Summer Bucket List

SUMMER IS HERE!!!!

We are thrilled for summer’s arrival and mostly because a new little one will be joining us in  just a few short weeks!!! 

Every summer and fall I create a bucket list to do with my family so we can keep things creative and fun!! 

Here are some of our summer activities I have planned!

** Side note** I decided to keep a mason jar around the house and add popsicle sticks ( I interchange them throughout the different seasons) so that its fun to let your kiddo draw one at random and feel like “ they picked the event"

*Parman Library ( local San A only)  offers a TON of kid friendly activities in the summer for toddlers-preschool age children. Bonus that it is air conditioned as well!!!

* Host a BBQ. I love having friends over to sip some wine and light up the grill..slice open a huge watermelon and let the kids play in the sprinkler. 

* Zoo Morning!!! It is so hot in the afternoons so a morning at the zoo would be perfect!

*Muffins with mama. Jax and I love to make muffins ( the easy no fuss kind where you pour a packet and mix some oil :)) and then drop them off at a friend’s house. I love this because it gives us one on one time, teaches a skill, and shows generosity by bringing them to someone else. 

* Splash Pad: Call up some friends and hit your local splash pad!! Pack a lunch if its around that time or snacks and stay a while!!

* BEACH! We will most definitely be making a few beach trips this summer

* Make Homemade Popsicles : Blend up some fresh fruit and freeze them!!!

* Pizza by the Pool

* Farmers Market: Brandon and I love to hit up the local farmers market, buy a ton of produce and then try and get creative with a dinner we can make with the items we bought. Get the kids involved too!

* Children’s Museum:  Find one local to your area! I love ours because it offers AC and is a great place for kids to burn off some creative energy!

* Host a playdate: Weather its with bubbles or sidewalk chalk, splash pools and watermelon.. or wine and apple juice:) Just get together with some friends and enjoy each others company!!!

So far that is our list!!!! 

Third Trimester Update!

Happy Friday!!!!!

I cannot believe I am about to say this but...

NEXT MONTH IS BABY MONTH!

WHAT!!!

Where did the time go??? 

I seriously cannot believe that it is almost time for me to hold my sweet second born...I am so grateful!!!

Here is a little bit of an update!

Due date: June 25

Baby is the size of a: I think Canteloupe

Total weight gain/loss: 25 lbs...eeek

Exercise: I work out daily with my amazing Fit4Mom group!!! According to my doctor I am a little more in shape this time than last.. WOO!

Stretch marks: Nope!

Swelling: Not yet.. but summer is quickly approaching and I am almost nine months pregnant...

Maternity clothes: Yes!!! My favorite places to shop for maternity are Pink Blush, Loft Maternity, Pea in the Pod, and Old navy Maternity!

Belly button: flat like a pancake LOL

Sleep: Sleep is seriously amazing... I am not sure I ever slept this good when I was pregnant with Jax. I am guessing I am so exhausted after chasing after a toddler all day and being super pregnant that I literally go comatose as soon as my  head hits my pillow.

Food cravings: I have had zero cravings this time around. The only thing I crave are sweets here and there

Movement: I LOVE feeling him!

Labor signs: no.. stay put until June bud!

What I miss: UM WINE.

What I’m loving: Im loving that any time I’m changing clothes or in a swim suit Jax races up to me to put his hands on my belly and gives it a kiss. It is truly the sweetest thing ever.

Best moment this week: It has become a part of our routine but my most favorite part of OUR* day is when Jax and I head to the park after nap. Jax with his juice and me with my starbucks.. I love to watch him make friends and run up and down the playground. 

What I’m looking forward to: 

Holding James Lucas!!!! Nursing again, and watching my boys love one another!

Month 8!

LIFE UPDATE

YES we are still alive!!! I have not sat down to write a blog post since winter.. 

it is now obviously almost Easter..

#slacker.

or #busymom??

Anyways!!! I am coming up on my THIRD trimester y’all!! This pregnancy is whirling by and I cannot imagine that I am going to be able to love on my sweet newborn sooner rather than later!!!!!! We have had a lot going on in this busy season of our lives and I am enjoying a rather full plate if you will of toddler activities, mom stuff, family gatherings, and lots and lots of house updates!

