Memorial Day Weekend

As everyone else spent Memorial Day weekend taking the time to be with our loved one's and eat delicious summer food and maybe relax next to a pool of water, we also took our time to remember the one's who gave their lives for this amazing country we live in. As Veteran's, the hubby and I, we take this very seriously as we both have experienced friends paying the ultimate price for freedom with their lives. It's because of them and the many that have gone before them that we honor this day. An as most did, we few our flag in our yard on Memorial Day but most importantly we decided to fly it everyday over the course of the long weekend, remembering everyday why we were given the privilege to have this long holiday.

Even though I no longer am a member the active duty military, I carry my oath in my heart and live with pride that this is my country and I will defend it no matter what, even if that means my days are now spent caring for my military husband , son, and military family. ;) I will say, there are some mornings I get a little sad that I'm not lacing up my boots and pulling my hair up to go to work with my hubby. And yes, I'm one of those people that will start getting teary eyed as the National Anthem is playing, feeling the love I have for my country course through my veins.

For most of our weekend, we just hung out around the house, something we tend to do a lot on the weekends, just enjoying the time we have with each other.  One day I did get the hubby to go with me to one of my favorite thrift shops to look for bed rails for a new twin spindle bed frame I managed to pick up for $10 in perfect condition, but instead of finding the rails, I found a second bed frame to match the first! Amazing…that like never happens!!

The days were hot this weekend so when Sunday rolled around I couldn't wait to run out to the ice cream truck that comes faithfully every Sunday around 1. I pretty much run as fast as possible when I hear the music to the truck and it's really embarrassing when I'm a little more excited than the kids ;) Firecrackers…every time!!!

     

And Chrispy, he had a blast splashing around in his little pool in the backyard. I usually put swimming trunks on him but he insisted on being naked that day, oh well. Nothing cuter than a baby booty running around the yard. Don't worry, he had sunscreen reapplied about every 5 minutes…I was on him like a hawk! 

Dinner on Memorial Day was a little extra special as we actually ate at the table! I even set it up for just us three :) The menu was complied with brats, baked bean, corn on the cob, cornbread, and for dessert, DONUTS!!! I followed the advice of many on Pinterest and just used an easy premade biscuit and cut them to shape and fried in oil. It was so easy and they were so yummy topped with a cinnamon sugar mix.

 Little fingers couldn't wait to try them out!

Stars in honor of our fallen and their families. When you think of all that have sacrificed themselves for us from the beginning it makes your heart overwhelmed with pride knowing that those men and women were there for you when your country called, making my country full of American Badasses, which is pretty awesome ;)

Happy Memorial Day! :)

Pico de Gallo

Pico de Gallo

3 Beef Tomato's, chopped

1 Large Cucumber, chopped

1/2 large white onion, finely chopped

*2 Serrano Pepper's, finely chopped

3-4 TBSP Lemon Juice

1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped

Sea Salt to taste

I always start this recipe off by putting the onion and pepper in a small food prep, to get that extreme chop since I like a hint of onion but I don't want to actually take a huge bit of an onion, so the food prep takes care of all that nasty work, and my fingers won't smell of onion or peppers. Than, the chopping begins, which is mostly what this recipe is all about so I hope you like to chop. To get the best consistency for the pico, you want to do very fine chopping to larger chopping to break up the texture a bit. Once your pico seems to have equal parts tomato and cucumber, mix in the onion and pepper mixture and the lemon juice and cilantro. Do a good once over mix. Add sea salt to your desired taste and do a really good mix of the veggies. Serve with tortilla chips or whatever you really want. My hubby tends to love it on grilled chicken and fish too to just spice it up a bit.

* Serrano peppers are super hot and one should only add as much pepper as you feel comfortable eating. If you do not want spicy pico de gallo, omit the pepper all together. If you prefer the pico to be more spicy, add more heat with more peppers. Wash your hands well after handling any peppers!

Mother's Day Hike

Well, my Mother's Day this year wasn't spent as the one before, only going to 2 so far. There was no reason to wear a dress and heels, or get ready for some fancy Mother's Day Brunch being held at some restaurant, we decided to take another route, hiking!!!

My hubby and I love to hike and before Mr. Chrispy made his debut we were hiking machines, trying out any place we heard or read about. I guess we really got into hiking while living in Turkey, they have amazing castles and ruins all over the place, even in the middle of an ocean that you have to get to by boat or swim, so we really took advantage of this outdoor experience, plus
it is free to hike, which we loved!

The day started out with the hubby getting up with Chrispy while I got to sleep in! That could have honestly been enough for the day if that was all I got ;)

Hubby brought me coffee in bed and from there we decided the next best thing was to get ready for a hike at Glen Helen Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs. So after packing our food for the trip and getting dressed we were out the door, and I couldn't have been happier to be spending my day with my boys.

We packed fried bologna sandwiches, fruit, pretzels, hummus, pepperoni, and water…all the necessary needs for a hike.
Eating out of the trunk of my Jeep was awesome since we haven't got to do that yet and being that I love to tailgate, this was the next best thing.

