What's Up Wednesday

What we're eating this week...
Monday: French dip sandwiches with sweet potato fries and roasted veggies (recipe)

LINK

Tuesday: Teriyaki salmon, brown rice, and roasted veggies
Wednesday: Out to eat!
Thursday: Beef with broccoli (recipe post coming next week!)
Friday: Hot dogs cooked on a camp fire :)

What I am reminiscing about...
My husband will cringe if he reads this (which I am not sure if he does, so this is a good test!), but I am reminiscing about when my girls were babies!! So many friends are having their little ones and a lot of people around me are announcing pregnancies. I would be lying if I didn't say I was a tad jealous. I mean, by no means are we ready for another baby, but I think most people who have big kids miss their babies and that is me right now.

Zetta at one week old!

Zetta at 5 months!

Zetta at 5 months!

Nora at one week old!

Nora at 3 months old!

#sisters be still my heart!!

What I am loving...
I am loving the weather! So cliche, but I cannot help it! It seriously puts me in a better mood!

LINK

 I am also loving all of my new vitamins and supplements from ItWorks. I have really pulled the trigger and purchased quite a few things here lately, and I can honestly say I love every single one so much I think they are added to my daily regimen! After I finished nursing I totally slacked on taking my vitamins--like totally quit taking them all together. I could really tell in the way I felt, my nails and hair changed dramatically, too. I have consistently been taking a few things for the past couple weeks and I am really starting to feel a difference. Thank goodness!!

What we've been up to...
We have been up to a whole lot of nothing! Ha. I mean, don't get me wrong, we are always busy, but nothing to really talk about. Grocery store, cleaning house, being sick, laundry,going to the park, and the farmer's market...you know the typical day to day things with a few fun things thrown in. My niece and nephew were in town this past weekend though, so that was fun.

We are soaking up the season by going to bonfire's at my parent's house, too. I wrote about one with our framily, here.

What I am dreading...
Honestly, I am not sure I am dreading anything. Maybe if I had to pick something, it would be how out of shape I am and trying to find a starting point again. Blah.








What I am working on...
I am clearly working on my fitness. Ha. I am also working on finishing a few small projects around the house, and being more intentional about meal planning and what I buy each week at the grocery!

What I am excited about...
This weekend is our annual family trip to Sam A. Baker State Park with my mom's side of the family. To say I am excited is an understatement. I love that everyone in the family makes this weekend a priority, and we all just commit to spending time together with no cell service. We all live within 1.5 hours of each other (most of us 20 minutes), but life just gets so busy and it is hard to get together. I definitely take for granted that all my family (aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins) on both sides live within 2 hours from me, and the majority are in the same town. I do not know many families that have that. Every year I wanted to be more intentional about hanging out with family and I haven't done it. #fail #maybethisyear

What I am watching/reading...
Let's face it, I am not a reader at this point in my life. I give it all I've got, but I just cannot make it happen right now. If my girls went to bed before 9:30-10 PM I think it would be more of an option, but that's just not how it is right now. Someday I will start reading again. Hopefully sooner rather than later, because I do enjoy reading!
I am watching quite a few shows though! I have a few that I watch alone, and then Pete and I have quite a few we watch together. Thank goodness for DVR.
We just finished watching Big Brother. I guess I am happy that Steve won. I wish James would have won though. I am happy he got voted "favorite player". All of the Fall series are BACK! We are recording The Middle, Modern Family, Survivor, Amazing Race, Life in Pieces, Limitless, The Voice, and I am sure we record a few more. Don't let me fool you...we get super behind. Like 3-5 episodes behind on most of these shows. We watch when we can, but with the girls late bedtimes we really only (maybe) make it through one show a night before I fall asleep!
In my free time (ha) or nights that Pete works late I watch: Grey's Anatomy, Real Housewives of Orange County, Hawaii 5-0, NCIS L.A., or Fixer Upper.
Whew. Funny how much TV we watch and I probably couldn't tell you one actor or actress real life name. I am terrible, I mean terrible, when it comes to that type of stuff. HA!

What I am listening to...
I am finally on the podcast bandwagon. I am liking: Serial, Criminal, Hope*ologie, and It Works team podcast! I am also listening to Today's hits and Philip Phillips radio on Pandora at work.

What I am wearing...
I am terrible at taking pictures of my outfits. I will do my best to remember in October!
I have been wearing a lot of flats, skinny jeans, t-shirts or tank tops with a cardigan. Pretty basic!

What I am doing this weekend...
I already talked about what I am doing this weekend above in "What I am excited about" :)

What I am looking forward to next month...
Oh my goodness, I have so much to look forward to in October! Pete and I are taking our FIRST weekend getaway with no children to columbia for Mizzou's homecoming! One of his good friends lives there and I contacted him a while back asking if he could help me out by getting tickets. He is amazing, and got us (and him and his wife) tickets to the game! It was my gift to Pete for his birthday back in August, but the timing works out good because this month (Oct. 16) we also celebrate of FIFTH wedding anniversary! So exciting! October is the month of football, boots, pumpkins, and Halloween and I am ecstatic for all of the above!

