meet the cutest little dude ever

I became an aunt for the first time late Tuesday night!

My sister (and her husband) went into labor almost two weeks early.

Meet Mason Wade!

He was born at 1050pm on September 13th weighing in at a whopping

6 lbs 14oz and was 19 1/2" long

My poor sister had to push for around 4 hours :(.  The little stinker didn't want to make an appearance quite yet I guess!

He is the cutest baby ever.  I swear. No bias here!

mutha's day

I know I'm a tiny bit late, but I still had to tell y'all about mutha's day with my mutha (she likes it when I call her that).

Friday afternoon we did some shopping and my mom cleaned up!  She's still making a few purchases here and there for their new house, so since she needed some help spending money, I was right there to lend her a hand.

That evening we went to the Royals game.  They unfortunately lost...but it was buck night!  AND Fireworks Friday!  Which means that all pop, hot dogs, and peanuts are only $1!  Too bad I don't eat hot dogs (ever) or drink pop that often...

Saturday morning we went to one of my favorite breakfast places, Eggtc.  They have these delicious crepes (Crepe Dolce) with strawberries and mangoes that I sometimes dream about.

After a delightful breakfast, my mom, sister, and I headed downtown to the Farmer's Market. 

Once again, my mom went to town and bought a car load of plants and flowers.  My sister and I think my mom needs to work at a farmer's market (or somewhere like it), she knows her stuff!

Also, my sis and I got these beautiful flowers: 

(mind you we had to stand in line forever because this place is so popular, but it gave mom time to look around) 

We did a little more walking around after we had lunch at Blue Grotto so that my sister could find a baby book for her new little boy!

Yep, I'm going to be an aunt!!  I can't wait!

holiday baking at its finest

A few days ago, my sister and I did some holiday baking.  We made sooo many treats and it took us almost the entire afternoon!  We had a good time baking while the dogs tried to help by running right under our feet in the kitchen and my brother in law cheered the Chiefs to a win over the Broncos in the basement.

The finished product!  I took the boxes to my neighbors, my gym, and a huge box to my coworkers and my sis took the cute little plates to her friends and coworkers! Check out each kind and the recipes below:

These are magic cookie bars, and they are truly magical. :)  Ok, but for real, if you love coconut as much as me, you'll love these: Magic Cookie Bars



These are sooo good!  This was our first attempt at making gingerbread cookies, but these were delightful:
Soft Gingerbread Cookies

These little gems have become a staple in my holiday baking list.  They are sooo good!  Ok, I know that I've said about all of the cookies so far, but I think these are my fave:
White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies

These puppies are a family tradition!  My mom called them marmallow puffs, so I'm going to go with that.  They are SOOOO good, for real.  You should probably make them them. 
Here's the recipe:

1 large package of Marshmallows
1 package of caramels
1 stick of margarine
1 can of sweetened condensed milk
Crushed rice krispies

Freeze marshmallows; melt caramels, butter, and sweetened condensed milk in double boiler.  When melted, dip frozen marshmallows into mixture, roll in rice krispies, and place on wax paper or cookie sheet to cool.  Enjoy!

And then there were these...cherry mash.  They didn't turn out as hot as planned but they were still good.  Since the above recipe didn't work out, here's another:  Cherry Mash Bars

what a lovely little weekend!

My mom was in town for the weekend, so we went to one of my favorite spots in KC, the City Market.  There were so many delicious fruits and veggies and yummy treats, I had a hard time passing things up!

I found a delicious pineapple, some pears, strawberries, some yellow peppers, and some gorgeous flowers (that you'll see below).

Aren't these fun?!

After hitting up the farmer's market we found a cute little place for lunch, the Farmhouse and sat outside.  I had a delicious little salad and squash soup, my sister got the same and my mom got quiche--she wished she had gotten the same things as we had; but we shared!  The soup was awesome!  

Here are those pretty flowers I was talking about!  It was this giant bouquet for only $10, I fell in love...



I also picked up some mums and a cute little pumpkin for my front door step.  This fall weather is really making me in the mood for all things fall.



s

The ending to our perfect little Saturday was dinner at the famous Stroud's restaurant.  I meant to take a picture of the massive plate of food that we all ate, but I forgot, so this is what you get :).  It was sooooo good; they're famous for pan friend chicken served family style and then you can pick your sides, so we got mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans.  AND THEN, they bring out a giant basket of cinnamon rolls. I'm pretty sure the food was all good for you, it was pan fried...that counts as better, right?



Coach's shorts.

Editor's Note: This picture is solely to look at my dad's shorts and not meant to showcase my permed hair and "Big Dog's" t-shirt or my sisters huge teddy bear t-shirt and giant glasses.  Thanks.

Ooooh, Dad. 


Those shorts.


Coach's shorts to be exact.


I'm not sure if you should've worn those.  Ever. 


And I'm just going to go ahead and state that you should never wear them again.  Ever.

I know they're still in your closet (partially because I cleaned out your closet for you recently and partly because you recently told me you thought about wearing them). 


And I know that you think they still fit.  I'm sure they do; I'm not doubting that you can still get them on.  The question, however, is do they still look as good as that picture up there? 


Answer: No.


The ultimate question: do you have to be a coach to wear coach's shorts?


Apparently the answer is no again.
As far as I know, dad, you weren't a coach...right?  I mean you helped me out when I played sports in my younger years, obviously--that's why I was so awesome at anything that I attempted. 


100% polyester doesn't look great on just anyone and everyone and especially on the lower half.


In conclusion, dad, I think it's time to put the coach's shorts into permanent retirement (along with a couple of sweaters still in your closet...just sayin....) 

I mean you're getting ready to move and a good closet clean out is a must; I think most would agree with me.  As always, I'm here to assist you with getting rid of all of that stuff that you just shouldn't wear any longer...

This guy: obviously a coach.  Duh.  I mean he has a matching coach's shirt for goodness sakes.



spandex pants and windsuits.

That used to be all my little sister would wear.  Bless her heart. 


We all go through that terribly awkward stage around the age of like 10 where you have a little growth spurt and nothing fits like it should and you just don't feel pretty, gosh darnit.


My sister for the LONGEST time would only wear windsuits or stretch pants.  She had a multitude of colors and could mix and match so the outfits were endless.  Usually the shirts had a pretty pattern on them, like teddy bears, bees, farm animals, you get the idea, right? 

My mom and I tried for centuries to get her to try on a pair of jeans or at least something that didn't resemble stretch pants or nylon but it was no use.  She loved her stretch pants and windsuits like nobody's business. 

Looking back now, she realizes that the spandex and windsuits weren't the most flattering thing, but the pictures make for great stories.

I remember this one time when we were little I made her do glamour shots.  You know where they tousel your hair and put in way too much aquanet and make you wear hideous outfits?   

This is not my sister, but I wish she had that jacket....

(PS-they are still in business, who knew?!)

She would seriously kill me with her bare hands if I put that picture up, but just imagine:  dream pose + dried flowers + denim + that awkward stage we discussed earlier.