Wine Down Wednesday: My eye is on this...

I LOVE CANDY CORN!!!!! Since fall is just around the corner and candy corn will be stashed all around my house (MY FAV!!)...This glass just seems appropriate! It will look greated added to my Lolita collection!!!!

Whats up Doc?

Mr. Colt had his 6 month check up a month late this time. So at 7 months old he weighs 19.5lbs(60th percentile) and is 26.5in long (40th percentile). He got three shots and did great. He's a tough little booger. He had gotten two shots before he knew what had happened and only shed one tear while shouting "mamamamamamamama".............. I grabbed the bottle, stuck it in his mouth and he forgot all about it. Then off we were back to to the house. He is now taking a nap and I'm having a movie day. First on the list, 17 again!

I'm a big boy now I'm SEVEN!

Colt is 7 months old and one day...TODAY! Holy moly...where did my baby go?! Almost crawling, sleeps 12 hours a night... sometimes 13 complete with 2 THREE hour naps everyday (unless we aren't home). He has one bottom tooth and the other fixing to pop through any second. He eats like a champ...loves to eat chicken noodle, turkey and sweet potatoes, apples, applesauce, mango, pears, peas, pasta vegetable med, hawaiian delight, carrots, squash, corn casserole, squash and corn. Does not like, but eats...bananas, peaches, macaroni, blueberry and apples, green beans etc... Super smiley, laughs all the time, walks everywhere in his walker, grew out of his johnny jumper, says mamamamamama ALL of the time, continues to put his hand on the light switch as I say, "light off," gets on all fours and rocks like he will crawl any second, loves music, if he is distracted while eating and won't open his mouth I can sing "yummy yummy yummy I got love in my tummy" and he will smile and open his mouth. Same with the "frog" song (I'll spare you and write the lyrics later). He loves to go outside, loves his bath, loves to swim. He seriously is a wonderful baby. I'm scared to have another one because people tell me "oh just wait, your next one will be ...." (blah blah blah). OR it could just be because I'm the shizzle of a mom...HA! I kid I kid.

He really is my little buddy and I love staying home with him getting to see his every move and milestone. He has a Dr. appointment tomorrow so I'll update you with his stats asap :)

I love that everybody has their own nickname for him. I call him "Colt-T bear" and "Bubber." Blake calls him "nums" or "bbbbbOY." Poppy calls him "big bear." Aunt Haley calls him "Colt-T" "bubbas" "bizza boy" (for big boy). Yaya calls him "bizza boy" "Colt-T" and "Punkin Brewster." Doodad calls him "his little buddy." If you call him something that I didn't mention, comment so I can document it :)

Colt spent his 7 month old birthday at the lake proudly running around the porch in his walker and spending the afternoon at the beach swimming. This weekend was our last official trip to the lake. It is just about dove season and we will be heading west for the weekends probably up until January when deer season ends.

Attention all legs and feet: take cover...here I come -Colt

Snuggled up tight with Gertie hiding from the sunMy favorite Kreck boys

For some reason my "mom" brain has not gone away and returned my old brain. I spent most of Friday morning packing up the fam for the last lake trip and doing laundry. Once we got to the lake, I sat on the porch and immediately remembered..."I FORGOT TO PACK ALL OF COLTS SWIMMING GEAR!! Seriously?!!! We've been here almost all summer. How in the world could I forget his swim shirt, swim trunks, swim diapers, sunscreen, hat AND floaty!!?? Well, I did. This explains why he is swimming in a onesie and Blake's fishing hat. It did the job, but I am still quite concerned about my brain :)

I hope everybody had a great weekend. This will be the last week until the club pool closes on the 1st. Anybody want to join Colt and I for a swim??

,

Reunited....

This week's family night was planned on a whim at my FAV place ever... El'fenix!! I remember back in highschool when Blake and I would would eat there at least 3 times a week if not more! That is no lie! Anyways, little did I know, my friend Lauren (whom I haven't seen since Dec of 2006...yes, its been that long) was going to be there with her family as well. Lauren and I had been BFF's since elementary school and were inseperable ever since. She since has moved to Tennessee and we kind of lost touch :( So this was a nice surprise. Her mom didn't tell her I was going to be there either. I think this was a setup :) A good setup at that. It was great catching up and seeing her meet and play with Colt for the first time. I ordered my usual...cheese enchilada, rice, beans, flour tortillas and a cup of queso, and loads of chips and hot sauce! YUUUMMMMYYY! Can we say fatty?

