Suzanne McGrath Photography

Six on Sunday...Super Bowl Sunday

Yes, I'm blogging on Super Bowl Sunday!  Can you believe that?  Actually, we had a great night with friends but I needed to get the littles to bed at a decent time so I left the festivities early.  It was best for the girls AND my waist line!

1.  Don't hate me but I'm going to do it again.  Post another pictures of our cat.  Isn't she simply gorgeous?  We are so lucky to have found her!

I mean, look at her.  Isn't she regal?  But she's such a softie, too.  She loves to snuggle and cuddle with us.  In fact, she is always waiting by the door when we come home.  She's like our own personal greeter.  Love that.

2.  Remember how the three little girls got their hair cut last weekend?  Well, this weekend it was #1's turn.  I thought she was just going to get a trim.  But she cut off a little more than that.  Here is her before shot:

And...

Are you ready?...

Wait for it...

It's coming...

I have to do this to you...

Here it comes...

Shorter...

and finally...

the big reveal...

Ta-Da!

I know it's not the best angle, but it is really cute on her.  And most importantly, she loves it.  But she does look much older and that makes me a little wistful...

3.  This weather is killing me lately.  It's been so cold that I haven't run the past two Thursday mornings.  (Only Tuesday mornings.)  And I've really started enjoying having my Tuesday and Thursday lunch hours to myself.  Oh well...it can't last forever.  

Today the hubby and I joined my group of friends for a long run.  We fit in 8 miles.  It was a beautiful morning with good friends, good conversation, and sunny weather.  Loved it.

4.  I spent the weekend painting.  Yep, painting.  I primed and put two coats of stinky, oil-based paint on the risers of our stairs.  I also managed to get two coats of paint on the trim piece on the wall side of the stairs.  Lastly, I primed the spindles lining the stairs.  It's been hard but I feel a sense of accomplishment.  I can see the light at the end of the tunnel!

Here is Friday night.  Taped and ready to go:

Here are the stairs with the first coat of paint on the risers and that trim piece.  See how white they are?

The post at the bottom and the handrail still needs a couple coats of black paint.  That will come.  There are only so many hours in the day and I wanted to spend some time with my family!

5.  Next Friday my friend, Christi, and I are going to pop some tags.  I can't wait!  Unlike Macklemore, I hope to spend a little more than $20.  (That is NOT the radio friendly version, FYI.)

We know we're going to hit Mission Mall Antique Mall and the shops down in the West Bottoms.  But if anyone in KC has any suggestions, we'll take them!  I've popped in and out of a few thrift shops around town, but I don't have any that I HAVE to visit.  So seriously, send in your suggestions!

6.  Do you want my menu for the week?  OK.  Here it is:

Monday:  Chipotle Black Bean burgers + fruit

Tuesday:  Skinny Creamy Italian Chicken Skillet + salad

Wednesday:  Avacado, Mozzarella and Bruschetta Chicken + broccoli

Thursday:  Leftovers

Friday:  Pizza + Fruit

Saturday:  Pot Roast + roasted potatoes + green beans

And there you have it!  Six on Sunday.  Have a great week, everyone!

 

Six on Sunday...Making Progress

Howdy!  I'm here for the second week in a row.  As I was working on my Project Life scrapbook yesterday I realized I wasn't very good about blogging on Sundays.  Hopefully I will get better this year.

1.  We are making progress on my list of house goals.  Sweet.  Last night I put the second coat of poly on our stairs.  Only two more coats to go before I do the rest of the stairs.  (I have to do every other stair so we can actually get upstairs!)  They look much better after the second coat so I'm feeling good.  

Today I painted the half bath downstairs.  I loved the existing color in there but it didn't match our vanity which we got on sale at Home Decorators last month.  So I went with a lighter shade - Dolphin Fin by Behr.  So far, so good.  Once the paint is dry we can install our vanity and faucet which I picked up today while buying paint.  

Two projects in one weekend?  Outstanding!

2.  Last night #2 and #3 and I went to the Mother-Daughter Skate Night for their elementary school.  I know #2 had a little more fun at the skate rink because she could skate by herself.  #3 never really got the hang of it and after she fell pretty hard, she was done.  We redeemed ourselves, though, with a stop for pizza with a gang of girls afterwards.  They both had a lot of fun at Pizza Shoppe!

