Snow. Snow. Snow.

We really are SNOW people. We love the cold, and the snow, and the lack of hot weather...we embrace not sweating, we embrace not wearing flip flops, and though they are ugly we LOVE our UGGS. We love the hunt for the perfect winter coat for the season. We love hot cocoa and grilled cheese concoctions, we love fireplaces and comfy blankets, piles of slippers and PJs that are worn all day because there is no need to go outside....unless it's for sledding or snowball fights (and even then you layer your PJs).... We love watching the snow fall, we love snowmen, and we love snow angels...... sadly we must forge north for our layers of snow, but thankfully not for our memories and adventures.....we still can do most all of this, and we have. This weekend there was more baking [stay tuned for the crackle Mocha Chocolate Cheesecake adventure] and there were snowball fights, puppy snow adventures, pj snuggles, attempts to snowmen, UGGS, and we did wear our perfect winter coats. These weekends, these holidays, are amazing.... I am spoiled beyond anything I ever imagined with peace, with love, with joy....these are a few of my favorite things:

Snow Much Fun. Furry Friends. Best Fuuurrrriends Forever.

Puppy Kisses. American Girls. Drumming. Beauty Shop. 

 Happy New Years!!

Today.

This happened today.

So today was pretty much perfect. That is all.

Good Night! 

Just Thinking....

There are things that people say that get old to hear over and over again....but there are somethings that give you butterflies every time you hear them.

'Mommy, I love you.'

'Mommy, you are my best friend.'

'Mommy, can we cuddle.'

My heart melts just writing that. When I hear her say those things, I am a puddle. When you are a parent you learn how to love in a whole new and amazing way. I think that this must be how God must feel when we talk to Him, when we tell Him how we appreciate Him, how we believe in His word. It makes my heart giddy knowing that God must experience that feeling a million fold, don't forget to talk to God. Every moment is the right moment to reach out to Him. Have a wonderful day! 

So Very Blessed.

What an amazing time of year. I am still reveling in the snow falling, the adventures to come, the love that we are fully surrounded with each and every moment. Thank you Jesus. We are so blessed. Here is a little bit of our joy over the past few days....and let me just tell you there is more heading our way. I hope you all had amazing Christmas celebrations, great family memories created, and moments that you will forever hold dear to your heart. 

On the 24th Day of December Elf on the Shelf left Mini a parting Party dress(es) and a letter sending her farewell till next December 1st.

I received a little (amazing) present of my own. (and a few more later on :))

On the Eve of Christmas we had our annual festivities....and things got a little goofy.

We caught up with family.

Santa had to make room for some amazing homemade cookies. 

And someone was very good this year.....

Oh MY Desserts....

Yesterday we had our second (third) Christmas party and it was my time to make some tasty (hopefully) desserts. I gave Mini the choice to pick out exactly what she wanted when it came to what we were going to bake and she definitely knew exactly what she wanted to make....and it almost all was a first for me. So we ventured into our baking with some wonderful Christmas music playing and only the freshest of ingredients.

Here is what we ended up with these three amazing desserts: (Recipes to follow! Along with our second day of baking adventures)

Our Peppermint Kisses

Fresh Raspberry Mini Cheesecakes

The most amazing Open Faced S'more Cookies

Starting to bake in a few minutes for our second set of recipes!! Cannot wait to share!

Making the Most.

As Christmas gets closer and I get more excited, I love to reflect on the year that we have had. A personal account of what I loved, what I want to do different next year, and what I want more of in the following years to come. Do any of you do that? I don't do goals. I don't do regrets, I just like to do plans and memories. This year was ethereal for me. I loved the quiet moments, the exciting moments, and I loved that I was able to experience each of those moments with the people that I love and cherish. Today was just one of 'those days' that will go in my book of BIG memories for years to come. I love those days where you just know in your heart, this is going to be a keeper this memory will last a life time. I had that thought today over and over again. The laughter, the giggles, the awe, the joy....yep, it was all there. I hope you all have been able to experience those moments this year, and I hope that next year brings you memories you couldn't even begin to imagine being a reality. 

