What's Up Wednesday: October 2017 Edition

So apparently, this blog is basically now only for checking in on the last Wednesday of every month to recap you on everything we've done for the past 30 days. Geesh! I've got so much going on these days and this poor little blog just hasn't made it in my top 10 list even though I so desperately want it to. My goal is to work a little from bed each night, but by the time I crawl into the covers I'm either so ready to turn my brain off and watch mindless TV or I'm asleep before I begin typing - there seems to be no in between.

We are full force immersed into "the blur" phase of life (side note, if you're emotional today, I warn you do not click that link and read about that dear momma's sweet spot. But if you're up for it - read on, because it is a healthy dose of reality for us momma's that are 100% IN THE BLUR) and there are many of days I'm just out here on my island looking inland yelling S.O.S., but the waves seem to loud for anyone to hear. However, in that blur is a big heaping messy pile of life and we continue to dive in head first. Constantly curating new memories, adding things to an overly crowded schedule, all the while balancing a good home life balance and working side by side with my hubby to enjoy our children. It's a tall order, but I'm used to snagging the Venti at Starbucks ... so I'm getting along just fine.

Anywhoodles, without veering too far off course, let's get right down to it shall we? Here's What's Up Wednesday where I write about these topics:

What We're Eating This Week: Soup! Fall is in the air full force, brisk breezes, a cool chill - all the things. So we've busted out the big ole' soup pot and are adding all the yummy things to it! We also were munching on the leftover Caramel Apple Dip recipe I shared earlier this week too :) YUM!

What I'm reminiscing about: Last year's Halloween :) I've said it before, but I LOVE making my kiddos Halloween costumes. Last year was so special because Bennett was simply HUMPTY DUMPTY obsessed, and this year that phase is WAYYY long gone and it makes my heart ache a little. He was so big and so small at the same time. It was a great Halloween memory and I can't wait to have another one in the archives this year. Time to get to burning my fingertips with hot glue! HA!

What I'm loving: Family photo season! I love love love fall family photo sessions. Yes, the outfit search is daunting. Yes, the "smile like you love me" threats are real. Yes, you're full on sweating by the end of it. Yes, most of the time they are a hot mess and close to zero of the images turn out ... HOWEVER - I still love it. I love having the photos to look back on year after year. I love watching our styles change. I love seeing the kiddos change. I love the time together and the laughs we have at breakfast or dinner afterward. I opted to take photos of my littles myself this year and booked a simple mini session to get the "one" shot for the Christmas card :) and if all else fails - I took a selfie of us all before the shoot!

And bonus - I'm getting to photograph a bunch of other families this year too -- and sharing their photos is also something I love. <3

What we've been up to: More like what have we NOT been up to. Gosh, EVERYTHING! Pumpkin patches, birthday parties, family gatherings, sports games, play dates, school open houses, all of the above! ... To name a few ...
The kiddos had their 6th month check up at the dentist and both passed with flying colors!

I took them to Target to let them pick out a treat for being so awesome and they landed on robes and slippers and it made me laugh hysterically that this was their choice.

When Papaw has extra time at lunch he pops in for a quick treat drop off and Mario Kart race and the kids are LOVING having them so close.

 We seem to find ourselves in the car a lot lately.

 And we've been celebrating our boys in Purple! They clinched the Eastern Conference Title and we're now in the quarter finals of the playoffs. We had a huge celebration on the field after last week's game and it was such a fun time.

The birthday brigade rolls on and this little fella makes his rounds to all of the parties.

And Shane's cousin Mary came in from Seattle and stayed with us this past weekend and it was so good to catch up!

What I'm dreading: Still November. November is going to be a HUGE visit (PET scan, CT scan, MRI of the abdomen, MRI of the brain, blood work, derm visit) THE WORKS. And there are a couple of really subtle spots they've been watching for a long time and we think this visit will kind of determine a decision one way or another (if they've changed). Sooo ... while it's still a while away - I'm dreading it. It's been heavy on my heart. We actually had to visit Nash just this week because they found a couple of other things we had to deal with before the scans (WOMP) - but all is looking to be a-ok at the moment. Plus, while we're away and receive pictures like this is makes it seem a little better :) I promise I know everyone an update on this topic - and plan to do a full write up post the November visit.

What I'm working on: Halloween costumes and Lainey's birthday party! The kiddos helped me mail the invites last week and Lainey was so excited to see a party piece all her own!

What I'm excited about: More fireside chats! We built our inaugural fire last week and everyone LOVED it! Hubs and I sat outside and chatted with a cool breeze in the air while the kiddos played. It was the best family night and I look forward to many many more before the first snowfall lands.

What I'm watching/reading: I actually just wrapped up GirlBoss on Netflix. It's the loose retelling of the gal behind the web retailer: NastyGal and I really enjoyed it. It was super light hearted and really easy to watch, plus I think the actress is super cute. I'm a little stuck on Game of Thrones right now and need to push through - but see above intro for my TV thoughts ... so there's that.

