Confessional Friday: Easter Edition

Whew it's Friday. I'm not quite sure how, but I managed to survive this week. It's been a heavy week around here. So much has happened in such a short amount of time. I plan to share everything when we've got the bulk of it behind us, but for now I'm still processing most of it internally ... so I've decided to wait to share with the interwebs until I've fully grasped what's happening myself.  So I pre-apologize for the vague-ness that is some of this post, but promise to update you soon and it WILL BE WITH GOOD NEWS + HAPPINESS.  But if you've got an extra prayer to lend I could use it!

In the midst of the madness I do have some confessions to share, and thought I'd pop in to let you know what's on my mind. So here we are with some serious confessions today. And linking up with these ladies to reach out to everyone and send happy Easter thoughts into your world!

I confess ... I have been an emotional mess this week and it has taught me a lot about myself, a lot about my family and a lot about my friends. I've got a good group of people around me and I'm confessing today as my husband keeps reiterating "Not that I needed a reminder"...but I love the people in my life. I'm thankful for each of you and your support. Many have gone out of their way to ensure I feel their love from both near and far and it means the world to me.

I confess ... I needed a distraction so we decided now was as good of time as any to start potty training Bennett. We're on day two and we've had a lot of accidents. We've had some success and lots of stickers on his potty chart as well. He currently is not anywhere close to mastering it, but it's happening. It's all happening. With a side of poop on the floor to go with it < insert Monkey Covering Eyes emoji here >. I've been taking internet approved photos throughout and plan to share that recap with you soon.

I confess ... It's Easter this weekend and it couldn't be coming at a better time for me. I'm beyond ready to shout Hallelujah this Sunday and praise Him.

I confess ... Speaking of Easter makes me think of these little Easter pics I took of my kiddos in the midst of some Easter mini sessions and they're making my heart happy.

I confess ... Bennett asked the Easter Bunny for a chocolate chip cookie in his Easter basket and I'm really struggling with how to handle that. Do I buy him a package of the chocolate chip cookies I often keep in in the cookie jar and give him the entire package? Do I bake homemade chocolate chippers? Do I pick him up a single chocolate chip cookie from a bakery? Do I get him a chocolate chip cookie cake from Great American Cookie Co.? What is the kid imagining when he says "Da Easter Bunny is going to bring me a chocwate chip cookie?!" I am seriously having a mental breakdown in fear I may crush his dreams! #momproblems #easterbunnywoes

I confess ... I was looking through past Easter Posts and geeze, Easter is fun around here. Take a stroll through some of the oldies if you've got a minute. They're cute and there aren't that many.

I confess ... I think my Tervis Tumbler water bottle is on it's last leg because it's starting to leak and I'm really sad about it. It gets knocked over 20 times a day and it's definitely showing signs of wear and tear, but I've had it for so long and I really love it. A replacement bottle just won't be the same. Sigh...

I confess ... I made homemade chicken wings last night for dinner and they were BOMB. Legit good and I was so proud of myself. Do you guys ever get so excited when you nail a recipe without even trying? I tried the fry then bake method and boom-shock-a-laka they were tasty.

I confess ... Am I super late to the Parenthood train? I've just started watching it and am OBSESSED. It is so good. It's a great feel good show, while also tackling real life parenting conversations I have with myself frequently. I feel like I heard a long time ago on the rumor mill that it gets sad though. Please someone tell me that's not true?!

I confess ... In addition to Bennett's chocolate chip cookie, he will also be getting some games and I'm not sure who will be most excited, him or me? He's getting to the age where he genuinely likes to play games and for the most part understands the concepts - so it's getting fun to play. Match cards is our current favorite, but I'm looking forward to adding some new ones to the rotation. Any momma's out there that have any great tips on which board games toddlers love?  I'm wondering if he's getting old enough for Candyland or Chutes and Ladders? Those were always my fave as a kid.

I confess ... I've always been a bagel and cream cheese lover and this place opened up just down the street from us and I tried it today and I think it's going to be very bad news for the summer diet. It's called Proper Bagel and if you are in Nashville do yourself a favor and plan to have breakfast/lunch/or brunch there. It's right across from Belmost college and super close to Hillsboro Village and I promise you'll be happy you stopped in.

And that's about all I've got today folks. Wishing you the happiest Easter weekend ever. Hippity Hoppity, Easter's on it's way!

Growth & Getting Dressed for Dinner

Last Sunday was a big day for our little Lainey ... she got all gussied up for her first big dinner and decided to sleep in her own room for the first night. It was a big day for Lainey, and a lot to handle for her momma.  It sent me into a tailspin of emotions and I was processing them as I wrote. I was trying to remember back to Bennett's first meal and I found this little blog post and got a little misty eyed thinking how much has changed since then!

Just the other day I was doing the kids' laundry and started tearing up as I was going back and forth between newborn and toddler sizes, wondering how time has gone by so quickly. And I suddenly realized how HUGE Bennett has become and my heart instantly broke in two.

