Pancakes and Pajamas

This was our last weekend before heading back to work for the last leg of the school year. I had an uneventful, perfect week of being with my family. Kailyn walks around saying Mama...Mama...Mama all day. I think this week of us being together turned her into a full blown Mama's girl, and I love it!

Saturday and Sunday were both filled with birthday parties. Saturday, we helped our cousins celebrate their birthdays. It was a nice day with family, but we missed our Daddy because he was in a golf tournament.

On Sunday, we celebrated a little girl's 6th birthday with pancakes and pajamas. This was the cutest pajama party I have ever seen! From hand decorated pillow cases to build-a-bear stuffed animals, all the kids had such a great time at this party.

We had some delicious brunch when we arrived. The table looked gorgeous in spring colors and personalized milk jugs for the girls. Our girls were some of the youngest party goers so we had our own special set up. It made it so easy for us to get these sweet girls fed.

After we ate, the birthday girl's dad took care of us. He hooked our little ones up with a huge white pad of paper that was the hit with Kay and Addie. They used markers on that paper for 2 hours! The marker ended up on a lot more than just the paper, but we didn't mind as long as they had a good time. Even the big girls wanted to help the little girls decorate their paper. It was so cute. Look at this with my little Kay in the mix.

Look at Kay right in the middle of the action.

I can't believe this sweet girl is 6! When I met her, she was a little girl, and now she is a big school girl. She changed so much in 3 years. This pj party was just perfect for her, and I know she had a great time. I hope she made some special wishes that come true! Happy Birthday K!

What's On My Nightstand

Well, my resolution is still going strong. I haven't blogged about it in awhile, but I have been reading. (Don't worry friends, my magazine obsession has not waned.) In the past two months, I have been able to read 3 and a half books. Not too shabby... granted two and half of them were teen reads... don't judge me.

My first book was Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. I love reading about the Holocaust. It truly amazes, disgusts, and intrigues me. I guess I just love learning more and more about it. One of my favorite books is The Boy in the Striped Pajamas. This one is a must read, and again it is for teens so it is an easy read, but it leaves a tremendous impact. Back to Sarah's Key ... I liked it. I definitely didn't love it, but it gives a lot of insight into the role the French and the French Police played in these horrific events. It tells two stories, and the story of the little girl is heart-wrenching.

As I was reading Sarah's Key, I started rushing to finish it so I could jump on The Hunger Games bandwagon. I hate being out of the loop so I needed to read these books ASAP. Well, I finished the first two books quickly, and I loved them. I am appalled at the fact that they are for teens, and I would NEVER let my teen read these books. Not just because of the killing and cannibilism, but with all of the "Big Brother" and political implications, it is not appropriate for young readers. Although, I doubt that they would even pick up on some of it. With that being said, I loved these books. The hype is definitely worth it.

I am still finishing Mockingjay. *Sigh* I slowed down a bit because I am starting to feel a little bummed that they are almost over. What will I read next? Any suggestions?

Are you on Goodreads? Find me!

Easter - Take 2

Our Easter weekend was filled with so many exciting activities. We started off our fun weekend on Friday with a trip to our friend Angela's house. An Easter egg hunt was in store for our sweet crew of kiddies. We had a table full of yummy food and drinks. How can you go wrong with this bunny bread? Nice job, Lis! 

The kids were all set to put on their bunny ears and look for eggs!

My child wasn't interested in the bunny ears as much as she was dumping this container of chalk on the floor! Her newest obsession. After we ate some yummy snacks, we tried to get some pictures.

Look at Kay checking out Baby Max! She wasn't having it.

Then the escape artists took flight.

What a cute day for the kids! They all had a great time and got some goodies in their personalized little buckets. Can't wait until next time ladies!

Easter - Take One

Well, I have been away from my blog for a month! I don't know how it happened. It is not like I haven't had anything to share... between bridal showers, bachelorette parties, and work, I have been one busy momma. I am tired, and I am so happy I finally made it to spring break.

Spring break started with an Easter filled weekend. We had such a great time spending time with family and friends. I was most happy to be with this little girl. Can you believe how big she looks in a month? The last time I posted pictures of her, she did not look this big. She looks like a big girl now!

Yesterday, we celebrated Easter Sunday at Mom Mom and Poppy's house. We had a huge feast followed by an Easter egg hunt. Kay was into it! She carried around her huge basket like a purse, picked up eggs, and threw them in the basket. After finding a few, she figured it out and was peeking over the garden ledge looking for more! She LOVED it! Although, she loves pretty much anything that is outside.

It was such a beautiful day. Kay and her cousins had a great time. We have been on the go for so long, and it was nice to finally relax, be with family, and not have to rush and worry. We just hung out, watched Phil blow it at the Masters, and played with our baby girl. From these smiles, I can tell she had a great time.

Happy Easter

Happy Easter from our family to yours. XOXO

Product of the Week - Toddler Lunch Edition

Product of the Week Time!

Since my daughter was a baby, I have been a bit of freak about feeding her. Always trying to make the best choices, I was very picky about what she could have. I have started to ease up, but I am still interested in giving her new things, trying to find ways for her to be open to enjoying healthier foods. I have been obsessed with muffin tin meals and all things bento boxes. Not sure what I am talking about ... follow this chick, this chick, and this chick!

via

Seriously, who wouldn't want to make a lunch like this for their child! So sweet and special!

Now, in an attempt to spice things up for my little lady, I have started to try to make food look more appealing. Cue products of the week...

1. Lunch Punch Sandwich cutters

Lunch Punch cutters

Cutest designs ever! I love these things... I can get so many different sets on amazon!

2. Wilton Silicon Bake cups

Wilton Bake Cups

There are so many cute designs and funky cups to put healthy foods in. I love these as snack dishes on a colorful plate of food!

3. Bento Lunch Boxes

Easy Lunch Boxes

4. Food Picks

Food picks

These cute seashore picks were my first purchase! I haven't used them yet, but aren't they so cute! I can't wait to use them this summer with some summer themed lunches.

Anyway, I love these things to help make feeding time a little friendlier around my house. How do you get your kids to eat and try new things?

Product of the Week - Juicer

Another installment of product of the week! I love Thursdays!

Okay, I am obsessed with my Jack LaLanne's power juicer. I actually borrowed it from a friend to give it a "test run" because I couldn't fathom buying a juicer that would never be used. I LOVE this thing. I mean really, truly love. It is so easy to use, you can throw anything in there (and add an apple) and it tastes delicious. I love using up all of my produce that is starting to get a little too ripe, and I am cutting way back on my waste each week.

I have even been using my juicing pulp to bulk up my mac and cheese, muffins, and cookies with extra vitamins and fiber for the sweet girl. Seriously, google "what to do with my juicer pulp?" and it is like a gold mine! I know I sound crazy... it's all good. Making carrot muffins without shredding a billion carrots is ah-mazing....and so what if they are made with cream cheese frosting...there is still carrot involved.

This little sucker is a gem. I have been using it non-stop. For about $100, it is worth the investment of feeling good.

The only downfall is the clean up (and that it is kind of big on your counter). Cleaning up after one cup of juice is a bit of pain, but when I think about all the nutrients I am giving myself and my daughter I don't mind as much.

Check out my juicer pinterest board for lots of yummy recipes! My favorite is pineapple and carrot juice. It is so yummy, and it looks like a glass of sunshine!

Now, I am not some health freak, but I am hooked on juicing!