Happy Halloween!!!

Last Halloween, I pretty much stunk it up as a mommy.  I vowed to do better this year, and I'd say I {mostly} did.  Trent and Miles dressed up as the Biscuit Brothers (and Blair was their sister, Buttermilk).  We met up with some friends who have a little girl, Kinsey, that is in between Miles and Trent in age.  And this was our FIRST time to trick-or-treat!!  

**Warning - picture overload to follow.**

Eating dinner - Trent ate approximately 2 bites of his cornbread.  Sigh.

I fed Baby Girl and hung out with her for a bit.

Uncle David is so silly

Posing for pictures...but wait!  We're missing a Biscuit Brother!

Oh...there he is!  Having a tantrum over Miles' guitar!!

Crummy picture quality but such a memory.

Performing for his captive audience

It's Buttermilk!

Our first house!  And T's got the guitar.  We're all happy again.

I mean seriously.  He's totally worth all the fits!

I was so amazed because they totally understood what to do, weren't afraid of the adults and couldn't get enough candy!

Little hoodlums beating up a ghosty.

Trolling for candy.

SO easily distracted...they were 'opening' the fire hydrant.

And that was our night!!  Whew.  We were only out on the street about 30-45 minutes and it was exhausting.  Brent has been sick the past 2 days, so we are avoiding him like the plague, and it was definitely tough to wrangle a 2 year old hyped up on sugar but so fun!!  Glad we've got a year to recover!


One thing I want to remember is Trent walking around with his hands in his pocket telling me everything that was in them (nothing was actually there): "I've got keys and lipstick and a wallet in my pockets!!"  Love this kid!

Yum...or Not

I feel like I spend a lot of my day negotiating meals with a toddler.  This kid of mine wants to eat carbs.  Goldfish, crackers, cheerios, bread are all staples in his diet.  Yes, I pretty much gave up going gluten free.  I try to provide him  healthy meals and encourage him to eat them.  Want proof?

Scrambled eggs (cage free chickens), 

sliced turkey (preservative free), 

string cheese (the little bit of dairy he gets), 

carrots and blueberries.

He informed me that I needed to eat the carrots and blueberries.

He threw 1 piece of turkey on the floor.

He took 1 bite of the cheese.

He DID eat most of the eggs.

Then he was all done.  Until he spied a bag of goldfish.  Sigh.

Baby Legs

The other day, Brent was getting ready for work.  He put on his socks before he put on his pants, and Trent was fascinated with Daddy's big socks.  A few days later, he asked where Daddy's big socks had gone.  Brent pulled out a pair of his dress socks from his sock drawer, and Trent wanted to wear them.

Wearing Daddy's big socks...or are they leg warmers?

Taking his new socks and shoes for a stroll around the house.

Book Review: Invisible Monsters

Our 2nd book club selection was Invisible Monsters by Chuck Palahniuk.

Synopsis: Meet the protagonist of this high stakes tale of a high fashion model. She’s got everything: a great career, a boyfriend, a loyal best friend. But a terrible accident leaves this beauty a hideous monster with only half a face! In fact, no one will even acknowledge she’s alive until she meets Brandy Alexander, Queen Supreme, who’s one operation away from being a woman. She teaches her how to reinvent herself into something better and how to get revenge on her two-timing ex-boyfriend and back-stabbing best friend in Chuck Palahniuk’s Invisible Monsters. {via}

Review:  I realized that I like/love every book I review on my blog.  And duh I pick books that are in my genre.  I like happy fiction - romances, chick lit, YA...not surprising if you've followed my blog for awhile.  This book?  Ugh.  I hated it.  I hated the characters - I really thought they were all disgusting people with zero redeeming qualities.  BUT one of our friends made a very good point.  I had a strong reaction to this book, which would probably make the author happier than if I'd been indifferent.  But yeah, NOT going on my top 10 list!  The book did give us a lot to think about and the discussion was great.  So I guess another {small} point for the book.  Ha!

So back to YA and chick lit I go. {grin}

Fall TV

A friend of mine is really hurting today.  Stop by and send her some love if you don't mind.  My heart is very heavy for her, so I thought I would try and keep things light.  And what's lighter than talking about the new shows I'm loving this fall!  As if I didn't watch enough TV, I have fallen in love with 3 of the new ones.

New Girl - Jess gets cheated on by her boyfriend and moves in with 3 guys she met on the internet.

Zooey Deschanel is so awkward it's funny. I find myself chuckling a lot during the show. Not quite 'Modern Family' funny, but I love it!  I see her and one of the roommates falling in love, but I guess only time will tell.

Once Upon a Time - All the fairytales we grew up reading are true and the characters (think Snow White) are stuck in modern day Maine with no memory of who they really are.
 

This show only premiered last night, and I LOVE it!  I am such a fairy tale kind of girl, that this is right up my alley.

