Holiday Festivities

G LOVED all the beautiful lights!

 As you can see I am a little behind on my posting, but in my defense, my mom took all these pics and she finally loaded them to the computer....these are pictures from before Christmas when we went with my parents, sister and her bf to the Garden D'Lights in Bellevue.

It was a very cold night, but we had a great time!

I have so much to catch up on this blog, so please bare with me! Hopefully I will get more posted soon! Right now my head is a jumble of pink, cake pops, birds, card stock, glue sticks, and more pink............yes I am in the process of making invitations for and planning my daughters first birthday party next month! AHhhhh :)

Your Not Santa.......

Genesis did so well with Santa Clause! I was very surprised, especially after seeing EVERYONE post pics of their cute kiddos on Santa's lap screaming.......I didn't have high hopes. I'm guessing next year may be that year with the screaming baby/santa pic.

You smell like beef and cheese.....

Sugary Sweetness

I made these White Chocolate Topped Gingerbread Cookies the other night for our mommy/baby group Christmas Party. They turned out AMAZING, love em! Soft and chewy and that bite of white chocolate really makes it! They would be delicious without also. I will definately keep these on my list of Christmas cookies every year!

I wanted to make these Caramel Topped Shortbread Bites but I chickened out when I saw that you have to use a candy thermometer and really watch the temp and all....yeah that scared me. I will try them at some point and make sure to have a back up. Don't they look delicious?

I'm really into salted chocolate caramels right now....and one little piece tastes so heavenly when you are counting calories.....I almost bought a tub of them at Costco tonight, found I really do have the strength to say No! Darn it....haha


So excited for Christmas right around the corner..........and really excited to celebrate it with G since it is her first Christmas!

Wish List

Black Glitter Toms

Kaitlyn Mittens

Fossil Key-Per Duffle

Fossil Key-Per Tote

Baby Name Pendant Necklace

Flat Iron

GlassyBaby Sowing the Fields Collection

 Annabelle Infinity Scarf


These are just a few items on my wish list, none of which I actually asked for for Christmas, because they are all pretty pricey, and because my husband and I are only doing stockings for each other this year since we had our little weekend in Seattle....but I may show it to my husband next year for my bday....though I'm sure the list will have changed by then.

Let it Snow....please let it snow!

This is my favorite one!

Our good friend Chelly who is just starting up her own photography business, MiLo Photo , took some holiday photos for us in down town Snohomish by all the cute, holiday decorated shops. Christmas cards should be coming out soon.......;)

Last night I got most of my Christmas presents wrapped....only have a few more to buy and stocking stuffers for the hubby and baby! Tonight we are going to the evening service at our church and then going to the Garden d'Lights at the botanical gardens in Bellevue. I love doing all of these fun, holiday festivities this time of year! It makes it even more fun when we get to share them with our daughter and see her face just light up!

Now off to go get ready to head to the gym for some Sunday afternoon Zumba(this will be my first time....beware all!)

Give thanks in Everything!

This was very encouraging when I read this yesterday and just a great reminder that even when things aren't going as we want, we still are to give thanks to God for what he has given us. I pray that I can instill this in my daughter as she grows older!

Check it out.....

Manna for Moms

Last night was a bit rough, as my daughter had her first fever.....went all the way up to 102.5.....poor thing she was not feeling well, we were both up pretty late last night. This morning she is feeling a lot better. Thank you Lord!

Smilings My Favorite!

If you got what movie that is from, then I applaud you! I am watching Elf( just gave it away) as I type this. I have a moment of peace and quiet right now as G takes her nap....awwwwwe:).

My husband and I worked out together this morning (joined the Y yesterday), played a little competitive (just a little) bball and grabbed coffee at StArbucks. It was a wonderful morning catching up with my hubby while G was in childCare and slept at Starbucks.....I wish every day got a start like today:). I have so much more energy after working out....I have to admit that the motivation for finally joining the gym was my good friend setting her wedding date for the end of April....and I'm in it....ahhhh I need to drop that excess baby weight....gym and counting calories here we come. What better motivation right? I will also admit that the night before I joined the gym, I was watching Biggest Loser (one of my new fav shows) while eating ice cream...HA! No more! I am serious about this! I am going to rock that Bridesmaid dress and be ready for next summer! Yeah baby!

Today is also the start of my three day weekend! Yippee! Tomorrow my hubby and I are staying the night in Seattle with our good friends like we did last year while G is with her Grandparents. I believe Pike Place Market, Purple Cafe, a movie, Christmas shopping, and lots of relaxing are on the menu for Saturday & Sunday!

I hope you all have a fun and relaxing weekend as well!

