mommypalooza™ ~ a daily dose of mommy mayhem.

Serve It Up Sunday ~ Not much on the menu.

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So I am a week and a day away from my due date of October 5th.  As such, I am taking a bit of a hiatus from mentally (or otherwise) planning solid meals for my kids and husband.  David & I have sketched out a few plans for the upcoming week but we're mostly just playing it by ear.

But, I am curious about YOUR dinner plans this week.  Maybe you've got something that could give us some inspiration...what are your easiest and most kid-friendly recipes that you'd like to share with us?  I'd love it if you added your link for this meme here on my blog. 

So what 'cha got cookin'?  Be sure and click below to post your link! ♥

My kids are driving me MAD!

For the second day in a row and about the 10th time since school started just a little over a month ago, Nathan (Kindergartener) has gotten reprimanded for talking too much.  I am sure my mom will read this and get a chuckle, as I too remember being known for my blabbermouth.  But, I don't think it started the second week in Kindergarten!

UGH! I am just so frustrated with the whole situation!  We've punished him, given him consequences, and had many, many heart-to-hearts with him but are obviously not getting through.  I know that it always happens during times of the day when the class is working on things like certain letters, shapes, etc., which is probably boring for him.  But we've reiterated time and time again that he should still remain quiet and following the rules even if the teacher is discussing something he already knows. 

Today he was caught at two separate times of the day talking too much to other classmates at inappropriate times.  When I picked him up from school today and learned of what had happened (yet again) I was fuming.  I fumed the entire ride to his violin lesson, all the while glaring at him through my rearview mirror.

And then there's wonderful William, my three year-old.  As I am making my way through the door after taking Nathan to violin this afternoon (while carrying an arm-full of stuff) I see him run over to the bathroom and not five seconds later yell out, "I had an accident!".  Not my idea of a relaxing evening - cleaning up my bathroom rugs and floor.  Plus, what's really irritating is the fact that it was something that could have been avoided if he would freakin' listen to me when I say GO POTTY!!! 

But, he was too busy playing sidewalk chalk.

Why do kids think they can hold their pee longer than is realistic?  Seriously.  As if I didn't get enough accomplished today that I needed to.  Sheesh.  ♥

Lovable Labels Back to School Pack Review & Discount!

Recently I had the opportunity to receive and review the awesome Back-to-School pack by Lovable Labels.  I have always wanted to try these to see if they a) really and truly work and b) are indeed useful for a busy family like mine.

I'm happy to report they proved affirmative on both counts!

First off, Lovable Labels are a uniquely designed product that allow you to not only keep up with your kids' (or yours) stuff, but streamline the whole process of labeling things with their names.  I have two boys, both of whom started new schools this year.  My oldest just started Kindergarten and my youngest, preschool.  With the impending birth of my third son just around the corner, I will undoubtedly have even more stuff to keep up with!

What I love about the Lovable Labels  Back-to-School pack is that it includes everything you could possibly need or want for getting organized for a busy school year with your kids' stuff!  Check out the loot they sent me to try:

I love that the pack comes with labels of all shapes and sizes, sure to fit just about anything you need to get labeled!  I have to say that I'm quite impressed with their staying power, too.  I recently labeled a few reusable, eco-friendly sandwich wraps and baggies that my son uses to take lunch in and washing after washing, the labels don't budge.

I labeled everything under the sun for back-to-school in our house!  Lunchbox, shoes, backpacks, sweatshirts, water bottles, etc.  It was fun to have the boys pick out their own little icon too - they voted for the cool spaceship!

Lovable Labels has tons of choices when it comes to a special icon for your labels and you can also choose among several color of label.  What's neat is that you can also order them printed with your last name instead of first to stretch your back-to-school buck between two or more kids.

And, Lovable Labels wants to invite you to get in on a great back-to-school deal!  From now till September 30th, you can save 10% off their special Back-to-School Pack by using the promo code 'moms'!

So this year, do yourself a favor and streamline labeling your kids' stuff using Lovable Labels! You'll love yourself for it! ♥

Serve It Up Sunday - Not feeling much like cooking these days.

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With baby's impending arrival, I am not real solid on my menu planning these days but am resorting to a few stand-bys that are also super easy for this week! 

• Monday:  One-Skillet Chicken.  The crowd seemed to like this a few weeks ago so I thought I'd give it a go again.  Besides, Nathan will eat just about anything after Monday night football practice!   
  
  
• Tuesday:  BBQ pulled pork sandwiches and corn on the cob.

• Wednesday:  Spicy Korean Beef Bulgogi, steamed & fried rice. Side of kimchi.
  
    
• Thursday:  Cheeseburgers on the grill, deviled eggs. 
  
  
• Friday:  Dinner out.
  
  
• Saturday:  Hubby's calling the shots for tonight! 
  
  
• Sunday:  Baked spaghetti.

So what 'cha got cookin'?  Be sure and click below to post your link! ♥

Will's First Day of Preschool

Last week Will started preschool and he's done nothing but talk about it since!  It's been so crazy hectic around here - getting ready for baby, hosting family in town, etc. that I haven't had time to blog about the big leap to preschool as I'd hoped to.

The morning started out like any other.  He was just excited to get to school!  Really, they only go for about an hour on the first day while we parents sit in the gym for mindless small talk and brief info about drop-off and pickup procedures.  I also used this time to coerce one of my friends into signing up to be room parent!

As usual, no first day of school would ever be complete in this family without a traditional first day of school interview. 

Will's First Day of Preschool from Candy Tai on Vimeo.

