How I spent my summer vacation by Tara Miller

We're home, unpacked and back in routine.  BOOO.

Our vacation was great!  We went all over the hill country in just a few short days.  Our first stop was Buda, Tx.   We drove in, dropped Maxie off and then made it to our first destination....Cabela's.  Cabela's is one of those stores you could seriously get lost in. What's neat about Cabela's is that there really is something there for everyone.  For example, Travis has been dying to get a canoe since we first met.  This place has every style and every color of canoe you could ever wish or hope for. 

My favorite part is the bake shop/camping/home living department.  As you walk up the stairs you are greeted by the yummy smells coming from the fudge shop.  I've been in twice and have yet to see anyone who actually works in there...so I'm beginning to thinks it's just for looks. The home living department has the Woodwick candle collection... they sound like fire crackling as they burn...  I've also seen the smile on cade's face as we walk through the camo couches - who doesn't want a camo couch?  (not me)  But what's really cute are the mini camo recliners for the kids... seriously cute. 

After bouncing off the couches and hiding in the camo curtains we went to the opposite end of the store and spied the tent of all tents.  The Lakeside.  Ahhh.  Doesn't that just sound nice.  It has everything I love in a tent.... SPACE.   It's under $300 and would comfortably sleep the 3 of us and Lucy.    I see a camping trip in our future.

We probalby spent an hour or so roaming around in the store before we decided to head back to my sister's house.   The next morning we headed to Fredericksburg to see my Grandma.  We stopped at the old Post Office in Hye, where my grandparents received their mailed for over 50 years.   A lot has changed since I was a kid walking around in there.  The mail is still handled there but it's more of an antique shop than anything else. We manged to find an antique Lone Star beer glass, a pigeon crossing sign, and an orange and white cat on the shelves. 

We made one more stop on our way up to Gigi's... Studebaker's PEACHES!  These were the best peaches! Gigi shared her cobbler recipe with us that afternoon and we whipped up a batch. Yummy!  We mostly stayed around her house while we were there.  We did manage to go downtown to the park and then appetizers and drinks at Bejas... my favorite spot!

The next day we dropped Cade off with my sister's family and Travis and I headed to the Lost Pines Resort in Bastrop.  We were impressed with the service, the atmosphere, and of course the Grand Bed!  We priced them after our honeymoon in Lake Tahoe.... they run about $8000.... ahh, the price for a good night of sleep.  We settled into our room and went to the pool.  I had an electric lemonade to kick off my afternoon.   We floated the river and just relaxed.  Dinner was a Sheller's- a beer/piano bar type place.  We had shiner bock queso -which was good although Travis said it tasted just like Shiner- which to him means -it doesn't have a taste at all.... I on the other hand enjoyed it!  The next day we headed to the spa to see what it was all about-- we learned that you can use the spa during your stay at no additional charge (unless you request a service).  We were both wishing we had known this information a day earlier and not 15 minutes before Cade was being dropped off.   Once Cade arrived we headed back to the pool and spent all day there.  I loved floating the river and going through the "rabbits" (rapids) with Cade.    That afternoon I managed to escape to the spa to relax, shower and get ready for dinner with my boys. That night we had smores on the lawn and hit the sack early!  

The next day we ate a quick bite, took another dip in the pool and then checked out.   We took note that the next time we stay here we will pack a few grocery items.  Food and drinks can really ring up the bill. However, we did manage to come in just under our budget when all was said and done. 

The last stop on the way home was to BlueBell Creamery.  It's known as the best ice cream in the country.... and I'll agree to that since I haven't really had ice cream outside of Texas.  Cade had "ganilla".... yummmm!

So, now we're back home and already planning another stay at Lost Pines in April for our 5 year anniversary. 

5, 4, 3, 2, 1....we're on vacation

Yay! Today is finally here! We're off to the hill country today! Our bags are packed.  Our snacks are ready and cold drinks are on hand.  Traveling isn't so much an ordeal anymore.. although Cade did want me to pack his things in a pink bag because Nana and Maxie have pink ones.  I told him in this house- the bags are red!

