Fiesta Inspired Rehearsal Dinner

This one time, way back in January, I did a whole bunch of Pintersting, crafting and planning for a rehearsal dinner along side my 'otha motha' Bev.  The rehearsal dinner was Fiesta themed, because in Texas your rehearsal dinner usually involves Mexican food.  The rehearsal dinner was for some dear friends Jeff & Lori.  Here's what it looked like:





 

 

 

 

This was definitely a collaborative effort.... and so much fun to do!



Abby Jane is ONE!

I can't even begin! This can't be happening! There is no way! 

It's true.

She is ONE...1... a year old!!!! Abigail Jane is ONE!

This tiny, sweet, cute, gorgeous, smiley, little peanut has blessed our lives for an entire year!  She is just a little ball full of joy.  She is always smiling and happy.  She cries when she is out of food, her teeth come in and her sister crawls on top of her.  Other than that she is smiling!

Abby loves to...

eat:  blueberries, bananas, yogurt, sweet potatoes and chicken nuggets

wear:  9 month clothes, a size 2 diaper, a flower on her head... all the time

play:  the stuff in the kitchen cabinet, garbage in the recycle bin, her sister's toys

sleep:  all night (most of the time)

people: momma's girl, gets super excited when daddy walks in the door from work,  she gets a BIG smile when she sees sister first thing in the morning, she also loves people and usually will go to anyone

activity: taking a bath and splashing, brushing her teeth



Abigail's stats

 

Height: 28.5 in. (27%)

Weight: 16lb. 3.8 oz. (5%)
Head: 17.44 (33%)

My sweet happy tiny ginger baby, I love you!  I'm so happy I get to share this day with you for the rest of my life.  Love, Mommy

Easy "Real" Dinner

Oh, cooking dinner, it can get over whelming at times. Planning the meals, shopping and then making it all happen in the kitchen, at the worst hour of the day. I love following recipes from my favorite blogs and Pinterest finds, but some nights that's just a little much. Tonight's dinner required no recipes and little clean up after we ate. Just a little creativity and experience I guess. Here is dinner tonight at The Haywood's:

 

Pork Tenderloin :: Natural selection from HEB 

Find a pork tenderloin that is the right size for your family. I put it in a Pyrex pan sprayed with cooking spray and put some seasonings on it. I happened to have some raspberry chipotle sauce in the fridge and I poured a little on top. I then warm some up in the microwave to put on top once cooked and sliced. Cook according to the instructions on the package. You could use any kind of extra marinade or barbecue sauce you have to flavor your tenderloin. 

Brussel Sprouts with Bacon Jam

Yes, I said brussel sprouts! Calm down! I promise the end product is good. If you live in Texas and shop at HEB you can find this Bacon Jam I speak of. It is usually found near the Cooking Connection and is often advertised at the brussel sprouts. Cut the knobs off of the brussel sprouts and cut in half. Put them on a foil lined cookie sheet, spray the brussel sprouts with cooking oil and season. A little salt and pepper is good. Bake at 375 for about a half hour. Take them out and mix with the Bacon Jam in a bowl. Done. 

 

I just found a recipe for this on HEB's website... I do basically the same thing.

Roasted Red Potatos 

Usually when I make this meal I make baked sweet potato wedges. Tonight I switched it up since we had those last night. I would recommend eating red potatos or sweet potatos if you are watching your waste line. 😉 Anyways, I cut these up in mini-wedges, mix with olive oil, and season. Any seasoning you like works. I used garlic powder, onion powder, rosemary and salt tonight. I baked these on a foil lined cookie sheet, too. I had them on 425 for the first 30 min because that's what my tenderloin was on. When the tenderloin was done I switched the temp for the brussel sprouts and kept the potatos in. We like them crispy!

While this was cooking, I cleaned up the dishes I could and played with the girls a little. When dinner was over, clean up was easy because I used foil on two of the pans. 

It literally took me longer to write this than to actually make dinner tonight. The total cook time is almost an hour in the oven. {However, if you're cool and have a double oven you could do this in about thirty minutes.}

Disclaimer: I ❤️ HEB! I don't work for them. 

