Cool Clocks

BP's Papa is an antique clock collector. The other day BP found these clocks in a Pottery Barn Kids catalog and said, "like Papa's clocks, but for kids." I never realized she knew about his collection. I never even noticed these in the PBK catalog, but they are really cute.

Paging Dr. BB

Wedding Day

After lookng at our wedding album the other day, BP decided to play wedding herself. Luckily, Dylan and Brynn gave her this dress for her birthday and then we found some flowers in the closet. Who was she marrying? Her prince, of course!

The Little Devil

Here's BB sporting a devilish hairdo. Kind of like her personality has been lately!

The Dog Catcher

BP and her Daddy discovered another use for Papa's JD Gator. They used it to seek out and catch Flaps when he ran away this past weekend. The little runaway enjoyed his ride back to our house in the back. Check out his tongue!

BB on the Potty

Italian Stir Fry

Delicious! We are trying to make some lifestyle changes in our house and eating is the major one. For almost a week we have been doing the Weight Watchers diet. So far so good. We both have seen instant results and feel amazing! I wanted to support my sweetheart and honestly have a few lbs. to lose from my last pregnancy. I figured if we did it together we would be more successful. The Weight Watchers recipes are so amazing that I don't feel like I am missing out on anything, and I am definitely not starving. Avoiding convience foods and choosing healthier options makes all the difference in the world. Oh, and no more soda for either of us. That alone made a difference in how I feel immediately. The other big reason for this change is to set a good example for our girls.



The recipe below is my favorite right now...

Italian Stir Fry (It is steak and salad all in one dish and ready in about ten minutes!)

Try it. I promise you will love it!



2 tsp olive oil

1 1/2 cups chopped red pepper

1 1/2 cups sliced mushrooms

1 lb. sirloin, trimmed of fat and slice into stips

2 medium cloves of garlic chopped

1 tsp salt

1 tsp pepper

1 tsp red pepper flakes

5 cups of arugala

1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese (has to be fresh, it really makes the meal)



Heat a very large nonstick skillet over medium high heat. Add olive oil and turn pan to coat.

Add peppers and mushrooms, saute until peppers begin to soften, about three minutes. Move veggies to side of skillet.

Add sirloin and garlic to open space in skillet, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Turn beef after 1 minute and then continue to cook for 3 minutes more, shaking pan accasionally to mix all ingredients back together.

Add arugala, stir frequently until it wilts slightly

Serve with parmesan cheese.

7 points for 2 servings (2 cups)
3 additional points with brown rice
We have never added the brown rice and it is quite filling.

(Picture above from macys.com)

BP Teaches

When BP does not have school, she plays school! Here she is teaching Bitty, Kit, and Kirsten some coloring skills. Notice the mat. EVERYTHING must be done on a mat. BP insists upon it. It is a Montessori concept. It helps define their space and stay organized. My type A personality loves the mat concept, but I also see the importance of it for a three year old.

Onesies

I was scolded by my little brother for slacking on the blog. So sorry. Life is just crazy sometimes and since BB started walking I have to constantly be two steps behind her. I could not resist capturing her adorable thighs in her onesie when I was trailing her the other day. I love onesies!

Thank You Mama & Papa...

for sharing your home with The Barefoot Family.

At the last minute we tagged along for yet another weekend in Cape May. We have been doing this for many years and want to say a great big THANK YOU for your hospitality.

The Cape May house is purple, well lavendar with plum trim, on the outside and warm, sunny, and snuggly on the inside. It is a traditional Victorian on the outside with a spin on the inside. The sun shines through each room in a unique and inviting way, begging one to sit and chill for a moment. (Well, we used to relax more than we do now.) It is cozy on a rainy day, beautiful as Christmas approaches in December, and bright and airy on the hottest day in July. We have many memories in Cape May and I am so glad BP and BB will be able to create memories at the "Jersey shore" as they grow up. I have fond and vivid memories of my grandparents two different "Jersey shore" homes.

So thank you Mama and Papa!

P.S. I tried to capture a couple of my favorite spots with different sunlight while we were there this past weekend.

Fall Fishing...

While we played on the beach we also watched Daddy fish. Apparently it is strpier season in Cape May. BP was all about helping with the fishing gear and she even helped reel in one fish. She was not a big fan of the smelly clam bait though. We watched the sun set and then said good-bye to the beach.

Sunday at the Beach

A few pictures from the beach this past weekend. The girls love going to the beach. BP is content to collect seashells and play in the sand - writing letters and building castles. Now that BB is walking ALL the time and no longer scooting we learned that all she wants to do is run toward the water. She is fascinated by it and BP is frightened by it.

Bumblebee / Caterpillar

This was BB's first Halloween and BP asked if her little sister could be a caterpillar to coordinate with her butterfly costume. We stumbled upon a caterpillar costume that was warm and snuggly and just BB's size. Halloween morning BB tried on BP's old Bumblebee costume but kept reaching for her Caterpillar costume which was hanging in the doorway. I just took it out of the wash now and when she saw it she got all excited again. I think she also enjoyed Halloween, but it was all about the costume for her not the treats.

Monarch

This year was the first year she really got the whole concept of Halloween and trick-or-treating. It was so much fun for her and for us!

Ice Cream Cake

That is for ME???


Wait, let me take off this silly crown mommy put on my head.

This is new...very sweet...I am not sure I like it.

You are going to leave that whole piece in front of me?

It's yummy!

I am going to lick the plate clean.

Uh oh! I made a big mess!

Alder Lake Hike

On Sunday we hiked around the most pristine lake. It was snow covered because we were about an hour north of where we live and the snow was quite deep at times. It was hard for BP and her little legs. That is exactly what she told us. Well she said "yittle yegs" but you get the idea. We had a very peaceful hike and just enjoyed the views and the fresh air. I am loving our weekend hikes and our family time together. Our life is so hectic Monday through Friday that we look forward to our family time on the weekends.

Kit Movie

The Kit Kittredge movie was released on October 28th and The Barefoot Princess saw it for the first time last night. She loves it! Since she has a stuffy nose and is a little under the weather she is watching it again right now. She is wearing her Kit hat from Aunt Cynthia and told me she wants to be a reporter like Kit. I cannot wait to have an uninterupted hour and a half so that I can sit down and watch this movie too. (I have to chase BB right now.) I think BP's Daddy will enjoy it also. It takes place during the Depression and has a few well known actors in it. I just heard them say "use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without." A great saying to think about. I have always been a big American Girl doll fan and this movie is just another great production from American Girl. They just know how to do it right!

Happy Birthday Barefoot Baby

From Day one until now. A picture for each month in the last year of BB. She has gone from our peanut at a little over 6 lbs. to our big girl walking and talking. Scary how fast a year goes. She brings us so many smiles and laughs in a day. Multiply that by 365 and you can see why she is such a joy to us. We love you BB! Happy 1st Birthday!