A Long Weekend and a Wolf Pack Win

Happy Tuesday all. Yesterday I felt like my head was in the clouds as I was all stuffed up. I had to stay home and I am so thankful I was able to drop the girls off at daycare since I am single mommying it up this week.

We had a good weekend, even though Rory and I have been fighting colds for the last several days. Our weekend started off on Friday since we had the day off to celebrate Veteran's Day. Let me just take a minute to say how grateful I am for our veterans. Especially my dad. My dad served in the military for over 30 years including a tour in Afghanistan. He is pretty amazing and is a huge contributor to who I am today. So thank you dad and thank you to all the veterans out there. Thank you for our freedom and for taking care of us.

Friday morning we dropped the girls off at daycare and took the day to get things done that we had been slacking on. But first, I had breakfast with some of my coworkers. We may have had a bloody mary or three (I didn't have three, but some of my coworkers did). After breakfast, I headed to the mall to exchange some things and I picked up a new Wolf Pack sweater.

I came home to clean my car of all the girls food, crumbs and dirt that they bring into my car on the daily. I also did some vacuuming around the house. We took Walter for a walk which is the first time it was just us and Walter since the girls were born. Rory left to go have lunch with his friends and I went to the tattoo shop. Yep. I got a tattoo (my second and final one).

I ran a few more errands and then we picked the girls up from school. After getting settled in at home, I ran out to get myself my favorite salad since Rory had a Nevada basketball game that night. First game of the season and the Pack won.

That evening I played with the girls, ate my salad and watched some Christmas movies.

Saturday morning we got up and went to breakfast. Then the park for a bit so the girls could burn off some energy.

 A little boy taught the girls how to use the fireman's pole and they wouldn't stop going down it.

After the park, we headed home since my dad was watching the girls. We went to the Nevada vs. San Jose State game where the Pack won. Finally another win and they dominated the game. Now let's see if they can beat San Diego State.

After the game, we headed home to relieve my parents of babysitting duty. The girls got their nails and toenails painted from grandma while we were gone and were excited to show us. Then we went to an early dinner where I had another salad. This one had soooo many goodies on it and made up for all the tailgating food and drinks I had.

Once we got home, we bathed the girls, watched some football and then went to bed early since Rory had to be up early for his flight.

Sunday morning the girls got up early (surprise, surprise) and I made them some breakfast. They watched some Mickey Mouse Club while I got ready and then at 9:30 my in-laws came over to take the girls on an adventure. This allowed me to grocery shop without them and even take Walter on a walk.

Once they got home, they had some lunch and then napped. I did some cleaning while they napped. After naps, they were still cranky and tired, so we cuddled for a bit before starting dinner. I made sloppy joes for them and I that I found on Pinterest and they were a huge hit. After dinner, we got things ready for the week ahead, watched some Sunday Night Football, read some books, brushed our teeth and the girls went down. They didn't make a peep all night long. I caught up on some shows before going to bed myself.

 I also gave their bangs a trim so they could actually see.

How was your weekend?

Shopping, Wine and Football

It's Friday. Oh so glorious Friday. I am ready for a weekend of relaxation and sleeping in.

Today I am linking up with Karli and April.

One. We are taking the girls to get their passports today. This has been a long process of trying to go several times with the office being closed or not having everything they needed. We have 9 weeks until Mexico, so we are kind of cutting it close, but I am hoping everything goes smoothly in this process. Plus I can't wait to show you their passport photos. I am betting Sutton will mean mug the camera, haha.

Two. I am dying for this sweatshirt. I am contemplating pulling the trigger because I may be getting new boobs soon and I need to save every penny, but I can get this at a good deal right now. Decisions, decisions. Plus I hear it is comfy to the max and we are still in the depths of winter here in Nevada. What do you think?

 source

Three. I have a wedding in late April to attend and I am starting my search for a dress to wear. Now the weather in Nevada is unpredictable, so it could be sunny and in the 60s or snowy and in the 30s. Everything is indoors, but I do want to dress appropriately. Here are few dresses I have been considering. What do you think? Do you have any suggestions?

