Carter & Daddy.

I never realized the term, "Like Father, like Son" would be so relevant in our house until a few weeks ago. Lately, Carter wants to do everything like his Daddy. When Matt gets home from work it's non-stop chaos until bedtime. They wrestle, play football, have tickle fights, laugh and just act like goofy boys for 2 straight hours until both are finally exhausted and we put the little one to bed. I just love watching them interact. Carter has a great Daddy and Matt has an adorable little shadow.

The other night Matt was vacuuming up dinner (that somehow ended up all over the floor by a certain someone). So, then it was Carter's turn.

Then, Matt (okay Matt and I) wanted brownies. So, naturally Carter had to help.

Matt then turned on Christmas music and started dancing and drumming. So, Carter did the same. Let me just clarify...Matt kept his clothes on during the dancing unlike Carter!
The next night it was time to make spaghetti. Carter, once again, was ready to help. Somehow all the noodles ended up on the floor.
And, my 3 boys....they couldn't be more alike. All are fun, crazy, goofy, a little ADD, loving, sweet and just plain wonderful.

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We're Famous!

Matt has been hard at work the last year creating a "Family Pass" campaign at his job. Basically it's like a credit union version of groupon where you can flash your debit card and get great monthly deals around town (anyone who lives or works in Whatcom County can and should become a member!)
Anyways, to help with the promotion he recently shot a few tv commercials and Carter and I were lucky enough to make the cut! Watch closely and don't blink....it's only for about 2 seconds (at the beginning of both ads). We're pretty darn excited about it. And, look for them on real TV too, starting 11/18/11 (especially on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, Top Chef, Mythbusters, Project Runways AllStars and Paula Dean's Cookie Swap)!

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34 weeks.

Seriously, where has the time gone? 34 weeks already! This has been the fastest 34 weeks of my life. I can't believe in 6 weeks (+ or - 2 weeks!) we'll be holding our new daughter! I'm still feeling great, loving every little kick and getting more excited to meet her. The nursery is coming along and I think I've started the nesting phase (Matt would tell you I'm always in a nesting phase though!).
He's getting very excited to be a big brother!!!

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cutest.pirate.ever.

Thanks Evantide Photography!

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pumpkins and christmas cookies.

Our poor child. If he needs serious counseling when he is older, he can blame it all on me. Because we are trying to get everything ready for the baby, things have been a little "out of order" this year. For example, 2 weeks ago we were out buying Christmas presents for family. Last weekend we went to a Halloween party, then came home and made a big Thanksgiving dinner (just because I had been craving turkey, stuffing and sweet potatoes!). And today, we made Christmas sugar cookies, then carved pumpkins and Carter watched me wrap more Christmas presents.

He must be so confused. Oh well, at least he keeps a smile on his face!
We went to the pumpkin patch 3 weeks ago but the pumpkins have sat out on our back patio patiently waiting to be carved. So, today was the day! Carter was very excited to get his hands into the pumpkin and help. And, for the most part, he was actually a big helper!

Then it was time to decide what the pumpkin should look like. He spent a long time thinking about it before drawing a face he wanted Matt to carve.
This is what he came up with. Not sure if Matt can match that exact image...
Matt did a good job of multi-tasking. Keeping an eye on Carter, cleaning out the pumpkin and watching the Seahawks game.
Once the pumpkins were cleaned out, Carter got bored and went off to play. So, I roasted seeds, Matt and I sampled the seeds and the pumpkins remain untouched on our kitchen counter. Not sure if we'll get around to actually "carving" the pumpkins this year. Oh well.

With all of the baking Carter and I have done together, today was Matt's turn. While I was out of the house for a few hours, Carter helped Matt make sugar cookies. But, of course, Matt used Christmas cookie cutters resulting in Christmas tree, snowman and star shaped cookies. Carter was very excited to help frost them.
This was perfect timing because I had just vacuumed and polished the hardwood floors about 1 hour before we used these sprinkles. Needless to say, I got to spend the following hour doing it all over again.

Always fun to sample!

I'd say they turned out pretty good!

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Baby to Big Boy.

As we prepare for baby #2 (only 7 more weeks!) it's been an interesting journey to watch our #1 grow up so quickly right before our eyes. In just the last month he has gotten taller, learned new words, become more independent, perfected his whine and made us laugh harder than ever before. Crazy that 1 year ago he looked like this at our church's Harvest Festival.And this year he is a big, grown-up pirate!
Our church puts on their annual Harvest Festival every year and even though Carter is still too young to play most of the games (well, at least play them properly) we still like to go and see everyone dressed up.
He got to hula hoop for a prize.
Dig in the hay for a new truck.
And go fishing, definitely his favorite game!
But, wasn't too interested in sitting with me....oh well.
We tried the cupcake walk for a few rounds but never won. I was really wanting a cupcake too!
This past week we made the official transition to the big boy bed. We converted Carter's crib to the toddler bed about a month ago but this week put in a twin bed and moved the crib in to the new nursery. Matt and I have laughed because every big transition that happens, the 2 of us are always so worried and stressed but Carter does just fine every single time! He is sleeping so well in his new bed and just loves to jump up and down like a monkey!
We've been slowly working on the nursery the last month too. Matt has worked so hard to make it just perfect for our little girl. Newly painted walls and changing table, new rug and soon...new pictures on the wall!

I'm really loving how it is all looking. Can't wait for a sweet little girl to sleep in there!

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how to make pumpkin chocolate chip muffins.

Carter has been quite the little helper in the kitchen lately. Especially since we bought him a new step stool. And, I have been known to be quite the little baker. If there isn't a baked good in my house at any given time, I must be sick. So, it seemed fitting to bake some muffins today. And what better way to celebrate a beautiful fall day than make pumpkin muffins (with chocolate chips of course!).

1. First, gather your equipment. Yep, the beautiful red Kitchen Aid Mixer.
2. Mix the sugar, eggs and pumpkin. Use your "earmuffs." It can be loud.
3. Get the measuring spoons ready.
4. Gather dry ingredients.
5. Add salt (maybe next time I shouldn't be so literal).
6. Add baking powder.
7. Mix thoroughly.
8. Take a break to sample the mini chocolate chips....just to be sure they still taste okay.
9. Mix in chocolate chips. Add an extra handful, just for fun.
10. Take another break to have a sip of milk. After all, what goes better with chocolate than a cold glass of milk?
11. Sit and wait patiently. Okay, sit for 1.5 seconds to take a picture, then play with toys for 20 minutes while they bake.
12. Take warm muffins out of the oven to let cool.
13. Pick out the chocolate chips on top.
14. Take a big bite!
15. Enjoy the yumminess!
16. Later in the day have another one. And, maybe another in the evening too.

(Disclaimer: to anyone who ends up eating one of these muffins, all hands were washed thoroughly before baking. And, we are getting more salt....it just couldn't be salvaged).

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