What's Up Wednesday (on a Thursday...night)

Remember the last time I did one of these posts?  I mentioned that I may not do another until November!  I'm proud to say I'm back for another edition and it's only September October. :)

...WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK...

Sunday: Leftovers
(We had a late lunch at Chipotle, so we opted to save our nice meal until the following day and dined on a few leftovers.)

Monday: Grilled steak, twice-baked potatoes, and asparagus with roasted balsamic tomatoes

Tuesday: Leftovers...again
(I have my moms' group--that includes dinner--every other Tuesday, so unfortunately for the fam, they didn't get a home-cooked meal.)

Wednesday: Chick-Fil-A
(This was end of quarter for Craig and he worked until 8.  I had to get the kids from daycare, which is quite the haul from my work, so I swung through the Chick-Fil-A drive-thru on the way home.  We took it home and ate it on our patio in the gorgeous weather.)

Thursday: Something from Hello Fresh!
(Finally a decent meal!  I received my first Hello Fresh box yesterday, so tonight we will be enjoying something from that.  Either Pan Seared Chicken Sausage with Tangy Cabbage and Butternut Squash-Apple Puree, Seared Steak with Creamy Horseradish Sauce with Rosemary-Roasted Root Vegetables, OR Potato Latkes & Marinated Beet Salad with Sour Cream, Apples, and Chives.  I mean, say those don't sound good!  If you're interested in Hello Fresh (a delivery-to-your-door foodie subscription service), check for a Groupon or Living Social!  This box was purchased with a Groupon and I purchased another discounted box through Living Social just yesterday!)  *Update: We had the chicken sausage.  It was good--not amazing--but good!

Friday: Perhaps another Hello Fresh meal?

Saturday: Who knows...the last of the Hello Fresh meals, maybe?

Sunday: Chili for the Chiefs game!!

...WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

Two years ago TODAY, I posted this little image on my social media.

It's crazy to think that that turned into this.

It's true what they say - the days are long, but the years are fast!  How in the world do I already have a 1 and 3 year old?!

...WHAT I'M LOVING...

Two words.  Old. Navy.  Like every other girl out there - I love fall fashion.  There's something really fun about looking trendy again after a summer of shorts, tank tops, and flip flops.  Don't get me wrong.  I loooooove summer clothing (it's so comfy!), but fall is my favorite season for fashion.  And Old Navy?  Let's just say that I've given them a few of my dollars in recent weeks. ;)

Here are some of the new tops that have graced my closet.

And these pants.  Can we talk about these pants for a moment.  I was skeptical.  And a little nervous about whether I could pull them off.  But, oh my goodness, are they comfy!!  It's like wearing pajamas to work, and every time I wear a pair, I get complements galore!  Two of my co-workers even ordered themselves a few pairs after seeing mine last week!  I highly, highly recommend them.  They work with flats, wedges, and even booties!  Even better--each pair was in the $12 to $14 price range!  Thank you, Old Navy!

...WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

A trip to Iowa.

Lots of time outdoors.

T.Swift concert for me.

We updated our fall artwork.

...WHAT I'M DREADING...

The days are getting shorter, which means one thing - winter schminter.

...WHAT I'M WORKING ON...
A whole lot of planning for my Advanced/Pre-AP class this year.  I'm having a blast teaching those kiddos, but man, is it a lot of work.  For the second year in a row.

...WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

1) Halloween
2) The cooler weather
3) Being almost one quarter of the way done with the school year!  #alwaysanoptimist
4) Liz's blog fall scarf exchange!

...WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

Football and fall baseball!!!  The Royals are in the playoffs for the second year in a row (and only second time in 30 years) and the Hawkeyes started the season 4-0 for the first time since 2009--also known as the year they won the Orange Bowl.

...WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Pandora while I work blog.

...WHAT I'M WEARING...

Currently, a pencil skirt with the above light blue ON shirt and booties.  But a whole lot of leggings lately.

...WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

We have a pretty low-key weekend planned.  Perhaps a visit to the pumpkin patch.  And chili/the Chief's game with our old neighbors on Sunday.

...WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

Well next month is November, but considering I was supposed to post this yesterday....I'll tell you what I'm looking forward to for October.  Cooler (but hopefully not cold!!!) weather, the changing of the leaves, soups, the Lenexa Chili Challenge, family photos, pumpkins, visits from both of our families, and mostly, Halloween in our new neighborhood!!  I can only imagine it will be a fabulous time since we always have a blast with our neighbors!  And it's on a Saturday.  #canyoncreekpartay

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...WHAT ELSE IN NEW...
Ummmm...I joined Snapchat?  I'm still trying to figure it out and I only follow about 10 people (The Bachelor's Janner, included!), but I will say, it's fun!  You can find me at sarahbsides.

...FAVORITE HALLOWEEN TRADITION...

I don't know that we really have any major Halloween traditions.  I mean, we go Trick or Treating, but doesn't everyone?  (Old Trick or Treat posts: 2012 | 2013 | 2014)  Something my co-worker does that I have always admired--her son leaves his Halloween candy for the "Halloween Fairy".  The fairy takes his candy and delivers it to girls and boys who can't go trick or treating.  The fairy leaves a new toy in place of the candy.  I really like the idea and have always said I would do that once my kids are old enough!


That's it for this edition.  Perhaps I'll be back later this month!! ;)

Linking up with Shay @ Mix & Match Family and Mel @ The Larson Lingo. 

 

What's Up Wednesday!

It's that time again!  Time for another edition of What's Up Wednesday.  The final What's Up Wednesday of my summer break, which means you might not see another one until things calm down around November-ish. :)

...WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK...

Considering Craig is in Orlando for work and Brantley is in Wichita at his grandparent's, Holden and I are just eating whatever we can find this week.  Last night, for instance, I had some egg rolls I found in our freezer and edamame, and for lunch yesterday, I had leftover cheese and chocolate-covered strawberries from my Bachelorette watch party the night before.  For Holden, that means PB&J, turkey cheese roll-ups, fresh fruit, and applesauce pouches. ;)

...WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

Two years ago today, we were in Destin on one of the best family vacays ever!  Take. me. back.

It was also around that time I got pregnant with Holden.  Which just seems crazy to me because, even now at 15 months, Holden still seems so young!  (Alas, when Brantley was 15 months, I was three months along and making our good news public!)

...WHAT I'M LOVING...

I mentioned before that Brantley is in Wichita this week.  I'm loving that Holden gets to experience life as an only child, even if for a short period of time.  I love that my focus and attention is on Holden, and only Holden, and I think it's safe to say he loves being the one and only, as well.  I also love the peacefulness around here!  No arguing, no fighting, very little whining, and far fewer toys scattered across our floor.  And I can actually form a thought in my mind without "Mommy...Mama...watch this...Mommy....No Holden!!...Will you help me?...I not see it...Mama...Mama...Mommmmmmy!!!"

...WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Summer!  Just really trying to live up these last couple of weeks of summer before reality sets in again two weeks from today.  Yikes.  Last week consisted of a trip to the splash park, a visit to the fire station, and afternoon ice cream at Freddie's!

...WHAT I'M DREADING...

The craziness that is the first few weeks of the school year.  It's downright exhausting.  And even more than that?  Setting my alarm again every day!  Ugh.

...WHAT I'M WORKING ON...
Getting caught up with my blog!  I still have a list of posts I want to accomplish before school starts!  Brantley's 3-year update, our visit to a Wichita wildlife park, some summer photos that never made it on here, etc.!

...WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

My new iPhone!!  I was eligible for an upgrade in June and finally cashed in on the iPhone 6 over the weekend.  Three reasons I wanted a new one: 

1) More memory; Mine was always full.  I quadrupled my gigabytes from 16 to 64!  Hallelujah!

2) A better camera; I don't always like to lug around my big camera, but my iPhone 5 camera just didn't cut it when it came to photo quality.  The 6 has not disappointed!

