{Good Morning Monday}

Well it is a rainy wet Monday in Florida. Looks like it is going to rain all day. 

It was kinda funny when I went into my oldest sons room this morning he kinda wined to me, "Mommy, look out the window, it's raining and now I can't play in my pool today. I wanted to play in my pool today." I simply told him we could still have fun in the house playing with games, coloring, playing with dinosaurs, etc. He said, "ok." 

I guess that answer made him happy and he wasn't worried about not being able to swim anymore. 

What simple things make them happy, right?

So this past weekend was great. We did have some change of plans on Friday but they ended up working out great. My two boys spent Friday and all day Saturday with their Grandpa and Granny (Gus' parents.) Granny came to get them about 4 on Friday and they were gone until Saturday around 8 pm. So Gus and I were able to get a nice little break and spend more time then we had expected together on Saturday.

Friday nights dinner was great but who doesn't enjoy a meal from Maggiano's every now and then? Gus did surprise me with his choice on dinner and we ended up sharing the Riggatoni "D" pasta dish with the Zucchini appetizer. It was excellent. We enjoyed our friends that were able to come and had a wonderful time all together. Afterwards the boys went to Dicks Sporting Goods and the girls headed to Kilwin's and Yoga-berry for dessert. Yummo!

Yes, even after all that food I managed to save room for dessert. I always do!

We decided not to see the movie because we would have had to see a really late showing and we were not up for that. I would rather watch it in the comfort of our home anyway. So as for now we will wait. If anyone saw it this past weekend comment and let me know how it was. It is the Robin Hood movie that I mentioned in my Thursday and Friday post.

Saturday Gus and I got to sleep in. Waahoo...

Although he still had to do the yard and I had to get the house ready for a showing all before noon we didn't stay in bed as late as we wanted but it was still nice. I don't think we can really sleep in anyways, our bodies have gotten so accustomed to getting up by a certain time the we practically fight our body to go back to sleep. After working in the house and yard we got ready and ended up at Biscotti's for lunch. After lunch we spent the afternoon running errands and ended home in just enough time for me to change and head out to my girls night. 

I am sure Gus was excited about his relaxing evening ahead and although it didn't turn out just like he had planned he still managed to enjoy his evening.

The girls night out was lots of fun. I think we can all say we had a wonderful fun filled evening. We did end up at the The Columbia for dinner and then at Kilwin's for dessert. I know, I did some serious damage with my sweets this weekend but it was all worth it. 

If you haven't guessed I had a candied apple. Which I will only eat from Kilwin's. Mine was a caramel white chocolate cinnamon dipped apple. Yummy goodness...

Sunday was church and then Sunday afternoon we had another house showing. The third one for the weekend. Which is actually a low number for us but hey--at least people are looking.

During that showing we went for a walk on the trail and swam in our neighborhood pool afterwards to cool off. We ended the night grilling out and enjoyed watching our boys play together before bed.

Wooo.... What a weekend. We did stay busy but it was so much fun! 

Hope you had a great weekend as well. If you get the chance, share with us what you did. I love to read all your comments! Have a great Monday and if you live near me, stay dry.

A Special Day

Happy Birthday to My Husband........

Today he is 31. He makes me so proud. I sound like a mom but honestly I am his #1 fan.

Yesterday I told you we were heading to dinner tonight and we are. We have reservations at Maggiano's and I already know what he is going to order, the Pesto Pasta dish. Although he may surprise me and have something else due to the fact that last night I cooked him his birthday dinner request. Ribs (taken from our Prime Rib on Sunday), pesto pasta (completely homemade), and veggies. Let me just tell you, I am no griller. I will leave that to him from now on.  The meat was chard (I felt so bad) it just cooked faster then I thought. So Sorry!

He also wants to see the new Robin Hood Movie, which is coming out today. Can you say...PACKED...Yup, I am pretty sure it is going to be packed. So I may have to take him in a few weeks. You know--once the crowd dies down--I'll let you know on Monday what the final decisions was.

I am more in love with him today then when we got married. I didn't think it was possible. How can someone love someone more then when they get married? But they can. The longer your together, the more stuff you go through together, the deeper your love grows. I know this sounds mushy and all but it's the truth. I do think he is a wonderful Father and amazing Husband. What can I say?

Happy Birthday Gus!

I Love you!

