Cyber Crickets

I feel like I've been MIA on my blog lately and Halloween falling right smack in the middle of this week hasn't been helping matters. It's not because I don't have ideas and topics that I want to write about, because I do, but for some reason none of it’s been happening lately. I actually have some great recipes, a few reviews, and a couple of funny personal posts that I keep sitting down to write but I just can’t seem to get them out. So I'm taking the night off and giving myself permission to stop feeling guilty about it. My house is in desperate need of some cleaning and I don't think I've had a single conversation with my husband that didn't start with the words "I need you to do xyz" in days. Right now, I’m going to put blogging aside and focus on my family. Hopefully if I stop trying, the right words will find me tomorrow...

Toddle Along Tuesday: Christmas Wish List

There are only 56 days left until Christmas and I am excited to report that this Type A Mama has the kids' wish lists under control. As in, I bought it all on Amazon months ago and it's sorted, wrapped, and sitting in the basement waiting on Santa. {Yeah, I know, they probably make a pill for that.}

Henry's visit with Santa last year. He obviously shares my love of holiday mall madness :) 

Now I know you are thinking to yourself, where's the fun in that? But honestly, I am such a planner that by the time July rolled around I started freaking myself out about buying for 3 kids {OMG 3 kids!} this year. Not that we go all crazy or anything but Christmas is my favorite holiday and I hate, hate crowded stores. Call me Scrooge but I think I'd rather go to the gynecologist than tote 3 kids through thousands of angry holiday shoppers at the mall. And since Anna has been telling me what she wants since December 26th of last year, Henry loves anything related to Olivia or Thomas, and the baby will be thrilled with the wrapping paper, it made sense to just order it all online and have it delivered right to my doorstep.

A few items on the kids' lists this year are:

Anna-XOXO Faux Leather Jacket

Henry- Step 2 Canyon Road Train Table & Track

Caroline- Manhattan Toy Baby Stella doll

That's not to say my Holiday shopping is complete. I haven't bought the first thing for the kids teachers, my husband or my huge family. I still have a lot of shopping left to do but you can bet a million dollars that you won't find me in the last minute checkout lines. Bah-Humbug!

And the Winner Is...

Thank you to everyone who entered the Pushing for the Cure Giveaway and helped bring awareness to this important cause!   I was truly touched by each and every name you shared and your stories of courage and triumph. 

 

Congratulations to Melissa who scored some awesome prizes that give back! Stay tuned for our next giveaway...

Mom's Monday Mingle

I'm super excited to co-host this week's Mom's Monday Mingle! I've met a lot of great people and found some pretty awesome blogs through this hop. I hope you'll join us...   Welcome to Mom's Monday Mingle!     <center> <a href="http://www.thenaptimereview.com/"> <img src="http://i1075.photobucket.com/albums/w433/athometake2/Blog%20Design/Link-Up_zps1ce5f4f7.png" border="0"/> Check Out This Months Sponsor: <br /> <div class="pf_ads" id="pf_alleyesondailyfeaturead"> <script src="https://app.passionfruitads.com/a/0f3e72de9dbc23860f96d4218cce3ce7ae9c5cb1.js"></script><br /></div>   Last week we had 234  Moms ready to mingle!   Please help spread the news on this growing hop! Please tweet about this hop! RULES: 1. Please follow each hostess. They are 1-6 in the list! Naptime Review-Hostess At Home Take 2- Hostess Pushing The Lemons Baby Bear Hugs Mummy Rawles The Chirping Moms

We do FOLLOW back and we really love all the comments!

 If you are new let us know and leave your blog address so we can return the follow ;)

 

 

2. Try to visit at least 4 blogs that interest you. Just don't throw your name into the link up, hoping to gain followers. Participate, make friends, and have fun! I know I have made a lot of great blog friends ;)

 

3. Feel free to grab the NEW button and display it on your sidebar or link it to the post.

  Would YOU like to "Co-host" with us? Email Jessica athometake2@gmail.com at At Home Take 2.    We are scheduling now  for middle of November!

