Weekend Recap!

Is it just me, or did this weekend seem to fly by?!

Friday- Took Tyler to the doctor. It didn't go as good as I thought it would of. She said it wasn't a 100% cleared up, and that he needs to be on the medicine for 10 more days. He hasn't been acting like it's been bothering him, so I'm thinking it is just more of a precaution thing. He was good the whole ride up and all through the appointment- yay!

We then went to Dad's office where we switched vehicles and Dad took Tyler home with him. I think they had a good time! They never really get one-on-one time, so I think it was fun for them!

Mom and I went to Walmart, Joanns, Hobby Lobby & Lowes. We also ate dinner at Longhorn!

It was a fun evening!

Saturday- Tyler, Mom and I went to the auction. It was mostly family buying stuff, and I'd rather not bid against family, so we headed out after having a cinnamon roll!

We went to town to visit mom and dad. Mom, Tyler and I went to the store & the Dollar Store. I made a joke to mom about how it was like taking a toddler and a nursing home patient :) .. I was only kidding, of course!

That afternoon we went home and napped. I didn't have anything to do, so I just held Tyler and we laid on the recliner. I loved it!

We then did a few things around the house and then got ready for the birthday party. Dad fried me some potatoes to take- they were a HUGE hit! Thanks, Dad!

We had a good evening! Tyler hung close, since he didn't know anyone else there. But he behaved the whole night and had fun people watching!

Sunday- we went to church- Tyler made it through the whole service!! I was so excited!! We then went to the shower! Scroll down to see my gift I brought!

That afternoon we did a ton on things outside. Emptied the burn barrel, pulled weeds in the flower bed, mopped the garage floor, and a lot of odd and ends!

We had dinner at mom and dad's house. Mom made tacos! Before dinner we went to help dad plant tomato plants. Tyler even helped! It was so cute! I didn't have my camera with me .. bummer!! I'm going to try to get some of him planting some when we do ours - hopefully this weekend!

Here are some pictures!

Tyler putting some pony tails on his arm! LOL

 My gift to Katie & Nick! I got the idea from Pinterest! If you can't tell, the card says "you go together like peanut butter & jelly" I thought it was cute!

 He dragged out all of his balls yesterday! We played catch for a while!

 Notice his shirt?! I changed him out of his jeans after church, but left his shirt on. He looks so mismatched! LOL

 He was trying to act camera shy!

 Helping out with the watering can at Grandma & Grandpa's house!

 He was so hard to get a picture of! He's too fast!

This week:

Monday-  I want to finish up on some sewing after work. I also have to call a local mechanic. The truck is leaking breaker fluid. So I'm driving the cavalier. It has a cracked windshield, no cover where the horn is, major dent on the front from hitting a deer, but it runs good, so Tyler and I will be cruising in it all week! The best thing about it?!- no one knows who you are, so you don't have to awkwardly wave at someone! HA- maybe I'm the only one who does that! LOL

Tuesday- no plans.

Wednesday- Caleb's birthday! His party is sometime this weekend!

Thursday- I want to get a few things done around the house, and then look at a few yard sales.

Friday- Going to hit some yard sales before work. And Matt comes home that evening! Yay!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Weekend Plans!

* When Matt called to check in last night he said we won't be coming home until next Friday :(

If he did come home today, he would have to go back up on Sunday, so it was kind of pointless.

So it's just Tyler and me until next weekend! Luckily I have a few things to do this weekend to make it go by fast!

Today- I'm leaving work at noon. Tyler has a doctors appointment at 2:45. I'm going to run home and get some stuff done and then head to pick him up around 1:30 when he's done with his nap- because we don't want to mess with his nap! HA!

Mom is going with us. We're going to run to Hobby Lobby, Lowe's and Walmart (because, can you ever not go to Walmart :)

Saturday- There is an auction that I want to go to, unless it rains of course. I have a few other things planned around the house also. That evening Matt's uncle and friend are having a 40th Birthday party. I am still planning on going to it. Ron and Liz haven't really seen Tyler in weeks, so it will be good for Tyler to go.