#4 was royally pissed when we left her at home.  Poor baby.

3.  I managed to fit in 9 miles this morning despite the cold.  The wind chill was 3*!  It was definitely cold but manageable.  Mostly, I was just glad to run it and then be done with it.

4.  I took a 20 minute shower when I got home.  Duh.

5.  #1 started soccer again this week.  I missed the game last night since I was skating so I'm excited to watch her play again.

6.  The hubby is at Costco right now buying food for the week.  What are we having?  Here you go!

Sunday:  cheeseburgers, corn on the cob, and fruit

Monday:  Mmmm saucewith lots of stuff for dipping like cucumbers, carrots, pretzels.  We'll supplement with fruit.

Tuesday:  homemade spaghetti with zucchini and yellow squash

Wednesday:  chicken enchiladas and fruit

Thursday:  potato soup and broccoli

Friday:  pizza from Costco or Papa Murphy's

Saturday:  Quinoa and black beans + veggies/fruit

Have a great week! 

Six on Sunday

No intro tonight - let's just jump right in, shall we?

1.  #2 and #3 had Field Day last Friday.  Most schools have Field Day in the spring but our school has always done it in the fall - at least as long as we have been there.  I actually really like having it early.  The spring always seems to be so busy anyway; it's nice to shake things up a little.

Anyway, #2 REALLY got into it this year.  She was bound and determined to win the spirit award.  Sadly, a 5th grade class won.  She still had a blast!

(Forgive the hands that I cut off - she was too excited to actually hold still._

This was #3's first Field Day.  I think she had fun.  (I only stopped in for about 15 minutes to snap a few pics.)  See for yourself...

2.  Yesterday was a crazy day.  I ran 20 miles.  We had four soccer games.  The little girls went on a "nature walk" with the hubby and me, and we had a surprise birthday party last night.  Phew!

I have to give a shout out to the hubby (even though he doesn't read my blog) for being so patient yesterday since it took me awhile to run my 20.  He had to get #2 up and out the door to the soccer field before 7am yesterday!  They came home and then headed back out for #1's 10:45 am soccer game.  After that I met them at #3's soccer game where I took #1 and #4 home.  I then dropped off #1 and #4 and picked up #2 and took her to her AFTERNOON game.  Yep - and there's four games.

And this doesn't even mention that #1 had a 9:30 PM soccer game Friday night.  And that was AFTER a two hour swim practice.  Yeah, that's us.

3.  Last night was the first time we've left the girls alone without a babysitter.  It was both liberating and scary at the same time.  But, the older two girls are so good with their sisters that we really trusted them.  Not to mention the little girls refuse to let a babysitter put them to bed!  So we figured if we had a babysitter we'd just be paying her to sit on the couch and make sure the house didn't burn down.

The girls were given strict instructions about not answering the door, etc.  We also made absolute sure they knew what time they were supposed to go bed.  And I told them I had a 6th sense and I would KNOW if they lied about what time they went to bed.  Sure enough, they followed the rules.  And they totally did it!  We got one text from #1 asking where she could find #3's hippo.  But that was the worst of it.  We were so proud of them all!  

4.  The surprise birthday party was a lot of fun.  The guest of honor was our good friend who you've seen in Okoboji pictures.  She was completely SHOCKED.  Her husband was a genius and totally had her convinced of his lie.  It was awesome to see the look on her face when she realized what was going down.  Classic.

Plus, we had a great time.  The hubby and I both met new people and caught up with old friends.  My only regret is that my legs were shot and I was exhausted.  I didn't last much past 11pm but it was still so worth it.

5.  Today was awesome!

• I was able to photograph a newborn.  
• I took the girls on another nature walk where they each gathered as many acorns as possible for our fall decorations.  And they all four totally LOVED it.  They had so much fun!  
• Meanwhile, the hubby picked up that banquette I talked about last week.  Score!  
• We baked a batch of chocolate chip cookies.
• #3 and #4 accompanied me on a Goodwill drop-off trip.
• The hubby took #1 to the library to pick out a Trendy Twelve book for school.  
• We had a fantastic dinner - beer can chicken - followed by a trip to Orange Leaf.  Seriously, it couldn't have gotten much better than that!

