spaghetti tacos

Last night Layla said, "What's for dinner?" and I said, "Tacos!"

 Layla and Hayden have been on an iCarly binge.  These two munchkins will pick a tv show and watch every single episode from start to finish.  Kinda like what Gary and I did with Breaking Bad and Justified.  Our binges aren't quite as annoying as iCarly.  I just have to leave the room sometimes when they're binging.  Those characters are cray cray, but in a good way.

Why am I telling you this?  

I'm telling you this because Spencer, Carly's crazy older brother served spaghetti tacos.  Doesn't that sound amazing yet interesting?  

When I told Layla we were having tacos she asked if we had spaghetti sauce and pasta.  We did and as you can see this was their dinner. I actually passed on the spaghetti taco, but they cleaned their plates!  Yay!  I'm not posting a recipe because it's pretty simple, and as usual I always sneak zuccini into the meat sauce.  

Now you....go make spaghetti tacos!

random ramblings...

Gary and I aren't really into Valentine's day.  We do fun stuff for the kids, but I don't usually expect flowers and chocolates for myself.   I love all the red and pink and all the fun things for kids.  I love the candy, but I like to sample a piece of candy from the heart shaped box and put it back if I don't like it.  Yucky huh?  My family won't share candy with me.  I'm not a big chocolate fan, so if it tastes weird I put it back.  I don't waste calories on something that doesn't taste good.  Oh .... I know I am pathetic!

I've been addicted to the show Pretty Little Lairs.  I finally caught up on all 3 seasons.  It is a girlie show and honestly I don't think it is appropriate for ABC family, but whatever.  I usually let Layla watch most shows on that channel, but Pretty Little Liars is a little scary at times.  She won't be viewing it any time soon.  I can't wait to watch the episode recording right now on my DVR.

It has been warm the past few days here in Ohio.  When I say warm I mean it was 61 degrees yesterday and very windy.  Today it was in the 50's and still nice outside.  The weather makes me very excited about springtime!!  I can't wait to see all the trees green.  There are so many trees in our new state!  I wish our yard was bigger.

In previous posts (especially back in TX)  I have mentioned Hayden having asthma and needing an inhaler for daily breathing treatments.  Since getting his daily doses of medicine he hasn't really shown signs of asthma attacks.  We moved to Ohio and he hasn't needed allergy medicine or his inhaler.  We have stopped all medications all together. I am so happy for him!!! Even his eczema has pretty much gone away.  (crossing my fingers it stays away!)  Here I am hoping for springtime and in that hoping I also hope Hayden's allergies and asthma don't come back. Who knows what will happen when all the trees bud and the grass turns green. Also we don't have carpet in our house.  I wonder if that is helping him too.  We'll see how he does since we got a new puppy.  I hope he isn't allergic to Lily.

Lily is doing great.  She let me trim her toenails tonight.  She is so sweet and very vocal.  She grunts and groans and barks.  She is just so sweet and I love her little face!


Today I was late picking Hayden up from school.  I had to mail a few things and I got stuck at the post office.  It never fails when I go to the post office I get stuck in a line of at least 10 people.  I have all my items all packaged up and ready to mail and the post office clerk tells me I've used the wrong box.  Today was no different.   I wanted to crawl into the post office drop box just to get away from the frustration.  My lovely friend Erin picked up Hayden from school because I was late.  When I finally got him and got home we headed out to the backyard to let Lily do her business.  Hayden shut the backdoor and we quickly found out the door locked.  We were locked out of the house.  This is the second time this has happened to me since moving here.  I'm going to make a few spare keys tomorrow.  I ended up having to call a locksmith to come let me in.  It's just a ridiculous expense.  I'm thankful for the man who broke into my house, but it sure hurt handing over my credit card number.  At least this time the weather was nice.  Last time I locked myself out it was cold and pouring down rain.

Tomorrow is the first of our Valentine's parties. Hayden has one party on Wednesday and one on Thursday.  Layla has her party on Thursday and then we are doing our family stuff on Friday.  It will be a fun few days of celebrating 'RED and PINK'

Now I am off to watch some PLL!   Momma needs to watch some drama that isn't hers!!

a puppy check-up and pizza night

Daisy Mae is a legal Ohio dog.  She visited the vet today!  She is all set on shots for another year.  Next stop is the groomer.  Poor pup.  She hasn't been groomed since we moved here.  She looks like a furry mess.