Hope this gives you a new idea!  Enjoy!!!

Love,
Sarah
 

{Abby Jane} :: Nine Months

It can't be true? Abigail Jane is nine months old!!!  The happy, smiley, cuteness that just beams out of her is just amazing. When I look at her I just want to squeeze her and I can't help but smile every time.  A majority of the time she is smiling. Her personality is shining through more and more each week as she grows. Even though she is getting older she is still as sweet as can be. 

Our little Abby Jane, our peanut is growing so fast and is looking bigger and bigger each week. According to her nine month check up she is growing and is developmentally perfect and on target.  She is growing at her own little rate and if she keeps this ratio up between weight and height she will be our little model. 

Weight:  14 lbs. 1.6oz  2%

Height:  27 3/4 in.  56%

Activity

Abby is crawling everywhere and pulling up on everything.  She is fearless and is out to explore everything. She is always eager to play with her big sister and has a blast doing it.  Maddy isn't always so welcoming to her while she is playing with her toys, but Abby dives right in anyways.

Eating

Abby is eating just about anything these days. I gave up on the whole check it off the list thing about a month ago.  Now the question is Is it real food?  Is it small enough? Okay, Abby can have it. She LOVES her puffs and can finish a container in a day if we let her. She usually eats apples and oatmeal for breakfast and a meat and veggie for dinner. No sweets yet, because we all know that sucks their own sweetness right out of them.

She is so pretty!

 

Mondays with Mommy :: 2nd Edition

I know this is way late! Okay now an entire week LATE! It's been a busy week for mommy, but Monday (now last Monday) was still a day for Maddy!

The day began early, but there was no time for a special breakfast or a lot of laying around.  We had to get ready and out the door at 8:30.  We were headed to The Little Gym of Sugarland for a Houston Moms Blog play date. (Keep reading to hear more about HMB below.)  We invited our little friend and neighbor Riley.  Maddy LOVES Riley and talks about her A LOT!  She was super pumped to get to sit next to Riley in the car for our trip out to Sugarland.  (If you're not familiar with Houston, Sugarland is about an hour away from us.)  On our way out we had to stop for a doughnut, since technically Maddy woke up with the sun in her own bed.
The Little Gym
We arrived to The Little Gym shortly before 10.  The girls were immediately greeted by friendly staff and taken to the back party room.  Before I could even make my way back there (after signing a release form of course) the girls were already set up at the table working on a craft. Chick-Fil-A was there with a table of their yummies! Maddy and Riley had fun making a cute apple craft with one of the sweet staff and then enjoyed some Chick-Fil-A.  They were completely entertained before it was even their turn to go into the gym for the real fun.  Then for an entire hour they had gym time.  The girls had a blast doing all of the skills and playing on the equipment. Some of the time was structured and some of it was just time for them to run around a play or practice what was modeled.  They both absolutely loved it all!

Dance
After the morning play date we made our way back home.  Maddy invited Riley to come in and play.  (Maddy has a hard time ending the "party.")  The girls played, watch Disney junior, and ate a little lunch.  Then we were out the door again to make it to week 2 of dance.  Maddy is really starting to get into it.  She looked like she was having so much fun, despite the fact that her moves looked a little different then the others or the teacher's.  Her teacher is excellent though!  She gives the girls the individual attention they need. She worked with Maddy when she showed difficulties.  Maddy also got to partner up with her buddy Braelyn to practice one of the moves. They are so cute and I am really excited to see them both grow this year in dance.

This is not a great picture, but you can see Maddy & Brae!

Well, now that I'm finishing this up on the following Monday I guess I ought to get started on our day so edition 3 has some meat!


BIG FAN of Houston Moms Blog
Aka... HMB.  My dear friend Kelly is the founder and owner of Houston Moms Blog. If you look at anything I do on Facebook you probably already know I'm a big fan.  If you've birthed, adopted, care for or having anything to do with children you should check it out.  Reasons why:
1.  Excellent resource for moms. 2. Builds community. 3. Events. 4. GIVEAWAYS all the TIME.
Like them on Facebook so you can be update with the latest and greatest they have to offer.