3) The touch ID to unlock the phone.  Call me lazy, but I hated having to type in my passcode all the time. 

So far, I have no complaints about my new phone!  It's faster, it solves all of the above problems, and the best part--I got rid of my ugly Otterbox and ordered a prettier case for my new one.  Speaking of, Society6 has the best cases.  Ever.  Care to guess which one I ordered?  I'm pretty excited for it to arrive!!

...WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

Reading this.  A book dedicated to the Royal's amazing comeback in last fall's AL wildcard game.  You know, the one where they were down four runs in the 8th, yet somehow - unbelievably - won in the 12th.  Anyway, this book is a must-have for all you Royal's fans out there!!  I'm still mad at myself for going to bed in the 8th inning....

And watching (speaking of the Royals)....this play.  Amazing.



Also, pretty excited for Bachelor in Paradise to begin this Sunday!  Seriously, reality t.v. doesn't get much better than this show!

...WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Country tunes on our new Bose Bluetooth speakers.  I love that I can listen to local radio (I'm weird and like local radio) and Craig loves that he can listen to iTunes radio without many commercials.

...WHAT I'M WEARING...

This outfit.  Even though this photo was not taken today...

...WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Our family will be under one roof again tomorrow!  On Friday, we are going to our old neighbor's house for dinner and on Sunday, we have a 3-year old's birthday party.  Pretty low key weekend with just enough social events to look forward to!

...WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

I hate to say it, but I always look forward to back-to-school time.  The newness.  The excitement.  Fall.  Football.  Fashion.  Fun stuff!  Yesterday, I added my work schedule, as well as the Iowa, KU, and Chief's football schedules to my calendar, which always makes me feel organized, happy, and excited about this change of seasons.

...WHAT ELSE IN NEW...
We've only been in our house for a few months, but I was already itching to update the decor in our first floor bathroom.  I was tired of everything brown and wanted to freshen it up with some bright whites!  Two new bath towels (not pictured) + a new hand towel + a glass vase + fake flowers + a floral looking candle holder = a $28 bathroom makeover!  I love it and it was just as I had envisioned!

...WHAT WILL YOU MISS MOST ABOUT SUMMER...

  A lot of things.  Mostly, the laid back schedule and flexibility of our days and spending so much time with my boys (duh).  I've made some great friends this summer, so I'll also miss the regularly-scheduled social outings with them.  And on a more selfish note, I'll miss the 2-hour span of "me time" during the boys' naps.  It's been so nice having that time to blog (among other things) and I've really enjoyed documenting our summer that way.

Linking up with Shay @ Mix & Match Family and Mel @ The Larson Lingo. 

What's Up Wednesday!

How has it already been a month since my last What's Up Wednesday and why does summer go by so fast!?!?!?!  Waaahhhhhh!!!!

...WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK...

Sunday: Our Father's Day menu consisted of grilled ribs, Caesar salad, and macaroni-corn

Monday: Leftovers (We were at the pool too late to make anything.)

Tuesday: Craig was at a work event so some neighbors and I ordered pizza!

Wednesday: Turkey Burgers & Steak Fries

Thursday, Friday, and the weekend: I have a ton of freezer meals after hosting a Wildtree meal prep party and also attending a meal prep workshop at HyVee so we'll likely have a few of those! 

...WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

The birth of my first born! We are only 12(!) days away from his third birthday!! I can't believe it was three years ago that I sat anxiously and excitedly awaiting his arrival and wondering every day if that would be the day!  Here we are shortly before being induced on the morning on July 6, 2012...

...WHAT I'M LOVING...

Our neighbor friends.  And Monday nights!  I nervously invited two neighbors (that I didn't know very well) over for the Bachelorette premier in May. Now the group has grown to seven neighbors and two non-neighbors (who live fairly close). I feel like I've known all of them forever and I love that we all get along so well! We seriously have the best time on Mondays!! Of course, the food and wine may play a part, but I also love the girl time! I think half of us go home not even knowing what happened on the show, but I could sure tell you all about their birth stories! (Fun fact: almost every single one of us has a 2--almost 3--year old!) The best part? Despite rotating houses, it's always a short walk home! Even at 12:45 a.m....

