Fail & Reflection

Yesterday was a complete and utter fail as far as accomplishing things. I had the opportunity to spend the day alone. No kids. No husband. I was so overcome with excitement and possibilities for my day were endless. You know what I did? Nothing. Not a damn thing. I made a list, but only did like 2 mindless things off of it {emptied the dishwasher/put sheets in washer}.

That was it. Nothing more.

I feel like my life has been like that a lot lately. There are a lot of things I could be doing, but  I don't.  I was so stinking excited for the summer to be here! I was excited for the endless possibilities for myself and the girls. And you know what- I haven't done 1/2 the things I thought I would. Fail.

When I was a nanny, shit got done. I lived for outings and errands because it meant things would take up my day and I could get out of the house. Ever since Fall 2009 when I started staying at home full-time with O&G I don't do anything that I did when I got paid to do it. It's like I got burnt out and I can't be that person anymore.

I feel terrible. I have noticed that it is so much easier to let things just be this summer. The girls are pretty good at entertaining themselves {minus the non stop arguing}. Staying at home is easier than it has ever been and O&G will beg for pajama days which makes my life incredibly easy. Play dates are effortless. I no longer have to plan activities or set time limits. They just want their friends over and me to stay the hell out of their business. Occasionally I'm good for snacks, but for the most part they want to be independent.

I think I'm having a hard time being a Mom to older kids. I miss them needing me like they once did. I mean yes days where I can take them to the pool and sit back and bake in the sun are pretty damn nice {not gonna lie}, but everyday like that gets a little boring. I miss the chaos of rushing to morning activities and trying to have fun and eat lunch before nap. I miss nap time and then squeezing in the park all before preparing dinner. I miss meeting girlfriends for outings. As the girls have gotten older all of that is less. Much less.

It seems as time goes by and the girls get older and older I am needed for things like car pool. I am needed to plan a calendar and make sure they get to and from their activities and that they have everything they need while their gone. It's just different. Don't get me wrong- it all has it's perks. The girls getting older provides many opportunities to do things with them that were once difficult. I also can actually have conversations with them. Real conversations. It's nice.

I just feel at a loss sometimes with this parenting thing. Sometimes I would rather have whining and crying then attitude and rudeness. But I'm sure if you asked me when I was dealing with whining/crying I would have said attitude would be so much easier to deal with. The grass is always greener on the other side. Why is that? I guess it keeps me wanting more.

I'm not a person who stays content for very long. I always want or am unhappy with something. It is frustrating. But I have always been like this so I know no different. I guess I want to feel content with this parenting thing. I want to want what is happening in the moment and hang on to it, because soon the girls will be back in school and all my days will be spent alone. It's actually quite scary to think about. When I pictured this time in my life I thought for sure we would have more children already to fill the void of having two children in school full days. That hasn't happened {yet}. So I need to embrace what I currently have.

This post started out as a rant about where I failed and somewhere between ramblings I think I found what I needed. It really makes me reflect how much writing works for me. Maybe it was the wine. Yes, I started drinking at 4:40 {it's 5:00 somewhere}. Maybe it was The RHONJ drama. Whatever it was I know have a vision on what I need to do for the rest of this summer or I will continue to beat myself up over missing it when school starts. So maybe yesterday wasn't such a fail after all?

Cheers!

Only for my husband . . .

. . . would I attend a race. A sprint car race. At his beloved Eldora Speedway. You see if you knew Kelly then you would know just how important racing is to him. He grew up going to this track.  He loves every.single.thing. about it.

Me? Not so much. I do it because I love him. I do it because it is quality time with his family who are nothing but loving and generous to us. I do it because it is important to Kelly, and God knows he puts up with so many things that are important to me.

It was out of my element, but I tried to embrace it.

So that's how we spent our weekend. We rolled in to Eldora Speedway- with glorious weather I might add. And I embraced everything he loves. I drank beer out of a can. I ate fried greasy food {which is honestly more my love}. I learned to like the dirt track. I got into the car crash moments. I wore goggles to protect my eyes from the dirt/dust. I picked cars I thought would win{I only chose by colors that were appealing- leaving me a loser}. I ate my weight in carmel corn. I supported Kelly wearing a beer t-shirt in public. I people watched {and there were interesting people}. I laughed. I had fun.

Now I'm not lining up to go again this minute, but once a year? I can handle that. And let's be honest seeing my man doing something he loves puts a smile on my face. Until the morning after when I'm tired, dirty, dehydrated, and just plain grumpy that is {sorry babe}.

It was nothing some water couldn't cure and I'm happy we went. How was your weekend?