Top: Left Center Right

Bottom: Left Center Right

Ok the Bottom Right one is out because it is a little too pricey for me right now. But I adore it. I need it. I want it. But $250 would mean wearing it to this wedding and the one I am attending in July.

Four. I need these wine glasses. My girlfriends and I try to get together a few times during the Bachelor/Bachelorette season to dish on the episode and these are needed for those get togethers. Plus we ALWAYS drink wine while watching the show. The picture didn't have a link to buy them. Anyone know where I can get them from?

Five. It's finally the Super Bowl this weekend and I am pretty excited. I have joined work squares, a work Super Bowl pool (spreads, over/under on points per players, etc.) and will do some others at my parents annual Super Bowl party. I just really hope this is a good game all the way til the end. I am rooting for the Broncos because they have two former Nevada Wolf Pack players on their team (Brandon Marshall and Virgil Green) and I love Peyton Manning. Don't believe me? 

Two years ago when the Broncos played the Seahawks. Obviously I rooted for the Bronos and they lost miserably.

Go Broncos, even though I think the Panthers will win (and I am ok with that. That team is pretty awesome.). Disclaimer: I am a full blown, faithful 49ers fan, but I have loved watching Peyton Manning play since his college days. So I root for Peyton Manning except when he plays the 49ers.

Hope you have a good weekend!

Weekend Update and Randomness

Sorry for the lack of blogging yesterday.  I was too busy getting my Green Monday shopping on (?).  I didn't even know about Green Monday shopping day (or whatever it was called) until perusing around on amazon looking for stocking stuffers.  Then I went into panic mode and tried to figure out what to get everyone so I could get the second best deals of the month (next to Cyber Monday).  I managed to get my mom and sister something and even a little cardigan wrap for myself (oops).  I (we, as in my husband and I) still have a bunch of online shopping to do and he gets nagged about it daily because this hugely pregnant girl wants to avoid actual stores if possible (which it isn't sadly).  But we are well on our way to getting most of our shopping done.  Phew.  That was long winded.

We did a lot this weekend and of course I only have two photos to show for it.  Boo.  But these two are quite funny and mostly the same.

These were my feet Friday evening.  I got the biggest laugh out of this sight and showed everyone and anyone I could the next day at my friend's birthday party.  Can we say cankles big time?!  Don't worry, they don't always swell like this and my OB saw them a few hours before and didn't seemed concerned.

My OB appointment went well even though I waited for an hour and a half to be seen.  Ouch.  Not sure I am liking their new office.  I never waited more than 20 minutes before the move.  The bad news: I gained about 7 to 8 pounds in a month (yikes to all that amazing holiday food).  The good news: my doctor said it was fine since the babies are gaining weight like crazy right now.  I am measuring around 35 or so weeks now, but I am just about 30 weeks now.  Plus we got a better idea on when we will deliver.  And it all depends on my appointment this afternoon with my perinatal for our growth scan.  Hopefully my little girls are chunking up and packing on the holiday weight too.

Friday I also got my hair done and it feels even more amazing getting your hair done while being pregnant.  Awe back to blonde.  Plus she can hold the hair dryer and do wonders to my hair as my hands can barely hold the blow dryer on a daily basis.

Saturday we went to our child birthing class.  It was an all day class, but it went super fast.  We learned a lot about labor, delivery, where we would do everything, our options and figured out our plan (birthing preferences).  I can't wait to meet our girls, but boy am I scared about the whole laboring process.

Saturday night we went to my friends birthday dinner and then out for drinks.  Well dessert for me, drinks for everyone else.  It was so good seeing my friends and showing off the huge bump for those that haven't seen it in awhile.

Sunday I was pretty lazy around the house.  But I did manage to vacuum, do some of the girls laundry, grocery shop, decorate the Christmas tree (it has been up with lights, but no decorations), clean house a bit and watch the awful Niners lose to the Raiders.  Ugh, Niners season is over.  So sucky/crappy/awful/bad/anyothertermassociatedwithsucking.