We all have our memories....

We all have our dreams....

And in the midst of all of that, we have our realities....

                           

  Those cousins that are just the best.

That horse that thought your hair was a treat.

That place that you can't wait to go back too. 

Those friends you love with all your heart.

That kiss goodnight that makes you know you are home.



These are a few of my mementos to this year for my own special reasons. I am blessed. We are blessed. 

And your heart breaks...

I have grieved for the families that have had to go through this tragedy. I have grieved as a mother, my heart breaking more and more as the reality sets in for those mothers and fathers, sisters and brothers, who have lost tragically in ways no one can fathom. My prayers go out to them in a stream of consistency and deliberateness.  I pray for their hearts, and the hole that is now empty in them, that there may be some peace some day that can patch even just a little bit of the pain that they are feeling now. God help them breath today, help them be able to get out of bed, help them see that they are loved, peace be with them. I pray for them and beg that they get rest, that they are able to turn their thoughts off just for a moment.....

God be with them. 

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you." Isaiah 43:2

"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:28

And then the list grew.

This weekend Mini decided that she needed to do her own online shopping for herself....how is this happening?? She took over the computer and she made her selections for what she 'needed' for the new year. I think it goes without saying that she has fabulous taste.

Mini's Clothing Christmas List: 

Love my girls style! Happy Shopping :)

A Crunch here, a crunch there....

I was not planning on writing about working out....but I thought why not? I am having a blast with my new workout schedule and I am feeling stronger and more fit than I have in a LONG time. I think that should be celebrated for anyone and everyone that decides to take back their body. It is hard when you are a parent to fit time in to workout, trust me I know, but it is not impossible. I fit my workout time in at night after the house is asleep, I fit in strength training in even when I am working, I try to get in 100 squats, lunges, and crunches in between projects. If I am cooking in the kitchen or letting the dogs out I fit in as many squats as I can, I lung up and down the halls sometimes to get from point A to point B. It doesn't take away from my time and it is adding quality of life, how can you go wrong? So here is what I have been doing for the past two and a half week. Every day I try to add something to my routine, I mix it up, I do this, then the next night I do intense cardio, and every night after I workout I do yoga and stretch so that I am not super stiff the next morning. Happy working out!

Our words.Their thoughts.

Our children know us. They know the real us. That person who wakes up with a half pony tail, 'man pants', and your stained, worn favorite comfy holey all -time most broken in shirt ever.That is the person they know when they think of their parents. The words and thoughts that come from you when you are in the comfort of your own home is forever in their heads, it is what shapes them, and when you are not around that is what they remember most about you. Your everyday, at home you.

Who are you when the most important ears are listening and the most important eyes are watching?

Be their inspiration.

Toys!

In our house we have our 'toy favorites', but I am always interested in finding new and fun toys to add to the mix. My go to for unique toys this Christmas season? Etsy. I always go to them for home decor and girlie bows, but they have so many other items that are just waiting to be discovered. Here are some of the items that I have found and love:





Check them out! I love the options and the quality that is out there for our babies! Some are funky, some are classics, and they all are you unique which I love more than anything. Happy Shopping! 

Sick Days and Elf Ways.

We have come down with a stinky virus at this house and we are trying our hardest to get over it as fast as we can, we have resorted to many snuggles, Christmas (and the occasional karate) themed movies, chocolate malt shakes, and giggles. It is safe to say that all this is working. And while we are recovering a little Elf on the Shelf we know and love has made it's way back into the house nightly ;) Here are some of the peculiar places that we have found her:

Day One she thought she would drop by with her favorite Austrian Dark Chocolate.

Day Two she tried to hide a surprise under some 'snow'.

Day Three she got a little carried away with the candy and may have found herself stuck!

And Day Four she tries to rider her friendly (40 in!!) horse to bring a gift as well. 

I have had a blast with our Elf on the Shelf and I can't wait to come up with other ideas for the rest of the month. I am trying my own spin on it, our Elf brings little gifts every day for 24 days from the North pole, she is our own personal Advent Calendar! Are you trying anything unique with your Elf this year??

