1. We keep a convenient baby food dispenser right at crawler height in the kitchen.
2. If you keep your mouth clamped very tight, and violently shake your head back and forth, it's much harder for your mom to get said "baby food" out of your mouth.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Today's New Tricks
Today Sam learned two things.
1. We keep a convenient baby food dispenser right at crawler height in the kitchen.
2. If you keep your mouth clamped very tight, and violently shake your head back and forth, it's much harder for your mom to get said "baby food" out of your mouth.
1. We keep a convenient baby food dispenser right at crawler height in the kitchen.
2. If you keep your mouth clamped very tight, and violently shake your head back and forth, it's much harder for your mom to get said "baby food" out of your mouth.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Foodie Friday #18 - Hula's Modern Tiki
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * * *
After hearing good things about this place, we had it on our short list of restaurants we wanted to try. So when a Groupon came for it last week, Jake bought it immediately. We got a $30 gift certificate for $15. "Modern Tiki" describes it exactly. Nice, clean modern take on a Hawaiian theme.
Hula's has two menus. A Monday through Friday menu and a condensed Saturday/Sunday brunch menu. Since we went on a Saturday, we were there for the brunch. We both ordered lunch-style items, but noticed that a lot of customers ordered breakfast, and we thought all their plates looked delicious.
While the menu is small, we actually had a really hard time deciding what to order. Everything sounded so good. I went with the Mango Chicken Salad. It was a ceasar salad topped with mangos and a nicely seasoned (kinda spicy) blackened chicken breast. It was very tasty and very large.
Jake ordered the Luau Pork Sandwich, which is described on the menu as "heaven on a bun". Sweet pork topped with cole slaw. The flavor was amazing - absolutely fantastic. He ordered it with a basket of sweet potato fries - which was big enough to share.
We will definitely be back, coupon or not. The menu is so diverse that we're anxious to try everything on it.
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Price: $$
Taste: * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * * * *
After hearing good things about this place, we had it on our short list of restaurants we wanted to try. So when a Groupon came for it last week, Jake bought it immediately. We got a $30 gift certificate for $15. "Modern Tiki" describes it exactly. Nice, clean modern take on a Hawaiian theme.
Hula's has two menus. A Monday through Friday menu and a condensed Saturday/Sunday brunch menu. Since we went on a Saturday, we were there for the brunch. We both ordered lunch-style items, but noticed that a lot of customers ordered breakfast, and we thought all their plates looked delicious.
While the menu is small, we actually had a really hard time deciding what to order. Everything sounded so good. I went with the Mango Chicken Salad. It was a ceasar salad topped with mangos and a nicely seasoned (kinda spicy) blackened chicken breast. It was very tasty and very large.
Jake ordered the Luau Pork Sandwich, which is described on the menu as "heaven on a bun". Sweet pork topped with cole slaw. The flavor was amazing - absolutely fantastic. He ordered it with a basket of sweet potato fries - which was big enough to share.
We will definitely be back, coupon or not. The menu is so diverse that we're anxious to try everything on it.
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Art Gallery
I have had this page torn from my Family Fun magazine for a year and a half now, and finally got everything together that I needed to make it.
I got all the frames from various garage sales and thrift stores. Since I wanted fancy looking frames, I just accidentally ended up with all gold-toned pieces. I initially planned on spraying them all an aqua color, but I've left them as-is for now because I kind of like the gold art gallery feel it has. I may change my mind later though.
A little about the art: The pink drawing in the large oval is a portrait of Jake. And the blue watercolor is a "happy monster". It's my personal favorite. Sophie drew it all by herself without any direction from me.
Inspiration:
My Wall:
I got all the frames from various garage sales and thrift stores. Since I wanted fancy looking frames, I just accidentally ended up with all gold-toned pieces. I initially planned on spraying them all an aqua color, but I've left them as-is for now because I kind of like the gold art gallery feel it has. I may change my mind later though.
A little about the art: The pink drawing in the large oval is a portrait of Jake. And the blue watercolor is a "happy monster". It's my personal favorite. Sophie drew it all by herself without any direction from me.
