have gotten enough sleep overnight and was pretty cranky... enough so that I decided a nap was worth the fact that it would make bedtime much harder. And I have to say I was right that Sunday nap was just the right thing!

What have you been up to lately? After over a week of being without internet I've got some serious blog reading to catch up on - it's just not the same reading on the phone.

Easter Egg Hunt

2013-03-26T13:08:00.000-06:00

Hey ya'll! Did you miss me? Ha! I'm sure 99.9% of ya'll didn't realize I hadn't blogged in practically two weeks. We moved houses, didn't have internet (or a working washing machine, as that broke the night before the move) for a week. There are still boxes around but it's getting to be more like home. At least the kitchen is fully unpacked so cooking is easy. But I'm back and now the rest of the boxes can wait a little longer.

*******

Last Saturday was the annual Easter program and egg hunt at our Church. The kids always enjoy this event at Church and I think this year was one of the best yet.

Lots of parents were taking their kids pictures on the stage so Abby and Micah really wanted a picture. Or at least told me they did to get a chance to stand on the stage. Ha! You can see Micah really just wanted to see the balloons... not the picture.

After a praise and worship time, there was a story about the empty tomb.

Abby and Micah clearly enjoyed it. You could tell by how still they sat for this part.

Side note: I think a certain little guy seriously needs a hair cut!

Then it was time to hunt eggs! Abby and Micah took off - which always worries me, especially now with three of them running in all different directions!

Micah stayed pretty close, gathering eggs and when he was done he came back to show Lexie how it was all done.

They were quite please with their eggs in their baskets.

Lexie didn't want to let go of her basket! Little bit thinks she's big stuff now and wanted to walk and hold her basket just like Abby and Micah.

What have ya'll been up to lately?

Crib and Kids {crib giveaway!}

2013-03-13T12:45:00.000-06:00

Last week I had to opportunity to meet up with some of my local blogging friends and get a tour of the hottest new furniture store in San Antonio Crib and Kids. We had a lot of fun, posing and taking pictures in the photobooth (That will also be used for the Spring in store mini-sessions - by the amazingly talented Amanda. If you hurry there are a couple spots left!)

Crib and Kids is totally unique from anything I've seen as far as nursery furniture stores go. Instead of a sea of cribs there are little rooms set up so you can totally see the furniture working in your dream nursery.

There are so many beautiful options to choose from. It totally made me want to redesign a nursery space for Lexie but I'll hold off and do up her toddler room shortly I'm sure. Crib and Kids carries many brands including Baby’s Dream, Munire, Young America, Nursery Classics, and Dutailer. You aren't limited to cribs either - they also carry beds (or bunk beds!) for your older ones.

Lexie loved all the comfy rocker options they had. She was like Goldilocks trying to figure out which she liked best.

Your options are seemingly limitless with all the ways you can personalize the rocker and bedding for the nursery.

This store is the result of the lovely Courtney's dreams after not finding anything of this kind in the area. We are all so excited for her. She has also generously donated a crib to give away to one of ya'll!

One winner will be selected and can choose from either the Baby’s Dream Brooklyn Crib or the Baby’s Dream Chelsea Crib. The value of the crib is $399. Please note shipping will NOT be included (it can be picked up in-store). The winner may also elect to receive a $200 credit TOWARDS furniture INSTEAD of the crib.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Just Between Friends

2013-03-12T19:14:00.001-06:00

Hey ya'll. So I haven't been to this before but I hear this is a fabulous chance to sell all the clutter of toys the kids have outgrown and to find new deals on things they can grow into. It's a drive to get out there but I'm told it's worth it. It's coming up next month so you'll want to start the cleaning out process to get ready for it soon so you aren't in a mad dash and miss things you wanted to sell! Or maybe you just want to shop this year.

Just Between Friends is the Nation’s Leading Children’s & Maternity Consignment Sales Event. Their event is the largest in the San Antonio area and started in 2008. They provide a great place to sell your items such as kids clothes, strollers, books, sports equipment and toys and make some money on stuff your kids don’t use anymore. Plus, they give you a great place to shop and get great BARGAINS for your family too. They donate 100% of our admission to Hill Country Daily Bread Ministries to help other local families in need too!