What I'm listening to: I'm still trying to finish my audible book, China Rich Girlfriend. I think I'm really close to being done, but I just can't seem to finish it. I really really like it - but devoting time to finally check it off the list has been a challenge this month.

What I'm wearing: FALL CLOTHES! Hoodies, booties, and fall galore. YAYYY! My uniform is back in action. Lainey also busted out a new wardrobe and has officially hit the "I need all new clothes" phase because she is growing like a weed!

What I'm doing this weekend: We've got a fun weekend planned! Our niece and nephew are staying with us Friday night while their parents jet set to California. Saturday we're toying with a quick trip to Lexington and making a Keeneland stop and if we feel crazy even going to the UK/UT game. Or, we may find something to do during the day at home on Saturday and go to the LCFC tourney game here in Louisville - so many options :)

What I'm looking forward to next month: Lainey's 2nd birthday party, all the Thanksgiving feasts and a quick trip to Chi-town, some plans to get underway at the studio (more to come at 11), and the kickoff to the holidays! I love this time of year!

What else is new: The kiddos really seem to be settling in. School is in full swing and they are right in the middle of the action. Our besties brought a new baby into the world, LEO, and we had some fun times with our man Charlie while his momma and daddy were at the hospital.

 Bennett showed us around his school at their fall open house and we meet with his teachers for conferences in a few weeks. Most notably, he's one of the smallest in the class :) hah!

 And speaking of his school - we had a super fun play date with his buddies at the park this passed weekend and while the dirt and chocolate wouldn't come out of our clothes - the kids had a blast.

And that's what's up around here this Wednesday - see ya next month!

Resurrecting the Swing Set

If we were meeting for lunch, or chatting over a cup of coffee today and we were to discuss the topic of marital disputes ... I would be OVERJOYED to tell you a six month battle in our home has finally be put to rest. That's right ... a SIX MONTH BATTLE ... all about a stinking' swing set!

Now, before I start pointing fingers and tell you how it's all (ahem, obviously) Shane's fault ... I should mention a few things. We purchased this swing set for Bennett about two year's ago for his birthday. All of the family members chipped in, and it was the perfect addition to our new yard in Nashville, TN.

However, when purchasing said swingset - I had no idea we'd be moving to Louisville so quickly - nor did I know the company I purchased it from was super southern based and the northern most city they service was Nashville, TN. So, fast forward to our big move back to to Louisville, KY and couple that with unpacking and realizing we cannot find any of the screws to put the swingset together and we've got ourselves a real mess.

Long story short - Shane moved hell and high water to hunt down all of the random screws (who knew there were special stores for that kind of thing?) and the process of gathering all of the pieces - along with finding someone who would put the swings back together (because other companies wouldn't service someone else's product) and do it with safety in mind so our kids won't hurt themselves proved to be a real challenge.

So, we were faced with two options - and annoying amount of time in between - and one perfectly divided martial dispute. Side A) this is taking way too much time, money and everything else and I simply can't talk about it anymore - let's just get rid of it and buy a new one (Katie)... and Side B) ABSOLUTELY not, that thing is basically brand new, and we can make this work (Shane).
The conversation went round and round and lasted entirely too long -- so last week I put my foot down. Either the swing set is up and ready to play by this weekend ... or I'm purchasing a new one. And would you look at that ... Hubs found a way to make it happen!!

We picked up Bennett from school and told the kiddos to head to the backyard ...
You may notice Lainey's sandals (ahem, Bennett's sandals) because she is refusing to wear anything else but his shoes. And I'm picking my battles.  And believe it or not ... that face right there tell me the sixth month battle was worth every minute.

 They were so surprised and so excited!

 "The bumpy slide! I've missed you old friend!"

 And this little bit can't get enough of the swings.

 We're so glad to have a swing set grace our back yard again. Thanks daddy for all of your hard work!

Recipe Monday: Delectable Caramel Apple Dip

It's been such a long time since I have posted a recipe on this ole' space. But after a dinner party last weekend - and a follow up text two days later reminding me I promised many people the recipe, I decided it's probably time to share one around here.

Many many moons ago, at one of our first ever Annual Gal's Night Pumpkin Carving one of my girlfriends brought an appetizer and the moment she left I knew I HAD to have the recipe. It was so delicious and everything fall appetizers are supposed to be. So, last Wednesday when we celebrated our 8th or 9th annual pumpkin gals night ... I hosted and my appetizer contribution was of course the "Delectable Caramel Apple Dip".

It is SO EASY and yet, looks so fancy - which is always a win in my book. Three layers of delectable dip scooped in heaping deliciousness upon yummy, juicy apples. Sweetened cream cheese, always amazing caramel and toffee bits for an added bonus and bit of crunch.

