Friday Things
1. On Sunday, Joseph turned three months old! I’m in total disbelief that it’s been a whopping three months already, it seems like it’s gone by in a blur. He’s almost 13 pounds now and is starting to push the limits on his three-month clothing. He has started babbling a ton and I’m convinced there’s nothing sweeter than listening to him happily ramble on to himself for a half hour in the morning on a baby monitor.
2. I’d really love to get back into reading, even if it’s only for a few minutes before bed each night. I’m looking for some easy read recommendations… lay ’em on me!
3. So, the Full House spinoff is actually happening on Netflix next year… I can’t wait!
4. Earlier this week, my husband went out and got us Chick-fil-A for breakfast and oh my goodness, was it awesome. I got a sausage, egg and cheese biscuit along with an order of hash browns. The sandwich was so big that I only ate half of it and saved the rest for lunch. It totally blows other fast food breakfasts out of the water.
5. For anyone else in their mid-30’s, this article – Oregon Trail Generation: Life Before and After Mainstream Tech – is a spot-on description of growing up on the cusp of social media explosion. I’m so glad I went through high school without Facebook, Instagram or smartphones… it makes me sad that my kids won’t have the same luxury.
6. Rainbow unicorn cookies that poop sprinkles… so awesome!
7. Loving these 7 Secrets for a High-Yield Vegetable Garden – I can’t wait to get back into growing and these are great tips.
8. I’m feeling inspired by Tracy and Jessica and want to start batch prepping food for the week. Tell me – what are your favorite healthy lunches and snacks?
9. Have you been watching the NHL playoffs? I’m pretty much expecting for Pittsburgh to be out of it tonight (womp womp)… if that’s the case, I think I’m pulling for St. Louis to win it all.
10. TGIF! These guys wish you an awesome weekend!
Your baby is so cute in that pic! I agree with the other readers who mentioned “The Boys in the Boat.” It was such a great book and reads like a wonderful novel. Cheering for my Bulls and Blackhawks now. So exciting!! Thanks for all the great recipes. I’ve made several from your site, all with great results.
I could probably give you hundreds of amazing authors since I read all of the time but I’ll just list a couple to get you started, haha. Karen White, Mary Kay Andrews, Wendy Wax, Mary Alice Monroe, Nancy Thayer, Patti Callahan Henry, Kristin Hannah, Susan Wiggs, Jane Green, Diane Chamberlain, and Jojo Moyes. That should get you started, lol. Let me know if you need more recommendations.
I find that I eat way better when I have precut veggies and fruits. Whole fruit from the store is easy. Carrots and cucumbers are a must. A batch of hummus. “Heathy” cookies. A dish of rice or quinoa is always good to have on hand too for burrito bowls and other side dishes.
I love Sophie Kinsella stand alone books. I know her Shopaholic series is popular but I haven’t read those so can’t recommend but I LOVE Can You Keep a Secret, Remember Me?, Twenties Girl, The Undomestic Goddess (the MC is a disaster in the kitchen so you might find this one particularly amusing), Wedding Night, and I’ve Got Your Number. They are light and very funny reads.
OMG he’s too cute!!
For your ask about reading material, I actually just self published two novellas in a romantic suspense series, so if that’s your thing here’s my Amazon site! They are perfect for a short read right before bed :)
Thanks so much for all the wonderful recipes and stories you share!!
http://www.amazon.com/Rhiannon-Jean/e/B00T4NF9LY/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1430149449&sr=8-2
Your little guy is so cute. So are Duke & Einstein.
The Red Notebook by Antoine Laurain. A lovely and quick read.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/books/bookreviews/11514077/The-Red-Notebook-by-Antoine-Laurain-review.html
I so enjoy your blog and your sweet dogs. Since you asked about books… I’m an author and would be honored if you would consider reading one of my books. They feature several pies and other deliciousness and the main character owns a cute golden retriever. Try the first one in the Hometown Harbor Series, FINDING HOME. I think you would enjoy it and would love to hear what you think. Have a great week!
I just finished reading the novel “Delicous” by Ruth Reichel, and really enjoyed it. You might also like “The Supremes at the All You Can Eat Cafe.”
I’m 25, and I was just on the cusp of social mediasm. In my county, MySpace wasn’t a big hit, and Facebook was just trickling to us seniors as we got accepted into various colleges – I got mine in December 2006 and I was one of the first in my area. Cell phones were limited to about 1 in every 20 kids, and we were all still passing notes in class. I positively cannot imagine a better childhood in the “old fashioned ways” and I am disappointed with the way technology has overhauled us.
In brighter news, your little boy is just so sweet. :) He looks like a very happy baby!
I’ve been enjoying Amanda Flower’s Appleseed Creek Mysteries….Amish setting, simple mystery stories. “A Plain Death”, “A Plain Scandal”, are the first two in the series.
Your baby boy is so cute! Congrats again! And seriously one of these days I’m going to start a garden, I’ll have to save that list, thanks for sharing!
First – Joseph is truly adorable. He looks so snuggly – congrats again!
