Baked Oatmeal

I have a lot going on in my life right now and I'll let you in on it soon.  Once things settle down, but life is very stressful at this point.  I need simplicity and ease now more than ever so when I ran across this recipe via Pinterest, I had to try it.  Baked oatmeal and it's amazing.

I tried it out a few times and have adjusted the recipe to my liking.  It's easy to make, so good and everyone loves it.  It's very easy to make Sunday and have breakfast for the entire family for a week.

Ingredients

Pumpkin Picking

Fall in Ohio is gorgeous, simply gorgeous.  By the pictures you can't tell that it was a little chilly the day we decided to go pumpkin picking.

We found this cute little grasshopper as soon as we got out of the car.  Addie was simply fascinated by him and as soon as she tried to catch him, he was gone.

Graham was having a bad day.  No smiles out of the kid but he did eventually get out of the wagon and start exploring.

Addie was in heaven.  Simply loved every minute.

Sourpuss finally made it out of his mommy drawn carriage to interact with us peasants.

Loved every moment.  

Though you cannot tell.

This girl has her moments of "ew gross, dirt" but she wasn't having that moment on this day. She was all about the exploration.

I tried for one picture of brother and sister but again, neither was having it.  I can't get them both to look at the camera at the same time for anything.

Either way, they both ended up having a great time and I imagine next year will be even more fun.  Unless Graham has another moment. ;)

-stephanie

Graham's First Birthday

Since it has been some time since I posted, I figured as I begin again I should take you back.  So let's go back to Graham's first birthday.  Just like Addie, Graham's first birthday fell on a Saturday so we were really excited.  I decided on a whale theme, because I think whales are about the cutest thing.  I never had this fascination before but for some reason, I love whales.  I made the cutest invitation but can't locate the picture file at this time.

I decided to make the food related to our whale theme.  We had sea shells (tortilla chips) along with caviar (cowboy caviar).

Along with seaweed dip (spin & artichoke dip).

The sea urchin (sweet meatballs) were a big hit!

Sea anemone (broccoli slaw) is a big favorite of mine.

Chicken of the seashells (chicken salad) was also a big hit for the adults.

While sea snails (pigs in a blanket) were a big hit with the kiddos.

Addie and I painted the whale sign that we hung above the gift table the day before his party.

I made the cupcakes and coordinated them with the colors of the party.  His cake should have been sitting in the spot on the table but the icing was in serious danger of melting off his cake.

My girlfriend helped make the sign above, however he was not 28lbs at one.  I misjudged and we hadn't gone for his year check yet.  He was actually 23lbs.

Miss Addie spent her time watching cartoons while we set up.

I wish it was warm enough for shorts and tanks right now.

Unlike Addie, Graham was ready to eat cake.  So much so that I barely made it to him and the tray locked down for him to begin.

It's much easier to bring your face to the cake than the cake to your face.  Everyone had a great time, especially Graham who didn't even nap the entire day.  Caused for a cranky night, but how many times do you turn one?!

-stephanie

Where have you been?

This has been the longest time since I've written a blog post. I think all bloggers go through this. What should I post? I don't feel like posting anything and then before you know it 3 months have passed, you never posted about your sons first birthday, Christmas pictures, your daughters 4th birthday, and on.

I missed those things on the blog and feel terrible about never posting but I saw this coming and I'm sure any reader did too.  A year ago I posted resolutions for 2014 and a lot focused on posting more. It was clear then that I was struggling through blogging.

Being a mother of two young kids is demanding.  They need to eat by 6 and need to be in bed by 8 so I see them for 2 hours a day. Combined with a demanding job that requires me to work in the evenings to stay ahead of the game, the last thing I want/can do is focus on blogging.

And then, I get that itch. I read other blogs and feel as if I'm missing out. I feel that I'm not sharing with my readers and miss it. Though I don't think anyone is still here. That's okay, I have to start over and I hope it picks up speed again. I hope my interest remains high.  I hope I find some new readers and would love to hear of any loyal readers out there who have been waiting for my return. 

-stephanie 

Minted

My favorite time of year is quickly approaching.  Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, hands down.  All that eating and drinking and socializing with friends and family.  It's so much fun.  I think part of the reason I enjoy this time of year so much is because it leads into Christmas and the fun festivities the holidays bring.  One thing I look forward to every year is creating our family holiday card.  This year, I'm looking at Minted.

With so many options it's becoming difficult to choose one.  I love the look of Destination Luggage Tag

The number of photos you can include on Complete Tree Holiday is amazing!  For someone who can't make a decision on what photos to include or if you have a family you can't get to look good in the same photo.

The simplicity of Calligraphic Flourish Holiday is very classy looking and so easy on the eye.

Though right now I seem to be drawn most to Sparkling Be Merry because it can be used as your Christmas card but can then be turned into an ornament your tree can see for years!

There's so many great options making it incredibly hard to choose!  

On top of all of the holiday cards Minted carries, they also have a section on holiday gifts and I'm dying over this cute print.  What a great gift for a grandparent wall!

What options do you like best? Any I didn't mention that you think I should consider?  I'd love to hear what you would send.

-stephanie