The Gym Diaries..

As we prepare for the Saints game.. I just had to post a pic from Keegan's first Saints game..

My parents and friends don't believe me when I say that the boys love going to the gym. It could be partly because the ladies who work in there spoil the boys to death.. but, maybe because it has become such a routine and it guarantees they'll get out of the house and play with their other friends . I do not lie when I tell you that any day..if there was any chance that I could skip (which I do).. Keegan would remind me. It's cute.. .but, also good for me.. I like to make up excuses to myself..but, who I am kidding..Brett has allowed me to have a really easy life and it should be part of my daily schedule. Lately, I have been trying to keep them this enthusiastic about going that I let him come into the group exercise room to set me up (with weights, exercise balls, etc) or to let him help me get the bike ready. He asks everyday if he can help "set me up". I mean.. the child might not know his letters yet.. but, he knows how to get me ready for Body Pump class..that's somewhat of an accomplishment ?!?! :)

I'll just go into another one of my favorites these days.


 But, I LOVE Pilates.  It has changed me.. If anyone has it offered at their gym, try it! If I was a working woman and could afford it, I would go to a studio - especially a friend's who I have met recently - Elizabeth Walsh Nachman
http://www.walshpilates.com/

I know Pilates has been around forever... but, I just started taking this class 6 months ago..

 

 

 

More favorites - Wine

Ok..so, I could make a separate list of my favorite wines!!!

******My favorite Zinfandel producer - GREEN AND RED VINEYARD. We drink the

2007 ZINFANDEL CHILES CANYON VINEYARDS

 There are aromas of cherry and sage, with flavors of wild blackberry, loam and licorice. Brett and I first had this at a restaurant in VA... Now, as a special treat, Daddy gives me a bottle from his store.

**********One of my favorite Cabs, LIBERTY SCHOOL (2007). Always a delicious accompaniment with anything we grill (steaks, ribs, chicken). I also love when Daddy is gracious enough to give us a bottle.
It has berry notes, with hints of spice and vanilla

Visit to Monroe and a little more (thumbprint cookie recipe :)

Me,. Aunt Bridget,  and the boys just returned from Monroe and Shreveport for a short visit to see Meme, Pawpaw, Nanaw and Papaw... We had a great visit.

Below are a few pictures we took at Nanaw and Papaw's house.. They always have a fun time being outside on the bayou, playing in the fountain,  and annoying Obdi, the kitty.

I also wanted to share my THUMBPRINT COOKIE recipe.. which is my go-to cookie for most parties, showers...etc... It's so easy and you can get really creative with the jelly or jams. I ONLY use my Daddy's Jelly.. he and mom went a little wild making LOADS of jelly a year ago..so, I try and incorporate them into as many recipes as possible.

Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup butter, softened ( I use Organic Unsalted)
• 1/2 cup white sugar  ( I use Raw)
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup jelly/fruit preserves/jam, any flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter, white sugar and egg yolks. Mix in flour a little bit at a time until a soft dough forms. Roll dough into 1 inch balls. Refrigerate up to 30 minutes in a bowl coverred with seran wrap. Place balls 2 inches apart onto ungreased cookie sheets. Use your finger or an instrument of similar size to make a well in the center of each cookie. Fill the hole with  about1/2 teaspoon of preserves.
3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown on the bottom. Remove from cookie sheets to cool on wire racks.

Special Notes:

- I watch them really closely in the oven. Depending on how cold your dough is.. it might brown sooner than later.

- Not every cookie is going to look perfect.. some of my cookies the jelly has rolled out of the hole.. they still taste great!!!

Thank you sister!

This post goes out to my sister, Bridget,  and all the life-saving sisters out there. I can't wait to be there one day for her..
Brett and I needed a babysitter badly tonight for a party and at the last minute, ours backed out.  All I did was mention  to Bridget that "we had problems" and she volunteered without hesitating. I can't tell you what it means to Brett and I and the boys to have Aunt Bridget and Uncle Joe to help us with the boys. The boys love them so much and, I will die if we or them ever have to move. So.. I decided to post a few of my favorites of Bridget and the boys.. hopefully, she's ok with this. She is so selfless and I just wanted her to know how much we appreciate what they do for us!

What we do when it's hot!