Pan Am - This show focuses on the pilots and stewardesses (beginning in 1963) on the iconic airline Pan American World Airways.

I like this one the least of the new shows I'm watching, but it's still fun.  I love all the fashion of the '60s and so far find it fun!

What else should I be watching?

The D-Word

I have that kid.  You know the one I'm talking about.  The one who pitches a fit and hits his mom in the face and pushes his cousin for no reason.  I don't want to be that mom.  You know the one I'm talking about.  The one who begs her child to behave and bribes them or just gives in to end the tantrum.  Sometimes it feels like a losing battle. 

Discipline - training to act in accordance with rules; punishment inflicted by way of correction and training

We had a phenomenal time in San Antonio, but I spanked Trent so many times my hand hurt.  Sometimes it feels like a losing battle. 

Today he had a 15 MINUTE timeout because he couldn't calm down when he was upset.  He was back to beating his head off his bed.  Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

Last weekend as I took him out of church, he said {loudly} 'Don't spank me Mama'.  {I didn't.  We just had a 'chat'.  Later I did pinch him though.}  Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

Brent and I look at each other and have no idea if we're disciplining him 'right'.  Should we keep spanking him?  Is it even effective?  Do timeouts work better?  Sometimes it feels like a losing battle.

But you know what?  Sometimes it might feel like a losing battle, but I vow we will win this war!

All Good Things...

We got back today from a short vacation. 

Sunday-Tuesday with my sister, our cousin and their families.

We laughed, we played, we gave out lots of spankings (okay just me to my strong-willed son), we saw Shamu.

Good times were had by all.

Need proof?  My tired peanut.

Lots of pictures and stories to share.

But right now, that pillow is calling my name.

Book Review: Matched

It is a little bit scary how much I <3 YA (young adult) books.  But it seems like a few of you do too, so I have a new read for you!

Matched by Ally Condie

Synopsis: For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the man she will marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable--rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. {via}

Review:  I know, I know...another dystopian society book.  That is going to be a trilogy.  And where the book rights have already been sold to be made into a movie.  BUT...there's a reason this formula is still around...it's another great book!  I didn't like it as much as I liked Divergent, but I did enjoy it a lot.  It's not quite as exciting or fast paced, but this book seemed to be the lead-up to more excitiment in the next book.  What I'm super excited about is the second book comes out November 1, so in just a few weeks, we can all read Crossed, too!  Enjoy, all my YA lovin' peeps!

Lucky No. 7

Today marks 7 years of marriage with my sweet.

I wanted to take a minute to share with the world why the past 7 years have been so darn lucky for me and what makes Brent so great.  He doesn't get mentioned much on this old blog, but trust me, he's pretty awesome!

He makes good arm candy.

He treats our son wonderfully.

He's funny and is always trying to make me laugh.

He is good to family (his and mine).

He respects his friends.

Here's to many more...maybe 77 more?

I love you, honey!!!

Poor, Neglected 2nd Child

Blair's newborn pictures finally happened...when Blair was 6 months old. 

The adorable newborn hat I bought her?  Too small. 

 Luckily she's still stinkin' cute.

And how cute is this?

Posed just the same both at 6 months old.

Couldn't you just bite those fat rolls?  No?  Just me?  My bad. {grin}

I Love You Jonny Bowden

I feel like I wait until there's a problem that I have to rely on someone else to solve to start doing research myself.  I mean this mainly toward parenting.  I trust our pediatrician a lot.  And I started to wonder if maybe I was relying on her too much.  I want to be a smart mommy.  I want to make decisions for my child(ren) and my family that are based on professional opinion AND my own knowledge.  So I bought a book on vaccines (still on the fence on that topic - ha), I went to several homeopathic seminars, I bought some books about healthy eating and natural cures.  I finally finished one of the books (natural cures) and am well into the second.  And I am very psyched.  I feel like I've learned so much just about general well-being and why certain things are good for me.  And with that, I give you Jonny Bowden, my new guru.

My man, Jonny, knows his shizz.  And presents in a way that is interesting and makes sense.  He talks so much about why things are good for you and what they actually do for your body.  He has several other books that I want to read - I'll be totally honest that these books are very informative but I can't read 50 pages at a time.  It is pretty dry material, although I can't stress enough that it is VERY interesting.  He has a chapter in the natural cures book called 'Desert Island Cures' and it's the 6 vitamins/supplements he'd want on a...desert island.  I take 3 of them already (thanks homeopath Kaya).  {grin}

I'm not trying to be preachy here, but I feel like doctors know conventional medicine (i.e. prescription drugs) but those a lot of times aren't the best thing for you.  And you can't fault a doctor for not knowing all the pharmaceuticals out there AND all the vitamins and natural supplements that can be better for you.  Now I feel a lot smarter! {grin}

Macey and Brinley's Birthday Party

So originally I was going to put these pictures in my weekend recap.  But there were too many amazing pictures taken by the girls loving Aunt Dez.  Rhonda did a fabulous job with the decorations, the cakes, dinner, everything.

