Christmas Lights In Style

The last Friday of my maternity leave we had a super fun night with friends looking at Christmas lights!  After snacking on some pizza and drinking some yummy, homemade, hot chocolate we loaded everyone into the limo!  4 grown men, 4 pretty ladies, 8 kids and an infant = one fun limo ride.  As you might expect, the kids got a little antsy, so we made a stop at City Center to let everyone stretch their legs.

We had a lot of laughs and made some fun memories with some of our favorite friends!

Friendsgiving Take Two

At the beginning of November we had our second annual Friendsgiving.  We had a great afternoon eating yummy food and catching up with some of our favorite people!  Last year my parents were in town so I got out of cooking...luckily, this year, I was able to get a lot prepared during the kiddos nap time.  Everything turned out great and we made lots of sweet memories.  

Watching some football | William had the best night with his buddy | Arts & Crafts

Love these ladies  |  Movie time  |  I sure do love this baby girl  |  Hanging with Aunt Em

Yummy holiday food  |  The kids table (minus the itty bitty ones)

If you are planning a get together any time soon I highly recommend making pumpkin dip.  I found a recipe on Pinterest that was delicious and a huge hit.  It's basically pumpkin, powder sugar and cool whip with graham crackers and apples for dipping.  :)  Delicious and not nutritious!

I can't say enough how very blessed we are to have such great friends!  There is nothing better than watching these kids grow up together.

Weeks 1-4 in 2015

2015 is already flying by!  As always, we've stayed busy with our everyday life with a little bit of fun added in each week.  Having 1-2 days off with William during the week if fabulous.  We have so much fun together....and I get so much done during nap time, which makes the weekends even better.  I've even gotten better about going to the YMCA everyday that I'm off work during the week.  William seems to be enjoying the child care they have, I love getting a little exercise in and I figure it's a good lesson to teach William.  Exercise and health are important!  #beagoodrolemodel  

Here's what we've been up to!

WEEK 1:  We spent New Years Day relaxing and playing outside on William's new big truck.  That weekend we had a fun dinner out with friends (and family) at Decker's.  I'm still not sure why William has this crazy face in the last picture. :)

WEEK 2:  William got an A+ at the dentist so we celebrated with a cupcake date later in the day (I locked us out of the car so daddy had to come to the rescue!).  The little guy went on his first movie date with sweet Addi.  They loved Big Hero 6 and kept asking if they could go back after nap time.

WEEK 3: Nana and Papa came to visit for a few days.  There was cupcake making, date night for this mama and daddy, football watching, church going and lots more fun.

WEEK 4:  A day at the zoo.....and of course a CHOO CHOO ride.  William says, "All aboard!" when he sees a train now.  I think this last picture is actually week 5 but oh well.  We had lunch with daddy at our favorite restaurant, Barnaby's.

February is going to be filled with even more fun.  Not only is it my birthday month, which makes it more fun than most months, we also have two trips planned!  One to Lake Tahoe and one to Midland.

Cheers to fun times!  Happy love month everyone.  xoxo  

ME Time

The last several months have been a crazy mess.  But, a good crazy!  And by mess...I mean a saw dust mess.  When we moved into our home a year ago we knew we wanted to change the kitchen island.  After the miscarriage, I saw lots of time ahead of us.  I felt the need to be occupied and busy.  I needed to check things off my list.  It's like I've been nesting over the last 3 months and I'm not even pregnant.  By the time I am pregnant again there's going to be nothing left to organize or do.  Guess I'll just sit around and eat bon bons and play with baby boy. :)  Back to the mess.....dust, dust has been everywhere.  Thank God William asks me to vacuum because we've been doing a lot of vacuuming!  We extended the kitchen island, a white marble counter top replaced the black granite, our media room bar area got a face lift as well as the floors in our 4th bedroom.  Hopefully, I'll do a post with pictures of all the newness soon!

