No Regrets

Best Friends

2011-08-14T19:51:00.002-05:00

I love this picture

It totally captures their personalities. Khloe has no fear and climbed right up there. Reece preferred to stand next to it and smile. It is so funny how 2 little girls can be so different yet be so close. I hope they are best friends forever!

"I don't like Captain Hook"

2011-07-07T19:08:00.007-05:00

Reece loves pirates-- She watches Jake and the Neverland Pirates everyday. We record it and she watches it everyday. She talks about Captain Hook and Mr. Smee all the time. So, when I saw that the Scotish Rite Children's Theatre was doing a performance of Peter Pan, we had to go. We talked about it for several weeks leading up to it and Reece was so excited----- until we got to the parking lot. Then she decided she was afraid of Captain Hook! " I don't like Captain Hook" The play was fantastic. We will go back and see several of the plays. I highly reccomend it. Reece loved it.

She loved Tinkerbelle

She loved Peter Pan

She loved Wendy

Daddy loved Captain Hook

Happy Independence Day

2011-07-04T20:41:00.002-05:00

from my little firecracker!

Camping Day

2011-06-20T15:16:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago Reece had a camping day at school Ms. Kathy made the kids the most adorable shirts that have their handprints on them. I love them. They ate lunch outside, went hiking, birdwatching, looking for spiders, made trail mix and the best thing---- ate smores!!! Here are two of my favorites!!!

Birthday Party Pics

2011-06-12T10:56:00.003-05:00

a month and a week after her big day!

Here are some of my favorites:

Can you believe

2011-05-01T15:44:00.003-05:00

this little girl will be 3 years old a week from today!!!!

We took a break this morning from birthday party preparations to snap a few birthday pictures and she loved it. She has turned into quite the little ham lately. I am thrilled about that!

You can't really tell but she has black eye on her left eye or a purple eye as she calls it. She was tripped at school and fell into a bookcase.

Notice the necklace she is wearing with the purple shirt..... it was my mom's when she was 5. I thought this morning was the perfect time to give it to Reece. She did not want to take it off. I love my baby girl :)

The Many Faces of Reece

2011-03-10T19:27:00.002-06:00

From super sweet to super silly she makes the most amazing little faces.

Butterflies

2011-03-07T19:21:00.004-06:00

Yesterday we loaded up the jeep and headed to the zoo with Reece's friend Khloe and her mom, Sarah. We had a great day and the girls were so GOOD! It was a long day and I think I was more worn out than Reece. My favorite part of the zoo was looking at the butterflies in the butterfly garden. I took several pics and Sarah did too so I will post some more later but for now here are the butterflies:

Doesn't Reece look just like her daddy in that top picture!

Snow Day Fun

2011-02-04T18:00:00.004-06:00

It snowed last night and eary this morning. We did not get as much as I had hoped for but Reece and I still got a snow day and had fun playing and taking some pictures before Matt had to go to work. This was her first snow so she did not really know what to think at first but had fun once she figured it all out!

First Haircut, Poop and The Older Boy

2011-01-30T15:35:00.005-06:00

Let me just say there are no pictures of poop in this post- I promise!

We took Reece to Pigtails and Crewcuts to get her first haircut this month and she loved it. She got to sit in an airplane and watch Toy Story 3, fun right! We just had it trimmed, noting drastic.

Here are the before, during and after shots: (taken with my new toy)

Reece is potty trained and I don't even know how it happened. One day she was refusing to sit on the potty and the next day she was trained. It really happened that quick and I take 0 credit for it. Her teacher, Mrs. Kathy did it all. I did make a potty chart and let her put stickers on it everytime she went. She loves it.

I know she is going to hate me for this picture one day, but I just had to.

Yes, the "O" fell off and I have no idea where it went. All she cared about was she finished the chart and got to go to the Disney Store.

Like I said, she is doing great so when I picked her up last week and Mrs. Kathy told me she had an accident and pooped in her panties, I was shocked. Then she explained that the boys in her class have discovered how funny farting is.... well, my little princess decided to try and well, a little more than gas came out. Kathy said she freaked out and started screaming and taking her pants off and all Kathy could do was laugh.

And speaking of boys, Reece is smitten with one, a 5 year-old whose brother is in her class. His name is Jaxon and she really does love him. His mom and I decided this photo will be perfect in their wedding video.

For Today

2010-12-31T19:38:00.006-06:00

For Today - December 31, 2010

Outside my window: dark and quiet. I am sure that will change in a few hours

I am thinking: that I wish it were 9:00 and Matt were on his way home

I am thankful for: my family and our health

From the kitchen: 3 new Rachel Ray recipes for dinner this week

I am wearing: jeans and a black shirt

I am creating: nothing at the moment- made Reece a potty chart a couple of days a go

I am going: to try and get some great shots of Reece with a sparkler when Matt gets home

I am reading: anything I can find online about photography

I am hoping: for a wonderful 2011 filled with happiness and adventures

I am hearing: Little Einsteins and the dishwasher

Around the house: toys and Christmas decorations that need to be put away

One of my favorite things: planning our next vacation --- a Disney cruise in September

A few plans for the week ahead: getting back to work--- the real world with an alarm clock

A picture to share: New Year's Eve last year at Bud and Teri's wedding

Merry Christmas

2010-12-26T15:43:00.005-06:00

We had a great day yesterday. Matt bought me the camera I had been begging for since May. I took almost 100 pictures yesterday!

Here are a few of my favorites:

Santa Claus

2010-12-18T15:24:00.003-06:00

We took Reece to the mall today to see Santa and it could not have gone better. She loved him and told him everything she wants for Christmas. I love this picture. I think it is priceless. We got one of them both looking at the camera but this was my favorite, her talking to him.

After Santa she picked out a Precious Moment Santa ornament to put on her tree in her room.

My Favorite Family Picture

2010-12-11T15:36:00.004-06:00

This picture has always been one of my favorite pictures. It is on my desk at work and I love it. I have always loved to glance over at it when I am having "one of those" days and remind myself that everything will be ok once I get home and get to spend time with my family.

Now that we have lost Bella, this picture means more to me than ever before. It is an old picture and we have taken many since then---- this one has just always been special to me.

It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas

2010-11-28T19:14:00.002-06:00

and I love it!

Dear Reece

2010-11-17T21:23:00.004-06:00

This past weekend I was designing my Christmas cards from shutterfly and I came across this code for a free card "CARD4U" (it expires today). The code was for a free card --- one of the more expensive ones, not the ones I ordered to send out. Anyway I started playing around and came across a card that allowed you to add your "Christmas letter" to it. I thought it was really different and I loved it. I decided to change it up a bit and write a little note to Reece. I really liked the way it turned out and can not wait to get it in the mail. I think I am going to scan it and use it as the title page for her 2010 photo book.

What A Year Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

The picture on the bottom is a little sneak peek of our Christmas cards!
I hope to blog again before Thanksgiving but lets face it, I have 2 months of pictures that I have not posted so I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for all of you guys.... I really do have the best family and friends!

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T12:17:00.003-05:00

From The Barker Family

and Super Reece!

Sea World

2010-10-17T09:07:00.005-05:00

I am so far behind on downloading pictures, scanning Reece's artwork, blogging and a ton of other things. I really hope to get some things done this week and get caught up. Hopefuly there will be a few more posts this week as Reece has been quite busy and is turning into a little girl more and more everyday---- gone is my little baby!

Last Friday we went to Sea World and had so much fun. We had brunch with The Count and all his friends, fed the dolphins, saw some shows and took some silly pictures.

Madison's Birthday

2010-09-29T21:03:00.003-05:00

Sunday we went to Madison's 3rd birthday party. She is a friend in Reece's class. The kids had so much fun eating cupcakes and playing with each other.

Reece, Jessica and the birthday girl

Holden and Reece playing with balls. She loves Holden!

The kids playing with chalk.

I love this picture of her in the partyhat!

7 Years Ago Today

2010-09-16T20:33:00.002-05:00

7 Years Ago Today

I woke up to a beautiful sunrise with storm clouds rolling in.

7 Years Ago Today

I slipped on a wet sidewalk and almost broke my wrist.

7 Years Ago Today

I took a wonderful romantic walk on a beach.

7 Years Ago Today

He got down on one knee.

7 Years Ago Today

I said YES!

Fall and a Picture

2010-09-08T22:05:00.003-05:00

I am ready for cooler weather, warmer clothes, reasons to be outside playing, comfort food and the thought of the holidays! I think it is this rainy weather we have had the last couple of days which I love, just not during rush hour. I went to Starbucks today while running an errand for work expecting to order a vanilla latte when I discovered the pumpkin latte is back----- hello fall-itis!

And my favorite picture right now:

I love these two and can't wait to spend a great fall with them!

Jennifer

Growing Up

2010-08-24T20:40:00.003-05:00

Reece moved up into a new room at daycare yesterday----Early Preschool is what they are calling it. She loves it and was so excited. She loves loves loves her new teacher and I do too. Ms. Kathy would sub in the infant room sometimes when Reece was in there so we are both comfortable with her. She came home yesterday singing "Hokie Pokie" and was ready to go back this morning! I can't believe how fast my baby is growing. She really is growing up and I am so proud of her.

