Day 25: Your 5 Favorite Shops

Anyone who knows me well (especially Andy), knows that I love to shop.  I am not sure what it is, but I enjoy it.  I especially enjoy going with Andy and the kids or just by myself.  I don't even have to spend money!  I could walk around a store just looking at things and enjoy myself.  Anyway...here is day twenty-five.

Day Twenty-Five: Your Five Favorite Shops
In no particular order...

1. Amazon.com

You can find anything, and I mean ANYTHING on Amazon.  The best part?  FREE two day shipping.  I mean, seriously?  You don't even have to pay the $80 per year for Amazon prime.  If you are a mom...just sign up for Amazon Mom and you get free 2 day shipping!  The more you buy, the more free shipping you earn!  It's awesome and I love it.

2. Target
I especially love super Target, but any Target will do!  I love their kids clothes and women's clothes.  Heck even their men's clothes.  I love their shoes and their home items. I got a pair of black flats from Target yesterday...on clearance for $9.08 which I consider awesome...even better is when the cashier rang them up they came to a whopping $3.24!!  I love surprises like that. Sigh.

3. Nordstrom

When I was single I worked across the street from a mall...and a Nordstrom.  I love Nordstrom.  For those of you who love it as well, I don't have to explain myself.  It is what it is, and I will leave it at that!

4. Ikea

I. Love. Ikea.  I love walking around their show room.  I love that (generally) their stuff is  fairly inexpensive.  I love their food court and Swiss cookies.  I love their lights and frames and home accessories.  

5. Costco

Did someone say free samples?  Frozen Yogurt? Mango Salsa?  Best produce in town? Big Screen TVs?  Toilet paper by the truckload? Oh Costco, how I adore you. 

Day 24: A Photo of Something that Means A Lot to You

I will preface this by saying I am not an openly gushy person, but today being Andy and I's Anniversary, I thought it would be a perfect opportunity for me to do day twenty-four.

Day Twenty-Four:  A Photo of Something that Means A Lot to You.

Exactly four years ago today Andy and I were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple.  It was, and is one of the greatest days of my life.  I am so grateful to be married to Andy... and look forward to all the years to come!

Happy Anniversary Andy, 

Love you! 

Teenie Bopper?

It's true, I love this song...



So sue me.

Celebrating Summer!

Tonight for Family Home Evening, we decided to make summer to do lists.  We each (Andy and I) made a short list of some of the things we wanted to do/accomplish this summer.  I thought it would be fun to share some of our list with you, and maybe encourage you to create your own.

Melissa's List

* Run a 5k

* Read at least one book per month

*Take a picture of Noah and Clare every day

* Take Noah and Clare to the Library every other week

Andy's List

* Read at least one book per month

* Finish the Book of Mormon

*Take Noah camping

* Buy a grill and master the art of cooking Care Asada

Family List

* Go to the Seattle Zoo and Aquarium

* Visit the San Juan Islands

These lists aren't complete, but you can get an idea of some of the things we will be doing to enjoy our summer.  I hope to make this a tradition every year!  Nothings better than doing what you love, and doing it with your loved ones!  I have a feeling we are going to make the most of our summer! 

I also thought this was a VERY cute idea.  

You can find and download this one on SIMPLE AS THAT or create your own summer photo checklist.  This one can give you some great ideas to start with...I am working on mine too!  Isn't summer grand?!

Father's Day

This post is obviously a little late...but we had a wonderful Fathers Day weekend.  Andy's dad and mom came up to celebrate with us.  It was great.

Friday night Andy and his Dad went to see the Mariners beat the Phillies at Safeco Field.  They had a great time (and were even on ESPN)!  One of the players hit a home run and you could see Andy and his Dad in the video highlights.  I now have a famous husband, in case you were curious.  ha. What a great way to celebrate Fathers day.

I had been originally wanted to get Andy a rotisserie cooker - but decided that since I would probably use that more than he would (you know, it's like getting a woman tools for Mothers day)...I would get him something else.  Today he is spending the whole day with the Emerald Water Anglers learning how to fly fish!   He has been talking about wanting to learn to fly fish since before we moved to Washington.  I was so excited about this gift...and I hope that he really enjoys himself!

Isn't this beautiful??