I have also thrown in a little cooking here and there and absolutely can’t wait to share my favorite PICO recipe with you :) You will LOVE IT!

So Life lately...

Life as of late has been going by a little to fast for my liking. If I could describe it I would say the days feel SO long in the moment but then by the time I lay my tired head down on my pillow at night I feel like everything happened so fast. I think that is life with a toddler..busy..never sitting down..always doing five million things at once.. “OH you need more juice?! hold on while mommy fills your cup, folds the laundry...”what’s that? You want more Mickey!? OK!!!”  - 

Jax is in the early stages of the terrible two’s except.. are the two’s really that terrible? I Hear it’s the threes that are downright devilish. Jax is definitely testing his independence and LOVES to tell Mommy no. which is hysterical and annoying all at the same time. He has an engineering mindset and is constantly taking things apart only to figure out how to put them back together. I love that. 

Jax has entered the stages of picky eating.. So many times I have friends on my Instagram asking me how I get Jax to eat these fabulous dinners I cook.. um I don’t?? I try and always offer but then if he sticks his nose up its a PB&J or Mac N Cheese for  the win!!! I have learned to not sweat the non eating stuff.. he gets plenty of fruits and veggies in the morning and afternoon.. by dinner if the kid isn’t into what mama is cooking I just call it a day. He isn’t gonna let him self starve...none of them will:) 

Pregnancy wise I am feeling GREAT! Everyone asks me all the time how I am feeling and I always feel like I should throw a complaint in here and there but honestly I feel amazing. Both of my pregnancies with the boys have been easy. I credit that to working out regularly and TRYING...I repeat TRYING to stay on a healthy diet. Girlfriend LOVES those weekly cupcakes from #BIRDBAKERYSA though :) 

** I passed my Glucose test! YAY!!!

Baby boy is measuring two weeks ahead.. we will go in for a scan in a few weeks to check on actual sizing.. because this was a *surprise* pregnancy I was not quite sure of the exact magical day so we are thinking he will come third week of June.. but he could definitely surprise us.. 

again :)!

I am BEYOND excited for spring and summertime to finally be here!! The pool is calling my name, the tanning SPF oil smells enticing, my plants are planted and watered ( daily)..for now..and blooming quite well!! I love splash pad days with J on a lazy saturday morning with coffee and a big ole’ smile! I love to sleep in and cook pancakes or muffins and not wear shoes outside..I love to be in the pool! I love when I get out of my car to walk inside HEB I am so hot that I need to instantly drink one of their random assortment of juices in the fruit section before I even checkout. I just LOVE summer. The beach and salty air, the towhead my sweet little blonde boy becomes..I swear his hair gets whiter and his eyes get blue-er during summer. Watermelon running down our faces and making home made popsicles. Yep its that time friends...

Up until now here is what we have been up to!!!

Jax loves to love on brother and it literally makes my heart melt!

A random craving during this pregnancy.. I have to drive to Conroe for it but I mean hey, anything for your kids right? LOL

I LOVE SA!

Buddies for life!

Fun at Fit4mom

My angel before church 

Life lately.. belly out.. no clothes.. jumping on the couch singing Mickey.. I may or may not have a coffee lying around somewhere

My new thing!! I am making floral arrangements weekly!! I LOVE fresh flowers..in my home you will always find three things: Music on, Fresh florals, and a candle burning. 

Snapper tacos with my delicious Pico!

Before pictures

Enjoy your week!!!!!!!

Cold Weather Chilli

Happy Monday!

Yesterday was another COLD and FRIGID day for us South Texans..

I will be blunt. IM done. 

Texas get your act together and bring me some sunshine. I live in the South for a reason and SUNSHINE is the main one. 

SO.. because of the cold and wintery Sunday I made my family’s favorite chili recipe. 

Chilli is comforting. Chilli warms your bones.. and that was exactly what we needed yesterday afternoon! 