Brinley - 1!!!

Macey - 4!!!

The cakes - I think our classes paid off, huh?

 Cake!!  I think the picture of Brinley on the bottom row is gorgeous!

Trent chowing down -

he handed me a plate when we got there and said 'Put some cake on it.'

Look at all the precious kiddos eating cake

Look at my precious boy's little piggies -

I love that my hubby isn't one of those macho guys -

he was laughing with the rest of us at how adorable Trent looked!

And I loved that he put the shoes on himself.

And I loved that he wanted to push that baby around forever.

Easy Crockpot Recipe!

My co-worker, Jenna, shared an easy crockpot recipe with me.  You guys know I'm all about easy and fast when it comes to making dinner for our family.

Ingredients:
-Pork tenderloin filets
-1 can cream of chicken
-Salt and pepper

1. Salt and pepper pork, place in crockpot
2. Cover w/ cream of chicken
3. Cook on low 6-8 hours
THAT'S IT!

We ate over brown rice, and it was DELICIOUS.  Trent loved it too!

I've been perusing Crock Pot Girls on Facebook and wrote down a bunch of crockpot recipes, so stay tuned - I'll probably be sharing a lot more!

Busy Weekend Recap

We had a fun and busy weekend!  Friday night, Brent and I had a date to Iron Cactus!!  So nice to just spend time connecting with my hubby.  Life gets in the way sometimes.  {grin}  Trent spent the night with Babs and Pops and had a great time too!

Making coffee with Pops

Babs, Aunt Patty, Miles, Blair, Trent and I went to the Pumpkin Patch.  This is definitely turning into an annual tradition for us.  The boys were in HEAVEN.  I think we really could have stayed there all day!

Good times!



Saturday, after naptime (which was MUCH needed) it was Macey and Brinley's birthday party!!  I'm going to save the party for its own post because Rhonda did such an amazing job with the party and especially the cakes!

Yesterday was church and I spent some time at the outlet mall.  My work wardrobe is looking a little scrubby, so it was definitely time to revamp.  I hit up a great sale and got GREAT stuff.

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

He's SO Fashion Forward

Pink flower knit hats - not just for girls anymore.

Pup-pups though (his pacifier)?  Only for him!

Baby Girl Price

Allison's baby is here!!  Look at this beautiful baby girl.  I mean seriously.

Baby Brinley was born yesterday weighing a whopping 9 pounds.

But doesn't that just make her cheeks that much more squeezable?

Love her already.

Holy Cow - Baby Girl is SIX Months Old!

My favorite niece has been here for 6 months.  The time has flown by!  She is definitely lower maintenance than her brother but has the shortest temper.  Until recently if you weren't her mama...don't even look her way.  But lately?  Oh me, oh my!  She lets me hold her and kiss her and squeeze her and tickle her and love her...she is just SUCH a joy!  The theme for her first birthday party has already been decided, and even though I don't want her to grow up, I can't wait for her party!  It has been so fun to have some pink sass mixed with our masculine brood!

The Many Faces of Ms. Blair

Weekend Ramblings

• I did it - I joined Twitter!!  If you tweet, let me know your name so I can follow you.  I'm 'aggieallena'.  Although I'm not sure I want that name after this weekend...and last. {grin}  'agurleygurl' was already taken.  Explain that one to me.
• Trent fell asleep in the car on the way home from church - he NEVER falls asleep in the car.  Result?  He's been in his bed for over an hour and hasn't gone to sleep.  I've taken video of him through the monitor though of him singing 'Big Girs Don't Cry'.  Love that kid.
• Patty and I took the kids to Kiddie Acres on Friday.  Miles calls it 'tittie' - hilarious.  We also went to have ice cream with Aunt Patty and Blair because...MOM OVERSHARE...Trent went #2 in his potty!!!
• Is anyone watching Glee this season?  So far...I'm underwhelmed and it's my FAVE show.  WHERE is Finn?  I really need some Finchel love!
• Don't tell Brent...but I'm starting to get baby fever...
• I have some ADORABLE pics of Ms. Blair to share soon.  Maybe that's causing the baby fever?  That girl used to hate anyone who wasn't her mama.  Now I get to hold her all the time.  And boy can I make her chuckle.  And can I tell you she is SO chubbs.  Like WHOA chubbs.  Can't wait for her SIX month stats.
• Trent is finally asleep - after adding about 20 stuffed animals to his crib.
• I think I am almost able to afford the fancy camera I want...yay!
• I'm hoping for a BIG October for Project 52, I'm slacking big time...