I'm taking full advantage of CE sitting calmly in her swing and WP happily reading Christmas books to write today's post! Before I jump into today's topic, let me tell you about the joys of having a 3 month old and an almost 19 month old...ha ha! Last night was the worst night we have had in a while. DH would probably disagree with that statement and say his worst night was while were at Daddy Bill's when WP woke up at 3:00 am and he and DH had to spend the rest of the night on the couch but that's a story for another day. Today, it's all about the 3 month growth spurt and the cutting of the 1-yr. molars...or what I refer to as the Night from Hell!!
WP went down at his normal time (around 8-8:15) and didn't make too much of a fuss. CE was her normal needy self wanting to nurse on an off from 7:30-9:00 but she too went to bed around 9:30 without too much of a fuss. Being so tired myself, I headed straight to bed after putting CE down only to be awakened at 10:45 by my handsome little man crying for no reason. He quickly settled down thankfully, because at around 1:00 am, CE was wide awake and begging for some food. It took a while, but she was finally back in her crib at 3:30ish and would normally have slept until 5:30-6. However, last night WP decided that he would start screaming at 4:15ish for roughly 20 minutes from what I can only guess is teething pains. While he went back to sleep, CE did not. So DH went and got her and she and I snuggled down on the couch for another feeding session. Luckily, she fell back asleep pretty quickly this time and I was back in bed before 5:00 am. Only problem, WP's been on a kick where he wakes up between 5:00 and 5:30am and he screams until he gets his juice and some snuggles with DH which means my sleep was non-existent last night.
When I was still working, and WP had a night like last night, I could make it through the day at work by hanging low in my office and taking a nap at lunch time but when you are a SAHM, you don't have the option of hanging low or taking a nap (unless you are lucky enough to get both kids to take at nap at the same time). So today is bound to be miserable!
Okay, enough complaining...now on to the true purpose of this post, The Meaning Behind My Blog's Name.
Well our blog's name is pretty sample - Thomson Tales. Since our blog is all about our lives and we use it mainly for our families to keep them up to date on all things Thomson related, I didn't feel the need to come up with a witty name. Our blog's name may not be funny or creative but it fits our blog just fine!
So until tomorrow...
November 30, 2010
November 29, 2010
30 Posts in 30 Days!
With the rush of the holiday season, I am going to try not to neglect my blog, I have shamelessly stolen a game of blog prompts from another blog I read, Sugar Britches. The goal is to post the 30 posts in 30 days... Hopefully I will be able to accomplish this!
Post 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Post 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Post 3-Your first love
Post 4-Your parents
Post 5-Your siblings
Post 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Post 7-Favorite movies
Post 8-A place you've traveled to
Post 9-A picture of your friends
Post 10-Something you're afraid of
Post 11-Favorite tv shows
Post 12-What you believe
Post 13-Goals
Post 14-A picture you love
Post 15-Bible verse
Post 16-Dream house
Post 17-Something you're looking forward to
Post 18-Something you regret
Post 19-Something you miss
Post 20-Nicknames
Post 21-Picture of yourself
Post 22-Favorite city
Post 23-Favorite vacation
Post 24-Something you've learned
Post 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Post 26-Picture of your family
Post 27-Pets
Post 28-Something that stresses you out
Post 29-3 Wishes
Post 30-a picture
Ok, lets get started!
Post 1 - Introduction, Recent Photo and 15 Interesting Facts
Interest Facts:
1. I fell in love with DH the first night we met!
2. My oldest nephew is actually closer in age to me than my sister
3. When I was little I wanted to be a preacher, I used to give sermons to my stuffed animals - of course I don't remember this, but my mom claims it's true.
