Smesolutions

So one of my resolutions this year was to blog more and like everyday.  Well it's already almost the 18th and I haven't done it once.  FAIL.

I also want to try the recipes, projects, ideas, tricks, and decorating I see on Pinterest.  I think it will be fun.  Now that I stay home with Luke,  I find it hard to focus on getting things done.  Plus we enjoy going out together so much, but we do need to get better at staying home and being productive (or at least I do).

Today we met Sarah and Tammy at North Park Mall.  I wanted to look for some clothes for him for next year, but didn't really find anything.  I also went to Nordstrom's to see if they had any Ergo carriers.  They only had plain colors so I'm glad I got the Petunia Pickle Bottom pattern in Frolicking in Fez.  I think it will look really cute!  I figured the black and white will go with more.

Here it is from their site:

We also stopped by Sephora for a makeup sample.  I have pretty dry skin so a lot of the foundations I've tried show peeling and have been too drying.  Last time I tried the Kat Von D foundation.  I love the coverage, but again too drying for my skin.  This time I got a sample of the Laura Mercier Moisturizing Foundation.  Will report back once I try it tomorrow or whenever.

We've also been on the lookout for a nice umbrella stroller. Something comfortable for him, but easier to wheel around for me.  I really loved this UppaBaby G-Luxe from Buybuybaby:

He looks pretty comfy but it was still a little pricey in my opinion.  I did some research and decided on ordering the Mia Moda Facile:

Very similar but half the price!


Anyway, I'm tired and "trying" to get to bed early.

Luke's first Halloween

Luke had a first great Halloween.  Many people wanted to see him dressed up in his costume, so we had a busy night taking him to see everyone.  First we stood outside so Luke could watch all the neighborhood kids walk around.  One of his favorite things to do is people watch.  He got so happy when a lot of neighbors came by to say hi to him. Next, we went to Starbucks to see some of the regular employees that said they would be working, and Brian and I got a drink of course.  We also got to see Sarah trick-or-treating.  She looked like she was having so much fun. Luke will have fun going next year!  After Tammy's house we went to Seema and Carol's.  It was a long night and the little tiger was exhausted when we got home.

Last Saturday we also took my dad out for German food at the Bavarian Grill in Plano. MMmmm. 

We gave Luke some goulash soup broth and applesause, which he loved!  I'm so excited Luke is starting to enjoy food.  Here's Luke with grandpa.

 

My mom also took some good pictures of us at the arboretum pumpkin festival, which I'll post soon!

The past few weeks

We've been busy the past few weeks.  So busy I haven't had a chance to sit down and recap.

Luke's nana and grampie came from Massachusetts to visit and meet him for the first time.  I think he won them over. =D  Here he is enjoying their company:

While they were here we had his baptism.  Luke even wore the same outfit Brian wore on his baptism. His grampie John was his godfather and my sister was his godmother.  He did great throughout the whole thing and didn't really cry once.  He enjoys baths so I'm sure he didn't mind the warm water over his head. Then everyone came back to our place for cake and snacks.
Here we are at St. Joseph's Catholic Church before the baptism:

The next day we took Brian's parents to the Plano balloon festival. I've been going since I was a kid and my sister and her family even met up with us.

Luke also started getting his bottom teeth.  Poor baby was feeling cranky towards the end of his grandparent's visit.  After they left I got sick or had allergies. But luckily all is good and in time for some better weather.  We have been trying to get outside more as Luke loves it!

Here we are at Firewheel Mall one day were we met up with my mom and niece rocking our sunglasses. :)

Today Luke, my mom, and I met up with our friend Carol and her sister Helena, and we ate German food at Kuby's in Snider plaza. I had the schnitzel sandwich and my mom got the pastrami.  Afterward, we just sat outside talking while Carol's sister shopped and Luke fell asleep in my mom's arms...

Then we went to my sister's school so I could see her classroom.  Luke just loved it in there or being naked or her zebra bean bag.  Either one, just look at that smile...

Love and Meatballs

Last night I perfected my recipe for meatballs.  Last week I used fresh garlic and it was a little too strong tasting.  This time I just used garlic powder and a little more bread crumbs and mmmmmmm, perfect.  And Brian approved also!  You can see him eating his meatball "grinder" in the background.

Here's the recipe:

Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F 

Mix following ingredients:

• 1 pound extra lean ground beef (I used 93% lean)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 1/2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/3 cup skim milk
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2/3 cup seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 egg

I made about an inch size meatballs and baked for about  10-12 minutes.

 Brian made a sandwich out of these and topped them with cheese.  I served over noodles with parmesean:

 

mmmmmmmm........ 

