almost forgot!

My dear friend, Caley from high school came up with this GREAT idea!

Caley is the girl with the white headband - oh my gosh, please don't tease me about my picture.  I'm pretty sure I thought I looked so stinkin' hot that day...geez.  Picture from here

It's called "The 30 Day Photo Challenge". 

On the right of my blog is a lovely little button you can click on to learn about the challenge.  Just add a comment to Caley's latest blog post with your blog/name - it's okay if you're a few days behind, she'll love the additions!

So, get ready - because I'm totally going to be blogging everyday for 30 days (or at least that's the goal!)

Oh and the reason I didn't jump on board/advertise this challenge sooner is because I had my gall bladder out last week and I was kind of out of it.  Yup, I am now gall bladder-less. 

Don't worry, I'll be posting about that over the challenge.  Oooo, something to look forward to!

what we sent our family

 The front of the card:

The inside of the card:

What do you think?  Our family was pretty stoked...
(I'm 15 1/2 weeks.)

what my 9 month old loves

Porter is in love with grapes.  They are absolutely his favorite food.  Growing up, my parents always told me that a few minutes after I was born - I wanted to eat.  And then they'd joke that that hasn't changed.  Which...it hasn't.  I'm pretty sure I think about food for a good portion of the day.  And James and I are positive that Porter takes after me when it comes to eating.

We could have just fed him a delicious meal of baby food, fruit, and crackers - but if he sees us eating, he wants it...and will keep wanting more until it's gone.

Porter loves to look at books.  He tries to flip through the books on his own.  So cute.

He loves to crawl around after his toys.  He thinks his daddy is hilarious and I'm pretty sure I'm his number one fan :)

sunday treat

This morning when I looked outside I saw snow...lots of snow.  Now, it's almost March and I'm the first one to complain about how much I am TOTALLY over the cold/snow.  

But this morning, it was just too beautiful.  I instantly thought of hot chocolate and cinnamon rolls.  I talked about the idea to James all during church.  When we got home, I decided I just HAD to make cinnamon rolls. 

I used my friend Jashley's recipe and then this recipe for the cream cheese frosting.  James and I each ate about 4-5.  Freaking delicious!  Please make them :)

Delicious Cinnamon Rolls (it made a dozen)
1 T. yeast

1/4 cup of warm water

1 beaten egg

1/4 c. oil

1/4 c. sugar

1 tsp. salt

3/4 c. scalded milk

3 c. flour

1/4 c. butter

1/2 c. brown sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Pour yeast into warm water and let sit for 10 minutes.  Warm milk in a saucepan (do not boil!)  Remove milk from heat and stir in sugar. When milk/sugar has cooled pour into a large bowl.  Add beaten egg, oil, salt, yeast, and then flour.  Mix together.  Knead well.  Cover and let rise for 1 1/2 hours (or until doubled)

Punch down dough.  Roll out into large rectangle.  Melt  butter and pour onto the dough - spread it evenly.  Sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon on top.  Roll dough into a "tight log".  Slice with string or dental floss.  Place onto a greased cookie sheet.  Let rise another 1 1/2 hours. (doubled)  Bake at 350 for 15 -18 minutes. 

Pull out, add frosting...ENJOY!

early v-day dining

We decided to beat the crowds who wanted to beat the crowds for Valentine's Day.

So we went to an early dinner on Saturday to celebrate our love for one another.  Ha!

 We ate at this local restaurant.  We kind of have a thing for old-fashioned, cozy, little local places.

Oh and yes - do you like my new do?

Please look at Porter's face in this picture...no idea what he's trying to touch.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! :)  Kiss your lover!

tell me you love him

yes he has six teeth!

I spend my days playing with my baby.  Sometimes just watching him as he crawls, stands, laughs, and plays.  It's way too much fun - promise.

a date

James and I went on a much needed PRIVATE date last night.  Yes - no Porter.  Please, hold the snickering and comments on that fact :)  My friend and her husband were kind enough to sit at our house while Porter slept.  They rock.  

We went to a local restaurant for a late dinner - which was awesome because we were the only "guests" at that time.  It was quiet and we enjoyed it!  We even got dessert.  I shouldn't have picked it though.  It was nothing like I thought it was going to be - should have gone with the cheesecake, dang.

After wards, we drove to Wal Mart.  Because why not?  The mall was closed and we wanted to keep playing.

James held my hand, opened the car door for me - OH! and we totally even sat on the same side of the booth.  I know we only have one baby but it really does change your life.  I forgot what it was like to be "just us".  I had great intentions of taking the camera to document our dinner or our holding hands or something...but in the excitement of leaving, I forgot it.  So you'll just have to take my word for it - it was great :)

P.S. Happy Groundhog's Day!  Punxsutawney Phil did not see his shadow...so an early Spring it will be! Did you know he lives in PA?  That's where I was born...awesome.