When The Girl arrived

We set off for the birthing center early in the morning...and by a little after 3 p.m., we had a new baby girl! 

We brought her home at 10 p.m. that night and life was forever changed for our little family.  Suddenly Firstborn was a big brother, and Hubby and I were the parents of two kids under 2.  An adjustment we had no experience with, but determined that it would all work out.

Little did we know what the transition would be like, to go from one child to two.  Sometimes I would think to myself "What have I gotten myself into?".  But eventually we all settled into a routine and Firstborn became more curious, less jealous, and the baby was very good.

 And I found that my patience was growing, too. 

I had a full heart as well as a full lap.

Eventually it was like second nature, having two kids.  Life returned to "normal" with everyone getting enough sleep and attention and my two wee ones became best of friends.

Adding to your family is no small thing.  But I am so very glad we have our sweet girl...

Happy Birthday, Chloe Erin!

Gina

Mealplan Monday #25

Rustown Art

Monday - Parmesan Chicken Whip Up, mashed potatoes, peas

Tuesday - Tilapia, mac and cheese, zucchini

Wednesday - Baked Penne, Texas toast garlic bread, salad

Thursday - Freezer meal, garlic green beans

Friday - Enchiladas, salad

Saturday - Dad grills

Sunday - Freezer meal, guacamole and chips

Gina

Mealplan Monday #24 and memories of the beach

The last week of Summer I gathered up 3 of my minions and traveled to the beach.  It wasn't fancy, but we had a good time.    

 It was a good "time out" for us - walking the beach in the early morning picking up shells...not a thought in our heads about school starting the next week.

Monday - Dad grills, bourbon baked beans, potato salad
Tuesday - Baked Tilapia, freezer mac and cheese, green beans
Wednesday - Navy Bean soup with grilled sausage, Ciabatta rolls
Thursday - Chicken and Spinach Bake, carrots
Friday - Parmesan Chicken Whip Up*, mashed potatoes, peas
Saturday - Dad grills (twice in one week!)
Sunday - Turkey Sloppy Joes, sweet potato tots
*posting recipe soon!

I took all the shells we collected one day and placed them in a pickle jar.

Happy Labor Day!

Gina

Happy Feet Summer 2012

I saw the world feet first this summer:

I pranced in my pink Docs every chance I could!

 Trekking through Bull Creek Park on a very hot day, I dunked my tennies into the water...aaahhhh

In our neighborhood parks I wore padded socks and walking shoes to climb rocks and dodge cacti....and keep up with the boys

At Zilker Botanical Garden  I rested them while waiting for Scout to take some awesome photos.

 And, at Port A I had them in the sand most of the time, whenever they weren't in my flip flops

or propped on a table.

"Heaven is under our feet, as well as over our heads"

Henry David Thoreau

Gina

Mealplan Monday #23 and my recipe files

After I did some cleaning and re-organizing in my kitchen this summer, I was able to put my recipe box on the counter close to where I cook.  I really love this box I got from The Container Store years ago.  It has a clear lid and a nifty clip at the top to hold a recipe card while you cook.

I made some new dividers for it using some bright card stock and laminated them to make them sturdier.  

Monday - Crockpot Italian Beef Sammies, chips, cantalope
Tuesday - Baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, broccoli
Wednesday - Skillet Pork Chops, cabbage and carrots, Oatmeal Bars for dessert
Thursday - Tater Tot Hotdish, Salad
Friday - Crock Pot Teriyaki Chicken, rice
Saturday - Dad grill
Sunday - Leftovers from the freezer, salad, to Sonic for shakes?

It's the first week of Back to School for the boys and I want to fill their tummies after a long day of school, but I also don't want to be chained to the kitchen.

Gina

Tourist in our own town - Zilker park

On a recent summer's day, Scout and I headed out to play with his new camera at the botanical gardens at Zilker.  We were only there an hour or so, but you could spend two or three just walking around and looking at everything.  You could hear the distant roar of morning traffic, but it was cool and calm under all the trees.

 

 This is one of the most serene and beautiful places to go relax and enjoy the beauty of Austin. There are winding paths and gorgeous plant life.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I love the city I live in, and I love finding new places and re-visiting favorite ones!

Gina

Mealplan Monday #22 and getting Bubbie's room back in order

It had to happen: The Girl needed to get back to school and the rest of us needed to get ready for Back to School.  We miss having her around, but the room was a disaster after packing her up.  A little organization was in order for Bubbie's room:

It was nice of him to have his sister as a roomie for the summer - and necessary.  But it's also nice for him to re-claim his space and get ready for 8th grade (!), even as he misses his Big Sis.

Monday - Freezer casserole, green beans
Tuesday - Chicken strips, fries, salad, one-bite brownies
Wednesday - OUT for dinner
Thursday - Chicken Taco Salads
Friday - no idea yet - pizza again? 
Saturday - Dad grills
Sunday - Another freezer meal to finish clearing it out!

 The addition of a new dish chair for Bubbie to relax in was also nice.

Desk ready, room clean, clothes and backpack purchased. - not much else to do but enjoy the last of our Summer.

Gina