Here she is in front of her school. My camera batteries were failing so the quality is not that great.

Ms. Kathy made all these fun drawings of the kids and their birthday's. I thought it was adorable and had to take a picture. Notice the purple bunny sitting by her. She loves her "Lolo baby" A great big thank you to Lolo's mommy for having not 1, but 2 made for her!

Jennifer

Austin Has a Lego Store

2010-08-15T20:11:00.003-05:00

Austin has a Lego store! I love Lego stores. I think they are so fun. I love looking at the huge creations. It takes some serious talent! Talent that I do not have. It took 3 guys 5 hours to build Woody! Crazy! I made friends with the greeter at the store today and he told me that they will switch their characters out every few months or so. I plan on making several visits.

Jennifer

Our Adventures on SoCo

2010-08-14T07:37:00.003-05:00

Last Sunday we spent a couple of hours on South Congress. It was Reece's first time down there.

We first started our adventure at Hey Cupcake---- so good. Matt had a 24
Carat and Reece and I shared a Michael Jackson (chocolate cupcake with
white frosting.) It was the best chocolate cupcake I have ever had --- so
moist!

She spotted the fire station when we were parking and kept asking to go
see the firetruck.

We were headed to the Big Top, which is an amazing candy store with an old fashion soda fountain in it when she spotted an "R" in the window and wanted to stand by it.

Finally, we headed a little further downtown to see one of the guitars. I would have liked to get some pictures with several of them but it was really hot, I had a headache and it was nap time. But I am happy with the one that I did get of my "Little Rock Star"

Jennifer

Nature Fairy

2010-08-07T20:36:00.006-05:00

Tuesday we went on a little nature walk (in our yard) to find some things to make a nature fairy. Reece had fun picking leaves and flowers to put in her cup. I love this picture of her. I think it is adorable. I can't wait until it get cooler and we can go to the park and really get a bunch of things. She is in love with Tinker Bell right now, so it was fitting for a boring afternoon.

I need to find another way besides glue for the wings (leaves) because they came off before I could get it in a frame. Any suggestions?

Jennifer

A Few Pictures

2010-08-03T10:06:00.006-05:00

I took Monday and Tuesday off to spend a little time with Matt and Reece. I am so glad she is home. I really missed here while she was with my parents. We have just been hanging out not doing much these last few days.
My mom took a ton of pictures while she had her and I thought I would share a few of my favorites----- sorry mom but you have all of these already. I will down load some new ones for you and post them soon-- I promise! I have not taken very many lately at all.

Staying Busy

2010-07-18T15:30:00.005-05:00

My parents came up on Friday night and took Reece home with them for the week yesterday morning. Matt and I are meeting up with them on Friday night at my brother's house for Layton's 2nd birthday. It is going to be a very long week. I already miss her like crazy and this is only day 2....

We have been staying busy. Yesterday we went to San Marcos and did a little shopping for Reece of course and then we went to the Tap Room (an old college hangout of ours) and then had to walk in the bar where we met. It has a new owner and the guy has completely redone the place. He gutted it and started fresh. It was amazing. I think it made Matt a little jealous! It was really weird being in there and thinking back to the old days.

We came home and I realized kodak is doing free photo books right now. They are small 5x7 brag books. I could not decide which pictures to use of Reece so I went with mine and Matt's trip to Disney World. I think it turned out cute. They are also doing free "mommy cards" right now too. It is pretty much a business card with your personal info on it. I think they will come in handy in the daycare parking lot! I think I paid a total of $4.00 (shipping) for both.

Today I worked on party decorations for Layton's party and then Matt and I went to Walmart to grab a few things and looked at possible accessories for Reece's Halloween costume.... Yes, I know it is only July but I have this great idea for a super cute costume that I want to make.

Meanwhile, at my parents house Reece is having a blast.

My mom has promised to send me a picture everyday:

Day 1:

Eating a Popsicle

Getting the sticky off

Day 2:

Dragon Fly Project
She also got to go to Walmart and get a new bath tub disney barbie. I have a picture of her playing with it but it is on my phone.

She is not going to want to come home!

Jennifer

To Infinity and Beyond

2010-07-11T20:08:00.003-05:00

We went to see Toy Story 3 today and it was so good. I cried! It was great. I think they kind of set it up for Toy Story 4 - The New Chapter.
It was Reece's very first movie and she loved "watching Buzz on big TV" She was so good and loved eating her popcorn. She fell asleep during part of it which I blame on the fact that there were 20 minutes of previews!

Jennifer

First Bike

2010-06-26T19:57:00.001-05:00

Reece's reward for giving up her binkie was a bike. My nephew has one that she played on New Years and she loved it. We had planned to get her one for her birthday but it just never happened so we decided it would be a reward for our binkie free big girl.
Well, we bought it the day it was raining and then went out of town that weekend. So, it sat in our dining room in its box for almost 2 weeks before she got to ride it.
Being the good Daddy that he is, Matt put it together on Father's Day and took her for her first ride. She loved it! They both did!

We are going to the zoo again in the morning. This time with her little friend Khloe who by the way she has started calling "Lolo Barker" Not too sure what Khloe's parents would say about that but we will keep her!!

Jennifer

Gone Fishing

2010-06-19T19:36:00.003-05:00

It all started on June 1, 2008 with a trip to Academy

And here we are 2 years later on her first fishing trip.

Jennifer

Bye Bye Binkie

2010-06-07T20:55:00.003-05:00

We went to the San Antonio zoo on Saturday and had the best time. She loved the animals. I see many more zoo trips in our future. I highly recommend it. We had a little mishap that ended up being the best thing EVER!
Reece was exhausted by the time we left and as soon as I got her in her car seat she asked for her binkie. That is when Matt and I both looked at each other and realized it must have fallen out of her stroller. We explained that we left it at the zoo and she could have another one when we got home. I am not really sure what happened next but one conversation lead to another and somehow we told her we left the binkie for the baby monkey at the zoo because she was a big girl and did not need it. That was all it took. She is sound asleep right now (3rd night) without a binkie. She will still ask for it but then tells us the little monkey has it. I LOVE IT!!!!!!!
It was so much easier to get rid of it than I ever thought and we have a cute story to go along with it. In case you are wondering what the baby monkey looks like......

It is not the best picture but trust me, that was one adorable monkey.

Jennifer

Memorial Day Weekend Recap (in pictures)

2010-05-31T21:27:00.007-05:00

Happy Memorial Day! We have had a great weekend. I am very sad that it is almost over. We had a lot of fun this weekend and took a lot of pictures!

Saturday we went to Reece's friend Khloe's 2nd Birthday:

Sunday was a lazy day. I went to the grocery store while Reece napped. Matt grilled chicken and we had a little outdoor fun. I am loving summer this year.

This morning we got up and went and had donuts for breakfast. Reece loved watching the donuts on the machine and I loved eating them fresh and hot right off the line! (Weight Watcher Buddies, I will not be participating in weigh-in this week- ha ha!)

After breakfast we headed to the park to let Reece burn off all that sugar!

Isn't she cute!
Have a great week!

Jennifer

I Heart Shutterfly

2010-05-30T11:05:00.003-05:00

I completed and ordered Reece's 2008 Shutterfly book a couple of weeks ago. I got it this week and LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It turned out great. I absolutely love that I am caught up! For some reason it will randomly show the book and other times it says "the book has been deleted" I am not sure why but click under the box where it says "click here to view this book larger."

Click here to view this photo book larger

Here is the 2009 book that I made in January.
Look how much she has grown and changed!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Little Dancer

2010-05-23T09:19:00.003-05:00

Reece had her dance last recital on Tuesday. She did great and had a blast. Her school is not going to offer dance classes any longer so now I need to find one for her to participate in. My dream is Ballet Austin and the Nutcracker; but we will have to wait and see if that is her dream. But for now she is in love. She loves her tutu and screamed when we were leaving "Dance with Wendy." It really was too cute.

Out came the sun and dried up all the rain

Jump Jump Jump

The girls and Ms. Wendy

Taking a break to play!

Jennifer

I love summer!

2010-05-17T19:49:00.003-05:00

My favorite season use to be fall. I love the cooler temperatures and the thought of scarves, boots, sweaters and jeans. I love the idea of football even if it is only the first weeks of the season until I get bored with it. I love thinking about the upcoming holidays and hot chocolate. Then I had a child..... one that did not want to wear a jacket this winter. I was constantly worried that I had not dressed her warm enough or that she was going to catch a cold. That is why I have decided I love summer the most. Throw on any number of shorts, tank tops, and sandals and we are ready to go. Plus during the summer you get to do this:

She was not too sure at first but with some help from Daddy she had a blast. I love those facial expressions. Priceless!

Happy Summer Everyone!

Jennifer

Fun at the Park

2010-05-16T16:22:00.004-05:00

Today we battled the humidity and went to the park to play for a little while.