Mom and I had tickets to Ladies Night Out here in town, but it got canceled earlier this week. I have to admit, the first year it was a blast, then turned kind of lame. But it was still fun to have a evening out :)

Sunday- Going to church and then to Katie's shower! No plans the rest of the day! I do want to finish up on some projects, and start some new ones when those are done!

I hope everyone has a great weekend!

White Texas Sheet Cake

On Tuesday night we made pizza at mom's house. I made the crust and the dessert. Everyone else brought the toppings. 

It was a good evening and we all had fun together. Seems like with every ones hectic schedules we don't take the time to just sit down and visit like we used to. So it was nice to be able to have dinner together and catch up.

I decided to make a white sheet cake. I've never made a sheet cake before. Not sure why, I guess something else always sounds better :) 

This recipe turned out great!!! A keeper for sure!! 

I put pecans on half of it and sprinkles on the other half- dad doesn't like sprinkels :o) 

White Texas Sheet Cake 

Adapted From: Chef in Training 

-1 c. butter
-1 c. water
-2 c. flour
-1 tsp. baking soda
-1 tsp. salt
-2 c. sugar
-2 eggs, beaten
-1/2 c. sour cream
-1 tsp. almond extract
-Frosting

Frosting Ingredients:
-1/2 c. butter
-1/4 c. milk
-4 1/2 c. powdered sugar
-1/2 tsp. almond extract
-1 c. chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring butter and water to a boil in a saucepan.

2. Remove from heat and whisk in flour, baking soda, salt, sugar, eggs, sour cream and almond extract until smooth.
3. Pour into a greased 15×10 baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 20 minutes. 4. While cake is cooling, make frosting.
5. Combine butter and milk in a saucepan; cook over low heat until butter melts. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
6. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar and almond extract; beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until spreading consistency. Stir in walnuts (optional).
7. Spread frosting on top of cake. Serves between 16-20.

Tyler during dinner! He wanted to get my camera!

Yay, it's Friday!!

RaNdOmNeSs!!

* My bushes/flowers are all looking really good! I had someone mention to me about what types of bushes I planted. They are: 2 Hibiscus(pink and red), 1 Royal Red Butterfly Bush (planted this one just for Tyler!:), 2 Roseum Elegans Rhododendrons, 1 Forsythia (probably the best known bush!), and 1 pink Flowering Almond! I can't wait to see them get bigger and bloom out!!!

* An old high school classmate/friend had her baby earlier this week. It seems like we were all just in school- time goes by entirely too fast! Seems weird we're all having babies now!!

* Matt comes home tomorrow night! It will be nice to have him home- and I know Tyler will enjoy it! He will probably be off to Michigan again next week, and hopefully that will be it! But I can't complain, the week(s) have went so smoothly, and Tyler has been in a good mood 100% of the time! Thank goodness!

* The weather is so nice here! It was very warm yesterday (around 85 I think). And is another warm one here today. I sure love these nice days we've been getting!

* Tyler is all into fire trucks right now!! I wish the fair was closer! He will have a blast this year watching the trucks drive by with the lights and sirens!

* I have a bridal shower for a old friend this weekend. It's at church, which is where I really got to know her growing up. I always hung out with her, and Malinda was friends with her older sister, Amanda. It's funny how now, I'm closer to their older sister, Sarah :)

* One reason I'm ready for Matt to be here during the weeks is that I want to cook again! I don't really see the point in putting on a big meal for just Ty and I, so I have been slacking lately. I already have a menu plan made up for when he is done with going to MI- and it is full of NEW recipes! Yay!

* Tyler's swing set still isn't fixed.. Matt just hasn't had the time. I might just have to hire me some guys to come out :) ... okay, so I probably wouldn't do that, but it's tempting!

