Some Recipes and Father's Day Weekend...3 days later

We had such a nice relaxing weekend that I'm not quite ready for a new week (and it's already Wednesday!).  Saturday we went to Country Fest for the town I grew up in (rides, cotton candy, and fireworks) and the kids had a ball.
Even though my Dad is far far away, I had fun spoiling my hubby and father of my children on Father's Day. First we started with PB&J French Toast, sausage, and eggs.

You guys. You HAVE to try this. So so good. Recipe here, but basically make a peanut butter sandwich, dip it in egg mixture, cook, and top with fruit or jam, syrup and whipped cream.
Then later for dinner we had steak kabobs and peanut sauce.  Recipe here.  Are you seeing a theme?  I am absolutely obsessed with Sarah Carey's daily video series.  In the first week I started getting her videos I did 3 of the 5 recipes.  I love them because they are delicious, simple, and not perfect, as is Martha's usual shtick.  Sarah's funny and easy going.  You will love her. Go sign up for her daily emails you will not regret it!  Here is her next recipe I want to try:


For dessert we had oreo stuffed chocolate chip cookies. Whoa. Those things are GOOD. But eat more than one and you might regret it, they are so rich! The recipe is from Picky Palate.

Photo from my Instagram account.  Follow me @ ambermomof2.

My Baby is 2

I know I already posted about Bud's 2nd birthday party, but I also wanted to post the pictures I took of him as his little two year old self.  I was nervous to take his pictures because he never ever sits still, but also because I wasn't sure if I could capture what a darling sweet boy he is right now.  Well we tried a photo shoot and it lasted all of about 5 minutes.  But I got some great shots.  I love this boy.  To pieces.

 Yes, I know this first shot needs some help.  You can see that big white spot where my flash went off and I don't know how to get rid of it. Help!

Motivating Monday

As I mentioned yesterday we are headed to paradise for a much needed getaway (with no kids!  for 7 days! and it's hardly costing us a thing--thank you Dad, and Heidi & Jason!).  We leave in August, so the other day I got out all of my swimming suits to survey what items I might need.  Talk about a motivator!  Trying these things on is scary--and not just because I'm paler than a ghost.  I'll have to try them on every few weeks (and probably actually wear them out in public as it is summer) to remind myself why I'm working extra hard.  Here's to bikini bodies!  (ha, not). Here's my summer workout schedule:

Monday:
Biggest Loser Workout DVD

Tuesday:
Running with Couch to 10k app
or Nike Training Center App:
Get Lean Workout and Abs workout

Wednesday:
The Firm Express Cardio DVD Workout

Thursday:
Running with Couch to 10k app
or Nike Training Center:
Get Lean Workout and Arms or Legs toning

Friday:
Jillian Michaels

Saturday:
Running with Couch to 10k app

Ideally I'd like to run 3 days a week, but my hubby leaves so early in the morning that I usually only get to do it when he has Saturdays off.  I'm hoping I can find a used double jogging stroller so I can go whenever I want, but until then I'll have to use my Nike Training app.  Even though I hate having to look on my tiny iPod to do this program, I highly recommend it.  Almost every time I've worked out with this thing I am sore for DAYS.  With moves like this you can see why:


Happy Monday!

DIY Bench Seat

Remember the bench seat over our fireplace from this post?  Well my hubby finally had a weekend off to work on it.  And with the kiddos feeling better (after almost 2 weeks, eek!) I knew we could get it done.  I love productive weekends!  Here's what we did:
If you'll remember the seat is a very long diamond shape so we measured a few times and then drew it up on our MDF board.

Then it was time to cut.

Then we cut our 2" foam to the same size as our board and glued it down (just so it would be easier to keep in place while covering it with fabric).  Covering this thing was a lot more challenging then we had anticipated.  The corners were so difficult and I did not want it to look wrinkly and ugly (which is why I got no pictures of this part!) so it took us awhile.  After working with it and trying different folds and tucks, we used our trusty staple gun to keep in all in place.  Here's how it looked before:

 

And after!  

I love it!  Now how do I keep the kiddos from ruining it?  I got the fabric here. 

Time to start accessorizing the mantle.  

p.s. Erin commented that I should do something for myself after my kids get better.  You know, to reward myself for taking care of them. ;) So I did.  We booked our trip and I CANNOT wait.  64 days and counting!!

The Worst Disease in the World

Ok so maybe my title is a bit dramatic.  But oh what a week we have had.  Last Tuesday we had an appointment with the pediatrician for my little one's 2 year check up.  Shots were traumatic as they always are and we had a quick Target run on our way home.  Seriously I could go there once a week and buy a few things browse (I did get a new hat--for vacationing purposes hon!). Shoot to a few hours later and bud is on the couch feverish, broken out in spots, and in pain.  I was on the verge of completely panicking, thinking he was reacting to the vaccines so I called the nurse.  It was about the most pointless phone call I have ever made ("He gets eczema? Oh yeah it's probably that then." Gee thanks lady.  For nothing.) and I hung up feeling more frustrated than ever.  We get through the next day (thank goodness for Ibuprofen) and 2 doctor's visits and 3 trips to the pharmacy later and what have we got?  Hand, foot, and mouth disease. Which cannot even be treated by items I got at the pharmacy.  People this stuff is no joke.  My poor boy is covered in blisters and sores.  All over his hands, between his toes, and weirdly enough insides of his elbows and knees.  Sis has a mild case of it as well.  All I can say is we are on day 8 and it feels like we are never going to get out from under it. Thankfully both kids are in good spirits, but I'm getting a serious case of cabin fever.

I wish it were possible to douse my entire house in a big bowl of Clorox.  Have you ever had to deal with this little virus?

PS-Since I wrote this things are getting a bit better.  But the healing process is taking forEVer.  

Motivating Monday: Why Do I Keep Pinning Cookie Recipes?

Hey all, I'm still trying to do well on the health front.  Weekends are always hardest because we are either on the go or home relaxing doing nothing (and have a tendency to eat bad).  Come Monday I'm ready to eat better and get some good workouts in.  One thing I have got to stop doing is pinning cookie recipes.  I bet of the last 10 recipes I've pinned 9 of them have been for desserts or cookies.  I. Have. A. Problem.  Ok here's something motivating to keep me on track.  




Nothing particularly motivating about this song, but I just love it.  It's the perfect tempo for lifting/situps/pushups. :) Enjoy.