Two Year Stats and Party Pics

2010-05-10T13:10:00.003-05:00

I took Reece to the doctor this morning for her two year well check. She weighs 25 pounds and 4 oz and is 33 inches long. This puts her in the 25-50%. Our doctor was very pleased that she is growing and gaining weight. Reece played along with her a little bit and was quite happy until it was time for her shots. I always feel so bad for holding her down and letting someone hurt her. I know vaccines are important and they prevent her from getting sick but I still hate how much they hurt. She does not have to go back until she is 3. I can't belive how much she is growing!

I have to switch out the laundry and then head out for my afternoon at the spa. I am so lucky and thankful for my wonderful husband and daughter and for Mother's Day Gifts!

Enjoy the slideshow!

Customize your own slideshow

Jennifer

Happy Birthday Reece

2010-05-09T14:22:00.006-05:00

Reece had a great birthday yesterday surrounded by family and friends. She got a lot of fun toys and a bunch of Summer clothes and Matt and I learned that our house is not big enough to hold everyone. Ha, I guess that is a good thing. It means there are a lot of people that love my baby girl. Thank you to everyone who helped make her birthday wonderful. A special thank you to my mom who made an amazing cake!
Here are a few of her "2 year old" pictures. They should be here on the 13th!

I will do another post with pictures from her party once I have had a chance to download them. I am having a very lazy Mother's Day today spending time with Matt and my 2 year-old.

~Jennifer

Happy Easter

2010-04-04T16:46:00.003-05:00

I love Easter. We always go to Aunt Lou's house and I love it. We have the best time hanging out, eating the best food and taking a ton of pictures. My cousin and took over 150 pictures yesterday alone! Here are a couple of good ones of Reece. I am sure I will post more later once I get them all organized.

I hope everyone had a great day!

Jennifer

Shool Photos

2010-03-14T20:44:00.003-05:00

Reece's Spring school photos turned out really well this year. Take a look:

Jennifer

February

2010-03-05T19:58:00.004-06:00

Well, February has come and gone and I never got around to posting all of our pictures. So here are a few. We took Reece to see Sesame Street Live but I still have not downloaded those pics yet. Oh well, guess that is for another post some other time.

Happy Valentine's Day
What better way to spen Super Bowl Sunday than in the dog bed!
We are starting potty training and she has gone a few times.
She started dance class this month. Doesn't she look adorable!

Jennifer

Jumpy Gym

2010-01-31T10:01:00.005-06:00

There is a new "jumpy" place that opened near us. Reece has been twice and loves it. Matt and I took her once and then yesterday we had a play date with her three little girlfriends from school. They are quite the foursome and always have a blast playing together. Here are some pictures from both of her outings at the Jumpy Gym.

Jennifer

Big Girl Bed

2010-01-18T10:23:00.005-06:00

Reece has always randomly slept with us but the last couple of months it has been everynight. I honeslty love her sleeping that closeto her but our bed is just not big enough and none of us get a good night sleep. Plus I know in the long run, it is not good for her. So, Saturday night Matt and I put her in her crib, kissed her goodnight, and walked away. She screamed for 5 minutes and climbed out----- she slept with us that night. I put her in there Saturday morning and hid, sure enough she climbed out again. On to Plan B, Matt converted her crib into a toddler day bed. We made a really big deal about how great it was and went to Target to get her a big pillow. She was so tired from running erands and fell asleep in her car seat. I carried her to her new bed and she took her nap just fine. However, bed time did not go so well. Matt and I stayed with her for 1 1/2 hours until she fell asleep. She woke up again at 11:00 and then at 2:00. Both times I just went in adn patted her back and she went right to sleep. Then at 4:45 she started screaming. I went in and found her on the floor. Poor baby fell off the bed again. She did it once when we were playing. I let her sleep the rest of the night with us. Here are some pictures of my baby in her big girl bed.

The pillow case on her big pillow is one that I had when I was little. My mom saved it all this time. I bought Reece a bright pink one but thought it would be fun to use mine too.
We will see how it goes tonight.

On a side note: My cousin and his wife had their first baby last night, Addison Reece. Don't you love that name. I plan on taking lots of pictures of Reece Jillianne and Addison Reece Easter! Congrats to them. I have not seen any pictures yet, but I bet she is beautiful.

Jennifer

Where have I been?

2010-01-14T21:42:00.005-06:00

Well, one of my New Year's resolutions was to blog more------ obviously I blew that one. Let's hope my weight loss/healthy eating/working out one lasts (actually I have not really started that one either; but I have hope) :)
I have been working hard on creating Reece's 2009 Shutterfly book. Yesterday was the last day of their New Year sale so I had to get it done. I think it turned out really good and can't wait to get it in the mail. I know you want to see it:

Click here to view this photo book larger

( if the do not see the book, click on the link above "click here to view this photo book larger" it comes and goes and I have no idea why)

Jennifer

Christmas Morning

2009-12-28T14:28:00.004-06:00

Here are a few pictures from our Christmas.

Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T21:17:00.002-06:00

Wow!Two posts in one day. I don't think I have ever done that but Tis the Season I can not believe it is Christmas Eve. We have had a great day. Full of food, love, and memories. We let Reece open 1 package tonight, a bunny I bought her at the Junior League Christmas Affair. After we played a little while it was time to get our cookies and milk out for Santa and our carrots for the reindeer. Unfortunately the snow did not make it down here today but oh well. It was still a great day had by all. Now we have to get ready for Santa Claus to come.....

Merry Christmas To All And To All A Goodnight.

Reece Makes Sugar Cookies

2009-12-24T16:14:00.001-06:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Reece's Gingerbread House

2009-12-22T21:40:00.005-06:00

On Sunday my mom and I took Reece to the Austin Children's museum to decorate her first gingerbread house. (Matt was in San Antonio working on a commercial) Reece was not sure what to do at first but after watching me for a few minutes she figured it out and really got into it. I think she ate more candy than she used but we all had a lot of fun. I can't wait to do it again with her next year.

Can you believe Christmas is almost here? I really can't. This month has gone by so fast.
Last year we got a pink tree for Reece's room and I love it! I made some ornaments for it this year and added all her "first Christmas" ornaments from last year, including the adorable pink ballet pig from Aunt Lou Lou. We took her to pick out an ornament this year and plan to do that always. I also got her one in Galveston this summer and added it. Matt and I have a tradition of getting an ornament everytime we go on a trip. It started the day after we got engaged. We love to pull them out each year and talk about when we bought them. I am looking at the tree right now and it makes me smile. I have suggested we leave it up all year so we can enjoy it but Matt is not sold on the idea. Honestly, if we did there would not be enough room for all Reece's toys. I am embarrassed to say that we went overboard this year.

Santa Claus & Strep Throat

2009-12-17T21:06:00.007-06:00

We took Reece to see Santa on Sunday. She was not a fan at all but we still got a cute picture. Friday she wrote her letter to Santa and after visiting him we headed to Macy's to mail our letter. For every letter mailed Macy's is donating a dollar to the Make A Wish Foundation! We had to participate.

And then.........
We got strep throat. I took to the doctor yesterday and sure enough, she has strep. She is acting better than I thought she would. She is not eating very much at all but all in all she is hanging in there. My mom came in to watch her so Matt and I could go to work. Hopefully she will be feeling better by Saturday because my mom and I are taking her to the Children's Museum to decorate a gingerbread house. It should be fun.
Well, she just woke up and is not too happy so I am going to go lay down with her. I have more to post but that will have to wait to another day.

Gingerbread People Cookies

2009-12-10T20:05:00.010-06:00

Jessica Turner is hosting a blog cookie exchange today and I had to play along. Happy Holiday Baking. I know I will be in the kitchen this weekend making cookies for Reece's daycare party!

3 cups flour 1 egg
3/4 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup molasses
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons vanilla
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves Royal Icing
1 tablespoon ground ginger Food Coloring
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar

1) Stir together flour, soda, cinnamon, cloves, & ginger; set aside. In a large bowl beat butter with an electric mixer for 30 seconds. Add sugar; beat until combined. Add egg, molasses & vanilla; beat until combined. Beat in as much of the flour mixture as you can. Stir in the remaining flour. Cover & chill dough for 3 hours or overnight.
2) Preheat oven to 375 degrees. On a lightly floured surface roll dough to about 1/8 inch thickness. Cut out gingerbread people with cookie cutters. Arrange cookies about 1 inch apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet.
3) Bake for 5-6 minutes or until edges are firm & bottoms are brown. Transfer to a wire rack & let cool. Pipe designs on cookies with tinted icing. Makes about 25 - 5 inch cookies.

Enjoy!

Busy Weekend

2009-12-06T21:16:00.002-06:00

The Barkers had a very busy fun weekend. We are all getting into the Christmas spirit around here. Saturday we had Christmas pictures taken. Reece did really well and they turned out great. Then that night her friend from school, Khloe came over and spent the night. The girls had so much fun playing together. Tonight we went to Zilker Park to see the lighting of the tree with Khloe and Jessi and their parents. Reece spent all her time dancing and loved all the lights on the tree. Afterwards we all headed to Maudies for some much needed dinner.
Here are some pictures from our festive weekend.

