Insta Friday

I am loving the cooler weather.  I hate to bake in the summer because we do not have central air and it is miserable being in the kitchen.  I made up for it last week.  I made apple crisp ala mode, cookie butter cookies {the amazing recipe for these are coming soon}, and pumpkin cheesecake muffins.

Here is a not so great photo of Maddie (she is the one in the back) cheering last weekend.  I am shocked each week at the lack of parents in the stands supporting their kids.  Shocked.

 

 

Madison's 13th birthday is less than a month away.  I ordered these labels for 50% off from Tiny Prints.  I am going to use them to package favors for her party.  I am also working on invitations I am making.  We are doing a Paint Your Own Canvas party for Maddie and 7 friends at our house.  I am so glad I convinced her chevron was the way to go.

 

 

I am still loving the chalkboard display as you enter our kitchen as well as everyone adding the things they are thankful for.   I am pretty sure my husband earned himself some back scratching the evening after he shared this gem.

 

 

 

I am linking up with -  



Fertility Help at the Dentist... ?

Yesterday I went to the dentist for my cleaning appointment.  Mind you I was already unsettled because (1) I hate going to the dentist and (2) 6 months ago when I was there I refused xrays because there was a possibility I was pregnant... and I just didn't want to be asked about that.

 

I saw a new hygienist.  She was reviewing my file before she started and asked if I was still taking a medication listed in my file.  I let her know I was and she asked if I was on it for diabetes.  I am on it, but not for diabetes, it was prescribed by my obgyn to help me get pregnant.  I told her that is why I was on it... because my husband and I were trying for a baby. Then she said to me... "You know what I recommend for that?  A bottle of wine while on vacation".

 

Now I know... she was probably just trying to be helpful... but the last thing a woman struggling to get pregnant wants to hear is "tips and tricks" from others.  Believe me when I say we have tried a vacation (July of 2011) and have consumed several bottles of wine.  We have also tried about every other trick in the book - standing on my head, relaxing, not trying, etc...

 

I am sure myself and countless others just wished like crazy all it took was a vacation and a bottle of wine... because believe me I would have booked a trip and bought a case of wine immediately after leaving their office yesterday.  

 

Here is a great article a friend shared with me - 12 Things You Should Never Ask a Woman.

Friday Letters - Parents, Subway, and Being Cheap

Here are a few Friday Letters to share...

Dear BJs Wholesale Club,

I really needed to pick up a few things this afternoon - eggs, milk, the best tortilla chips in the world, and a few other things.  THANK YOU for today being the last day my membership was valid... I just did not want to pay to renew today and was thrilled I could purchase my items today and wait until next time to renew.

Sincerely,

Happy Shopper... minus the LONG wait in optical to get Madison's new glasses

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Dear Father-in-law,

You have five children.  Two of them live in Rhode Island.  Those two live ten minutes apart from one another.  Those two talk to one another.  Why would you only tell one of them you were coming into town? Oh... that is right... you play favorites. 

Sincerely,

Glad My Parents Don't Play Favorites

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Dear Almost a Teenager Daughter,

I tried to take you to the other Subway to get dinner tonight.  You insisted we go to your "favorite" one.  I am sorry your "ex-boyfriend" from last year walked in right as I was about to order your plain turkey and cheese sub for you.  I am sorry you were both mortified.  I am sorry that he felt the need to hide behind him mom before ordering his Italian sub on wheat.   I don't think you could get to your cell phone fast enough once we got in the car to text your cousin and all of your friends.  Just remember this was the Subway you wanted me to bring you to.

Sincerely,

Mom Who Offered Food Choices Other Than Subway

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Dear Mom,

I am sorry excited you are coming to visit in a few weeks.  I am also glad that it will be the kick in the pants I need to clean the guest bedroom.  It seriously looks like a Michaels Arts & Crafts threw up in there.  Your visit will also prompt me to do all of the other things around my house I have been letting slide. 

Sincerely,

The Worst Housekeeper Ever

I am linking up my letters here -

 

Thursday Thoughts...

I have been in a blogging rut lately... and thought I'd share some recent thoughts...

~ I made dinner all four weeknights this week - for me that is Monday - Thursday and lets just say that rarely... if ever happens. So I have already told my husband tomorrow night we are going out and I plan on ordering my favorite salad - even though I think it is overpriced.  Its chopped romaine lettuce, gorgonzola cheese, dried cranberries, walnuts, grilled chicken, and a honey balsamic dressing. So far this week I made homemade pizzas, a whole chicken in the crock pot - easiest dinner ever, chicken tacos in the crock pot, and organic Italian chicken sausage with onions and peppers.  Nothing fancy... but I am tooting my own horn for cooking... especially tonight when I didn't want to and my husband threw the Chinese take out menu out on the counter.

~ Madison is loving cheer leading.  Every time I turn around she is doing a cheer.  Tonight I went to pick her up and she was standing there... in the middle of the practice field... tons of people around... just in a sports bra.  Let me tell you... I should have gotten my pajama clad self out of the car right then and there and yanked her up.  Apparently she needed a reminder this evening not to get undressed at cheer practice.  She "says" her shirt got wet... Umm... sure.

~ The week before last Georgetown Cupcakes was offering 40% off.  I have always wanted to try them - so I ordered a dozen.  They arrived a little bit mangled... and I have yet to hear back from the email I sent them regarding this which is a bit annoying... but even mangled they were some of the best cupcakes I have ever tasted.  I think the key lime was my favorite.

~ I am loving the new show The New Normal.  I hear some people are all up in arms about it because is portrays a gay couple in a positive way, but I thought it was hysterical and I plan on watching the rest of the season.  I am also hooked on Abby & Brittany the show about the now 22 year old conjoined twins - the other week when they graduated from college - I sobbed because I thought it was so wonderful that they lead such a normal and happy life.