Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Fall Festivities

Fall Festivities have been under way for our family. T loves pumpkins so any chance we get we try and take him somewhere so he can get out and touch them.
This little toot is growing so fast! He is definitely not our little baby anymore and I am super bummed about it. I'm glad I snuggled him all those days when he was tiny because now he's too busy exploring the world to sit down and let me hold him. It's funny how when they are so tiny you spend your days wishing they were bigger, sleeping in their own bed and didn't require a feeding every few hours. Now I regret those thoughts. He's too big and it happened too fast! 

In between all of the fun festivities; we have been doing some renovation work. My heart really loves interior and exterior design so with the help of my dad and husband we have been putting together some really pretty houses. I will post some of our work in the next couple of weeks because as of right now we are demo-ing and that stuff to me is not the fun part. 

Have any of y'all had a chance to try the CrockPot Chicken and Dumplins recipe? It is on our weekly menu again this week and I'm not mad about it! It is perfect for this type of weather, since we are finally cooling off around here!

I hope to taste test another Fall Soup recipe so I will share that with y'all once I do!

Happy Halloween Week!

Love,
E


Thursday, October 15, 2015

CrockPot Chicken and Dumplin's

I haven't been on Pinterest for a long time. Pretty much since T was born, I rarely if ever get on it unless I was looking for something specific. So the other day after deciding that we are going to start having a "craft day" once a week I decided to jump on Pinterest to see if there were any cute, easy ideas I could do with T. Lucky for me I found so much more than that!

After being on Pinterest for about 5 minutes, my feed presented a picture of "Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplin's". I was intrigued because 1) I love dumplin's and 2) I knew there was no way you could make them in the crock pot and they actually taste semi-good.

I was definitely wrong and I am glad that I was. This fool proof recipe is something anyone could do! There is no making your own dough or constant stirring. It is literally one of the easiest recipes I have ever made and the quality of the meal could fool dinner guests into thinking you have slaved over the stove all day! I doubled the recipe because we were having guests and it was just the right amount. We had a little bit left over so my husband polished it off for lunch the next day and he said it was still just as good!

Here is the link to the recipe! Please do yourself a favor and TRY IT! This will definitely be something I make a lot once it gets chilly outside! I will also be scouring Pinterest for other new, easy recipes so I can share them with y'all!

I hope everyone is having a good week!

Love,
E

Thursday, October 8, 2015

Pumpkins Galore!

The off season is always the "best season" because all of the holidays happen during the 5 month break. I decorate for every season because 1) I love to decorate and 2) because I love to decorate! Who needs any other reason than that? My husband would probably say that I decorate too much but he always helps me when I need it, so secretly he must like it ;)
(The "Happy Fall" sign used to be an old window. I chalkboard painted it and made it a sign! This is a cheap inexpensive way to add some character in any area of your home!)
 
We got the front porch done on Wednesday and I love it! Cornstalks are my absolute favorite! 

When we picked up our cornstalks and pumpkins, the nursery we went to had a hay maze and a pumpkin trail where you can pick out your pumpkins. T had a ball!
He is at such a fun, explorative stage right now and I am loving watching him learn and see things in a new way! T ran around the nursery touching and trying to pick up every pumpkin in his reach. This is definitely a place to burn off some energy for little ones. We were all exhausted when we left!

We are gearing up for family to come into town this weekend so we can hit up the pumpkin patch here in town. We picked out a pumpkin last year for him there but this year he will be able to pick out his own. I am looking forward to seeing what he chooses!

I hope y'all had a great first full week of October!

Love,
E

Thursday, October 1, 2015

October 1st!

October is kind of the real kick off of Fall for us. With September always so crazy because of our "end of the season" move home and all the adjustments that come along with it; once October is here we are ready to tackle to do's at our house. We literally come home with a list already made up of to-do's, honey do's and everything in between with hopes of actually getting them finished and marked off before it's time to head out for baseball season again. Last off season we did 1 of the 20 things we had on our list. We were too smitten with T to want to do anything else other than hold him ;)

So, October is welcomed in our home. It's a time for pumpkins, decor (for me), pumpkin spice lattes (for me again) and lots of time spent outside. T loves the outdoors and with the Texas heat we are welcoming October even more with open arms hoping the temps will cool with it's arrival. It might be a fat chance but we are praying! ;)

October also means-festive pajamas! He didn't really care too much about the glow in the dark part of his pj's but I think he will come around to it. I love pajamas so when they look this stinkin' cute I can't help myself! I have to get them!