New Traditions

2009-12-03T21:20:00.005-06:00

I love family traditions. This week has been a fun week to start some new ones. I bought a Advent calender last year the day after Christmas and Reece loves it. Each night one of Santa's elves leave a M&M in the little compartment that matches the date. Reece loves it but does not understand why they are not in all of them.

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I also decided to get a new pair of jammies and let her open them on December 1st so she had warm Christmas jammies to wear all month long. I wrapped them up and she knew what to do to that paper. Such a big difference from last year or even her birthday.
She loves them but wanted me to read her a story not take pictures of her.

Last night we decorated our tree. Most of our ornaments are on the very top this year. Can you guess why?

Tonight after dinner we decided to give Reece her first Oreo. She had more fun dunking it in the milk than eating it. I do not think she knew what it was at first. Once I got her to taste it she liked it but I still thinks she prefers sugar cookies.

Hopefully- fingers crossed I will have some snow pictures to share tomorrow.

Happy December Eve

2009-11-30T20:41:00.003-06:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I hope everyone did too. But now it is time to get ready for Christmas. I love this time of the year. Everything about it. And this weather is great. The perfect way to start the month of December. I put Reece's pink tree in her room and got our stockings hung tonight. Last year the day after Christmas I bought a Christmas Count Down Tree and got that out and showed it to Reece. She loved it and wanted to open all the little doors. After she went to bed a put a M&M (her favorite) in door #1. It will be fun to watch her each morning. I am working on a December scrapbook, I hope to document a little each day what we do.
This year we are planning on going to see the Trail of Lights, the tree at the Domain, Santa (low expectations on this one),writing and mailing a letter to Santa, and decorating a gingerbread house at the Children's Museum. I would love to know any other fun Holiday events you know about or things you all are doing with your kids this year.
Happy December Eve!

All Girl & Mommy Lesson 405

2009-11-21T20:32:00.007-06:00

It is very quiet in my house right now. Matt is out watching the UT game and Reece is asleep. So, I thought it was a good time to blog!

I am not one of those girls that have always thought about having kids. I guess I always just assumed I would have some one day and did not really think about it. I know some girls (and maybe guys, I don't know) have names picked out when they are 11. They meet a guy and think "hmm would he make a good father?" I didn't think about that. I just kind of let life happen. The one thing I will say is that when I did picture myself with a kid.... it was always a girl. And of course when I got pregnant I wanted a girl. We never picked out a boy nursery or never really picked out a boy name. It was pretty much all girl the whole time. And God blessed us with a healthy wonderful girl.... Why did I want a girl so badly, you might ask......

All the cute clothes! Isn't she adorable. I have been looking all fall for the perfect denim skirt and boots. Today I found them both. We did a lot of shopping today and when we got home Reece let me play dress up with my little doll. I love my little girl. (sidenote: If God had given me a boy instead I would love him just as much as I do Reece. He just wouldn't have been happy with me when I put him in a pink tutu for his Nutcracker debut.)

Matt and I also learned a lesson today..... when the build a bear tag says "surface wash only" it means surface wash only! Back in July when we were on vacation Reece built a tiger at the Build A Bear Workshop in the Rain Forest Cafe. She loves this thing. You have all seem him in pictures. She really helped build him....

Well, Galvy was dirty after not being washed since he was made in July and I threw him in the washing machine and never thought about him again until Matt was in the laundry room and called me over. The part where the BAB people sew them up after he was stuffed came apart and Galvy lost some stuffing. Not too much. It could have been worse- way worse. We were very lucky. At this point we read the tag and decided to follow the instructions... which led to another problem How exactly do you "hang dry" a stuffed animal?

Need I say more? After he finishes drying I am going to stitch him up and he will be good as new!

Sidenote: I just saw a Macy's commercial and apparently they have mail boxes in their stores and for every letter to Santa dropped in that box, they donate a dollar to the Make a Wish Foundation. Start writing those letters people!

Good Night

A New "For Today"

2009-11-07T21:05:00.007-06:00

FOR TODAY
November 7, 2009

Outside my window... the leaves on my peach tree are starting to change colors and fall of the branches.

I am thinking... about the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. We are going to my parents house and I can't wait.

I am thankful for... Reece and all the joy that she has brought to my life and Matt of course.

From the kitchen... leftover Olive Garden from lunch. So yummy!

I am wearing... pajamas

I am creating... Christmas present calendars and my Daily December book (more on this in an upcoming post.)

I am going... to try and stress less this season and start saving for a new fabulous camera.

I am reading... a hundred brochures on the UT System insurance plans.

I am hoping... to get caught up on several projects this week-- personal & at work.

I am hearing... Fox News in the background. The House is voting on amendments to the Health Care Bill. Such an important time for our country.

Around the house... clean laundry that needs to be folder and toys that need to be put up.

One of my favorite things... is that Reece is talking so much now. She is starting to put words together and that we are taking Christmas pictures next Saturday and Ollie gets to come along.

A few plans for the rest of the week... Matt is taking Reece to the doctor on Monday for her 18 month check up. I am having lunch with a friend (hopefully at Bess Bistro on Pecan) I went for the first time on Friday and it is my new favorite. And I hope to work on these projects hanging over my head.

A picture to share... This is from Reece's Halloween party and is on my desktop on my work computer. My friend Sarah (also know as Khloe's mom) caught such a cute look on her little face. It makes me smile each time I see it.

New picture

2009-11-05T21:14:00.005-06:00

You all know that I would not be able to go all week without posting a picture of Reece. Matt took this one on Monday morning. Her poor little nose. It looks much better today but I can tell it is starting to scar on the very top.

New Dreams and Goals

2009-11-04T20:03:00.002-06:00

My Bucket List (in no order of importance)

1) Travel to all 50 states (working on this one)
2) Swim with dolphins
3) Go to Paris
4) Go whale watching in Alaska
5) Go to New York at Christmas
6) Have tea at the Ritz in London
7) Travel along Pacific Coast Hwy 1 in a convertible
8) Try all of the Ben and Jerry's Flavors (working on this one-- just for fun)
9) See the fireworks show at Mt. Rushmore on July 4th
10) Climb the Statue of Liberty & take a picture hanging out of the crown(not
allowed but whatever-- they let the Today Show anchors do it)
11) Work on a Presidential campaign
12) Visit Rome and Vatican City
13) Get a good camera and take a photography class

New Tuesday Tasty Treat

2009-11-03T16:00:00.002-06:00

I know it has been a really long time since I posted a Tasty Treat but I had to share this one. They are wonderful.

Starbucks Pumpkin Scones

Ingredients

Scones
2 cups all-purpose flour
7 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
6 tablespoons cold butter
1/2 cup canned pumpkin
3 tablespoons half-and-half
1 large egg

Powderered Sugar Glazze
1 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk

Spiced Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons whole milk
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pinch ginger
1 pinch ground cloves

Directions
1 TO MAKE THE SCONES:.
2 Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Lightly oil a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.
3 Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large bowl. Using a pastry knife, fork, or food processor, cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly and no chunks of butter are obvious. Set aside.
4 In a separate bowl, whisk together pumpkin, half and half, and egg. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the dough into a ball.
5 Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches wide). Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough twice through the width, making three equal portions. Cut those three slices diagonally so that you have 6 triangular slices of dough. Place on prepared baking sheet.
6 Bake for 14–16 minutes. Scones should begin to turn light brown. Place on wire rack to cool.
7 TO MAKE THE PLAIN GLAZE:.
8 Mix the powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk together until smooth.
9 When scones are cool, use a brush to paint plain glaze over the top of each scone.
10 AS THAT WHITE GLAZE FIRMS UP, MAKE THE SPICED ICING:.
11 Combine the ingredient for the spiced icing together. Drizzle this thicker icing over each scone and allow the icing to dry before serving (at least 1 hour). A squirt bottle works great for this, or you can drizzle with a whisk.

These are so good. I almost skipped the spiced glaze because it seemed like a little too much but gave it a try and I am so glad that I did. We loved them. They make the house smell really good also. It makes 6 very big scones. I made 8 and should have made them even smaller.

Happy Baking

New Job

2009-11-02T21:19:00.002-06:00

I started my new job today. I am an Administrative Associate for the Office of External Relations at the University of Texas System. It was so weird to start a new job. I was at the Senate since May of 2002 and had interned even before that. My old office only had 8 people in it. My new one has 30 on the first floor alone. Everyone is so nice and helpful. I do miss my old co-workers already but am looking forward to getting to know my new ones and making new friends. The one thing I am not looking forward to is going through the mound of paperwork to pick my insurance and benefit package. I am going to make Matt help me.
I am sure I will be posting more about the job later but now I am going to go cuddle with my little one before I move her to her crib. (on a side note, her little nose is much better. It still looks horrible but I do not think it hurts her anymore.)
Goodnight

New New New

2009-11-01T15:00:00.002-06:00

Happy November 1st everyone. October was a busy month for us and I am sure November will be even busier. Why do the holidays always seem to go by so fast?
Lots of new things going on around here soon. I start my new job with UT tomorrow and am a little more than nervous. So, to celebrate change and all things new I am planning on posting something "NEW" everyday this week.
Today it is a new blog background with an adorable turkey button. And if you want to know how many shopping days you have left before Santa comes to visit----scroll down to the very bottom of the page!