Last year my girls were Koala bears. We are still undecided on costumes for 2015. We shall see!

What else is new...
Pete started his new job this month. He is extremely busy, but we are all slowly adjusting to our new schedule. I think it is all going to be okay...I think. Kidding. It is going great, and the girls are taking it better than I expected. Zetta has asked a few times where her daddy is, but we went and visited him at his "new work" on Saturday, so I think that helps her associate where he is. She is a thinker and she remembers everything, so if I tell her that Daddy is at his "new work" she can visualize it now and that helps her process where he is and she knows I am telling the truth. :) You can't sneak one by this girl that is for sure. For example, if she wants something that she can't have (chocolate chips before dinner, a 3rd helping of yogurt) I use to tell her it was all gone, but that only worked for a short time. She now knows that it's really not all gone so she demands that I "let her see" until I show her. Now I have to tell her that she cannot have more of something and why instead of taking the easy way out. I think it is a good thing for her to learn, definitely, but it is causing a lot more tears and time for sure! She's a smart one!

Bonus question...What is your favorite Halloween tradition? 
As a child we always went to my church Fall Festival on Halloween. It was set up with a ton of games, candy, food, and everyone was dressed up. It was open to the public and I loved it! They recently switched it up in the past few years and have a few members of the church have neighborhood parties. They are set up the same way, but at 5 or so church members houses. It is okay, but I honestly wish we had the festival instead because I loved it! We will go see my parent's and Pete's mom and step-dad and maybe do a little trick or treating, but who knows. I would love to throw a party for all our little friends, but I am not sure Pete would go for it. We will see!

Linking up with Shay, Mel, and Shaffer

What's Up Wednesday [7-29-2015]

                                            

I am linking up with Shay, Sheaffer, and Mel to give a little update on what's been going on in my neck of the woods!

What we are eating this week...

Monday: Chicken lettuce wraps 
Tuesday: Homemade grilled chicken tenders with steamed broccoli, roasted cabbage wedges, and zucchini chips
Wednesday: Turkey burgers, sweet potato fries, and green beans
Thursday: Spiral noodles with turkey meat sauce (we have gymnastics so it has to be something quick and easy!)
Friday: Cauliflower pizza crust pizza for Pete and I and homemade little pizza's for the girls

What I am reminiscing about...

All things Fall! I am ready for cooler weather, soup, and football!

                                                    

What I am loving...

Cinnamon Hazelnut coffee. Gimme.

What we've been up to...

A lot of swimming, gymnastics, organizing closets, and fall clothes shopping. I feel like this this the first season I am going to have to buy basically all the staples for the girls wardrobe's. We have had hand-me-downs from a bunch of different amazing people, but now that Zetta is bigger, we have caught up to our friends who passed down. I am extremely thankful we have made it this far (almost 3 years) with buying MINIMAL clothing for the girls. I really try to force myself to not go over board, even if it is really cute because most of the time it really isn't worth it and they have MORE than they need already. Holiday time is really the only time I catch myself splurging more than I should!

What I am dreading...

The thought of starting back at the gym. I weighed myself this weekend and I have gained 16 pounds this summer. Wait, WHAT? Yikes...I thought summer was when you lost weight?

                                       

What I am working on...

Keeping up with this blog, spending less money on things I do not need, and my patience. I have lost them all. :)

                                      

What I am excited about...

FOOTBALL! I surprised Pete with tickets to the Mizzou homecoming football game for his birthday and it is the weekend before our anniversary in October, so it is kind of a double dip. We have NEVER left the girls for more than one night, so we are LONG over due for a weekend away with just the two of us! Not to mention, it is doing one of Pete's most favorite things, so its guaranteed to be a good time!!

                                       

What I am watching/reading...

I wish I could say I am reading something, but I just do not make the time for reading right now. Wah.
As far as what I am watching, Bachelor in Paradise starts soon and Big Brother is starting to really pick up and get good! I also started Parenthood on Netflix in my free time..wait, what is free time again?!...I am on Season 1 Episode 2 HA!

                                 

                             

What I am listening to...

Random Podcast's at work, Carrie Underwood pandora, also Phillip Phillips radio as well. Also, Zetta is obsessed with sing-a-long songs on You Tube right now. They.Never.Stop. --Old McDonald, Baby BumbleBee, Five little Monkeys,...you catch my drift.

What I am wearing...

A lot of dresses, tank tops, shorts, and work out capri's! Pretty much as basic as a girl can get when it comes to my wardrobe. I am learning to accept it and love my style. I think this year I have really figure out what I like, and feel comfortable in, so that's a plus!

What I am doing this weekend...

NOTHING! AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I could not be more excited!

What I am looking forward to next month...

Pete's birthday, my sister's birthday, a handful of my friend's have birthday's, everyone's back to  school posts, and I am going to a Cardinal's game with work!

What will I miss about Summer...