6.  My good friend, Stacey, and her husband Todd, had a beautiful baby girl last weekend.  And I had the immense pleasure of photographing her this morning.  She was a DREAM.  It took her a little convincing to go to sleep, but once she did she was like putty in my hands.  Seriously, I think big babies are easier to handle than small babies.  (I've had 8lb 7oz to a 6lb 15oz babies - so I have a little experience!)  I think big babies have bigger tummies so they sleep harder.  Maybe I'm just imaging it, but once Addie was asleep, she was dead to the world!

I also loved that when I drove away I didn't have that "feeling".  You know, the one where you think you want another baby.  Nope.  Nothing.  Just contentment in my four.

Anyway, I captured a bunch of great images but only had time to edit one.  So Stacey, this one is for you!  Isn't she a doll?!  

 

Have a great week!

Wednesday...

I thought about blogging Sunday night, and Monday night, and then actually TRIED to blog last night.  Apparently the Universe had other ideas!  I was too tired Sunday night.  It got too late Monday night.  And I couldn't get my Instagram pics to load correctly last night.  Geez.

So here goes...

1.  Why was I so tired Sunday night?  Chief's game.  That's right.  I went to an NFL game.  The gates opened at 8:30am which meant we had to get up at 6am to do everything necessary (ie stop at Starbucks) before rolling up to our friends house in midtown at 7:45am to carpool. 

I learned - no, my belief was reinforced - that there is far too much work involved in tailgating.  I am still a fan of going to the bars before football game - it's so much easier.  But regardless, we had a blast.  (Thanks to my parents for watching the girls so we could attend.)

Here is our self-portrait taken shortly before walking into the stadium.  It was a beautiful day out!

And this?  Do you see this?  Highway robbery is what it is!  That is almost $10 for one beer.  One.  Uno.  That is just crazy.  I'm going to have to tell the girls they can't go to college because mama needed a beer that one time.  Or two times.  Geez. 

And this view?  Our seats.  I think we were three rows from the very top.  Whatever.  We could see every single play so it was all good.  Although seriously - our seats were $3 less than it cost to park.  How ironic is that?!

A few of the guys...

2.  Our Saturday was pretty much consumed by soccer.  #1 had two games and #3 had a game.  Then they each had a game on Sunday.  Lucky for us #2 had the weekend off or we would have been REALLY busy!

Here are the two cheerleaders for #1's afternoon game.  Seriously.  Whatever words of encouragement I yelled were then repeated by #4.  So cute.

3.  #3 loves her goggles.  Enough said.

4.  The weather was so beautiful this weekend!  We took advantage Sunday after the game and went to the playground.  Free and easy.  A win-win for all involved!

5.  I found a new blog:  www.iowagirleats.com  (I think I've mentioned her before.)  She has some awesome recipes.  Last night Monday night I tried her Jerk shrimp recipe.  It was OK.  I'd rather make her chipotle black bean burgers, though!

Then we had another standby, Buffalo Chicken Quinoa Mac-n-Cheese.  Seriously, if you like buffalo chicken of any kind, you should try this!  This meal, alone, will turn the hubby from grumpy to happy in two seconds, flat.

6.  This next weekend we get all of our soccer games out of the way on Saturday.  I'm totally excited for a free Sunday!

7.  I have to run 20 miles again on Saturday.  We have some big plans Saturday night so I'm hoping I recover enough to enjoy the evening

8.  I was busy Monday night getting things ready for a consignment sale.  I took part in this same sale a year ago and figured What the heck?  Why not do it again?!  I am hoping to make enough money to be worth my while.  We shall see...

This is only a third of it.  I won't lie.  It's a total pain in the you-know-what to do this!

9.  I want this for my dining room.  I think I have the hubby convinced.  Score.

10.  The fact that yesterday was the 11th year anniversary of 9/11 was not lost on me.  I thought it was pretty awesome to see so much patriotism yesterday.  It was very moving...

Not Six on Sunday

I really don't have an excuse for not blogging last night.  Honestly, it was a busy weekend and I was tired.  And it was the season finale of The Good Wife.  I really only have a few shows - ok two shows - I watch and that is one of them.  The other?  The Voice.  I think that's all.  But I digress...