I make my thick and hearty chili with one special ingredient - WORSTECHIRE!!! It sounds so strange right?! However it adds a certain little kick that will for sure have your tastebuds talkin’. Here we go!

Ingredients:

1 LB 90/10 Ground beef ( you could also substitute with turkey)

1 large yellow onion - chopped

1 can of rotel ( original or medium)

1 can of Kidney beans ( omit beans if you wish)

Beef Broth

Cumin

Cayenne

Chilli Powder

S&P

Garlic powder ( or fresh garlic)

Smoked Paprika

Worstechire 

Freshly grated Sharp Cheddar

Avocado

Frito ( optional) for garnish

Procedure:

-Start by sautéing your onion in some Olive oil. Once onion is cooked through then you can add your ground beef. Cook the beef until brown and crumbly!!

- Next add your beans and rotel and give it a good mix

- finally add the seasonings and beef broth. I do not have a specific amount to the ingredients. I am an “ add to taste” kind of girl. I like my chili to be spicy so I go heavy on the Cayenne and paprika. If you would like to OMIT the spice.. then go a little lighter . Add beef broth until the mixture is JUST covered and then a few glugs of worstechire to that. Give it a quick stir and then pop the top on your pot. Let this simmer for a good 2-4 hours. 

Serve with Freshly grated SHARP cheddar and avocado chunks.. I like to throw some Frito Chips on there for good measure :) 

** Photo is not my own. 

Life Lately

Happy Saturday

:) 

We had a great week full of playdates and park dates, visiting a new school and hanging out with friends!!! 

Having fun running around the park!

Messy bun = mom life

Jax’s big boy room reveal!!!! It is finally done!! We have yet to sleep in it buttttt that is coming up next :) I am so excited to share the details with y’all and plan on doing a separate blog post to link everything! 

Toddler Mode. Juice. Crackers. Sunglasses. Attitude.

I made crock pot black beans (my cuban friend’s recipe) and J pretty much licked the bowl clean

Here we are ready to tour St. Thomas!!!

Looking as handsome as ever!!!

** He starts MDO in August ( twice a week) and he could not be more excited!! It warms my heart SO much knowing he is going to a school that prayed for his very existence. During the two years we were trying to get pregnant I was working at St. Thomas. Those amazing women prayed for me diligently and held my hand throughout my journey. They rejoiced with me when I got pregnant with Jax and have been SO amazing to our family. It was no question where Jax would go when the time came for preschool. They couldn’t be more excited to have him :)

James Lucas is growing!

My GO-TO lunch these days. I made this lunch modeled after Bird

Bakery’s protein platter. During this pregnancy I crave HEALTHY foods.. I know right?

I NEVER ate this healthy with  J. I always wanted mexican food, FROYO, or burgers. This time around I am all about the chicken salads, avocados, veggies, and fruits!! I hope it stays this way throughout the rest of my pregnancy!

Find my chicken salad recipe HERE

We start our mornings with Milk and Mickey 

A baby in the bath :)

Enjoy your weekend y’all!!!!!

18 Month Favorites!!!

Happy Friday!!! 

Today on the blog I wanted to share my 18 month favorites with y’all!!! I cannot believe my baby boy is such a toddler already.. thank goodness I have a cure to my baby fever coming this June :)

Okay so as Jax grows we are obviously storing away some of our more “ babyish” items.. He is SO independent and SO busy.. this kid has me spent by like 4:30... 

1. Oxo Tot Feeding: Okay so this is my absolute favorite brand when it comes to feeding your toddler/baby. The bibs are catch all and can EASILY be wiped down.. so I mean thats about as good as it gets right? The zippy cups are great - never spill- and have a lid. We also like the munchkin 360 spoutless but these are our favorite right now. The bowls are awesome because they have a weighted bottom so they won’t slide everywhere and also come with lids so you can double them as a food storage! LOVE Oxo Tot. 

Bib HERE

Sippy HERE

Bowls HERE

2.  Give us all the Mickey Mouse: Jax is completely obsessed with his pal Mickey. My mom ahem Santa.. brought J a complete Mickey themed Christmas.. all these wonderful Melissa and Doug brand toys that are very educational. He plays with them daily!! I thought I would share because as a former teacher.. I love a toy that can teach!