Emerald Water Anglers

Who knows, maybe he will find another hobby (as if running, golf and other sporting events don't feel up his time).  Hopefully he will catch us some fish!!  

Happy Belated Fathers day to all the fathers out there! 

Day 23: Fifteen Facts About Yourself.

This is going to be harder than it seems...but here goes.

Day Twenty-three:  Fifteen Facts About Yourself

1. Sometimes I buy chocolate and hide it in a cupboard so only I can eat it (for those really rough days, you know). 
2. I consider myself to be a good housekeeper, for whatever that's worth.
3. I will sit through most any (clean) teeny-bopper movie, no matter how bad the acting is.  (Just watched THIS one the other day). haha
4. I waist too much time on the computer.
5. I have nice handwriting.
6. It really bugs me not to have my toe nails painted.  They have to have color on them ALWAYS.  I won't go without it.
7. I am afraid of deep water.
8. I love BBQ chicken, and most any recipe that involves BBQ chicken.
9. I am the only child in my family who is not named after a family member.
10. I love to bake.
11. I really dislike feet. There are few peoples feet I will touch, and two of them are my children.
12. My least favorite chore is mopping the floor.
13.  I use to enjoy writing poetry and one year gave my parents a book with all the poems I had written in it.
14.  I love to buy furniture and home items.
15. I love the 100 calorie chocolate covered pretzel packs.  Eating them is like a disease, but I just can't help it!

Will Cook For Food

I know, my title is so clever, right?  Or maybe I just think so.  Anyway, you all (who frequent my blog) know that I love to share recipes.  I love to try new recipes too.  I get really bored with making the same stuff all the time, so I when I plan my weekly menus I have to put at least two new recipes in there to try (sometimes more).   Here is a short list of some of the recipes I have recently tried, and ALL of them have been a hit at our house.  I apologize for the lack of beef - but I am not super comfortable cooking beef unless it's ground! ha.  Maybe you can give me some pointers on cooking a good steak, I would gladly take them.

1. BBQ Chicken Pizza Braid from For the Love of Cooking  2. Rumbi Rice Bowls from Favorite Family Recipes   3. Ham and Cheese Sliders from The Girl who Ate Everything 

4. Sweet and Sour Chicken from The Brown Eyed Baker

5. Chinese Chicken Salad from A Farm Girl's dabbles  6. BBQ Chicken Salad with Creamy BBQ Cilantro Lime Dressing from Erin's Food Files

Can you say YUM.  Don't they look delish?  All the pictures came from their respective websites.  I am awful at snapping my own pictures - but non of them disappointed.  SO tasty!  

To find some more of my favorite recipes (or just some I plan to try) click HERE to check out my Pinterest!

Oh Yes He Did!

Andy has been studying for the GMAT for about a year now, and just a few weeks ago he finally took the test.  We are very happy to announce that he did fantastically!  Congrats babe, way to go!!!

Day 22: Your Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream

This one is a difficult one for me, since frozen treats are my greatest weakness!  Just ask my mother, I use to eat ice cream every night for dessert in High School (my body could handle the calories then).  Anyway...since getting older I still love Ice cream, but even more so (and I know this comes as no surprise) I LOVE Frozen Yogurt.  You can blame this on my BFF Chelsea.  Wherever I go I look to see if there is a Frozen Yogurt shop near by.  Ironically the closest one here in Washington is called Black Bear Yogurt.  How fitting.

Day Twenty-Two: Your Favorite Flavor of Ice Cream

My favorite flavor of yogurt would have to be chocolate.  But when I go, you better believe I get at least 3 flavors at one time.  Usually chocolate, strawberry and then some sort of vanilla/cheesecake etc.  Top with fresh fruit (blackberries, strawberries and even some kiwi) and maybe some granola (hold the raisins please), and you have the perfect cup of heaven.  It's only 8am and I am considering going to get some.  SO yummy.

Day 21: A Photo of Something that Makes You Happy

I have been delaying Day 21.  Why?  Well mostly because there are a lot of things that make me happy.  My family, traveling, reading, shopping, eating, frozen yogurt, New York, the beach, blogging, listening to music.  You get the idea.  Anyway, the last couple of days have been really emotional for me.  I can't really say why, only because I don't know why.  BUT, I felt exhausted...burnt out and just plain tired!  I wanted a moment for myself.    We all get those days, I know.  Being a mom is really hard work, worth the effort of course, but much more difficult than I ever imagined it would be. Yet, with all that hard work come the rewards...and boy are they sweet.  So with that, here is day twenty-one.

