love this little guy...

Cookin'

• Today I am cooking a few things to bring over to my in-laws house for Thanksgiving tomorrow and my parents house for Friday.

• I am making Chocolate Chip Banana Bread, Roasted Cranberries and Pears, and Fruit Pizza. Yum!

• Here are the recipes for the Bread and Cranberries in case you'd like to have them

• What are you looking forward to doing/eating tomorrow???

• Roasted Cranberries and Pears

4 ripe pears (peeled, cored, sliced) 2 12 oz bags cranberries (fresh or thawed frozen) 3 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup brown sugar

1. place the pears and cranberries on a cookie sheet
2. dot the fruit with the butter and sprinkle it with the sugar
3. Roast it in the 400* oven for 45 minutes, stirring once about halfway through.

**************************************************

• Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

(makes 1 large loaf or 4 mini loaves) 1 1/4 cup sugar 1 stick (1/2 cup) butter 2 eggs 1/2 cup milk 3-4 mashed bananas 1 tsp vanilla 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp salt 1 tsp baking soda 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips

1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. Cream together sugar and butter, add eggs one at a time.
3. Mix in milk, bananas, and vanilla.
4. Stir in dry ingredients
5. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake for about 60 minutes for regular loaf pan or 30 minutes for mini loaf pans.

Chaminade

How amazing is this article!?! My Uncle Mark and his family gave a huge donation to Chaminade High School in St. Louis, it was announced today. Very cool...

Top 10 car edition

Top 10 reasons that I'm thankful for our car situation...

1. Mike gets to use the undercover company car every other month! woohoo! We save on gas!
2. Our Escape's anti-lock brake light came on yesterday...glad I got it checked out. It turns out my axle was broken! That definitely could've been bad...
3. While getting our car fixed, (we had to wait 2 hours!) Evan was amazing! The mechanics were making faces at him, getting him to laugh, and talking to him...it was really cute.
4. Glad that we can fit Jack, luggage, and ourselves into our car when heading to St. Louis (not sure what we are going to do with all the presents at Christmas time!).
5. Our cars are paid off!
6. Evan loves riding in the car and is such a great napper in there! (Let's keep fingers crossed that it stays that way!).
7. I love my 5 cd changer (currently listening to the New Moon Soundtrack and Carrie Underwood's new CD).
8. Thankful that we haven't hit a deer this year!
9. Mike's cavalier is falling apart, but still works...we are hoping after our tax return to get something else for him...(or he gets the escape and I get something!)
10. Hoping everyone has safe travels over this Thanksgiving holiday, especially my mom, uncles, and aunts who are headed to see my Aunt Barb down in Texas tonight.

Whew...

What a busy Monday! Lots going on so it's going to be bullet style because I am going to be all over the place! :) Here's our little guy deep in thought...ha!

• Evan's teeth have been bothering him so bad the past few days. He is chewing on everything but the bad part is he is getting up at night (and he was doing so well). We are doing tylenol and teething tablets. I hope those darn teeth pop through soon!

• I've tried twice the last two days to get our Christmas lights up on our tree...I tried the blue lights first and put them all around the tree. Then, I plugged them in and noticed that half of one of the strands didn't work! argh! So...I took all of those off and then tried the white lights we had. I learned my lesson and plugged them in before wrapping them around the tree. One of those strands were out too. Ugh!!!! So...we have our tree up and no lights and a big ol' box of ornaments just sitting in the living room. I'm hoping the third time is the charm!

• Good news is they went in to do surgery on my Uncle Mark's lung today and it turns out they are 99% sure that it isn't cancer! So, they just took a biopsy and didn't have to take out part of his lung. I'm so glad! My Aunt Barb had a great day today too. Thank you so much for your prayers and keep them coming!

• One of Mike's coworkers is nominated for the People's Sexiest Dad's of the Year! Mandy submitted Dustin's photo and he is a finalist!!!! Head on over to this link on people Scroll down to the purple box where it says the People vote. Under the title where it says "Tell us what you thought of '09" click on the tab where it says See All Polls. After clicking on that, Scroll down where it says Real People: Who's the Sexiest Dad? Is the second to the bottom on the right hand side! Vote for Dustin Moyer!!! :)

• Mike and I went to see New Moon yesterday! It was SO good! I can't wait to see it again! Mike's mom and Mike went to see New Moon tonight and Kelli and I are going on Friday. Go Team Edward!

• Evan skyped today with Grandma Merritt and thought that was the coolest! He tried grabbing the computer and loved seeing the screen talk back! It was very cute!

Sunday Survey

1. What did you eat for breakfast this morning?
2. Where were you born and where do you live now?
3. If you could move anywhere, where would you move to?
4. What would be your ideal job?
5. What is your favorite Christmas song?