Chrispy did great on the hike, splitting his time between the hubby and I, and walked most of it, but there a few times he needed a lift. I brought the Ergo Carrier and strapped it to me but to be perfectly honest, I think he is kind of out growing it :( Crazy to think that at one point he was way too small to be in it, even with the Ergo Carrier Infant Insert! How time flies :(

                             

  My little frog

 I honestly have to say this is by far the best Mother's Day I have ever had, in my two years of having them, and all it took was a day out in the woods, with my boys, a car picnic, and some family time. I couldn't be more proud to be Chrispy's mother, he is what guides me and reminds me to always be strong and a better person, because he needs me to be. He is the most precious moment of my life.

Happy Belated Mother's Day! :)

Chrispy's New Room

With Chrispy no longer a baby but a toddler and soon will transition into a toddler bed, we thought it was only appropriate to update his room a little. Since we are renting we decided not to paint :( If we had painted I really wanted to do a light grey on the walls, a sky blue on the ceiling, and an accent wall with some crazy geometric pattern…our next place I guess :(

So we used what we had in terms of art for the walls and incorporating bright fun colors, more about having fun than an actual theme. Since I'm not an overly themed person, we chose elements that would bring a since of travel in his room while still keeping it "kid" friendly. 

We have outgrown a changing table phase so now we just keep wipes, diapers, and any ointments in a basket that we can reach for while changing him on the floor. I also put up a small TV on a wall mount so he can not reach it when it comes time for him to sleep without all four sides up on the crib. Everything that is low to the ground that he can reach is either plastic or fabric and he can not break them. We also took into account of his "climbing" habits as we had to the keep the chair and side table at a distance from the dresser and the crib.

For now we are happy with it, clean, simple, and with lots of character. I feel like that is how a kids room should be, just because they are constantly changing and so are their needs.

Sources:
Lamp: DIY, thrifted milk & brass lamp, Dollar General lamp shade
Knobs: Japan, The Globe at Joyful Honda
Chair: Ikea Ektorp Jennylund, white slipcover
Pillowcase: JolieChicago
Stuffed lion: gifted
ABC Poster: Japan, The Globe at Joyful Honda
Airplane Woodart, Dr. Seuss quote, Bedtime print, Arrow Woodart: DIY
Bicycle Canvas: Miejier
Shelves: Ikea Ekby Jarpend/Ekry Bjarnum Wall Shelf
Wooden Brass Letter C: Michael's, DIY
Wood Tree Art: Japan, local artist
Blue picture frame: Michael's
Metal planes: Daddy's
World Map Print: KGomezDesigns, Watercolor World Map
Brass Deer: gifted
Japanese Sake Container: Japan
Books: gifted
Rug: RugsUsa.com, similar
Sheepskin Rug: Ikea Rens Sheepskin
Panda Slippers: Japan Diaso
Curtains: DIY, Fabic.com Premier Prints Chipper Chartreuse/White
Teepee: Dexton Great Plains Teepee
Plane and Cloud Garland: jonesmade
Cow Jumping Over the Moon Print: GennieHirschyArt
Silk Gecko Mobile: Singapore
Bedding: Comforter, sheets
Bird garland: Vietnam
Book shelves: Ikea Ribba Picture Ledge
Sheep Sleepmachine: gifted, Cloud b Sound Machine Soother
Grey and white striped basket: TJ Maxx
Log sidetable: DIY
Christian Banner: DIY, Michael's Craft letters
Sock Money: gifted
Wave Laundry Basket: HomeGoods

Have a Happy Day Y'all! ;)

2nd Street Market

 This week has been such a blur I can't even begin to tell you the day it was or at what time it happened…is that weird? Does anyone else have those kind of weeks were everything is so busy that all the days start to collide and you are just in constant motion trying to get to the next thing…yep, that was me. I think I have posted before that I never go to the doctor unless it is completely necessary and since it haven't been in almost a year, I made myself an appointment for a few random things to get checked out. Well, due to my lack of doctor going, I am booked up for the next week with appointments to see everyone but a witch doctor! Seriously…what is wrong with me?! Nothing really, they just want me to get fully checked out since it has been so long. On top of it, I got to go to an event called Urban Night in Downtown Dayton to promote stella & dot, a company I love and adore, and also hang with some drag queens…no kidding, there were drag queens and food trucks! Oh..the food trucks! I went to this one called Mohawk and it is mainly sirloin burgers that I waited 20 minutes for and ate in 1! I'm normally not one to eat a whole lot of fast food or unhealthy but man, this burger was worth every minute and calorie!

The evening went on for hours and I didn't' get home till 10:30, which really isn't that late, but when you have a wild toddler at 7 am you need all the sleep you can get! I even had a sweet man walk me to the car with all my stuff to make sure I got there safely…CHIVALRY!! I live for that kind of stuff! He was the sweetest and told me more in 4 minutes of walking to my car than I heard from relatives in a lifetime….what a guy!