I am looking forward to taking this little pumpkin to pick out pumpkins and mums. I know he will love helping get the front porch ready for Fall! 
These are a few of T's Halloween books we are reading right now. Our sweet Ms. Joan and Mr. Scott sent them to us and we are loving them!
(Cheerios Halloween Play Book and Room on the Broom) 

What are some of your Fall rituals? I have heard of Apple picking but there isn't anywhere near us to pick them or we would be all over that!

Also, who doesn't love October baseball? Like, seriously? I cry during every World Series. Not even lying. October baseball is the best baseball and anyone who knows baseball, knows that is THE truth. 

I hope y'all had an amazing first day of October!

Love,
E

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Class Reunion

I had my class reunion this past weekend. I cannot believe that it has been 10 years since I was in High School! It was so nice to see all my friends and classmates that I hadn't seen in a while. To me there is something about being back in your hometown that makes you feel like a kid again!
My besties!
Along with my class reunion, my school had an Alumni Cheerleader event! It was neat to take T and Jess back to where I spent a lot of my time in High School and for them to see me in action. I surprised myself and I actually can still jump and move like I used to. My shoulders were pretty sore the next day, though. 
It was a fun and very eventful weekend! I look forward to doing it again in 10 more years!

Love,
E

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Summer Hiatus

I am no stranger to a hiatus on here. Most of you who read religiously know that sometimes I disappear from time to time but always, eventually make my way back to writing and posting new stuff.

This summer's season was what I would call beautifully crazy? We took away so many fun memories but there was so much chaos to it. Jess was a starter then he was moved to the bullpen, then went to spot start and then back to the bullpen, then to start again. This pattern pretty much went on all season and Jess just rolled with it. He did whatever they asked of him and would do the same if he could do it all over again. I envy him for his dedication and strength. I have said it before and I will say it again, that is why he is the athlete and I am the wife.

Jess ended up getting hurt towards the end of the season but thankfully his injury was just normal wear and tear on his arm and he ended the season on the mend-praise God. We spent about half the summer together and half of the season basically everywhere. Through it all, I kept reminding myself to be thankful. Thankful for a job, a place to stay during the season and for family and friends. The family we stayed with was absolutely amazing! We owe them big for opening their home to us and allowing us to have the opportunity to make the memories we made this past summer. They quickly became family and I am so thankful for their kindness, friendship and love.

With the 2015 season now in the books if I have learned anything after 9 seasons of professional baseball it's that every year gets crazier. I know when I am old I will think fondly of these crazy years and smile when I think of how we managed to pack a car full of stuff with promises to to my husband to pack lighter the next year. Titan has made this adventure of ours so much more fun. I tear up watching him learn and see new things and places. God is so good for guiding us through life and I am thankful for every beautifully crazy day of this past season.

I will be posting now that we are home so please check back! Thank you for sticking with me through my hiatus'. I just don't have the heart to post when I am not fully dedicated to what I wrote and with me and T traveling so much I found it hard to sit down and really write. Thank you again, xox.

Love,
E

Saturday, June 20, 2015

First Haircut

Thursday afternoon we headed out to the mall with a mission to pick up a few things from Target and Old Navy. My husband and myself had gone back and forth about cutting T's hair. I really wanted to wait until he was 2. T has been called a girl-maybe a handful of times so Jess was just about ready to come unglued on the next person who did. Clearly the people who made this mistake weren't paying attention because T did not look like a girl. In my opinion if he did, who cares?

So with a little hesitation we went in to a Salon at the mall and they happened to have an opening right then. If we would've had to wait I can almost guarantee it wouldn't had happened ;)
He didn't cry a tear! Of course, I did and I was picking up hair off the ground like a maniac. First haircuts are hard. Firsts of anything are hard, especially for this mama. 

He looks like a big boy now and I think it was just what this One year old needed!
I hope everyone is enjoying their Father's Day weekend!

Love,
E

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Spitting Image of My Father

I have always been a big music person. I love all types of music and when I was pregnant I made it a point to get tummy "headphones" so I could pave the way for T to love music!

There was a song in high school that I loved and listened to all the time off of my burned CD's that me and my friends would make. It was entitled "Who I am", by Jessica Andrews.

The chorus goes....

"I, am Rosemary's Granddaughter,
the spitting image of my Father,
and when the day is done my Mama's still my biggest fan...."

When I would jam it out in my car I would change Rosemary to Emma because that was my grandma's name and we were so close when I was growing up. People always thought I favored my dad because we have the same nose, skin tone, dark hair and eyes. And at the end of everyday whether I had gotten in trouble and my mom (who was the disciplinarian) had to ring my neck I knew she was in my corner no matter what.

I have been very fortunate to have a father that goes above and beyond. I actually have a mother that goes above and beyond too but since Father's Day is coming up I am celebrating him this week and all the other Father's!