I will miss the sunshine and swimming pool, tan skin, and sandals. I will not miss the 100 degree weather, and the blazing hot car seats.

What's up Wednesday!

I am going to try and mix both of these link up's because I have been wanting to post about making taco ring with Zetta, but I also am going to do the fun, What's up Wednesday questions!!

What we're eating this week..

I have cooked more than normal this week, and it's only Wednesday! 
Monday: we had Erin's supreme. A recipe my mom and I made up when I was a kid. It is delish. I will share the recipe sometime soon or message me if interested and I will send it your way! 
Tuesday: I tried pepperoni pizza burgers with sweet potato fries and corn on the cob \
Wednesday: Pete play's golf so the girls and I will probably just have left over's from the past two nights! 
Thursday: We have gymnastics so I have to do something quick and easy! I am planing on cooking the meat for the Taco ring in the morning,so all I have to do is throw it together and bake! It doesn't take any time at all! Here is the link to the actual recipe from Pampered Chef. I do not fill the middle with all the delicious toppings though, we just eat ours with salsa. I am sure it is great loaded, too, though! 
Friday: Pizza and watermelon by Eesie and Poppie's pool!! 

What I am reminiscing about...

Vacation! It feels like it was forever ago even though it was only last month. I am ready to go back already! 

What I'm loving...

Summer activities with my two favorite girls! Lots of bike rides, swimming, Popsicle's, and all things summer! 

What we've been up to...

Birthday parties, baby showers, weddings, gymnastics, starting a new daycare, potty training(!!) and again, all things summer!! 

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What I am dreading...

Totally honest, I dread taking my girls to daycare every morning. I know they have a fabulous time, but dropping them off never gets easier. 

What I am working on...

I have been working on growing my ItWorks! business. I recently joined in with my sister and became a distributor with ItWorks! I tried their products along time ago when I was in college and knew they were good. Then, my sister had AMAZING results from the stretch mark cream, I was sold. I really do believe in the products, and have seen many close friends and family quit their jobs because their income became large enough to pay off debt and support their families! I want to do this to help my family financially, and give us more freedom to spend time as a family instead of worrying about money and such. 

What I am excited about...

I may be a bit repetitive, but I am excited about growing my ItWorks business. We had a sponsor call last night, and it gave me the exact motivation to quit worrying about what other's think, and know that this is a decision that is going to help my family! You can't knock something until you've tried it, right?! 

What I am watching/reading...

I want to become a reader. I really do. I use to read all the time, but when I run short on time, that is the first thing that goes. Right now I am slowly reading Unglued by Lysa Terkeurst. It has been great so far! 

I am watching

 and CAN NOT WAIT for Big Brother to start this week! 

What I am listening to...

When I am at work I usually have head phones in listening to something. On Pandora I have really been into Phillip Philips, Carrie Underwood, Jeremy Camp, or 90 top hits radio. I am also listening to The Nester's podcasts that she does with her dad and sister for Hopeology. Those have been easy to listen to and very encouraging! If I am not listening to one of those, I am listening to YouTube tutorials on ItWorks products, and information that will be helpful to grow my business. 

What I am wearing...

I have been wearing a lot of summer dresses during the week, and swimsuits and tank tops on the weekend's! I will try to be better at taking pictures for next month! 

What I am doing this weekend...

I am excited that we do not have any big plans on Friday night or Saturday. I think we will go to my parent's and swim after work on Friday. Head to the farmer's market Saturday morning, and then hopefully head back to my parent's to chase my kids lounge around my parent's pool all afternoon! On Sunday I do have big plans, though! All of the bridesmaids, including myself, are hosting a bridal shower for one of my very best friends, Janice! Her wedding is in July and I could not be more excited for her and her future husband, Gabe! 

The picture on the left was our very first picture together. We were freshman in college I believe. Hard to believe that was almost 7 years ago! 

What I am looking forward to next month...

Lot's of fun things in July! Independence day weekend, Janice's wedding, and a girl's weekend later in the month! July is a pretty busy month, but it is going to be a fun one, that's for sure! 

What else is new...

Well, we decided to go ahead and start potty training Zetta. She was showing all the signs that she was ready and when I mentioned big girl panties she was super excited. We went to Target and she picked out the kind she wanted, Doc McStuffins, of course. We started on Saturday and she only had 3 accident's all day. Then on Sunday she only had one! I was super impressed because I was a bad mom, and didn't really slow down and stick close to home all weekend. We were busy pretty much the whole weekend, so I was really happy with how well she did! She didn't do so hot Monday at "school", but yesterday was a ton better. She does really well at home, but I think at school she is just busy playing and forgets. All and all it is going much better than I expected, though. Woo for only having one kiddo in diapers! 

What are we doing this July 4th...

We really haven't decided what our plans are, yet. One of our good friends live about 45 minutes away and always have a big party. We may head down there, or we may just hangout at home and then go to my parent's and swim in the afternoon and head to Pete's moms to watch the city fireworks that evening. We don't really have a plan yet. I guess we will just see how everyone's moods are that morning! :)