Dates you'll want to put in your planner are:

Drop off: April 9-10

Pre-sale: April 10

Public sale: April 11-12th ($3 admission)

Half-off sale: April 13th

You can also find Just Between Friends on Facebook and Twitter

Hope you either make some money or score some great deals!

Disclosure: I am receiving a free consignor spot and presale pass in exchange for posting about the sale.

insta+lately

2013-03-06T22:16:00.001-06:00

We were out of a lot of things thus requiring a 'cranky hour' trip to HEB with all 3 littles. Not usually the smartest thing to do but we survived and were still smiling when we left.
I did pick up this tea on a recommendation of Jessica. I'm loving the strawberry white tea, the peach is pretty good too. The jury is still out on the sweet tea - I couldn't decide if I like it or not.

Last week Abby had her yearly field trip. She wasn't too excited since they were going to the same Magik Theater as last year but she was thrilled to be riding the bus.
Then the next day we had a 'field trip' for Micah and Alexis with a trip to see the dino's at the Witte Museum.

My gym's cycle classes got cancelled due to low (5-8 people) attendance. So I drove across town to a different Y (thankful for a city membership!) to get some cycle time in.
Micah on the other hand needs to become a bit of a couch potato... I had to seriously tighten his new shorts about as tight as they'd go so they wouldn't fall off. My skinny guy.

So very happy they recently changed our water restriction regulations and instead of car washing on your weekly watering day (which ours is Tuesday - our busy day) we can now wash cars on Saturday or Sunday. That meant Sunday, we got our car washing on since it was beautiful outside. That included washing all 3 vehicles - the mini Cooper included.
Then the kids went for a Sunday drive - Lexie was thrilled that she got to join in and not just watch.

Bigger.. Better... Feathered

2013-03-05T13:29:00.000-06:00

Do you know how dinosaurs went extinct? I sure do. It all has to do with their love of underpants. Micah is on a serious dino kick. For the past 24 bedtimes we've read Dinosaurs Love Underpants, a very silly story about the dino tug-o-war over the caveman's underpants that lead to their extinction. For countless nights before that we read one of Micah's other How do Dinos.... books.

Okay so maybe that's not exactly what happened to cause the dino extinction but it sure makes Micah laugh and fuels his love of dinosaurs. So when we were invited to a mommy blogger event at the Witte to see the dinosaurs, it was an opportunity I knew we couldn't pass up.

We were greeted by this giant Apatosaurus out front. Micah's first question was if he was real. He definitely looked very life like. Not only that but he moved and roared as well.

This big T-Rex was hanging out in the garden. Alexis was not shy about going up to say hello. While Micah wanted to show him his T-Rex he brought along with him.

Like the Apatosaurus, T-Rex also moves, opens his mouth and roars. Which could be scary to some but these littles all crowded around in excitement.

The Apatosaurus and T-Rex (along with a Gigantoraptor) are too big to fit in the actual exhibit so they are on the grounds and in the main hall to greet you. They are just the beginning though so you'll want to see the rest!

First thing that Micah spotted once inside the Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit was an area to dig for dinosaur bones and tracks using paint brushes to uncover the bones under the rubber mulch. Such fun! This was high on Micah's list of favorite parts of the exhibit.

Lexie was in awe.... or really excited about being let out of the wrap and allowed to walk around (she took off running she was so excited... well as fast as a 14 month old can run anyway.) I love the picture of her looking up at the Omeisaurus skeleton. I think she was in awe of just how big it was.

There were so many ways to interact with the exhibits - on the Stegosaurus you could push buttons to make him move different parts of his body. Then there were ipads stationed around the exhibit, where you could interact with the dinosaurs, making them fly, land, eggs hatch, giving the dino food and watching him eat. Very cool! (Soon you'll be able to download an app and use your own device as well!)

To say that Micah (and Lexie) enjoyed their visit would be an understatement. They loved it. The Dinosaurs Unearthed exhibit will be at the Witte Museum through September 2nd so no doubt I'm sure we'll be back to see them again.

On Tuesdays the Witte Museum has free admission from 3-8 pm and during that time you'd only have to pay the $5 surcharge to see the dinosaurs. (3 and under are free) If you didn't see the dinosaurs last time they were here, or even if you did, don't hesitate to put this on your list of things to do over spring break or the summer.

