Valentine's Day Chex Mix

I haven't posted in what seems like forever.  I've been a busy girl. Heading back to work after the winter break was a whirlwind.  I had to finish report cards, get ready for Groundhog's Day, the 100th Day of School, and being a mom!  My assistant also lost her mom last week and that was rough for everyone.  She's back now and we are working our way towards conferences and in a few weeks SPRING BREAK!  Here's a look at what I have been up to!  100 day Fruit Loop necklaces...and yes, they counted every last one!

 100 day sticker books!

 And of course, taking care of this one!  Well, at this moment she was helping daddy with "the other woman," but this past week I was a single mom since Elijah was in Pittsburgh.  During this time Audrey decided to take a flying leap off the couch and burn her face on the cat scratcher AND biting into her lip.  So the past few days she has looked like I gave her a good 1-2 into her jaw.  That's how I roll!

While Audrey took a nap I decided to take a crack at a Valentine's Day Chex Mix that I found via Pinterest.  It's been sitting on my board for a good 4 weeks now and I thought it would be great to make so Audrey can take it to her little friends at the babysitter's.  

I first started with the Rice Chex.

 Then you melt the peanut butter, vanilla chips, and butter

 Add it to the Chex and blend it all together.  Then you split it in half and add powder sugar to half (didn't take a picture of that process.  I'm sure you'll live.)

 Lay it out to cool for 15 minutes, while the monitor is on so if you hear screaming you have to stop what you're doing and rescue the baby.

 Let the dogs taste test the mix.  After all, some people call it puppy chow.  And yes, they approve.

 Mr. Helper himself.

 To the unpowdered sugar mix you add in M&M's and sprinkles.  I didn't have those fat ones on hand, so I used the ones that look like colored sugar.  If you use the hard candy coated ones the effect is better, but the store we went to didn't have just Valentine colors.

 Then you let that cool down.  We made two batches since the recipe was a 1/2 recipe.  It would be enough if it were just for a few people, though.

 You then blend it all together and bag it up and voila you have your fun Valentine Chex Mix...from Audrey and made by her parents while your highness beauty rested.  Super easy and super yummy!!

Audrey's First Haircut

Today Audrey went and got her first haircut!  We weren't too sure how she would react since she hates new situations and people being too close in her face.  We didn't do her hair today since she was going to get it done.  Here is what she looked like before we went.

 Elijah tried putting Audrey in the seat and she would have nothing to do with it so I had to sit with her, where she proceeded to scream and flail until they gave her a lollipop.

 Audrey's haircut lasted approximately 2.5 minutes and she hated every minute of it!  Here she is getting her hair parted and ready to be cut. Notice the sad eyes.

 Happy haircut?  This face tells it all.  Haircuts are stupid and I never want to get one again.  I hate you all.  But aren't they sooooo cute?????  Those bangs make her look like such a big girl!

 Audrey even got a baggie with her hair in it and a certificate that says she got her first haircut.  Maybe tomorrow she will like it better!

The Clothes Goal

For a couple of months now I have really been trying to reach out of my comfort zone (in the clothes department) and try some new fashions that are much more cuter and trendier.  I'm not going crazy trendy, like zebra neon pants or back to the 80's, but the basics of trendy.  I'm talking skinny jeans, tunic tops and boots.  Nothing crazy, but things I have not tried.  I am a traditionally very classic dresser who wears a t-shirt and jeans most of the time or a pair of black pants or khakis and a plain top.  I have been getting tired of these clothes and wanted to try something new.  This is where the skinny jeans come in.  Now, you might say, "what's wrong with skinny jeans?"  Well nothing, except I'm already skinny and the 'skinny' jean would just accentuate my already stick like legs.  Elijah always told me to just embrace being skinny, but I hate being judged or told by other people that I need to eat or that I am just so small.  Really?  I had no idea people!!! Everyone has their insecurities and mine is the skinny girl complex.  I was born this way, as Lady Gaga would say.  I eat and nothing happens.  I would love to tack on a few pounds, but I probably would have to eat pure lard in order to gain anything and that's just not happening.  To prove that I eat I will tell you what I ate for lunch today: a turkey wrap, 2 cuties, a personal sized cheese block thing, a bag of BBQ chips, and carrots with ranch. I drank water with my meal.  This is a typical lunch for me!  Anywho, I have really been trying to embrace the skinny and I really stepped out of my box today and wore something new!  I even stopped in with a co-worker and asked my assistant if I looked like a weirdo today.  It really made my day when another co-worker told me I looked really cute and that she liked my outfit!  I guess it does pay to step out of my comfort zone. I really will try to continue finding things that are cute and I may feel slightly self conscious, but a more stylish one!!  Here is a look at what I wore today!!  Pardon the mess of hair and lack of makeup...I just got off work!

