Friday Things
1. Joseph and I went to the grocery store this week during a torrential downpour, which gave us the perfect opportunity to take his new raincoat for a spin. I couldn’t get the jingle “Trust the Gorton’s fisherman” out of my head, HA! I should have bought some fish sticks!
(We were at the deli and he was concentrating very hard on the stack of American cheese, waiting patiently for the lady working behind the counter to offer him a slice – it’s the highlight of his shopping trip!)
2. Dominic turns FIVE months old tomorrow. How is that even possible?! He’s so much fun – always smiling and happy. He’s really taken to Duke recently; his entire face lights up and he squeals when he sees Duke’s face. He also loves interacting with Joseph as much as possible; his sweet smiles when he sees his big brother close by are so adorable.
You’ll have to excuse my lack of makeup and crazy hair, but this is one of my favorite photos EVER…
3. I am FINALLY feeling better and think I’ve kicked that nasty illness I had. I’ve since heard from no less than three people I know that they’ve had the same thing – it’s apparently a virus going around with this crazy barrage of symptoms that’s basically like three consecutive illnesses in a row – strep throat (all the symptoms, but not the actual infection), bronchitis/laryngitis, and finally a bad cold. I referred to it as the nine circles of hell virus; it would not go away!
4. I’ve mentioned them before, but if you haven’t tried Graeters ice cream, you MUST pick up a pint! I’ve been in love with them for years now, and while I know Jeni’s has somewhat of a cult following, I think Graeters is just the best. You simply cannot beat the chunks of chocolate in any of their “chip” varieties. They just released a new flavor – strawberry cheesecake – and it’s basically like summer on a spoon. I can’t get enough!
5. Have you seen this commercial for the service letgo? I laughed so hard – this is basically my mom cleaning out her attic and trying to pass along stuff to my sister and I that we don’t want.
6. Speaking of, my purging project took a hiatus while I was sick, but I’m going to be getting back on the horse and cleaning out more cabinets. And my pantry reveal post is coming, I promise! One more exchange at The Container Store and it’s going to be done!
7. Am I the only one who didn’t watch the Oscars? Award shows just really aren’t my thing – I don’t get into the red carpet fashion, I usually haven’t seen the movies, and there are basically a million other things I’d rather be doing.
8. A big shout out to this Delallo pizza dough. I discovered it thanks to Jess’ Instagram and picked one up this week when my husband asked if I could make my pepperoni pizza monkey bread. I was short on time, so this was PERFECT. You still need to let it rise for about 45 minutes, but it can be mixed together in less than 5 minutes. LOVE IT!
9. I’ve been browsing Pinterest for some ideas for activities I can do with Joseph at home. I try to get him out of the house for some errands most mornings, but with the weather still iffy, there’s no playing outside and I think he sometimes gets bored. I’ve found some fun ideas for kids his age, but wanted to hit you guys up as well – so many of you have kids or grandchildren!
10. TGIF! I hope you have a cozy weekend (and hopefully not too many early mornings like below)!
Thanks for sharing the info on Delallo pizza dough. I thought it
had great texture and flavor.
I was concerned though because it stayed quite pale in color. I baked it at 450 on a baking stone, it just was rather blonde. I thought it worth mentioning for other readers in case they encounter the same. I would buy this again.
Adorable photo – a classic! So glad you shared it!
About ideas for Joseph while inside… when mine was that age during the winter months, we had a rotation around the house each day, to help him have a bit of variety as well as some routine. For example, mornings right after breakfast was independent playtime in the TV room (he played on his own with toys, sometimes with TV on). Then after snack we played together in the kitchen (either “baking” or playing with pots & pans, plastic containers, water in the sink, magnets on the fridge, etc). Then after lunch/nap we played in my home office (coloring or playdoh or little people). The next block we’d get outside (if we could) or if not we’d play in his bedroom. Then after dinner was back to the TV room. And we followed that same pattern every day we were home…. I think rotating around the house to different spots and different types of toys helped with the boredom?
So, just a thought for something to try! Enjoy this precious time while they are little!
Hi Cindy, That is a FABULOUS idea! Joseph loves when he gets to go upstairs with me when I get dressed, or into the office, or downstairs with my husband, etc. It never occurred to me to actually work those things into his day on a regular basis… doh! Thank you!
Love the pictures, the boys look so healthy and happy. My granddaughter just turned 6 months! Love your site.
Love the updates and photos! Can’t believe how time flies! Enjoy them – they grow so fast it’s truly unbelievable! Have a great weekend!
The celebs preaching their political views made me not turn on the Oscars this year. Â I grew up watching with my mother and never missed them. I am retired now so I have seen many shows. The ratings this year speak for people like me.Â
I LOVE Graeters (my husband even proposed there – LOL)!! The black raspberry chip is my favorite. I lived in Cincinnati for over a decade, and when we moved to Dallas, I feared my favorite ice cream was gone forever. Luckily, Kroger stocks it here, so I will never go without. :) Glad you’re feeling better – this winter has been full of crud everywhere!
That picture of you and Dominic just melts my heart. SO sweet!Â
First…Joseph’s raincoat–I want one!!!
*probably does NOT come in adult size…*L*) Second – OMG – I see why you adore the pic of you and Dominick…just TOO CUTE!! So that “stare” works for cheese, eh? Hmmm, wondering how that would do with that candy red Maserati….yeah, probably not. One CAN wish tho!! :o) We love Delallo’s stuff, so this dough is ON the list. Thanks for the tip!! Get better and enjoy the weekend!!
