Minted Lime Cream Soda

I love myself a good party throwing shindig. However, since I don't drink I've had to become creative in my non-alcoholic beverage selection. For the longest time I went with the typical 7-UP//pineapple juice//fruit juice concoction, which often seemed juvenile. I've tried to avoid sparkling cider because it's laughable at best--it's one of those drinks that should only be presented during Auld Lang Syne (in my humble opinion).

So I usually settle with one of my all-time favorites that still seems to resonate a sophisticated flare--the minted lime cream soda. Light and refreshing with the slightest hint of lime and mint which makes this drink a crowd pleasing favorite. No recipe is really required. Just a few mint leaves and some fresh-squeezed lime juice, topped off with a fancy straw will make even the hard liquor fanatics beg for more. Enjoy!

Can you tell I am itching for Spring weather?!

10 months.

What can I say that hasn't been said before--you really are an endless ball of energy and giggles. With each passing month you are growing and learning at such a fast (and alarming) rate. Just yesterday you figured out that with a little effort you could reach in the cupboard and open the cereal boxes by yourself. A trick I suppose you picked up from your brother. And in an effort to not disappoint, you've become an old pro at gliding up the stairs, going down however is still a bit tricky, but you're learning. And if by some divine power you sensed my need for a mid-day break so you decided all on your lonesome that taking a nap was actually serious business and should be had by all every day (momma not included). 

Though not walking, you have begun to tinker with the idea of standing on your own. It's usually short-lived but warrants praises for the entire day. Which usually lead to profuse amounts of kisses and hugs. And your laugh, oh my. It's creepy and funny--all bundled into one. I need to record it because it makes you sound like such an old man, like let-me-give-you-a-lollipop-creepy-kind-of-way. 

I am so happy I am your momma. Each milestone though small is huge in our book and we gush about you and your brother for weeks. I mean, isn't that what parenting is all about anyway? Bragging about your kids until all eyes start rolling. So here I sit, my heart swelling with love for you and I can't help but think that in two short months my little baby girl will be one-year-old. You are my everything.

By the way, I always thought I would marry a ginger. seriously, my track record of ex-boyfriends speaks for itself. Instead I got ginger babies, which in my opinion is way better. Score one for Team Halsey. 

I love you. 

Mom

sleepy

My life can be summed up by one word these days: tired. And if this little face doesn't showcase how our nights have been going the last few weeks maybe the fact that I put hydrocortisone cream on my tooth brush this morning will unarguably prove that we're a little sleepy around these parts. I suspect a nap or two will be on docket for this weekend. 

Hope your weekend is fun and restful! See you Monday.

Out There//In Here

//out there//

//in here//

I really should have titled this post "That one time where my house was so dirty that playing outside became the cleaner option." I'll be the first to admit there is a direct correlation between my stress level and the cleanliness of our house. John would argue that I'm naturally prone to making piles (silly him, he just can't understand my sense of organization :)).  I recently took over as the Event Coordinator for Relay for Life in our area and what once seemed like a voluntary position has become a non-paying full-time job. No complaints here, I'm busy and productive while supporting a wonderful cause that is near and dear to John and me. Albeit, my house has suffered--dishes with days-old food lay strewn across the kitchen counter, while lifeless heaps of clothing lay scattered amidst toys and dried-out baby wipes (mind you, the clothes were clean at one point). Bottles, train tracks and remnants of once viable crayons can be sporadically found throughout the house while a pile of dirty diapers still sit on  the floor of the nursery (you guys, it's nasty). 

The kids and I finally couldn't take it and busted through the filth to the safe haven of outside earlier today. I'd like to say we were taking a mindless adventure of sorts but in reality the mounding piles and the elusive stench resonating in the hallway were more than I could handle at the moment. With Addison nestled safely in the stroller and Brecken in tow we settled for rock gathering and duck chasing to pass the time (who knew fresh air could be so invigorating)! It turned out to be a fine alternative to the eminent clean-up awaiting me at home.

But I suppose all good things must come to an end. Any takers on helping me tackle my crime scene of a home? 

Time with Brecken

The last few days have been unseasonably warm and calm, which has been nice (after all, if it's not blowing  here it just seems unnatural). With the erratic behavior of our Montana weather the kids and I have spent the majority of the week outside. We've taken to the streets once again--Addy sits in the stroller while Brecken usually runs along side of me working out a winter's worth of built-up energy.  Once again his eyes have opened to curiosity of great outdoors (there is a wide assortment of pine cones and twigs stashed under my stroller to prove it). And while it may be warm, the vast array of puddles and sticky muddy side streets have become endless hours of entertainment for our little toddler--stomping and slipping, splashing and sliding never seem to cease with excitement (luckily Tide does the trick for the stains).

And if the warm weather wasn't enough, this morning our babes woke bright and early at 6:45. Addison was no match for the time and went down for a seasonably early (and rare) nap at 10. Which left the morning wide open for Brecken and I. As usual, train tracks have been built and dominoes have been made and toppled. With two now, I sometimes forget that it was Brecken and I for so long, this morning was a surprising breath of fresh air reminding me that his little energetic body also needs one-on-one attention occasionally. 

Thanks Saturday for the unexpected and simple moments that you've provided today. Here's to hoping your weekend is splendid as well!