Have a wonderful day.

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T22:36:00.006-05:00

Halloween at our house started out with a small get together with friends from school.

Followed by falling down the drive way and busting our nose and mouth.

After some Tylenol and a quick nap we were ready to go Trick or Treating

And of course ended with our very first sucker

My little lady bug

2009-10-29T15:01:00.006-05:00

Reece is going to be a ladybug fairy for Halloween. I got this adorable costume at Target and she loves it. I was worried she would not like the headban but she does. We had these pictures taken at JC Penny's and I love them. Penny's was so much easier than Picture People in the mall. We are going back for a family Christmas picture soon.

Halloween Week

2009-10-28T22:02:00.006-05:00

I have love Halloween. It is so much fun and it justs keeps getting better. Having a little one this time of year is great. Reece looks adorable in her ladybug fairy costume. I have pictures that I need to post of her in it just have not had time to save and post them. Here is a look at some of the things that have been keeping us busy.

On Saturday night we carved our pumpkin. Reece was quite the helper. But now she is scared of our little friend.

On Tuesday my best friend in the whole world made a surprised visit. We never get to see each other any more and I miss her dearly. Reece had a good time playing with her Aunt Tasha and Uncle Jesse.

Tonight I finally got around to decorating the Halloween cookies that I made. I think they turned out really cute and hope all the little ones like them tomorrow at the Fall Festival.

Sweet Berry Farms

2009-10-18T20:37:00.003-05:00

Today we went to Sweet Berry Farms in Marble Falls. For some reason I seem to be a little obsessed with pumpkin patches right now. Reece had a ton of fun running around exploring everything and looking at the other children. She was not really into having her picture taken. It is a really big patch. Way bigger than the one we go to in Elgin but also with way more people. It was packed. The line to get homemade pumpkin ice cream was an hour long. Guess what we did not get. Matt and I decided next year we will pick a random day in the middle of the week and take a vacation day. Here are a few pictures of our fun.

5 Years Ago

2009-10-16T20:32:00.002-05:00

-5 years ago I married the man of my dreams.
-4 years ago we had just closed on our house & had a great dinner at The Melting Pot.
-3 years ago we acted like children while at Disney World.
-2 years ago I have no idea how we spent the evening. I have no memory of it but I was still in my first trimester which means I most likely puked all day.
-1 year ago we had a quiet dinner at Johnny Carino's. It was the first time we fed Reece at a restaurant. I still remember she had squash and bananas.
-Tonight we spent a wonderful evening lounging at home watching the Disney channel and picking up crayons and cookie crumbs off the floor.
I wonder what we will be doing a year from now???? I am not sure but I know I will be next to my best friend--- the love of my life.

I had intentions of posting a couple of wedding photos with this post but they are on the desk top computer in the bedroom and the best thing we ever did is sound asleep in our bed.

Reece Turns One ---- 05/08/09

2009-10-11T14:05:00.002-05:00

I finally got around to making a slide show for Reece's birthday and her party the day after. Party #2 will be here before I know it.
Enjoy!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

I love this idea!

2009-10-10T21:23:00.003-05:00

I am a scrapbooker. I love it. I love the smell of all the paper in my favorite scrapbook store that is a good 35 minute drive from my house that I visit often. I could spend hours in there looking at paper, ribbons, and brads. I love taking all those elements along with my pictures and creating scrapbook pages (my works of art.) But the honest truth is I just don't have the time to scrapbook as much as I want. When I was pregnant I used to think of all layouts I would make of my little sweetie, then she got here and I soon learned that some days there was not time for a shower much less a scrapbook session. It has of course gotten easier as she has gotten older but I still find myself stretched for time. I have also wondered what I would do with the books when Reece moved away. Hopefully she would want hers but I would want it as well. Also what happens when we have another child??? How would I do it all? Then I came across this blog post by Danelle Johnson and loved it. I have made photo books before and love them. So, what a great idea. I plan on doing just that. At the end of the year I will make a digital photo book for that year. I can order as many as I want anytime. I love Shutterfly and they are always having some sort of sale. I can do one for however many kidos I have and then when I do have the time and energy to get creative, I can create a little masterpiece of paper and ribbon. This way I always know our lives are being documented. I have already started sorting pictures into month folders and then will download them to my Shutterfly account. I can not wait to start her 2009 book. I will be sure to share it when it is complete.
What do you think about this idea? I would love to know what you do with your photos. I know we all love taking pictures of our little ones.

Happy 17 Months

2009-10-08T11:51:00.007-05:00

Dear Reece,

Wow- you are 17 months today. I can not believe it. Next month you move up to the 2 year old class at your school and I am not sure I am ready. You are getting so big but I still think of you as that little newborn we brought home from the hospital. Right now you are wearing size 12 month pants and size 18 months shirts. You are into everything and love to climb and swing. Your favorite cartoon is Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and you get excited and dance whenever it comes on. Right now your favorite foods are yogurt, hot dogs, and green beans. You are such a good vegetable eater but I know that will soon change. You have always been a Daddy's girl but recently you are wanting Mommy more and more. You are learning your animals and their sounds. You look so cute and crack me up every time you make a "monkey" noise. You know almost all your body parts and like to "beep beep" your nose. You are talking more and more everyday and are starting to repeat things that your hear. You love to color and usually have your crayons spread out all over the house. You are such a beautiful little girl and I think your little laugh is the best sound in the world. I love you so much and hope you know how much joy you have brought to our lives.
This is a picture I took of you this morning. It showcases a typical morning around our house, you in mommy and daddy's bed watching Mickey Mouse with your Galvy Roar while we get ready for work.

You are sleepy cute and I love you more and more each day.

Love,

Mommy

Pumpkin Patch Fun

2009-10-06T20:26:00.004-05:00

Saturday we went to the pumpkin patch in Elgin. My mom was in town and went with us. Aunt Lou Lou drove in to meet us too. Reece had a blast chasing the pumpkin patch resident cats and was not thrilled about having to sit still and take pictures. She had fun on the swing and went on her first hayride. She sure has grown since last year when we took her. I have been told there is a great patch in Marble Falls. I hope we get a chance to take her to that one too. Here are some pictures from my little pumpkin's trip.

Quick Update

2009-09-30T10:50:00.004-05:00

I believe this is only the 3rd post I have done fo the entire month of September. It is so sad. We just got a laptop and Matt got our wireless working so now I can blog more while Reece is playing and don't have to wait until she goes to bed.
In other news my future sister-in-law asked last night if Reece could be the flower girl in the wedding. I am super excited. Her and my brother have a little boy who is a couple of months youger than Reece. They are giong to look so cute walking down the aisle together. Hopefully they will do it. He is the adorable little boy in our vacation pictures. The wedding is New Year's Eve.
I have gone on two interviews with UT system in the last week and a half and they both went really well. I am excited about the new possibility. I think. I am sad to leave the Senate but feel this is really it is time to move on.
And finally I posted back in May or June that my mother-in-law had cancer in her eye. They have since noticed some spots on her lungs and want to remove a piece for further tests. It is not an easy proceedure. The surgery will be this Friday at 7:30 am. Matt and I will be in San Antonio for it. My mom is coming into town to watch Reece. Please say a pray for her recovery and that the spots are not more cancer.
Another post soon with pictures of Reece. I promise. She is getting so big.

P.S. Do you like the new blog background. I love Fall. And the Barkers have a ton of plans for this month.

Ben & Jerry's-- 1 down 63 to go

2009-09-22T21:41:00.002-05:00

On Friday a few of my co-workers and I started talking about ice cream.... I am not sure why or how we even got on the subject. But it soon turned to how much I love ice cream and how fun it would be to pick a company and eat all their flavors. This somehow also linked to a previous conversation a co-worker and had on the way to a security meeting about our "Bucket Lists" and how mine was mainly made up of places that I wanted to go and not a lot of personal accomplishments. Once again I am not clear how all this happened but the point is the next thing I know I am on the Ben & Jerry's website counting all the flavors (64 some of which sound horrible.) and adding this project to my "Bucket List. (which I will be sharing with you all in the very near future) And for the record I do not consider this to be a personal accomplishment, more along the lines of having a little fun.
I explained this to my wonderful adoring husband and he added it to his list as well (he has already began checking things off of his------ show-off) Sunday at the grocery store we discovered B&J had little 3oz containers. Perfect for our project. I selected Cherry Garcia and was quite surprised at how good it was! 1 down 63 to go!