*Disclosure: We received free admission to the museum and exhibit, refreshments and provided with two additional admission tickets.

Smock It To Me {review}

2013-03-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm sure if you've been around here for more than 5 minutes, you realize that I love pretty little smocked dresses, bubbles, outfits for Abby and especially for Lexie (because she's much less opinionated about what she wears than Abby is.) When Abby was little, I only saw smocking in those high end boutiques where I wasn't exactly about to pay those prices for more than special occasion dresses like Christmas and Easter. Now there are finally affordable smocking to fulfill my addiction.... (I'm sure the hubs would be rolling his eyes about now!)

Facebook is now full of various smocked sites. It's easy to get overwhelmed and also easy to wonder about the quality of what you are getting since you can't exactly go out to the store and feel it for yourself.

Smock It To Me is one of those auction sites on Facebook but they also have a website (a big bonus because then you don't have to wait for auction times to snag that dress you have your eye on!) They have started designing and selling their very own Liney Lu line of smocked outfits.

Mary-Catherine from Smock It To Me so kindly sent Alexis this beautiful Liney Lu owl bishop for us to review. The quality of the smocking is fantastic - handsmocked too - not done by machine. It looks just like the picture (if not even better!) so no surprises when you get your happy mail arrives.

Lexie is a peanut but we already had several dresses in the 12 month size for her to wear so I asked for an 18 month and as you can see she's got plenty of room to grow but now that she's walking it didn't bother her to wear it long for now. This will be perfect for her come late summer/early fall when it's still so hot outside. (With the size of the hem she can likely get two years out of it if she continues growing like she is now)

I just love the angel wing bishops for summer!

If you haven't found that perfect Easter dress yet, Smock It To Me has several adorable options in their Liney Lu line with bunnies, lambs, crosses or my favorite tulips! The ladies over on the FB page are always so helpful in answering any questions you have as well if the world of FB auction sites overwhelms you at first or if you have any question about their beautiful clothes.

You can shop their facebook auctions Monday and Wednesday at 8pm CST. They can also be found on twitter now.

*Disclosure: I was sent a dress at no cost to me to review but all opinions are (and always are) my own.

insta+lately

2013-02-27T10:58:00.002-06:00

It's Wednesday again. The 'hard' part of the week for me is already over. Mondays, of course, are always hard because well they are Mondays. Then comes Tuesday, which is our busy day. Wednesdays are a sigh of relief to recover then onto Thursday and Friday which usually bring a fun activity or play date. (This week, we are headed to see some dinos - which my dinosaur loving guy shoud hopefully be thrilled about!)

Tuesdays we head to Bible class, after dropping Abby at school. Lexie was happy to get down and play while I got my classroom ready after a hectic morning of getting all our stuff ready for the day (lunch for Abby, snacks for Lexie and Micah, necessities for the morning....) It was extra yesterday since we had a ladies luncheon and so I taught a class of 2 year olds from 9:15 until 2. That made for a well deserved swing through Sonic for happy hour on the way home.
The wind on Monday was crazy! It resulted in 3 sections of fence falling down so Beau was out nailing it back up before taking Abby to gymnastics. The wind sounds like it's blowing pretty hard out there again today. Not quite as high but still... hope the fence stays up.

So after a long morning, I was not feeling up for cooking so we headed to Chickfila for dinner. The kids traded their toys for ice cream.
Sadly my Tuesday had a sour note as my normal cycle class (well all 2 of our cycle classes) are getting cancelled come March. Last night was supposed to be the last one with my preferred instructor of the two.... and she emailed out. I was so looking forward to that workout. Now I have to spend a lot of time in the car, in rush hour traffic or chance Lexie likely falling asleep because it will be almost nap time for our long drive home to get to a cycle class. Arg.... not happy about that.
This morning Lexie was cranky and wanting to stay in my lap instead of play and random outburst of crying fits. She did have a moment where I thought we had turned a corner and she had cheered up when she got down to sit next to Micah and watch PBS with him. I tried to sneak a picture but she caught me, then toddled after me while I tried to get some dishes from the dishwasher unloaded. Instead we headed upstairs and she went down for a morning nap. Guess yesterday really did wear her out.

