Life with a 1 year old

It's as exciting as you think (or know) it is. She has me all over the place! It's actually kind of funny, Pumpkin is the complete opposite with her dad, or Yaya...ok anyone other than me. She's so laid back with Scot. They can snuggle in his recliner for hours and she is completely content. With me, on the otherhand, she's always on the go! Crawling around getting into every toy she owns. Maybe I have taught her to do this, because we are always on the go to doctor appointments, shopping, grocery shopping, going to someone's house. Or maybe she just knows our schedule all too well and trys to get in her playtime before her naps!

I have been extremely blessed to have been surrounded by family since Pumpkin's birthday party. My mom stayed with us for a bit, we went to Mexia for Scot's family's Christmas party on the 18th, and then Scot's dad and step-mom (Shari) and my parents were here for Christmas. They have helped so much with Pumpkin; I got a nap or two!

This weekend we are traveling to Bennington, OK to spend some time with my Papa and his fiance. I haven't been up to stay since before Pumpkin was conceived! So this is a much overdue trip. It will be my first birthday spent with him in quite a while.

I hope everyone has a fantastic New Year! Be safe!

I have a toddler...AAHHH!!

Firstly, Pumpkin's birthday party went great! She was spoiled with tons of gifts and love from our family and friends. And I must say we are blessed with amazing friends and family.

Pumpkin's party was a cupcake/zebra theme. I know that's kinda of weird mix but it turned out beautifully. I went all out, too. I made white chocolate dipped oreos with sprinkes, dipped pretzel rods with sprinkles, dipped pretzels, chocolate chip cookies, and white, chocolate, and strawberry cupcakes....that is just the sweets! There was also ham and turkey sandwiches, mini smokies in grape jelly, queso, chips and dip, and a cheese/cracker/meat tray! Needless to say by the end of the day I was beyond worn out.

                                                                

Since Pumpkin has turned one she has absolutely amazed me with how fast she is learning! She calls her monkey "Key Key", signs "more", shows me where nose is and where her ears are, drinks from a straw (!!!!), calls her daddy "DADA", calls Scot's step-mom "yaya", says "Lala" for Lolli, shows me how big she is...and I could just go on and on! I know I am biased, but she is such a smart cookie!

8 days until I have a ONE year old

The title of this blog makes me want to sob. I've said it before, but this year has flown by. We have officialy completed all of her "first holidays".

Thanksgiving Scot was off (thank the Lord!) so we went to Mexia to have Thanksgiving with his family. It was super low key, which was nice for a change. But we missed the rest of his family. Luckily we will be seeing them tomorrow when they land at DFW! We haven't seen Kent, Kristen, and the girls since Kensley's 2nd birthday party in August! Too long ago.

This Sunday is Pumpkin's birthday party. At this point I'm semi-calm. I don't think the craziness has quite set in, yet. I've pre-baked the cupcakes (and there are a TON) and I'm making her cake tonight. This will be my first attempt at making my own smash cake....Please wish me luck! I'm doing mini sandwiches, chips and dips, mini smokies in grape jelly, and tons (that isn't an exageration) of yummy deserts. I am praying this will be a success. And you better believe there will be pictures to follow! :)

Here are a few pictures since it's been a while since I've posted.

I have officially lost it

I put up the Christmas tree today. I do realize that it's only the end of the first week of November. But I can justify my actions, sort of...

Last year we were absolutely broke preparing for Pumpkin. Then while preparing she was unexpectidly here a week before Christmas. So we had no tree, no decorations. I was really upset about it. I know those things don't truly matter, it's just material things. It just so happens that I absolutely adore decorating for Christmas. I also love buying gifts for everyone. So here I am, 19 days before THANKSGIVING, decorating my house for Christmas.

I guess you could say I'm making up for last year. The tree isn't completely done, I still have to purchase a few key pieces, but I'm having a blast getting ready.

A preview of the partially done mantle:

(Sorry it's off centered!)

Happy Halloween!

This is Pumpkin's first Halloween! I know she won't remember, but I'm all about establishing traditions.

