Tuesday, January 31, 2012

The peak of good living..

My husband and I bought a house!! Holy guacamole, we bought a house.  Never mind the fact that we still have our current house to either sell or rent (minor detail, you know?), we bought a house.  It is so exciting, daunting, terrifying, and, did I already say, exciting?


We will be moving to Apex in a matter of a few weeks. Here's a picture of the adorable downtown area (which we can walk to!)

From here
I can't wait to walk to downtown for festivals and parades...or just to the bar and ice cream shoppe.


From here


The next few weeks are going to be chaotic but it'll all be worth it in the end. 

~Kc

Monday, January 30, 2012

Will you still need me, will you still feed me...

Today is a very, very special day Blogfans. It’s my mom’s birthday!!!

Now not to offend anyone (especially you, Girlfriends), but if I’m being totally honest- my mom is my very best friend. She’s just the coolest, everybody loves Mare! She makes my social life slightly more interesting- people tend to hang around me just to get to know Mare a little bit better (and maybe do a kickline or two with her? its been known to happen). She’s the most compassionate person I’ve ever met, gets more beautiful every year, is smarter than every "Jeopardy!" champ and always, even on her birthday, let’s one of her kids (usually me) have the biggest piece of cake.
Attending a ball or something, you know- the usual

Enjoying the beach

Grinning cause we dance bettter than the people on stage

We celebrated her birthday by almost getting her set on fire at hibachi grille.




This is enough food to last me the rest of my life... or 27 minutes


"Yay me!"

Happy Birthday, Mom. Love you more than you love Matt Damon!

~Melinda Anne


Thursday, January 26, 2012

ModMomCrochet


Geesh, not another post about my kids! I know, I know.  I've been lacking in inspiration lately, and thus I have ANOTHER post about Goosey and Maverick.


My friend, Katy, recently took up crocheting, and has created some of the most adorable kids hats ever.  Goosey and Maverick are sporting their new owl hats (ridiculously sweet).  Goosey carries hers around all day long!



Lucky for us, Katy sells her creations at ModMomCrochet on Etsy (check back often!).  Now, check out her girl and boy sock monkey hats on Facebook (search for MomMomCrochet).  YOU. WILL. DIE. from pure cuteness.  I just have to get the pumpkin hat and the newsgirl hat (and every other hat she offers).  I'm totally obsessed, and I'm sure you will be too!

Hugs to our followers (especially Katy!),
LC

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

Winter Where Are You?

I know I'm probably in the minority on this but I love winter. I am one of those people that truly loves every season for what it gives me. I love curling up under a blanket with a good book and a basketball game on TV while snow is falling outside.  I love the crisp chill in the air. I love the way the world looks blanketed by snow.  That quiet that comes after a great storm.  I love the way the birds pop against the white in the backyard. 

I know that moving south meant that I was cutting my winters shorter which was ok with me. I love the snow but I don't love it enough to have a winter that lasts forever.  Usually we get a few good snow storms and then it's time for spring. But, this is ridiculous.


It's January. We are in the mid-50's to 60's this week.  I have no idea how to dress anymore. The flowers are all confused and are starting to bloom.  I miss winter.


Picture from 2011 of my neighborhood

Photo of my parents house in PA during one of the blizzards last year


My parents backyard in PA duringone of the blizzards last year

Here's hoping to a late winter storm to satisify my snowy needs.  And then we can warm up and enjoy Spring!

~Kc

Sunday, January 22, 2012

For The Glory...


Joe Paterno passed away this morning at the age of 85. I’m not really good with words (especially in serious situations) and I don’t think I can explain to outsiders how badly this hurts, but lots of friends have been asking about it so I guess I’ll try. Unless you’re a part of the family, you just can’t imagine what’s it’s been like these past few months. Penn State is my second family; State College will always be my second home. This morning, my Penn State dad died and, as I know from losing my own father five years ago, our family will never be the same.

Someone else said to me that in many ways, Joe Paterno didn’t die from cancer- he died from a broken heart. His heart was broken for the victims of this scandal- the health and well fair of children were always a priority for Joe and his wife Sue. His heart was broken over the tarnished image of our school- nobody valued education more than this man (any doubters, take a look at the library before and after the Paterno expansion or the $100k donation he made AFTER being fired). It was always about more than football, anyone that could find State College on a map prior to November 2011 knows that all of Joe’s biggest lessons in life took place off the field.