Mondays with Mommy - 1st edition

This year Maddy is going to preschool (Blessed Beginnings) on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays.  That leaves Mondays open for an entire day with Maddy.  This is a great day to put aside any projects, major house work, and tedious errands I have to do for another day.  My goal is to use Mondays to take Maddy on special trips, do projects with her at home, and/or just play with her.  Mondays are for Maddy!  

Sunday evening I thought I had our Monday planned out, for the most part.  We were going to go to Little Beakers (a kids' science lab) with our friends, eat lunch at home, and then our first dance class in the afternoon.  This is really what happened...

Quick Shopping Trip
On our way to Little Beakers we got the call that they were not open.  We rerouted our trip to the park.  We stopped for a quick swing and then decided there were too many mosquitoes.  Our friends were going grocery shopping. Well, once Maddy hears that she is all in.  Maddy LOVES her HEB and really any grocery store for that matter.  We decided to join our friends at the store for a quick trip to pick up a few things I had forgotten on my trip.  We went to Kroger, where they have little carts for kids.  Good thing its something new and novel for Maddy, because her HEB doesn't have these. Maddy insisted on putting everything we got in her cart!

In the Kitchen
Maddy really enjoys helping in the kitchen, especially if it includes pouring and tasting. I have really been wanting to make her healthy snacks that are appealing to her.  The problem is if I don't plan it I'm usually missing an ingredient or I just make the excuse that I don't have time.  Really, it doesn't take that much more time.  Changing the way you eat is a life style change and just about creating new habits.  I have been following Super Healthy Kids on Facebook and noticed these easy Flourless Chocolate Chip Almond Butter muffins.  They are from Running with Spoons.  They were easy to make, easy to eat, easy to clean up, and easy to take on the go. Great healthy snack for kiddos or adults. 

First DANCE class
Eeekk! It has begun!  Maddy started her first ballet and tap class.  She will take dance every Monday afternoon.  A perfect addition to Maddy's Mondays.  Though, it has been my dream for my little girls to take dance, Maddy has been requesting it most of the summer. Her girlie side is slowly coming out.  My favorite part, as of now, is getting to put her hair up.  If you know Maddy she only likes to wear it two ways... down in her face or a little bitty pony right now top.  I'm so excited I get to put it up in a pony tail or bun.  OH MY!!! Isn't she so stickin CUTE! in her leotard and tights.  I'll have to get a picture next week of her participating in class. 

This will be an excellent way to document Maddy's toddler days with me... since she has now exceeded the baby book age limit. I look forwarded to coming back next week for a second edition of Mondays with Mommy! 

First Event of the Summer: Kristen's Wedding

The first weekend of summer we traveled back to Louisiana for my cousin Kristen's wedding.  This was Maddy's second wedding to attend.  Kristen and her now husband Jamie got married at the St.Francis de Sales Cathedral in Houma.  The ceremony was beautiful!  The reception was held at the same venue as Amanda's wedding in April.  The yummy food was the same, but the reception was different and had its own unique feel.  Maddy enjoyed the band, the dance floor, and the food just as much! She was even reacquainted with a friend in the band that happened to also be in the band from the last wedding. Though, this time she did not put on as quite the show as she did at Amanda's wedding. I think it was all due to her lack of napping! Maddy still managed to spend most of her time on the dance floor.  If I wasn't holding her and walking around outside she was on the dance floor dancing or strutting her stuff.  
Towards the end of the wedding the band played Journey's "Don't Stop Believin'."  (Side Note... Maddy has listened to Journey since she came home from the hospital.) The siblings of the bride and groom made their way on stage to help the band out with the song.  The rest of the guests gathered around the stage to dance and sing along.  I happened to be standing right next the speaker holding Maddy.  In the middle of the song Brandon looks at her and she was passed out.  That was my cue to leave the dance floor.  Maddy spent the remainder of the wedding sleeping on my shoulder. 

