Thankful...

For the most amazing and selfless mother who puts everyone before herself. A grandmother that loves her grandson more than anything and spoils him rotten like a grandma should. My greatest role model and measurement of how a mother/daughter/wife should be. I'm most thankful for our time together and love her so much.

For the best husband a girl can ask for. It takes a lot of patience to love a girl like me. And he is the best daddy to C. I'm thankful that he's such a hands on father and I couldn't have a better partner for this whole parenthood thing.

and of course...I'm thankful for this little guy. This amazing little 2 feet something ball of energy and personality that makes my heart so full, somedays I wonder how much I can take before I explode.

My Favorite Time of Year

As much as I complain about how busy and crazed it gets during the holidays, I love this time of year, especially Thanksgiving! It's my favorite holiday, probably because of the ridiculous amount of carbs and gravy I'm allowed to inhale without judgement. Well, my mother still will, but somethings never change. I remember when I was pregnant with C, I was really stressed that he might make his debut on Thanksgiving and that I wouldn't be able to eat a proper turkey meal. I'm telling you, this homegirl gets down on that stuffing.

C was a good boy and got evicted on time, I got to make a whole Thanksgiving spread the following week, and all was right in the world. Look at that sweet face in a milk coma. I may or may not have a similar picture, but passed out from too much sodium and holding a turkey leg. :)

I always thought I'd be one of the involved PTA moms when my kids started school, and time has revealed that I am NOT. In all the hoopla and crazy running around that I was doing getting C's birthday party together, I forgot to grab some extra treats/sugar to send to school for all his little classmates to celebrate his day. His teachers sent home a birthday card in his backpack, reminding me that I TOTALLY dropped the ball. And then of course, one of the little girls had a birthday the following Monday, and her mom gave everyone a treat bag with like, toys and crayons. Psshshh.

I really did have plans to send some Thanksgiving goodies, but I just got the email reminder that school is out ALL next week! Is this some kind of sign that I shouldn't attempt to pass off my baking to innocent children? I guess I will have to bake for my coworkers instead! I mean, melting candy together is considered baking right?

 

Recipe: Damn Good Chili

I was anticipating cooler weather for Cs firetruck party, so I thought chili would be nice to serve along with Frito chips and shredded cheese. Everyone who tried it raved over the great flavor, and a lot of gfs asked for the recipe. It had a little bit of a spicy aftertaste, but was mild enough to appeal to all but the pickiest eaters. Enjoy!

Makes 6-8 servings. 

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 1/2 onion, chooped
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic satl
• 2 1/2 cups tomato sauce; I used Rotel brand with green chiles
• 1 (8oz) jar salsa ; I used Picante brand
• 1 packet of chili seasoning; I used Williams brand
• 1 can of red kidney beans

Directions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the ground beef and the onion and saute for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain grease, if desired.
2. Add the ground black pepper, garlic salt, tomato sauce, salsa, chili seasoning mix and kidney beans. Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least an hour.

C's 2nd Birthday

Somedays I look at Caden and still can't believe I'm his mama. I mean really. I. Have. A. Two. Year Old. The funniest, goofiest, sweetest, smartest, most rambunctious little two year old ever. Its incredible how much your heart bursts at the seams with love for your offspring.

I must admit, I was still burnt out (no pun intended) from his 1st bday planning, so I decided just a super casual, low key outing at the park w/ our friends and family would fit the bill. Of course, as the date approached, my overachieving, pinterest obsessed self decided it should be at least have a theme. Caden, like any other 2 year old, is seriously fascinated with firetrucks (hopefully we don't have a future pyro on our hands) - the kid goes nuts when he hears sirens, and has at least 4 firetrucks laying around the house - so firetruck themed it was!

The week leading up to the party, the weather here in Dallas was being so bipolar as usual. It was in the 40's on Wednesday and then by Saturday, it was gorgeous and sunny. I have a couple of new pimply friends on my face from the stress of not thinking about having a backup plan for inclement weather. Note to self: HAVE A DAMN BACKUP PLAN. One should ALWAYS have a Plan B.

It worked out in the end, the kids had a blast and the 2 alarm chili was a real crowd pleaser. Who knew that a couple of cardboard boxes would be such a hit? I'd also like to add that by the time Caden's party came around, his obsession w/ firetruck was downgraded. He's now into bullzozers and diggers. *sigh* Maybe this will be my last themed party.

Who am I kiddiing?

Happy Halloween!

Someone educate me on the history of Halloween. Whoever thought it was a good idea to give little kids candy for free is EVIL. Sugar high is the real deal.

I've never been a fan and it probably stems from the fact that my parents being paranoid Asians, never let me go because they thought all the candy would be poisoned...but even as an adult, I never once dressed up with my friends in hooker costumes aka lingerie. It all just seems like so much work! But alas, on Thursday Husband and I took off work a little early to take Caden trick or treating for the first time. Of course, my love/hate relationship with Pinterest was in full effect and instead of just grabbing a $15 costume at Target, I decided to take on the role as semi-Super Mom and make one. It ended up costing $20 for the material, but I think it turned out pretty dang cute!

Poor Caden was so confused at first when we came to the first door like a deer in headlights. He had such a confused face like "mom, who are these people, are we going in??". After a few houses, he was a professional Trick or Treater!

Prince Charming or Mommy's Little Dictator?

My monster last year! Doesn't he look like a little baby!?

Monster and Daddy

And with Halloween now over, it is OFFICIALLY my favorite time of year bc Thanksgiving is around the corner!!! How the heck is it already November 1st? Time surely flies when you're old.

And of course, my little man's birthday is 2 weeks away. We're going with a firetruck theme this year and am super excited to share the details!

Potential Halloween Costume?

Charlie Chaplin? making the best of a boo boo