Outside the house, I've had some fabulous times with my favorite ladies.  I am so blessed to have such a great support system outside my home/family.  These ladies keep my heart happy!  It's hard to believe that Alison and I have been partners in crime for more than 11 years.  I don't know what I'd do without her.  I had a lot of unexpected emotions after the miscarriage and Alison and Stacy have aloud me to talk to them about anything and everything.  They both, in their own ways, get what I've experienced better than anyone else.  xoxo        

{Painting with a Twist for Lindsey Z's birthday} 

{Fun night at J Blacks}

{Girls night out to see Gone Girl.  Stacy is my book and movie buddy!}

{Macy's Fashion Show and Lunch}

{Nutcracker Market with the Katy girls}

{The new island before the countertop was placed}

It's been a great few months!!  I will say that I'm excited for no traveling in the month of January.  Happy Holiday!

Friendsgiving

We had our first "Friendsgiving" the weekend before Thanksgiving.  It was an extra special Friendsgiving for us because my parents, brother and SIL celebrated with us too!  My mom is a super good cook so this worked out perfect.  :)  As always, Dustin and Skye were the best helpers ever.  They got lots of baby watching/tips that evening!  We had 7 couples (including 2 preggos) and 8 little kids running around the house ranging from 3 months to 6 years old.  The kids had lots of fun playing, coloring and bugging each other.....the adults had fun watching the Red Raiders WIN, eating some yummy food and catching up with each other.

{The big kids were ready for some turkey} {William riding his favorite bike and Harris trying to crawl} {Perry giving William some love} {My co-workers that I'm lucky to call my best friends} {Skye and Nana getting things ready *more on the new kitchen island soon*}  {5 of the 8 kiddos}

We are so blessed to have such sweet and supportive friends.  My heart smiles when I see our kiddos playing together.  It's crazy to think that some of these friendships started back in 2000.  #bestfriendsforever  Hopefully this is the first of many Friendsgivings to come!!!

No Label In The Fall

I posted here about our summer trip to No Label.  Since we had so much fun the first time we had to go back for more!  No Label is the perfect place to go, in the fall, when the weather is nice.  This trip to No Label was a little different than the last.  We weren't as close to the music and the Wilson kids were with us so, the little man wanted to run around and play.  Hunter was super sweet and let William play football with the big kids.  When William was done playing with Hunter he moved onto his Daddy and Cesar!  We had a great afternoon relaxing and catching up with our friends.

Girl Time |  Hanging with one of my work buddies :)  |  He loves throwing the football  |  

These two had too much fun!

There's nothing better than a day spent with friends out in the fresh air!!    

A Hot Dog Halloween

This is the first year we got to do some real trick or treating with William!  We spent our second Halloween in a row with William's "Houston friends".....Teddy, Britton, Eli and the twins.  William was still a little unsure of what was going on.  He did made it up to a few doors steps but didn't actually say "trick or treat".  Once he found out he could eat the candy he just wanted to sit in the stroller and munch on M and Ms!

Here are the fun treats we took to William's school friends on Halloween.  

Pretzel Snack = pretzel, hershey kiss and a candy corn or m and m on top

Perfect size for toddlers

I found this cute tissue paper at Under Five for super cheap.  Then, I just added a glow in the dark bat, play-doh, a snack size candy, and a pretzel treat we made at home.  Tie some string around it and you are done.  :)

William wasn't into the Mickey Mouse ears actually being on his head.  But, at least he didn't mind the costume since "Hot Dog" is his favorite!  We had such a great night with our friends....Grant and Emily even came along for the fun (I'm guessing this night was excellent birth control for them....things tend to get a little crazy with 6 two years running around.  haha).  Britton and William still love each other to pieces.  Look how cute they are holding hands!
Being the typical toddlers they are......I think they had the most fun playing with all of Teddy's toys afterwards.  Oh the life of a toddler!