After falling face first into my bed with my clothes still on…I was wakened by my boys (the dogs) trying to get me up to let them out to pee at 4 am!!! Well, at least I was dressed :( The next day, bright and early, the way Mr. Chrispy likes it, we woke to strong coffee and donuts while Daddy slept in. I finally got the man up and we decided that even though it was a rainy day we needed to do something, so off we went to Downtown Dayton again to check out a market, 2nd Street Market , that I had heard amazing things about.

First off, my hubby and I are not "Farmer Market Virgins" by any means, we have been around the block so to speak, and after living and visiting many countries, we are total Farmer Market lovers. I hunt these babies down like a bag of "good" grapes in the grocery store! We went, we saw, we ate, and we loved every minute of it.

 Between the grass feed beef, organic vegetables, butter and bread, and the olive oil station, we were in pure food heaven. 

Chrispy is a true climber, wanting to explore all stairs, even if it's raining cats and dogs out! My men…heart explosion!!! :)

And we couldn't leave without taking in some of the food they had available for lunch. Chrispy had a turkey and cheese with cheesy potato soup, hubby had a greek gyro, and I had a chicken pesto basil swiss panini that did not disappoint. Next time I plan to check out the Thai that was being cooked but the line was just too long for my liking and I needed food now!

Hubby bought theses amazing apricot pastries that were later enjoyed during nap time with some milk tea…because tea time is a must!

 Happy Face!!!

Seriously face!

Have a Happy Day Y'all! :)

Another Year Celebrated

My birthday, just like any other day really, I get up with Mr. Chrispy, feed him, love him, clean house, play with the boys, clean house again, cook lunch, clean, put Mr. Chrispy down for a nap, workout, have a afternoon shake, fold laundry…the regular. But today got to be extra special because we went out to dinner, something we rarely do just because we prefer to eat at home and so we know what we are eating. My place of choice for this special occasion, The Cheesecake Factory :)

Let's just say I never eat at this overly delicious place because it is all just too tempting and my will power goes running out the door and says "Catch You Later"! So I knew tonight I was going for the gold and I will just have to run everyday for the next two weeks to take off what I ate tonight….scarifies..this place is worth it.

My dates were two very handsome men that even opened the door for me :) Who says chivalry is dead?!

 Here I give you a little food envy…we ordered the Cuban wraps as an appetizers and OMG…they were so good! Hubby had the Miso Salmon, Mr. Chrispy had the Mac'n'Cheese, and I had the Chicken Bellagio and all were amazing…couldn't even finish half of mine! Car came with the kid ;)

 Mr. Chrispy and I took some deep thought into which cheesecake to order…we finally arrived at the Dulce De Luche…his choice. I actually got up to use the restroom after we ordered and found a purse in my stall…I was so shocked, never have found a whole purse before. I turned it in the hostess stand and when I came back a crowd of servers came and sang me the Happy Birthday Song. As you can see from the pictures, Mr. Chrispy thought they were singing to him…he even clapped :)

Yep….the holy land of cheesecake….could feel every happy pound I had gained from just eating as I walked by and still wanted more….CHEEEEESSSECAKE!

After an amazing, and filling, dinner we found a little water play area that Chrispy went nuts over. In the first photo I'm pretty sure he was going to the bathroom…that's his little "I'm going pee right now" move while smiling for the camera. :)

In all, it was a great birthday. I guess when you grow up and have a family of your own, you don't really see the point in celebrating the "adults" birthdays anymore but we still manage to grab some good eats :) I'm just so truly blessed to have these men in my life and that is enough, I don't need much else.

Have a Happy Day Y'all!

Sunday Funday

Today started off like any other Sunday, I got to sleep in (my day) and Chrispy and Daddy got the morning to themselves to do men things.

When I finally rose, 8:30 am which is not late I know but my internal Motherhood woke me, I had the pleasure of playing this game we now do called "Knock on My Door Please". Yep, he is now officially gotten to the age that he wants us to knock on his door :) Little Stinker! So there I am, sitting on the floor knocking for him to open it which I'm rewarded with a big huge :) Seriously, who is this child? ;)

Like in true lazy Sunday form, we loaded into my newly cleaned Jeep (ugh) with baby and dogs in tow to the dog park for some sunny rays and playtime. I always carry snacks with us for the dog park but this time it was more like a little "bad snacking" picnic.

 Blue Ikat Tote Bag Similar, Converse in Teal, Quilt is a family gift

All the boys had a blast running around. Run boys Run!!! I really love watching them all run around the park and Chrispy has gotten pretty fast, must take after his parents :)

This guy has really started developing his own personality which is all boy! He loves rocks and dirt and  you can usually always find him covered in both…extra clothes are always packed in the car these days for him.

 Lunch time!!! When I scream that is it seems everyone is running  to the car.

As usual, we will spend the rest of the day taking in the beautiful weather, tuning up our bikes, napping, sipping on some beer margaritas (or just me ) and taking in the amazing gifts we have. Steak fajitas cooking in the crock pot for dinner…yummo!

Have a Happy Sunday Y'all!