Happy Birthday Daddy....This is the card Ethan made Gus last night. He gave it to him with our early family birthday dinner. 

Got Plans?

Do you have any big plans this weekend, or are you just staying around the house? Share what your most looking forward to about this weekend.

I guess if I ask a question I should respond to it occasionally, huh? 

My Weekend Ahead

Friday-Tomorrow- is my husbands birthday. He will be 31.  I know--it's been a year since he was "over the hill." We are planning a dinner with some friends on Friday night and then enjoying the early part of Saturday as a family. Probably swimming in the pool or doing something active. With having boys you must be outside everyday if possible. I think it is in there blood. So the plan is to wear them out so they will be really good for Gus on Saturday evening.

 What am I doing on Saturday and why am I leaving the kids and hubs??

Well a few weeks back some of the girls in my Sunday School class decided that the class needed to have a girls night out. Who doesn't need one of these, right? So they planned and schemed on how we could all leave our children with the hubby's and they have done a great job. Although we will have to repay them with a guys night out here in a few weeks. I think sometime around Father's Day. How fitting, right? Well even the men need some manly time. 

I am looking forward to the afternoon and evening with the girls.

As of now the plan is to head down to St. Augustine from about 4:30-11 and I think we are eating at the Columbia Restaurant. After that I am not sure what the plan is but I know we will have an enjoyable time. 

Now if you know me, you know I am not going to leave my poor husband to fend for himself completely. I am planning on leaving him with a somewhat ready dinner. If you have boys you know that they love to eat and that they are always hungry, so the only way to make sure they eat well is to cook it myself. Actually that's not entirely true though for my husband. He loves to cook and is pretty good at it, if I might say so myself.  Although he may insist on adding a personal touch to it by making the meat or something himself. I guess the boys can bond out by the grill. Isn't that where they always congregate anyway?

Now that I am just rambling on I should probably end this post for now. I'm sure each of you have some kind of plan for the weekend, even if it is working around the house. Have fun and enjoy....

I'm Sure You've Heard

I must be honest, this is a boring but important post. You have probably already heard or read about this but I thought I will still share anyway... Just in case. 

It really only pertains to moms of children who wear pampers diapers. To everyone else.... Hang in there til tomorrow.

My kids wear pampers so when I heard about this the other day I started to read about it. Here is some literature on what the CPSC has investigated. If you need more info please Click Here

Fri, May 7, 2010(HealthDay News) -- Reports that new types of Pamper diapers can cause serious rashes are being investigated by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The agency decided to look into the issue after receiving a handful of complaints that babies and toddlers had suffered severe and persistent rashes and blisters that resemble chemical burns, the Associated Press reported.
The new versions of Swaddlers and Cruisers diapers, which were introduced to the United States in March, use Dry Max technology instead of the paper pulp used in older versions. Cincinnati-based Proctor and Gamble says the new diapers are safe.
"There is no evidence from the people that have called us -- or from the research that we have done -- that a single baby has experienced a skin safety issue as a result of our Pampers with Dry Max," the company said in a statement, the AP reported.
The CPSC investigation is in the early stages and wants parents to report any problems with the diapers. "We would like parents and caregivers to report to CPSC if they feel that their baby has been affected by this issue," he said. "It's so important for it to come directly to us," said CPSC spokesman Scott Wolfson.

Report a problem with Pampers or other children's product to the CPSC by visiting their website

Waffle Goodness

Recently I have been accumulating some really great recipes and I am happy to share with you these yummy dishes and sweets.Not all in one day but week but week.
You know I love food and I love to eat so when I talk about food I light up and get really excited.  

 This morning I am going to share with you Banana Bread Waffles top with Banana Foster Sauce. Yup. You heard me right.
These things were inspired by our trip to the cape. They are out of this world yummy goodness. It’s a one-waffle-per-person kind of breakfast. Eat more than one and you’ll be waddling away from the table. Don’t say you weren’t warned. These babies are dense and heavy but oh-so-totally delicious. Let's just say these waffles are a much more interesting way to eat your banana bread. Topped with that Banana Foster syrup you are going to be in waffle heaven.

Waffle Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed
1 1/2 teaspoons yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger
Pinch of ground clove
2 eggs, beaten lightly
1 cup mashed ripe banana, about 3 whole
2 tablespoons sour cream or greek yogurt

In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, milk and vanilla. Set aside, the mixture should be warm but not hot.

