Dear Lauren,

tee, necklace and flip flops: old navy      pants: target

Besides my pants, everything I am wearing is from Old Navy.  I really wish I could find away for them to pay me to advertise their clothes.  

These pants are extremely comfortable but there is a major problem in that they have to tie under my belly and I felt like they were going to fall down all day long.  

Today is this sweet boy's 4th birthday.  I can't believe it was four years ago I heard his little cry on the phone right after he was born, and anxiously awaited until I could meet him a few weeks later.  I remember feeling like I couldn't imagine loving him any more, and I still feel the same way. 
You have done such an amazing job raising a tender, compassionate, smart and adorable little boy Lauren! I'm so thankful to have you as an example as I enter motherhood.  
Happy birthday to the sweetest, funniest and cutest little boy I know.  I love you more than you know Travis James!

Speaking of Travis, the other night he prayed "Thank you for the baby in Katie's belly and for the baby in Chris' belly.  We love their family."  
So while he really is smart, maybe you need to remind him only girls can have babies. 
I love you Lauren and am so happy I get to see you in a week.  

Five on Friday

sweater: kohls    jeans: H&M maternity  shoes: target

1.  The back of this sweater is way more exciting than the front.  So while I am not a fan of the backside pictures, I feel like I had no choice. 2.  I usually stick to pretty easy recipes, especially when it comes to desserts.  Which is why I loved this one because it starts with a brownie mix and ends with cookie dough that I can eat.  Which beat out the recipe I wanted to make last week.  Cookie Dough Brownie Bites3.  While this recipe is probably still easy to most, to me it is more work then the majority of recipes I make, but I'm sure it's worth it!  I am participating in Jess' Easter recipe swap and this is the recipe I received from Jasmine.  I failed at making it this week but plan on trying it this weekend! Chocolate Guinness Cake

4.  The other day my sister texted me a picture of my cute niece with a high pony tail and said that my three year old nephew said "She looks like a pine cone or a bad guy.  Either way it's not good." 
I don't think he could be any cuter or funnier.  I am missing him a lot!
5. I want to make one of these lamps for our baby room.  I know there are many other things I should be organizing and cleaning at my house, but all I want to do it make things for her room!  

(floral lamp    polka dot lamp)

Happy Friday! Hope you have a great weekend!

High Five for Friday

dress: target   leggings: jcpenny   boots: steve & barry's  necklace: gift 

1. These leggings make me feel like I belong in either the 80 year old category or the 8 year old category.  I think they work best when there is only a little of them showing.   
2.  Someone brought these bars to school last week and they were so good, I plan on making them for my mom's birthday dinner this weekend. 

Avalanche Bars

3. It has been snowing all day today! Now if only that would mean a snow day tomorrow.

4.  Last week my nephew told my sister he had a secret and whispered, "Mama, I want you to know that I think you are the best.  But you'd be cooler if you could fly."  I sure miss him!

5.  I'm not quite sure why I didn't start shopping on ebay years ago.  I got some pretty sweet (and cheap) Christmas gifts from there this year and bought this owl necklace for 99 cents.  Shipping included!  

When you're not sure if something will be cute or gaudy under $1 is a risk I can handle.    Happy Friday!!

Dear Lauren,

I've been wanting a floral infinity scarf and finally found some fabric this weekend and made one!  

Now if only I could find a fabric with elephants on it.

shirt: old navy (similar)   jeans: kohls   boots: dsw (similar)  scarf: DIY

It always takes me a few days to get used to my new hair, but I think I am starting to like the darker color.
Unfortunately this wind makes it look like a slight mess.

I can't even wait to see you on Thursday.  Over three months is far too long. 

The other day you sent me this picture with this text: 

"Just getting Lena a snack and turn around and this is what I find.  

Travis why are you naked?

 'It seemed like a good idea.'"

and I honestly have looked at it and laughed about it everyday since. 

(Travis - I know that seeing this picture now will make you laugh and only think more highly off yourself.  Agreed.  But by the time it doesn't, I promise I'll take it down!)

I can't wait to give you these shoes that I found at Target for $4.50.  Now you, me and Lauren-in-law will be matching. 

Last week you told me that you told one of your clients about what I am going through during this infertility journey and how it has made me a more beautiful person, and you said you were able to use my story to encourage someone else. 