This week will be his first full week of regular preschool days and hours.  I'm excited about all the fun things he's going to be doing.  He's already become very fond of snack time and recess.  He tried the applesauce snack last week but said he didn't like it.  He's also into the counting bears that are in the bins of his classroom.  I think he likes picking them up with the tongs and sorting them.  I can hardly believe my boy who was just a baby not too long ago is now a full-fledged preschooler!  ♥

 

Serve It Up Sunday - A little late, but I've been busy!

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This weekend was full of activity and company so I am a little late in getting my meal planning up on the blog on time.  But, the good news is that it's planned out so I feel good heading into this week.

So here's what this week's menu is shaping up to look like:

• Monday:  Baked spaghetti.  For some reason, Nathan loves eating this carb-packed meal after football practices on Monday.  Who am I to disappoint?
  
  
• Tuesday:  Chicken fajitas, Spanish rice, and all the fixin's!  My hub and I love eating fajitas....can never get enough! 

• Wednesday:  I'm not cooking tonight!  It's Moms Night Out for me at a local mexican restaurant.  D will probably take the boys for pizza or something.
  
    
• Thursday:  BBQ chicken, side of rice and veggies. 
  
  
• Friday:  Korean Bulgogi with a side of spicy kimchi, steamed and fried rice (for the kids).
  
  
• Saturday:  Dinner out.  We're headed to the circus on Saturday night! 
  
  
• Sunday:  Herb crusted salmon, perhaps.  We didn't get to have it as planned last week, so I am looking forward to it this week!

So what 'cha got cookin'?  Be sure and click below to post your link! ♥

Four week countdown to baby.

My baby boy #3 is officially due in four weeks.  I am only praying he holds out that long!  I've still got so much to do and prepare.  Why is it so much easier to procrastinate these things the third time around?  I am so anxious to meet him but hope he stays cooking till at least October 1st.  I mentally need all of September! 

Today I finally was able to get this little number ordered and it will hopefully be here in ten or so days.

I already own a fantastic bassinet that stays by my bedside but wanted this one to stay put in the lower level of the house, most likely in the living room.

A while back I was able to snag the Dwell bedding off ebay for way less than one should be able to find it for.  But, I was patient and bid when the time was right!  Isn't it adorable and oh-so-Texas?

Today I also picked up the chocolate brown version of these fun cargo window panels from PBK.  Not sure how they'll look yet but I've got 90 days to make up my mind.  Let's hope it doesn't take that long.

And, I picked this up for baby's room as well.  Not sure why I like it but it's quite colorful and I love that it doesn't scream baby everywhere.  We'll see if it ends up making the final cut when the room is all put together.

 

And, I can't forget about this cute little lamp that I'll be picking up soon.  I'm not crazy about the lampshade, but luckily it's sold separately so I'll probably just find another on my own, or not use one at all and instead just use the light as a nightlight.

So, thoughts and plans are coming together in these final weeks.  I'll likely be working my husband to the bone to get it all done in time.  Meanwhile, I will enjoy these last few weeks of being pregnant - which I LOVE!  ♥

Serve It Up Sunday - Company's Coming!

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Meal planning is taking a bit of a backseat this week.  My darling oldest son, Nathan, turns six on Thursday and we've got family coming in this weekend to help us celebrate!  First off, a fantabulous party is scheduled on Saturday afternoon at PowerPlay - one our family's favorite hot spots!  It's seriously one of the best places in Kansas City for families, in MY opinion.

I'm so excited about my son's birthday, but equally excited that my NEW little angel of a nephew is also making the trek up here from Dallas with his mama and dada!  I get to finally wrap my arms around the little critter and hold him and smell his little baby smell!! Ah, I can hardly wait till Friday afternoon!!

So here's what this week's menu is shaping up to look like:

• Monday:  Grilled barbecue chicken.  We're still celebrating the smells of summer around here, I don't care what the calendar says!
  
  
• Tuesday:  Hot dogs on the grill!  Yes, see, I told you.  We're taking in all the summer that's left and hopefully not done with grilling yet. 

• Wednesday:  Velveeta Cheeseburger Mac.  This was SUCH A HIT last week that it's been requested again this week.  It's so darn easy - how could I say no?  Plus, the birthday boy wants it!
  
    
• Thursday:  Happy Birthday to Nathan!  We're celebrating by taking him out to eat anywhere he wants to go! 
  
  
• Friday:  Family should make into town by tonight.  Not sure if we're eating out or what, but we'll just play it by ear.
  
  
• Saturday:  Nathan's birthday party later this afternoon.  We'll probaby throw something on the grill, but again, playing it by ear.  Maybe my mom will want to make a special trip out to her favorite eatery in Kansas City.
  
  
• Sunday:  Herb crusted salmon, perhaps.  Again, not really sure.  Don't want to think about NEXT weekend yet, just the one coming up before it!

So what 'cha got cookin'?  Be sure and click below to post your link! ♥

Get those SIGGS replaced!

You can imagine how irritated I was a few weeks ago  when news "leaked" (no pun intended) that SIGG was admitting that some of their bottles contained BPA.  I was outraged to say the least.  Not only had I spent more than acceptable for my kids' water bottles, but I did so trusting they were the real deal.

Thankfully, an online store I've become a huge fan of, has come to the rescue!  They're now co-sponsoring a buyback for SIGGs where you can get a 30% discount on select replacement water bottles. 

I am thinking of this one (after all, I DO have a Nathan!) or this one. So, get on over to their website and register to swap out your old SIGGs! ♥