Yesterday I found a great swimsuit, super cute sundress and super soft pajamas.  I havent' bought new pajamas in forever.   It's one of those things I need to do more often.  Just like getting new make-up.  Just to feel more girly.... that was my goal!  I feel like always wear the same thing to do everything and to go everywhere. Now I have a few more options and will feel more put together--- and that makes me happy!

Well. We will post pictures of our adventure when we return Thursday. We're off to have some fun!!

Home Sweet Home

Traveling with a toddler is getting much easier these days. Although, I did stop 3 times in under 45 minutes on they way home, it is nothing like it used to be when Cade was a newborn/infant.  It would take me forever to get anywhere! 

I hate stopping when I'm traveling by myself, but when it comes to Cade, I'll do anything.  Especially if it involves a nap in the near future!  Even if I have to stop 3 times on they same road, in the same town, and listening to the same Barney episode....a nap is a nap! What?! Need that blankie...let me stop and get it for you, tuck you in and put Froggy riiiight next to you.  lol.

The past few days Cade and I have spent in the hill country visiting Stephanie and Grandma. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon and spent the night in Austin. Thursday morning we loaded up and drove to Fredericksburg to see Grandma. We had a great visit. We did our usual trip to DQ for ice cream and a quick trip to Wal-Mart because for some reason we always need something from there. It was kind of a rainy day but during the dry spells the kids played outside and worked hard at covering the entire sidewalk with chalk.  Grandma said she could watch the kids so I could run down town for a little bit.  While I was gone she baked cookies with the kids. I think she had fun even if they hover over her... it's amazing they even turn out! That evening we went to the farmer's market in town and sampled tons of fresh veggies, wines, and cheeses. I bought an awesome feta cheese/olive oil spread, a loaf of white bread, and two purple bell peppers. We came home and made a delicious salad for dinner and ate almost the whole round loaf of bread at dinner. I wish there was a farmer's market here like the one on Main Street. Live music, gourmet food and fresh, home grown fruits and veggies to sample. I LOVE it.

We headed back to Buda Friday morning after a quick stroll through the shops in downtown Fredericksburg. We made it home after 1 o'clock and then we loaded back up and took Maxie to gymnastics. While she was there Cade and I went to the city park in Buda and then to Cabella's. You could seriously spend all day in Cabella's. It's huge. Cade and went through the exhibits, had a snack in   the restaurant, and then played in all of the camping tents.  We remembered to pick up a Pig Tail Meat flipper for Travis and some fishing hooks for Cade's rod. Travis is dying to take Cade fishing, so I'm guessing in the next few weeks he'll have casted his line for the first time! I'm sure he'll catch a BIG one for sure!
So, now we're home after one last stop at Julie's house this afternoon which put us home at 10:30 tonight.  Hopefully we'll get a good night of sleep.................................. yikes! it's 11:30.  g'night!

If I could write a letter to me

There is a trend going on in the blogger world these days to take a moment and write a letter to yourself... You start from a certain point in your life and write to the present.  I read a few entries on random sites and was moved by some of the entries... So I thought I'd give it a shot and hopefully pass on the idea to my friends and other random people who might come across this page.

Middle School Tara.
It's the day before your 13th birthday and  you are getting braces.  You are really excited about this.  Finally something to make you "cool" and "fit in" with the rest of the crowd but consider waiting until after your birthday party....your teeth are really going to hurt from those tight, shiny, yet colorful braces.  You'll have the hardest time picking out the color of bands you want but trust me, clear is best.  Once they are removed you'll have the next best thing... a permanent retainer. You'll have many not so nice things to say about this permanent piece of metal in your mouth... just remember floss is your friend.  You are going to be going to high school soon and will be leaving behind some really good friends, but hold on to the red head named, Julie. She'll be there with you through all the hard times and show you what true friendship is all about.  

High School Tara,
You're going to be in the marching band. Try your best, maybe even practice playing your instrument. Don't worry about Chemistry. You'll run into your teacher many years from now and tell him that you haven't balanced a chemical equation since you took his class and he'll laugh.  Oh, and you won't use Geometry either.  Boys will be boys and none are worth keeping around. You'll work at Chili's from 1993 to 2000. You'll meet one of your best friends, Kristine.  She'll be wearing a really cool color of nail polish and you'll notice.  You'll be instant friends after that.  You'll continue working at Chilis' after HS and will transfer to one in Austin. You'll meet Paul and finally understand the meaning behind "keep Austin weird!"  Your friendship will be one you cherish forever.