1.  #4 has two little speech impediments.  Is that what you call them?  Anyway, it's really cute.  She pronounces her "c" sounds like "t" sounds.  She asks for tookies (cookies) a lot due to a major sweet tooth she inherited from her dad.  She also runs around the house yelling for "Taroline!"  (Caroline.)  Of course we don't correct her because we knew it will disappear all too soon.

Her other one?  She loves to go to gymnastics and gets all excited about it.  Saturday morning she told me, "I'm going to go on the wings because I weally yike them ayot!"  Translation?  (I admit I had to ask #2 to translate the first part.)  "I'm going to go on the rings because I really like them a lot!"

2.  We seem to have bad luck quite often.  And last week was so exception.  Our microwave broke.  Again.  After the second time in a year or two, the hubby decided it was time for a new one.  I didn't really care either way - I just wanted a WORKING microwave.  Well, it's finally up!

After the hubby got it home, got the bracket on the wall, we tried to hang it up.  We tried for three DAYS to hang it up.  Finally, last Friday at 6:30am, we realized it was too long for the space.  Since we have tile on the wall that goes all the way up to the bottom of the microwave, we had to cut the top of the cabinet.  And by "we", I mean the hubby.  Thankfully, it was Chad to the rescue again.  The hubby borrowed some handy-dandy tool and cut off about 1/2" of the cabinet front.  And now?  The microwave is installed and working.  WooHoo!!

3.  Tonight I had a parent meeting for #1 at the MIDDLE SCHOOL!  Yes.  I said middle school.  I can hardly believe #1 is almost done with fifth grade.  Man, did that time fly?!  I'm excited for her and a little nervous.  I remember junior high.  It wasn't great.  It wasn't terrible.  I was teased mercilessly but took it well.  And I hope I was able to give a little crap to the teasers, too.  I hope my girls have a slightly easier time.  We shall see...

4.  I was able to work on the french chair I bought last September.  It's completely reupholstered.  I just have to glue the trim on to the hide the staples.  I'll reveal it soon.  I think it turned out pretty well, if I do say so myself.

5.  Sunday morning I woke up at 6am, got dressed, ate my peanut butter toast, and sat drinking my coffee, all ready to go for a nice, long run...when BOOM!  Thunder!  Ugh.  After texting Carmen and consulting the radar, we decided to stay put.  I don't mind running in the rain but I don't do lightening.  So sad.  I got up early for nothing.  

But...when life hands you lemons, make lemonade.  I decided to make homemade donuts thanks to Peas and Thank You.  They turned out so well.  They tasted like a cross between donuts, Christmas cookies, and sugar cookies.  

And aren't they pretty?

6.  Other than all that, we had a nice weekend.  Gymnastics, two soccer games, volleyball...nothing crazy.  We're sort of in the groove and our weekends have a nice flow to them.  

Have a great week!

 

Six on Sunday

It was a great weekend!  I'll recap in my traditional style.  Shall we?

1.  I had a great visit today with an old friend and her hubby.  My friend, Stacey, is pregnant and they have a Canon Rebel but wanted to learn how to take it off auto.  Who better to talk to, if I do say so myself?!  It was fun to be able to talk photography with someone who actually wanted to learn.  (The hubby usually feigns interest - but not very well.)  I hope I was able to give them the basics - enough to get them started - but not information overload.  

2.  Yesterday was almost perfect.  The little girls had gymnastics in the morning and #2 accompanied me since #4 loves it when she comes.  Afterwards we headed to Dunkin Donuts for our weekly treat.  Coffee for me and treats for the girls.  When we came home and played outside 'till lunch and naptime.  Aren't my roses beautiful?

Yeah, well, I cut them down.  They are pretty for about two weeks and then they look like crap the rest of the summer.  Plus, they are planted in a really odd place that makes it hard to train them.  I also managed to trim another big, overgrown bush in the backyard.  All the while I was doing this, the girls were playing on the swingset.  I love that we can all spend time together - OUTDOORS!  It was such gorgeous weather.