Reece and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

2009-09-15T12:12:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was not the best day Reece has ever had. It started out fine but quickly turned bad when we got to school and learned that her favorite morning teacher was on vacation this week. So, when I left her she was screaming with big tears rolling down both cheeks..... reaching for me, mommy! You know the one that is suppose to hold her and comfort her when she is upset. But I left her. It was so hard but I knew once I left she would calm down and be just fine. I thought about her all day and could not wait to get her. As soon as I saw her I knew she had had a bad day. She was not wearing the same clothes I dropped her off in. She apparently spilled her chocolate pudding on herself. Her hair was not in the two cute piggies I fixed (still not sure what happened with her hair.) The worst thing was the big red knot on her forehead. She slipped and hit her head on the floor and if that was not bad enough, she also got hit in the eye with a book and had a scratch. Both still very visible several hours after they happened. Her teacher (who I love) also said that Reece was so tired at lunch that she fell asleep in her chair at the table while eating. So, they let her take an early nap and she got fresh lunch when she woke up. Which I thought was really sweet of them. She was so tired from her day that she fell asleep again in her highchair at home after dinner. Hopefully today has gone better for her. She still cried when I dropped her off but not too bad.

I also was able to meet the "two year old bully" at daycare yesterday. I had heard about him because my friend Joan had told me. He picks on Jessie. He was in Reece's room when I picked her up and he hit me in the head with a beach ball. If he is throwing balls at the parents.... what is he doing to the little ones. Let me just say that he is a big kid and I hope he is moved up before my little one has to be with him all day every day!
I know I have not blogged in a while. We have been busy and I just have not had the time to download pictures and post. I have been working on some Christmas projects and trying to organize photos so I can get started on Reece's year book. Hopefully soon I will get some posts up. I have quite a few pictures I want to share.

Celebrate

2009-08-30T19:39:00.003-05:00

This weekend was spent celebrating Matt's 31st birthday. I love that I married an older man.---- ok, only by a few months but still.
Saturday we spent the majority of the day in San Antonio with Matt's family. It was good to see everyone again. Reece of course loves her Uncle Andrew. She does not understand the whole twin thing. She gets very confused and looks back and forth at both of them. Thus this weekend Andrew got a new nickname.... "Daddy Drew."
Today is Matt's actual birthday and we spent it at the house being lazy. I baked him a cake and then made the Rachael Ray recipe that I talked about earlier. It turned out really well. I stayed on track with my menu planning all week and am set to go this week too. Here are our celebration pictures.

Matt, Reece, and GG
Matt's parents, brothers, grandmother, and of course , my sweet girl
Reece giving my sheperds pie the thumb of approval
Happy Birthday Baby! I love you so much!

Newborn Reece

2009-08-27T10:59:00.002-05:00

Last night I made a Shutterfly book of Reece's hospital pictures. It turned out so cute. I can't wait to get my hands on it. The best part was that it was free. I had a coupon code and only had to pay shipping. It was fun to look back at that little baby and compare her to the little girl she has become.

For some reason I can not the book on my blog. It says that I have deleted the book??? I have no idea why and it is making my head hurt trying. So click on the part that says "Click here to view this book larger" and it will pull up the book so you can see her sweet face.

Click here to view this photo book larger

The Week Ahead

2009-08-23T19:49:00.002-05:00

In an effort to save money and eat healthier by eating out less I a mgoing to try to start planning the weeks meals ahead of time. This way there is no need to make several trips to the grocery store during the week and no need to eat out because I don't have a clue what to make for dinner. This afternoon while Reece was napping I made our menu and thne we went to the store. The only thing I did not do was take coupons with us.... next time. So, our menu looks like this...

Monday: Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Tuesday: BBQ Beef Cups with Broccoli Rice Casserole
Wednesday: Waffles and Bacon with Fruit
Thursday: Pot Roast with Vegetables and Potatoes
Friday: Leftovers
Saturday: We will be in San Antonio all day. Taking Reece to the Children's Mesuem and then Matt's B-day Party.
Sunday: Happy Birthday Matt! He has asked to go to Texas Road House for lunch and then for dinner we are having Smokey Turkey Shepheards Pie (Matt's request)Along with his birthday cake.

I bought a calendar wipe board to hang in the kitchen to help me stay on task. One of my other rules is to try at lest one new recipie a week. This week it is the shepheards pie. It is a Rachael Ray recipie. I have three of her books and don't think I have ever made anything.

Also this week I need to:
- start working on Reece's stocking
- start working on the scrapbook calendars for Christmas presents.
- read the preface and first chapter for my book club
- buy Matt's birthday present

I hope by posting my menu and to do list it will help me stick to it. This way if I mess up, everybody will know.

Have a good week.

Go Spurs Go

2009-08-19T13:38:00.002-05:00

Today was wear your favorite sports T-shirt at school. So, of course Reece had to wear her Tim Duncan jersey. I think she looks so cute.

A Week In Pictures

2009-08-16T16:17:00.003-05:00

Sunday: We went to San Antonio to Michael and Thomas' 2nd birthday party (Matt's Godsons)She had a blast playing with all the balloons. She is growing up fast.

Tuesday: She fell asleep in her highchair after a long fun day at school. I know I already did a post on this but this picture turned out so much better than the camera one.

Wednesday: Today was crazy hair day at school. Reece came home from school with a calendar at the beginning of the month and each day there is something new to do or wear. I think the parents are having as much fun with it as the kids are.

Thursday: Tonight we had Sonic for dinner. Their ice machine was broken and we had to settle for regular ice instead of "sonic" ice. To make up for it the car hop gave Matt a balloon. Reece was thrilled when Daddy got home with it.

Friday: We had dinner at Maudie's with Joey, Joan, and Reece's BFF Jessica. I took the camera along for the sole purpose of taking a picture of the two of them together for this post but Reece fell asleep in her daddy's arm in the middle of dinner. Therefore no picture. She is cutting her two top molars and has not been in a good mood all weekend. Hopefully, the worst is over.

Yes, I changed it again

2009-08-14T21:40:00.002-05:00

For those of you counting this is the 4th time I have changed my blog background since I started blogging in May. Does it take forever to do this?-- Yes! Do I spend too much time doing this?-- Yes! Are there dirty dishes in my sink?-- Yes! Do I have laundry that needs to be done?-- Yes! Do I care? ---NO!
Frankly, I am done with the beach theme and Summer for that matter. I loved the beach and we had so much fun but I am so ready for Fall. I want to do so many things with Reece that I just can't do when it is 105 degrees outside. I am ready for cooler weather, pumpkin patches, soup for dinner, hot chocolate, and the smell of the holidays. And yes the holidays do smell. There is a certain smell that the heater gives off when it is turned on for the first time of the season. I LOVE THAT SMELL! Why don't they make it in a candle? I would so buy it. It could be called "First Hint of Fall"
So, I hope you like the new blog design....... but don't get too comfortable with. I am pretty sure it will be changing with the upcoming months. And I know my yellow signature does not match the new design and I don't like it either but it is going to have to be okay for now. I am moving on to other things.
Good Night.

You know it was a fun day when.......

2009-08-12T18:51:00.003-05:00

you are so tired you fall asleep in your highchair during snack time. When Reece and I get home from daycare in the afternoons I put her in her highchair, give her a snack, and turn on a Little Einsteins cartoon. (side note.... I love Little Einsteins as much as she does. Can you guess the theme of her next birthday party?)Well, yesterday she was so worn out from a great day at school that she passed out with no binkie in her highchair. She did not even wake-up when Matt came home and snapped this picture of her with his phone. The quality is not great but you can still see how cute she looked.
On another note I am torn about her daycare. I really like where she is now, not loving it, but really like it. Her teachers are great and I feel comfortable about her being there. I know she is well taken care of and safe. But I can't help but feel like she is missing something. There is a private school that starts its preschool program at 18 months that I have heard great things about. They are a few bucks cheaper than the current one and offer swim lessons and gymnastics fir the standard price. When she turns 3 or is potty trained (whichever comes first) she will also have tap and karate. I love it! I went and toured it today and was not blown away like i thought i would be. The 2 year old classrooms are small. I really don't see how there is any room to play. Also I was not impressed with the teachers. Plus the clasrooms are all in portables spread put everywhere and I like the idea of one central building a lot more. It seems safer to me. But on a positive note they also do sing language and Spanish. I keep going back and forth because I want the best for her, I just don't know what the best is...... We are on a wait list for November when she turns 18 months so I have some time to decide but wouldn't mind some prayers on this. It is a big decision. One of many that I am trying to make right now.

P.S. It is pouring hard right now. So so happy. I love the sound of rain and my yard needs it too.