My love is multiplying by the minute as I hold my littlest in my arms, but the moment that snuggle lasts too long my toddler is aware and needing love too. And just like that he's my baby again and I try to find the best way to make sure both of their needs are met. It can all be a lot to swallow sometimes and I'm learning to try and balance this juggling act with patience and grace.  As I know being so needed, is such a fleeting time. I strive to make sure my energy and love is equally placed with intention to each of their needs. And again, I find myself learning how to settle in to my new normal.

But, then there are nights like Sunday night, where you see them interact and love one another. And you watch big brother be proud of his little sister, even though "Wainey's food is SO gross! EEWWW" and it's like a big hug from the man upstairs that yes, growth is happening, and it's okay. It's happy. And it's the way it's intended to be.

My kids are learning to love one another just as we love them. The oldest is growing to be an independent and strong willed little toddler that is meant to challenge us. The youngest is learning and watching and absorbing everything for the first time and reminding us to slow down and enjoy it. And all the while she has a great big brother, a built in best friend for life, to help pave the way. Shane and I are walking through this thing called "life" together and we're learning more about one another and ourselves than we ever thought possible.  And while we struggle with one another too, I love him more every day. Our kids are teaching us. As they grow, we grow. And we're all growing together.

Through tears I'm truly counting my blessings. I went to bed for the first time in over a year with my little Lainey more than an arm's reach away and while that growth is breaking my heart, I know it's a good thing. And I've got my hubby at arm's length and I get to have that forever. And that happy thought has me smiling again. Because let's be real, who knew oatmeal would make me so emotional? If we ever have a third kid someone remind me that maybe I should try rice cereal instead, because oatmeal is apparently too much for me to stomach. Ha!

Recipe Monday: Chicken Sacchettini Broth Bowl

It's Monday. Again. Why does it always come so quickly?! Stay around weekend, STAY AROUND! We had a great weekend and Hubs and I got a sitter for a few hours on Saturday and headed downtown to hang with some friends and catch some of the SEC tourney shenanigans. It was a nice little break from mommy-mode and good to get some one on one time with my boyfriend.

But, let's be honest as fun as that was that's not why I'm here today. The real reason I'm here is to share some really exciting news ... I've got a copycat recipe to share and I am P-U-M-P-E-D to tell you about it.

So, a while back I headed to Panera and went to order my normal cold sandwich and some sort of soup or salad from the You-Pick-2 menu when I realized "KATIE GO OUTSIDE OF YOUR BUBBLE!" I've literally been going to Panera since high school and I swear I order the same thing nearly every time, BORING. So, I literally had an internal dialogue of "look up at the menu and the first thing you see - you're ordering that." (I know I know, you're insanely jealous of how cool my life is ... HA! insert sarcasm font).  

Welp, I looked up and saw this "Ricotta Sacchetini with Chicken Broth Bowl"- say that 10 times fast - and I ordered it, and holy moly I'm so glad I did.  Ya'll I don't know if it's really that good, or if my taste buds were just craving more than cold turkey and lettuce that day, but I'm happy about it either way. And even happier because last week I was bound and determined to try and recreate the recipe and GASP! I honestly think I may have succeeded.

Here are the deetz:
Ingredients (for 4 servings):

• 1 rotisserie chicken
• 1-2 (32 oz cartons) of chicken broth
• 1/2 bag (or about 9-10oz) of frozen cheese tortellini
• 1 head of broccoli (florets only)
• 2 tomatoes (diced)
• 1-2 lemons (reserve 4 slices for serving garnish)
• 4 handfuls fresh spinach (1 per bowl)
• 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese + a little extra for garnish
• 5 tsp pesto
• S&P to taste

Instructions:

1. Bring your broth to a little boil in your pretty Pioneer Woman dutch oven (oh wait, you don't love her as much as me? Well, then we can't be friends.)
   
2. While you're waiting for the chicken to boil you can make good use of your time by doing things that will need to be done in a bit ... chop to tomatoes, chop your broccoli, shred your chicken, dance in the kitchen ... etc :)
   
3. Add your little love bug pastas to the water and cook according to the package (like 5 minutes-ish)
4. Bring your heat to med-low and add in your broccoli and tomatoes. Let them get all warm and cozy.  You're really just cooking until the broccoli is bright and green and just a wee bit tender (truth be told, I overcooked my first batch and it was still super yummy ... but just an FYI)
   
5. Now it's time to add some more flavor to your broth (yum) get your lemon going and squeeze in half that yummy juice. 
   
6. Also add your 5 teaspoons of pesto and give it all a stir so it gets real friendly. You can also add in your cheese and let it get all warm and gooey. 
   
7. Then add a big ole' handful of spinach to your bowl(s)
   
8. Now, here comes the fun part ... ladle over a big heaping tablespoon of your yummy soup!
   
9. Then add a lemon slice and another good squeeze of lemon juice to the bowl.
   
10. Then top it with some chicken! (you can totally leave the chicken out if you want it to be vegetarian, or for that matter you could probably replace it with shrimp and it'd be delicious too) .. and also, next time I may grill my chicken for little different flavor, but rotisserie got the job done.
    