As much as anyone can “deserve” anything in life, Joe Paterno didn’t deserve to have things end this way. He didn’t deserve to be treated by the Board of Trustees that way. (A phone call and ten words after 60+ years of service? You’ve got to be kidding me) He certainly didn’t deserve to be hounded by the media the way he was, used as a poster child for the horrific actions of a former co-worker (who he always hated incidentally), a name to use in getting a bigger headline (screw you ESPN. Seriously- GFY).  And a family should never have to respond to false reports on their loved one’s passing the way the Paterno family had to deal with these past 24 hours. I can’t imagine dealing with a public relations mess while my father slowly passes in a hospital bed.

There are probably lots of people reading this (well, I wouldn’t say “lots” of people- it’s just our stupid blog, but you know what I mean) who disagree with me. People who don’t get why or how someone can be sad over this. For those of you who don’t understand, for those who only started paying attention to Joe when the Sandusky scandal broke, you won’t get it. You will judge all of us who are mourning Joe. You won’t understand how we could be so upset over this loss, how we could care about a football coach we didn’t know personally, how we could “forget about the victims”. Well, that’s ok- it’s your opinion based on your own perspective. I’d ask that you try to remember that this was an old man; a loving husband, father and grandfather- you are allowed your thoughts and anger over what you believed he should have done in life, but please speak compassionately out of respect for his loved ones. For me, I don’t understand how you could condemn a man for another’s actions. I don’t understand how people can discredit a hero without knowing all the facts. I don’t understand how media pressure could make the board terminate a legacy with a 30 second phone call. I don’t understand NOT mourning a man who gave so much more to others than he ever took. I’m well aware that Joe Pa was far from perfect, I agreed when he rightfully stepped down as the scandal broke, but he was truly one of a kind and I’m honored that I got to be a part of his family.

I never forget about the victims of the Sandusky scandal. I can’t imagine what their lives have been like and how terrible the years to come will be as this all plays out. But today isn’t about football and it certainly isn’t about Jerry Sandusky. Today we lost a leader, we lost a hero, and the world is a sadder place without Joe Paterno. May he rest in peace now that he is out of his pain and suffering. My thoughts and prayers are with the Paterno & Penn State family.

If you feel so inclined, please consider making a donation to THON as the Paterno family has asked. This is what Penn State and Joe Paterno are all about- For The Kids!!!

Saturday, January 21, 2012

From a distance

Due to unexpected circumstances, I am missing out on our coveted Girlfriends Weekend.  I'm stuck at home, alone, feeling miserable.  Partly because I simply feel sick and partly because I know I'm missing out on a weekend of laughter and happiness. I hate that I'm not apart of a wonderful weekend.  Missing my friends and hoping that they have a great time.  I can't wait to hear the stories!

Found here

Found here
Wishing I was with my girlfriends....
~KC

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Everybody's working for the weekend...

Girlfriends Weekend starts in 24 hours!!! It'll be the first time since our last GF weekend that the four of us will all be together (Booooo to living in four different states!) There'll be non-stop talking the entire weekend, that's kind of our thing. A few of the topics I'm sure we'll touch upon:
  • Our never ending quest for a good pair of jeans
  • Weird stuff people from High School have been posting on Facebook
  • Football & other sports (mostly just me & KC)
  • Books we read, plus all the books people keep talking about but we hate and/or don't understand
  • "Liz Lemon" moments (both on 30 Rock and ones we've experienced in our lives)
  • Boys, boys, boys, and a few men
  • Our upcoming trip to Vegas
  • And this movie trailer (cause we're girls)...


Missing my best friends more than ever these days, very excited to see my twin, soulmate and lover tomorrow night!

 Drive safe ladies, see you three in DC!
~M

SmartKid

It's official.  My two-year-old has a Smartphone before I do.

 Can't you just imagine her, fourteen years from now, sitting at the dinner table, responding to my request to put away the phone with: "'Hoooooold on juuust a sec while I...' (finish this text)."