The kids had a fun time listening to the veterinarian talk about Daisy and her health.  They were so cute listening closely and watching her get an exam.  Daisy was great until the doctor tried to look at her hiney area.  Daisy didn't want anyone in her business.   The kids giggled like crazy and the doctor laughed when Daisy gave her a warning growl.

We had create your own pizza night!  The kids think it is big fun to make their own designs with pizza toppings.  I enjoyed topping my pizza with tons of artichoke hearts and black olives.  Gary covered his pizza in jalapenos.  I don't know how he even ate it without his eyes watering.  The man likes things spicy!

And now I am going to snuggle with my fur-ball and watch last nights series finale of Private Practice.  I am so sad it is over forever. Sob Sob sigh.  It is one of my favorite shows.

My thoughts on a Tuesday

Happy New Year!  

I spent most of the day in the kitchen.  It is my favorite place to be.  As you know we are renting this house.  I am so excited about looking for homes to purchase here in Ohio.  I'm hoping for a sweet kitchen.  It seems like our family always gathers in the kitchen.  Today I cooked chicken spaghetti, chicken salad, black eyed peas and cabbage.  I used leftover fondue chocolate from breakfast to coat pretzels and pretzel sticks.  I did all this in our small kitchen.  Also it isn't open to the rest of the house, so I felt secluded.  Sometimes seclusion is nice, but usually I like to be around my people.  So I'm looking forward to a new kitchen this year.

I noticed on Facebook everyone is all about resolutions today.  I don't have any.  I just live each day the way I want.  I know how to have fun and balance life.  I don't really think I need to change too much about my life right now.  I'm just gonna keep on keeping on!

I think every woman should have a set of four red plates for their kitchen.  It is necessary in my opinion   I recently broke one of my red plates and now another one is chipped. I have two left.  I am on the look out for new red plates.  The size of the plates I prefer are salad size.  They must be microwave safe and any shade of red will do.  I like to use them at Christmas, Valentine's day and Fourth of July.   I know, red plates are totally random, but I just needed to be random.

Kids should be enjoyed and listened too.  I think they should get to voice their opinion at anytime they want.  I'm willing to listen and in our house we let the kids talk!  I may not like what they have to say or agree with it, but they deserve a listening ear.  Communication is key to any relationship and I hope my kids know they can talk to be about anything.  Layla dropped a $25 gift card down deep back behind the cabinet.  That gift card is lost forever and will never see the light of day.  The owner of our home didn't put trim on the kitchen cabinets and the card just fell right down between the wall and the cabinet.  She was so upset and a little scared to tell us. She knew we would be mad at her, but she told us even though she knows she did something very wrong.  Gary and I are just thankful it wasn't a $250 gift card.  We'd be tearing the wall down.  I'm thankful for this lesson for her and myself.  Hayden recently lost a gift card and we looked for it for hours.  It finally turned up, but I now know my kids can't be trusted with money or plastic.  LOL!

The kids have one more day off from school and then they return to class on Thursday.  It's a two day week and then the weekend is here.  It'll be a fun week.  I am looking forward to my shows starting up again.  I love my TV shows, or as my Grandma would say, "I enjoy my programs."  I am ready for Parenthood tonight!  

The kids are begging Gary and I to play a game with them before bed, so we are heading upstairs to play a game of Hedbanz!  It is the best game and we always laugh so much!

Tuesday night date

I am beyond thrilled to have a date tonight with a glass of red wine and my TV!

I hate what the show Parenthood does to my emotions.  I am a giant crybaby after and during every single episode, but I keep going back for more!  I'm so ready for tonight's show.

Layla is usually in bed by 7:30, but she watches as much of The Voice as she can.  She loves hearing the contestants sing.  I enjoy looking at Adam.  heehee!  And Blake isn't too bad either.

Anyone watch Private Practice?  I love it too.  I DVR it while watching Parenthood and then I just stay up late watching it commercial free. 

I am such a lover of all my shows.  I'm thrilled fall TV is in full force.  These days are long lately, but getting lost in some good TV drama is just what I need to relax and unwind.

What are your favorite shows?

*all pictures google.com

a whole lotta jibber jabber

The end of summer is coming up fast.  I can't believe school will be starting in just a two weeks.  

I am ready for fall temperatures, but who knows if we will get fall here in Texas.  This is the time of year when I get so mad about the Texas heat because the grass in our yard is so dry and dead.  It makes me so sad.  We use our water sprinklers, but the grass is still khaki and dry.