Thankfully, T has inherited an amazing Father as well! A woman's love quadruple's for her husband once she see's him with their children. Or at least mine did and I thank God for blessing T with such a wonderful role model in his dad.

Favorite Memories with my Dad! 
1. Sometimes after his night shift he would stop at the gas station and get me powdered donuts and orange juice before he dropped me off at daycare. Still til this day when I have the two together I get nostalgic. 
2. My mom and dad were putting in a above the ground pool and my dad had to do all the work. He had been watching me and my cousin and when my uncle came to get my cousin he offered to take me too so my dad could get some work done. I remember it was soooo hot outside and I was scared to leave him because I didn't want him to faint (more like overheat but I was only 8 so you sense the drama). I kept looking back at him while we walked to the car to leave and he just kept his head down working. I knew then he would do anything for me and my sister. 
3. I had a sweet sixteen with my four besties, we had a special dance with our dad's that was memorable for us all. 
4. We have a few favorite movies that we always watch together as a family. Me, my sister and my dad always quote parts from the movies that make us laugh like "What are we? The Schmultz Family?" and "Goodnight George, see you next Thursday!"
5. Him walking me down the aisle.  

These are only a few memories but I could go on all day. Thank you dad, for doing what you do. Going above and beyond, giving, loving, sacrificing and being an amazing person we look up to!

What are your favorite memories with your dad?

Love,
E

Friday, June 12, 2015

June

Summer is in full swing! I think it is finally going to stay warm for the season here in Rhode Island! I am hoping to work on my tan while we play outside. 
With that said here is some of our summer to do's!

1. Go to the Farmer's Market
2. Have dinner in downtown East Greenwich
3. Play outside in the yard
4. Swim
5. Go to Martha's Vineyard
6. Go on the road with Dad!
7. Visit Federal Hill
8. Go to the Zoo
9. Try new pinterest recipes
10. Take it slow

T is really starting to get out there and play. He is so curious now and I am enjoying watching him learn and grow. My plan is to really stop and enjoy the summer with him and Jess when his schedule allows it. 

Happy Summer, everyone! 

Love,
E

Friday, May 29, 2015

Titan Turns ONE!

The day came! My little T turned one and I swear he grew up over night. Anyone else feel that way? Like their baby didn't really look like a "baby" anymore?
Why does this happen so fast? I swear just the other day I was turning on the blow dryer to calm his colic. Now he's eating popsicles and chicken nuggets! I am telling you, my heart is breaking. I know he is still a baby but really he isn't. He's doing things on his own and way more mobile than a little, tiny babe. 
Titan's One Year Stats:
Weight: 20 pounds 14 ounces
Length: 30 inches long
Walking: Yes
Talking: A little, still babbling and singing more than anything.
Teeth:6
Favorite Foods: Mac and Cheese, oranges, cheesy eggs, toast with lots of butter, strawberries, chicken nuggets, crackers, baby cheetos and cheerios. 
Favorite Toys: Radio Flyer tricycle his Nana and PawPaw bought him for his birthday, bath toys, bat and ball and books-any kind. 
Sleep: His sleeping is still not good. I have finally realized he will never be a good sleeper.

The day of his birthday Jess was scheduled to throw so we started the day off with some donuts! After a late lunch Jess headed to the field and me and T played until it was time to get ready for the game. 
 Watching Dad get ready for his game!
 After the game the other kids and mom's sang "Happy Birthday" to T and we had cupcakes!
It was such a wonderful day and I am so thankful to have such a supportive family and baseball family!

Happy Birthday, Titan. I am so proud to be your mama! You are such a blessing!

Love,
E

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Road Trips

It amazes me how I cannot remember life before T. I have no idea what I did when Jess went on the road pre-baby? Workout? Sleep? (should of done more of that, for sure!) I know some trips I went with him but for the life of me, since we barely survived this road trip, can remember what I did before.

I wish I had a lot of fun adventures to share with you but since T was sick and in no mood to even play we kept it very low key. He was very moody and rightfully so. We did manage to go to a few places and get him some cool puzzles and new books!
These 3 were some of my favorites when I was little!
T was in HEAVEN at Barnes and Noble! I think he loves the smell of books like I do! I was just glad to see him smiling and enjoying himself. I pray that he is on the mend and the ear infections stay far away!

What is everyone doing this holiday weekend? Our Memorial Day festivities will continue to be low key but that doesn't mean we don't appreciate what the holiday stands for. Thank you to all the men and women who serve and defend our country so that we may have FREEDOM. THANK YOU!

I hope everyone is enjoying their long weekend!