Potluck Sunday: Creamy Italian Crockpot Chicken

This delicious recipe is comfort food at it's easiest, perfect for a chilly fall night.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup water
• 2 Tbsp. butter
• 1 can Cream of Chicken soup
•  8 oz. cream cheese block cubed
• 1 packet Italian dressing mix
• 3-5 boneless skinless chicken breasts

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine the water, soup, and Italian dressing mix in a bowl until blended.
2. Pour the mixture into the crockpot, and add the chicken, butter, and cream cheese.
3. Cook on low heat for 5-6 hours.
4. Serve over your favorite pasta or rice. 

Enjoy!

Pushing for a Cure Giveaway

Did you know that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month? This is a cause that is very near and dear to my heart and to help raise awareness, I'm giving away prizes that give back. Each of the items up for grabs give a portion of their proceeds to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

To Enter, just follow the directions on the rafflecopter form below. Giveaway will end Sunday October 28th at midnight. Open to US & CAN Residents Only. 

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Wordless Wednesday: Sweetness

 

The images may be fuzzy...

 

...But it's there. A moment of sibling love caught on camera...

 

 

...and it melts my heart!

Have a Fit and Fall In It

 

And so it begins. The Terrible Twos are upon us again. My sweet little boy has quickly morphed into an independent toddler who pulls his hand away from mine, cries on cue {complete with a quivering bottom lip}, and falls to the floor in utter protest.

 

 



Now that he's developed somewhat of a usable vocabulary and a fierce desire for total self-sufficiency, any attempt to help him do anything is met with a forceful "No! Self!"

 

Like tonight at dinner when his peas kept falling off the spoon and I tried to help. "No! Self!" 

 

When I try to dress him for school? "No! Self!"

 

Getting into the car? "No! Self!"

 

I keep reminding myself that this is all part of the developmental process and that I'll secretly miss these moments when they're gone. And I'm actually having, dare I say, fun watching my little man turn into a person - complete with his own quirks and idiosyncrasies.

 

 

Besides, you can't really get mad about this stuff, so you might as well laugh. And boy, does he hate it when we do that.

 



Potluck Sunday: Cookie Brownie Reese's Cups

This is one of those recipes that I pinned a while back and have been dying for an excuse to try. I whipped these up in no time flat and they are absolutely sinful!  

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 box brownie mix
• Refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough
• Reese's cups

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Push – 1.5 squares of break-apart refrigerated cookie dough into the bottom of each muffin tin.
3. Place 1 Reese’s cup upside down on top of cookie dough.
4. Top with prepared box brownie mix, filling 3/4 full.
5. Bake for 18 minutes.

 

Enjoy!

SAHM-It's What I Do

Let me say upfront that I have no desire to stir up a debate over stay at home moms versus those that work.  I know that it can be a sensitive topic.  But no matter which hat you wear {and I’ve worn both} we are all entitled to vent from time to time.

Yes, I know I’m incredibly blessed and fortunate to be a stay at home mom. But it wasn’t something we planned...the decision was kind of made for us. When I was out on maternity leave with Henry, the company I was working for at the time up and moved their office about 45 minutes further away from the half hour commute I was already making each way and the pay just didn’t justify me spending 2 ½ hours in the car every day. So when my maternity leave was up, I stayed home.

I just wanted to put that out there. I was never the girl who dreamed of running the carpool and baking cookies for the preschool bake sale. {Although I happily did both today} I always pictured myself as more of a career woman but sometimes life, as they say, is what happens when you are busy making other plans.  

Don’t get me wrong, I never thought for a second that being a stay at home parent would be easy. But even so I had idyllic images in my head about how it was going to be. I would take the kids to the library and perhaps the farmers market. I’d take Caroline to Kindermusik until time to pick up Henry from preschool. Then, we’d sneak in some time at the park until it was time to go home and whip up a healthy dinner with our fresh produce. And the house! The house would be so clean and organized!

Yep, I was going to be different than all of the other stay at home moms who always seem slightly frazzled. And all of the “me” time I was going to get while both babies napped in the afternoon sounded like the cherry on top.