I was working on entering a Thirty-One order on Saturday and Layla was very curious.  She got so excited to pick out her school bag for the year.  She decided on a purple bag and a pink lunch box.  She said, "Mom, it's so cool that I don't have to go out and buy a school bag.  You own tons of bags and I get to create my own!"  I feel that way too.  I seriously could have one of everything Thirty-One sells. I love what I do!

Gary and I drink coffee together in the mornings before work.  I love my morning coffee.  Sometimes when I am at the store I try to buy coffee that is cheaper, but seriously there is no comparison   Expensive coffee is better.  Life is too short for bad coffee.  If only I could lose my Splenda habit.  I'm trying to stop using artificial sweeteners, but it is hard.  Coffee just needs Splenda!

Gary was out of town all last week.  It was a hectic week for me.  I tried to keep the kids busy, but that just made me tired.  By the end of the week I was so ready for a break.  These children are so cute and sweet, but they never stop talking.  They must take after their father. heehee!

We watched the season finale of Dallas on Saturday night.  I'm so sad it ended.  I love that show!!  I'm so excited to see the new season and I hope it's as good as the first season.   I'm ready for my fall shows to come back on TV.  

Hayden and Layla fight over TV.  He usually just gives in and watches what she wants.  Poor little dude watches more Jessie and Austin & Ally than any other 4 year old.   My favorite show right now on Disney is Good Luck Charlie.  I think it is great.  I love when they play back to back non-stop episodes.

I have been lazy with my camera lately.  I am posting this entry with zero pics.  GASP!!  

I will get back into snapping shots.  The end of the summer brain fry is in effect.  I've been a tad bit grouchy.  Good thing for me the grouchies don't last too long.  

And now I'm off to have my morning coffee.

summer games

Are you watching the Olympics?

We are and I am trying to make a big deal of it so the kids will love it as much as I do.  My favorite sports are gymnastics and swimming.  I just love seeing our American Olympians participate in so many activities.  A sport I didn't think I'd love is archery.  It was so fun to watch and I was rooting for USA!!

I get tears in my eyes every time I hear the national anthem.  It is so awesome to see the home team get so many gold medals.  

I have been cleaning our house like a man woman and the games have been on the entire time.  I'm thinking once I get done with the house cleaning frenzy I am currently tangled in I will google some fun USA crafts for the kids to do.  I think it will help get them all fired up.

GO USA!

This and that on a Monday night.

I know I complain on twitter about my puppies sometimes, but I love them so much.  I mostly complain about the young ones.  Bogey and Daisy are so rowdy and exhausting.  Every day they chew something else up.  

It has been 1 year since we lost Callaway and sadly Harley isn't doing so well. 

 I'm not sure how much longer she will be with us.  She is moving pretty slow lately.

Bless her heart.

Bogey is such a good boy.  He is wonderful with the kids.  He is loud and rambunctious, but we love him.  Hopefully he will calm down a bit soon.    Look at him below...he is enjoying the fire one day last week.  Haha!  He is about to fall asleep sitting up.

I really want to lose 10 pounds.  About 2 years ago I changed my lifestyle and lost around 25 pounds.  I have kept it off and now I want to get serious about losing another 10 pounds.  I think I may have to start running more often, or I should work out more consistently.  I just can't seem to lose those last 10 pounds. I think for me watching what I eat works best, but I think if I work out that would jump start my metabolism. I feel better when I work out.  I just don't make time for exercise like I should.  I have decided to run, walk and ride my bicycle more often.  I also plan to participate in this years "Reindeer Romp."  I think that will get me ready for some of the runs I want to do in the spring.  The Mud Quest event was cancelled this fall due to the drought.  It was rescheduled for the spring.  I need to start getting ready for that.  haha!  I hope since I put this out there I will hold myself accountable.

Today I shopped for clothes for myself.  I am so happy with some of the things I found today.  I can't wait to wear them!  I am horrible at making choices.  I made myself shop and try things on until I finally found some things I liked. I didn't know what I was looking for, so that made shopping hard. Once I realized what I wanted then my problem was narrowing down all the things I picked.  Gosh, I am a mess, huh?

I got a few tops similar to this one from Belk. 