She dressed up as a kitty and we went to the "Hoot 'N Howl" carnival at the park across the street. We didn't do much because it's definitely not for 10 month olds, but we did get a picture at the picture station. Luckily the extremely nice lady behind us in line offered to take a picture of all of us so I could actually be seen!

So technically she didn't trick-or-treat this year but she doesn't need the candy anyway (and neither do Scot or I!). Next year will be soooo much more fun!

I hope you all had a fantastic and safe Halloween!

Two months away from a year

Pumpkin is now 10 months old. A lot happened while she was 9 months. She learned to clap, she learned to patty cake, she learned to crawl and pull up, and lastly she broke her two top front teeth. It felt like this past month was gone with a blink of the eyes.

I am planning her first birthday party for December 4, 2010. It is crazy to me that we're even close to the one year mark. Didn't I just give birth to this 5 pound baby girl? While I am excited to be planning her party, it really saddens me to think she will be one in less than 2 months. I get very emotional at the thought (I may or may not have been crying while typing this...) of her growing up.

I am excited to see the girl and woman she will become, but it's going too fast. I just want it to slow down a little! It makes me proud that her father and I brought such an amazing little girl into this world. That parts of us make up the best of her. I love her with all of my being!!!

Corn bread- topped salmon

About 2 years ago I bought a casserole cookbook. It wasn't big, but had 76 different recipes. I used a few of the recipes and then "lost" it. Turns out it wasn't really lost, it was just put where all of the cook books were. So upon finding this cook book I decided it was time to try out some new recipes (we're getting tired of repeat dinners!)

I decided to make this particular recipe tonight. One of the reasons is because I didn't have to defrost any meat (yes, I forgot) and two, it's so so simple.

Corn bread- topped salmon

2 cans (10-3/4 oz each) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/4 cup milk
1 can (14-3/4 oz) salmon drained, bones and skin removed
1-1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
1 package (8-1/2 oz) corn bread/muffin mix (I used Jiffy)
1 jar (4 oz) diced pimientos, drained
1/4 cup finely chopped green pepper
1 tsp finely chopped onion
1/2 tsp celery seed
1/4 tsp dried thyme

1. In a lg sauce pan bring the soup and milk to a boil. Add salmon and peas. Pour into a greased shallow 2-1/2 qt baking dish. Prepare corn bread batter according to package directions; stir in the remaining ingredients. Spoon over salmon mixture.

2. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cornbread comes out clean.

If you aren't a fan of canned salmon I'm sure that fresh would be even better!

Scot and I really enjoyed this meal. I made a salad as a side and Scot ate THREE plates! I'd say it was a success!

Friends and pumpkins

Over a year ago I joined a website called  The Bump. For those that don't know, the bump is a website for soon-to-be moms and moms. This is a wonderful website (most of the time) and I am thankful for it because I have made some life long friends. This week two friends that I met on there came to visit! Stacy and Darby flew in from Indiana, Ari and Cora flew in from Minnesota, and Whitney, her mom Kim, and Ella drove down from OKC!!

We got a group together to go to the Texas State Fair (fried food heaven!) and had such a great time.

We also went to our first annual pumpkin patch at the Flower Mound Pumpkin Village! I am so excited about starting traditions with Pumpkin, and this is our first! We had a blast doing pictures in the pumpkins with all of the babies and actually picking out all of their pumpkins.

I enjoyed having friends stay with us, but I am so happy to have an empty home again!

9 months old...a little late!

I haven't really shared any recent pictures of Pumpkin, so here goes!

Hello Fall!!!

Fall is finally here and I am so very excited. This is my favorite time of the year! It hasn't cooled down here in Texas just yet. But when it does you better believe I'll be breaking out the warmer clothes and hot cocoa.

Another part of fall that I thouroughly enjoy is candy corns...I know, they aren't THAT great, but I really enjoy them. Yes, I know I can have them 365 days of the year. The fun of Fall is enjoying certain things that really remind me of this time of year.

A friend of mine shared this "recipe" with me recently. I was amazed, and it's not that big of a deal. You combine candy corn and honey roasted peanuts...DELICIOUS! Please go out and do this and when you taste it come back here and tell me what it tastes like!

There is another variation that I came up with today, as well. Indian corn (the chocolate version of candy corn) and honey roasted peanuts...YUM!