'O Christmas Tree

While Mike was working the last home football game of the season (woohoo!) I decided to start decorating for Christmas. I know...I know...it's a tad early, but I just love this time of the year! And as you can see, Evan was excited as well! :)

High School...

Because I am playing in my high school soccer alumni game next Saturday, I thought I'd do a little reminiscing about the past. Here ya go...the first pic is from my senior year, the 2nd pic is from my freshman year (nice bangs!) ha! Enjoy!

1. Did you date someone from your school? Yes
2. What kind of car did you drive? Brown Cutlass Supreme, Black Suzuki Sport, and a Red Oldsmobile Royale
3. What was the most embarrassing moment of HS? I'm sure I had a ton, but none are coming to me...
4. Were you a party animal? I did go to my fair share of parties, but I wouldn't consider myself an animal! :)
5. Were you considered a flirt? I don't think so...
6. Were you in band, orchestra, or choir? I was in mixed choir for a year (because we had to take at least a year of music) but stopped. I think everyone else appreciated that! I can not sing!
7. Were you a nerd? Probably...
8. Were you on any varsity teams? Yep...varsity soccer, basketball and softball
9. Did you get suspended/expelled? no way, my dad would've kicked my behind!
10. Can you still sing the fight song? unfortunately not...I'm not even sure I know it, let alone sing it ;)
11. Who were your favorite teachers? Way too many...I loved school! Casa, Rainey, Hermann, Bayens, Dr. D., Hey, and Shorty
12. Where did you sit during lunch? With friends in the cafeteria...
13. School mascot? The Falcons
14. Did you go to homecoming, and with who? Yep, I think it was someone new each year (Matt H., Mike W., Gary A., and ?????)
15. If you could go back and do it again, would you? Definitely :)
16. What do you remember most about graduation? Having graduation on the soccer field and seeing all of my friends and family. I remember trying to get those darn bobby pins out of my long hair so I could get my cap off to throw it...never did! oh well! :)
17. Where did you go senior skip day? To school...I'm sure I had some sort of game that day that I didn't want to miss
18. Were you in any clubs? Honors Society, Pep Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a few more...
19. Have you gained some weight since then? um...yep!
20. Who was your prom date? Gary
21. Are you planning on going to your 10 year reunion? Already did (I can't believe that was 2 years ago!)
22. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself? Don't stress, have fun, and the best things are yet to come...

Friday five...

1. Listening to Christmas music and hearing Evan giggle and laugh
2. Smelling the chocolate chip banana bread and Fruit Pizza that I baked earlier
3. Watching Evan play in his exersaucer and rolling around on the floor earlier
4. Tasting my yummy coffee
5. Touching Evan's cute little toes and getting ready to clean the house for my shutterfly party tonightHappy Friday everyone!!! Have a great weekend!

Evan "talking" during naptime

Thankful Thursday

• Lunch with great friends
• A cooing baby trying to fall asleep
• A hubby who loves me
• A baby who said "da da" today
• A beautiful day
• Grilled cheese
• Grey's Anatomy tonight
• A clean house

31

31 years ago my parents were married! Happy Anniversary!!!

Happy 31st Anniversary to my wonderful parents!!!

1. Thank you for encouraging us to work hard
2. Thank you for believing in us
3. Thank you for teaching us how to believe in ourselves
4. Thank you for letting us make mistakes
5. Thank you for helping us fix our mistakes if needed
6. Thank you for holding us accountable
7. Thank you for loving us every day
8. Thank you for pushing us to succeed
9. Thank you for putting our needs ahead of your own
10. Thank you for taking us to our practice and games
11. Thank you for watching those games in the hot sun and freezing snow
12. Thank you for playing basketball with us in the backyard
13. Thank you for playing soccer with us in the backyard
14. Thank you for letting us choose our friends
15. Thank you for not asking when those friends weren't friends anymore
16. Thank you for teaching us how to drive
17. Thank you for not yelling at us when we were in car accidents
18. Thank you for making our house a home
19. Thank you for everything you've done for us even when we didn't say thanks
20. Thank you for giving us boundaries
21. Thank you for giving us Nugget, Kix, Bluebird, Lemondrop, and the fish
22. Thank you for teaching us how to care for those pets
23. Thank you for helping us complete projects at 11 pm
24. Thank you for not doing those projects for us
25. Thank you for showing us the difference between right and wrong
26. Thank you for being a wonderful mom and dad
27. Thank you for being fantastic grandparents
28. Thank you for teaching us to be responsible for ourselves
29. Thank you for visiting us at college and being the "cool" parents
30. Thank you for showing us that marriage takes work and isn't always easy
31. Thank you for raising three great kids ;) and loving us each and every day...

Work those muscles...

Morning Workout...