I wish I could explain how much I am loving selling Thirty-One.  I really wish everyone loved Thirty-One as much as I do, but we are all different and I promise this blog isn't turning into a Thirty-One blog.   The products are just so amazing!  If any of you local folks want me to gather my stuff for a party at your house let me know.  We all need a reason to have a girls night out.  I will travel if you are in my hometown, or cities around there.  Just let me know...I will come to you and we will have a fun time shopping!  Also...for all my out of state buddies...let me know if you want to host a catalog party.  Basically you get all the wonderful hostess rewards and all you have to do is show the catalog to your friends family and coworkers!  Email me your address and I will mail you a catalog!!

I am loving the Showtime Series Homeland.  We usually don't have the extra channels on our channel lineup, but we got a special promotion with this contract and we are loving it!  We love watching all kinds of movies and mostly Homeland.  It is so bizarre and intriguing.  Gary and I are hooked!

image from showtime

So I still haven't seen The Help. Can you believe that?  I can't wait for it to come out on DVD sometime in December.  I think it will be such a great movie!  What a great gift idea for me, and a slow cooker..hint hint.  Although after today my Christmas list will be minimal.  I spent all my 'would be' Christmas money on clothes today.  Budgeting is no fun, but so necessary.  So Merry Christmas to me...heehee!

prime time thoughts

I am sitting here watching the Bachelor reflecting on my day.  I am so happy I am not on that show.  I would seriously whip Michelle.  She has clearly lost her mind.  I like Emily.

Snowmageddon is headed to North Texas.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring.  Sheesh!  The weather people on TV make me laugh.  I seriously think they get their viewers all riled up just to increase sales at the grocery stores.  And they like to get kids all excited about the chance of no school.  So, I may or may not have snow pictures to post soon. 

Gary took Layla to her gymnastics class today while Hayden and I stayed home and hung out.  He grabbed her right after school, so there really isn't much time to fix her hair from a long day at school.  I don't know how, but her hair always looks a mess when she gets into the car.  Does she roll around on the floor all day?  I mean really? Anyway, he texted me that her hair was jacked up, but he doesn't know how to put her hair in a pony tail.  WELL he does now!!  He came home and practiced.  IT was the sweetest thing ever!  And he did a wonderful job!  I'm glad he can do a pony tails now :)

Bogey ate some of Harley's adult dog food today.  His stomach can not handle this.  So I have been watching him like a hawk  making sure he doesn't do his messy business on my floor.  IT is so bad right now.  I am so frustrated.  I had to wash my favorite rug and after it washed I didn't even put it in the dryer.   The bottom of the rug ruined in the machine and all the little grippy pieces fell off.  Into the machine.  Right after a diaper just did the same thing 2 days ago.  So I threw the rug away...pooo!!!  Literally.

And I just saw on the Bachelor...he picked Michelle first. He is cray-cray!!!!

I'm out...peace!!

Tuesday's List

Today's Tuesday's List is All about can't miss TV shows. 

 

I love anything on The Food Network.

& I actually record 5 ingredient fix every Saturday morning.

Love this show...you should watch it.  She really does cook the BEST stuff, and the name of the show says it all.

I watch The Young and the Restless...I record it everyday.

I have a whole long list below of all the  shows I love, and I these are my fav's!!!

1.) Grey's Anatomy

2.) Private Practice

3.) 90210

4.)  The Real Housewives of OC

5.) Friday Night Lights

6.)

Big Break Dominican Republic

We watch a ton of golf in our house, and this show on the Golf Channel is Awesome!!

And others on my fall DVR list are:

Desperate Housewives

Brothers and Sisters

Modern Family

Cougar Town

ParentHood

Gary Unmarried

Rules of Engagement

Mercy (which I can't find on the fall lineup)

Biggest Loser

and last but not least:

American Idol


I'm sure I have forgotten a few, but I have a little man begging to go play outside,
so I am off to enjoy this fall weather...have a great Tuesday!

What are your favorite fall shows?

the things we buy because of TV

So all you parents out there...I'm quite sure your kids watch TV. My kids love TV and I love that they watch it.  It gives me a much needed break in the day. Layla can speak fluent Spanish because of Dora.  HA!  Not really, but I think my kids learn from some of the educational TV shows that they watch.

ANYWAY...you know advertisers and marketers, they play commercials during iCarly.  I can't tell you the number of times my sweet Layla has come into the kitchen while I am cooking and repeated verbatim a commercial she just saw.  She will usually pause the TV so that I will go into the playroom to see whatever item she is raving about that day.  I have heard all about Twinkle toes shoes, the butterfly garden, Kids Bop 18, and pillow pets. Do you feel me here?