Christmas Books.

I love, love, love the holidays (if you couldn't tell already). And I always try to invest in festive books for each holiday season. I am picky about the books I get, because I like them to be around for a long time so I am a bit of a hard cover/good content snob. Since Christmas is upon us I knew that it was that time once again to start hunting and buying up all of my 2012 favorites for the Christmas season in books. Here is what we are reading now:



I love some more than others and Mini has her favorites as well. We always have our classics that are just a must, such as Grinch and the night before Christmas. Two of our favorite new additions are Yes, Virginia and also Aliens Love Panta Claus. I hope you all have an amazing time getting into the spirit of Christmas!

Eating Healthy.

Just like most women I strive to eat healthy and workout.... (both of which I slacked on horribly this past year) So I have devoted myself to clean eating and working out once again. But. I love food. SO much. So I searched for good 'snacky food' to have on hand while I am working or hanging out at home in between meals. I know for me personally that is when the calories sneak into my diet.

Here are some items I have been loving and munching on! And just by snacking on these instead of popcorn and pretzel (my go to comfort snacks) I am down a few pounds in less than a week! (While watching my meals and working out 10-20 minutes a day+ strength training lightly)





I like starting my day off with Low Fat Kefir, blueberry or strawberry, mixed with a 1/2 a cup or less of low fat granola or some Chobani Greek Yogurt. I am in love with snacking on Hannah's Tzatziki and small organic cucumbers. (One tablespoon goes a long way! One tbs and one small cucumber tides me over and is under 50 calories total!) I also love eating a few tablespoons of Chachies Mango Salsa while I'm working or a small back of apple slices (check what kind you get! Some can be packed full of sugar!)

I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I do!!! Happy eating!

The Pecan Pie Cheesecake!

Holiday Pecan Pie Cheesecake

 What you will need: 

Buttery Crust:

2 cups vanilla wafer crumbs

¼ cup firmly packed brown sugar

⅓ cup butter, melted

Pecan Pie Filling:

1 cup sugar

⅔ cup dark corn syrup

⅓ cup butter, melted

2 eggs

1 ½ cups chopped pecans

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cheesecake Filling:

3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 ¼ cups firmly packed brown sugar

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4 eggs

⅔ cup heavy whipping cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

To start: Preheat oven to 350°. Combine wafer crumbs and brown sugar. Stir in melted butter. Press into bottom and up sides of a 9″ springform pan. Bake for 6 minutes. Set aside to cool. It will be a little mushy but don't worry it's the butter ;) 

Next: Reduce oven to 325°. Combine all ingredients for the Pecan Pie Filling in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer until thickened, about 8-10 minutes, stirring constantly. Pour into crust and set aside to cool. 

Lastly Cheesecake Filling: With a mixer, beat cream cheese at medium speed until creamy. Add brown sugar and flour and beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each one. Stir in cream and vanilla. Pour over pecan filling. Bake for 1 hour.  I would place a water bath under the Cheesecake to prevent cracking and also as a catchall for the butter that will leak from the crust will baking. 

Turn off oven and leave cheesecake in oven with the door closed for 1 hour. Remove from oven and run a knife along the outside edges to loosen cheesecake from sides of pan. Let cool. Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

End product 

I hope you all enjoy as much as we did! 

So very Thankful.

What an amazing Thanksgiving. This year might just top the books for the best ever Thanksgiving. There was amazing food, amazing giggles, amazing fun, and so much relaxation.

We truly are blessed with a fabulous family (that really knows how to cook!)

Here are some of my favorite moments from this week:

My Princess 'Dragon Hunting' in the backyard.

Our Mr. he was guarding his Princess. 

After. Dessert. 

My Pecan Pie Cheesecake (recipe too follow)

The two Amigos. (This is their relationship perfectly.)

Cute (Girl) Baby Shoes

I loved, loved, loved buying shoes for Mini when she was a baby and I still do. Now that the next serge of adorable babies are on the horizon with many people I know I thought I finally had an excuse to look at ittle shoes again! Here are some of my favorites! Enjoy :)

Thanks.giving.