On second thought, maybe I’m not so different from all those other moms after all.

Let’s start with the house. Our house is always a complete disaster. There are toys in places that I didn’t even know there could be. There are piles of crap on every flat surface and I think if a neighbor were to pop by unexpectedly, I would die.

I also didn’t realize how different the kids’ schedules would be. Between school drop-offs and pick-ups, homework, and the baby napping twice a day, there really isn’t much time left for fun activities.

And then there’s the boredom. While I love spending time with each of my children, sometimes I miss the day to day interaction with other adults. I went from a job in sales where I talked to people for a living to having conversations with my toddler about poop while watching Dora for the 13th time.  Sometimes it can all get a little monotonous.

And dear God — the laundry!  I fantasize about donating all our clothes to Goodwill so I don’t have to fold another load of wash.

But all griping aside, there are some pretty incredible perks that come with this job. I enjoy having the freedom to plan my day around the needs of my family. Because I missed so much of Anna’s first years while I was working full time, I have cherished being here for all of the babies’milestones.  I get to wipe away tears and kiss skinned knees. And I love how Henry’s face lights up when he spots my car in the carpool line.  And then there’s this little blog in my life that I never would have seen coming but I love that occasionally, I get a few free moments in the afternoon to sit down and pour my heart into it.

For me, being a SAHM has definitely been a mixed bag. Some days I feel like the luckiest girl in the world and sometimes I dream of going back to work.  For me, it definitely hasn’t been all sunshine and roses but for now, it’s what I do.   

I Do! Toddle Along Tuesday

I remember the day we were married like it was yesterday. After dating long distance for four years, I couldn't wait to say I Do! We got engaged in March and Married that same June...

The only hiccup in our plans happened on the day before our wedding. My fiance at the time, called me that Friday morning and said the words no bride wants to hear. "I've been in an accident."

His voice was trembling and he immediately hung up the phone. I've don't think I've ever made the trip from Greenville to Athens quicker. I was as scared as I think I've ever been.

When I made it to the hospital, he was fine. Thank God, he was fine! He had stitches in his lips and was bruised pretty badly but otherwise okay. I cried tears of relief, and then proceeded to yell a few choice words {something along the lines of thanks for scaring the shit out of me on the eve of our wedding} but in an instant, the importance and significance of our wedding day came into focus, and all of my pre-wedding jitters melted away.

Our intimate garden ceremony took place on a beautiful summer evening as we were surrounded by our closest friends and family. Here's a little peak at where it all started.

The Venue - Historic Falls Cottage, Greenville S.C.



Final preparation before walking down the aisle 

The Ceremony Site

Our Big Moment

I love the simple elegance of hydrangeas

Our first moment alone as husband and wife

The Main Attraction

 

My Dad was so happy to marry off his youngest ...here he's wishing Stephen Good Luck

 

What better way to make our getaway than in a Rickshaw

 

When I think of how scary life can be- the unexpected peering just around the corner- tragedy waiting to erupt at a time when we're most content; the gnawing in my stomach is eased more than I can explain just knowing that I won't have to face anything without my husband by my side. He is my keeper of cool and my sanctuary of solidity.  Here we are three years into holy matrimony and not a day passes that I don't ask myself, "How did I ever got so lucky?" 

 

A Winner and 10 Random Things

The Weekend Giveaway was a huge success! Congrats to Pauline who just won herself some gift cards to Macy's and Starbucks.

 

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Thank You to everyone who entered and welcome to all of my new blog followers! I thought as a fun way to get to know each other, I would take a minute to share a few random things about myself. 

1.  I'm the baby of 5 children and the only girl. To this day, my brothers still refer to me as "Brat"
 
2.  I've had the same two best friends since 2nd grade. They are like my big toe's. Meaning, if I were to ever lose them, I would have to learn how to walk again.

3.  I'm terrible at crafting but Hobby Lobby is my favorite store.
 
4.  I live in a college town in the South where people eat, sleep and breathe SEC football but I'm not a huge fan. There, I said it.