4. I have crooked pinkies.
5. CE, my niece and I have the same middle name
6. I love to cook, but hate to bake
7. I've been to Spain, Italy, England, Scotland, and Canada but have barely seen 1/3 of the United States
8. I actually enjoy watching sports on tv...which is a good thing since DH is obsessive about his sports!
9. I want to have at least one more child, but am open to having two more!
10. I love the smell of good coffee but can't stand the taste of it!
11. My ideal afternoon involves curling up with a good book and a cup of tea
12. I went to boarding school when I was 14
13. I really hated being a lawyer from day one but stuck with it for a few years to make my parents happy...
14. I LOVE BEING A STAY AT HOME MOM
15. We have an English Bulldog named Rocko but we hate UGA!!
Post 1-Introduce, recent picture, 15 interesting facts
Post 2-Meaning behind your blog name
Post 3-Your first love
Post 4-Your parents
Post 5-Your siblings
Post 6-A picture of something that makes you happy
Post 7-Favorite movies
Post 8-A place you've traveled to
Post 9-A picture of your friends
Post 10-Something you're afraid of
Post 11-Favorite tv shows
Post 12-What you believe
Post 13-Goals
Post 14-A picture you love
Post 15-Bible verse
Post 16-Dream house
Post 17-Something you're looking forward to
Post 18-Something you regret
Post 19-Something you miss
Post 20-Nicknames
Post 21-Picture of yourself
Post 22-Favorite city
Post 23-Favorite vacation
Post 24-Something you've learned
Post 25-Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs
Post 26-Picture of your family
Post 27-Pets
Post 28-Something that stresses you out
Post 29-3 Wishes
Post 30-a picture
Ok, lets get started!
Post 1 - Introduction, Recent Photo and 15 Interesting Facts
I'm Katie! A 28-year old stay at home mom of two beautiful children (WP and CE), a wife, a Christian, a former attorney, a cook, a full time laundry goddess, a maid, a sister, a daugther, a friend, a huge college football fan, etc.
This picture of CE and me was taking at DH's grandparents' house on Thanksgiving...there aren't too many recent photos of me since I just had a baby and don't like how I look in any photos!!
But this is what I would like to look like again...
Interest Facts:
1. I fell in love with DH the first night we met!
2. My oldest nephew is actually closer in age to me than my sister
3. When I was little I wanted to be a preacher, I used to give sermons to my stuffed animals - of course I don't remember this, but my mom claims it's true.
4. I have crooked pinkies.
5. CE, my niece and I have the same middle name
6. I love to cook, but hate to bake
7. I've been to Spain, Italy, England, Scotland, and Canada but have barely seen 1/3 of the United States
8. I actually enjoy watching sports on tv...which is a good thing since DH is obsessive about his sports!
9. I want to have at least one more child, but am open to having two more!
10. I love the smell of good coffee but can't stand the taste of it!
11. My ideal afternoon involves curling up with a good book and a cup of tea
12. I went to boarding school when I was 14
13. I really hated being a lawyer from day one but stuck with it for a few years to make my parents happy...
14. I LOVE BEING A STAY AT HOME MOM
15. We have an English Bulldog named Rocko but we hate UGA!!
November 28, 2010
Hip Hip Hooray, it's the Holidays!!
What a blessed Thanksgiving celebration we had! We piled into the car and hit the road early am on Thursday headed north to see DH's grandparents and daddy. Thankfully, the kids were angels in the car (and throughout the day). We made the trip in record time thanks to DH's speedy but safe driving. Mom-Betty had quite the feast for us - Turkey, Ham, Mac & Cheese, Cream Corn, Greenbeans, Cranberry Sauce, Pineapple Casserole, Stuffing, Fruit Salad Sweet Potato Cobbler and DH's favorite, Banana Pudding! We ate our fill and then some. The Sweet Potato Cobbler and Banana Pudding were big hits with WP and of course he near about ate his weight in fruit salad. After all that eating and celebrating with Mom-Betty, Poppa and Uncle Lynn, we headed back to DH's daddy's house to nap and watch football. A perfect Thanksgiving.
On Friday, we mustered up the courage to venture out to the Anderson mall. We took the kids to see Santa...WP is not a huge fan of Santa this year but CE was an angel as always! Going to see Santa on Black Friday is one of the best ideas we've had...there was no wait! We were in and out in less than 20 minutes and that included waiting on the pictures!! After our visit with Santa, we headed to the shoe store where DH used to get his shoes when he was a kid to find WP some new dress shoes. WP is in a size 6-6.5 at 18 months sounds like he's growing just fine to me!! Once our errands were finished, we headed back to Daddy Bill's house where I successfully managed to take a photo of the kids for our Christmas cards. They were dressed so nicely from their trip to see Santa, I figured I would kill to birds with one stone!!
Friday night, DH's cousins came over for dinner. It was nice to catch up with them and to show off Will and Caroline. They brought Caroline a sugar bowl which be has been in DH's family for at least 96 years and in perfect condition. What a wonderful gift! When Will was born, they gave Will a toy shovel which had belonged to his great-great grandfather. I just love family treasures!!
Ok, picture time...
Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!
November 22, 2010
Pumpkin-licious
What would fall be without a little cooking with pumpkin? While I'll leave the making of my Mom-Mom's pumpkin bread to my sister (although once we move to SC, I'll have to figure it out for myself), I did do a little pumpkin flavored cooking this weekend!