Wednesday, May 05, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
School Bus for Sophie
Sophie started her new preschool last week, and today, the bus came to pick her up for the first time. Sophie was beyond excited to ride it.
Waiting
First Bus Sighting
Climbing Aboard
"I can do my buckle all by myself."
Goodbye!
Waiting
First Bus Sighting
Climbing Aboard
"I can do my buckle all by myself."
Goodbye!It was a little harder (for one of us) than I thought it would be.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Sammy Boy is Sick
My poor baby boy is sick. He's been throwing up since 9:00 last night, and doesn't have much of an appetite at all. Of course, he's still my same happy Sam. He can puke and squeal in the same breath.
I noticed that it's been a while since he's had a wet diaper, so I set him on the floor of the office to do some internet research on the symptoms of dehydration. One of the signs that your baby is seriously dehydrated is having hands and feet that feel cold and look splotchy. I looked down at Sam to examine his feet and this is what I saw:
I continued reading, but the article didn't mention anything about excessive blueness around the fingers and mouth. I think I need to do some more research.
I noticed that it's been a while since he's had a wet diaper, so I set him on the floor of the office to do some internet research on the symptoms of dehydration. One of the signs that your baby is seriously dehydrated is having hands and feet that feel cold and look splotchy. I looked down at Sam to examine his feet and this is what I saw:
I continued reading, but the article didn't mention anything about excessive blueness around the fingers and mouth. I think I need to do some more research.
Friday, April 16, 2010
It's Almost Pool Season
The pool is blue and the weather hit 90 for the first time this year yesterday. The kids decided to give swimming a try. They both absolutely loved it.
Daytime pool season is short around these parts. Soon it'll be too hot (yes - too hot to swim!) and we'll only be able to head out in the early morning or after sundown.And have I mentioned lately how much I love having this kid around?
Cause I do. He's such a joy! He's always just a pleasure to be around. I'm a lucky mama.
Monday, April 05, 2010
Easter Egg Hunts
Sophie enjoyed hunting Easter eggs at both sets of grandparents' houses yesterday. She was very excited to see what the "Easter Wabbit" brought her.
The boys had fun too.
And, here's Sam in his Easter outfit.Cute scrunchy-faced kid.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
The Boy Loves to Sit
Whether he's sitting on the ground . . .
being picked up . . .
laying down . . .
or being tossed around . . .
you will more than likely find this child in a sitting position.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Foodie Friday #17 - Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$$$$$ (that means over $100 for 2 people)
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * *
As I mentioned last week, for our anniversary we went out to dinner and breakfast. During the last year, we were gifted with 2 generous gift cards to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Neither of us had ever been, so we thought we'd give it a try. At Ruth's Chris, you order each part of your meal separately. Generally, you would order your own meat, and maybe one side each. The sides come "family sized" and are meant to be shared. However, they're running a winter deal right now for either $39.95 or $49.95 (depending on your meat). It's a limited menu that comes with a soup or salad, meat choice, personal side choice, and dessert. Jake and I both ordered off this menu.
I started with the Caesar Salad. It came with Romano cheese on top and it was very tasty. Jake got the Seafood Gumbo. It was light and flavorful, but we both liked the salad better.
For my meal, I ordered the filet. It was tender and juicy and thick and peppery and absolutely delicious. Jake got the ribeye and it was spectacular. While my filet was the best piece of meat I had ever tasted, Jake's was even better.
The only thing negative thing I have to say about the evening is our side dishes. I thought both were lacking. If we were ordering off the main menu, I think we both would have chosen different things, but from our choices, we ordered the mashed potatoes and the corn pudding. I didn't think either were anything special, and I personally like my corn pudding better.
As an added bonus for the night, since it was our anniversary, we were treated to a complimentary dessert to share. Since our dinners came with a dessert (mini carrot cakes and chocolate mousses), we had those wrapped to go, and shared the most creamy delicious creme brulee. It had a super thin crispy layer on top and was divine.
One tip I have for you is to only order as much meat as you can eat while at the restaurant (well, order slightly more than you think you'll want cause it's really yummy). But it's a million times better eating it fresh than it is trying to warm it up again as leftovers. Seriously, a million. And go for a special occasion to take advantage of the free dessert!