5.  My husband proposed to me in the bathroom. We have travelled to the top of the Eiffel Tower together, cozied up at a pub in London, and dined under the stars in Mexico but he chose to pop the question at home while I had soaking wet hair and and a bath towel on.
 
6.  I don't like seafood. I've fibbed on more than one occasion and said I was allergic just to avoid the whole "But it doesn't taste fishy" conversation.

7.  I failed my drivers test. Twice. I had to parallel park a stick shift uphill and it wasn't pretty.
 
8.  I'm scared of balloons. I have been since I was 5 and one popped in my mouth as I was trying to blow it up. I can't go near the section of Party City where they inflate them...the very sound sends me into a cold sweat every time.

9.  I refuse to swim in the ocean. When you enter the ocean, you enter the food chain.
 
10. I always pictured my life with 2 kids. Having #3 was the best decision we ever made. She fills our hearts and completes our family in ways we couldn't have even dreamed possible.

Potluck Sunday: French Toast Casserole

This recipe might be the best thing about my mother-in-law. I promise this recipe is so gooey and delicious. The best part is that for non-morning people like me, it can be made the night before and then just popped in to the oven.  

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• 1 loaf french bread sliced 1 1/2 inches thick (Texas toast or brioche can also be used)
• 8 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine melted butter and brown sugar in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
2. Arrange the bread slices in the baking dish. {It’s fine if they overlap.}
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread, and let it soak in.
4. Top the bread slices evenly with the nuts if desired.
5. Cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight.
6. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Whilte the oven is preheating, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for at least 10 minutes.
7. Bake the casserole until it’s browned and set, 30 to 35 minutes. If it browns too quickly, place a foil loosely over the top of the casserole for the last 10 minutes or so.
8. Remove casserole from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar and maple syrup.

Enjoy!

Weekend Giveaway

I don't know about you, but it's been a busy week around here and I can't think of a

 better way to unwind than with a little coffee and some Retail Therapy. 

To share the love, I'm giving 1 Lucky Reader Gift Cards to Macy's and Starbucks.

 

To Enter, just follow the directions on the rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway will end Sunday October 14th at midnight. Open to US & CAN Residents Only. 

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My Favorite Part of the Day

This is my favorite part of the day.
I say these words to myself often...
I say them when:Henry wakes up in the morning,with this little tuft
of blonde hair waving at me
And he says
"Mama! Hey!"
(yes, he really says that)
And I smile and pull him close.
And I think
"This is my favorite part of the day"

I say this when:
I hear Caroline cooing from down the hall-
her precious little baby squeals fill the air.
And I go to her-
only to be met with something even sweeter.
Her bright blue eyes and those adorable dimples
that say "I'm a happy girl"
And I think
"This is my favorite part of the day"

I say this as I watch Anna
shuffle down the stairs
her hair in a messy bun, part grownup, part little girl.
She chooses to snuggle with me on the couch before
her drama filled day begins  and she let's me in
to her world, if only if only for a moment.

I say this as:
My husband walks in from work
most of the time smiling.
I know how happy he is to be here
First he hugs his children and then me.
And I feel the way I did almost 8 years ago-
safe, secure, and loved.
And I think
"This is my favorite part of the day"

I say these words:
As I sit down to dinner-
and see my family across from me-
Stephen and his far off stare
which I have learned is just the way
he comes down
from the roller coaster ride
that is his job.
Anna texting friends at the table even though it's not allowed.
Henry and his grumpy pout, who is
too energetic to sit still.
And Caroline just being
the most precious baby
I think I've ever met
even when she is screaming
because she thinks she
should have eaten two days ago.
And I think:
"this is my favorite part of the day"

And I write these words now:
As I have just closed the door to child bedroom #3.
Soaking in the silence...
secretly missing the noise.
And I blog about my life
and drink my wine
And I think that yes, this is really it:
"this is my favorite part of the day"

Until tomorrow morning
when that little tuft of blond hair
is waving at me once again.
And I hear the words "Mama! Hey!"
as another glorious day begins.