I wish Lauren didn't live in Tennesse now, but hopefully she'll come visit more often.

This is my favorite face of all time

In other news, Colt and I went and toured our church's nursery today because I will soon be the new teacher of his Sunday school class with my mom and Blake along side. I'm super excited to get connected and have fun with all the little one's.

Hope everybody is having a great week...Love!

Wine Down Wednesday: Is wine good for you?

I founds THIS great article on the msnbc website about the health benefits (pros and cons) of wine. See what you think...

Is wine good for you?

In moderation and as part of an overall healthy diet, the short answer is yes!
Thanks to its alcohol content and non-alcoholic phytochemicals (natural occurring plant compounds), wine has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, certain cancers and slow the progression of neurological degenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease.
However, the amount of wine you drink matters tremendously. Drink more than what’s recommended, your health benefits are lost and your health risks go up.

Here’s what’s considered safe and effective:
Men: No more than two drinks per day.

Women: No more than one drink per day.

One drink is defined as a 5-ounce glass of red or white wine, 12 ounces of regular beer (1 bottle) or 1.5 ounces of 80-proof distilled spirits.

The health benefits of wine...When it comes to wine’s health capabilities, here’s what we know:

It’s been well documented that moderate amounts of alcohol can raise your good cholesterol (HDL-cholesterol) and thin your blood. This is thought to be one of the primary cardiovascular benefits from wine (red and white), as well as hard liquor and beer.
Non-alcoholic phytochemicals in wine, such as flavanoids and resveratrol, act as antioxidants and prevent molecules known as “free radicals” from causing cellular damage in the body. Although some studies which have focused on the health benefits of resveratrol use much greater dosages than you’ll find in an average glass of wine, resveratrol has been shown to prevent blood clotting and plaque formation in arteries by altering lipid profiles and plasma viscosity. Findings from a recent study suggest that resveratrol can produce potent anti-thrombotic agents that can potentially improve cardiovascular health and lower the risk for coronary heart disease.

Red wine provides much more resveratrol compared to white. That’s because the longer the skin is kept on the grape during the wine making process, the greater the concentration of resveratrol in the wine. In the case of white wine production, the skin is removed before fermentation, giving white wines a lower concentration in resveratrol compared to red wines. Also, wines made in cooler climates have greater amounts of resveratrol too. Thus, red wine from cool climates have the most resveratrol.

The negative side of wine...

Wine, however, is not for everyone. Certain medical conditions are worsened by the consumption of wine, so it’s vital you seek the advice of your personal physician. Here’s a few things to know:

High Triglycerides: One downside to wine consumption is that it can elevate triglyceride levels, which is associated with health problems such as diabetes. Those who already have high triglycerides should, therefore, avoid or dramatically limit their wine (and alcohol) consumption.
Breast Cancer Risk: Studies have shown alcohol can increase estrogen levels and raise tumor progression in women with (or at high risk for) estrogen positive breast cancer.
Migraines: Wine is often a big trigger for people who suffer with migraine headaches. Although white wine contains more sulfites than red wine (sulfites are added to white wine to preserve its light color), red wine seems to be a much bigger migraine trigger. That’s probably due to the accumulation of histamines and tannins from prolonged contact with the skin.
Weight Gain: People who drink alcohol also consume empty calories, calories that lack nutrients and can lead to weight gain.
Five ounces white or red wine = approximately 120 calories.

Drink a bottle of wine (4 glasses), and you’ll be consuming about 480 calories (that’s the equivalent of two 20-ounce Cokes!).
Here’s how alcohol compares to carbohydrate/protein/fat:1 gram carb = 4 calories1 gram protein = 4 calories1 gram fat = 9 calories1 gram alcohol = 7 calories

CHEERS???

I also found this cute game (it was on the Toys R Us website...weird) but it's a different take on monopoly. Called Wineopoly...From what the directions say, its just like monopoly, but teaches you facts about wine as you go along as well as cute little wine game pieces :)

Whatcha been doin?...

This week has totally been a milestone week for Colt at 6.5 months old...

Monday he waved "hi" and has been doing it ever since, Tuesday he turned the "light off"(I'll elaborate in a minute), also on Tuesday he got on all fours as if he were going to crawl and started rocking back and forth, and now as I'm writing this he is saying "mamamamamamamama" in his pack n play while over at my parents house as mom, dad and I listen closely... LOVE that baby!!