It has been a while

2009-08-05T20:42:00.002-05:00

I feel like I have not posted in forever. I think it may be because I love my blog. So, when I don't post in a week---- it seems like forever. I hate not posting but I have had a lot going on and my mind has been busy. I don't like change, it scares the crap out of me..... but I also feel that this is the right time for change in my life. But more on that way later. Let's get to the important part------ VACATION PICTURES! I know everyone has been waiting to see my little on her very first vacation to the beach. She loved it. Every part of it. She would bang on the hotel door in the mornings screaming, "Bye Bye. Bird." For the record, I don't think she has said bird once since we have been home. We started out in Needville for my nephew's first birthday, then went to Sargent with my family for a day, and then onto Galveston. Which is recovering nicely from Hurricane Ike. They are still not fully recovered but doing well. I of course bought two Christmas ornaments, one for the family tree and one for Reece's tree. It was so much fun and different than what we are use to. Usually Matt and I go all day and stick to my itinerary. This time we took it easy and planned nothing. I hate to say this..... but I actually liked this way better...... shocker, I know. Life just seemed so simple and easy. I never knew feeding and chasing seagulls could be so fun. I learned a little about myself, a lot about my daughter, and fell in love with my husband a little more.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Home Sweet Home

2009-07-24T15:18:00.003-05:00

We are home. We got back yesterday evening and we had a great time. Reece loved everything about the beach and I learned a little about myself. I am planning on making a slide show of all our pictures and posting this weekend. Have a good one.

On The Road

2009-07-18T10:21:00.002-05:00

We are on the road right now. Matt is driving and listening to random music. Reece is asleep in car seat facing forward for the very first time. And I of course am blogging. Have I mentioned how much I love my phone?
Matt and I saw the new Harry Potter movie last night and it was great. Thank you Shannon for watching Reece for us. Thanks also to the whole Esquivel family for watching our other little one while we are gone.
I will check in later in the week to let everyone know hoe Reece likes the beach. She will either love it or hate it. There is no inbetween for her. She has a mind of her own and knows what she wants.

Reece's New Friend

2009-07-16T08:38:00.003-05:00

Reece loves all things Mickey Mouse. She has a stuffed Mickey that she sleeps with that my mom bought her. She also has a plastic Minnie Mouse that she dug out of a bin of toys at the Disney Store. She picked it up and handed it to me. I said, "That is Minnie Mouse" and put it back in the bin. She picked it up again and walked over to her Daddy---- we came home with it. She laughs and dances whenever she hears the theme music from the cartoons. So, when I saw a Minnie Mouse as big as her on sale for 40% off, I bought it. Granted I still payed more than I should have but can you really put a price on a new best friend?

Tasty Tuesday Treats

2009-07-14T21:25:00.002-05:00

Rocky Road Bars

1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® chocolate fudge or devil's food cake mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1 cup chopped nuts
3 cups miniature marshmallows
1/3 cup Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy chocolate frosting

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Grease or lightly spray 13x9-inch pan.
2. In large bowl, stir together half of the dry cake mix, the melted butter, water, brown sugar and eggs until smooth. Stir in remaining cake mix and the nuts. Spread in pan. Bake 20 minutes (25 minutes for dark or nonstick pan); sprinkle with marshmallows.
3. Bake 10 to 15 minutes longer (14 to 18 minutes for dark or nonstick pan) or until marshmallows are puffed and golden. In microwavable bowl, microwave frosting uncovered on High 15 seconds. Drizzle over bars. Cool completely, about 1 hour. For easier cutting, use plastic knife dipped in hot water. For bars, cut into 6 rows by 4 rows. Store covered.

My treat this week was that Matt made these on Saturday night. It was his first baking experience and he did a great job.

Book Review - Spoiler Alert

2009-07-14T14:48:00.003-05:00

I just finished reading "My Sister's Keeper" by Jodi Picoult and I have to say that it is not at all what I expected. It is definitely a page turner that hooks you from the very beginning and begs you not to put it down. However, that is the only good thing about the book. I have read sad books before but for some reason this one just got to me. Maybe it is because I am a new mom with a little girl, I am not sure but it really bothered me. I was very torn while reading and often related with the mother. What would I do in a situation like that? I pray that I never find out. I had a good cry last night after I finished reading it and went to bed with a very sick feeling in my stomach. It is not just that it obviously has a sad ending---- I think that what got me the most is that the author is a mom herself and I just can not understand how a mother can write a book like that. Part of me is a little mad at her.

On a completely different note--- if you are wondering where the Tuesday Treat is, come back later tonight (hopefully) I hope to post that tonight. I spent too much time last night finishing the book to do anything else. I also hope to make more jam tonight and start packing for our trip. We will see how much I get done. I am not Super Mom after all (I just think I am)

Please Pray

2009-07-10T16:24:00.003-05:00

Please pray for my mother-in-law. We found out on Monday that she has cancer in one of her eyes. She went to the doctor at the first sign that something was wrong so it was caught early. I really don't have a ton of details. I know they are doing blood work and other tests now and radiation is most likely the next step. We are going to San Antonio to visit her on Sunday. I hope to get more details then but I think at this point we are waiting on the doctors. Please just say a little pray that this all goes away very very soon.
Have a good weekend.

Happy National Sugar Cookie Day!

2009-07-09T07:47:00.004-05:00

That is right today is National Sugar Cookie Day.... you did not even know there was such a thing did you? I didn't either until I stumbled upon it on a July event calendar. What a fun day! So, in honor of this very special day I am going to share a very special recipe with you, my Grandmother's cookies. I would love to say that I am going to go home and bake and decorate cookies with Reece tonight but that is not going to happen. She does love them and will have plenty of time to make cookie memories just like I have. It is not Christmas at my house until the cookie snowmen, complete with their orange sprinkle noses are on that plate for Santa! These cookies were also the favors at my wedding, Reece's birthday party, and will be at my nephew's party in a couple of weeks. So here it is:

Sugar Cookies:

Sift together 4 cups flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt.
Cut in 1 cup shortening or butter. Stir in 1 1/2 cups sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla, and 1/2 cup milk.
Roll out and cut using your favorite cookie cutter. Bake in a greased cookie sheet at400 degrees for 10 -12 minutes.
Once they cool frost them.

Cream Cheese Frosting:
Soften 1/4 cup butter and a package of cream cheese. Stir in 4 cups powdered sugar, 1teaspoon vanilla, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. Add canned milk a little at a time until you reach spreading consistency.

Have fun! And of course I have to share a picture of Reece with the bunny sugar cookie that the Easter Bunny left in her basket.

Tasty Tuesday Treats

2009-07-07T14:41:00.003-05:00

7 up pound cake stars with berries

For the pound cake:
2 sticks butter
1/2 cup shortening (or butter)
3 cups sugar
5 eggs (adding one at a time)
3 cups UNSIFTED flour
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp lemon extract
Slowly add and mix well:
1 - 7oz 7UP

Pour into two greased and floured loaf pan. Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees. Let cake cool in pan for 10 to 15 minutes then invert onto a cake platter. Cut into slices length ways ans cut out star shapes using a cookie cutter.(or any shape you wanted)
Make a glaze using milk and powdered sugar.

To serve:
Place a couple of pound cake stars on a plate. Top with assorted berries. I used strawberries and blueberries. Then pour glaze over the berries and cake. Enjoy.

This is the dessert we had for the 4th of July. It looks very patriotic. I would share a picture but once again, I failed to take any 4th of July pictures.

A Little Summer Fun

2009-07-06T16:32:00.002-05:00

If you are reading this then you have seen the new blog design. I thought it was time for a little summer fun. It is only temporary as I love my polk a dot background. I am getting excited about taking Reece on her very first family vacation. I hope there will be a million more in her future but I want the first one to be special. She loves the water so I am hoping she will love the ocean.
If you are wondering why I have not posted any 4th of July pictures it is because I did not take a single one. I know that is sad. We had some friends over and everything but I never got my camera. I even had hopes of a new family picture for the blog sidebar. We wore matching Old Navy flag shirts and looked cute. Maybe I will pack them and have my mom take a pictue of us on the beach in them. Anyway I hope everyone had a good 4th and that you enjoy the new design. It is like a little summer vacation when you visit the blog. I wish I could make the trees sway in the breeze and make it smell like salt water!

Tasty Tuesday Treats

2009-06-30T12:54:00.002-05:00

The Lady and Sons Peach Cobbler (I love Paula Deen)

Ingredients
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 (28-ounce) can sliced peaches in heavy syrup, un-drained (use fresh peaches if available; see note*)
Cinnamon, for sprinkling, optional
Vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream, for serving
Directions
*If they are available, by all means use fresh peaches. In a saucepan, mix 2 cups fresh peach slices with one cup sugar and one cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir often, making sure the sugar is completely dissolved. Substitute this for the canned peaches.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Put butter in a 13 by 9 by 2-inch baking dish and place in the oven to melt. Stir sugar and flour together and mix well. Slowly add milk and continue stirring to prevent the batter from lumping.

Being careful not to burn yourself, remove hot baking dish containing melted butter from oven; pour batter directly over butter in baking dish. Do not stir.

Spoon fruit on top of batter, then gently pour syrup on top. Do not stir. Sprinkle cinnamon on top of batter, if using. (The most important part of this dish is not stirring the mixture at this point in the recipe.)

Bake for 30 to 45 minutes or until golden brown. Your batter will rise above your fruit, producing the most wonderful of crusts. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream.

I usually add my own touch to a recipe when I cook but not this time. I followed her all the way. I did take a picture but have not uploaded any pictures in forever.