P.S. Anyone want to move here?  These are the houses being built on our block alone.  Never mind the new part of the neighborhood near the future elementary school!

...WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Nothing major but we seem to constantly have stuff going on! I guess that's the beauty of summer! Baseball (on Saturday mornings for Brantley), baseball (the Royals) on t.v., a family wedding last weekend, lots of pool time, and lots of neighbor time (remember we all have 2-year olds!). I've been trying to go somewhere with the boys everyday...a new park, open gym, play dates, the grocery store, kiddie concerts, the pool, music class, breakfast, etc.! It helps to minimize the whininess and fighting among the boys and makes our days more fun anyway!

...WHAT I'M DREADING...

I'm both dreading and looking forward to the 4th of July! It's my second favorite holiday (after Christmas) but it also means summer is quickly coming to an end.  I'm especially dreading having to go back to work in August.  It's coming far too quickly and this has been my favorite summer ever!  I seriously want to cry when thinking about not being with the boys all day, every day like I am now!

...WHAT I'M I'VE BEEN WORKING ON...
Festive garland to drape around my chalkboard, planning Brantley's 3rd {and first friend} birthday party (although there's not much to plan...it will be a minimal decor, low-key ice cream social), and this DIY gallery for the kids' artwork!  And teaching Brantley to spell his name...he got it in under one day! #proudmama

 

...WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

All of those ready-to-go meals in my freezer!  Currently, there's about 16 of them!  Although I'd love to save them for when I return to work in August, they are also nice for summertime because they allow us to go to the pool for awhile in the evening and come home to an easy-to-prep meal.

...WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

Just the same old!  Bachelorette and Royals!

...WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Cicadas.  Not so much anymore, but man, there was a week or so when they were everywhere.  And loud!!  Both of the boys were very interested in them and not at all afraid of them...

...WHAT I'M WEARING...

Same as last month - my swimsuit, romper cover-up, and a fedora.  Love me some summer.

...WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Baseball on Saturday morning, pictures for a friend afterwards, and perhaps a trip to a local waterpark or pool with a splash pad (weather permitting).

...WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

Like I said, I love the 4th of July and all that it entails--food and fireworks.  I'm also looking forward to our 5-year anniversary on July 10!

...WHAT ELSE IN NEW...

I can't think of anything else new.  Just loving life right now!

...WHAT WE ARE DOING THIS JULY 4...

  Since it's also Brantley's birthday weekend, my family will be here. We have tickets to the Royals game that Friday night (fireworks + buck night), but no specific plans for the 4th...though I'm sure it will include the pool and some summertime food!

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Linking up with Shay @ Mix & Match Family and Mel @ The Larson Lingo.

What's Up Wednesday!

I can't believe it's been a whole month since my last What's Up Wednesday post!  

 

 

 

...WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK...

Sunday: Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

Monday: Ribs & Cheesy Jalapeno Corn

(Our favorite summer meal to grill!)

Tuesday: Ruebans

(Quick and easy before Craig went to play basketball.)

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Chicken, Red Onion, & Pineapple Kabobs

Friday: Steak Fajitas on the Grill & Homemade Salsa w/ Chips

 

Saturday: Burgers

 

Sunday: To Be Decided...

 

 

...WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

These last five years have flown by!  This summer marks the five year anniversary of our wedding, the four year anniversary of trying for Baby #1, the three year anniversary of Brantley's birth, the two year anniversary of trying for Baby #2, and the one year anniversary of...enjoying life as a family of four?  In all seriousness, summer is always a time for reminiscing.  So many great memories are made each summer!  

 

 

...WHAT I'M LOVING...