After the little girls were down for naps, I turned my attention to our picnic table.  I was able to sand it down to get it all ready to seal.  In the meantime the hubby started dismantling our fence.  It actually makes our backyard look much larger just by taking out a couple sections.  I can't wait for the whole back section to come out!

After the little girls woke up, we headed out to Deanna Rose for a girls afternoon out.  The little two had a blast (#3 met up with her "boyfriend", Will) and #4 just chased them around.  To make up for the slightly boring outing in #1 and #2's eyes, I took them to Sonic for a slushee.  All around, it was a fabulous day that ended with Greek Gyros.  Just lovely.

3.  We had two soccer games today.  I only made it to the first one at 9:15am out at Heritage Park.  I swear, it felt like it was about 30* out there.  The littles and I made it through the first half before we took refuge in the car.  I didn't make it to #1's soccer game tonight because it was late and I had to stay home to get the littles in bed.  All in all, it felt like a pretty light weekend.

4.  I decided to go for a run this morning.  I ran 8 by myself.  I'll admit it took me 3 miles to get into the groove, but it ended up being a great run despite the gale-force winds.  It was a fantastic way to start the day today and I'm glad I got my butt out of bed at 6am.  

5.  I haven't posted a Thrifty Thursday in several weeks.  Really, I just hadn't had a chance to photograph my projects.  I was able to rectify that situation today.  I photographed a couple different rooms and hopefully I'll be able to get a post up this week.  Fingers crossed.

6.  South Beach diet update if you're interested.  Phase 2 is much more fun than Phase 1.  Fruit is back - halleluiah!  I'm down about 7 pounds which is pretty much where I wanted to land.  So I'm a happy camper.  Below is a delicious snack that I'm getting ready to make:

Chocolate Covered Strawberries, serves 2:

8 strawberries

2 squares semi-sweet chocolate

1/2 tablespoon whipping cream

dash almond extract

Combine the chocolate and the whipping cream in a glass measuring cup or bowl.  Microwave at 50% for 1 minute or until the chocolate melts, stirring after 30 seconds.  Stire in the almond extract and cool slightly.

You're supposed to dip the strawberries in the cholate and refrigerate to cool for approximately 15 minutes.  But I don't have patience for that.  I just eat it straight out of the bowl!  

That's all!  Have a great week.

Happy Valentine's Day

From our family to yours...

...we hope you had a delicious day!

Six on Super Bowl Sunday

Did you watch the big game?  I had it on TV but probably only actually saw one or two plays!  I also didn't really notice any good commercials.  Am I sad about it?  Not at all!  I still had fun.

1.  We had good friends over to watch the game.  (Our Okoboji friends!)  In total, we had eight crazy kids running around tonight.  We had a great time.  I made meatballs for subs.  And we had a bunch of other munchy food.  Now that's my kind of night!  

2.  I gave the hubby the Steve Jobs biography for Christmas but I hijacked it.  I'm nearly done and I have to say, it's been a great read!  It's really fun because I grew up in this era and I recognize all the major markers in history.  Pong?  You bet!  The first Macintosh computers?  For sure - in school.  iPod?  iPhone?  iPad?  They were all in the last 10 years so it's been very interesting.  He definitely wasn't Mr. Nice Guy but learning all the ins and outs of these devices has been fascinating.  I highly recommend it.  

3.  #3 had her kindergarten check-up last Monday.  She was so brave.  She cried a little while she got her three shots but she rallied quickly.  I was very proud of her.  And to celebrate we stopped at Dunkin Doughnuts before I dropped her off school.  I know she liked her doughnut and hot chocolate but she LOVED spending one on one time with me.  And that was precious.

Here is the shot I took on my iPhone.  I altered it slightly to put in my Project 365 album:

4.  I have a really, really sad story to tell.  You see, I was so excited to get my iPhone last month.  I loved it and it was fabulous.  Yes, I'm talking past tense.  Yesterday, I absentmindedly put it in my back jean's pocket.  You know where this is going, don't you?  Yep.  It fell in the toilet.  And then it got stuck.  I couldn't get it out.  The hubby finally got it out and ran upstairs to blow dry it.  Right now it's sitting in a bowl of rice.  But I feel like I've lost her.  And although I didn't have insurance, it wouldn't have done me any good because it doesn't cover water damage.  