In a large mixing bowl, sift or whisk together the flour, brown sugar, yeast, salt and spices. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, whisking until smooth. Stir in the beaten eggs. Cover the bowl loosely with cling-film and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, but up to 24.

About 30 minutes before you want to make waffles, take the batter out of the refrigerator to come up to room temperature slightly. It should be doubled in size and the surface will be covered in bubbles.

When ready to begin, stir the sour cream into the mashed bananas and then mix the banana mix into the batter. It will deflate, but use a light, quick hand to thoroughly combine.

Heat your waffle iron and bake the waffles as per the manufacturer's instruction.

Syrup Topping: 

1 stick butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

4 bananas peeled and halved, cut lengthwise

Rum Extract from the baking area. I wouldn't use but 1-2 tablespoons at the most. Just pour to taste.

 Melt butter in a large skillet. Add brown sugar and stir together. Add rum extract and mix. Add the bananas and cook until caramelized over medium-high heat. Then Serve.

Enjoy this yummy goodness.

Also.....

This morning words can not describe how thankful I am. I am not at liberty to discuss details but my husbands work has some changes going on and as of now he still has a job. So today I am very thankful.

Please pray for us and his job and that we continue to have strength through whatever God's plan is for us. 

{Good Morning Monday}

I know I am a day late at saying Happy Mother's Day to you ladies but better late then never, right?

Happy Mother's Day!

I hope your weekend was filled with wonderful memories with your kids and family. I know mine was. We enjoyed the entire weekend relaxing, spending time with the kids, visiting with our moms and thanking the Lord for all he has done for us. 

I know I am not perfect... I have alot of imperfections but with the Lords help I can be a women, wife, and mom that exemplifies Christ.  I have such a desire to train my children in the way of the Lord. I pray that they will come to know Christ as their personal Saviour. It is a huge responsibility we have and I pray I do not take it lightly. One thing's for sure, with two boys to raise my task will not be easy, I am bound to mess up along the way. It will not always be served with a cherry on top but this is the path the Lord has for me. I am to love, train, discipline, guide and instill God's truth into my children. It is comforting to know that God will be holding my hand along the way and loving me through it it all.

I pray that I will allow God to constantly show me areas that I need to work on, in order to be the kind of mother, wife, and woman of God that He has intended.

  I'm reminded of the wonderful grace that God provides. I'm thankful for the salvation He has given me. And I'm thankful for the opportunity to be a mom...

Hope you enjoyed your Mother's Day. And don't forget, "Mother's Day shouldn't just be one day of the year we show appreciation to our Moms. It should be everyday."

The End.

Woohoo....This is the LAST post on our trip. I am sure you are all saying, "It is about time." 

I tend to ramble and show way more pictures then what people are interested in, so I decided that today will be the last post on our trip. I also won't bore you with all the little details of our really good dinners. I am sure you are thanking me right now.

This was a little bookstore/restaurant that we stopped at while on our drive through the Cape. The food was average but every other meal we had while on our trip was amazing so I guess one dish could be average. I wish I would have taken pictures of our favorite meals but I am sad to say I didn't.

My Turkey wrap with Fries.

Gus' Buffalo Chicken Quesadilla.

 

(Above) The bookstore/restaurant.

This is the cute store (above) I bought this book at. Which I will be sharing some recipes and pictures with you for sure....

 These are little stores on the main street in Chatham.

Aren't they adorable. I wish our stores looked like this.(above)

The library

These are more stores on the main strip. We parked and walked all these little shops. It was a really nice morning.

I love the all wood walls and ceiling.
This restaurant was our favorite of them all. It was a Tuscan style restaurant and we both enjoyed homemade pasta dishes and a dessert from this place. The owner/chef and his wife ran the restaurant as well as made all the food from scratch. It was just a perfect little romantic place to end our last night.

  This was an interesting meal served at our Inn for breakfast on the last morning we were there. It was french toast but it was made different then I have ever seen before. This was actually a picture of Gus' meal b/c I don't eat ham and he loves it!

 Ames Plow was a place we ate at while in Boston. I had a hankering for Pizza and so that is what we got.
This might be deceiving with looks but the taste was--well--I think the best pizza I have had in a long time, so this last piece didn't last long.

 Oh and I can't forget to show you what we got around in for 4 days.

The End