He also has...

Gone to his first back to school peprally and picnic of the school he will attend from k3-12th grade. He was very attentive and liked watching the cheerleaders and band play.

...and he was tuckered out by the end of it...sweet angel...

He went to the baby shower of his soon to be second cousin, Jonah

He's walking around the house in his walker like he owns the place...which he does NOT by the way :)

Loves looking at his reflection in the dishwasher and stove

I finally caught him in action...from the sitting position Colt will turn over his right leg and place his hands on the floor, gets up on his knees and starts rocking back and forth for a few seconds and then SPLAT, his knees and hands fall out from under him...we're getting somewhere! and yes, my mom did buy the Ab rocket that you see behind Colt. It's her new toy.
As for the "light off" story...Ever since Colt was born I always tell him what I'm doing, what he's doing, what we are going to do, using signs as well lots of hand over hand actions letting HIM do whatever the task. Everytime we walk out of his room I would say, "light off" and put his hand on the switch and turn it off...saying "light off" "turn it off" "good turning the light off." The other day, I forgot to say "light off" as we were walking out of the room. I got half way through the threshold and he reared his head back looking at the switch and reaching his hand for it at the same time. I second guessed my self and was like "no way, he didn't do that. not on purpose anyway." So I tried it again, but this time I said "light off" and he seriously reached his arm up and touched the switch all by himself! I had no idea all this time he was watching, listening and understanding what I was saying. I'm so excited!

My family of three met Gertie, Poppy, Atlanta (aunt Lanna), Uncle Jake, Will and Brylee for dinner at a local "honky tonk" if you will...for two for one steak night. The last time I was there was the night before my C-section. I was HUGE and I chose steak for my "last supper" since I couldn't eat until after the surgery. Its only a few miles from our house and we used to go once a week. Colt got to sport his super cute cowboy hat once again as well as number 3 of his buckmaster t-shirts from Atlanta and Jake.

This is the only picture I have from the night before Colt arrived...So I'm leaving you with a picture of me looking all awesome and HUGE...don't have nightmares :)

Wine Down Wednesday: Help plant a tree!

How perfect is this?! I'm totally stealing this post from my blogger friend Kendall. Wine is totally two timing us because we share the same relationship with it. :) I'm so happy I came across this before I wrote my previously planned post.

Trinity Oaks is now planting a tree for every bottle of wine sold. As I'm finding from the website, their wine's are a pretty decent price. Decent being around $10 or less!! Thank you Kendall for this great post. I hope everybody helps plant a tree! :)

Cheers!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear mooooommmm...happy birthday to YOU!

We celebrated with lots of our extended family last night at the club's poolside cookout. For some reason, this is the only picture I have. My nakey baby eating watermelon with the birthday Yaya.

Boo for mom going back to work on her birthday! Happily, we all got to celebrate her actual birthDAY with dinner at one of our family's FAV places to eat ...Benihanas...Who doesn't love their cream sauce?!

Colt's hat says "lil buckster" (BTW, he DID have shorts and shoes on, but we all know his daddy likes him to wear the least amount of clothes possible)

During dinner we discussed a possible trip to NY for her BIG birthday next year :) We shall see...Happy birthday mom...I love you!

Our little C is getting his TWO bottom teeth in. YAY!

I cannot believe that summer is almost over, schools are fixing to start back and hunting season is quickly approaching! I will be so sad to tell the lake bye in a few weeks, but hello ranch! The cold weather and yummy cookouts complete with roasting smores makes me smile just thinking about it. BUT first we have to conquer dove season....and a few more weddings. Until then, I will happily embrace the hotness that is Tx and look forward to whatever God has in store for my little fam.

xoxo

xoxo

Wine Down Wednesday: Must Haves!

Don't worry...I'm not Wine-ding down yet! (It's only 1pm) I will happily be doing that while I watch SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE later tonight!



I wanted to share my "must haves." Most of these items can be found at Bed Bath & Beyond (Don't forget to take your 20% off coupon) or on the iwawine.com website. If you are lucky, you can find a lot of good crystal wine glasses as well as decanters at TJ Maxx for half the price! Cheers!



The Vacuum preservation system. Don't waste a left over bottle of wine with just a simple stopper. Keep it fresh for up to 7 days by placing the reuseable stopper in the bottle and place the pump on top of it. Keep pumping until all the air is removed from the bottle to prevent spoiling and oxidation.