***Let me just state that this was not the first time we went. The first time was a few years ago when we were dating, but for one reason or another I hadn't made it back, but honestly I must of been in the honeymoon phase of our dating because I certainly don't remember there being any dirt the first time I went. I clearly was walking on the cloud of "I'm in a new relationship."

Things on my mind

-I took a bit of a blogging break this week. It wasn't planned. There was no announcement, because frankly when I announce something I have the hardest damn time sticking to it. It was "nice." I mean my home benefited greatly. It's amazing I actually cleaned it because I found more time when I am away from my computer. The thing with blogging for me is I want to write, read, comment, and seek out new blogs. But really I would need to be able to call this my full-time job to do all of that and social media as well. So because I was overwhelmed- I fixed it by doing less and I think it was just what the doctor ordered.

-I am finally a fan of My Fitness Pal. After all these months of having the ap- it's just occurred to me to actually use it. I think my most favorite part is being able to scan labels. It's fun. So if your on it, look me up! {lgillis863}

-I feel wrong for saying this, but I am over Big Brother this season. I didn't connect with any of the cast this season and I HATE the coaches thing. I think I will be that person that turns in for the final episode. It sucks because I was soooo excited for it to start and it bombed {for me}. Oh well.

-Nordstrom's allowed me to justify buying new tennis shoes when the ones I have are in new condition. I mean $47 feels like free to me. Best part? I got them in the mail and they kick ass. Best tennis shoes I have ever owned!

-I am actually thinking of putting hand sanitizer by all our sinks so I can stop arguing with Olivia about washing her hands. She for real finds it be a waste of her time. I'm over the battle. Maybe the had sanitizer that smells oh so yummy will work? And it's an excuse for me to go to Bath & Body Works. Cause you know, it can't be just any scent.

-Neon colors make me so happy. I was offended by them at first, but now I love them!

-I actually enjoyed mopping my floors. I can't believe I am admitting to it, but it's true. We had a cleaning person for a long time, but I was recently in Target and got slightly carried away with cleaning products. Target can sell you {me} anything. So I thought I would give it a go, and it wasn't so bad.  Erica? Are you reading this? Don't go too far because we will need you back when my cleaning kick is O-V-E-R.

That's all I'm going to unload at this minute. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Friday makes me feel good. If everyday made me feel as good as Friday I would be a happy ass person. Later.

Vlog virgin here {well not anymore}

Okay, so I am linking up with the beautiful Mandy for my first ever vlog. I can't even believe I did it let alone that I am posting this nonsense to the public. So here it is in all my rawness. Literally because I don't know how to edit to save my life.

Happy hump day!

The Bachelorette Dish {The End}

Hot damn, last night was the season finale of the Bachelorette and I am searching for the right words. So let's start from the beginning.

First of all I had a hard time wrapping my head around the 3 hour show time. I mean 2 hours is a lot, so 3 seems like a life commitment, but I managed to get through it.

Damn, I'm still looking for the right words. I mean seriously I am in shock about this shows ending and it's a freakin TV show- it's not that serious. So let me just say it. I am beyond shocked that Emily picked Jef. Jef with one F. I can't believe it! I honestly I never saw it coming. Honestly.

Maybe I have issues, but I can't seem to get over the loss of Sean and how Jef and Arie {to me} don't seem right for E. I have a hard time picturing Emily in real life with Jef {yes I saw the after show} but damn they just look so strange together.

During the proposal Jef said to Emily "you make me smile so big" and I couldn't help but pause the show and laugh. If someone said that to me- It just sounds funny. Maybe it's just me.

Also did anyone else think at the end of the show when Ricki ran up to them was weird? I mean like 24 hours before she didn't even want to introduce Jef to little Ricki and then they walk out arm and arm saying "we did it!" Strange. Very strange to me.

And little Ricki was wearing those yellow shoes at the end of the show that also looked strange to me. No? Just me?

Anyway, needless to say this post is all jumbled and shit because I can't believe she didn't pick Arie. I never saw it coming. I was so surprised I couldn't even be angry.

So cheers to the new couple Emily & Jef {with one F}. May this reality tv couple actually workout, so I can feel like my time was valued watching their love story.

weekend + no wine + marriage adive + bad words

I don't have much to share today, but I did want to stop by here and wish everyone a happy Friday. I hope your weekend is fabulous and have several drinks for me. If you don't follow me on IG then you wouldn't know my healthy eating thing recently going on. I am trying not to use my blog to show the world my ups and downs of the never ending battle to lose weight, but today I win. I am on a 4 week plan and we shall see. Wish me will power.

