...on monday ramblings

The Monday after a holiday weekend is always a little bit difficult for me.  The weekend is spent with family and friends and the best part is that Adam has extra days off!  The even better best part of this weekend is that he had no photo shoots so Jack and I had him all to ourselves!  I just realized I've been a little bit missing in action lately.  I suppose it is just because not too much is going on around here.  We have put away all of our Fall decorations and are hoping to finish up Christmas tonight.  Jackson and I have been battling nap time again which is always exciting.  Oh, here's something exciting....are you looking for that perfect Christmas present for the democrat in your life?  I've just the thing!

Chia Obama!  Now, I know this is not a new thing...I think it came out a few years ago.  But I saw the commercial on tv this morning and I mean, really?  The best part is....if planting seeds on the president's head doesn't do it for you, there is always chia sponge bob.  Yup-pretty sure they advertised these two in the same commercial.  It seems to me like chia might be making a political statement here, eh?  Well, in el presidente's defense, they also have chi washington and lincoln-maybe it is an honor?  

I must tell you that I am very excited about this weeks thursday threads.  Remember that coat that I posted a few weeks ago?  It's finished and I can't wait to show it off!!  

Question:  Why is it that people think tossing a cigarette out the car window is not littering?  

...on the week

It seems that we have been playing catch up all week long.  Everyone here is exhausted from last weekend (still!) and we have had a hard time getting back into the swing of things this week.  Now that the weekend is here again I look forward to playing catch up so that next week is more productive.

Yeah, things have been pretty slow around here this week.  We have done a lot of lounging around, goofing around, and resting.  One of us has also done a lot of this.....

And this......

The low point, I think, was when I hit myself in the mouth with a plastic ball while showing off my juggling skills for Jack-it's still kinda sore.  Of course, he thought it was hilarious.  

I just realized I didn't post many pictures from Jack's party of people.  I'll end this post with a few from the weekend...

Happy Friday!

...on a black tie affair

Here are some photos of the decorations from the party.  I'm sure there are a thousand more things I could have done to decorate but this is what I ended up with.  

The best decoration of all...

The handsome birthday boy!

...on one year

Happy birthday to you!  Happy birthday to you!  Happy birthday Jackopotomus!  Happy birthday to you!

One year old.  I have a one year old.  The weekend was full of fun birthday festivities and family and friends coming together to celebrate our little man.  I'll save that post for tomorrow or the next day but today I want to take a look at the past year.

The photos above are from Jack's first days.  So, so tiny.  

one month

two months

three months

four months

five months

six months

seven months

eight months

nine months

ten months

eleven months

one year

There are no words.  I just love this little guy.  

...on my up-cycle "to do" list

I had something else in mind for this post tonight but I think I'll save those thoughts for another time.  I just have this itch to make something so tonight I did something very, very bad.  See, I have had a bag full of clothes in the back of my car for a couple of weeks now.  Clothes that are supposed to go to goodwill.  Well...let's just say that not all of those clothes are going to make it there.  I ran out to my car this evening and raided the bag for salvageable up-cycle worthy pieces.  I just HAD to make something, I can't explain it.  I ended up finding two items for potential projects.  

Item #1:

This is (was) a maxi dress that I bought on sale at Target a few years ago.  I like the fabric, color, and it has pockets!  The top never fit me very well and always looked a little frumpy.  Plus, it was too short as is almost every maxi dress in the history of ever.  I just dove right on into this project tonight and I'll be sharing the finished product with you on Thursday.  

Item #2:

I really like this coat.  It fits me really well through the torso but the sleeves are too short and I don't love the length.  This little lady was destined for goodwill but I just couldn't hand her over until I have tried to breathe a little life into her.  Now, I am posting this picture that I have to follow through on revamping it.  I'm a little overwhelmed at the prospect of working with a coat but I think I can do it.  Either way, I'll document my progress.  

By the way.  My son turns ONE on saturday.  When on earth did he get so big?  How is this already happening?  

Isn't he cute?  Notice Chloe in the bottom of the picture?  That's pretty much her spot whenever Jack is eating.  Gotta love that girl.  

...on success!

I love sweets.  That's no secret to anyone who has known me for more than five minutes.  I also love to bake and have a special place in my heart (and tummy) for chocolate chip cookies.  The recipe on the back of the Nestle bag has been my go to for many, many years.  Funny though, that recipe (for me) is so hit or miss.  Sometimes they turn out perfectly and other times they are just ugly.  When we were living in Houston I had the recipe down to an art.  Every time, perfect cookies would come out of the oven.  Since we moved to Albuquerque I have not been able to get them right.  So today, I did something really, really smart-I looked up a different recipe.  I'm a little embarrassed to admit that it has taken me this many years to look for a new chocolate chip cookie recipe but, there it is.  Better late than never!!!  I have to give it up to Smitten Kitchen for providing me with this, my new favorite, chocolate chip cookie recipe.  I included the recipe but you have to scroll through the pictures first and admire my tasty creations in order to get to it!  You seriously need to try these cookies.  Don't just look at the picture and say, "oh, I should try that someday" because if you are anything like me, you never will!  Or, if you already have a fantastic cookie recipe (of any kind) please, do share!  I love me some cookies!

ENJOY!

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease cookie sheets or line with parchment paper.

2. Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, cream together the melted butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well blended.

3. Beat in the vanilla, egg, and egg yolk until light and creamy. Mix in the sifted ingredients until just blended.

4. Stir in the chocolate chips by hand using a wooden spoon. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time (for giant cookies) or a tablespoon at a time (for smaller cookies) onto the prepared cookie sheets. Cookies should be about 3 inches apart.

5. Bake larger cookies for 15 to 17 minutes, or 10 to 12 minutes for smaller ones (check your cookies before they’re done; depending on your scoop size, your baking time will vary) in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.

...on thursday threads

I just walked into our closet in an effort to start the organizing process.  I stood there for a few seconds, looked around, and walked right back out.  I don't think I can start that today.  It's likely to give me an anxiety attack-so overwhelming.

Today's thursday threads is going to be a little different.  It's not going to feature anything that I've made but some things that I love.  I'll start with this little number in honor of Baylor homecoming this weekend-Sic 'em!

Don't you love it??  It's totally on my Christmas list-I love hoodies!  (side note:  I'm listening to 80's hits and Fight for your Right by the Beastie Boys just came on!  Takes me back to dance class in high school...too bad none of those ladies read this blog...good times!)

Ok, on to the next.  I couldn't find a picture of this one exactly but i just bought a t-shirt on sale at Target that is so comfy.  It's nice and long and super thin/soft.  I'm pretty sure it will be one of my new staples which brings me to this question...at what age are you too old to be buying staple articles of clothing from Target?  Please say never, please say never.  

I'll leave you with this...(because my child is up from his nap and has already stood up and turned on his mobile)

Found it on pinterest and for some reason I just thought, "yeah!".  Have a great day!