I choose fun:)

I saw this little quote on this amazing website, Pinterest.com.  If you haven't heard about it, you really must check it out.  I was scrolling through and saw this and it absolutely reminded me of today!
I adore days like today.  Today is mommy and Cayden day! Don't get me wrong, I love my husband dearly.  I actually prefer the days that it's the three of us all day.  But sometimes, days like today are just what I needed.   Now that we have finished swim lessons for the day and are back home we have all day to ourselves! No places we have to be, or errands to run.  Free to play and be silly, just Cayden and me.  Put the laundry off until later and just enjoy being a mommy.  I wish we could do this everyday, but unfortunately I enjoy wearing clean clothes and eating off clean plates.  Call me crazy, but I even love having clean floors.  But not today- the clothes can stay dirty and the dishes can wait to be put away.  Today nothing matters {until 3 p.m. at least when Cayden goes down for a nap} besides my ever-growing little boy.
I am not exactly sure what I will do with this whole day to ourselves, but that's the best part!  We can do anything we want!  Perhaps we will go to the park- or maybe even head to the pool.  We can eat lunch outside in the summer sun or crawl around inside if we want!
I just can't say it enough... I love days like today!  Full of sunshine and giggles, water splashes and kisses.  I hope you enjoy your Thursday as much as I will enjoy mine! Now off to pack our lunch and maybe even spend the afternoon splashing' around in the pool!

BAHAHAH! Get it... mustache!  I <3 Pinterest! 

Whitney

What I LOVE Wednesday!

So for this post I wanted to share some of my favorite mommy products.  It's amazing how much your "product love" changes once you have a child.  Pre-Cayden this list would include my favorite make-up, or flavor of  iced coffee, perhaps the latest movie out.  Boy how things have changed.  Here are a few products that I have found made life a little easier now that my whole life/schedule revolves around a 9 month old.    These are all products that I use/need at this point in our lives.  But I will be posting soon my "new momma must-haves" soon! 

My "Mommy Must-Haves"...

These three make-up items are my essentials.   Especially for those days you are running out the house and doing a million things at once.  These will keep you looking refreshed, but natural. Great way to hide those tired eyes and blotchy over worked skin. The lip tint is great {not just because it's Burt's! Although, he is my fave} it adds just enough color and moisture without looking like you are hitting' up the club at the playgroup. 

AHH.  One of my all time favorites.  This is magic in a bottle.   This amazing potion because my best friend on days that I have Cayden crying, and not enough time to blow dry and straighten my hair.  I spray a little of this on after I towel dry my non brushed hair, do a little scrunch all around, and drive to my destination with the windows down.  Viola!  Beach Bum hair on a Wednesday! 

Philosophy is the most amazing skin care product I have ever come across.  The idea behind it is to make your skin so perfect you won't even need make-up.  I wouldn't say it's taken me that far, but pretty close. I love how simple and pure it feels when I use it.  My skin feels genuinely clean, without the harsh chemical smells.  Oh and don't let me forget their body wash, lotions, and perfumes.  "Amazing Grace" is my favorite.  It's classic.  But I will promise that whatever scent, you choose or product you desire, Philosophy will not leave you disappointed! 

LUNA BARS. The perfect pick me up. Ready for an on the go breakfast, or late afternoon snack.  They are filled with vitamins and fiber and definitely fill you up.  I love this flavor!  It's a good way to get a chocolate fix without the guilt! 

My baby "must haves"...

This Baby Einstein Jump-a-roo is the best invention ever!  It keeps Cayden occupied and content while I cook dinner, fold laundry, or take a potty break.  We have gotten our use of this item for sure!  I am sad that he seems to be "getting over it".   The more mobile he gets the less constrained he wants to be.  But trust me I will use this awesome toy until he is too big for it!

Nuby Sippy Cups.  Cayden was a late bloomer when he jumped on board with Sippy Cups.  Actually, it was just a few ads ago that he actually drank formula from one of these.  It has taken us a while to get him to drink from a cup and even more time to get him to hold it himself.  However, even with all the troubles this was the only cup he would even try.  That's why Nuby makes my "must have list", because chances are without them Cayden would be 2 and still drink from a bottle.

love. Love. LOVE ISR.  We just started but so far I love it.  It is not at all what I was expecting.  I have heard horror stories of Infant Survival Swim Lessons.  These are nothing like that.  They do not throw him in, or make him "learn on his own".  Mrs. Yvonne is awesome.  She pays attention to Caydens needs in the water all while teaching him valuable life saving lessons.  I feel so much better about Cayden being at my parents house {or anyones house} who does not have an enclosed pool.  I love ISR and am thankful I made the decision to begin the process of "drown-proofing" Cayden

Happy Baby Food is so fantastic.  This organic baby food comes in squeezable packages.  They are our favorite because they are so much more portable than the jarred food, and a lot less mess.  Not to mention Cayden now drinks from a straw and we are pretty confident its all thanks to the genius idea of "sucking" out the baby food! 