College Tara,
You'll take classes at ACC and apply to a few colleges. You'll get accepted to SWT and UoH.  You'll choose SWT. Paaaaaaaaaaararrrrty.  Just kidding Mom!  You will go through some roommates and live on your own some.  Keep your eyes open on campus because you'll spot your friend from High School,  Becky. You'll reconnect and spend a few years rooming together. Eventually she'll move to Boston but she'll be your tour guide to the city and even take you on a trip to San Fransisco/Napa Valley.  Later on in life, she bring you back tokens from her travels across the seas.  Your favorite with be a child size kimono.  Be sure to get familiar with the Internet. You'll be able to connect with a lot of people from all over, some you'll even really care about.  Match.com will one day change your life.  Your senior year you'll get a phone call that brings you to your knees.  Papa dies and your heart breaks. But don't worry. He will visit you in your dreams and you'll be so happy you saw him again. You graduate and make your parents proud! 

23 - 29 year old Tara
Thanks to your friend Susan, you'll get your first teaching job in Sugar Land. You'll teach Kindergarten and pick out your "favorites" but know that in the end each of those kids needs you.  You'll question moving back to Austin because relationships end and you want a change, but you never leave. You'll turn 25 and make a wish as you blow out your candle to meet someone who loves you for you.  A week later you do.  You'll talk to him for hours that first night. You'll meet him and two days later you'll see him every single day after that.  You'll fall in love under the stars and he'll ask you to marry him under those same stars a few years down the road.  Your parents won't believe you when you tell them you're engaged....Travis will always surprise you. You'll get married at the same church your parents did and where Papa is buried.  The wedding will be amazing. You'll find out a month later your expecting.

Pregnant Tara,
You are shocked. You just peed on a stick and it's blinking and alarms are sounding off -you're pregnant. Are you ready for this? NO.  But who is.  Your sister will tell you that there will never be the perfect time, and you'll never have enough money.... this will stick with you.  You might want to sign up for the class, what to expect after your water breaks. It's good to know this sort of information. Drag your husband along.  When in need, call Julie.  Your water will break on the rug as you're walking to the bathroom...and seriously you don't have to go to the hospital right away... if you do, your husband will fall asleep and you'll be awake, and mad that he's asleep.  So just wait it out for as long as you can.  Remember that there is a button on the side of the bed to push if you start feeling contractions. Don't press it too many times...but know that if you do, Travis will be there for you to move your legs for you. 

30 year old Tara
Life will never be the same and it's ok. Realize this.  Sleep doesn't happen much. Husbands don't always hear a crying baby.  You'll catch up on nights when mom and Julia step up to the plate and keep your little one over night.  It will take awhile to get to that point but just know it will happen.  Let it happen. Give your baby a bottle. Better yet, give the bottle to someone else and you get out of the house.  Try to smile. Being a mom is hard but your little boy is going to love you.  It's ok to have a messy house. Your house isn't as messy as your neighbor's house or your neighbor's neighbor....it's not even messy.  So let it go. It's hard, but let it go.  Date your husband. Remember your friends.  Don't get caught up in the have nots. Know that God has a plan and that things are going to work out.
32 year old Tara
Cade is 3 1/2.  He is closer to 4 than he is 3.  He makes sure that he makes you happy when he goes potty. Or happy when he doesn't hit you even though he just said he was going to.  He will want to watch Imagination Movers, Bad Hair Day a hundred times and then once again just because he wants to bounce on the couch while they sing.  He will grow one inch in under 2 months.  He loves to sing, dance and play sharks and alligators. His favorite thing to say will be "rude butt."  Try not to laugh when he says that over and over again.   Spend time with your husband and do things for him... don't expect perfection.   Hold hands and when times get tough just remember where you came from. Say I love you more.