1. Pushups
2. Leg Lifts
3. Situps

And yes...he is really doing a pushup! Someone is going to be crawling soon...

Nov. Greeblepix Contest

Evan's first time on the beach...priceless!

Head on over to Greeblemonkey to see the November entries! They are fantastic!

Elf time!

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

getting ready...

Wow! I can't believe it is less than 2 months until Christmas is here. Today, the weather has made it feel like winter...rainy and cold, so some hot chocolate, football, and Christmas wrapping is underway. Since today is Sunday survey, I'd like to know about...

1. How do you shop for others for the holidays? Do you just go out, browse, and find something you'd like to get for that person, or do you have an idea ahead of time and then look for that specific thing?
2. Do you make a list for the gifts you are buying others (and check it twice...ha!) OR how do you stay organized with gift giving?
3. Do you have a budget for your Christmas gifts?
4. Does your hubby or significant other help with the gift buying/ideas for family members or is that task left up to you?

Check out the comments for my answers...

Thankful

5 things I'm thankful for right now...

1. Peppermint Hot Chocolate
2. A weekend home with my hubby
3. A rearranged living room
4. Wrapping/making presents tonight
5. A cute little baby that has an adorable laugh

8

Happy Birth Day! 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Happy 8th Birthday Madison Elaine!!!! We love you!!!

need some smiles

With the news yesterday, I decided I needed to see some funny pictures of our little guy...

"ummm...the food is supposed to go where?"

"More prunes please!"

He's ready for some food...and yes, finally, after 8 days, the prunes worked their magic!

"Why...hello camera...can't you see I'm busy eating?!"

more prayers please

Remember my Aunt Barbara? Well, we just found out that her husband, my Uncle Mark also has lung cancer. I am just in utter shock. Barbara just went through her second round of chemo at Johns Hopkins and they had to drain fluid from her lung. Now, Uncle Mark is going to have surgery soon to have some of his lung taken out. Our family is going to take turns helping and wish we could do more. I want to help out my cousin Matthew, because having both parents within a month diagnosed with cancer is overwhelming I'm sure. Plus he is getting his new business started, so he has a lot on his plate. My Aunt and Uncle are going to be going home to Texas within the next week before the surgery and next round of chemo so our family is going to be taking turns going down there until Thanksgiving to help out. I'm not sure if I'm going to go to Texas with my mom to help or head to Baltimore to help my cousin after his dad has surgery. It's really just a lot to take in and not knowing what to do or how to help....so if you could send some prayers their way, I know they (and we) would appreciate it. Thank you...

Top 10 Etsy Favorites

My favorite ETSY faves right now...wish I had a bazillion dollars! :)

1. Transportation Set by Imagination Kids...love the handcrafted toys
2. Christmas Alphabet folded tags by Ormolu
3. My treehouse treasures...lots of great ideas here...can't tell you exactly what I like since I have been Christmas shopping here! :)
4. Personalized photo blocks at PersnicketyMe...love the onesies and photo blocks here!
5. This shop is another Christmas gift but BragAboutIt has such fantastic hand stamped jewelry. I have the tiny hand stamped silver disc that has Evan's name, birthdate, and birthstone. I love it!
6. Eco Wall Cards would be adorable in a playroom!
7. College Themed Sports Blankets by Walteramylee...these would be great gifts!
8. Twogreenolivetrees has an adorable thankful turkey tee
9. MimisCrafts has the cutest coin purses that I've had my eye on!
10. Giggles and Glam has the cutest scrabble tile pendant. Two of my friends and my aunt have been diagnosed with breast cancer or some form of cancer, so I really like the saying on this pendant.

• What are your favorite sites on etsy?

beauty

Sometimes what's left unsaid......speaks the loudest...

3...3...3...

• THREE NAMES I GO BY

1. Kasey 2. Kase 3. Mrs. Laughlin

• THREE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE

1. waitress at TGI Fridays 2. Soccer coach 3. Teacher

• THREE PLACES I HAVE LIVED

1. St. Louis, MO 2. Miami, FL 3. Columbia, MO

• THREE TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH

1. Biggest Loser 2. Grey's Anatomy 3. Lost

• THREE PLACES I HAVE BEEN

1. grocery store 2. Target 3. Cayman Islands

• THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO

1. anywhere warm 2. Puerta Vallarta 3. Italy

• THREE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS

1. pasta 2. steak 3. reeses pieces

• THREE THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO

1. holidays 2. a hair cut 3. a bubble bath and a good book

• THREE ANIMALS WHO I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH

1. Nugget 2. Gracie 3. Jack

• THREE THINGS I AM REALLY SCARED OF

1. the dark 2. storms 3. losing my family

• THREE FAVORITE BOOKS

1. way too many 2. anything by Karen Kingsbury 3. Twilight/Harry Potter

• THREE FAVORITE BANDS/SINGERS

1.Carrie Underwood 2. U2 3. faith hill/tim mcgraw

• THREE FAVORITE DRINKS

1. Lemonade 2. Water 3. Apple juice

• THREE THINGS I FIND MOST ATTRACTIVE IN A GUY

1. legs 2. smile 3. sense of humor

• THREE THINGS I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT

1. Mike 2. Evan 3. Food/H20/O2

soccer...