I was snuggling up with Mini today at work and we were chatting about life, and she had overheard someone talking about how when Christmas comes around they give less fortunate children toys. She was confused. She then told me about how just this month people talk about what they are thankful for. She was confused again.

The reason for her confusion? She said it so perfectly, "Mommy, we give all year round to people and donate what we can, and we tell God what we are thankful for all year round, not just November."

Out of the mouth of babes.

I am blessed every day out of the year. We all are whether we acknowledge it or not. I try so hard to make it a point to show my thankfulness and teach her to do the same. I believe the old adage, 'To much is given, much is required," And Mini and I have been blessed abundantly in love, grace, peace, monetarily and spiritually and because of that it is my joy as a roll model and parent to teach giving and donation to instill a servants heart. And let me just tell you, Mini has the sweetest heart out there. Goodness she is amazing!

So I may not partake in posting what I am thankful for, for a month, but I hope that I show what I am thankful for year round. I hope I make it personal, and I let those around me know my inner gratitude. I hope everyone embraces thanks.giving. Even maybe past Black Friday :)

Even the smallest of gifts count...

The Cruel Shoes.

I grew up around people with a special type of humor. And I notice that many things we joked about had to do with shoes...weird. 'Boot to the head' video and The Cruel Shoes- Steve Martin comes to mind immediately as very standard things to be quoted/watched in my house growing up.

This really never seemed of relevance to me until....today.

A little back story (again) since I became a mother I have had this problem of being a little over prepared in most every situation. I carry changes of clothes, first aid kits, and food and water at all times with me. You never know what you will need when you have children, no matter their age. And when it comes to work I am the same way, you never know what you will need, a suit, food, makeup...or a change of shoes. And because of this I have a 'emergency drawer' in my office with all of the essentials. Now I have not broken into this drawer in over a year, and I forgot that my emergency shoes had heels, sadly with my ankle I haven't rocked heels in a year, until today.

I have a bad habit of wearing my slippers to work.

Okay it's a really bad habit.

But it's comfy...and I like comfort.

Until I have to go somewhere that requires 'real' shoes.

 I think that big fluffy slippers should be allowed everywhere... but until I get that to be a thing I still needed shoes today. While weighing if I could pull off the 'pink fuzzy slipper' look I remembered my emergency drawer, grabbed my emergency shoes (boots) and was saved.

Let me just tell you, these boots are the most uncomfortable, ugly boots ever. Horrible. So today I am going to go emergency shoe/boot shopping. It's a thing. Trust me today totally proved it.

Really? I see acceptability in both. 

The Trouble with the Missing Voice

You would think that after all my experience with this time here on earth I would predict and be prepared to have Laryngitis...but it yet again plagued me. This didn't used to be a problem before babies and pets, but now...now it poses a problem or two.

It is hard to instruct, explain, ask, answer....when you can't talk and your children can't read yet....and your pets can't either for that matter. So today I am trying to save my voice...my instructions....my explanations for only the really important things. But when you are young, everything is really important. I think I might hire a translator. Yes I might just do that....

Well, until then I think I need another Venti Peppermint Mocha....chicken noodle soup...and some awesome snuggles. Have a great Wednesday....

Oh! And my new bed frame will be here today!Yay!

It's the little things in life that make me happy! 

Waiting Patiently

I love cold weather and so does Mini....we wait year round for it. The cold gets us ready for hot chocolate, peppermint scented and flavored everything, layered clothes (cute coats), gloves galore, and the most snugly of blankets. Today has been no exceptions in the cold department, though we are still waiting on our snow (cue sad face.)

We snuggled with the puppies, we snuggled and watched Max and Ruby, Charlie and Lola, we snuggled and read our Christmas themed books, we snuggled and read our devotions...it was a sweet morning one that I will not forget. Today we read about how important each and everyone of us are...

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.-Psalm 139:14

What an amazing thing to know in your heart, no matter how old or young you are, you are perfectly you. Have a blessed day! 

Take everyday and make it wonderful.

The Cookie Cure.