I heart JULY

We had a great weekend at the Miller Household.  Friday, Julia picked Cade up for a day and night o'fun.  Apparently too much fun since bedtime wasn't until after 10!  Oh well, it gave Travis and I an entire day to spend together. So since we had the house to our self we decided to head downtown and eat at Red Onion and then try out Sprinkles Cupcakes....except as soon as we entered on to I-45 we decided that we should probably make other plans since it looked like we were about to enter a black cloud of death.  So we u-turned and headed North to The Woodlands.  We stopped by  the Carter's store to get Cade PJs; they were ridiculously cheap so we stocked up.  Since it was storming by the time we left Carter's we decided to eat lunch right next door at Pie Town for a decent sandwich and soup.  On the way home we hit up the Redbox.  We rented Sherlock Holmes (zzzzzz) and Duplicity (zzzz).  For some reason I fell asleep in both.  Must have been the rainy weather that took it out of me.

Once the weather cleared out we decided to go to Alicia's Mexican restaurant for tortilla soup.  Afterwards we went to Starbucks for a coffee and discussion on where to take our vacation.

Vacation! Wow. I thought I'd never leave the house this summer.

So, here's our plan.

17th Circus with Maxie
18th head to Austin with Maxie (stay over at Stephanie's and maybe have a date night downtown)
19th Fredericksburg (visit Grandma and try out a new restaurant)
20th back to Austin dropping Cade off w/ Uncle Travis and then Travis and I head to Bastrop Lost Pines Resort
21st pick Cade up and head back to Lost Pines for more fun
22nd head home stopping at Blue Bell Creamery in Brenham

Travis had a almost 50k in airline miles so we swapped those for a one night stay at a luxury hotel and since Travis does so much "business" with Hyatt in downtown Houston, we were able to get a fabulous deal on an additional night stay.  Woo-Hoo!   I can't wait to go!

Saturday was a much prettier day so Cade and I went to Sprinkle's cupcakes (my favorite cupcake place now) and Paper Source. 

Sunday we went to church, then headed to the movies to see Toy Story 3.  That was Cade's first "real" movie.  He did awesome.  He actually fell asleep on the way to the show but I was able to keep him asleep in my arms/lap until the movie started.  It worked out perfectly.  Then we headed to the Red, Hot and Blue Festival on The Waterway.  We walked around and decided to grab a snack and cool off at Cheesecake Factory.  Afterwards, we went back over to the festival and waited.....as patiently as we could for the fireworks to start.  It was a great show.  Cade loved the pink ones (big surprise).  

Fun weekend..... now Monday is here.   Not much planned for today. We have gymnastics tomorrow and then we're packing up and heading to Fredericksburg to see Grandma on Wednesday.   We'll be back Saturday and leaving after church on Sunday to go up to Buffalo for the night.   Lots of traveling going on...but it sure beats staying at home.

Later this month July 30-August 1, I'll be going on a retreat to Camp Allen with the girls from my quilting group.   Looking forward to working on Cade's baby book.  I hope to at least finish his 1st year.... so behind on that.

The next baby I (hopefully) have will have their book already assembled and all I'll have to do is insert pictures.  One thing I did do for Cade was post a calendar in his room so all I had to do was write down his developmental milestones.... I did that for almost 2 years.   I think once he started walking I was over it.... but I'm glad that I did it because it's fun to read about when he first smiled or when he said Mama for the first time. (all that hard work paid off say mama, mama, mama, mama, mama).   


I'm off to HEB to get groceries and goodies.

The ESL test is finally behind me. Now I just have to sit and wait for results.  It took me over 4 hours to answer 70 questions.  I'm not sure if that is a good thing or a bad thing.  I am just glad it's over and hoping that I passed.  It would be nice to have that certification to add to my resume.

Speaking of resume.  I didn't get the teaching position I was hoping for.  I guess it's just not meant to be.  I do love the school I'm at right now; but I was hoping for a pay increase.  It would have been nice to have that extra money.  I talked with a friend today and she told me about starting a 529 for Cade. So I'm going to look into that and set something up where my paycheck goes to Cade's college fund.  I'll be less worried once I see that start to grow. 

So now that my studying days are behind me, Cade and I have done some fun things this week.  We started off by visiting Julie and her 4 boys, then Tuesday was gymnastics and story time at the Library and today we met up with a group of friends at the splash pad.   Tomorrow we might hit the $1 movies and then meet a friend for her birthday lunch.

