Hello, random.

Oy Vey you guys! Got a pen? A lot has been going on around here, all good though, but it has definitely pushed me away from the computer and straight into never-enough-time-in-the-day mode!

Friday was such a crazy day! Brody had his first field trip to the zoo.  Which of course involved his first bus ride and an entire day away from home.  I did not think I was going to worry much, until he actually departed.  What is it about trusting other people with your kids can be so scary?! Of course, his teachers are amazing and the trip was a total success, Brody even says that he wants to take the bus next year which cracks me up because we live blocks from the elementary school.

Owen had such an amazing week last week.  My lack of blog posts was mainly from how busy I was at home.  We started experimenting more with Owens allergies (FYI, do not do this until you talk with your doctor!) We had a gut feeling he was ready to start nibbling on some dairy products when we noticed him sneaking bites of his “no no” foods and was fine.  I still cannot believe I am about to type this … a few string cheeses, greek yogurt cups, first slice of REAL pizza and an ice cream sandwich later (!!!) we are so surprised to say that Owen is indeed growing out of his dairy allergy.

It was beyond nerve wrecking watching him take small bites of these tester foods — asking him time and time again if he was itchy or not.  I stood on guard ready to pounce, and all I got was a beaming boy, grinning from ear to ear, raising his eyebrows up and down saying “mmm”.  We will not be doing cows milk – but anything processed with are allowing him to have in moderation so long as we are with him.  AH, it really is an exciting milestone for our family!

On Friday we were totally caught off guard by our landscapers showing up one day early.  No complaints here though, moved the cars and let them go to town.  You guys, 2 days is all that it took for them to completely demolish our backyard, reshape our mulch beds, level off the grounds, put grass seed down and hay.  It looks amazing and our entire yard smells like a farm from all of the hay, I love it.

This is what I came home to.  They got straight to work, I was so glad to say goodbye to this disaster of a backyard.

By saturday morning we had a flat landscape ready for seeding! I can’t wait to show you guys the pictures! Already our yard looks even bigger, and if all goes well we will have grass in about 4 weeks!

On Saturday, my darling cousin Gina had her bridal shower.  Gina and I were attached at the hip as children.  I adore her!  Her soon to be hubby is such a lucky man, and they truly could not be any better for one another.  Goosebumps and teary eyes that day – and an amazing reason to get dressed up and have cocktails at noon.  And yes, chambray and a flowy skirt do indeed go together.  At least for girls like me that feel like dressing up fancy is just too far out of their comfort zone! Gina + Sean … I love you guys, and wish you both a life time of love!

Last but not least (sorry Gina, your bridal shower paragraph followed by a picture of beans!) But this very baked bean recipe is so good it will leave you to ignore every other side dish at your bbq for a bowl full of these little guys.

3 cans of bushs original baked beans

3 peppers diced, any color you prefer

garlic powder, salt, pepper, dashes of worcestershire, 1/4 cup brown sugar dollop of Dijon mustard.

Yes – a vague recipe.  Do not stress.  It is so simple – saute the diced peppers in olive oil for 3-5 minutes on medium high heat with a pinch of salt and pepper.  Add all three cans of beans, along with about 2 tsp of garlic powder, dashes of worc.., brown sugar and dijon mustard.  Stir well and cook over medium-low heat for 20-30 minutes.

The dijon gives these beans an unexpected tang and the peppers add gorgeous color and texture.  Make them stat!

Well, that was the most random post I think I have ever written.  But I wanted to catch you up on a bit since my absence last week left me far to busy for home projects! On the schedule for today though is a grout makeover …. Oooo you guys, this is going to be a good one!!