Here's what you're going to need:

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 (8-oz) packages Cream Cheese, softened
• ½ cup powdered sugar 
• 1 (16-oz) container Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip (any brand will work, but make sure you get the thick dip and not sauce or drizzle)
• 1 cup Heath Bar Toffee Bits 
• 4 large Apples (any variety - I prefer Granny Smith) sliced medium or bagged sliced apple (they tend to brown less if dip will be set out or prepared beforehand)

And here's what you're gonna do:

DIRECTIONS: 

In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and powdered sugar until fluffy - feel free to measure, or don't :), you just want to sweeten the cream cheese up enough so you remove the bit of sour flavor.

Once the mixture is all combined, pick a large platter and spread the mixture evenly in the center of the plate.

Now it's time to add another layer (and in my opinion the best one), the caramel dip. Right on top of the cream cheese evenly spread the caramel layer and smooth. If you accidently purchase the caramel sauce instead of the dip - don't worry - it will still taste delicious, but the caramel will spread all over and be "less pretty".

Once your layers are in place - sprinkle the toffee bits generously all over the top of the caramel, and go ahead - admire the beauty and refrain from taking your finger and dipping it directly in the center (I know, it's really hard not to). 

Once you've covered every square inch it's time for the apple dippers.

I like to nestle the edges of the apples down into the dip and have them sprawl along the endges of the plate. I think it looks beautiful, and it helps to let your guests know they are simply supposed to use the apple to scoop, rather than make them think you've forgotten the spoon.

The dip is best prepared and served quickly - however you can make ahead of time and cover with foil in the refrigerator - but be prepared to set it out about an hour before so allow the cream cheese time to soften (so it is easier to scoop with the apples). Also, if you're making ahead or plan to have it sit out for a while - you may want to substitute bagged apples for sliced apples (or make sure to coat the apples in a little bit of lemon juice - to avoid browning).

And there you have it folks - the most delectable caramel apple dip - fall on a plate - and everyone is happy (wanting seconds AND the recipe). Enjoy!

Toddler Talk - Chapter V

Well, I did a really great job at keeping you all up to date with our Toddler Talk around here. I haven't shared a new chapter to this story in nearly a year and a half ... and Lainey hasn't even been included yet! Sheesh! So I'm gonna do my best to bring that up to speed today.

• first chapter here
• second chapter here
• third chapter here
• fourth chapter here

Ya'll we've been blessed (a term used loosely pending how long we've been in the car) with some kiddos that TALK. And the talk and sing and talk and sing just about ALL. OF. THE. TIME.  However, occasionally mixed in with these crazy stories are funny words or wrong ways to say things and those are the highlights of our day. And they're items from childhood that I'd prefer not to forget - and these days, unless I write it down - I forget it.  So, here are some of our current favorites:

Bennett - 4 year old Toddler Talk

Lainey - 2 year old Toddler Talk

1. Maflage [adj. Ma-flaw-jsha]
• kiddo that says it: Bennett
• meaning: camouflage
• Example
• It took us nearly 2 weeks to figure out what this word meant. And he would get so mad at us everytime. He often uses it when he's playing hide and go seek - and God love him - just can't seem to get it right
2. Grill [n.]
• kiddo that says it: Bennett
• meaning: Girl
• Example
• Sadly this is one is on its way out the door. He still uses it every once in a while, but our little mister has finally almost mastered Girl. 
3. Peas [n.]
• kiddo that says it: Lainey
• meaning: Prayers
• Example
• we let the kiddos take turns saying prayers at dinner. Bennett always recites "God our father, God our Father, once again, once again, we bow our heads and thank you , we bow our heads and thank you, Ah-men." Lainey on the other hand recites "Thank you for the food we eat, thank you for the friends we meet, thank you for the birds that sing, thank you God for everything!"
4. No You Not
• kiddos that says it: Lainey
• meaning: No you won't
• Example
• often screamed as she runs away from you when you tell her anything you're about to do: catch her, brush her hair, change her diaper, etc.
5. Elmo [n.]
• kiddos that says it: Lainey
• meaning: Elbow
• Example
• Lainey and Bennett love to play Simon Says and Red Light, Green Light ... while playing Simon Says - when it is Lainey's turn to lead, or if she falls and scrapes it, you have Elmo's not Elbows - and it's adorable and I don't plan to correct her at anytime. 
6. Stummy Ache
• kiddo that says it: Bennett
• meaning: Tummy Ache
• Example
• this one is basically through too --- but I need to account for it - because it was SO CUTE
7. Holeju [v. Hol-jew]
• kiddo that says it: Lainey
• meaning: Hold Me
• Example
• we always used to ask lainey "Do you want me to hold you" when we would go up and down stairs, etc ... so when she wants to be carried she looks at you and says "Hold YOU!"
8. Cokeynuts [n. Coke-ee-nuts]
1. kiddo that says it: Lainey
2. meaning: Coconuts / Moana
3. Example
1. there is song in Moana where they say "we eat from the coconuts, so I believe, the island give us what we need" - Lainey knows and loves that song - and when she wants to hear it or watch the movie she screams COKEYNUTS

They're getting bigger every day and the mishap words are more and more fleeting. Watching them change, seemingly overnight makes my heart ache a little ... but man is it FUN!

Have a great week gang!!