I have always believed that there is cure for pretty much anything if baked goods and giggles were involved. I am sure there are those out there that disagree but for me today I believe that we must try. The weather change/being in school/life have brought on a bit of a cold to my Mini today and I am ready to take that cold on!

First step surround her with the animals that she loves, favorite toys, blankie, and snuggle the cold out of her while watching her favorite movies....next make a pile of homemade gluten free cookies.... and then some more loving to top it off. I think it sounds like a good plan. Hope you all stay cold free and have a great weekend, I know we are!

Great Gluten Free Cookie Options in a Pinch

If You Tinkle....

Tonight I was presented with one of those teachable parenting moments...and I missed my mark. Let me give you a little back history....

I was petrified of potty training my angel and so I called in back ups when that time came (the grandmas) prepared for wet beds, soaked floors, and stained car seats ..but I was fortunate enough to not experience any of that! (Yes, I know I am blessed!) It took a few days and within that time we had our first/ and last accidents, to date as of tonight. We have gone over three years accident free....that is until tonight.

Tonight Mini was getting her stuffed animals tucked in, like she does every night before bed, the house had become quiet and I was ready to get her snuggled in and asleep so I could work on some assignments until I heard her yell out in excitement, "I'm drowning some ants!!! I am drowning some ants!" I wasn't sure what she meant, so I responded, "That's exciting baby!" But she didn't stop saying it, she came down the stairs and ran into the bathroom....still shouting, "I am drowning the ants!" Finally, I asked her what it meant.

"Mom! It's like what dogs do outside....only I did it IN MY PANTS!" She loudly whispered. I couldn't contain myself I was doubled over in laughter, tears running down my face, giggling uncontrollably. I knew this was one of those 'teachable moments' where I would explain to her how we need to listen to our bodies telling us when to use the restroom...but I ruined it and laughed instead....we both laughed instead....and then I almost 'drowned the ants too'.

So have a happy weekend, try not to drowned any ants...and remember to laugh...even when you aren't supposed too!

Jeremiah 29:11

Hear come the Holidays, Part 1

Top Right Clockwise: Glazed caramelized onions to top the mashed potatoes and gravy, Rosemary dinner rolls, Pumpkin Chocolate Tiramisu, Spiced Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffle, Jerusalem Artichoke Gratin, and French Toast Dumplings. 

I love the Holidays....a lot. I love the cold weather, the excuse to layer clothes, drink everything flavored with peppermint or pumpkin, snuggle up and watch cheesy movies, and so very much more. Becoming a parent made all of that so much more than it every was to me, and because of that we start early and we enjoy every second of the Holidays that much more.

But today is not about the traditions, it is not about the crafts or the days and party favors to come, those are for another blog in a very soon post to follow. Today is about food! I love taking the tried and true recipes and mixing them up into something fun and unique, while still staying true to their roots. Here are some of my Thanksgiving foods for thought:

My All Saints Christmas List....

My All Saints Christmas List.... by dmama07 featuring oversized tops

Sometimes I think that maybe, just maybe, Santa would want my Christmas list so I thought I would start getting it together. This week I am featuring my All Saints Christmas List. I can't help it, they make everything I love. Oversized tops, awesome boots, and dresses that make you want to curl up  in your favorite quilt and drink a hot chocolate..... Speaking of that I think I might just do that now. Have a great weekend! 

This Week in Makeup

I used to LOVE makeup. Love it something fierce. I had a closet full of makeup, because lets face it, it's fun to play with. And then last year I went on a little 'makeup free journey' to find myself...let me just tell you, I couldn't find myself and it was boring! So now I am getting into the swing of things, and might I mention having a blast doing so!

Here are a few items that I picked up this week:

This Week in Makeup by Grin and Giggle featuring a benefit mascara

Welcome to my blog!

I have blogged before and now I am back at it again. There are a few things that I love...my child, my closet, my puppies, and my life. The essentials of who I am belong in that sentence. But as for most things life is always evolving and advancing and I think what better place to experience that than right here? 

I hope you enjoy as I make my way through this adventure with ya'll! 

Happy Friday!