* I went home at lunch and mowed the grass. Or well, just what is around the house. That is the only 'chore' that I can't do with Tyler home. So I wanted to get it done so I wouldn't have to bring him into mom's house, and this way I wouldn't lose out on time with him in the evening : )

* Speaking of spending time with him.. he's been attached to me a lot lately. I know it is because we have spent a lot of one-on-one time lately. I used to have to drag him off of the playground at Rata's to head home- seriously, he loves playing outside, I would have to force him to leave! HA- but lately he's been running up to me for me to pick him up! I love it!

* I got my Cakewich in the mail today! I am going to try it out this weekend!! I can't wait!

* I want to get my garden in soon. Not sure if it will be this weekend or not, as it looks like rain will be in the forecast. But we'll see. I'm not putting in too much, so it shouldn't take me too long!

* I have some projects in the works right now! The only bad part is that some of them are gifts, so they won't be posted until later. But they are looking pretty cool!

* There was an Amber Alert a few days ago for a little boy who was waiting to get a heart transplant, his dad and Grandma took him from the hospital. They have since found them, unharmed & with his medicine. It's sad to see cases like this.

Well.. I think I've typed enough to make you all bored .. haha..

Shrimp Scampi

I love shrimp. Probably my favorite seafood by far! We don't have it too often- I'm too cheap for that! LOL 

Here is the recipe I use! It's super easy! And it also is full of calories! You can cut down on the butter, I usually do! 

The recipe is from a Kindergarten cookbook (my sister's class). 

Shrimp Scampi

Melt 1 stick butter and 3 cloves of garlic in a large skillet. 

When melted, add peeled shrimp. - I have thought of cutting the shrimp in half, I think that would make it easier to eat.

While the shrimp is cooking, cook linguine or your choice of pasta in a pot. 

Cook shrimp until it is done, add strained cooked pasta. 

And there you have it! A super easy recipe for Shrimp Scampi! :) 

Evening Outside

Tyler and I have been taking full advantage of these nice nights! Last night we watered plants, pulled weeds in the flower beds (well, I did that, Tyler just played beside me :) , played in the sandbox, and took a wagon ride! 

We have a new addition to our house! A nest of birds hatched yesterday! We always have birds nest on this light. How neat! 

 Sunset! It was so pretty!

 Tyler enjoyed the ride a lot!! 

 Of course the cats had to follow us :) 

 I love not having any neighbors I can see!! 

 Another sun set picture!

 Had to take kitty and puppy with us! 

 "Yeeee!!!!!"

 Love this boy!

 Such a happy little guy!

 Cheesing it up!

I can't wait to do it again tonight :)

Wordless Wednesday!

(lol- notice the rock in mid air!!) haha!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies

As a "thank you" to my parents for letting Matt borrow their car I made them some brownies! 

Not just any ordinary brownie, peanut butter chocolate chip brownies! 

I found these on Bakerella's website last week. I love how they are supposed to resemble a peanut butter cookie! So cute! 

Here's the recipe! 

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Brownies 

Adapted From: Bakerella

1 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 Tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 cup peanut butter
2/3 cup sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease an 8 X 8 pan. I used a 9x13 pan, I got more brownies out of them this way- which means Matt and I sampled some too :) 
• In a medium bowl, stir the flour, baking powder and salt together with a wire whisk and set aside.
• In a mixer, cream the butter and peanut butter until smooth. Add the sugars and mix until combined.
• Add the eggs and vanilla and mix until combined.
• Add the dry ingredients and mix on low until combined.
• Stir in the chocolate chips.
• Spread in the pan and bake for 30-35 minutes or until done.

Frosting
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup butter, softened
2 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
Milk

• Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals until smooth.
• Stir in the peanut butter until completely combined and set aside.
• In a mixer, beat the butter until smooth.
• Add the sugar and mix until combined.
• Add the chocolate and peanut butter mixture and mix until completely blended.
• You can add a teaspoon at a time of milk if you would like the frosting creamier.
• When the brownies are cool, spread the frosting on top.
• Go ahead and cut the brownies into 16 servings in the pan. On each serving make peanut butter cookie marks with a fork. I placed the brownies in the freezer for a few minutes first to firm so the frosting didn’t get too messed up when I cut them.