Hip Hip Hooray!  A diaper rash cream that actually wipes off with a wipe and doesn't leave your baby smelling like medicine.  I love Butt Paste.  It is a great product that I have used since Cayden was a little peanut!  This stuff is amazing.  The first sign of a rash, I put it on very generously and by the next day it's practically gone.  LOVE IT.  Keeps mommy and Cayden happy! 

Thanks for checking out my "Must Haves"!  I will be sharing more products that make mommy-hood a little easier very soon!

Until next time...

Whitney:)

A mothers love...

This week my heart has been heavy with finding out about the loss of childhood friend.   His name was Greg.  Even at the age of 5 he was the kindest boy I knew.   We grew up in church together and even now I remember his laugh.   He was his mother's only child.  She lived for him and for church.  He was raised by his mother and his grandmother and all of three of them were the most sweet-spirited people.
Over the years as we grew up, Greg and I lost contact.  We would still see each other around town now and then and say hello, but that was that.
In all honesty, other than a few "likes" on Facebook, I hadn't ever given him much thought.  I remember reading a few posts that caught my attention.  His mom had to have heart surgery, and he was now the sole supporter.  I remember sitting there having such admiration and thinking about how he still was that sweet boy that I grew up with in Sunday School.  What an amazing person, that in their 20's, would do all they could to support their family?
Unfortunately, Greg went to sleep this past Saturday night and never woke up.  Autopsy reports came back that he had a massive blood clot to his heart, which took his life.  His young, energetic, life.
Although it's not my place to ask why?  I can't help it.  Why would God take the life of this amazing guy?  A boy whose family needs him more than ever.  Why would God put this much grief on a mother whose heart is still healing from massive surgery?  Why would God leave this family who already struggling with money any more in debt?  These questions may never be answered.  But I can't help them from lingering in my head.   Such a sad story that we will never understand.  I know God has a purpose, and a reason for everything... but things like this will never make sense.
Not only does the death of this amazing person bring me such sadness, it wears heavy on my heart and soul.  I know from what is now personal experience that no one knows the deepness of a mothers love.  I can not even imagine was Mrs. Beckie is going through.
Over the past two days I have held Cayden, played with him, fed him, and watched him sleep.  All the while thinking about that poor mother who has lost her only child, her son.  I can't help the tears that well up thinking about it.  I could not imagine my life without my little boy.   I can't imagine living a day and him not being a part of it.  My heart goes out to her on levels that I would have never understood in life B.C. (before Cayden).
So as I go to bed tonight I will once again pray for peace in her heart, and say thank you for the most amazing little boy in my life.





The past few days may have had a lingering cloud of sadness, but it hasn't stopped me from enjoying every minute with Cayden.  We have had a full 2 days filled with swim lessons, shopping trips, trying new foods, visiting the sweetest addition to the Barsky Family, and playing with Logan, while I visited with Kelly and Sky.  I love days like these past few.  They feel a little care-free, but structured.  I feel productive and yet relaxed.  We will see if we can keep that a trend this week:)  My favorite thing about both yesterday and today is Cayden's "cheese" face.  The past few days we have discovered that when we shine a light on his face he thinks its a camera and now squats his little eyes and says "eeeeesssseeee"! It is THE cutest thing.

Hope everyone has had a good Tuesday and will have a better Wednesday!  Please pray for the Gonzales family as funeral arrangements are made and they are left to pick up what pieces they have left.

Love always,

Whitney

Sunday Supper

"By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work." Genesis 2:2

Sundays in the south mean going to church, taking naps in hammocks, relaxing outdoors, gathering with family friends, swimming in the lake, reading in the sunshine, and cooking a big delicious dinner.  
For our Sunday Supper, I like to stick to my southern roots with some down home cookin'.  Chicken and Dumplins’, biscuits, mashed potatoes, Chicken and rice, pot roast, green beans, sweet carrots, corn bread, sliced tomatoes, peach cobbler, and strawberry shortcake are some country comfort classics you may see on our table.  And of course us southerns couldn't enjoy a bite of it without our sweet iced tea. 
I love Sundays.  They feed my spirit, my soul, and my tummy.  They are always sweet, simple and refreshing.  

