I love my CROCS

Ella's Crocs are on her list of favorite things. She received them as a gift from Mimi (thanks again Mimi) when we were in Michigan in August and she has worn them almost every day since. When I ask her to go get her shoes she says, "Crocs Mommy". She can even put them on by herself! We have received so many compliments and Ella graciously says, "thank you".

On the correct feet...50% of the time.



And then there is the other 50% of the time....

Is it FALL yet?

So, it is officially fall! My favorite season! But, it still seems like summer. We went to the playground today and we had to put on sunscreen and the little ones were sweating. I guess we should take advantage of the warmth while it lasts, but Fall, hurry it up!!

Here is Ella in her attempt to help me water plants a week or so ago. She is still enjoying the summer weather!

My Up Do

Ella finally has enough hair for a pony tail and Mommy loves putting it up. Surprisingly, she leaves it up. Although she plays so hard that I have to redo it a couple times a day! Which you know I don't mind.

Fabulous Food Friday

First, I hate to say this will be my last post that is defined by the day of the week. As you know, I missed Thankful Thursday again. So, no more pressure for me. This is supposed to be fun, right....



This marinade is from my best friend Katey's mom and I love it! I use it for kabobs with chicken, sausage and vegetables and it is my favorite meal (except when I was pregnant with Ella and the thought of it made me sick).



O'Brien Marinade

Wisk together 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 cup dijon mustard, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 2 cloves of garlic and 1 teaspoon ground ginger.



Enjoy!

Fabulous Food Friday (ok I know it is Wednesday)

This is my favorite fall treat. I had been craving it for weeks, but it just wasn't cool enough to make it. The temperatures finally dropped and the weekend had the crisp air of Fall, so it was time. I don't have this recipe written down, so it may not be the original, but it worked and was yummy!


Pumpkin Dump Cake (aka Laura's dessert, which is a recipe she was given by Marianne)


Mix one large can of pumpkin pie mix, one can of sweetened condensed milk and 3 eggs. Dump in a lightly greased 9x11 inch pan. Sprinkle with one yellow cake mix. Melt 1 and 1/2 sticks of butter and drizzle over cake mix. You can add chopped pecans before the butter if you wish.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Serve warm. With ice cream or whipped cream for a real treat!

Thankful Thursday (combined this week and last)

I have so much to be thankful for, yet I know I take it all for granted. These posts are a wonderful way to remember all the ways I am blessed.

I am so thankful that Ashleigh, Cathy and I took the infant and child CPR class a couple of Saturdays ago. I thought I would never have to use what I learned. Yesterday, Ella choked on some goldfish and I have to use my newly learned techniques. She has swallowed wrong before, but nothing like this... She did the universal choking sign and it was clear that she was distressed. I picked her up and did the Heimlich. It took two times for the clump of goldfish to come up. Very scary!

I am thankful that my husband doesn't have to travel often. He was away on Monday night and I did not enjoy it one bit. I feel for all of you that have to play "single mom" while your husband travels for work. It is hard work to be the sole caretaker of a little one(s).

I am also thankful for my husband. This past weekend he realized my need for a break and planned a night out. We rarely go out and it is a real splurge in our budget, but I have been in a transition mode as I am watching a little boy every day and I just needed some time with just my husband. We went to PF Chang's and enjoyed an awesome dinner!

Catch-Up!

I'm already a bit behind in my posts...surprise! So, today I am going to play catch-up and hope you enjoy the posts....better late than never.