Haywood Family

Family Pic take II

Loli and Maddy

Sisters looking good!

Brandon did manage to catch a pic of my dad dancing with mom!

I failed to capture as many memories with my camera. We actually only got one candid shot, but we did manage to get a few good poised pictures.  This does not reflect the amount of fun we all had at Kristen and Jamie's wedding! 

Ms.Reasa Appreciation Week: Day5

We have been so blessed that the Briggs family has shared their mom with Maddy since she was 3 months old.  Maddy also has a special bond with all four of Reasa's kiddos. First, there is Reagan the oldest, who will be a freshman in high school next year. Maddy loves Reagan and is always interested in what she is doing.  Then there is Belle, who will be in fifth grade next year.  Belle loves babies and especially her baby sister and Maddy of course.  Every time I see Belle I am guaranteed a hug and Maddy gets lots of special attention from her, too!  Then there is Quin, the only boy who is three.  Quin has welcomed Maddy to his family and is very protective of his "Baby Daddy!" The youngest of the bunch is Rilyn, who is only about 3 weeks older than Maddy.  This is Maddy's BFF!  They have played so well together since day one and are both very amused by the other.  Many times Reasa has been asked if they are twins. (I must find pictures of them together.) 
Anyways... She has also been a great resource to me as a new mom.  Having 4 beautiful children of her own, she has had lots of experience. Anytime I had a question or worry Reasa has always been there to give me advice or calm my fears.  So today we thanked Ms.Reasa for helping Maddy GROW by giving her a little plant.  Unfortunately, we missed the picture!

Ms.Reasa Appreciation Week: Day 4

Ms. Reasa has been so sweet to Maddy over the past 16 months!  She has always done extra sweet things for her. She always gives Maddy lots of extra TLC when she needs it, feeds Maddy her favorite foods, plays her favorite games with her, and even keeps her when Maddy is feeling a little under the weather. We thanked Reasa by giving her something SWEET... M&Ms in a personalized jar. (I tried etching glass for the first time and etched a B on the jar... initial of her last name.  You can't see the B... I had to rely on Brandon to take the pics for me.)

 

Ms. Reasa Appreciation Week: Day3

There is no question that Maddy loves her Reasa!  Maddy has fussed like a total of 3 times when we have dropped her off at Reasa's.  Maddy fits right in at the Briggs and I'm sure it feels like home to her. Maddy receives lots of attention from her Ms.Reasa!  Reasa takes time to play with Maddy and they usually have some quality time together everyday while the other babies are sleeping. Since Maddy has learned to hug I'm sure Ms.Reasa gets lots of those during the day.  Maddy loves her Ms. Reasa HANDS down...so we got her a big bottle of pretty smelling hand sanitizer... because with four kiddos you can always use it!

Ms. Reasa Appreciation Week

The Haywoods declare this week Babysitter Appreciation Week or how we like to call it Ms.Reasa Appreciation Week! Thanks to the National Teacher Appreciation week for giving me this glorious idea.  I must also thank my good friend Kelly for blogging  http://obabydavis.blogspot.com daily about Teacher Appreciation Week with her cute ideas she did for Hayes' teachers. I only stole a few. Anyways... the real reason for this post.  Brandon and I are so blessed to have such amazing child care for Maddy.  This was one of my biggest stresses before Maddy was born.  I added it to my "to pray about" list.  Then shortly after, prayers were answered.  Within a day Reasa messaged me on facebook inquiring about possibly watching Maddy when I returned to work.  She also had a baby girl arriving a few weeks before Maddy.  After a few conversations we knew it was a perfect fit. La la la... here we are.  Maddy has been welcomed in the Briggs home everyday since, while I am at work.  Maddy absolutely loves her friends (Reasa's son Quin and baby girl Rilyn) there.  Reasa cares for Maddy as her own.  This is such a blessing... there isn't one day that I am ever worried about Maddy or wonder if she is okay. This week we will honor Ms.Reasa and all the wonderful things she does for our Maddy Muffin.
We had to wait till today to kick off  Ms. Reasa Appreciation Week!
We combined Day 1 and Day 2 today.
For Day 1 we made muffins to thank Reasa for taking care of our little Muffin.