Day Twenty-One:A Photo Video of Something that Makes you Happy

We caught these videos of Noah and Clare this week.  These two little people make me really happy. 

Things That Matter Most...

We could all use a little reminder, to focus more on what matters most.  I certainly know I need to be reminded...and I love this video.

Pooper Shooter and Boogie Factory

Having little kids is sure fun.  Things that use to gross you out just don't anymore (either that or you just have to suck it up and deal with it).  Today I decided that little Clare's unofficial nickname was pooper shooter.  She is so sweet...but has a hard time controlling her toots when she sneezes or coughs.  SO, since I am usually the one changing the diaper AND since I am usually right in the line of fire - I have gotten poop shot at me several times.  Up my arm, on my leg, on the carpet, on my shirt... you get the idea.  Looks like both of us have to make several wardrobe changes every day.  Bring on the laundry!

Noah, well, we sometimes call Noah the boogie factory.  I think almost any child could assume this nickname.  I mean really, how do little kids produce so many boogies?  It totally grosses me out, but at the same time I have to take care of business because I can't stand to look at it (you feel me, you know you do).  

I sure love these two little ones.  Ultimately it doesn't matter if its poop in the tub, puke in the car seat, stinky bums or boogie noses...I'll handle it without complaining, but I can't always promise I won't have the icky face.  :)

To Be A Kid....

We had a pretty good week this week, despite the fact that Andy was gone for most of the week!  I decided that since we have a bear in our neighborhood (don't worry I haven't seen him since my last report) I would take Noah to another park here on post.  He loved it!  And we will definitely be visiting it again soon.  Don't mind the fact that Noah just happens to be the whitest little boy on the playground...AND that he is wearing basketball shorts.  I couldn't find his swim trunks!  I think the grey brings out his porcelin complexion, don't you? hehe

He loves the water and we had a great time (I was mostly chasing him around without trying to get wet, AND pushing Clare in the stroller)...but we had fun! 

When Andy got home we decided to celebrate!  Dinner and a little time at a family fun center!  For only $6.00 we let Noah play in the bouncers for as long as he wanted (thankfully he got tired after about a hour or so)...this is another place we will revisit!  

Sorry for the quality of the pictures.  I was taking them through a mesh screen and obviously it didn't work to well. 

Ahh, to be a kid. 

2 Months

That's right friends, Clare is already two months old.  WHERE has the time gone?!  Here are her current stats, and a couple sweet pics I snapped of her this morning (she was being so good)!

Weight: 12 lbs 12 oz 

Height: 23.1 in

Head: 15.9 in

She is growing like a weed, literally!  I was expecting 10 pounds or so, but she is a whopping 12 (almost 13)!  She loves to eat, what can I say!   She is the sweetest little girl.  I told my sister-in-law Megan right after Clare was born that I could just sense what a special and sweet little spirit Clare has.  I am so excited to see her grow and develop more.  She has recently started really smiling.  I love it!  I love this stage!  

We went through a period where Clare would cry, for about 4-5 hours a day.  Sometimes 2 hours at a time.  It was exhausting.  If she wasn't sleeping or eating, she was crying.  I think (hopefully) we have worked through that already.  She is so enjoyable to be around and I just love to cuddle her.  She is so much fun to have and I am so grateful that she is a part of our family. 

Sweet baby Clare, we love you! 

Look At That Handsome Guy

What it is about little kids and their reflections?  I use to LOVE to dance in front of the mirror.  I wasn't ashamed of it either.  I am not sure why...but I just enjoyed it.  I think most kids go through a phase where they love to look at themselves.  One time, I caught my older brother Nate flexing in the mirror.  That wouldn't have been so bad, since he was a teenage dude...but the best part was he was saying 'Scooby Dooby Doo' as he flexed.  No lie.  Don't tell him I told you (although I pretty much announced it to all of his friends the next day at school).  Anyway...reflections.  Noah loves to look at himself.  He catches a glimpse as he walks past the stove and has to turn around and say something to his reflection.  Microwave,  side of the car, bathroom mirror.  He loves it.   One of his favorite places to look at himself is in the computer screen (when it's turned off).  Especially while he eats, since the dinner table gives him a perfect view.