Love,
E

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

First Cake!

My mom threw Titan a small Birthday party during the last week before we left. It was nothing huge but she still managed to get her decorating on!
(hot and sweaty aftermath)

He absolutely loved cake but wasn't really a fan of ice cream! I think it was just too cold for his liking.

We also got to spend some time with my grandma who suffers from Dementia. She really enjoyed Titan and they both gave me a hard time by boycotting their green beans during lunch. It was precious to see them sit at lunch together. She kept trying to get him to drink his cup of milk so in normal fashion he showed off and would take a sip so she would sing praise. I'm glad we got that time with her, it was a nice visit for us and her.
Mother's Day fell on the day before we left for Rhode Island so it was a pretty busy day. I cannot believe I have been this nugget's mom for almost a whole year. God is so good, y'all. He sends these little pieces of heaven down for you and they change your whole life. Some days I really believe Titan is the one taking care of me, not the other way around. 
I am getting lots of extra cuddles and snuggles these days. We are battling our second ear infection in a month. I have whipped out my oils and even added a new one to my stash this go around in hopes that these infections hit the the road! We smell like an old lady who has been making garlic breadsticks all day but if it works, it's worth it. Plus I love garlic breadsticks! 

Tomorrow is HUMP Day! Woo, woo!

Love,
E


Monday, May 18, 2015

The Gypsy Life

I swear I do not mean to go more than 4 days without writing a post. It just happens that way these days. If you have been reading for a while you know that my hiatus' come and go (more than I would like) but they happen and then I am back to regular programming just to end up on another hiatus.

We have moved again and are now reunited with Jess in Rhode Island! We arrived last Monday just as he was starting the game! We actually missed the first half of the first inning but we got to see him pitch the next 4 innings so that was good!
Reunited!

Sooo let's see, we left Florida on the 28th of April. Since then me and my trusty co-pilot scoured back and forth between my house and my parents house. Jess ended up staying in Florida for a week before being promoted to the Triple A Pawtucket Red Sox. I feel like this whole season has been a "God" season. He is doing things only he can do and I feel so much peace in where we are at. Jess has gotten a couple of opportunities to be a starter and after 7 seasons of being a relief pitcher this has been such a blessing and something only God could be responsible for. Faith is moving mountains for our family and I pray that God continues to work in our lives.

The gypsy life has been hard on T. He isn't easily adjusting at all. I remember packing up our apartment, driving 6 (or 10) hours to another state, unpacking the car, showering and making it to the game by 7 just a few years ago. It is amazing how attached babies and children can be to things. It is really showing me to slow down. Take advantage of the moment and to be all there. Sometimes while traveling that can be hard because I tend to have the mindset of "hurry up and get it done"-especially since it's only me and T. So for now we are taking it slow, and I am ok with that.
With "Paws" at Dad's game!

Over the next couple of days I will fill y'all in on all we did while at home for almost 3 weeks. Titan had an early Birthday celebration and his 1 year pictures so I will share a few!

I hope Monday has been good to you!

Thank y'all again for reading! I really, really, really, REALLY appreciate it!

Love,
E

Monday, May 4, 2015

Veggetti and Carry on, Warrior

Last week I made some really great purchases. One of them being the Veggetti! Yes, I am talking about the infomercial "Veggetti". It is amaze and I can't express enough how much I love this little gadget! I love pasta so to incorporate some healthy eating I had back to back days of zucchini "pasta". I could honestly eat it every. single. day.

Sorry that I don't have a picture to show off the deliciousness, but I promise once me and my fellow gypsy (baby T) stop traveling so much I will post a recipe I threw together that ended up being a hit!

The other awesome purchase I made was the book Carry On, Warrior. I love it because it is raw and real. I feel like these days Instagram and Facebook has a way of making you feel as though you "aren't doing it right", aren't doing enough and that "they" have it all together. It's God centered and it is just a great reminder that YOU are not alone. I encourage everyone to read it!

It is Titan's BIRTHDAY month and we are celebrating everyday!

 He has mastered the "say cheese" face.
He had just crushed a grilled cheese sandwich. After battling a double ear infection this mama is happy to see his appetite back. 
He had just eaten some dirt :) looks like he liked it!

I hope your Monday was good and May the 4th be with you!
Love,
E

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

11 Months!

What an amazing 11 months it has been!
Take 1...
Take 2...
Got it!
Stats:
Titan is now a walker. He falls a lot but it hasn't stopped him from getting back up and going! I think it hurts me more to see him fall. 

Favorites: Mac and cheese, spaghetti, sweet potatoes and cheerios. We rung in 11 months with an ear infection so he is rejecting his absolute faves (which are eggs and oranges) right now. 