We tested two recipes that I found while reading my latest addition...food blogs!! First, I made pumpkin pancakes. The boys devoured these and Russell has said he would love to see them stay on the holiday breakfast rotation!! It was a little crazy while I was cooking these up for dinner last night as Caroline was in her usual evening meltdown mode so I was unable to get some pictures of how they looked. But, y'all know what pancakes look like and these were just a little darker in color due to the pumpkin. At the end of this blog post, I'll include the recipe.
Since the pumpkin pancakes only called for 1/2 a cup of pumpkin puree, I went looking for another recipe to use up the rest of the 15 oz can of pumpkin. I ran a few suggestions by Russell and we decided to try Pumpkin-Spice Cheesecake Brownies. I mean who can resist chocolate and cheesecake? These were a bit labor intensive as you make the cheesecake batter and brownie batter from scratch but it probably took no more than 30 minutes to make everything and get them in the oven. A word of caution, definitely give these time to chili fully in the frig before breaking into them. They definitely tasted better this morning after a full night in the frig then they did yesterday after being in for about 45 minutes. Here's a picture of what they look like fresh from the oven!
Brownie Batter
Cheesecake Batter
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8" square metal baking pan.
Beat together melted butter, sugar, and vanilla, then beat in eggs one at a time. Combine dry ingredients and then gradually stir into butter mixture with a wooden spoon. In separate bowl, beat together cheesecake batter ingredients.
Spread about 2/3 of chocolate batter into prepared pan, and spoon cheesecake batter over. Dollop remaining brownie batter over cheesecake batter. Swirl the batters together by running a butter knife back and forth through the pan.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until center is set. Cool completely on wire rack and chill before cutting and serving.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Source: The Way the Cookie Crumbles
Serves 2-3
1 cup (5 ounces) flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ nutmeg
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
½ cup pumpkin
1 cup buttermilk
vegetable oil for the pan
1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg until thoroughly combined, then add the butter, pumpkin, and buttermilk. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until batter is mostly mixed but still contains small lumps. Let batter rest while pan heats, at least 5 minutes.
2. Heat non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a few drops of oil and spread it over the bottom of the pan. Using a ¼ cup measure, pour pancake batter onto hot griddle. When pancake is golden brown, flip to cook other side. Keep warm in oven heated to 275 degrees.
And since I can't resist a post without a picture of my precious kids...
We tested two recipes that I found while reading my latest addition...food blogs!! First, I made pumpkin pancakes. The boys devoured these and Russell has said he would love to see them stay on the holiday breakfast rotation!! It was a little crazy while I was cooking these up for dinner last night as Caroline was in her usual evening meltdown mode so I was unable to get some pictures of how they looked. But, y'all know what pancakes look like and these were just a little darker in color due to the pumpkin. At the end of this blog post, I'll include the recipe.
Since the pumpkin pancakes only called for 1/2 a cup of pumpkin puree, I went looking for another recipe to use up the rest of the 15 oz can of pumpkin. I ran a few suggestions by Russell and we decided to try Pumpkin-Spice Cheesecake Brownies. I mean who can resist chocolate and cheesecake? These were a bit labor intensive as you make the cheesecake batter and brownie batter from scratch but it probably took no more than 30 minutes to make everything and get them in the oven. A word of caution, definitely give these time to chili fully in the frig before breaking into them. They definitely tasted better this morning after a full night in the frig then they did yesterday after being in for about 45 minutes. Here's a picture of what they look like fresh from the oven!
Pumpkin-Spice Cheesecake Brownies
Source: Cooking This and That
who got it from Cara's Cravings
Makes 16 servings
Brownie Batter
3/4 cup butter, melted
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Cheesecake Batter
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 egg
1/3 cup sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1/2 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon each ground ginger and ground cloves
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease an 8x8" square metal baking pan.
Beat together melted butter, sugar, and vanilla, then beat in eggs one at a time. Combine dry ingredients and then gradually stir into butter mixture with a wooden spoon. In separate bowl, beat together cheesecake batter ingredients.
Spread about 2/3 of chocolate batter into prepared pan, and spoon cheesecake batter over. Dollop remaining brownie batter over cheesecake batter. Swirl the batters together by running a butter knife back and forth through the pan.
Bake for 40 minutes, or until center is set. Cool completely on wire rack and chill before cutting and serving.
Pumpkin Pancakes
Source: The Way the Cookie Crumbles
Serves 2-3
1 cup (5 ounces) flour
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ nutmeg
1 egg
2 tablespoons butter, melted and cooled
½ cup pumpkin
1 cup buttermilk
vegetable oil for the pan
1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk the egg until thoroughly combined, then add the butter, pumpkin, and buttermilk. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk gently until batter is mostly mixed but still contains small lumps. Let batter rest while pan heats, at least 5 minutes.