The rest of the week is up in the air. I'm dying to go out of town and I found a great deal at the Magnolia Hotel in College Station, $80/night with milk and cookies at bedtime!  I know it's Aggie Land but just to get out of the house and GO SOMEWHERE.. would make this gal, happy.

I don't think Travis is up for it... maybe Cade and I will go!  He LOVES cookies!

Oh, I love a rainy night....

I've been waiting all day for the rain to come.  There was a teaser of shower this morning, then a few sprinkles around lunch and full sun until this evening when the storm clouds rolled in.  At first I couldn't tell if it was thunder or if I was hearing or the loud, obnoxious 4x4 truck across the street that gets fired up every week; but soon enough I heard the first drops hit the window and now I'm in a dark house watching the sky light up!

Today I took Cade and his pal, Micheala to Toddler Time at the library. It was so cute! Stories, finger plays, and dancing!  They loved it! I'm going to take Cade next week after Gymnastic for the pre-school session and then again on Thursday for the Toddler Time.  Now that Travis has his new sleep schedule I find it easier to be out of the house until noon....and this will certainly help fill up our morning.  This afternoon, Travis took Cade to the pool in the neighborhood.  I think he enjoyed it! I need to sign him up for lessons.  He has yet to go underwater in all of  his 3years of being in water.

Tonight we sliced opened our delicious seedless watermelon from the farmer's market... it was so sweet and juicy!  I sliced up half of it and brought it over to my neighbor's house and then as I'm walking back to my house the neighbor across the street is walking over to give me home grown tomatoes.  I thought that was pretty neat...

Well... time to study only one more day until my ESL test.

"The Texas Ball Did It"

This morning we somehow managed to sleep until 8:20, which would have been a great thing if we didn't have to be at gymnastics at 9. Luckily Cade LOVES gymnastics and was all about getting out the door.  I'm proud to say we made it and had 5 minutes to spare! Go Mom Go!
Cade did great in class. I watched from the upstairs viewing area as instructed by Cade himself.  Today they worked on the balance bean, roll overs, hand stands and of course their "tah-dah!"  Today I realized that Cade's little buddy (Kade) from church is our class....so happy he has a friend there!

During rest time Cade and I were watching Toy Story One. We came to the part where Buzz was being chased by a runaway globe and gets knocked out of the window and into the neighbor's yard. I asked Cade if he knew what had just happened to Buzz and he says, "the Texas ball did it!"


Lately whenever my mom watches Cade he'll pull out her United States puzzle that has way too many small pieces that some how all manage to not get lost. Cade can point to Texas, Florida, California, Oklahoma, and a few others. He also has quite an ear when it comes to announcements or ads on the radio/tv that mention a state's name, "they just said California!"  I'm pretty impressed.

Tomorrow is Kid's Day at our church. I'm looking forward to meeting up with a few of the members and of course letting Cade wear himself out enough to take a nap....he is holding out on me! No naps make for a long day... but we some how manage to make it to bedtime with little to no tantrums.

---  food/recipe update--

The VOO (vegan overnight oats) I made last night were super yummy! Sweet and creamy!

Tempeh enchiladas had a very unusual texture- but were good.  Travis actually ate 2 to my 1.  I guess he was a fan!

Tomorrow will be Eggplant Parmesan with fresh corn on the cob.  

Happy Birthday Mom!!

For Father's Day we made a day trip up to Buffalo to see Travis' Dad.   We made up there by 2, ate lunch and then the boys headed outdoors to do "guy stuff."  While they did their thing, I had the chance to catch up on important things like... Real Housewives and Cupcake Wars.

It was a pretty short trip but I think everyone had a good time.  We headed home around 8 and Cade was asleep before we got to the Interstate.  