So What Wednesday

This week I'm saying so WHAT...

...if I ate candy corn Oreo's for dinner. They were worth every last calorie.

...if I regifted a toy for a Birthday Party that I completely forgot about.

...if I dress Baby Girl in hand-me-down Bob the Builder and Thomas PJ's.

...if I'm too chicken shit to break up with my hairdresser.

...if I know Nick Jr's schedule by heart.

...if I used a baby wipe to wash my face last night because I was just too tired.
  

Now go Link up with Shannon ...

Rock and Roll All Night-Toddle Along Tuesday

It all started so innocently. We weren't trying to expose our toddler to Rock music or men dressed up in outrageous costumes and face paint. It happened not long after my husband and some buddies went to a Kiss concert. He bought a t-shirt to wear around the house and Henry took an interest in it. Since Henry doesn't talk a whole lot yet, when he began to point to each of the band members, my husband started reciting their names, one by one, just like we do with nearly everything. Ace, Gene, Paul, and Cat Man.

Well wouldn't you know it, my little guy who barely says anything, repeated all of their names on cue. We were so excited! We clapped and cheered him on. And since the shirt eventually had to go in the wash, I did what any good mama would do and downloaded a picture of Kiss on my ipad for him.

It was so funny in the beginning. He showed off his new trick to anyone who would pay attention. And then we made a rookie mistake. We downloaded a youtube video of  "I Wanna Rock and Roll all Night" and my sweet toddler has morphed into a little head banger, complete with air guitar. I'm not proud but I do turn my head and giggle.



 

{I caught Henry, completely unprompted, trying to teach baby sister his favorite

band members Paul and Gene. #socialservicesicanexplain}

 

 

*Linking up with

 

 

What's in a Nickname

Last week when Melissa sent out a tweet asking her Tweeps what nicknames they call their kiddos, I started thinking. I've had a nickname from the moment I entered the world. I was born two months premature and my parents thought that my name, Jennifer, was too long for such a tiny baby. They decided to call me Jenny instead and they have ever since. Once I started school, it got a little confusing. My family and friends still called me Jenny but my teachers always used the more formal Jennifer. Being one of 856,247 Jennifer's didn't help matters. I always ended up being Jennifer K. or worse, just my last name. In middle school, I tried going by Jenni with an "i" for a while but it never stuck. And in college, I actually spent two years living in a 4 bedroom apartment with 3 other Jennifer's. True story.

Needless to say, when it came time to name my own children, I was pretty set on giving them a name that didn't have an "automatic" nickname. You know, like Alexander or Christopher or Elizabeth. {All great names btw} Fast forward to this morning when I had a conversation with my toddler that went a little something like this.

Me: "Henry, did you put the whole role of toilet paper in the potty?"
Henry: Silence
Me: "Henry, is that where the toilet paper is supposed to go?"
Henry: Crickets chirping
Me: "Punky! Did you do this?!"
Henry: "Uh-uh." As he adamantly shakes his head no and points to the baby who is playing in her exersaucer. "Snick did it!"

Well at least we're getting somewhere. I've  realized that not only do I call all three of my kids nicknames, but they respond to them much quicker than they do their real names. How's that for irony?

People always called Anna, my oldest, Anna Banana of course. Well that turned in to Anna B. for short and then just B. 

{Image from bforbel}

When Henry was an infant I started calling him Pumpkin which became Punkin and then Punky. If that wasn't bad enough, I also called him Sweet Pea or Sweetie Petey which turned in to Petey. {He answers to both. I'm pretty sure we have thoroughly confused the little guy.} And then there's the baby. Caroline, for obvious reasons, got nicknamed Baby Girl. These days though, the whole family calls her Snick. As in short for Snickers. The girl seriously snorts and snickers all day, even in her sleep. Bless!

The old saying "Never say never" is true and this mama who swore she'd never use nicknames is eating her words.  I'd love to hear your thoughts on them.  Love 'em, hate them, avoid them like the plague or planned them?