We don’t mind if you don’t have makeup on and your hair’s not done…what a great photo! Â I am with you on awards shows and ice cream…we don’t have those brands in Australia but for some reason this summer (maybe because it’s been sooo hot), I can’t get enough either. Â My favourite is Salted Caramel. Â I could eat 1/2 litre easily! Â I am also on a big purge around my house as I’m prepping to sell pre-retirement. Â I had essays from the early 90s and even some from nursing school in the 70s. Â Feels good to let go of it all. Â And on that note, I’m back to it! Â Hope spring comes soon for you.
I had a Golden Retriever that just passed away last August. Duke is so adorable and he reminds me of my Zoey. What do you do to keep the hair shedding under control? With two little ones crawling around, I’m sure you have to do a lot to keep up with all the hair.
Hi Ann, I’m so sorry for your loss :( We actually lost our older one in September. Having two Goldens shedding was nuts, so we invested in a Roomba. Our first floor is a very open floor plan and all hardwood and tile, so we schedule it to run every night while we’re sleeping. My husband still runs the vacuum 1-2x a week to get in all the corners, under the bar stools and end tables, etc.
That picture of you and Dominic is sooo sweet! (and you look great, makep or not!) I’d get that one framed! Love the one of him and Duke too! Not heard of that ice cream but maybe I should start looking around!? I love Pinterest…so much to find and try! So glad your feeling better1 Have a great weekend with your lovely family!
Thanks Char!
Your boys are just too cute :) Have you seen the blog called Growing a Jeweled Rose? It has lots of different activities for littles broken down by the type of play you want–water play, sensory play, art play, etc. Â Glad you are feeling better! I had the same virus. It was miserable!
Hi Jennifer, I’m not familiar with that blog – thanks for the recommendation, I’ll check it out!
I live in the Cincinnati area and I love the Graeters ice cream but there bakery and candy shop are even better!
Buckeyes and opera cream Easter eggs are excellent.
Ooooh good to know! They just opened a shop here but I haven’t gone yet!
my 2 fav pics so far ;-) on another note, not sure why all your newsletters are going to my junk folder…? I have to save them every time….
Hi Karl, Ugh, I’m so sorry! I’ve been having a number of issues with the email service and am switching over to a new one this week. Hopefully that will alleviate the problems.
So glad you’re doing better, Michelle. I love all your pictures of you and your boys…..they’re growing up so fast and they’re so adorable.. Duke is so good and patient with his little curious friend! Be well and have a great weekend.
A beautiful, natural pic of mother and baby-nothing wrong with that! Love seeing Dominic growing up.
Bless your family,
Liz.
Thank you Elizabeth :)
I bbsit and I really like the site frugalfun4boys. And look up busy bags and sensory bins, those are good entertainment for Josephs age.
Thanks for the suggestions, I will check them all out!
My local library and bookstore do story time. It’s free, great for kids and you might meet other moms in your area with kids the same age?
I really like storytime, but our library only does it for kids 3+ which stinks, and the local Barnes & Noble does it, but it’s not until 11:00 – we went once, but he usually eats lunch around then and goes down for a nap by 12:00 so unless he sleeps in, he gets way too tired by the time we get home, he eats, etc. I wish they had it earlier or that the library did it for younger kids!
The ice cream is not sold in Texas. Not into ice cream until summer. Blue Bell is the company Texas likes. People are finally able to buy it again now. Proud you are feeling better.
Follow or check out the #totschool on Instagram. A friend of mine does a lot of the activities with her son, and once you scale them down for the right age, they get a lot out of them!
Oh great suggestion, thank you!
Joseph and Dominic get more cute each week! The raincoat is too cute and it’s sweet that he enjoys getting a slice of cheese at the delivery counter  (I do too).  The Letgo commercial is hilarious- first time I’ve seen that one. I didn’t watch the Oscars this year – first time I haven’t in 20 years – they just aren’t as much fun as when Billy Crystal hosted them and I didn’t want to hear the political complaining. He a great weekend and stay healthy!
I love the updates and pictures of your kids. My little peanut is 11 weeks old. Â I get so excited watching Dominic grow, and anticipating the next milestones for my son. Â And oh yeah, I love the recipes! Â My husband is a chef in Pittsburgh–I introduced him to your blog after I made some of your fantastic cupcakes for his 40th birthday last year. Â Now he follows your site too!
Aww congratulations on your little one! And so happy you and your husband enjoy the site! :)
Where did you get that raincoat?! My 3 year old is obsessed with ducks.
Hi Laura, My mom got it for him and she said she got it at Target!
Glad you are feeling better! No fun being sick with little ones! The boys are sooooo cute!!! Love the raincoat! Joseph looks so intent on getting that piece of cheese!!!! It does remind me of the fish sticks commercial!!! We used to live in Cincinnati, home of Graeter’s ice cream! I miss it so much and my family who would visit always wanted to go to Graeter’s EVERYDAY while they were visiting! For some reason it tastes better at the ice cream store than out of the pints from the grocery store but right now I would take a pint from the grocery store if it were available!!!!
Check out this website http://www.powerfulmothering.com/
I love it! My son is almost 2 and I have been getting ideas from there for quite a while now.
Oh that’s awesome, thank you so much!