This morning I had my monthly appointment with Dr. Yezak.  My back is still feeling good.  I had a slight twinge of pain in my hip but since his adjustment earlier today I'm doing just fine!  He did tell me that he didn't like my shoe of choice-- actually I think his words were, if you wear those shoes again I'm going to cut off your feet.  So, I guess flip flops are a no... or at least a no on days I have to see him. ;)

This afternoon Cade and I went to the Farmer's Market downtown to get some produce and of course to see Travis.  We picked up a ton of veggies and a few pieces of fruit.  I'm planning on making eggplant Parmesan and tempeh enchiladas for dinner this week and green monsters in the mornings.   I also made my first batch of Vegan Overnight Oats tonight.  In a bowl I mixed oats, 2 mini bananas (smashed), 1/4 tsp vanilla, 2 tbs chia seeds, and 3/4 cup almond milk. In the morning I'll top it off with a touch of maple syrup.  VOO is another recipe from OhSheGlows.

Tomorrow we are going to gymnastics.  Cade has been imitating Maxie's back bends all day.... monkey see, monkey do.   Should be a fun morning!

sneek peek

Our friend Erin took our family pictures last weekend.  We went to Montgomery and strolled around town. She is such a talented photographer!  So lucky she captured these precious snapshots!  More are to come in the next week or two.

Weekend/Father's Day

What a great weekend! Stephanie and her family came into town for a quick visit. It was great seeing them and hanging out at the house.  Friday we took the kids to get their picture taken at Portrait Innovations in Champions.  The picture turned out so cute!  I will scan it in and post.

Travis took off today so we could spend time together.  We dropped Cade off at my mom's so he could play with Maxie and then we went to Gringo's for 'ritas and chips. Then we went back to my mom's to celebrate Father's Day. My dad cooked out- ribs, chicken, and sausage.  He enjoyed using his new grill gadget- a pig tail food flipper. It's the perfect tool for flipping meat on the grill. It hooks the meat and with a twist of the wrist it flips the meat over. It's pretty handy and for $10 a must have for all men.  Cabella's in Buda,TX is one of the few outdoor stores that carries them. Thanks to Stephanie's Travis for picking one up for my dad! He bought the last one.... so they are now officially sold out! I hope they get more in because I know someone else who had their heart set on one. 

After dinner we headed home with one tired little boy! I love carrying him to bed.  I'm off to bed. It won't be long before I hear his little feet run across the floor, come into our room, and say pick me up mama.... Hopefully tomorrow he'll sleep in and not be SO eager to get up before 7. 

Today Cade had his second gymnastics lesson.  He did really well! He even told my sister that he made a new friend... but he doesn't have a name.  At least it's a boy!

Today in class, they focused on having fun, jumping, ta-das and lot's of hanging from a bar with legs up and with legs out.  I think he likes it- so glad we joined.

After gymnastics we headed to the gym for playtime for Cade and Pilate's for me.  This was the most intense Pilate's class I have even taken.  I thought my legs were going numb at one point... but once I was up on my toes I had feeling back in them.  Kind of a weird feeling-- kind of like jello. 

Tomorrow we're headed to the splash pad at market street.  I took Cade there the other day and he loved it.  Hopefully a friend or two will join us.

Afterwards, I'm going to attempt to bake cookies!   I found a new website called abbynormally.com.  The cookies look just like chocolate chip... except they are "green" as in "healthy".

1/2 cup pureed avocado (about one medium avocado—thrown in the food processor)

1/2 cup honey
1 egg
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/4 cup chopped dates/raisins
1/4 cup chopped pecans/almonds

Preheat oven to 375.
Mix pureed avocado, and honey until “fluffy”. Add in egg.
Sift flour, baking powder, and salt, then add to the honey mixture. Add in vanilla and mix.
Fold in chocolate chips, dates, and nuts.
Spoon onto lightly greased baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes.

Keep in mind that honey browns more easily than sugar.
Dang it, looks like I'll be making my daily trip to HEB to pick up an avocado and some honey.  I'm all out.... whah.

Tonight I dropped Cade off at my mom's house for the night. He always goes back and forth on wanting to actually sleep over but somehow today I talked him into it. I think it was something along the lines of, "Nana bought you new Cars underwear..."  That did the trick and now I have the house to myself for a few hours before Travis comes in from work..... Every night (with exception to Sundays) he wakes me up with  his darn phone light.... .... argh! It's not the truck engine rumbling, or the garage door opening up, or the opening and closing of our doors... it's the darn phone light......I think I need a sleep mask.