Enjoy!

Weekend Stuff

Some of the hand print stuff we did this weekend! Tyler had so much fun with the paint!! 

And yes, we are a little late with the Easter, and even later with the St Patty's Day... lol 

Better late than never, right?! 

The Earth Day one is with green and blue paint. I wasn't sure if you could tell in the picture. 

 Plant stand I bought from a yard sale this weekend!! For only $4!

 I was getting ready to buy this old picnic basket for $12 from the same yard sale that I bought the plant stand. But the owner (who is also my aunt) told me just to keep it, she thought it might be one of my grandmothers (Dixie or Grandma, you two recognize it?!) 

It was so nice of her. I don't see her very much at all anymore, as things are different now. But I still consider her my aunt. 

 Tyler wanted to cuddle with all of his stuffed animals before bedtime Sunday night :) 

It was so cute! 

 Notice the little cat in his hand? I found some Ty pets at one of the yard sales. He loves that cat!

 My little frog after bath time :) 

 Mose munching on some popcorn : ) 

I hope everyone is having a good Tuesday! 

Weekend Recap!

Friday- went to mom and dad's after work to visit- Matt was still gone to Michigan. We ordered take out for dinner- we tried to order a catfish pizza, but their oven was still broke, it was so disappointing :)

When we got home we had bath time and then Tyler went to bed. I watched a movie that was playing on TV- "How High".. It was worse than I remember it being!!

Saturday- I went to the store, DG, and then went to pick up mom to head to the auction and yard sales. We didn't find anything at the auction, we pretty much ate and left, but it was fun looking around! I did find some stuff at the yard sales- that will be a separate post later!

That afternoon Matt came home! It was good to see him!

That evening we didn't do much. I made shrimp scampi for dinner. And we watched "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" after Tyler went to bed. It was an okay movie, kind of weird though.

Sunday- I went to church in the morning. I didn't do anything else note worthy all day. We did some finger painting, played inside- since it was rainy most of the day, and did a few things around the house.

For dinner I made sloppy joes. I made extra so I could freeze some for some freezer meals!


This week..

 I said goodbye to Matt- and my new car. They are both going back to Michigan for the whole week.   So I'm driving the truck. I hadn't even gotten used to driving the Envoy yet. Mom and Dad let him take their Impala last week, because my parents are awesome, and he always took the G6 before. I couldn't be selfish and let him take his car with 200xxx miles all the way to Michigan. But man, it sucked to have to take the truck today. Yeah, yeah.. I know what you are all thinking.. at least I have a vehicle to drive.. :)

It does suck that he will probably be going for a few weeks up there, so I will probably be without the car (and of course, Matt :) for a while still..


Monday- no plans. I want to walk if the weather is nice.

Tuesday- I want to help mom plant her bedding plants.

Wednesday- no plans. One night this week we're planning on having pizza at mom's house. Not sure what night yet.

Thursday- nothing.

Friday- Tyler had a check-up at the pediatricians office for his ears. I think he'll get a good check-up!

I hope everyone had a great weekend!

Weekend Plans!

Matt has been gone all week to Michigan he was supposed to come back tonight, but it got pushed back until tomorrow.. bummer.. we're starting to miss him :) 

Friday- Going to my parents after work to visit.

Saturday- I want to hit up a yard sale, auction, and do my weekly grocery shopping in the morning. Matt should get home around 2 or 3! 

Sunday- Church in the morning and then no plans! It's Earth Day and I have a few crafts I want to do with Tyler :) 

I hope everyone has a great weekend!!

TV Shows

We don't let Tyler watch a lot of TV, but I do occasionally turn it on for him. It's more of a background noise  thing. 