In other news? I stumbled across this little article about marriage. Hands down one of the best marriage articles I have ever read. I'm a no fluff person, so when you tell me the key to successful marriage is to to have sex with my husband 3 times a day then make 3 homemade meals in between- well my marriage would be doomed. So to finally read something from someone that's a no fluff person and actually seems to get that marriage is full of happy and challenging pieces? I appreciate that. Greatly so.


Also, this damn thing keeps me owing all kinds of money lately. Shit.

Happy Friday!

So What! Wednesday

This week I'm saying so what if . . .

-It bothers me when the top rack on my dishwasher gets full before the bottom rack. It really annoys me, but I run that bitch anyway.

-I analyze all things Bachelorette like it's something important.

-I bribed my girls with toys to do x-rays at the dentist office. Guess what? It only worked for G- figures.

-I had to spend almost 45 minutes talking myself out of getting a latte at Starbucks, because it messes with my diet calories.

-I don't like the new coaches thing on Big Brother. Sucks. Also chef guy needs to go home- I'm over his yelling into the camera.

-I wear bike shorts under all my dresses because my chub rub is so awful. Yep- I just said that to blog land.

-I'm bothered that I missed Teen Mom because of Viacom bull shit.

Happy hump day!



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Blogger 411 / Giveaway Winner

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?
I started blogging in January of this year. I have always loved to write and after stumbling across Shannon's blog {thanks K}, I thought what the hell- why not? So here I am. I don't think it has changed {so far} but I have found my grove compared to my first few posts.

2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
Yes- but you can read more about what happened with that here

3. Where have you traveled?
A few places here and there. Mostly places that are drivable, so I have never been to the west coast seeing as I live in Ohio. I have only left the country once and that was to travel to Mexico with the hubs to go on our honeymoon. Since this question got me thinking about where I've been I decided to list the states {Ohio, Mexico, New York, New Jersey,  Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, West Virgina, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, and that's all I can think of at this moment}.

4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
Dream house paid in full. Not sure what the hell my dream house is, but I would hunt that baby down and buy it.

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?
I'm sure I have lots, but the only thing coming to mind at this very minute is bad drivers. I'm sure my husband could tell you many more.

6. What is your favorite movie?
I love Goodfella's. I saw Titanic in the theater a million and one times but it's not something I watch now. I love Mean Girls and The Hangover and all things I can watch over and over again.

7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
Wine. I have to be in the mood for beer, but I am always in the mood for wine.
I drink a lot of flavored water and tea, not really a soda person. Not for health reasons {obviously} but it's not my number one choice.

8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?
Starbucks {alone} and pedi's.

9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?
Nordstrom. Enough said.

10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.
When we were on our way back from TN {recently}I basically made my husband reverse on the freeway to go to Starbucks. He decided to get gas at the same time and made me walk next door to the Starbucks. I was in my pajamas because I wanted to be comfy on my way home and I totally didn't think I would be getting out of the car before home. I had just woken up from a lovely car nap and I headed to get my much needed Chi latte. When I got back to the car I caught a glimpse of my hair and I now knew why people were staring at me in Starbucks. It was a Something About Mary Moment with added fuzz. Not good. Oh well I got what I needed.


11. What day would you love to relive again?
My wedding day. I just want to suck it in all over again.


13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?
I worked at Golden Corral with my best friend in high school. We walked in and were handed jobs on the spot. We were embarrassed by where we worked so we lied for awhile and told everyone we worked at Panera.

14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

High  School:

So I think I look kind of the same just have younger skin and better arms in these photos then I do now- oh and that Homecoming photo with the scarf? WTF was I thinking?!?!

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?
All expenses paid? I would go anywhere where I could have a drink in my hand and my feet in the sand.

16. Show us the most current picture of you or you and your family.

Fall 2011.

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?
Complete. I hope to have completed our family with another baby {possibly two?}. I hope to have healthy happy girls and to be in our "forever home".

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Giveaway Winner {Shabby Apple}:

Congrats to Sharee! Send me your contact info {lgillis863{at}live{dot}com}, so Shabby Apple can get you your $50 gift card. Yay!

TN vacation reflections {Lake Norris}

The lake was oh so very good. After I got over myself and my inability to relax, ignore all the “what if” dangers, and actually turn my frown upside down I actually enjoyed myself. I missed most of the lake fun do to my cousin’s baby shower, but my girls? They grew leaps and bounds on the lake. 6 and 8 is all of a sudden looking so very old to me. They swam until just a few minutes before 9:00 Saturday night. They laughed, tubed, and swam their hearts out. They both tried things I didn’t think they were capable of and my man got to drive a jet ski. Now he’s ready to buy a lake house. He dreams big and has never failed to get us going towards all our individual and family dreams.