Fun Fall Activities

In mid October I started working "part-time".  I actually work somewhere between part-time and full-time.  Regardless, it's so much better than 5 days a week!  William and I kick off my part-time status at Houston Zoo Boo.  We had the best mommy/son day.  :)  We got to watch the elephants get a bath (he's still talking about it), we rode the carousel, went to the petting zoo, painted pumpkins and obviously rode the train!  After our adventures at Zoo Boo we met Daddy for lunch in Rice Village....followed by shopping of course.  I can't say how wonderful these extra days have been with William.  I definitely don't think I'm cut out to be a stay at home mom but, an extra day or two a week at home with this little man is perfect.

That following weekend our favorite friends came over for Halloween cookie decorating.  William just dumped a whole container of sprinkles on his cookie and then proceeded to eat a mixture of frosting and sprinkles.  #sugarhigh  The older kids were much better at decorating their cookies!  We are so lucky to get to call these guys our best friends.

Happy Fall Y'all!!!

Ice Cream Party!

A couple of weekends ago we helped Emersen celebrate her 3rd birthday party.  Emersen's mom, Rachel, is one of my best friends, that I met when I worked at M.D. Anderson.  I loved getting to make a trip into town for the big day!
The birthday party was at one of our favorite spots, Mia's.  Rachel did a fabulous job with the ice cream themed birthday party.  The decorations were precious and the kids stayed happy and busy the entire time.  They had someone painting faces, lots of yummy food for kids and adults, a pinata, a balloon maker, and ice cream!  It doesn't get any better than that.  :)

adorable organic ice cream cone cupcakes | the pinata was a hit! | the balloon lady made his day when she handed him "hot dog" | happy boy | everyone watch out! | pic with Rachel | yummy!  

I still can't believe we have kids that are old enough to walk and talk!!!!  Big hug and thanks to Rachel for having us!

Summer Days

We've had some fun summer days filled with sun, sno-cones and lots of time with friends and family!  Here's what we've been up to over the last few weeks.

Week 23- Swimming with Daddy!
Week 25- This was the last week that I was only working 4 days a week.  Having fun at the pool!
Week 28 - More pool time with his favorite little lady.
Week 29- Date night at Perry's with my honey.
Week 30- Summer BBQ with our best friends!
Week 31- Looking at the ducks after lunch with Nana and Papa.

As much as I love summer and having tan skin, I am super ready for the fall and football season!

No Label

I'm finally getting around to posting about our visit to No Label Brewery during Father's Day weekend!  I can't believe we hadn't tried this place out sooner.  We had an awesome time with Emily, Grant and a few of my work friends and their kiddos.  It's good, cheap fun for adults and kids....and you can't beat that!

We all gave No Label Brewery an A+.  Here are a few of the reasons you should go too!

It's only a 10 minute drive from pretty much anywhere in Katy.
There are food trucks with yummy food and sno-cones!
There's a live band (William was in love).
You can bring your own chairs, food, blankets, etc, etc
They have shaded areas.
They have picnic tables.
You get a great deal on 4 beers (and they're yum).
The kids can run around, get energy out, dance to the music, relax in their chair and have a snack.....you get the point....it's an awesome way to spend your Saturday afternoon!  If you're in the Houston area make sure to check it out.

• Hanging with our friends, listening to some tunes!
• Getting some Aunt Em time in.  
• Family Fun!
• Dancing with his favorite little lady.
• These two kiddos love each other so much!  Just taking in some live music while they enjoy a lollipop.  

Cheers friends!

CHOO CHOO, Someone Turned TWO!

FINALLY!  I can't believe it's taken me two months to do this post.  Let me just start off by saying that this birthday party was so much easier compared to last years.  Having it at the house made things go much more smoothly.  My parents, Dustin and Skye stayed with us that weekend and they were awesome helpers.  I had everyone running errands on Saturday morning. :)  So, BIG thanks to those guys.  Sweet Skye even helped me give William a bath that evening because I was pooped!
The day before his party I found out I have to move to working 5 days a week from my current 4 days a week.  I was a bit upset (more on that another time).  Luckily I had lots of friends and family around to help cheer me up.  Saturday morning I woke up feeling really yuck (stomach bug).  :(  Again, thank goodness for my family.  Regardless, we had the best day celebrating William James.  We went to Little Gym that morning and then starting getting ready to PARTY!  
Here are just a handful of the pictures that were taken that day.  Somehow, I didn't get one of Dustin and Skye with William?!?!  :(  I'll have to make it up when we see them next month. 