As for books – I recently read “The Husband’s Secret” by Liane Moriarty for my book club. It was the first book I have read to completion in some time, so that says something. It keeps you entertained and engaged right from the start. I have now started on another book of hers called “Big Little Lies” and it’s just as good so far…
Finally – C.A.P.S. CAPS CAPS CAPS!!
Michelle,
Your boys are adorable. Have a great weekend.
Annamaria
Joseph is such a cutie! Can’t believe it’s been 3 months already.
I haven’t tried Chick-fil-a for breakfast – have had it for lunch – will have to try breakfast to see if it’s that good
Joseph is adorable. I look forward to Friday’s so I can see the cute pictures of Joseph and your wonderful pups. Love your recipes, thank you for sharing.
Adorable!! What fun you will have th is summer.
Bobette
Your baby boy is absolutely beautiful!!
Good, fun, easy reads are Rainbow Rowell books. I’ve read Eleanor & Park, Attachments, and Fangirl. All really good, but Fangirl was my favorite. Loved it! Levi is the best ever!
Go Hawks!
Ugh so bummed about the Pens but happy they have been “in” every game I expected them to be swept this series.
I just finished reading “BLackberry Summer” by RaeAnne Thayne. It’s such a nice, nice book to read about a small town and the people in it. The town has sold property to a ski resort but mainly it’s about the wonderful townspeople themselves. And it’s a romance but nothing sexy goes on. It flows nice and smoothly and you can engross yourself in it very easily. A very nice read.
Also, give your 3 babies each a hug. They are all so sweet.
Joseph is adorable…and I am so happy to hear you are now rooting for the St. Louis Blues ;-)
Oh my how he has grown!! What a cutie!!! He will be stealing a lot of little girl hearts when he goes to school :). I love Chik-Fil-A’s breakfast too! My fav is the chicken biscuit…..so good! Have a great weekend and happy cooking!
He is so cute! Love the number on the onesie!
Joseph is too sweet for words!! I miss that baby stage….my youngest grandson is now 2 1/2 (and the cutest thing in this world) and don’t see any more in my future. Your other two “guys” are mighty handsome too!
Go Blackhawks…(wonder who the goalie will be on Saturday?)
Woow! Cómo ha crecido Joseph es muy guapo ;) besitos.
I follow your blog daily and don’t post comments, but I must tell you that I look forward to seeing pictures of Joseph. He is just so adorable! Enjoy every minute!!
He’s so precious! They grow up so fast!
Your baby Joseph is the bee’s knees and your doggies pretty dadblasted cute toooooo! I read your blog daily and find it refreshing, I so agree about the kids today, we live by a high school most of the kids fall on the ground trying to walk and talk on cell phones, etc. I find it hilarious many don’t have anything including food so I bake, cook and roast at a place that feeds everyone, I don’t belong to the church that does this but really the great spirit loves all human beings and when one is a teenager most are ravenous from morning to nighttime, I raised a tiny girl who could eat her way in a competitive eating contest and still be only 98 pounds, she was a track star, a swimmer and a dancer and liked to run her hot wheels when she was young I mean young, never stopped moving so she ate her weight in food all the time, her friends adored my cooking and we lived right by the junior high and the senior high of course their parents worked all kind of hours and never cooked from scratch like I did and they all were in 4-H at the fair they won all the blue ribbons, each gal is married now after college and their babies I get to hold and fuss over, our only is single almost 38 and happy as a clam as the term is used the wee ones adore her as she reads to them and brings them books and actually teaches them practically how to read before school ever starts she read at 3 and never stopped asking WHY MOMMA! I think your son is absolutely adorable and think you are most blessed to be with him I knew no on would nurse our only child and hold her and love her up she was the only girl grandchild and loved beyond this world, we are not people of means but she was rich in love and affection and believe you me that is what REALLY REALLY COUNTS, enjoy your little angel Joseph, my all time favorite name to boot, ciao and XX()()()()(*)XXXXX()()()()()
NOOOOOO – Go WILD! :)
Joseph is so darn CUTE! His three- month photo-absolutely precious!
You are blessed and I am so happy for you and your family:-)
I don’t often offer a comment, but, your baby is absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!!
Yes . . . the NHL playoffs . . . the Pens . . . I have to say I’m pretty much in agreement with Rob Rossi on this one. I am with you in that I think the Pens’ season will be over tonight. When I saw Duke’s picture, my thought was “I feel the same way too, buddy. Those Pens . . .” Time to focus on solely one the Buccos :) You request for easy reading recommendations made me come to the realization that I don’t read “light & easy” books!?! The one recommendation that I have is “Unbroken”. Definitely NOT light, but SO VERY worth the read. When I read it, it was my bedtime read. Haven’t seen the movie, but those who I know who have seen it and have read the book said the movie leaves out the ending. Joseph keeps getting cuter and cuter by the day! Sweet baby boy.
Keep pulling for the good ol’ STL Blues! We are at our house! LGB!
I just read The Girl on the Train – it was a very slow start for me, but then I couldn’t put it down! I’m not sure that would work if you’re looking to read a few pages a night :) Joseph is darling as well as your furry boys!