11. Top it with some cheese and salt and pepper.
    
12. FEAST!
    

Seriously, such a light and healthy meal. To save some calories you could probably omit some of the cheese and add less pasta - because it won't really change the flavor that much - it will just make it a bit less hearty. But all in all, I'm chalking this one up as a win and plan to make it more often than not. Copycat success and I'm happy dancing all the way to broth bowl town (annnnd I'm going to pretend like I didn't just say that) Tomorrow is Tuesday, so let's hope the lame jokes stay back with Monday where they belong. Laterrrrr. 

Friday Favorites

It's the freakin weekend y'all!! It's supposed to rain all weekend, but I'm not going to let that rain on my parade - literally. We're having a good weekend regardless of the weather. 

Shane left me for five days this past week, not many of my friends or family came to my rescue and yet - I lived to talk about it! Ha! So, this weekend we're celebrating or something. And, I'm basically going to call this entire month a win simply because it was my second really big challenge with both littles and I'm feeling really good about it. Well, at least now that it's over I'm feeling good about it. But, I'm certainly not lining up for a repeat anytime soon.

In all honesty though, Before I get started, I need to give a HUGE shout out to the single mom and dad's of the world. You seriously rock. Like in a big way and deserve wayyy more credit than you likely get. But I see you, and I think you're doing a great job. Your littles love you and that's all that matters!

So, let's get down to a little Five on Friday!

{ONE}

Speaking of Shane leaving me, here's a little look at what went down...or well the parts that made me almost pull my hair out (but let's be honest that's not that hard since postpartum hormones are crashing fast and it's falling out left and right).

We played more memory match card games than I can count, and legit Bennett beat me more times than I care to admit.

 Just as I was on the breaking point these two would do super cute things like hold hands and it would totally melt my heart.

 We had to get really creative with toys -aka- old boxes to make old toys exciting so mommy could sit and breathe for a few minutes. Hello new car ramp.

 And then they would hold hands again, heart eyes.

 The weather was super nice for the most part which was great, so we took lots of strolls outside and frequented the many parks in Nashville.

 Bennett had an entire morning of refusing to wear pants. That made for a fun day. (ha)

 We did get invited to a craw fish boil which was a great break and oh so fun!

 And we built lots of "shoe homes" as Bennett likes to call them. He places his toys at the bottom and piles things on top and then proceeds to tell me about how they are going to get out.

 I was feeling frisky and took the kids to the zoo because the weather was so perfect. We had so much fun!

 And we ate a lot of cotton candy, because well I was tired of saying no.

We survived! But man are we glad Daddy is home!

{TWO}

I'm thankful for loving grandparents. Over the weekend our kiddos received two fun packages from their grandparents and it makes for such a fun surprise. Growing up I always lived far away from my grandparents as well and I always loved when they would send us fun surprises, so seeing my kiddos get the same joy is awesome. Thanks Sissy and GoGo for making our day!

{THREE}

Ya'll on Wednesday night we had QUITE the surprise join us at our house. A BIRD! Holy moly I was so scared. If you follow me on Snapchat you got the play by play but geeze! Who knew I could be so scared of a tiny little flying dude. 

We ordered delivery and when I opened the door to let bring the food in a little surprise flew in with it. And the best part - it happened right at the kiddos bedtime. So, Shane was upstairs with B and I start screaming OMG SHANE THERE IS A BIRD IN THE HOUSE! GET DOWN HERE NOWWWWW! (which naturally is the worst way to handle the situation because it completely sends the two year old in a tailspin). 

I switched Shane jobs and headed upstairs with B to finish bedtime and lied and told him Daddy took care of the situation and the bird was gone. And nearly two minutes later after I was calming my child (and myself) down, the bird FLEW INTO BENNETT'S ROOM! Cue panic from all parties. 

 But all is well that ends well and Shane finally got him and saved the day. Whew.  It was quite the ordeal and we're still bombarded with questions daily about "where is the bird?!" Yikes.

{FOUR}

We've decided to give the double stroller game a shot. Bennett is FAR from a stroller kid and literally won't sit and just hang like most of his buddies in a stroller (which can be frustrating). So, we're opting for a sit and stand. He'll probably hate this too, but at least he can be a bit more independent and stand and feel a little bigger than his little sister. I'm hoping he can get into it. But we shall see! 

{FIVE}

Can we discuss Bennett's take on the right way to eat a donut? After a successful five days of daddy out of town I took him to get a special treat for being a sweetie and let him pick out his own donut. He went with frosted vanilla with sprinkles.

 And then proceeded to eat only the frosting and the sprinkles and decided to let me know there was no more donut left and he was finished. :) Ohhh to be two.

That's it for me gang ... Hubs and I are going to check out the SEC tourney here in Nash this weekend and hopefully I'll get around to a good recap of it all next week.

Also, say a little prayer for my momma. She had a knee replacement earlier this week and she could use the good vibes. Love you mom!

 Have a great weekend gang!