• How cute is this photo backdrop?!?!?  So easy!  Just some streamers twisted and taped at the top and bottom, balloons and a chalk board.  We took some cute photos of the kids with "conductor" hats on!
• Adorable sugar cookies by a local lady. 
• Invitations from Berings.   Cupcakes by yours truly (blue cupcake holders from Michael's). 
• Picture frame from Hobby Lobby and Mason Jar with forks wrapped in chevron paper.  
• CHOO CHOO banner made by me using Cricut.  2 yr photo book for guest to sign from Snapfish.  
• Drink stand outside.  Re-used name and fabric banner from William's first birthday party.  The fabric banner was super easy!  Just cut long strips of fabric and tie in knot on rope.  

• I love primary colors!
• Thank you Arvella for making the best cakes ever! {Midland peeps contact me for her info!}
• Napkins from Monogram Shop
• Cakeballs by Eggleston's Edibles.  Labels from WH Hostess
• Goodie Boxes from Oriental Trading Company for only $5/dozen (see below for content).
• Centerpiece train from Melissa and Doug.  Table runners ordered off Etsy. 

• Playing corn hole has become a family tradition!  It keeps everyone entertained for hours.  
• Brandon and Ashley came all the way from Birmingham!
• SIL :)
• We rented 3 round tables and chairs so people could hang outside.  After the party we cooked out so having the extra seating was perfect.  I never got a picture of the tables with table clothes/centerpieces (pictured below). 
• Best. Idea. Ever.  The train was a hit!
• They have the cutest stamps on Zazzle.  
• Centerpieces: clear jars from Hobby Lobby + spray paint = cute.  I filled the jars halfway with potting soil and then put the sticks in so they'd stand up straight.  
• Goodie Boxes =  Bubbles, toy train, train whistle and stickers (most everything from Oriental Trading) 

{Playing} {He loves his lawn mower from Nana and Papa} {He rode the train the entire hour} {My baby} {Craft Station} {Riding with Grant and Emily} {I'm in love with this easel W got from Grant and Emily} {Helping Uncle D and Daddy} {Hanging with Mimi}

The little arts and craft station we had was a hit!  My mom and I cut out all the different shapes for the pieces of the train (using construction paper).  I then put all the pieces to make one train in a zip lock baggie.  I had an example laid out for the kids to copy.  All they had to do was clue the shapes of one baggie on a big piece of construction paper.  Super easy and fun!  All the girls loved this.  

Construction paper + glue = cheap and fun  

Happy 2nd Birthday, Sweet William!

Big thanks to everyone that came out for the festivities.  We had an awesome day.  An even bigger thanks to my family for helping get the last minute details together and for helping clean up afterwards!!  Since the birthday party William talks about Choo Choos every single day. :)

 He loves the hat he wore during the party.  He loved playing in the balls.  He loved seeing all his friends.  He adores his grandparents and aunts/uncles.  He's obsessed with the new lawn mower and drawing ovals on his 2 new easels.  He got so many new books that are now some of his favorites.  He loved seeing his old teachers from BLS that came.  He (and we) had a happy, happy day!!!!!! 

Now I just have to sit down and finish writing thank you notes!   xoxo

Wonderful Wednesday

It's been forever since I've done a Wonderful Wednesday post....but we've still been having them!  I know I've said it before but life just got a little busy with moving, then the holidays, then really getting the house organized, our grown up vacation to Colorado, birthday party, Easter, beach, etc, etc.