Thanksgiving & Bday Fun

Here is my late Thanksgiving post! Wow, I always forget how hard it is to keep up on a blog on a daily basis, I really need to get better at this! I need to start making a routine on my days off....maybe this should include working out & blogging during G's naptime. Alot the time I catch up on my tv shows when she sleeps...on me, which I need to get out of the habit of and put her in her crib. She is in her crib right now. Her wonderful dad got her to go to sleep for her nap, boy was she fighting it!

For Thanksgiving we went to my sister-in-laws place in Poulsbo, she hosts every Thanksgiving at her place for my husband's WHOLE family. Big get together. It was a very long day....started out at about 5am when I tried to get up before G did to shower and she got up right along with me, haha. Hubby had to work the opening shift at work from 5-9am, so we met him at his work when he got off. Met his parents and we waited in the Edmonds Ferry line for about 2 hours. We didn't get home until about 10pm. G had fun most of the time, she got to see her 2nd cousin( I think once removed...can't figure out the relationship) Ellie and lots of her aunts, uncles and cousins.

G throwing a tantrum over my camera at Starbucks Thanksgiving AM....And they say tantrums start at 2?

Ellie & G both wearing their tutus!

I also celebrated my 29th ( 1 more year till the dirty 30) birthday this past week also. We had several celebrations including dinner & cheesecake factory with friends, birthday dinner with family and then my husband took me out to dinner and a movie on my birthday. So it was a fun week! My mom and I also got some good Christmas shopping done early on Black Friday, we didn't go too crazy, just Freddy's, Target & Old Navy.....but I can honestly say that I only have like 2 presents left to buy and a few to make for some friends. This is a first, it's not even December yet! I am almost sad that I barely having anymore Christmas shopping left....I love Christmas Shopping! haha

This was a longer post than I intended, I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and is starting to get into the Christmas & holiday spirit!

Tiny Dancer

G loves to dance! Here she is dancing to Caspar Baby Pants, loves them! I love how babies just know how to dance, it just comes so naturally to them when the music comes on, they can't help but dance. They don't hold back like many of us adults do, because they don't care what they look like! Love it!

Ugh

How ironic is it that I get sick a few days after having a conversation with a co-worker about how I never have to call in sick to work? And what did I do this morning? I called in sick to work...ugh I hate being sick, especially when I get to stay home All day and watch my 10 month old....thankfully she slept a lot today, she must have known I wasn't feeling well;).

And more not so very exciting note...I'm researching convertible car seats cause G has almost outgrown her infant car seat...wow!

Little Reader

Sorry I have been a bit MIA, life and G have been keeping me pretty busy these last few days.......G turned 10 months old on the 17th! I can't believe she will be a year old in 2 months! Where has the time gone? She is such a blessing to us!

Our daughter LOVES her books! She loves for her us read to her and she also loves to turn the pages and look through them herself. Right now her favorite books are....Happy Baby Colors, Wooley The Sheep, Peekaboo Book and Goodnight Moon. I think I'm going to get her Goodnight Seattle for Christmas...I think they have the Goodnight Series in every city now!

Reading upside down! Aren't those overalls just adorable?

Happy Baby Colors:)

On another note, I am so excited for the holidays! First we have Thanksgiving in Poulsbo with Josh's family, My Birthday(also Black Friday), and then Christmas!!! And THEN G's First Birthday Party in January! So much coming up!

Budget Friendly Meals Blog

First of all, I have found so many good and delicious looking recipes on Pinterest...if you haven't heard of this, then give me a shout out and I will invite you, yes it's very exclusive like that, you have to be invited:).

Picture Courtesy Of Budget Bytes Blog

One of them, Chicken Taco Bowls , were a big hit with the fam! Not to mention you make it in a crockpot, so super easy and super cheap AND you will be left with leftovers. I love leftovers, my husband not so much...I think that is a guy thing? I love taking leftovers to work so that I can heat it up and have a warm lunch:)! Mmmm.

This recipes also led me to this blog.... Budget Bytes , where she gives you the low down on some very budget friendly recipes. Check it out!

Baby & Toddler Play Area Reviews

Last weekend G and I went to the Bellevue Mall with my little sister and mom, we checked out the kids play area which is on the 3rd floor of the mall, all that is on that floor is the play area, Gymboree, PinkaBella Cupcakes and another store that I can't remember. The play area was PACKED with toddlers and kids.....a few babies, but with all the kids, they didn't stand a chance, I stayed right by G's side so that she didn't get trampled. They don't have any toys, but a lot of soft objects (boat,tunnel,etc) to climb on and under and around. There are tables outside of the play area and a stroller parking area. We didn't stay for long since it was so crowded(was the weekend), but we intend to try again and have a playdate with friends there during the week and I fully intend to try one of the cupcakes from PinkaBella as well:)!

Trying to climb up, such a big girl!

Someone help me up!