Puzzle HERE

Stacker Toy HERE

3.  SPRING CLOTHES:  We could not be more ready for spring around here. With this unusual winter spell we have had going on I have been doing a TINY bit of online shopping for Spring Stuff.. Janie and Jack has the CUTEST stuff for Easter!!! They offer a lot of Promo codes at the top of their website so don’t forget to get that additional % off!!!! 

4.  FOOD:  Jax has been getting in both sets of K9 teeth so food has not been his strong point. I have been encouraging a lot of soft foods to help with the pain as well as rotating tylenol and motrin. I hate when our babies are in pain!! Anyways when it comes to food he has his favorites and still tries a variety of food. Here is a typical meal plan for Jax

Breakfasts:

*Kodiak cake with almond butter and berries

*Oatmeal with peanut butter, chia seeds, agave nectar ( tiny bit), and berries

*Eggs, berries, avocado

*Peanut butter toast with bananas sprinkled with cinnamon

*Yogurt with added berries and buttered toast

Lunches:

* Home made hummus with cucumber and bite sized chicken ( usually whatever leftover meat we have) with fruit and cheese stick

* Applegate chicken nuggets with Annies Mac n Cheese, Fruit

* Peanut butter toast ( if he doesn’t have it for breakfast) with fruit and a cheese stick

* Mini PB&J sandwiches.. (we use tiny cookie cutters to cut them into bite sized shapes), Fruit

Dinners:

*Meatballs ( VEGGIES VEGGIES VEGGIES!! SNEAK ‘EM) he doesn’t “ notice” spinach and zucchini a lot so those are my sneakiest ones :) with a side of sweet potato

* Ground beef and whole grain rice- I try and make a simple “ stir fry” and either put some chicken or ground beef in his rice along with an egg for extra protein. He chows down. I love to use brown rice and he doesn’t seem to notice but you could always add white if that is what you have on hand.

* Grilled Cheese bites with home made hummus and veggies

* Veggie Quesadillas with fruit

* When all else fails I will do breakfast for dinner or a smoothie :) Smoothies are great. I always add whole milk, yogurt, peanut butter, spinach,chia seeds, and whatever fruit I have on hand. HE loves strawberry bananas. I tell him it’s ice cream!! HAHA!

5.  FOOTWEAR: 

This kid is on the GO!!! He loves to run and play therefore needing good sturdy shoes to support his busy feet :) I am still all for style but know that there needs to be a balance of that and support for his foot. I will link our favorite shoes below. 

Natives

See Kai Run

Polo Baby <----- On sale for 21.99

Sun San Toddler Sandal

Enjoy the weekend!

Hummus Recipe

HUMMUS

I wanted to share one of my all time favorite snacks with y’all today and how I make it three different ways.. hummus is so versatile and QUICK to make. I use it for spreads on tortilla wraps, to dip my veggies and crackers in..its full of protein and its so so delicious!!! Here are a few different ways that I make ours.


1. Classic Hummus

What you will need is 1 can of garbanzo beans ( rinsed)
tahini sauce
olive oil
juice of one lemon
salt and pepper
1/3 cup of water

In your food processor pour your garbanzo beans, 1 LARGE table spoon of tahini sauce ( more if you love it), about 3 liberal glugs of olive oil, your juice of the lemon, and a liberal amount of salt and pepper and water. Blend and then season to taste.  garnish with smoked paprika if desired

How EASY?!

2.  Roasted Red pepper hummus

You will need 1 red bell pepper

garlic, olive oil, salt and pepper, one can of garbanzo beans, juice of 1 lemon, tahini sauce, and 1/3 cup of water

start by roasting your red pepper at 450 degrees..roast until blistered and soft.

then in your food processor repeat the steps just like the classic hummus except add your roasted red pepper to the processor. 

garnish with chopped red bell pepper!

3. Kalamata olive Hummus

In this hummus you will include everything in the classic hummus except you will add 4 kalamata olives to the processor.. and one clove of garlic.

Garnish with Kalamata olives and fresh feta cheese