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Price: $$$$$$ (that means over $100 for 2 people)
Taste: * * * * *
S&A: * * * * *
Value: * * *
As I mentioned last week, for our anniversary we went out to dinner and breakfast. During the last year, we were gifted with 2 generous gift cards to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse. Neither of us had ever been, so we thought we'd give it a try. At Ruth's Chris, you order each part of your meal separately. Generally, you would order your own meat, and maybe one side each. The sides come "family sized" and are meant to be shared. However, they're running a winter deal right now for either $39.95 or $49.95 (depending on your meat). It's a limited menu that comes with a soup or salad, meat choice, personal side choice, and dessert. Jake and I both ordered off this menu.
I started with the Caesar Salad. It came with Romano cheese on top and it was very tasty. Jake got the Seafood Gumbo. It was light and flavorful, but we both liked the salad better.
For my meal, I ordered the filet. It was tender and juicy and thick and peppery and absolutely delicious. Jake got the ribeye and it was spectacular. While my filet was the best piece of meat I had ever tasted, Jake's was even better.
The only thing negative thing I have to say about the evening is our side dishes. I thought both were lacking. If we were ordering off the main menu, I think we both would have chosen different things, but from our choices, we ordered the mashed potatoes and the corn pudding. I didn't think either were anything special, and I personally like my corn pudding better.
As an added bonus for the night, since it was our anniversary, we were treated to a complimentary dessert to share. Since our dinners came with a dessert (mini carrot cakes and chocolate mousses), we had those wrapped to go, and shared the most creamy delicious creme brulee. It had a super thin crispy layer on top and was divine.
One tip I have for you is to only order as much meat as you can eat while at the restaurant (well, order slightly more than you think you'll want cause it's really yummy). But it's a million times better eating it fresh than it is trying to warm it up again as leftovers. Seriously, a million. And go for a special occasion to take advantage of the free dessert!
Overall Rating: 4½ Stars
Thursday, March 18, 2010
A Little Independence
Sophie & Tommy playing
In an effort to help our 3-year-old gain some more independence, Jake told her she could pick out her outfit for church. He showed her where all her Sunday dresses were, and let her choose.
Sophie stood in front of the closet for a couple seconds, contemplating her decision. Finally, she said, "I think Tommy would like if I wore . . . . . . this one." and chose a dress.
I think we'll keep her independence to a minimum for a while longer.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Foodie Friday #16 - T.C. Eggingtons
Back by popular demand, it's Foodie Friday! I can't believe I haven't done one of these since before the baby was born. Crazy. Anyway...
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * *
Jake and I celebrated our 6th anniversary last weekend. I was in charge this year, and chose an overnight stay at a local hotel, and dinner and breakfast out. No kids allowed. After reading great reviews online, I decided to go to T.C. Eggingtons for breakfast. Neither of us had been there before but lots of people like it, and several even named it their favorite east valley breakfast spot.
The first problem I encountered with the place was that, while their menu looks extensive, it's actually like the same 4 dishes repeated three times each with a different way to prepare the egg portion of the dish each time. For example, they had a ham & mushroom omelette, ham & mushroom skillet, and ham & mushroom fritatta. Same goes for a veggie dish, and a chorizo dish. So we had a hard time finding 2 different things to order.
To start, we got a liter of fresh squeezed OJ to split (we went all out since we were celebrating). It was good, but I've had better from here. Jake got the "Crack O' Dawn Parlour Creation" (ham & mushroom skillet). He thought it was just plain average. It tasted fine, but there was nothing special about it, and not worth coming back for.
I spent like 3 times longer than usual trying to decide what to order because I didn't want to feel like I was getting the exact same thing as Jake, and ended up with the O'Pear Grenache Omelette because a couple people online mentioned that they liked it. I hated it. I was a little worried ordering it, but I'm always up for trying new things. I'm not sure exactly what I didn't like about it - maybe almonds in an omelette just doesn't do it for me. Also, both our dishes came with a side of breakfast potatoes that were just awful. They tasted like plain unseasoned potatoes cut into cubes and baked in the oven.
Sorry T.C. Eggingtons, we won't be back. I guess we'll have to try someplace new next time we go out for breakfast.