Thought I would post a few pics of the boys and talk a little bit about what we've been doing since it's been unbearably hot. I don't even ask Brett how hot he is.. he just gives me the biggest.."this is all your fault" and "you wanted to live here" look. I just remind him of all the beautiful fall, winter, and spring weather ahead. He still groans... And, I also mention to him, at least you're not like the workers next door building a house or deck.  I mean, I really do feel for him most of the time.. he goes to work in those awful one pieces that are soooo heavy.. I should know.. they take forever to dry.
Needless to say we are all ready to  Fall, Football, pumpkin candles, and resuming walks around the LSU lakes and our hood.

Notice Redneck baby in the background without a suit on.. all swim diaper.. that's how we do it in La. !

I also thought I'd attach one of Brett and my most recent projects.. :) We have big  "fixer-up" ideas of what we could do while they take long Saturday and Sunday naps. But, most of the time, we procrastinate..and end up plopping on the couch and watching TV.. it's just sounds better:) But, this certain Sunday, we decided to do something..  We had some 7+ year old Target outdoor furniture that was looking a little neglected..so, we bought 4 cans of black spray paint and the rest is history.. see below.



the before and after

The Greatest Show on Earth.. Daddy and Keegan's First Circus

What a great morning Brett and I had with our sweet and always "up for a new adventure" son, Keegan. The minute we walked in, he was in awe over all the flashy toys, food, drinks, and circus treats they had.. We were running late, because I refused to pay the ticketmaster charges to get it mailed...so, we had to spend a little extra time in the will call line :) I am frugal in the most inopportune times :)
But, we didn't miss too much. He was intrigued from the start.. camels, horses, motorcycles on ropes, motorcyles in cages, elephants, cats, knife throwing (which he is still talking about.. much to my dislike ) and lots of dancing ..
Daddy had a really good time, too.. :) I might have talked it up TOO much to him :)
Here a a few pics..

  

We are heading to the car in this picture. He is repeating over and over, "I want to go back, I want to go back" This went on for about 20 minutes, no lie.. I would say it was worth bringing him to the Circus!



More Favorites

4. Fresh Figs ....s. They are my favorite fruit and one day I WILL have one growing in the backyard. Not sure how, since I think Brett and I just killed the Grape Leave vine my day gave us this year. My Grandparents in Shreveport have such a tree, along with a Delicious Apple Tree (attached are pictures of Keegan and Conner enjoying them), Pear tree, Persimmon tree.. all being 50+ years old.. it's awesome

5. Rolled Grape Leaves - a classic, most de -LICIOUS Lebanese dish.. Steps to come in a later blog entry. So many of my friends have asked exactly how to do it, and I am embarassed to say I have never rolled them myself. Why? My Mama rolls them so well ..so, there is no way to compete with that. But, I am determined to at least learn.. so, I will be sure to share that experience.

That's all for now.. update on the family and Keegan and Daddy's first CIRCUS experience to come..:)

Owe this all to you!!!

Thank you sweet and awesome cousin, Nicole, for setting our family up with this really cool blog. Nicole, if only you lived here and picked up the rest of my slack :) taking pictures, writing in baby books, and eventually potty training Conner :)
There is officially no excuse, I must start updating everyone with updates on the kiddos and the rest of our wonderful family.  I also will say ahead of time, I love that a few of my Keegan cousins have a "favorites" list going, and anyone who knows me well, knows I love recommending products, clothes, recipes, wine, decorating tips, and my "not always welcome" advice. So, here we go.. let's kick this off with a few favorites of the moments..

1. Favorite Wine of all time BUEHLER, it has a little something to do with how wonderful the actual winery and family was in Napa. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect combination of plums, cherries, and a hint of spice. It's not inexpensive. But, it's a wine that never disappoints. If I had to drink wine from one Winery for the rest of my life, it would be from here. Oh, Napa.. I know you are calling my name.. very soon, I hope we can meet again.

2. The clothes from Lands End Canvas. Finally the world has an affordable "J.Crew".. even though, I do still love J. Crew. I am able to afford their clothes as a stay at home Mom. now, if only I could look like the models.

http://canvas.landsend.com/canvas/index.html



3. My most favorite Tea....HONEYBUSH VANILLA although, coffee is my #1 choice.. I am trying to incorporate more tea.. of all different flavorts. This tea has the most wonderful aroma.. it's a lot of honey and a lot of vanilla. And, although I have Teavanna to be the BEST.. I am on a search for a more afforable, similiar tea.

That's all for now, the hubby's home!