So my goal is to share a delicious recipe every Sunday.  Perhaps it will inspire you to start a Sunday dinner tradition in your home.  You can keep it in the family, or invite some friends.  You can keep it simple, or go all out.  Or if you already share this wonderful southern tradition, maybe some of these recipes can make it to your family table tonight! 

Since we are in the dead of summer I wanted to share some summer-y recipes.  Although they may not be the "country classic" dinner in the south, they are sure to hit the spot! 

                   

Grilled Chicken with Lemon Basil Pasta  

Ingredients:

4 whole Grilled Chicken Breasts, Sliced

1 pound Penne Pasta, Cooked Until Al Dente

½ sticks Butter

3 whole Lemons, Juiced

¾ cups Heavy Cream

¼ cups Half-and-half

1-½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (or Romano)

Salt And Freshly Ground Black Pepper, To Taste

20 whole Basil Leaves, Chopped

Preparation Instructions

Cook pasta, reserving 1 cup of hot pasta water when you drain. Set pasta aside in a colander.

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Squeeze in the juice of 3 to 4 lemons. Whisk together. Pour in cream and half-and-heat. Whisk until hot. Dump in cheese and whisk until melted. Add salt and pepper. Check consistency, adding some of the hot pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Pour pasta and sauce into a large serving bowl. Sprinkle remaining basil all over the top, then add sliced chicken breasts. Serve immediately!

I found this recipe on:

http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/

I like to accompany the pasta dish with either steamed green beans, or a salad.  Of course my husband would be completely content without the veggies, but I what kind of a mom (or wife) would I be if I didn't serve veggies?!  
Of course on Sundays there is always room for dessert.  But after a heavy pasta dish, perhaps something a little lighter is the best bet.  So whip up your favorite fruit filled dessert, or try one of my summer favorites!  

Grilled Peaches and Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 peach per person

1 warm grill (your grill should still be warm after grilling the chicken)

Vanilla Ice Cream (In our house we prefer Bluebell Homemade Vanilla)

Preparation:

(Always wash your fruit thoroughly before you eat them!)

Cut your peaches in half and remove the pits. Place them cut side down on to the warm grill for about 1-2 minutes, depending on the temperature of the grill.  You want them hot, with grill marks across but not burned.  Turn them over to make sure they are heated all the way

Once they are grilled to your liking, place them in your bowl and top with a scoop of ice cream. 

It is such a simple, light and delicious dessert.

(This recipe is something that I most likely saw on the food network, ate at a restaurant, or saw in a recipe book.  It isn't an original but I have been making it so long, I don't even know who to give credit to!)

Happy Sunday, and in the words of my favorite southern chef, Paula Deen...

Best Dishes, Ya'll! 

Whitney

normally awesome.

I love those days that you think are going to be filled with normal, mundane things, but ends being incredibly amazing. Yesterday was one of those days.  Even at the end of the day, there was nothing out of the ordinary, but for some reason I went to bed feeling as though I just experienced an awesome day. 

We woke up at 6:30 to get ready to take Cayden to his swim lessons.   This lesson concluded his first week at swim lessons.  I must admit, I did not expect him to cry the whole time.  This is a baby who truly LOVES water.   If you turn on a faucet in our house you can expect Cayden to be crawling up you to leg to play!  So you can understand my shock when my 9 month old screamed at every lesson this week.  Don't worry, it wasn't an "I hate this scream" or "I'm hurt scream"...  It was his usual "I don't like being controlled" scream.  So as bad as it may sound, I wasn't upset.  I hear about mom's who cry and can't watch, but I couldn't help but giggle.  Mrs. Yvonne would lay him on his back to teach him to float and the screaming would begin (but he followed her guidance and was picking up everything...all the while screaming) then as she would bring him back up he would splash and play (still screaming) Then when the lesson was over she would bring him to us and let him rest on the side of the pool on a towel.  Every lesson he would lay on the towel and laugh and smile, and miraculously the screaming would stop.  Just like that.  I swear he is one stubborn little boy.  Fighting, until he gets his way.  {I wonder where that comes from? :)} Screaming and all, we were one proud set of parents beaming with pride as we carried him out to the car.  

His swim lesson was followed by a 9 month check up at our pediatricians office.   Cayden is such a ham.   When Dr. Elias walked in to check him he would laugh and giggle at everything she said.  He definitely enjoys being the center of attention (watch out future siblings).  The appointment went well.  We are blessed to have such a happy and healthy little boy.  Not to mention, he only had to get one shot, which is much better than the usual 4! 

While we we were out we grabbed a quick bite to eat at one of our favorite places, Crispers.  That place is filled with all kinds of deliciousness.  Including mine and Cayden's favorite, butternut squash soup and harvest oatmeal cookies.  I must find those recipes. 