She loves everything about this phone.  A big thank you to Ethan for donating his old phone to a worthy cause and the next Steve Jobs. ::fingers crossed::

Hugs to our followers (especially Pup),
LC

Monday, January 16, 2012

If I Only Had A Brain...

Experiencing major brain-drain today from work & school. Refueling with a lovley bowl of kiwi before I hit the gym tonight.
4 Days until GIRLFRIENDS WEEKEND!!!!
~M


A wonderful welcome

Everyone should be greeted at the airport like this.  I had a 6am flight out of Raleigh so I was exhausted but seeing these happy and excited faces made it all worth it!





I love my family.  They make my heart smile.

~kc

P.S. Yes, my nephew is wearing a Kansas City Royals hat in honor of me, KC. :)

Saturday, January 14, 2012

I love presents

Santa was incredibly good to me this year. I got a bunch of really cute things that I can't wait to use!


A cupcake stand and glass dome--totally impractical and right up my alley.  I have so many ideas for this!  Here's a picture of me attempting to showcase the meringues I made for a baby shower.

I've bene looking for a smaller cake stand forever and I love the kind that has the edging so you can change out the ribbon.  Right now I have a pale pink ribbon in for the baby shower but I can put anything in it (or nothing) depending on the mood.


I need more reasons to entertain!

~Kc

Pretty in pink, part 2

As I had mentioned earlier, I am hosting a baby shower in the next week so I've been doing a ton of stuff with pink and babies.  Here's one of my projects this week. 


It was an easy project and I think it adds a nice personalized touch.  I have two pink pails to use on the food table. One will have Hugs and the other has Kisses.  I can see doing this for a bunch of different occasions in the future.

~Kc

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Success stories!

As you all know, I love Pinterest.  I've been so proud of myself for actually doing some of the things I've discovered on that site and not just wasting time browsing it.  Here are some of the recipes that I've made after finding them on Pinterest.


Crispy Cheddar Chicken
This was delicious! Super easy to make and very yummy. We will definitely be making this again (and variations of it) soon.


From Jamie Cooks it Up!

In real life!

Zucchini, Black Bean, and Rice bowl
This was a delicious and filling meal. I really liked it. I can see changing this depending on veggies are in season or what you have in your pantry. 


From Ready Set Eat!

Slow Cooker Buffaloe Chicken
It's my goal for 2012 to use my slow cooker as much as possible. This was so easy it is kind of ridiculous.  It's three ingredients.  Seriously. Three ingredients.  And absolutely delicious. I used some of the leftovers to make a buffaloe chicken salad the next day. Yummmmmmmm.


From My Kitchen Apron

Baked Parmesan Garlic Chicken Wings
I had some garlic wings at Buffaloe Wild Wings a few months ago so when I saw this recipe I had to try it.  My husband and sister-in-law loved them so I say they were a success!


From Steamy Kitchen
 Seven Layer Tortilla Pie
I've made this recipe twice. It's great for a big group.  I took pictures of mine but they didn't come out nearly as appetizing as the picture form Let's Dish.  If you do make this recipe, use a springform pan. I have no idea how she uses a pie plate. It's a tall pie so it'll serve a lot of people. We love it for leftovers though. 

From Let's Dish

Here's to discovering new recipes!
~Kc

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Yeah, my friends they are so beautiful...

2012 is officially the year of many, many, MANY blessings. No matter what happens or how insane things get, I’m determined to count my blessings each and every day.
Today’s blessing: Fabulous Friends
Here’s to wonderful & thoughtful friends who, no matter how busy or stressful or depressing their own lives are at the moment, ALWAYS remember my big and important days (both good & bad ones). It felt great to be me today- knowing there were people thinking of me and wishing me well.
I'm a lucky girl :)
~M

I'm STILL dreaming of Christmas

I can't believe I'm just uploading these pictures.  I'm still in the Christmas mode (even though everywhere else I look I see Valentine's Day and spring clothes).  


Here are a few of my favorites from the holiday season.
Excited to see if Santa came

Find the baby


Holiday tradition of playing in the wrapping paper




Goosey and Maverick all smiles

Maverick with his newest BFF

Two of a kind


Hugs to our followers,
LC