Oh and I managed to prep our holiday food for our day at the office on Monday.  Every December, we sign up for a day and bring in breakfast food.  My husband and I made, 2 pounds bacon, french toast bake (that wasn't all gooey and gross, but amazing), juice and cookies.  I called it a win with how much I can actually move around lately.

Today brings a pernatal appointment where we get to see the girls and a day to pick up our new Digital SLR camera.  I can't wait.  Can you believe Christmas is in 15/16 days? 

How was your weekend?

Oh and one last photo from the last home Nevada Wolf Pack game.

Best tailgate crew.  My husband and I are on the far left front row.

Labor Day Weekend

It is Tuesday (first day back in the office) and I am not grumpy like I am normally on Mondays. I call this a win.  I had a really good weekend followed by a crazy, traumatic morning, but things are better now.

Thursday  was actually my Friday and started off right with this baby.

 Cake donut with sprinkles.  The way to a pregnant girls heart.

I took Friday off of work to have a long four day weekend and it was definitely worth it.  Walter went to the groomers and he looks handsome as ever.  We had an ultrasound and fluid check with our perinatal doctor.  We found out one of the babies genders, but the other wouldn't cooperate (so hopefully in two weeks we will know for sure what both babies are).  I got my hair done and we went to food truck Fridays.  It was definitely a great day off.

 Check out the bump.

At food truck Fridays in the rose garden.

Saturday was the first Wolf Pack football game of the season.  We got up early, headed to breakfast and then to the tailgate.  This is the first tailgate in a long time where I didn't consume any beer, mimosas, bloody marys or any alcohol.  I just pigged out on all the yummy food.

The Wolf Pack won their first game of the season against Southern Utah.  It was hot, but I loved every second of it.  Next game is this Friday against Washington State.  This is going to be a tough game, but I have faith since it is at home.  Plus we have another amazing tailgate planned.

Butler babies first Wolf Pack game.

We barbequed after the game and kept it low key.  Plus we watched more college football.  I think that is all we watched this weekend.

Sunday we drove out to the cantaloupe festival in Fallon, Nevada.  I have never been, but had always wanted to go.  It was disappointing the say the least.  I expected lots cantaloupe vendors, cantaloupe products and everything just surrounded around cantaloupe.  There was one place to buy fresh cantaloupes, one booth dedicated to cantaloupe foods and then a cantaloupe daquari place.  Everything else was just random crafts, random foods and nothing centered on cantaloupes.  I don't know if it was smaller and not as fun as previous years due to the drought, but we were disappointed to say the least.

But we did turn the evening around with sushi and it was so good.

Monday was spent doing the usual Sunday things...laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping and making our delicious homemade spaghetti.  I am really looking forward to the leftovers for lunch today.

So now onto the traumatic night/early morning.  This may only seems traumatic to me and my family, but it got to me.  Around 2 am, I woke up to use the bathroom and Walter bolts off the bed to go outside.  I am thinking, he is like his momma and has to pee, but then I hear him barking loudly.  I took off running to the dining room sliding glass door to get him to stop.  But I see him chasing something, him (or something) yelp, hear some growling and loud barking.  I scream and run to the door that leads outside (the sliding door has security pieces in it and it takes too long to open).  Without thinking, I run outside and chase whatever is near Walter.  It runs to the fence, up the fence and jumps over.  All the while, my husband is freaked out and chasing me.  I don't know what kind of animal got into it with Walter, but it scared me.  It scared me so much that it took me at least two hours after to get back to sleep.  This was after locking his doggy door so if that thing returned, it couldn't get inside.  I hope it was just a cat and not a coyote or raccoon.  Ugh, my dog sure did defend us and his territory, but this pregnant momma always thinks and assumes the worst, so I am a bit worried of the next few evenings.  I hope Walter marks his territory and scares off whatever was near.

On a related note, my husband told me I need to grab the bat next time because we don't know if it is human, animal, etc out there and I need to protect myself.  Instincts ran and I just wanted to protect my puppy, but my husband is right.

I was able to squeeze in another two hours of sleep and then it was time for work.  Like I said, I am pretty surprised I am this cheery this morning. 

So here is to a short work week and then a week away in Georgia, Florida and New Jersey for work.