Toys: Baseball, any type of ball, touch and feel book, bat and car.

Weight/Height: 21 pounds and 30.25 inches long. He is wearing size 12 months and 12-18 months.

Words: Still babbling. He said what we think was "dada" twice but hasn't said it again. 

Popsicle heaven ;)
T is on the mend now so hopefully over the next week he will be completely healed. Ear infection's are so terrible. I feel so bad for him!

I hope everyone's Tuesday went well! Happy Hump Day tomorrow!

Love,
E

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Under The Same Moon

My mother and I watched a movie called "Under the same Moon" years ago. It was one of the sweetest, saddest movies I have ever seen. It was about a woman and her son who had been separated while the mother was trying to come to the U.S. for work from Mexico. The mother wrote her son letters and told him that they were closer than he thought because they were "under the same moon" and that when he got sad just to look at the moon. The mother and son ended up reuniting years later and it was such a heart warming, triumphant story that I still love today.

This past week we left Jess in Florida and came home to wait things out. I don't know if many of you have stayed in a hotel for an extended amount of time with an 11 month old, but we could tell it wasn't working for us. We spent our final day there celebrating Jess' birthday and eating all his favorite things. Once it was time for us to go to the airport we were all pretty sad and we could both tell Titan knew something was up.



Saying "bye" is always hard for me. Every season before I cried after Jess left for the road trips, I cried super hard when my family left me and Titan in Reno last year to be with Jess for the season and I cried when he left us at our gate that night. "Bye's" are hard. Especially now with Titan, not knowing when we would be all together again was emotional but then I reminded myself of what I say when I miss my family. "Erica, they aren't that far away. We are under the same moon." So I told Jess and Titan the same thing and at night when I get sad I literally go look at the moon or take Titan to the window to look for it. It might sound dumb but it makes me feel better.

Being back home has been so nice! Titan has had some adjustment issues to our house but I think he is getting better. He is kind of confused as to what is going on and I am afraid he has inherited a trait of mine that hates a lot of change all at once. Hold on baby boy this ride will only get more fun. I can't wait until you and I venture to all the ballparks!

He turned 11 months today but I will update y'all on that tomorrow. Sorry I have been MIA. I have been shuffling back and forth from my house to my parents house so I have had little time to blog. Thank you for reading though, you will never know how much it means to me!

Love,
E

Thursday, April 16, 2015

A letter to myself

I had been throwing around topics I wanted to write about last weekend when the thought of writing a "letter to myself" came to mind. So, so much has changed in the past year and motherhood has broadened so many horizons along with humbling the sh** (forgive me Jesus) out of me.

I honestly laugh sometimes at how I have bent or broke when a situation arises and I said I wouldn't do this or that when I had a baby.

So, here it goes....

Dear pre-judgemental, pre-kid Erica,
I know you are thinking that you are still going to be able to do it all once you have a baby, but your not. Go ahead and start cutting yourself slack now because this will make that blow a little less hard if you do. You're no longer going to be able to take an hour gym sesh 4-5 days a week so enjoy it now. Getting the laundry done and put up will be a huge victory for you once the baby is here. I really don't know why but it will be. The amount of days that you wear make up and "real" clothes will drop to a staggering one to two times a week. Ok, three times a week. All of your clothes will be somewhat ruined, stretched out or stained from that sweet babe constantly pulling, grabbing and wiping stuff on you. Showers will take on a whole new meaning for you. They will be somewhat holy. Sleep deprivation won't be the same sleep deprivation you suffered from in college. This kind is the real thing. That paci you so ugly talked about will end up being your best friend and all those times you judged other mom's and dad's in the grocery store or at a restaurant will come to bite you in the butt. In these instances you will learn what survival mode really means and just "pick your battles". Some days and nights will be harder than others. I can tell you now that you are going to fail majorly at being a parent. You are going to see just how weak you really are. As pre-judgemental, pre-kid Erica this is going to hurt you because you try your hardest to do everything right. You cannot worry though, in every wrong you do there will be a right that washes it out. You see, I am writing this to you from the future. I am doing all the things you said you wouldn't do. Being a parent is so hard, but being a mother is amazing. You would be so proud of yourself even though you are doing all the things you said you wouldn't. You love your baby something fierce. His cheeks and tiny teeth make your heart flutter and any time away from him feels like a lifetime. You are a tad bit overbearing but I think you will mellow out over time. Every day is a learning experience so don't be too hard on yourself. Especially in the beginning. And enjoy the struggle, before you know it he will be grown and you won't know what to do with yourself.

Love,
post-baby Erica