On Day 2 we let Ms. Reasa know how much she has MINT to Maddy (and to us of course!)

Stayed tuned for more cute stuff and fun stories about Ms. Reasa and Maddy!

Our Weekend: Amanda's Wedding

This weekend we traveled to Louisiana for my cousin Amanda's wedding!  This was Maddy's first wedding to attend and she took it rather seriously. Despite being only 15 months old, she partied like a rock star with the best of them!

We arrived on Friday evening and was greeted by our Houma Homies with a personal crawfish boil. We all had a good time hangin out with the family and Maddy enjoyed running around outside and getting to stay up late. 

The wedding was on Saturday. Maddy and Brandon had to opt for a seat in the back of the church and sacrifice a good view of the ceremony due to Maddy's new gift of gab.  Amanda made an absolutely beautiful bride.  The groom and the wedding party looked pretty good, too. 

The ceremony was followed by the reception... this is the part where Maddy made her debut. The reception included yummy hor d'oeuvres, cocktails, mingling, and of course dancing.

We did not intend for Maddy to be a rock star, but her true personality just came out. She absolutely loved watching the band and once she got warmed up she started dancing and putting on her show. She spent most of her time on the dance floor and probably danced more than anyone else there. To be modest, she received lots of attention and she was not bothered by it one bit. She was just like a little magnet attracting guests to join in her fun.  She made sweet with several of the band members and attempted to climb on the stage several times.  Towards the end during "Tonight's Gonna Be a Good Night," one of the singers reached for her and held Maddy while she sang the song.  Maddy went with it and clapped along. We did not truly capture all of Maddy's glory in pictures, but we did manage to get a few. If you hang on until the end of the blog... you can catch a video of Maddy!

Other guests enjoyed the party too. 

The sisters and Papa

Maddy with her Cuncle Petie

The Haywood's

Celebrating with my lil Rock Star

Gracie and Emily

The Girl Cousins

The Girl Cousins with Maddy

Amanda and Marshall, your wedding was lots of fun and we all enjoyed every minute of it.  Thanks for letting us be a part of it.  Congrats and I hope you will remember all the special little details of your wedding day for many many years to come.

Well, Maddy's first wedding experience was a success!  I'm sure she is looking forward to many more.  As I promised a little video Brandon captured... watch for her little move...

did you catch the bow!

See you soon, 
Sarah 

Great STRIDES

Figuratively and physically, Maddy has taken some big strides.  I was getting a little nervous that she was not going to walk before she was 15 months.  She has been walking along furniture, using a push toy and even holding our hand to walk for a few months now.  It just took her a little longer to get the courage and the balance to just pop up and begin walking. For the past month she would never take more than 3 or 4 steps on her own.
The Saturday before Easter, April 7, she decided she would just get up from crawling and start walking.  We started counting her steps and she was making it to 7 or even 10 steps.  The past week she has continued to walk a lot more.  She isn't walking exclusively yet, but I'm sure its just around the corner. 

Easter

Christ is risen... He is truly risen...
because of Easter we are able to enjoy this life on Earth and are still promised eternal life in Heaven. 

Our Easter celebration was quite simple, but perfect! Maddy woke up to find a little basket filled with a few books and a little toy purse (this was an overdue Christmas present) and a few eggs. 

Then we headed to mass for the True celebration of our Christianity! Maddy was able to join us today, too, instead of going to the nursery.  She did a great job, but we now know why we will continue to bring her there on Sundays. 

After mass we headed to Loli and Pops' for lunch.  Loli had a special basket for Maddy. 

 Maddy had her very own mini Easter egg hunt.  She did well, considering she just began walking like yesterday.  She enjoyed eating a little dirt, too. 

 Hopefully you will be hearing from me again soon!
Sarah