How was your weekend?

Birthday Weekend

I have procrastinated all day on writing a weekend update.  I had an amazing weekend, but Monday brought on a bad case of the Mondays.  It is rainy, gloomy and overall a blah day.  I wish I was still in bed or lying on the couch cuddling with Walter watching mindless tv.  But after I finally had lunch, I mustered enough willpower to write my weekend update.  You're welcome.

Friday.  After work I ran around town eating lunch and running errands.  Then I proceeded to walk Walter around in the sweltering heat thinking the shade would help.  Nope.  Hot as shit.  But I did get to go to Nevada Wolf Pack Football 101 with some pretty amazing ladies that evening.  We ate, drank, took pictures with the hot football team, did some football practice drills, listened to the coaches, raffled off prizes, watched the live auction (that was way out of my budget) and ate way too many pieces of cake/cookies.  It was a great night and benefited the University of Nevada Football team. I can't wait for next year.

Brock Hekking - Defensive End, myself and Cody Fajardo - Amazing Quarterback

 Yummy football cookies

The cutest dog house raffle (that I didn't win, so disappointed)

Saturday.  I slept in because it was my birthday and I was allowed to.  For the record, sleeping until 8 am is sleeping in for me.  Then I proceeded to laze around, cuddle with Walter and watch some mindless tv.  My husband was still in Tahoe coming home from a bachelor party, so I had free reign of the house.  I got myself fancied up for brunch with my three best ladies.  We bruched, chatted and had an amazing couple hours.  Love those girls.  Then my husband took me shopping (he got me a gift card as one of my gifts, among so much more.  Such a lucky spoiled girl.).

One of the things I bought.  A Himalyan salt orb.  I have been dying for a lamp from this store in town and couldn't decide, but ultimately got this guy.  Gorgeous at night.  I know I am getting old because I wanted something for the house and not me.  Don't worry though, I got myself a hat, necklace, candle and lotion there too.

After shopping, we headed home to get ready for our dinner.  My husband took me to a steakhouse, per my request (girl loves her meat), and it did not disappoint.  I ate every single bite of my appetizer, entree and dessert.  I was beyond stuffed, but you never let a steak go to waste, or in your husbands tummy.

 Birthday dinner

My birthday was pretty amazing and I feel blessed beyond belief.

Sunday.  We went to the Reno Tahoe Open (RTO) golf tournament like we do every year.  It was full of heat, tons of walking and watching some golf.  It was a lot of fun, and I managed to take home a nice sunburn, but well worth the day.  Cameras weren't allowed, so I was a good girl and never took a photo.  But it was at the most beautiful golf course, so I guess it was more than fine.

Sunday night we had dinner with my in-laws for my birthday.  Another amazing birthday dinner in the books.  I could get used to the fancy food every meal.

That wraps up my birthday weekend.  Sadly, I have another 363 days until my next birthday, but I can definitely wait on turning 32.  Yikes.

How was your weekend?  Do you have a case of the Monday's?

Football on the Brain

I have football on my mind.  Yesterday at the gym, the TVs were full of the upcoming football season.  From Eli Manning's franchise record 27 interceptions, to the 49ers new stadium to the season predictions. 

I CAN.NOT.WAIT until football starts.  My weekends will be consumed watching the Wolf Pack play at home (season ticket holder) and lazy Sundays watching NFL.  There is definitely something about Fall and football season.  Though I am enjoying the warmer weather and beach days, I can't wait for everything Fall brings.

What I am looking forward to in Fall:
Football
Annual Apple Hill trip
Apple pie and cider
Fall Clothes and boots
Trip to Avalon, NJ for a wedding
Thanksgiving
Tailgating

Football in Numbers:
In 16 days, the 49ers will play their first game of the preseason (I'll take what I can get).
In 26 days, the 49ers will play their first game (preseason) in the new Levi's stadium (great day. Also my anniversary).
In 39 days, the Nevada Wolf Pack will play their first game of the season (and at home) against Southern Utah. 
In 47 days, the 49ers will play their first regular season game.

Are you as excited about football as I am?