Thank you for saying that.  For reminding me that God is using me.  For reminding me that He will continue to use this struggle to grow me and others too.  

and for reminding me how blessed I am to have a sister who loves me, prayers for and encourages me. 

I love you Lauren and have the biggest hug waiting for you, Travis and Lena Thursday afternoon! 

Love, 

Linking up to: random wednesday  pleated poppy  rolled up pretty  saw it pinned it

High Five for Friday

sweater: DIY  chambray shirt: old navy ($15)  pants: target ($13)  boots: dsw (similar)

1.  I made this heart sweater last year and am still loving it. Loving that it cost me $8 too! Check out the tutorial here. 

2.  When I was training for a marathon I often made smoothies and added protein powder to it, but that was the only time I ever thought about doing it.  I want to do a better job taking supplements or vitamins, plus I think just doing it would automatically make me feel healthier, right?   I'm thinking adding something like Bio-K+ supplements to a smoothie recipe like this, which I've made before, would be a good idea.  

3. This picture on pinterest really made my laugh this week.  

Especially with the caption:  full body sweater for when you're having one of those days.

source

4.  So happy and thankful for my birthday presents this year.  You would think I must have told my family somethings that I wanted or something?  Two favorites are these necklaces.  One from my parents and one from Chris. 

5. I think I have the funniest nephew in the world.  He recently started pooping on the toilet and today he said, "Mama, I know you are excited when I poop on the toilet.  But please don't clap and cheer anymore.  Just say, 'That's correct.'

So happy I get to see his sweet face one week from tonight.

Happy Friday friends! Hope you have a great weekend.  

High 5 for Friday  Casual Friday
Shine on Friday  the girl creative
5 days 5 ways

High Five for Friday

denim shirt: old navy  dress: kohls  sandals: target

1. I kind of feel like a cowgirl in this outfit.  All I need is a good pair of cowboy boots, which I have yet to buy.  Perhaps next Fall? 

2.  I made this for my family this week and it was so simple, but my family absolutely loved it.  Chris wanted me to make it the day after and my mom plans on making it tomorrow night.

Meatball sub casserole

source

3. Could I have a cuter nephew?
absolutely not.

4. I'm a little concerned that the content of this blog in regards to fashion posts may start slacking now that it is summer.  My summer style consists of flip flops and dresses, usually accompanied by unbrushed and unshowered hair.

Just so you're prepared. 

5. I also made this recipe this week.  Both recipes this week were from plain chicken blog. If you don't already, you should start checking this blog regularly.  It always has easy and delicious recipes.

Nutella S'mores Pulls

source

The only thing I did differently is use french bread instead of sour dough bread.  I like sour dough bread, but figured as far as dessert goes, I'd rather have french bread.

Happy Friday friends!  I hope you have a great weekend!

High 5 for Friday

Dear Lauren,

It was so good to see you this weekend! Come back!

Dress & Tights: Kohls    Boots: DSW

Thank you for purchasing this same dress in pink first and going back to Kohls with me so I could buy it in white. 

I'm happy I finally found a lace dress.  

And thanks to a 30% off coupon and $5 gift card, I got it for only $14.  

Thank you for laughing at all my jokes and thinking I'm funny. 

You always boost my self esteem.    

Thank you for giving such a meaningful talk at Lauren's shower this weekend.

Your wisdom, advice and encouragement about marriage was appreciated by everyone there!

You'd probably be embarrassed for me if you knew what trouble I went through to take this outfit picture. 

My real camera is at our parents and Chris wasn't home today. 

Let's just say it involved an older camera, random things to prop it up, a hair tie, and a wasted 20 minutes of my life. 

and thank you for having the cutest kids in the world.  

I could have used some more Yumz and more Travis today. 

Can't wait to see you in 8 weeks! 

Love,

Linking up to: 

  Rolled up Pretty   lollipops

Momma go Round    The Letter 4
Rae Gun Ramblings
pleated poppy

Travis James

Meet the cutest two year in the world. Travis James - the best nephew an aunt could ask for.

I was having a rougher day today when my sister texted me and said that this morning Travis said, "Where's Katie? I miss that guy."

Travis: I miss you - Thank you for making me smile today! I couldn't love you any more. The 2 and half weeks when I get to see you won't come soon enough!