Special Drink Saturday

When we have our date nights on Saturday nights, a big part of the special-ness is our special drink. Sometimes the special drink is simple, sometimes it's complicated...but it's always special. Like I've said before, we mostly drink water (both plain and seltzer) during the week, so it's a big deal to get something else. These days, even when we eat out, we have a growing chorus of boys begging for our drinks, so we usually drink water even in restaurants.

As for me? I'm easily influenced by food trends, and I love the current generation of mixologists and fancy cocktail menus. They are so fun!

So, that's a long way to say, the boys often see me fixing a special drink on Saturdays, and they are very often intrigued. This week, they were interested, but didn't want to try the drink I had made. They wanted one of their own. So, I was happy to indulge them with some grape coke. They were in heaven!

I think this is the first time that I broke out the real glass glasses. The boys did great! We'll definitely use these glasses again.

And, of course, there had to be a long discussion about why milk was best for the new baby, with many apologies that he was unable to get a glass of grape drink this night.

Happy birthday!

Around our house, birthdays are much talked about, much anticipated events. And, honestly? The only reason that they get soooo excited? Cake. Absolutely, 100% about the cake.

My boys (especially the oldest) are all about the treats. Will would eat treats all. day. long if I let him. Treats for breakfast, lunch, and supper, with a few snacks thrown in for good measure.

So, when we talked about welcoming a new baby, and it being the "new baby's birthday", those two had one thing on their mind.

Cake.

Welcome to baby Marshall Pearman!! He was born June 17 at 12:11 pm, weighing a whopping 11 lb,1oz. (I bet he can't wait for his own slice of cake!) and 23 inches long.

We're in heaven these days with the addition of our 3rd boy.

And with leftover ice cream cake, of course.

Pregnant Date Night

We had one last date night (last? They are so very rare these days.... But, one date night when we knew that we'd be all alone, without a sweet nursling to worry about) during this pregnancy.

Usually, for date night, we're all about the cool and trendy. Maybe not so trendy, but definitely cool and hip and local and, mostly, ethnic. We like non-chain places. Places with character.

But, ya'll.

There is no defending the taste of a pregnant woman. For this date night, we fulfilled a craving I had had for months.

Yes, as my grandparents called it, the R and L.

I think I ate 3 baskets of rolls. I'm sure Mike had one. They even let me bring 3 home. They were eaten for breakfast the next day.

Ah, nothing like a pregnant craving fulfilled.

Thanks, Mike, for always being willing to jump outside our (local, trendy, non-chain) box to have a great time with me! I can't wait to jump into this adventure of 3 babies with you, too!

Menu Plan Monday!

This is an exciting week for us....I only need to plan the first part of the week. The second part of the week will be taken care of with HOSPITAL FOOD! Yep, that's right, peeps, I'm headed to the hospital early Thursday morning to meet our newest little blessing. And, I can't wait!! Today (Monday) is technically my due date, but my children (like their mama) don't really do things on time. This time, though, I've figured that out, and we have an eviction date. With #2, I didn't plan an eviction date, and we waited 12 long days for him. The poor 3rd child doesn't get that luxury.

Our garden is starting to produce, and my mother's garden looks fabulous!! I've been enjoying some wonderful hakurei turnips this spring. I think I've eaten every single one raw, with salt. Mike got to taste one! And, my mom had a ripe tomato yesterday, and Mike promises one this week. Tomato season with the Tomato Family. Ah, it doesn't get much better than this!

Friday: beans and rice, pico de gallo

Saturday: bagels (breakfast), shrimp coktel (lunch), shrimp po'boys (supper)

Sunday: blueberry pancakes, bacon (breakfast), out (lunch), pasta salad (supper)

Monday: burritos with collards, roasted red potatoes, roasted baby patty pan squash, roasted chicken, and salsa

Tuesday: stuffed zuchinni, boiled potatoes with herbs, turnip greens, salad

Wednesday: chicken tettrazini, salad

Thursday: HOSPITAL FOOD

Friday: my favorite take out near the hospital

Saturday: spaghetti (from the freezer), cupcakes (to celebrate the baby's birthday, of course)