NFL Draft

It's Friday and that means Fan Friday Link Up.  So head on over to Venus Trapped in Mars and share your post.    Yesterday was the NFL Draft and I always get pretty excited for Draft Day because I can't wait to see who the Niners choose, see where the "super stars" ie Johnny Football get drafted to and watch the sheer disappointment on players faces when they don't get chosen.  I love me some football.  Plus it gets me even more excited about the upcoming season.     First off, I asked my husband if he thought Javeon Clowney would go #1 since he is a beast and I thought he would.  My husband told me no, but what do you know, he did go #1. Second, dang Bucs took Mike Evans.  He was supposed to go to the Niners.  Didn't they get the memo?   Third, this.

via Facebook
And then this happened...

Soak it in Manziel.  This is the only glory you will have for the next 5 years or so.  You think you can take the Browns to the Super Bowl?  Haha.  Make that money.

Forth, the Niners chose Jimmie Ward.  A safety.  Again.  They chose an amazing safety last year, Eric Reid.  He's a beast.  I understand they may play him as a cornerback, but he just had surgery.  And that isn't good.  Why didn't they pick up an offensive lineman to cover Kaepernick's ass or a wide receiver?  Baffled.   Lastly, I hope Joel Bitonio, from Nevada Wolf Pack, goes in the second round today.   I am so glad it is finally Friday, I can finally sleep in tomorrow and enjoy the weekend with family.  What are your Mother's Day plans?  

My Super Bowl Weekend

I think I am finally over the Super Bowl loss, even though my team wasn't even in it.  It was a boring game to say the least and I want to congratulate the Seahawks on their victory.  That being said, can we please bring on baseball season?   I had an amazing time at my families annual Super Bowl party.  I ate way too much food, watched all the cute commercials, watched the boring game and played with my almost two year old cousin's son.  He was just too darn cute.  Oh and I won some money from playing squares, so I call it a win for the weekend.   If you know me, then you know that I do love Peyton Manning.  I have been a fan of his since he played at Tennessee.  No I am not a bandwagoner.  No I don't care if his team wins all the time.  I just like to watch him play, so in honor of Peyton playing in the Super Bowl, I wore my old Colts jersey (don't hate, I have more Niner gear than you can imagine. I only have this one Manning jersey).  But I will say that I took it off before half time even started.

This was before the game even started.  See how happy I was then.
We had an amazing food spread.  This is only part of it.  Missing were the salmon, tri-tip, turkey, some desserts and other yummy stuff.  I got too busy eating to take anymore photos.  So just imagine what was there.

 This was only one table. We had a kitchen island full, the stove and counters were also full.  Now you can see why I was in a food coma ALL.DAY.LONG.

 The best spicy chili ever.  I may have had two bowls.

Delicious brownies.  I may have took two home and ate them for breakfast yesterday.
I did manage to go snowboarding this weekend.  It was my first time on the mountain all year long.  It was a lot of fun, but way over crowded.  Only half of the mountain is open due to the lack of snow, so it was a fight to not hit any beginners on the way down.  But I got 10 runs in, and it felt so good to be back on my board again.  Here is to hoping more snow is in our future.
The rest of my weekend was a blur.  How was your Super Bowl party?  Did your team win?

Super Bowl Sunday and Oreo Fluff

If you live under a rock, then you may not know that it is Super Bowl Sunday.  It is one of the best days of the year, and I can't wait to celebrate.   Soon enough, I will be elbow deep up in chips and dip, wings, little smokies, chili, meat and cheese trays and desserts galore.  I can not wait.  I will probably feel like a fat kid at the end of the day, but it will be worth it.   Almost every Super Bowl, I spend it at my parents house.  They have their annual party with more food and alcohol than one can imagine.  They are some friendly betting games and raffles to partake in.  Plus some awesome rivalries between friends and family.  This year, my dad's beloved Seahawks are playing against Peyton Manning's Broncos.  Not sure who to root for?  I will you a hint.  