For Today

2009-06-28T22:20:00.000-05:00

FOR TODAY
June 28, 2009

Outside my window... my grass looks horrible. We need rain & cooler temps.

I am thinking...about the fun scrapbook supplies I bought yesterday and feeling creative. Maybe I will start working on Christmas presents soon.

I am thankful for... my weekend naps snuggled up in bed with Reece. I love listening to her breathe.

From the kitchen... 12 jars of peach jam and cheesy potatoes and sausage for dinner.

I am wearing... pajamas

I am creating... scrapbook layouts in my mind for our Chicago pictures. I want to get started on our "Been There Done That Book."

I am going... to lay in bed and watch the news as soon as I am done here.

I am reading... nothing at the moment but my mom mailed me her copy of "My Sister's Keeper."

I am hoping... Reece sleeps through the night. This teething is about to wear us all out.

I am hearing... the water sprinkler in the back yard and Reece snoring in the monitor.

Around the house...Reece has toys in every room and I am lazy to pick them up tonight.

One of my favorite things...is that Reece has learned to give kisses when we ask and gave us a ton this weekend.

A few plans for the rest of the week... a short work week followed by a long weekend. It does not get much better than that. I need to book the hotel for our vacation and go to Central Market to find rubarb for another jelly rec pie I am going to try. I also plan on doing some scrap booking.

A picture to share... This one is old from my 30th birthday in December but it is one of my favorites and I am feeling sentimental right now.

I love this concept. I found it on Ali Edward's Blog. I hope you all like the "For Today" concept as much as I do and that you will do one on your blog also. In this crazy world it is good to just stop for a moment and reflect. If you do decide to play along leave me a comment an let my know you did one so we all can check them out. If you want to do one but do not have a blog then you should get one. Just kidding... copy and paste into your e-mail and send it as a forward. Just don't forget to send it to me.

Have a good week everyone!

Peaches

2009-06-27T22:15:00.003-05:00

Soon after Matt and I bought our house almost 4 years ago my Dad planted a peach tree for us. It was a small scrawny little thing that I figured we would kill in a year. With that said you can imagine my surprise when Matt said to me one day, "Have you seen the peach tree lately?" I replied, "I don't know, I guess. Why?" "Well, it has about 1000 beautiful blooms on it." That was about a week before our last freeze of the winter. I was bummed and knew they had died. I remember thinking maybe we will get 4 or 5. Well, let me just say the the freeze did nothing to the blooms... if anything I think it helped them along. We had so many peaches on the that the limbs bent over touching the ground. One limb actually broke off. This caused a big problem, not only for the tree but for me... What to do with all the peaches! Well, Matt and I picked them earlier in the week and I did something that I never in a million years thought I would do.... I made peach jam today! When I was growing up my mom would always be in the kitchen making jelly and jam out of everything.. cactus and mesquite beans included. I thought it was the worse chore in the world second only to having to help pick the garden. ( Have I mentioned that Matt & I are clearing a space in our yard to be able to plant a garden next spring? But that is for another post) Back to the story at hand.... I made peach jam today and it was fun! It is my new hobby. I only made one batch because I did not buy enough jars. But I have enough peaches measured out for cobbler (Can you guess what Tuesday's Treat is going to be?) and two more batches of jam. I am quite excited and pleased with myself. My grandmother makes mixed berry jelly with jello. It is so yummy. I am going to call her tomorrow and find out how to make it. I see lots of jelly/jam making the my future. And if you come to my Christmas party this year, it will be in your future too. I am thinking a tea party with scones and jam and cookies too, of course! Thoughts ???
This post was originally titles "Cheesecake & Peaches" but since I rambled on and on about the peaches the cheesecake post will have to wait for another day. I am planning on a fun post tomorrow that I will need some help from you guys on. (At least I think it is fun.)

Good night

Teething

2009-06-25T12:44:00.002-05:00

Webster defines teething as "The eruption through the gums of baby teeth."

I believe the better- more accurate definition is "The intense painful eruption through the gums of baby teeth that causes both the baby and mother to go insane."

My poor little monkey has been miserable all week. She got her two front bottom teeth on March 9th. Then there was no sign of any other teeth for the longest time. She was so fussy this weekend and not feeling well at all. Then on Sunday she started having what I will call "issues that involved many diaper and clothing changes" (If you are a mom, you know what I am talking about and I do not need to give details. If you are not a mom, just wait.... you will one know what I mean)
These "issues" got worse Sunday night and Matt took her to the doctor. We were expecting some virus or infection but nope------- teeth 6 to be exact! My poor baby is getting 6 teeth at one time. According to her doctor it is very rare and was the cause of the cranky baby and diaper issues.

The good news is one of them came in yesterday. The funny thing is that is was her little side incisor. So, the poor thing still does not have her two front teeth. I am trying to get a picture but have not had any luck.I will be glad when they all get here and she is my happy pain free baby.

Tasty Tuesday Treats

2009-06-23T08:10:00.002-05:00

Mississippi Mud Pie (Matt's request for his Father's Day treat)

21 Oreo cookies
6 tb Butter; melted
1 qt Chocolate ice cream;
1 handful Chocolate chips
1 tb Instant coffee
2 tb Brewed coffee
4 tb Whipped cream
1 tb Vanilla
1 c Cool Whip
12 oz Fudge sauce
Toasted pecans & more chocolate chips for garnish

Make crust of cookie crumbs & butter mixed & pressed into a 9- inch pie pan. Freeze. Whip ice cream with brewed coffee,vanilla, instant coffee, & chocolate chips. Add 4 tablespoons whipped cream. Beat well, spread in frozen pie shell & freeze until very hard. Spread fudge sauce on top of frozen pie, working quickly. Cover with Cool whip & garnish with toasted pecans & chocolate chips.

She is here!

2009-06-22T11:45:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I blogged about finally being able to order a Baby Be Blessed doll for Reece...well she came in the mail on Friday. I am super excited. I came home for lunch and there she was waiting on my front porch. I took her back to the office so I could show my co-workers. Poor things have heard me talk about wanting one for so long. Maybe obsessing is more the word then just talking. I think they are just precious dolls. One of my co-workers and friends, Robyn, ordered one for her niece. The hard part now is waiting until Christmas to give it to Reece. I know she will like it more when she is a little older and plays with her dolls instead of throwing them on the ground and laughing. Of course the really cute pictures will have to wait until December 25th.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-20T21:59:00.005-05:00

Happy Father's Day, Baby! Reece and I love you so much. You are more than I could have ever asked for as a partner in this journey we have stumbled along called parenting. Lord knows it is not always easy and you always amaze me at how well you handle the hurdles. I am lucky to have you in my life and Reece is lucky to have you wrapped around her little finger. We all know that she is such a Daddy's girl. There is nothing that you would not do for her.... and we both know it. I hope you enjoy your diaper duty free day!
Here is a little look down memory lane for you:

Why Reece Likes Grammie & Grandpa's House Best:

2009-06-20T21:34:00.008-05:00

Because there she can:

1) Play in the dirt.

2) Pick green beans.

3) Cool off in the river.

4) Eat rocks.

5) Cuddle with Bella.

6) Talk to the parrot.

Tasty Tuesday Treats

2009-06-15T21:15:00.003-05:00

I didn't make any kind of dessert this weekend. I actually don't think I cooked at all this weekend... sad, I know and very unusual. So, I have no picture to post of a yummy treat. What I do have is the recipe for one of my favorite summer desserts. My mom use to make this all the time when I was a kid and I love it.

Lemonade Pie

1 graham cracker crust
1 tub of Cool Whip
1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk
1 large or 2 medium cans of frozen pink lemonade (thawed)
Mix all ingredients except pie crust. Once mixed pour into crust.
Refrigerate several hours before serving.

It is so good. You can also use regular lemonade instead of the pink lemonade
but the pink is more fun.
Matt has requested a special dessert for Sunday, something that I have never made before so we will have to see how it turns out. Either way--- good or bad---- I promise you a picture to go along with the recipe next Tuesday. I think they are fun. My two favorite hobbies--- pictures and baking!

Test post

2009-06-15T16:49:00.001-05:00

This is just a test post to see if I can blog from my phone.

Saturday

2009-06-15T13:09:00.003-05:00

Saturday was a great day. My mom was in town so she kept Reece so Matt and I could get some things done. And one of those things was to get me a new cell phone. Mine was horrible and I hated it. We went to the AT&T store and I came out with this..

A I Phone and I love it! I am still learning what all it can do but it is the coolest thing.
We also went to dinner and then to a movie. I had not been inside a movie theatre since we saw "Charlie Wilson's War" I was 8 months pregnant and missed half the movie because I had to waddle down the hall 4 times to empty my bladder!
We saw "Angles and Demons" and both loved it. We both had read the book years ago and could not remember how it ended so it was great.
It was a wonderful day. I was even able to get a nap in before my big date.
Thanks mom for keeping Reece so we could go out. We needed it! We both love our baby girl to pieces but sometimes miss the old carefree days!