I can either buy a new one withOUT the subsidy or I can use my old Blackberry.  Neither option sounds very good right now.  And I'm currently without a phone.  I'm giving her 4 days to dry out before I officially lay her to rest.  Please wish me luck! 

5.  #1 and I each tried a new recipe this weekend.  She made these chocoloate covered chocolate chip peanut butter cookie dough football shaped cookies and I made these dill pickle french fries.  I would classify both a success.  Try them!

6.  #1 and I made the trek out to Lee's Summit yesterday to pick up a $10 brass chandelier.  Don't adjust your glasses.  You read that right.  Brass.  Chandelier.  But don't worry.  It's going to be awesome!  I'm going to put it in my laundry room after I spray paint it bright red.  The hubby thinks I'm nuts but I can't wait!

All right, folks.  That's all I've got.  It's been a long day.  Have a great week and please say a little prayer for my iPhone.  Just kidding.  Kind of.  But not really.

Six on Sunday

There is nothing earth-shattering to report.  It was just another run-of-the-mill week.  

1.  I promised pictures of the family room after last week.  I have one to share.  I'll be back tomorrow or Tuesday with a full reveal.  I just don't have the energy to edit all the pictures so this one will have to suffice.  It's a pretty good representation of the color.  (In a room this size, there is no way I could light it with my speedlight so I made sure to capture some images this afternoon when it was actually light outside!)

2.  Remember a few weeks ago I talked about #2 and how her BFF moved to Dallas?  Well, they still "play" together on the weekends.  It's just virtual instead of IRL (in real life).  It totally cracks me up!  They call each other and talk over speaker phone while playing Webkins on the computer.  Or, they facetime each other on their iPods.  They literally walk around the house showing each other on over their screens.  

The best part?  The way they hang up.  Every single time.  Together, they count down to three and say "peace" and hang up at the exact same time.  I love it.  Sometimes I curse technology (being connected 24x7) but in this instance I'm so grateful for it.

3.  Our weekend was pretty low key.  We had gymnastics (#3 and #4), a birthday party (#3), a soccer game and swim practice (#1), a play date (#2), and lots of hanging out and playing.  We managed to go for a walk today and enjoy the warm temperatures.  Even Chloe managed to walk the whole walk even though her back leg has been bothering her.  I'm so thankful for this time with her!

The best part of this whole weekend?  Watching #3 and #4 play together.  I swear, #4 counts the minutes until her sister wakes up in the morning.  Then they play together pretty much the rest of the day.  It's simply priceless.

Here they are playing with my purse.  It was the object to play with this weekend!

And here is #4 all dressed up and ready to "shop".  Don't you love her "packpack"?

4.  We did manage a few easy projects this weekend.  At least we're making progress!  The hubby managed to get two more coats of poly on our window seat.  That's been a long time coming!  He also hit the drywall with more mud so we can (finally) paint the area in the laundry room where we installed the new window LAST MAY!

As for me, it was lots of little things.  I organized the china cabinet in the kitchen.  I also organized three different drawers in the kitchen.  I sewed a couple new pillows - thanks to pinterest inspiration.  I also spray painted some random glass bottles (think wine, beer, olive oil bottles) with chalkboard spray paint.  Lastly, I switched out some artwork in our frames in the family room.  Fun times!

5.  This morning I met Carmen again for our long run.  We were able to recruit two more runners so there were four of us today.  At first I thought it was going to be super cold, windy, and wet.  However, the only truth to my prediction was windy.  It was actually fairly warm and not that wet.  It ended up being a great 10 mile run!  Sweet.

6.  Lastly, I thought I'd give you an update on Meatless Monday.  Last week was a shocking hit!  The girls really liked the fondue type meal and ate really well.  We had Mmmm sauce with a bunch of things for dipping plus some apples.  Unfortunately the hubby missed it because he really likes Mmmm sauce but he had a work dinner.  Check out the happy faces!  (Forgive the photography - it was dark and I was too hungry to get my speedlight.)

So what's on the menu for this week you ask?  OK, so maybe you didn't ask.  But just go with me here...

