Creamy Orzo

I will admit it.  I am getting REALLY tired of "kid food".  Dino chicken (you all have them in your fridge don't you), mac and cheese, spaghetti, fish sticks, pizza.  They are all grossing me out.  Yes, my children prefer them but I am working on finding some new "kid friendly" recipes that can perhaps take these out of the cycle.  I decided to try this Creamy Orzo recipe.  I loved how there were veggies in it but a very simple recipe for kids.  The outcome?  I was successful for 2 out of the 3.  My Middle Man refused it while my Oldest and Baby Girl finished their plates.  Hey, I will take it.  I personally thought it was really good (as did my hubby) and it made plenty so both hubby and Baby Girl had lunch the next day (I have issues with leftovers....whole other story).  I will say that you need to REALLY season it with salt and pepper.  But that is just my two cents.

I Won!

Hello Jimmy Choo Aimee Pump.  It is nice to meet you.  A few weeks ago I made a bet with my hubby.  What did I get if I won?  You!  He was so convinced he would win that he was willing to place this large bet.  Being that this was over a pair of INCREDIBLE shoes, I felt that I had the upper hand.  Seems my determination beat out his and I am happy to report that you will now be an official member of my closet, just in time for Spring!  My hubby is pissed as much as I am excited.  Lesson to be learned here?  Never make a bet with a woman when it involves a pair of shoes.  She will always find a way to win.

UPDATE: I have already received some comments on what the bet was so here you go.  Two years ago my husband went out and bought a gym quality rowing machine.  He was obsessed with CrossFit at the time and was "going to use it all the time".  Fast forward and the thing sat in our bedroom, HARDLY used.  When we were moving, I told him I wanted to get rid of it because it was a waste of money and took up space.  He said absolutely not, he was going to use it.  I told him fine, but if he did not use it at least twice a week from February until April, I would get these lovely Jimmy Choo's.  He said DEAL because he was so convinced that he would do it and would never have to get the shoes.  He was actually doing a great job until this last week.  By Wednesday I realized that this was going my way and could I have said something?  Sure.  But why would I do that?  By the end of the week, I had won and he was not happy.  I think he will think twice before placing bets like this again.    

Strike!

On Sunday my two boys and I attended their school's annual Mother/Son Bowling event.  This was the first year my Middle Man was able to attend too and it was so much fun to spend the day with just the two of them.  Because Baby Girl is still so young, it is not very often that I get alone time with just my boys.  Unfortunately, this is the best picture we got of the three of us...

The only picture where we are all looking toward the camera with our eyes opened and I look like an idiot.  Oh well.  Maybe next year.

I know there is going to be a time when hanging out with me is something that will become an annoyance and I will take a back seat to sports and girls.  I would like to believe that this is not the case, but come on, we all know this is going to happen.  Don't worry though, because they will come back later in life, realize that I am amazing and that no girl will ever live up to their mother.  Wait, I shouldn't be saying this. What I meant to say is that even though life will take our relationship through ever changing paths, I REALLY love the Momma's Boys that I currently have today and I will soak up all these mother/son moments that I get while they are still young.

Florals

Floral print are EVERYWHERE this Spring.  From denim to blouses to accessories, you cannot escape the racks of wallpaper (or perhaps Grandmother's tablecloth?) inspired prints.  What are your thoughts?  Are you embracing the trend?

Ted Baker Beach Jumpsuit

Alice + Olivia Silk Floral Pants

Tinley Road Floral Tie Front Blouse

Citizens of Humanity Mandy Floral Roll Up Jeans

Zara Floral Print Handkerchief

I personally really like it.  Nothing says Spring more than floral prints.  There can obviously be an issue of "too much of a good thing" but when worn appropriately and in moderation, it offers a delicate sweetness to any outfit.

Where Will He Go?

There are little moments in life that catch you completely off guard.  The other night my Oldest was reading this book to me (my favorite Dr. Seuss book in fact) when suddenly, my mind starting asking questions.

How did we get to this place?  How is he reading?  Don't I read to him?  Is he that old already?  And why I am getting so sad?  This book is a happy book, all about the great moments in life along with its challenges.  Why am I worried about the challenges?  I don't want him to have any challenges.  How can I keep them from happening?  Crap, I can't.  Where will he go to college?  I hope he goes to a good one.  What will he do in life?  I don't want to think about it.  It is far off right?  But 7 years went by fast so who is to say another 11 years won't fly by either?

My mind was racing.  Absolutely racing.  Some medical experts might call it OCD but I call it "Mom is having a realization that her children are going to grow up way too fast and it is really scary" moment.

I could have probably gone on with numerous thoughts and questions in my mind but I was stopped by one simple 7 year old with a question.  It came after the line, "KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS!"  My son turned to me and said, "Mommy, you can't really move mountains, can you?"

I said the first thing that came to mind.  "You absolutely can, if you want to."  And he will.  And with that, my mind went silent.

Modern Play

How chic is this playroom table?

Serena and Lily Coco Play Table and Stools

So modern and sophisticated but still playful.

Plus it is on sale.

As Courtney (sorry Charlie Sheen, your out) would say.. "Winning".

Product Review: Crawlings Kneepads

Crawling is cute but OMG it is a dirty stage!  If my children's knees were not scratched or dirty, they were destroying their pants and leggings in record time.  It would get to the point that I would avoid the park for a while to avoid all the mess that came with crawling around the ground and playground.  That is where these adorable little kneepads come in.  Crawlings were created by two moms that were also tired of all the red, bruising and scratches that came with crawling.  GENIUS idea!  They are made for children 6 months old to 3 years and can provide protection as they learn to crawl, walk and run through this world.  They asked if Baby Girl would like to try out a pair and I thought, what better than a rough and tough 1 year old to put them to the test.

Here is Baby Girl running around the park with her Crawlings on.

So what did this mom think?  I really liked them, for a number of reasons.  First of all, the fit was extremely comfortable for her.  They were not too tight and for a little girl who takes a bow out of her hair in seconds, she kept them on the entire time.  Secondly, I never realized how often she was actually on her knees as she ran around a playground.  Even though she walks (mostly runs), she still climbs on her knees everywhere.  Thirdly, they held up extremely well.  Even though they were getting really dirty, there was no sign of wear.  With the way Baby Girls moves, I was pretty impressed.  Finally, her knees were clean and scratch free when we got home!

Crawlings carry a number of adorable patterns for boys and girls (click here to check them out!) and are machine washable.  For $20, they would make an adorable addition to a baby shower gift or for your own little ones.  Visit Crawlings.com to learn more.

* Juggling in Heels was provided a pair of crawlings free of charge in order to review but the opinion of this product is 100% my own.  Juggling in Heels was not compensated for this review.