So back to Cade, he is officially potty trained. We've done it all. No. 1 and No.2 in the potty! Maybe that was TMI but when you're a parent you'll understand. Pottying is a BIG deal and I'm so glad that we have that under our belt.

Tomorrow morning after I pick Cade up we're going to ride the carousel at the mall. That was his reward for "telling me" he has to go potty. Each time he "told" me he earned a quarter.  4 quarters equals 1 dollar/1 token to ride Wilbur the pig.  We'll probably do a little shopping too.  Sunday is picture day.  Family pictures and Cade's 3 yr old pictures taken by our friend Erin.   We're looking forward to that!

Well it's time to study then bedtime... morning will be here before I know it.


I'll post tomorrow night after I make stuffed peppers with black beans and quinoa.  yum!

food fotos

Tonight I made pecan crusted salmon with a mixed green salad topped with a homemade vinegarette.  Both recipes I found on ohsheglows.com.   This is easily one of the best meals I've ever made.  Even Travis called me from work to tell me how much he loved it.  

Adapted from Dreena Burton’s Eat Drink & Be Vegan ‘Back-to-Basics’ dressing.

 Dressing Ingredients:
2.5 tablespoons balsamic, white, or red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or regular mustard
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Ground black pepper to taste
1/2 minced clove of garlic (optional)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Directions: Toss all ingredients into a bowl and whisk! Makes about 1/2 cup of dressing.

** I did not have the apple cider vinegar and I forgot to add the EVOO and it still turned out sweet and tangy.  This dressing is better than store bought. and so simple to make.  Definitely something to keep on hand when you want to impress your special someone**
  

                                             My own Salad creation
In a large bowl add Spring Mix in the bag salad mix, 1 mini can of mandarin oranges (drained and rinsed), a handful of blackberries, feta cheese, 1/2 of an avocado chopped, and chopped pecans.  I just eyeballed the amount of each ingredient.  Add dressing- toss and plate.

Here is the recipe for the salmon.  


1/4 cup butter, melted
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
4 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
4 (4 ounce) fillets salmon
salt and pepper to taste
1 lemon, for garnish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a small bowl, stir together butter, mustard, and honey. Set aside. In another bowl, mix together bread crumbs, pecans, and parsley.  Brush each salmon fillet lightly with honey mustard mixture, and sprinkle the tops of the fillets with the bread crumb mixture.


Bake salmon 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, or until it flakes easily with a fork. Season with salt and pepper, and garnish with a wedge of lemon.
 
**I baked ours for 20 minutes**

'nastics

Today Cade asked me if he could go to a 'nastics class.   Being the cool mom I am, I told him I would look up a place and see what I could find.  Well there happens to be a place just up the road called Woodlands Gymnastics.  They offer free trial classes for toddlers... how perfect.   So we went at 5:30 for the "twinkle stars" class.  Cade had 15 minutes of warm-up/stretching, followed by 15 minutes of gymnastics.  

Cade did great!  I sat and watched him from the viewing deck.  He completed all the activities with a smile on his face and a pep in his step.  

For some reason I can't upload a video to my blog.

Check back later for it....

We will most likely enroll him in a class that meets once a week and pray that there will be some boys in the class too.

Cade is in need of some boy time! It seems as though all of his friends are girls.... which is fine but he needs some guy time.   All this wanting to dress up, sing Carrie Underwood, and listen to the P-I-N-K color song over and over again has me a bit worried.   :)

So friends with boys please have us over sometime.   Friends with girls please hide the dress up clothes.

5 things about Cade

1. Well, the potty fairy has come and gone. She brought Cade a cool blue pool with a slide like he requested. He has been dry since we started with one or two minor accidents. So I'm really proud of him. He still isn't telling us he has to go but he is much more willing to go....so yay Cade.

2. Today we went to Subway for lunch. We're in line paying and he looks at the people behind the counter and says, "they're stuck back there." He just couldn't figure out how they were going to get "unstuck" from behind the counter. He has said this once before at Frost bakery....too cute.

3. Cade is addicted to iPod apps. He constantly wants a new game. Today I found him in the App Store selecting a red, face monster game. Ummm, thank goodness he doesn't know the password. I need to find him a new hobby....