I got some happy mail at the end of last week and I'm anxiously awaiting the weather to cooperate so I can take Lexie out for a little photoshoot. After a couple weeks of nice spring like weather, we are back to cold in the morning and windy.... I'm expecting more happy mail with the kids bunnies for their Easter baskets that I'm also ridiculously excited about. Hopefully they'll love them as much as I already do. ( < Remind me of that when I'm feeling overrun by stuffed animals okay?)

How's your week been?

monday randoms

2013-02-25T13:34:00.002-06:00

Yesterday morning after eating breakfast (or rather making a mess of breakfast), I took Lexie out of her high chair and took her shirt off (which is why she rarely eats in clothes - bibs can't cover enough!) When I set her on the ground, she momentarily whined at my feet, then swiped her shirt I had just taken off, put it on her head and proceeded to toddle around the kitchen giggling with her shirt on her head. At first I think she was mad she was undressed and wanted clothes on, and then once we were giggling she continued to put on a show. She was quite the entertainer!

The littles looked so darling all dressed up for Church so of course I had to take a picture. Abby received this dress in the mail yesterday for Easter from Gigi and she "love love loves it" (add lots of jumping up and down in excitement.) She just couldn't wait to wear it. I tried it on her last night and once it was on Abby again told me she loved it. Sweet little Micah chimed in that she "looked like a princess." What a sweet brother!

TMI alert: At bathtime last night I took off Lexie's diaper while I was running the bath water. In the time it took for me to turn around and throw it away, she pooped on the bath mat. (Thankfully wasn't in the tub yet) So I put on her the potty to see if she needed to finish and asked her if she needed to do more. She nodded yes and then went! Ha! My 13 month old just had her first poop on the potty. Sorry more than most of ya'll needed to know. I'm just impressed she told me yes and then went! I'm gonna ignore the fact that she should still be a baby and therefore not doing this stuff!

This morning it's crazy windy here. Power has gone out in some places, we lost our tv and internet signal for about 20 minutes and some pieces of our fence have blown down. We're waiting until the wind dies down before fixing them - it'd likely be pointless right now while it's still this windy. The crazy wind is also making it feel much cooler than the temperature really is which puts a damper on my plans for a photoshoot with Lexie.

Abby has spring picture day this week. I'm only excited for them because this year they are doing class pictures as well. I buy her fall picture for the school picture memories but spring picture I don't because I usually do pictures in the bluebonnets instead. Now to figure out what she should wear. She also has a field trip, well their only yearly field trip, this week. I'm kinda bummed they are going back to the Magik Theater this year. Not that it's not a fun place but I think it'd be more fun to go someplace different. Plus they don't need chaperones for the Magik Theater.... and I want to chaperone a field trip.

How was your weekend? And how's your Monday going so far?

Back to the zoo

2013-02-21T19:42:00.000-06:00

We were busted by Abby for going to the zoo without her while she was in school. The new refillable Tiger cup gave it away as she immediately noticed it and was very upset she didn't have one. So she wanted to go to the zoo and get one as well. Nope not to see the animals but to get a cup like Micah had. Yes normally they'd share... and normally they share with us (as we aren't there all day - just a few hours) or even better I usually pack a bag of snacks but alas we 'needed' a tiger cup.

Since we didn't have anything else planned for the morning and it was lovely outside, I figured why not head out to the zoo.

When we get to the zoo I always ask what animal they want to see to plan our trip around the zoo and be sure not to miss that specific animal and no surprise there - the gators won that vote on Saturday. So we took off in that direction and saw lots of animals on the way.

The anteater was even out. I rarely see this guy out and he's huge! I never realized quite how large anteaters really are until the came up next to the bridge we were walking over, stood up against the wall and we could hear him loudly stiffing for some food.

We wandered around the Tot spot and checked out the giant tortoises. Did you know they enjoy a good petting? And will follow you around like a puppy dog if they think you'll feed them? Nope, me either but it's true.

Everyone was having fun watching the prairie dogs and crawling up in the look out hole. Lexie likes this area because it means she gets to get out and toddle around enjoying it as well.

And we can't go to the zoo without comparing ourselves to the condor wings or climbing on the lion statues at the front.

What's your favorite animal to see at the zoo?