Well, I fell for one of these crazy commercials!  It was crazy the way it happened.

The commercial was for pillow pets.  Gary was home the day Layla grabbed our hands and took us to the TV screen.  Before we entered the room she gave us the down low.

"Mommy, daddy, I have to have a pillow pet because they are so cute and fluffy and they are a pillow and everyone needs a pillow. and it folds into a pet too, and I can get a ladybug and Hayden can get a turtle and they are machine washable, and we can even tuck our PJ's into them for when we travel."  {then she took a much needed big breath}

Hayden is sitting on the futon saying "p-ow-pet p-ow pet" and pointing at the TV screen.
Don't you hate it when they gang up on you.

Anyway, weeks go by and when we see the commercial it is the same drill...kids dying, freaking out wanting a fluffy dust catcher.  They really are cute, and Gary and I even had a conversation about ordering them each one.  We just didn't know when.

Why am I gibber jabbering about this nonsense...

When my friend Shelby was in town we hit the local mall to do a bit of school shopping.  While we were there we stopped at the food court for lunch.  And low and behold there was a kiosk with pillow pets.  Right there in front of Chic- fil-A. The kids freaked out when they saw them.  Shelby's girls had been wanting one too.  They watch a ton of iCarly also.  So us moms caved.

Look at Hayden with his moose.  How cute is that?

Little Miss Layla with her unicorn.

Macy got a small dolphin and it is precious!

And Mia picked out an adorable kitty cat.

The kids were so happy, and it was worth it to see their smiles and their faces were priceless with the excitement of chosing which animal was the best for each other.  Layla and Mia were going to get the same animal, but then we made them stop and think about what they really wanted.  It was fun and memories were made.

Have you ever bought a toy or item that your kids raved over for weeks?

a little bit of this and that

Wow whee...this week has been busy!

Hayden is turning into a little man right before my eyes and it has happened this week. He is trying so hard to talk but really "eih" is all that comes out. If something happened to his pointer finger we'd all be in trouble. It points to his drink "eik" and the airplanes in the sky "eih". Except for mommy "mAaamA" and Daddy "Dadaaa" and Layla "GaGaaA" This morning after dropping Layla at school he was trying to Moo like a cow. Sooo stinkin' funny. I'll try to take a pic of his little lips sticking out Moo~ing. You just made your lips stick out just thinking about it didn't ya?

Did you guys watch Grey's or Private Practice last night? I'm so glad a saved some Weight Watcher points for that glass of red wine. I had to have something to calm my nerves. WHY do they air Private Practice at 9:00PM. Who can sleep after all that business? Holy Moly it wore me smooth out. I could record it and watch it another day or time, but then someone would tweet about it or I'd see/hear a review on TV or the radio. GEeeez it was gripping!

I have to say I LOVE those shows. I'm guessing I love a racing heartbeat and cramps in my fingers from grabbing on my blanket while watching a car with two women {one pregnant} roll down a crusty hill too. ARgghhhh. And about Grey's, did you see the preview for next week? REally? McSteamy as a father?? Wow, that is a crazy turn of events. I am however so OVER Izzy and Alex. Is this high school? They have some serious issues they need to deal with. I just have a really hard time with communication issues. Everyone has a mouth and that is what it is for...talking. Talk out your issues. You are married to each another, but you can't talk. Anyway... I can't wait to see what happens with both shows. Thank goodness they are shows. I think I may be a little too into them..teehee!

________________________________

Someday far from today, Layla will be so mad about me telling this story. And the picture....HA! Yesterday she came into the office while I was working on reading blogs. She was holding her chest area and she said " Mommy, did you know that boobies don't have bones." She proceeded to dance around the office holding herself, laughing and singing about her boobies. I would love to be in her brain for just one day to hear all the thoughts she has.

And one other thing I think I'm gonna add to my sidebar.

This quote is AMAZING!!!

If you planted hope today in any hopeless heart. If someones burden was lighter,because you did your part. If you caused a laugh ,that chased some tears away. If tonight your name is named, when someone kneels to pray. Then your day has been well spent...Author Unknown

Love it, love it, love it!!

Every time I read it I get the chills!

Happy Friday Y'all!

Fall TV Shows~FMM

Here are a few of my favorite fall tv shows!!

Desperate Housewives

Brothers and Sisters

Grey's Anatomy

Private Practice

90210

Todays Friend Makin' Monday is all about Fall TV shows.

Jump on over to Amber's Blog to make some friends this Monday!