Saturday:  chili + spinach + strawberries and kiwi

Sunday:  Greek Gyros + carrots

Meatless Monday:  Salmon burgers + asparagus

Tuesday:  Potato soup + Green beans + French bread (a total carb splurge!)

Wednesday:  Southwest chicken + casesar salad

Thursday:  Quinoa + Broccoli and Brussel Sprouts (for me - love them!)

Friday:  Papa Murphy's, baby!

OK, folks.  Have a great week!

 

 

Six on Sunday

I've got nothin' for an intro so let's just dive right in, shall we?

1.  Wow!  My easy peasy two-year-old has turned into a tough cookie two-and-a-HALF-year old!  She is taking notes from her five-year-old sister, apparently.  She is getting good at whining (ugh) and it's driving me crazy.  Not only that, she now gets up multiple times a night - FOUR on Friday night.  Gah.  Calgon, take me away!  And just last night and tonight, she has decided she wants someone to lay down with her until she falls asleep.  We did that with #1 and vowed NEVER to do that again.  Ever.  But still, we have not been cry it out type parents.  However, it happened tonight.  Any suggestions???

2.  The car bad luck continued today.  Thankfully, it wasn't to the tune of a grand again, just a little wasted time.  I locked my keys in the car today.  Stuck in the ignition.  Who does that?  Oh, me, that's who.  And I had no idea I had done it until #1 and I tried to leave her swim practice.  Thankfully, another mom gave us a ride home - just in time for the hubby to take #2 to her piano recital.  Phew.  Dodged a bullet there!

3.  I baked yesterday.  As in I spent nearly 10 hours in the kitchen yesterday.  Oh, yes I did!  Here is the output:

I made 10 different varieties:  chocolate covered pretzel rods, chocolate truffles, peanut butter balls, caramels, Hug covered Pretzels, peanut butter cookies, black and whites, spritz, sugar cookies, and gingerbread men.  This is what the kitchen looked like Saturday morning:

The kids all "helped" in their own way.  I only got a couple snapshots.  Here is #2 helping:

And here is #4's idea of helping.  I think she ate as many Hugs as she actually placed on the pretzel:

#1 and #3 helped, too.  It was fun to let them drop in when they felt like it and drop out when they were done.  All in all, it was an easy day.

4.  For our Advent Calendar activity last night, we had the cousins sleep over.  The kids were SO excited when they opened the box.  It was adorable to see the girls so excited.  Since I had baked cookies all day, the kids spent some time last night decorating them:

5.  I have been reading a new blog later, Peas and Thank You.  We are not vegan.  Heck, we are not even vegetarians!  However, her writing is so light-hearted and funny that I continue to read.  And her food looks AWESOME.  I gave it a try this weekend.  Here is her Sugar Cookie Smoothie:

Unfortunately, after three different attempts to buy Celestial Seasonings Sugar Cookie Sleigh RideTea, I had to settle for Peppermint.  (I think the cookie flavor would have been divine!)  The verdict?  Not bad.  It could have used a smidge more Stevia, but that was my bad.  I will make it again.  (I had it for breakfast yesterday.)

Last night we tried her Tofu Dippers with Mmmm Sauce.  The verdict?  The hubby and I liked it - especially the Mmmm Sauce.  The kids - we had to make them PB and Js.  

I think I will continue to experiment using her recipes.  They are very healthy but more than that, they really do look tasty and delicious!  I know for CERTAIN we will be making that Mmmm Sauce again!

6.  A few "catch-up" items:

• The hubby started his job last week.  So far, so good.  And let me tell you, after nearly four years of him working from home, it was strange to see him dressed in real clothes again!  I was so used to Husker sweatshirts and wind pants.  I think I kinda like the new look:)
• I had a birthday.  When you are as close to 40 as I am, you really don't make a big deal out of it anymore.  I want to say thank you to all of you who sent me a message - it was really nice to feel special for a day!  
• I have a ton of projects waiting in the wings.  I am hopeful I will be able to start with them in January!  I just ordered aluminum leaf last week - it should be good!

Wow - it sure takes me a long time to come up with six items when I am also watching The Good Wife.  I should remember that next week when I sit down to blog.  I definitely need to time it better!

That's all folks - have a great week.