Back in February William started Little Gym classes.  He really loves running around, crawling on everything, chasing the bubbles, playing with balls and getting a stamp on his belly and feet at the end of class.  This past Saturday was his last class.  He made so much progress in four months!  I think it's great to have him interact with new children his age (especially when mom and dad are around).  His balance improved and he loves doing back rolls now!  The little man is super strong like his daddy and is even good about waiting his turn to use the different equipment.  He still doesn't have jumping down but he's trying.  I'm hoping to sign him up for classes again in the fall!  Until then our Saturday mornings will be spent at swim class.     

{Getting his ribbon on the last day of Little Gym} {He can hang like this forever! So strong}
{Swimming + Friends = Fun Summer} 

{Daddy went fishing at Grant's and caught this gator.  Boys will be Boys}

Last Wednesday I had a dentist appointment in town so W went to daycare until naptime was over.  Mommy and Daddy had a lunch date (and I did some shopping!  check out my Instagram account THEGOODLIFETHEGOODINGS to see one of my purchases).  That afternoon we had a swim party with the Wilsons!   

{splash splash} {relaxing Memorial Day weekend, at home watching the rain}
{He reads with Daddy every night} {Silly boy in his bubble bath}

William and I had a great day yesterday!  We went to the YMCA so momma could get a work out in, we got a new floaty at Target, had Chick Fil A for lunch and then had the best nap together!  We even found time to go swimming, do laundry and make some yummy soup for dinner.  I LOVE these days together!
   

Birthday Festivities

I'm a little behind on William's birthday festivities.  Hopefully I'll get his birthday party posted this week!  On William's actual birthday we were in Texarkana for Easter weekend.   The country club was having an Easter egg hunt, magician, a bounce house, and a train that day so we made plans to join in the fun and even invited some of our friends to come celebrate with us!

 Ever since William's 2nd birthday party he has been OBSESSED with trains.  He calls them "choo choo".  So, obviously, he was thrilled to see the choo choo there!  On the other hand, he was terrified of the Easter bunny and the egg hunt, with all the kids, was a little over whelming.  But, he loved the train and we had a great lunch with our friends.  Meal time with a bunch of kiddos can be challenging but luckily most of them were mesmerized by the magician (and the cupcakes).

{Dinner with family on Friday} {Not too sure about the egg hunt} {cute birthday cake} {he rode the train for an hour with Aunt Em} {Scared to death of the bunny} {Love these ladies and their sweet baby boys} {Balloon Animals!} 

Big thanks to Mimi and Grandad for putting this fun morning together and for watching baby boy that night so we could have date night.  We have the best parents ever.  :)  #blessed

Champagne Anyone?

This past weekend we celebrated my best friend's 30th birthday!  Months ago her sister and husband asked if I'd help with her surprise party.  DUH, of course I will!  I dream about being a party planner so this was right up my alley.  Thankfully, my momma came into town to help get things ready...ummm....aka....help with our little buddy.  He's become our #1 clinger so having her in town was awesome.
By the time Saturday night rolled around Alison knew we were all up to something but she had no idea everyone would be at my house waiting for her.  We had the best night "Drinking Champagne And Dancing On The Tables!"

With the Birthday Girl

My Meggo even made it into town!

Lindsey and Lindsey

I had so much fun getting everything together for the dessert/mimosa bar table!  We had orange, white grape and grapefruit juice to add to the champagne.  YUM!

• Mini cupcakes and banner made by yours truly (cookies by a local lady!). 
• Napkins from Swoozies
• Table runners from Michaels
• The picture station gold ribbon came from Party City and I made the banner (I know it looks small here but I wanted to be able to see it when we were standing in front for pics)
• Photo props bought off Etsy but would be super easy to make!

College Roomies = Fabulous Night 

My Nursing Buddies!

I'm so blessed to have such great friends!  These ladies mean the world to me.  They have been through some of the best and worst times of my life with me.  They have loved me for me over the last 14 years!  I'm so happy that my mom was able to be there with us.  Just one more fabulous night to add to our list.  :)