The dreaded day of the big switch....

The big switch from crib to half a crib with a rail (aka, "big boy bed"). I didn't have a lot of trouble with Connor turning one, two came surprisingly fast, but again, was no big deal....but THREE?!!? THREE?!?! I tear up just thinking about how fast the time has flown by, and am amazed at the amount of love I feel for that little boy each and every day. He has my heart, my whole heart, and my soul....every ounce of it. Each day as he flies around the house in whichever Superhero he is feeling, I just take a second and reflect on how much he has changed our lives. We love you Spiderman! Hope you enjoy your big boy bed! You keep "practicing" going to bed. I hope when it's time for the real deal, you are as eager as you were at 6:30 this evening.

January?

The weather this month has been so incredible! We have been enjoying some fantastic time outside at the park, in the backyard, and most recently, at Jack's 7th Birthday Party held at the Old Fort Museum! Connor had a ball at the party! It came fully equipped with a scavenger hunt, pizza, cake, ice cream, friends, fun, and a chance to drive the Trolley! Thank you, God, for this gorgeous weather, and for a chance to spend some wonderful quality time with my family and friends!

Tasty Tuesday!

I had to post this salad recipe because I don't want it to be what my husband refers to as a "one hit wonder" in our home. You know, the kind of recipe you make once and then forget about? Yeah, we've had a few of those in the Scarlet family ;)

Barbecue Chopped Chicken Salad
All you need is:
*Lettuce
*Corn
*Black beans
*Cilantro
*Colby Jack Cheese
*Crumbled bacon
*Tortilla strips (I like the tri-colored ones in the produce section!)
*Grape tomatoes sliced in halves or quarters
*Diced avocado (optional)

Dressing:
*2 parts ranch dressing mixed with 1 part barbecue sauce. (or more or less based on your preference)
*Lime juice

Layer the ingredients however you want. For the "chopped salad," toss and chop all ingredients. Top with lime juice and barbecue ranch dressing. Deeeeelish!

Happy New Year!

Ok, ok, I recognize there hasn't been a Christmas post yet, but I will get there ;) I promise!

We rang in the new year with The Hossley's, Kyle and Stacy and their clan, and The Freeman's. We had lots of delicious food, drinks, and, of course, S'mores! The kids had a ball toasting their own marshmallows (obviously with adult supervision).

Crystal was "kind" enough to think of everyone and bring a boxed set of party hats, leis, and party horns! Ok now picture this: 5 rowdy boys and 1 little girl all armed with a party horn at the end of the party when the kids were all tired and getting cranky. Did you picture that chaos? Well multiply it by 10 and you've got one helluva way to "ring in the new year" (which took place around 10:30 due to the nature of our "kid friendly" party lol!) Next year I believe it will be party hats and leis only, right, Crystal? LOL ;)

Richard brought fireworks, but it was too dry and windy. We also never got around to our pre-New Year's toast due to the party horn incident mentioned above. Fortunately, everyone went home with a bottle of champagne so they could toast 2012 in the comfort of their own homes.

My oh my how things have changed, but it would be the same these days without the chaos of our little blessings :). Happy New Year, friends! May 2012 be full of love and happiness! XOXO

The Final Adventures of Miles for 2011

We enjoyed having Miles around for the Holidays! He got into a little trouble while he was here, but we love him so much and can't wait to see him next year! Before heading home to the North Pole, Miles flew into Connor's room to kiss him goodbye. What a sweet elf! See you next year, Miles!

Miles....our Elf on the Shelf!

If you aren't familiar with the Elf on the Shelf, you are missing out! Fingers crosses that an Elf comes to live in your home very soon :) The Elf comes to your home all the way from the North Pole, keeps an eye on things, and flies back to Santa each night to give him a full report :)

The Elf only earns his magic once he is named, and he (or she) must not be touched or he will lose his magic!

Connor loves "Miles" and asks where he is every morning! It's the most precious thing when he spots Miles in a new location in the house! Connor usually puts his little hands over his mouth, excitedly inhales, and expresses his joy over this sweet Elf, who has chosen our family to spend the Holidays with :)

Here are just a few of the many adventures of our family's new friend:

Christmas Honors 2011

How blessed am I.....

This year, Christmas Honors at the National Cemetery in Fort Smith, was held on December 10,2011. While I was helping a friend prepare for the arrival of her sweet baby girl as a Hostess of her Baby Shower, these two terribly handsome boys met my dad at the Cemetery to place a wreath on my Granddad's headstone.  There are times I am sad that my Granddad never had a chance to meet Connor on this earth, but I know that he is always watching over us, and that we will all be reunited someday in Heaven.

I feel so blessed that my dad allowed Connor to place the wreath on my Granddad's headstone. That is an important and meaningful job, and how sweet of my dad to let my son do the honors.

Merry Christmas to my Granddad and my Grandma (who is buried at the National Cemetery in Fayetteville). You are both missed each and every year.  We love you!