Wine fridge. Store your wine at the appropriate serving temps. Red wine should be kept between 50-55 degrees as white is kept at lower 45 degrees. These racks also allow the bottles to be kept horizontal keeping the cork moist to prevent cracking.

Opener. Refer to last weeks post


Decanting funnel. Decants the wine and traps sediment in the built in mesh screen as you pour it in the decanter.

Decanter. Has a wide surfaced bowl to allow the whole bottle of wine to breath before pouring into glasses.

Spiegelau crystal wine glasses. Fill your wine glasses no more than two-thirds full. The space at the top of the glass gives room for the wine's full aroma.

Wine markers. Most people use different kinds of wine markers to tell eachother's drinks apart while at a party or gathering. They go around the stem of the glass. A few years ago, hubby bought me the cutest fitted boa base covers for the bottom of a wine or martini glass. They come in multi colors and are fuzzy furry fitted coaster looking things that cover the base of your glass. He got them at BBB and I CANNOT find them on their website. If I was at home, I'd take a picture, but I'm not. If any of you have them or know where else you can get them...let me know! I need some more!

WINE. This is a no brainer, but I couldn't fail to mention wine in the "must haves." My favorite kind these days has been Blackstone Merlot and Kendall Jackson Merlot.

Food. Now, just add some cheese, crackers, and olives to the mix and you'll have yourself a nice relaxing wine-down Wednesday!

What are YOUR "must haves?!"

Recent happenings...

Monday, two of my presh mommy friends came in town to play. Meredith got to tag along with her hubby for work and Jacci just came to be apart of the fun! First on our list was lunch at Snuffers! I can't tell you how much I LOVE LOVE LOVE their loaded cheese fries. I could eat them everyday.

Then it was off to the coveted "Sprinkles" cupcakery! This was Mer's first time here and she even had to come back for another visit later in the week. I'm guessing she and little C thought it was a hit! After cupcakes we went down the street to one of my favorite upscale resale shops. They always have great designer items at great prices. Who doesn't love a bargain? I found this place with my BFF Kelsey about 4 years ago. It just so happens to be right next door to my jeweler. It's always a great excuse to go get my ring cleaned and do a little shopping while I wait :)

We had such a fun day and it was great hanging out with other mommies. It makes me look forward to having a toddler! I do love Colt's 6 month age right now. It has been my favorite thus far. If he could stay this way for 3 more months it would be ok by me :)

Thank you sweet sweet Meredith for the super cute wine glass!! I seriously love it and have been eyeing these initial glasses for some time now. It has been added to my china cabinet wine glass display. I may or may not have used it already :) Thank you so much! You are too sweet!

Tuesday, we had family night at my parents. Dad cooked out burgers and hot dogs and mom made her famous strawberry shortcake from scratch. I love being with my whole family on nights like this. We always have lots of laughs and enjoy telling stories about recent happenings in our lives. Mom bought a presh baby pool for Colt. He LOVED it.
Thursday, Erin and Brylee came over for a mini photoshoot. She wanted me to take pictures of them for an album she is making. It was about to rain and the clouds were so beautiful. We strolled down the street to pet the horses and made it back just in time before the storm.
Friday, we had a big day. We met my mom, dad and grandmother at the club for a poolside lunch and swimming. Grandmother brought my cousin's baby, Ayden. She had a blast being with her two great grandbabies! Then it was off to the rodeo with Nick, Haley, Mom, Dad and Blake. Seeing as this was his FIRST rodeo, we had to dress him for the part. He was so presh decked out in his cowboy hat, pearl snap shirt, jeans, and ostrich boots that match his daddy's. The last minute bandana addition was a life saver. It served as a bib and was soaking wet by the end of the evening.Showing off his matching bootsFIRST pony ride!

He even rode the "bull" with Yaya

and YES he left his hat on the whole time. I guess he is so used wearing them at the lake that it was no big deal for him. He was BEAT by the last bull ride. Lets just say he slept until 10:30 this morning...Thats all folks!

We are getting some great storms in my neck of the woods. I'm enjoying listening to thunder and the rain hitting my windows as I sit on the couch and watch my DVR'd ABCfamily movies (Labor Pains, My Fake Fiance, Another Cinderella Story). Blake is at the gun show...shocker. I hope everybody is having a great weekend. Love!