The other day I heard him laughing and peered around the corner to see what he was doing. Not only does he love to look at himself, but he also thinks he is incredibly funny.  haha. 

This week I also decided it was high time that I give Noah a hair cut.  I cut Andy's hair pretty frequently and figured Noah's couldn't be much harder.  It needed it too, BAD.  He did pretty well, as long as I sang The Lion Sleeps Tonight over and over.  I think he looks mighty handsome.  Mind you, I had to bribe him with a sucker to even get him to sit and let me take a picture of him...but boy is he cute!  (and I love the cheesy smile!)

Truth is, I can't blame him for wanting to look at himself...he sure is cute!!! 

Boo Boo Comes Back...and Other Important Things

Yes that's right my friends, Boo Boo reappeared...

This was obviously taken through my window screen, because I am just not comfortable being in the same space as this guy.  A bear is a bear, enough said.  And apparently we aren't the only ones.  Go here to check it out.

With all the black bears around, I guess it's only fitting that Noah be attached to his toy bear.  In-fact, the other morning he decided to kindly share his yogurt with his Mr. Bear.  He is so generous.

The next day Andy introduced Noah to fake cheese.  You know these wonderful treats (taken me back to my school days)...haha  Anyway, Noah also decided to share the love with his bear, and shoved the bears face in the cheese.  That little toy bear is very well fed!

Lastly...I tried to snap a few shots of Noah and Clare the other day.  I need to take more pictures, if not for myself...for the Grandmas at least!  Anyway, this little collection fully depicts Noah and Clare's current relationship.  Noah is always overly affectionate/rowdy/excited with Clare and Clare is still trying to decide how she feels (the deer in the headlights look illustrates that perfectly).  Too cute.

And a shout out to Aunt Megan who provided Clare with the onesie! Those are two cute kids if you ask me (and notice Clare's sweet double chin...I am dying right now! haha I love the chub!)

'A Grandpa is Someone You Never Outgrow Your Need For'

Yesterday my sweet grandfather passed away.  I wish I could be with my family at this time, I wish I could have given him one last kiss on the cheek.  He was a stubborn but sweet man.  He loved babies and animals, building and fixing things...he was a bright spot in my life and I am so grateful to have him in my life.  I will miss you Gramps.  I'll be seein you.

Day 20: The Meaning Behind Your Blog Name

Day Twenty: The meaning Behind Your Blog Name

If you add our blog to your blog roll it comes up Cinderella the A-train and our little Caboose.  It originally started out Cinderella and the A-train.   The name is not an original, but actually stolen from a song we love called Cinderella and the A-train by Joe Purdy.    Andy's brother (or someone) occasionally calls Andy by the nickname A-train. So when we heard the song we thought it was a good fit.  I am blond (my only similarity to Cinderella) and Andy is sometimes known as A-train.  Anyway, when we had Noah I added the and our little caboose part.  It has stuck ever since.  I quite like it.  And just in case you want to hear the song for yourself.....

Day Nineteen: Your Favorite Place to Travel

I am only going to list two of my favorite... I love to travel.  I would travel most anyplace and enjoy myself.  Even if it's a small town in the middle of Kentucky.  SO with that...here are two of my most favorite places I've been, and spent some time.

New York City

San Diego

Since Andy went to West Point, we spent a good part of our dating life exploring NYC.  I looked for any excuse (or 3 day weekend) to fly out and visit him.  Andy and I both love the city...and I can't wait to go back and get myself a Dean and Deluca Hot cocoa!  

San Diego use to be my home (for almost 3 years).  I miss it there.  I miss the beaches, downtown, the frozen yogurt, the weather, and my friends who still live there.  It is a beautiful city.  Andy and I would love to go visit again.

I have an even longer list of places I'd like to visit...but I will list a few (so I am sure not to bore you).    Italy and Europe in general, Maine, Disney World (I consider that a state of it's own, since I don't love Florida),  Boston and many more.  

Where have you been and where would you go??