Overall Rating: 2¼ Stars
Welcome back to Foodie Friday.
Price: $$
Taste: *
S&A: * * * *
Value: * * *
Jake and I celebrated our 6th anniversary last weekend. I was in charge this year, and chose an overnight stay at a local hotel, and dinner and breakfast out. No kids allowed. After reading great reviews online, I decided to go to T.C. Eggingtons for breakfast. Neither of us had been there before but lots of people like it, and several even named it their favorite east valley breakfast spot.
The first problem I encountered with the place was that, while their menu looks extensive, it's actually like the same 4 dishes repeated three times each with a different way to prepare the egg portion of the dish each time. For example, they had a ham & mushroom omelette, ham & mushroom skillet, and ham & mushroom fritatta. Same goes for a veggie dish, and a chorizo dish. So we had a hard time finding 2 different things to order.
To start, we got a liter of fresh squeezed OJ to split (we went all out since we were celebrating). It was good, but I've had better from here. Jake got the "Crack O' Dawn Parlour Creation" (ham & mushroom skillet). He thought it was just plain average. It tasted fine, but there was nothing special about it, and not worth coming back for.
I spent like 3 times longer than usual trying to decide what to order because I didn't want to feel like I was getting the exact same thing as Jake, and ended up with the O'Pear Grenache Omelette because a couple people online mentioned that they liked it. I hated it. I was a little worried ordering it, but I'm always up for trying new things. I'm not sure exactly what I didn't like about it - maybe almonds in an omelette just doesn't do it for me. Also, both our dishes came with a side of breakfast potatoes that were just awful. They tasted like plain unseasoned potatoes cut into cubes and baked in the oven.
Sorry T.C. Eggingtons, we won't be back. I guess we'll have to try someplace new next time we go out for breakfast.
Overall Rating: 2¼ Stars
Friday, February 26, 2010
Alphabet Wall
Last fall, I saw a blog featuring an alphabet wall (here), and I knew it was exactly what my playroom wall needed. So after searching thrift stores, e-bay, etsy, and my own house for the past several months, I have finally completed my own alphabet wall.
I love it.
I love it.Sunday, February 21, 2010
Name That Tune
Name That Tune:
(note: she really is easier to understand than this usually,
but she learned this song a long time ago,
so her old ways of saying those words have just stuck)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Sunny Afternoons
It's February in Arizona.
It's beautiful outside.
This is how Sam has spent his afternoons this week.
Babbling loudly and watching his big sister ride her bike.
And bouncing like crazy if anyone talks to him.
This is how Sam has spent his afternoons this week.
Babbling loudly and watching his big sister ride her bike.And bouncing like crazy if anyone talks to him.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Sophie's Valentine
Today and tomorrow, our local Safeway is selling little conversation heart cakes that you can customize yourself.
It might not be $2.00 worth of cake (we haven't tried it yet), but it definitely was $2.00 worth of fun. Sophie loved helping with the letters and adding her own decorative touch to the bottom.
Monday, February 08, 2010
Oh Goodie Goodie
Robin and I have ventured into the world of Handmade Etsy.
We sell really awesome scarves and headbands at extremely reasonable prices (more stuff to come soon). It will be your new favorite shop! And if you have a blog and if you like me even a little bit, it would be awesome if you casually mentioned your new favorite shop on your blog.
We sell really awesome scarves and headbands at extremely reasonable prices (more stuff to come soon). It will be your new favorite shop! And if you have a blog and if you like me even a little bit, it would be awesome if you casually mentioned your new favorite shop on your blog.
Monday, February 01, 2010
He Sits, He Eats
He Sits.
He Eats.
And he's a little bit cute.
Just a little bit.(notice he's in the exact same position as the first picture, just tipped 90 degrees)
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Mobile Modification
I made Sam's mobile. It's part of a tree branch from our back yard with stitched felt birds suspended from it. I love it because it's simple, it matches his decor, and because I love birds. But even more than all of that, I love it because for some miraculous reason, Sam loves to look at it.
But
He especially loves to look at it if you get it spinning a couple times and he can watch it rotate.
So
I bought a spinning motor. And he's in love.
Proof:
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