4. I taught Cade his or as he says "not mine, yours" phone number. I had him in the tub the other day and wrote down the numbers using the washable crayons. I had him point and say the numbers to me. I told him those were the numbers to call mama on the phone. So I started to sing them and he repeated them back. Such a proud Mom this week.

5. Cade moved his bedtime up to 730. I love it. I don't love 630 in the morning...but this morning we used it to our advantage and took a walk with the dogs.

potty fairy

Yesterday we headed over to Amanda's for some pool time fun! Cade is hoping to get a pool with a slide at the end of the week..... it all depends on how his potty training goes.

With the help of my good friends, Susan and Kristine I have reintroduced potty training to Cade. The past 2 nights one or the other has called and pretended to be the Potty Fairy. They use their own, unique Fairy-ish type voice and somehow create magic over the phone line.

This morning I filled Cade's bathroom with balloons and wrote a note from the Potty Fairy.

He has been dry all day. ALL DAY. That's pottying every hour from 7am to 8pm. Tomorrow I'm going to try to go a little longer but I'm so proud of him. I hope this is the end of pull ups and the beginning of big boy pants!

Tomorrow he will wake up to find ribbon curls and another note. Maybe he'll even be dry over night. Let's hope!

Ten things

1. Summer has officially started for me!

2. This past weekend Cade and I rode up to Austin with my parents (yes it was a long drive, but I don't remember complaining about it). Saturday evening Maxie preformed in a dance recital. She did an amazing job! She has grown up so fast and her dancing has really improved since last year!

Here she is in her ballet dress and her trophy.
maxie's first dance recital.

Macey did an awesome dance to this song, Storm by Lifehouse.

3. Keep your fingers crossed about a pre-k position that just opened up! It would be perfect for me!

4. Cade is going to be visited by the potty fairy. She is going to take away the pull ups and leave a wrapped gift for him to open if he's dry. I hate to be like this but he will just stand there looking at me and tell me he just peed in his pull up. ahhhh so frustrating.

5. If you haven't driven through the town of Roundtop, you need to. My Dad decided to take a "short cut" through Roundtop on our way to Austin. I would have loved to have stopped to take some pictures but of course that didn't happen.

6. Travis has been gone since Thursday working on his Dad's roof at the farm. The guy that designed the farm house had a real clever way of building it. He basically threw up some boards, found whatever kind of fastener and pieced it together. That might be good with other types of structures but not a house. Travis has spent probably 30 hrs working on tearing down the old roof and puttin the new one on.

7. I'm still doing my green smoothies. I've increased my elliptical/treadmill time and added more YOGA to my weekly schedule. I'm definitely feeling better and I can tell a difference. =)

8. I can't believe LOST is over. Actually I'm kind of glad.... I will finally know how it ends.

9. For some reason I keep thinking about Papa lately. I really wish I could go out to the ranch and clean up the place.... I haven't been out there in over a year, if not longer. The song House that Built Me by Miranda Lambert reminds me of him and his house.

10. The potty fairy is coming.

TOT

We'll see if I can get a full TEN on Tuesday...

1. I am still drinking my GREEN smoothies- usually two a day. I just upgraded in my greens to Kale.

2. I'm starting to do more YOGA. I just had my first one on one with Summer @ Dr Yezak. office. I could actually feel my muscles this morning.

3. I'm up to 50 minutes on the elliptical which is 4 miles for me. I need some good work out music to keep me going.

4. Only 3 more Mondays until school is done for the year!

5. Travis is turning 33 next week! Saturday I'm throwing him a party out at Sam and Charlie's house. I figure that would be the perfect place since the all the toys for the BIG boys are out there! Can't wait!

6. Cade is still potty training. Today Travis put him in underwear and apparently he was dry most of the morning until I got home. Then he had an accident.... boo. I hate to force it but I wish there was just a button to push to make him just go on the potty! So my thought is just let me use the pull ups until he is ready. I've heard that one day it happens...

7. Thursday will our 4th wedding anniversary.

8. Travis and I need a vacation. I want to go to the hill country and just be with him like old times.

9. Why do I hate laundry so much. I guess I don't hate doing it; I hate putting it away. I can finally see my dresser.....

10. Wondering who will be next friend to say she is pregnant! Will it be you? ;)