SUMMER!!  I've officially been done with work for a full week now.  The boys finished out the week at daycare and then because of the holiday, yesterday was my first full day alone with them.  Today, they went back to daycare, as they are going every Wednesday this summer to 1) keep them in the groove 2) give me a little time off and 3) hold our spots.  I haven't had a day completely to myself since, well, pre-Brantley.  It's fabulous, if I do say so myself.  (Yesterday with the boys was pretty great, too, though!)

 

 

...WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

Last week was all sorts of fun!   

 

Monday: Bachelorette premier watch party with a couple of neighbors

Tuesday: Freezing cold and rainy Royals game

Wednesday: End-of-School Staff Party 

Thursday: Day Date & Segway Tour 

Friday: Our friends, Mark & Hollyn, were in town so we got a babysitter and went to dinner & drinks with them!

We had kind of a crappy-weather holiday weekend, but the fun didn't stop!

Saturday: A very infrequent trip to the mall and carousel ride.

Sunday: Bowling!!

Monday: The boys and I visited Deanna Rose, while Daddy did some yardwork.

 

...WHAT I'M DREADING...

Dreading?  That word is not in my summertime vocabulary...

 

 

...WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

Scheduling some summertime activities so I don't go completely insane at home 24/7.  We've already got plans to go pick strawberries, meet up with Miss Stephanie + daycare at Chuck E. Cheese, and visit the zoo!  Local friends--let's schedule some play dates!!

 

 

...WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

The summer weather that finally decided to show up!  I'm so done with the dreary, rainy days! 

 

 

...WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

The Bachelorette!!  Not loving it so far, but it's always hard during the first couple of episodes.  And I just have to say, I know we made the right move into the right neighborhood when some neighbors and I have weekly plans to watch together!  If not the Bachelorette, the Royals game are always on our t.v.  Speaking of, Craig mounted a t.v. on our covered deck.  It's basically the next best thing after the house itself!

 

 

...WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Same old.  Usually just the radio.  104.3 to be exact. 

 

 

...WHAT I'M WEARING...

Currently, my swimsuit, a romper cover-up, and my Royals hat!  Ha!  Just got back from some Sarah-time at the pool.  And the hat - well, let's be honest, it's much easier to throw on a hat in the summer.  But I'm happy to finally be in shorts, tanks, and flip flops on a daily basis!

 

...WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Brantley starts Mini & Me Baseball on Saturday.  He's already talking about it non-stop.  Otherwise, no plans other than the usual - spend time outside, grill, socialize with neighbors, and hopefully {weather cooperating} sneak in a few trips to the pool! 

 

 

...WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

Next month is June.  So----a whole lotta nothing! 

 

 

...WHAT ELSE IN NEW...

I think I've covered it all.  Summa, summa, summatime!

 

 

Linking up with Shay @ Mix & Match Family and Mel @ The Larson Lingo.

 

What's Up Wednesday!

Hi friends! Today, I'm joining the fun in a new link-up, hosted by a few of my favorite bloggers!  It's called What's Up Wednesday, and basically, it's just a bunch of random babble.  Here goes!

...WHAT WE'RE EATING THIS WEEK...

Sunday: Steak & Hummus Pitas 

(These are delicious.  See image below!  I should really blog the recipe!)

Monday: Homemade Sweet & Sour Chicken

(This had the potential of being delicious, but for some reason, it had a charred flavor.  I think my wok was in need of a deep cleaning...)

Tuesday: BLTs

(Quick and easy before our Tuesday night activities - MOPS for me and basketball for Craig.)

Wednesday: Leftovers

Thursday: Italian Enchiladas 

(One of my final Wildtree meals remaining from the Wildtree party I attended in January.)

Friday/Saturday/Sunday: To Be Decided...

Steak & hummus pita prep.  Looks good, right??

...WHAT I'M REMINISCING ABOUT...