Dress: c/o Target. Belt, tank, leggings: c/o Wet Seal.  Shoes: Fergalicious.  Cat: not included.

That's SnOw Fun!!

Right before Christmas we got to enjoy a little company from Auntie Janis and her dog Emma.  Janis was on her way to Elijah's grandparents house (Janis' parents) and made an overnight pit stop with us.  We will see her again right after the new year on her way back to Texas.  We always love having her come and it's so nice because Audrey just adores her!  Janis got to enjoy a little bit of snow while she was here and had to wait it out a bit since all the interstates were closed to and from ABQ.  We headed over to the park for some snowman making and a little playground fun!

Emma waiting to go out and play

Janis waiting while Audrey gets dressed up in multiple baby layers

Ready.....

Set......

Snow!!!!

Tightly wrapped bundle

Mini snow man

It's not good to ride down a slide with slick pants on.

Because this is where you end up.  Audrey enjoyed it though!

Daddy and bug

Pink and purple snow monster

The mountains were all covered with clouds in the background.

Janis trying to force Emma down.  She wasn't having it.

We were glad Janis made it to NM safely and can't wait for her return in January.  Hopefully this next time Emma and our arctic seal/dog, Zane, won't get into a fight! 

It's a Holly Jolly Christmas!

Christmas morning was so great for us this year!  Santa came last night for Audrey and left her some amazing goodies! We got an early morning wake up call to the tune of 5:40am via the ladybug who was not to pleased that her diaper failed and she had leaked all over her bed.  We changed her and took her to our room with some milk in the hopes that she would fall asleep again.  She tossed and turned after drinking her milk and we finally gave up at 6:20 to let Audrey see what Santa brought for her.  She was so pleased to see all her gifts and we spent the better part of an hour taking time to open and look at each and every gift.  I think her favorite gifts are her new "house" and her Disney Princess tea set.  We even had an imaginary tea party.  

What Santa left the ladybug

Toby hanging out in the window

Audrey even got a letter from Santa!

Reading one of her new books as Sunny looks on

Opening my "mystery" gift.

Ha!! I knew there was a cat toy inside to throw me off.  There was even a brick to weigh it down.  Thanks honey!!

One of my favorite pictures.  Look at that face!

Mini book galore

If you're wondering what that is...it's an iPod Nano so he can wear it when cruising around on his bike.

Ahhhhhhh!

My tea set! It's what I've always wanted!!

Talking to Princess Potato Head

 After opening up gifts at our house, we headed down to Jeff and Tamara's to open up gifts there.  The camera died midway through, but you get the idea.  Jeff and Tamara got Audrey a rocking horse that neighs and his tail wags.  So far she doesn't want to sit on it, but will walk by it and hit it on the head.  Why she doesn't like horses is beyond me!

Jeff excited to get Lego Nascar #24 car.

Audrey peaking at her gift

It's a rocking horse!!

Audrey saying euh. I don't like him.

And here's me and my brother trying to get Audrey to sit on it while she screams

So far we have had a great time opening up gifts.  Audrey is really starting to understand the concept of Christmas and next year should be even more amazing!  We are going to relax and try to take a nap  and then this evening we will be eating New Mexican cuisine via green chili chicken enchiladas, spanish rice, and a yummy salad.  We hope your Christmas was absolutely fabulous!! Cheers!

Love,

The Cavinders