Simple Pleasures

Sometimes it's the little things in life - we'll call them simple pleasures - that bring us happiness.

Today as I sit with the back door wide open soaking up the 70˚ weather and listening to the birds chirp,  I'm reminded of this.

Two things I adore {quite possibly too much so} are Dr. Pepper and sweets. I'm a sucker for these Hershey's Simple Pleasures so when I scored several bags for $.50 a piece, you better believe I popped those babies in the freezer in my secret stash. 

This little stink eye is my current love affair.

She's full of sass and attitude at times, but I can't get enough of her!

See that mess of a home office in the picture above?
Well, I did something about it and it now looks like this.
I love my PB Daily System organizer but never really liked it mounted on the side wall where Travis installed it. A willing g'friend who isn't intimated by a power tool and 10 minutes later and I'm a happy girl. We also moved my printer from the butler's pantry area in the kitchen to the desk which I couldn't be more thrilled about. Running a cord to plug that sucker in each time I wanted to print something was a pain. 

Girlfriends!

I have become an ultimate homebody so when I made the split second decision to join my n'hood gal pals for drinks, their jaws nearly hit the table when I walked in. 

I like a clean house. This is no secret. But what I am finding the pleasure in is embracing the mess in the moment. Clean up can happen later :)

Treasuring each and every minute I get alone time with this girl. It isn't often we can sneak away without her shadow brother wanting to tag along, so when I can steal her for myself, I do it. On this particular day we ran to WalMart for a few items and took a detour in route home to see a 10'6" Jayhawk snowman. 

If you know me well, then you know our family and extended family all own dachshunds. I was searching for a birthday card for my mom to give one of her previous coworkers when I stumbled upon this card. 

Like I said, it's the simple things that bring happiness and this card makes me happy. 

(ps. I didn't buy it and I'm so mad at myself that I didn't)
What simple things bring you pleasure?

All photos taken with my iPhone

K Enrollment

Last Friday was Kindergarten enrollment for our little man. It's truly cra-zay! to think my baby boy is old enough to be starting school this coming Fall.

We are unsure whether D will be in morning or afternoon Kindergarten as the enrollment numbers only substantiate for one 1/2 day class and the district hasn't made a decision on hiring a part-time teacher or sharing with another elementary school within the district. So for now, we wait. This momma's fingers are crossed that it will be afternoons for a couple of reasons. 

1. He currently attends afternoon preschool five days a week and we are very accustomed to our "schedule."

2. Little Miss naps in the afternoon and I use that time to pay bills, blog, check e-mail, do my devotional and other reading, etc. 

Regardless of what the outcome is, he is elated to begin Kindergarten. 

Dawson was pumped to get to visit "sissy's school" and drop into her classroom for a quick hello and hug. It was an added bonus that I got to witness a group of fun and energetic Olathe NW Ravens Football guys reading to Gabi's class. Several class moms were there, so we all snapped a quick photo with our phones.

Beer Bread

A sweet friend shared this recipe with us over the course of the last year and it has quickly become a favorite so I wanted to share it so others can enjoy as well.

Beer Bread
3 C sifted flour
3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 C sugar
1 (12 oz) can beer
1/2 C melted butter

Mix dry ingredients and beer
Pour into greased loaf pan
Pour melted butter over the mixture
Bake 1 hour at 375º, remove from pan and cool 15 minutes before slicing and serving
**Omit baking powder and salt if using self rising flour**
We have found we like it best when made with a light beer

If you prefer a softer crust, mix the butter into the batter instead of pouring it over the top (but really who doesn't love a crunchy, buttery crust?)

Number the Stars

Sunday February 10th Gabrielle and I joined our friends Lynelle and Adyson for a fun afternoon downtown at Crown Center. We saw the production of Number the Stars based from the Newberry Medal winning book by Lois Lowry at the Coterie Theatre. It is the story of the rescue of the Danish Jewish population during WWII. The Johansen family faces soldiers, interrogations, fierce dogs and the loss of loved ones to help their neighbors, the Rosens, escape across the sea to Sweden and safety. The production was very well done, was captivating and really held the girls attention. 

After the play we hit up the toy store, the candy shop and Big Mama's Bakery Cafe where we indulged on some delicious cinnamon rolls. I regretted I didn't buy more to bring home! 

We are thankful for the Lankford's move to the KC area and for their new found friendship. We have already made some fun memories together with many more sure to come. 

GG, Gabi loves her messenger purse and carries it often. She loves that is it stocked with all a girls necessities :)

Go Cardinals!

There is nothing, nothing, that makes Gabrielle shine more than when she receives quality time.

A couple weeks back Courtney asked if she could have Gabi overnight for some special girl time and then attend a cheer camp at her college, William Jewell. Gabi had her 8 year well child exam Friday afternoon and then we drove to the Legend's where Courtney met us. 

Saturday a sweet friend took McKenna for the afternoon and Dawson and I headed up to Liberty for the games. 

1/2 time of the boys games

Being silly :)

Gabi LOVES her time with Courtney and always returns home with a new spirit about her. We are so grateful for Courtney and for her feeding into Gabrielle. She is a wonderful example for her! 

Courtney with the William Jewell basketball cheer squad

The girls that attended the cheer clinic cheered on the sideline during the boys basketball game and performed one cheer during a time out and a cute dance during 1/2 time. 

{Courtney's roommate is in the cardinals mascot above} 

Embrace the Camera: February 7, 2013

This is a regular occurrence in our household. If Daddy has the day off of work or a shift that allows him the majority of his morning at home with us, Dawson is quick to inquire if they can build Legos together.

We don't have any fancy Lego storage system in place {yet}, so a plastic shoe box suffices to store all the tiny pieces and instructional guides. 

McKenna sat as good as could be and entertained herself with a little make shift car and 2 Legos guys. She is never too far from where the action is!

Do you build Legos with your kids? I personally find it therapeutic. I'm definitely more of a "build per the instructions" versus free build however :)

Potty Talk

Wednesday night, January 30th, this happened.

This is Little Miss letting y'all know how proud she was she made her 1st shooey (poop) in the potty. As we were watching the Super Bowl last night she asked to sit on the potty again and jumped up proclaiming "All done. I peed" and sure enough, she did! Woot for potty progress!