When Holden was a smiley, giggly, happy go-lucky boy.  He's been a complete stranger since his shots last Wednesday and I'm so over it!  Craig even took him to our walk-in clinic yesterday fearing a bad reaction to the vaccines, or an ear infection, or something, but nope, nothing!  He's needy, he's cranky, he's squirmy, he isn't eating/drinking much, he wants held and then wants down.  It's all beyond frustrating considering he's normally a very laid back baby.  I want my sweet baby back!

...WHAT I'M LOVING...

The weather!!  We had quite a few dreary, rainy days there, but these last couple have been sunny and 75!  Perfect!  And the forecast doesn't look too shabby either...

...WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO...

The usual.  Work, daycare, Friday night soccer.  Relaxing and returning to a normal life again after planning/prepping/celebrating Holden's first birthday weekend.

...WHAT I'M DREADING...

The next 36 hours.  Craig left for Dallas for work this morning.  Which means I'm in charge of daycare pick-up, daycare drop-off, meals, bedtime, morning routines, etc. for myself, two kids, and a dog through tomorrow night.  Did I mention our daycare is a good 20 minutes of our house in the opposite direction of my work and through a bunch of road construction, which means I need to leave home at 6:30 tomorrow morning.  Yikes.  Also, I can also almost guarantee there's going to be some kind of drama - flat tire, sick kid, both??  And I'm already convinced that I'm going to see a huge spider at home tonight.  Eeek!

...WHAT I'M WORKING ON...

A final exam review packet for my Integrated Math II classes.  I love this part of my job (the planning and prep work), but it is just plain exhausting planning for a new course with new material every day.  Nonetheless, this is the last major thing to plan for and I couldn't be prouder of myself for surviving this year!!!!!!!!!

...WHAT I'M EXCITED ABOUT...

SUMMER!!!  Three weeks from TODAY is the final day for teachers for the 2014-15 school year!  Our last day was already scheduled for crazy early this year (May 22), but then the lack of snow days prompted district officials to let us go two days earlier.  No complaints here!

...WHAT I'M WATCHING/READING...

Just a whole lotta Royal's games!  Other than the Bachelor(ette), I don't watch much t.v.  I'm always thrilled when April rolls around and there's something good on t.v. again!  

...WHAT I'M LISTENING TO...

Country.  Always.  Some of  my current faves: Sangria (Blake Shelton), Raise Em Up (Keith Urban & Eric Church), Diamond Rings & Old Barstools (Tim McGraw), What We Aint Got (Jake Owen), Take Your Time (Sam Hunt), Girl Crush (Little Big Town) and a few non-country tunes, too: Thinking Out Loud (Ed Shearan) and Uptown Funk (Mark Ronson...yes, I had to Google that!).

...WHAT I'M WEARING...

Lots of skirts, dresses, and sandals!  Today, this.  About the comfiest thing there is - a maxi skirt and tee.  However, I look forward to summer apparel (and not wearing make up) even more!!

...WHAT I'M DOING THIS WEEKEND...

Friday night soccer.  Chaperoning and taking "Party Pics" at MV's Prom on Saturday.  And a potential Royal's game at the K on Sunday!  Sounds like a pretty great weekend to me!

...WHAT I'M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH...

Ummm duh, the {unofficial} start of the most amazing season there is and the opening of our neighborhood pool and seeing some friends that will be in town over Memorial weekend!

...WHAT ELSE IN NEW...

Hmmmm....I took some photos for some friends last weekend whose sweet baby Colton is already 6 months old!  They are some of my favorite photos I've taken to date!  I also took some newborn photos of my newest nephew, Madden, while in Iowa for Easter weekend.  I was especially nervous about those because I don't have any of the cutesy newborn props, nor do I have a studio backdrop, and I was nervous about editing the splotchy newborn skin.  But I'm really happy with how they turned out!  I'm still far from professional, but I'm getting better and I enjoy taking pictures for family and friends!  You can check out my page on Facebook - Sarah Bethany Photography - and if you're in the KC/JoCo area, I'd love to practice on you!

...

Linking up with Shay @ Mix & Match Family, Sheaffer @ Pinterest Told Me To, and Mel @ The Larson Lingo.