We went home and had a relaxing afternoon.  Jeff headed to work for a few hours and Cayden took a nap.  After my stuff around the house was done, I curled up and read a little.  The storms rolled in and for a about 30 minutes I was in heaven.  A quiet house, a good book and a rainy afternoon. 

                                                          

That evening we pulled Cayden's highchair up to the table and all enjoyed some yummy lasagna, salad and garlic bread.  We turned the TV off and just sat, talked and enjoyed being in the company of our little family.   This is a very rare occurrence.  Dinner time is usually a lot more crazy, and less enjoyable. But for some reason, on this night it was fun.  We laughed, and played, and ate and all were merry. 

I'm sure you have read this and thought... "That's it?  That is your magical, incredible day?".   And my reply is "absolutely"! That is what is so incredible about days like that, ordinary days of errands and doctors appointments leave you feeling happy and blessed.  

With Jeff working days/nights/ and everywhere in-between (he's a police officer) we don't get too many of those full family days, and peaceful family nights.  It's days like yesterday that reiterate how blessed I am.  It's days like that when I go to bed with a smile on my face and a heart full of joy.  

                                            

                                      

✌…

Whitney

I'll ♥ you forever.

I remember everything about the moment I took this photo.  It was 10 o'clock at night and I just finished feeding my 3 week old baby boy.   He was sound asleep on my chest, when I handed him off to Jeff.  After several failed attempts to get a good photo for his birth announcements, my sleep deprived brain mustered up enough energy to think of this picture. We set up the backdrop and carefully undressed Cayden.  Flash!  And then...

I blinked. 

                                                              And he grew up.

Well, obviously he is still my baby boy.  But today that little boy that used to cuddle on my chest all day, turned 9 months old.  He is no longer that little peanut sleeping the days away.  Far from it actually.  That little guy is always on the move.  And when I say always... I mean ALWAYS.   Everything about it is bittersweet.  I miss those moments of him laying so peaceful against my chest while I watched Grey's Anatomy or how waking him up was a twenty minute process, and he always made the funniest faces.  We would just sit and stare at him for hours.  I must have 1000 pictures of him sleeping, and I am probably the only one who knows that all of those are actually separate occasions. 

But now, my little 9 month old is a ball of energy.   He wears me out, but he is so much fun.  His smile is constant, and his laughter is contagious.  His jibber-jabber is adorable and his slobbery kisses are the best.  I may barely get the chance to hold him in my arms as I watch TV, but now I get to crawl around on all fours and do silly dances that make him laugh.  

All I know is this; every day goes by quicker than the last, so I need to make each moment count and be thankful for the present and the past. 

I like to end each day remembering my favorite moments. Sometimes they stick out, and other times they are buried like treasure in the sand.  Today's favorite moment didn't take much digging for... 

My photo shoot with my little ray of sunshine was my favorite part of today.   He always turns an ordinary day into extraordinary.

Happy 9 month birthday, Cayden... and remember...

Until next time...

:)Whitney

Grow old with me, the best is yet to be.

For the past 3 years of our married live's my husband, Jeff, and I were just that... Jeff and I.  Us. Dos. Just the two of us.  We were free to come and go as we pleased.  We could go to a movie at midnight and stay up late and sleep in later. We could go grab dinner at a nice romantic restaurant and sit and talk for hours.   We could watch the 6 o'clock news or just sit in silence.  But 9 months ago {tomorrow} our entire lives changed.

On October 21st, 2010 at 10:45 p.m. our precious baby boy, Cayden Daniel Backhaus, came into this world.  In that moment, and from then on, he was all that mattered.  I think even then as I held him in my arms in the recovery room, I couldn't fathom how much different life would be.  This one little baby was our world.  From that day on he has ruled every conversation, every thought, and every breath.  From middle of the night feedings to tantrums in restaurants, we are always adjusting.  We realize now that those days of spontaneity are long gone and now taken over by bottles and bedtimes.

But I would give up all the days of relaxing on the beach to see those little knees crawl across the sand.  I would for-go any 6 o'clock news hour to sit and sing silly songs with my grinning baby boy.  And I will wake up early every morning just to see that adorable face looking out from over the crib.

In a few short months life has gone from sitting behind a desk covered in files to sitting on a floor surrounded by toys. Things have changed for sure, but they have only gotten better.

I hope you enjoy reading this blog as I attempt to jot down some of these most precious moments that  I get to spend with my son.  I am blessed to be a stay at home mom so that I can search for buried treasure in the sand box and take in all of life's simple pleasures.

Whitney

PS- This is on my list of things to make to hang in my room.  Simple, yet sweet!