My second review is of the Tot Spot Cafe in Woodinville. We met up with some moms & babies from our church play group today.  It was very crowded, loud, messy, took forever to get a beverage or food and you have to pay.....G was only $3 since she is under a year, but over that is $6 for only and hour or $10 for the day. When we got there I think we were all a bit overwhelmed at how busy and loud it was in there. After an hour and 1/2, a bad cup of coffee("americano" with cream & sugar), and $7.17 you kind of get that this one is not so good of a review. But I can finally say that I checked it out after driving by so many times. It is a great concept, but just didn't do it for us! Have a few more places to check out and will write reviews on those as well!

It' All Worth It

Doesn't this picture just melt your heart? She is resting her head on my knee....one of her new favorite things is to rest her head on a pillow or on the ground like she is going to bed. So sweet!

Blogging with a baby

I never realized how difficult it would be to keep up on blogging with a 9 month old getting in to everything! Not to mention every time I break out the IPad, G sees it, gets a sneaky look on her face and makes a beline for me, I mean for the IPad.....she is in love with it....not so thrilled about it. I definitely limit her time every day though . She loves to watch Elmo sing the ABC's. And here she comes, she spotted me! I'm going to have to start doing this after she is in bed at night before I crash

Meals on a Budget

I love it when you find a delicious meal that feeds lots of people and that fits your budget as well.....We started really budgeting several months ago and so far it is working out pretty well! The only part that is really tough to keep within the budget is groceries and eating out. My parents watched G last night so that we could hang out with some friends. We were trying to think of "budget friendly" things we could do for a date night.....and decided that a movie, dinner, etc would end up being a little more than we should be spending. We ended up deciding that I would make dinner and we would take it to their house to hang out and watch a movie over there.

This is what I made....

Courtesy of Pioneer Woman

We had PW's Sour Cream Enchiladas ( if you haven't heard of the Pioneer Woman, then you need to check our her website...and I just plain feel sorry for you!), which are so creamy and delicious with under 10 ingredients. I highly recommend these! Her meat enchiladas are to die for as well!

So I made the enchiladas and we had those along with lime & chili refried beans, chips & fresh salsa. This fed 8 people(made  a pan of them for my parents and sister as well) with leftovers for under $30 (thanks to Fred Meyers)! Definately a lot cheaper than dinner and a movie for two!

Our friends made dessert, grilled peaches with ice cream, which were easy and equally delicious!

I'm going to try to post at least one budget-friendly meal a week on here, so stay tuned!

Chelan

A few weekends ago, my hubby had a wedding to DJ in Lake Chelan, and Genesis and I got to tag along! We headed over Friday morning, stopped at Zeek's to get some of their famous milk shakes and didn't make any stops until Leavenworth for some much needed coffee. Here is where I made the mistake of getting a peppermint mocha from McDonalds, bad idea:/, next time, when in doubt, go to Starbucks. (I'm sure most of you are thinking "I could of told you that".)

After settling into our room at the Best Western Lakeside Lodge (which have the best continental breakfasts ever btw, don't the name fool ya) we went in search of a good place for dinner and settled on a Mexican restaurant. Unfortunately it wasn't very good:(. We tend to have this problem when trying new Mexican restaurants while on a trip. Lesson learned again.

My husband was gone pretty much all day until late night at the wedding, so G and I kept busy, spemnding alot of time in nthe hotel room, since it was pretty cold out nd poor G was fighting a cold. lets just say I watched too much tv while G slept.

G and I lounging in our hotel room...we did alot of that on Saturday!

G loved playing in the hotel room with her toys, playing hide n seek, peek-a-boo, and jumping in all the soft pillows on the bed.

A trip to the Chelan Starbucks!

All bundled up for a stroller ride down along the water.

It was a cold, but beautiful day.

Swinging at the park.

G and dada on our balcony.

All in all we had a fun little weekend away and thought Chelan was a beautiful lake and  little town!

Toms for the Whole Family

 Movember Toms for Dad

 Pink Sparkle Tiny Toms for Genesis

Morocco Toms for Mom


I <3 Me a pair of Toms......I really want the teal colored ones that I keep seeing all over Pinterest, but I can't find anywhere that sells them:(.

This begins our Christmas List!

A lazy Fall Day

What a beautiful, cold, very fallish 1st day of November! I'm already getting excited for the holidays...more to come on that:)! I have the day off and my husband doesn't go to work until this afternoon, winning!

So far it has been a relaxing morning, hubby has taken care of G all morning so that I can get things done...ie balancing check book, working on November's budget, uploading new pics, and making this blog. Thank you to my wonderful husband for giving me these couple of hours to catch up on "me time"!

I did read G some books until she fell asleep for her morning nap, but then hubby gave her a yummy breakfast of whole milk vanilla yogurt(which was kinda hard to find btw) , bananas and her bottle, and then they took Jimi for a walk.

Looking forward to blogging again and updating everyone on what's going on in our lives, other than facebook, which I'm starting to get sick of.

Hope you are all enjoying this day as much as we are and hope you enjoy following along!