 I will be cheering you on Mr. Manning.  Please oh please, let the Broncos win.  I hate the Seahawks, I hate Pete Carroll, and I hate Richard Sherman.  But I do like Russell Wilson (the only classy one). Shh don't tell anyone.
This year, I decided to bring Oreo Fluff to the Super Bowl party.  I have been bringing it to a lot of parties since I was introduced to it by Nikki at Chef In Training.  I changed mine up a bit since I couldn't find the exact pudding used.  Feel free to do the same. 

 

Oreo Fluff  adapted from Chef in Training Course: Dessert    Skill Level: Easy   INGREDIENTS

• 1 (3.4 oz) box vanilla instant pudding (just the mix)
• 2 cups milk
• 1 (8 0z) container cool whip (thawed to room temperature)
• 1 package Double Stuffed Oreos crushed
• 2 cups mini marshmallows

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together pudding mix and milk together for 2 minutes.
2. Stir in Cool Whip, crushed Oreos and mini marshmallows.
3. Store in the frig until ready to eat and serve. I store it for at least an hour to thicken up, but the longer the better.
4. Serve and enjoy! I serve my fluff with Nilla Wafers (the best), but feel free to serve with additional Oreos, fruit or graham crackers.

Super Bowl Fan Friday Edition

Guess what day it is?  Friday!  That means Fan Friday Link-up, and this week is one of my favorites.  Super Bowl edition.    It is very known how much I love football. I live, eat and breathe football.  I get pumped when Spring practice starts.   I stalk the Niner Nation blog.  I play Fantasy Football, and I secretly wish I was an NFL star.  Plus I may know more about NFL football than my husband and many guy friends do.  But my husband definitely knows more about college football then myself.   Sometimes I get upset that I can't play football.  Like the real deal football, not touch or flag football.  I think it would amazing to play quarterback or almost any offensive position.  To be able to strong arm the defender as I run the touchdown in and win the game.  Aww the life.  Then I can make up some awesome touchdown dance which will be featured all over ESPN.  Hello Colin Kaepernick.  I definitely heart you and my husband knows this.   But since I can't play the real deal and be a big NFL superstar, I will settle for being Erin Andrews Part 2.  She has my dream job.  Oh what I would give to have her job.  Maybe I should have went to school for Journalism.  So failed on that one.   But when it comes down to it all, I can't wait for this weekend, but I also don't want it to be here.  Super Bowl means the end of football for what seems like forever, or until August.  It means no more lazy Sundays in my Niners sweats cheering my team on.  No more anxiety induced panic attacks during nail bitter games (hello Niners vs. Seahawks, Packers, Panthers).  No more Monday Night Football outings with my friends.  And no more games to attend at Candlestick Park.     So I bid adieu to football after this glorious weekend until August.  May the best team win.  That means the Broncos and Peyton Manning...who will get the MVP this year!  Count on it.

Mondays Suck

It is Monday and Mondays sucks. Not only do I have the worst headache in history, but I barely slept due to said headache. Ugh.    In other news, I was rather impressed by the Pro Bowl yesterday. I loved the new set-up where Jerry Rice (best wide receiver ever) and Deion Sanders draft players for their teams. Then those teams face off, and make the game so much more interesting. Most Pro Bowls suck because the players barely make plays, don't want to be there and don't want to get hurt. This year, some of that applied, but mostly, there was a lot more action and fun.    Of course I was on team Rice because I am a diehard Niners fan. And team Rice squeaked by with a win at 22-21. Congrats to Nick Foles for his offensive Pro Bowl MVP.    Speaking of MVPs, who do you think will win this year's MVP? My vote is for Peyton Manning. I sure do love Peyton Manning. No I am not a band wagon jumper. I have liked him since he played in college. I follow what he does, not his teams. Of course I am rooting for the Broncos in the Super Bowl because I hate the Seahawks (division rivals and they took down my Niners), and I don't want to see Pete Carroll with a Super Bowl ring. 

via

What did you think of the Pro Bowl uniforms?  I liked them better than the NFC vs. AFC ones.     How was your weekend? Sorry this post is short and not exciting. I am going to get back to work while nursing this headache. I don't think there is an aspirin big enough for my headache today.