Joseph is growing like a weed! He changes just a little each week – enjoy this time!
What do you like to read? I’m a huge Stephen King fan – his newest book “Revival” is really good – a little supernatural, but not until the end. And if you have never read his “11/22/63,” I highly recommend it.
Funny you mention Chik-fil-a – my hubby and I just discovered breakfast there, too! He’s CRAZY about their biscuits – forget the chicken! LOL He just keeps talking about the biscuits!
As always, your fur babies are precious! Have a great weekend with your little crew!
Already!
He’s a fine looking lad. Going to grow up to be a looker.
You must be so proud of him.
As you are a sports nut, I would recommend The Boys in the Boat. It is about the crew team from UW that went to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Exciting and inspiring, but an easy read. Ordinary Grace, a memorable, but easy read.
Oh my Goodness! What a squishable little face! Enjoy that beauty!!
Your boy is beautiful!! Book recommendation: Me Before You: A Novel
Joseph is one handsome boy! He’s growing so fast!
I read all the time. This year I’m taking a different approach than normal. I am working my way through a lot of classics that I have either never read or read a long time ago (right now I’m reading Frankenstein). I would highly recommend that you get in touch with your inner child and read some classic children’s literature. It isn’t as heavy as some of the adult classics, but there is surprising depth in the stories. The Secret Garden, A Little Princess, Peter Pan, Little Women, Anne of Green Gables, The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, the Chronicles of Narnia, etc…
Love the Oregon Trail article! I was born at the end of 1979 so I fit that unnamed generation perfectly! And boy am I glad I escaped adolescence before social media!
Hope your family has a great weekend!
Hi Michelle, That little guy of yours is so sweet! Book recommendations: 1)The Husband’s Secret (a little trashy, but well-written trash). Also 2) “The Boys in the Boat.” It’s about the U of Washington crew team that went to the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Non-fiction. I didn’t think I would like it, but I got totally sucked in by the story. Plus, if you have an E-reader, you can buy it on Amazon for $2.99.
Oh my goodness…joseph is so awesome. I am guessing it looks just like his dad. Although you have never posted a picture of your husband, the little glimpse of the dimpled chin in Joseph’s baptism photo was just enough to confirm your little guy is a daddy mini-me for sure. You are certainly outnumbered in your household with all your “guys”!
I am a part of the Oregon Trail generation! I was born in 1980! I used to love going to the computer lab and playing Oregon Trail! I actually downloaded the game recently onto my son’s iPod but I played it more than he did. My friends and I say all the time how we are so glad there was no Facebook or any of that other stuff when we were teenagers…if only our kids could be so lucky!
My gosh he’s so cute! I can’t believe how big Joseph is already! SO handsome! Glad you are settling.
And I’m sorry. I love your blog, I think you’re terrific, I’m faithful reader/follower, but, Let’s GO RANGERS! Ha! I have a good friend who grew up in Pitt and is a die hard Pens fan. We’ve agreed to suspend our friendship until next week. Then we’ll be friends again. It’s all good. While I fully expect my boys to go all the way, I’d love Stl or the Blackhawks in the west. :)
Joseph is so very sweet! My #1 longing when the kids were infants was not reading but to be able to find a few minutes to exercise. A good option for me was audio books and running/fast walking with the stroller giving me the best of both worlds. Happy weekend to you and yours!
Yes, I love audiobooks! I listen to them while I’m at work, if I’m in the car by myself or in the rare instance I get time to go for a walk.
The books that I’ve been reading lately are on the longer side like “The Goldfinch” and “The Museum of Extraordinary Things”. “The Girl on the Train” was good, too. I’m going to have to read the “Oregon Trail” article. I’m 24, but I didn’t have Facebook or a Smartphone until college. In school, we weren’t allow to have our cellphones on and I think I got unlimited texting in my senior year. None of my friends had texting, either. I am a high school teacher and I’ve seen how distracting that technology has become. It’s a little frightening. :(
Your baby boy is just precious!!! My babies are all grown up now and I miss having babies around. Waiting patiently (but impatiently) for my great grandchildren. My awesome grandchildren are just the most intelligent and responsible young adults God ever gave breath to and they have career aspirations. I support that totally but I want to hold my great grandchildren before I depart this life. I will continue to enjoy the photos you post of that precious little Joseph!!!
Have you read Girl on the Train yet? The best thing I’ve read this year. As for cook ahead lunches, I just posted a burrito bowl salad – very healthy and will last all week.
Such a great book, just finished it for book club! I couldn’t put it down!
Yup, been watching the NHL playoffs. And the draft picks. SO disappointed that Buffalo wasn’t 1st! Really thought we were going to get it. Almost pee’d my pants when it came down to the final 2 and Edmonton got it again? Unreal. 3 months is really great, all rolly polly.
Debbie macomber books lite reading and the cedar cove series and all her books are addictive.. Elin Hildebrand and Elizabeth Berg is a good writer, never missed a book
Joseph is a total doll!
That little dude is so cute.