2. Heat non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a few drops of oil and spread it over the bottom of the pan. Using a ¼ cup measure, pour pancake batter onto hot griddle. When pancake is golden brown, flip to cook other side. Keep warm in oven heated to 275 degrees.
And since I can't resist a post without a picture of my precious kids...
November 19, 2010
Surviving the First Two Weeks = Victory!!
So while I've done a few posts here and there, I haven't exactly been on top of things. For instance, I haven't made a list of all of the words that WP can say (see below for the list) and I haven't taken many pictures of CE and WP but starting today, I'm going to be much better about these things. I have successful managed to stay at home with both kids for two weeks and I still have a full head of hair!! There have been ups, downs, and moments where I definitely question my sanity level but all in all, I LOVE BEING A STAY AT HOME MOM!!!
Here are some pictures from the last two weeks!!
Fort Building on a rainy day!!
Helping place the blanket like Mommy showed me!!
WP was so fascinated by the fort
Passed out for an early morning nap...the result of WP waking up at 4:30 am
Happy girl!!
Pulling everything out of my dresser drawers is hard work!
Kisses for CE
WP holding CE's hand...melts Mommy's heart!
"All I need is Love and my Daddy!!"
A cutie pie, with a sour face :(
Waking up from nap time can be rough
What's with the pictures?
Dinner ended up in WP's hair so it must have been good!
Smiles for Daddy
WP curled up with his new favorite blanket which his cousin RB made for him
WP hamming it up for the camera
And now for the list of Will's words:
Apple
Book
Ball
Block
Dog
Outside (utside)
Plane
Milk (ilk)
More
Caroline
Rocko (ocko)
Will
Daddy
Mama
Two
Three
Banana (nana)
Waffle
Hot
Shoe
Truck
Moo
No
Please
Thank you (hank du)
Baby
Poop
A
Five
Cheese
Fish
Bath
Down
Red
Night Night
Bye
Hi
Hey
Ho Ho Ho
Lyndsay
Andrew (ndrew)
Touchdown
Football
Eyes
Nose
Mine
Home
Mom-Mom
Spoon
Fish
Sock
That's what DH and I could come up with tonight...I'll add more as we remember them and as WP's vocabulary expands. It is so amazing to see how quickly he is growing especially when we look at CE and realize that it wasn't that long ago that he was as little as she is!! Almost makes me ready for another one ;) (just kidding...we're taking a break for a few years!)
November 16, 2010
Family Vacation 2010
So DH and I loaded up the car and headed up to Maryland to show off WP and CE to my brother and his family the first week of November. Along the way, we stopped and visited with DH's sister and her family which was a wonderful way to break up the trip for the kids and allowed us to get some much needed catch up time with HLo and her family! Our time in Maryland was short but wonderful. We were able to spend some quality time with my mom and be with her during the final days of Campaign/Election 2010. I doubt she would admit it but I think that this campaign season took a large toll on her given my father's passing, so I was glad we were there to keep her company and to celebrate the GOP victories!! We also got to spend Halloween with my brother and his family (see below for pictures).
Once Halloween and the election were over, our week was very busy! We took Will to get his first haircut!! He was such a good boy...no tears, no fear!! Crystal did a great job cutting his hair! Will also got new shoes...big boy new balances like Daddy. We also had great time hanging out with some of my old friends. We had dinner with Mal, Shaun and their beautiful little girl one night and spent an afternoon hanging out with one of my dearest friends, Cara, and her boyfriend, Bryan!! Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the greatest (cold and rainy) so we didn't make it to the zoo or the beach like we wanted to, but maybe next time! All in all, it was a great trip minus CE's true displeasure for being in the car for so long!!
Here are a few photos of Will's first haircut!
Once Halloween and the election were over, our week was very busy! We took Will to get his first haircut!! He was such a good boy...no tears, no fear!! Crystal did a great job cutting his hair! Will also got new shoes...big boy new balances like Daddy. We also had great time hanging out with some of my old friends. We had dinner with Mal, Shaun and their beautiful little girl one night and spent an afternoon hanging out with one of my dearest friends, Cara, and her boyfriend, Bryan!! Unfortunately, the weather wasn't the greatest (cold and rainy) so we didn't make it to the zoo or the beach like we wanted to, but maybe next time! All in all, it was a great trip minus CE's true displeasure for being in the car for so long!!
Here are a few photos of Will's first haircut!
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