And of course this is what Luke was up to while I was cooking:

 

Sleepy Sunday and Cookies!!

Last night Luke spent the night at his grandma's house.  I think she really enjoys him spending the night at her house every once in a while. They went to run some errands around the North Park Mall area today:

Once Brian and I woke up and did a few things around the house, he was heading to the Firewheel golf course to play golf with my dad and Bobby.  I figured I would head over to pick up Luke and spend some time with my mom.  Once I got over there I was so tired and ended up taking a long nap after we had lunch.  Luckily, my mom took care of him while I slept because he was quite fussy with me for a bit.

He looks like such a big boy sitting in her high chair.

After all the excitement from the day, Luke was so sleepy.  I met up with Brian to get some groceries for the work week, and so I could get an ice coffee and wake up at Target.  We usually go shopping later at night on Sunday to avoid the crowds.  We had to stop at Kroger also for a good deal on Brian's energy drinks he has at work.

Looking confused......                                                                                     1 more time smiling at daddy

After we got home and unloaded all the groceries and gave Luke his bath, fed  him, and got him to bed, Brian asked if I would make him some oatmeal cookies with chocolate chips. (I added almonds for mine).  Plus the old fashioned oats help with milk production!  They came out really great.  Or as in Brian would say, "These are awesome!"

Recipe adapted from the Quaker Oats Old Fashioned Oatmeal box.

OLD FASHIONED QUAKER OATS FAMOUS OATMEAL COOKIES

3/4 c. butter 1 c. firmly packed brown sugar 1/2 c. granulated sugar 1 egg 1/4 c. water 1 tsp. vanilla 1 c. sifted all-purpose flour 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. baking soda 3 c. oats, uncooked 1/4 c.  almonds 3/4 c. chocolate chips Beat shortening, sugars, egg, water and vanilla together until creamy. Stir together flour, salt and soda; add to creamed mixture, blend well. Stir in oats, chocolate chips, and almonds. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto greased cookie sheets. Bake in preheated moderate oven (350 degrees) for 12 to 15 minutes.

And the best part is my house smells like cookies. mmmmm -- sweet dreams for me.

Weekend routine

Luke loves his routines.  On the weekend, he has a slightly different one since Brian is home.  Weekend or not he is always the happiest in the morning when he just wakes up.  He usually plays in his crib for a bit, while I get ready after we wake up.  Here he is loving his mobile smiley and in the cutest cowboy outfit my mom got him...

 

After we get ready and eat something we will usually head to Starbucks for a bit where the baristas all know us and love seeing Luke.  Again, he loves to people watch.  Brian and I take turns holding him so he can get different views, and it keeps him occupied.

This is a perfect example (and I love how the light is shinning on us both)...

 

Then we usually go run a few errands.  We didn't end up buying anything but just walked around instead. We stopped by firewheel mall so I could get a pretzel and we could sit outside by the fountain.  I haven't sat outside in so long since it's been hot.  Here we are by the fountain...

Luke ended up getting pretty tired out from all the errands.   I looked back after our drive home and this is what I saw...

 And here's one more picture, just because it's funny.  Silly Luke. =P

Happy baby boy

Luke was in a great mood today.  I've never seen him smile as much.  I'm so happy he loves his life already and is so in sync with me and Brian.

We have been so excited about Trader Joe's coming and decided to go to the opening with some friends.  First we stopped at Denny's for some food.  I ordered off the $2 menu -- it's actually pretty good.

When we finally got to the store it was PACKED!!  I really want to go back soon.  Some of the items we got were cookie butter, truffles, naan, mini cucumbers, and a small pot of yellow roses.

Here's Lukey enjoying the ride:

He was happy the whole time until we got out of the store and the extreme heat and sun hit his face.   I felt like crying too.  It was 106 today!

Then we stopped at Old Navy - I guess stripes are way in this season.  We got home and Brian was off work so we made some snacks and took a nap. We decided to then go to Costco to look for mattresses since we are getting a king size bed before they close.

Afterwards we were off to PF Changs since Brian felt like some Dynamite Thai Shrimp. mmmmmm  Love how we can still take Luke everywhere and he just enjoys the ride and atmosphere.

Except when Brian tries to eat his food, it's like he knows and demands to get out of his car seat. He loves just people watching...

And to end our night here's a cool fortune cookie... something to think about.  Sometimes I need to let myself enjoy life and people and not stress so much.  Lesson learned. =D

We also finished 2 movies.... My Idiot Brother which was funny and very light hearted and Tiny Furniture which was more of an independent film just I watched without Brian, since I seem to enjoy the weirdeness and truth of them...

Goodnight World....zzzzzz