And in my opinion, almost everything is good in moderation :) 

Here are some shows he has really gotten into! 

Team Umi Zoomi

They do math problems, counting and go on these little adventures. It's a cute show. 

Diego

He LOVES this one! I think it's because of the animals!

 The Bubble Guppies 

This one is on in the mornings before we leave. I let him watch it while I'm getting him dressed- that way he isn't moving all over the place :) 

It's a really cute one too. My favorite is Luna (the girl on the bottom left)

They go to school, and each episode is a different theme (such as: cowboy, farmer, rock stars) 

 Olivia 

Olivia is hilarious. She's a little pig who dreams of becoming famous, etc. 

 The Fresh Beat Band 

These are some goofy people! But on the other hand, it's nice to see kids that age have fun with dancing and singing and having fun interacting with kids- even if it is just for their job :) 

If they ever have a concert in MO, I'd be interested in taking Tyler to see them. Matt has other opinions on going to that though! HA!

 Last but not least.. 

Dora the Explorer 

This is his all time favorite! I never thought he'd like it, don't know why, just never thought he would be interested in it. But he loves it! I can't believe how old it is either!! 

So there you go! Some of Ty's favorite shows - and shows that I approve of :) 

Twin Onesie Set

A friend wanted me to make a twin set outfit for her cousin that is having twins in June. 

This is the final product! I love it! 

Mom helped me, since it was my first time making a onesie dress. Thank you, Mom!! 

We went off of these instructions, but we pretty much just used it as a reference and did it as we saw fit :) 

I love how they turned out! The dresses might be my new favorite thing to make :) 

Thursday Thirteen

So I think I might of gotten this Google Chrome thing figured out. So far it's working pretty good. 

I'm back to Thursday Thirteen!! Until I run out of topics anyways! LOL 

This week... Thirteen things I remember from my child hood! 

All of these can be found on my pinterest. 

Had to add this one on here too! It fits me so well. Oh man, did I love the Spice Girls :) 

1. Malinda and I had these roller skates growing up. I remember them being super uncomfortable, but we wore them anyways. I remember skating with them in the basement. Good times.

2. Stick on earrings. We weren't able to get our ears pierced for a long time. Can't remember the exact year. So we used these stick-on earrings. We thought we were so cool :) 

3. Nano Pets. I had a cat- it was yellow. Malinda had two, a frog and a dog (purple). We felt so cool with them. I remember taking them to school so our animals wouldn't die from not getting fed and played with! I think Mom still has these in the dungeon, might have to get them out and see if I like them as much now as I did then :)

4. I so did this! I would hate it when I got stuck with a big paragraph, or one with huge words I've never heard of. I always hated reading in class. I don't like to get put on the spot!! LOL

5. Ahh.. yes.. this one is so true!!

6. 90's sitcoms. I love all 90's shows. Saved by the Bell, Boy Meets World, you name it, I watched it!

7. First of all, I don't like putting the F-word on my blog- but since I didn't edit the photos I'll let it slide in this post. I loved these pencils! I would always lose a couple of them though!!

8. Paper dolls. We played with some that were even my moms I think. The ones they make now are so cheap looking and not near as cool as they used to be.

9. M.A.S.H. I loved this game! I remember playing it with friends and under the boys putting boys from our class in that spot. I always got stuck with the losers.. haha

10. Again, Sorry for the F-word!!!
I loved the Oregon Trail! That and "The Amazon".. all of a sudden you would just be diagnosed with some terrible disease! I wonder if you can still buy them!?

11. Scooters in Gym Class. We always got excited when the scooters were out in gym class! It was nice to do something different than the same stuff everyday.

12. I used to love passing notes. I always thought there was something special about notes. Seems for personal to me vs. emails and texts.

13. The School Pizza! I LOVED the pizza- or well, most the food for that matter!! I've never had better pizza, there was just something about it. Wish I had some right now!! :) 

Well, there's my trip down memory lane!