I'm all for good, clean, hard playing during a soccer match, but I think New Mexico went over the line against BYU...good thing BYU won! :) Watch this...

Happy Sunday!

My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com Hope you are having a great weekend...I know we are! Someone...I won't mention any names, but, that someone has finally, the past two nights, slept through the night! Down at 7:30, a quick feed around 11, and then up around 7:30-8 am. Love that! :) woohoo!

3 things interview with my hubby

• THREE NAMES I GO BY

1. Loffdawg 2. LD 3. Kasey's baby daddy

• THREE JOBS I HAVE HAD IN MY LIFE

1. teacher 2. lab assistant 3. wine connoisseur

• THREE PLACES I HAVE LIVED

1. San Antonio, TX 2. Tulsa, OK 3. St. Louis, MO

• THREE TV SHOWS THAT I WATCH

1. Lost 2. Flashforward 3. Curb Your Enthusiasm

• THREE PLACES I HAVE BEEN

1. Kenya 2. Bermuda 3. Puerto Vallarta

• THREE PLACES I WANT TO GO

1. Australia 2. France 3. the bathroom

• THREE OF MY FAVORITE FOODS

1. pepperoni pizza 2. lobster 3. steak

• THREE THINGS I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO

1. seeing Evan tomorrow 2. sleeping (#1 and #2 were done after a long night at work after the football game) 3. the holidays

• THREE ANIMALS WHO I HAVE BEEN FRIENDS WITH

1. Jack 2. Gracie 3. Bear

• THREE THINGS I AM REALLY SCARED OF

1. fear itself 2. self fear 3. fearing it

• THREE FAVORITE BOOKS

1. Harry Potter 2. Twilight 3. The Book of Life... ;)

• THREE FAVORITE BANDS/SINGERS

1. The Boss 2. CCR 3. John Cougar

• THREE FAVORITE MOVIES

1. Unforgiven 2. Big Lebowski 3. Dumb and Dumber

• THREE FAVORITE DRINKS

1. Rum and Coke 2. Coke 3. Rum

• THREE THINGS I FIND MOST ATTRACTIVE IN A GIRL

1. mammers 2. personality 3. smile

• THREE THINGS I COULDN'T LIVE WITHOUT

1. Kasey 2. Evan 3. oxygen

Social Saturday

Good Morning! :) I hope you are having a fantastic day so far! The sun is shining and I'm looking forward to having friends over, hanging out and just relaxing! I thought I'd let you know about a few blogs that, you may or may not read, that I love...go grab your cup of coffee and enjoy the reading!

• BooMama she is hilarious! My favorite part is that she writes quotes from The Office. Love that show...

• Waiter Rant...Since I used to be a waitress at a few different places, I find this guy completely honest about the industry and funny. And this bill is insane!

• The McNulty Quads and Steece's Pieces are two quad baby blogs and are so real about being a mom, especially to quads! I can't even imagine! The best part is these quad moms are friends in real life after meeting through blogland. Love that!

• Whatever is another favorite of mine. Meg is so talented and so colorful! She takes amazing pictures and her kids are so darn cute!

• Nitty.Gritty. is about Jody, her hubby and six kids...1 in heaven and five here on earth. She is uplifting, real, and has a great heart.

19 lbs of love

5 months

We took Evan to his well baby check yesterday and since we went at 6 weeks old and not 8 weeks, his schedule is a bit off...so it was supposed to be his 6 months check. Anyhoo, we have a cute little chunker on our hands! He weighed in at a whopping 19 lbs! 90th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for length and head. The good news is since he isn't 6 months old yet, he didn't have to get any shots. :) But, we have to head back the 1st week in Dec. to get them :( I do like that he got a sticker for being a "smart patient!" We were joking around that the 19 lbs is a bit off considering he has not poo'ed in a week and there is probably a good 2 pounds that needs to get out! augh! I'm not sure what the deal is. Our doctor said to give him an ounce of juice with an ounce of water mixed together....so we are trying prune juice right now. Hopefully that will do the trick. If is hasn't worked in a day or two, we have to call back. Any advice out there????

Thankful Thursday

5 reasons I am thankful for this little guy...

1. He makes me laugh
2. He is always very alert
3. He has the most gorgeous eyes
4. He is such a happy baby
5. He makes our life complete