One thing vacation with family taught me? I’ll never be as good as my Mom. I will never have her patience, I’ll never have her willingness to teach, I’ll never be able to answer questions that are nonsense the way she can. I will never be able to stand in a forest in search for the best rocks- I don’t do forests. I’m okay with our differences as parents, but I Iong to be as good as she was, but ½ as good would be better than I’m doing.

After the baby shower I got a chance to sit around a table with my Grandmother, Aunt, 2 cousins and my Mom- just talking. We haven’t all been in a room together in many many years and the last time we were I wasn’t old enough to really be accepted at the table. This time? I was accepted. I was respected as a parent, a wife, and I was listened to like I knew what I was talking about {let’s be honest, I’m sure I didn’t}. Laughing with family is good for the soul. Right down to the core. It is the best medicine/therapy money can’t buy.  It saddens me to think the next time we all get together at a table it will be so different. We might not all be there. My cousin will have joined Motherhood. My Grandma will hopefully keep hanging on for years to come and we will all be older. Perhaps a little wiser. It is in times like this when I am able to take the {long} car ride home to reflect on how I could be better, different. And how much I need to appreciate where I came from and what I have, and how great the weekend really was.

Baby Shower {camping/outdoor theme}

TN lake fun

And then our wedding song came on the radio while I was typing this and it made everything feel . . . complete.

This post is feeling pretty sappy. I feel I have found my inner Kelle Hampton {Author of Bloom}. She always manages to find the glory in every life moment and makes everything butterflies and rainbows. I guess this post proves that I too can shit rainbows and butterflies.  I’m sure my sappy reflection has to do with my lack of restful sleep in my own bed. Give me a few glasses of wine and my own pillow and I’m sure I will be back tomorrow having forgot everything I wrote in this. Remind me to look this up when I’m ready to run for the hills if someone asks my “why?” one more time.

Until next time.

End of the week notes & photos

It's F-R-I-D-A-Y! Hey, hey, hey, to the weekend! I am currently on my way to Tennessee for the weekend to soak up the sun, lake, and family time. The lake is just a perk of visiting family in TN- we are mostly headed to celebrate my cousin's much anticipated baby shower. I'm so excited for her and this little baby boy will be so loved.

This week kind of flew by, but it sure didn't feel like that Wednesday when I had trouble keeping my eyes open in the afternoon, and I was super thankful when the girls declined the pool to watch a movie instead. Win!

Here are a few of the moments I'm loving from this week. The girls drive me nuts, but their so damn cute!

Olivia's crazy hair for crazy hair day at VBS

Gracie's crazy hair for crazy hair day at VBS

- New maxi dress {Macy's $25 steal}
- Quiet weekday morning of Starbucks and blogging
- G and I making silly faces at Old Navy {while Daddy tried on Clothes}
- G's face at the library magic show
- Girl's night! {Beer & Burgers- the best}

I hope you all have a fab weekend! Did you catch Big Brother? OMG it's my summer obsession!

I never wanted to be this person, but here it goes . . .

Over the past few weeks I have come across MANY blogs talking about blog rights and wrongs. I didn't even know shit like blog rules existed, but what do I know. I have only been blogging since January and I apparently never got the blog rules memo- but that's okay because I want to do me.

I read a blog last night that was the last straw for me. Instead of leaving a nasty comment- I decided to take my thoughts to my own blog.

I think it is fine if bloggers want to take the time to write a blog rules post. It's their blog. Who am I to judge what they put on it {and clearly I am touching on it right now}.

The ONE thing that continually bothers me is when people say "I don't care about how many followers I have." Lie.Lie.Lie. Of course you care! Who wouldn't care? You wouldn't be talking about it if you didn't care.

I started this blog of mine back in January with zero expectations. I didn't know where I was taking it, how long I would do it, or even if I would enjoy doing it. I am literally taking it one post at a time, but the thing I did know? I knew I wanted someone to read it. Even if it was just my Mom and my husband, it was someone who acknowledges that I wrote something.

If I wanted no one to read then it would be called a diary and made private.

I care about my followers. There! I said it. I do care. It wasn't the reason I started blogging but it is a HUGE benefit of it. HUGE. It makes me do all kinds of crazy happy dances to know that there are people out in the world {whom I have never met} who take the time to read the crazy boring bad grammar shit I post.

I am thankful. I am grateful. I am humbled by this experience.

I love my followers! I love each and every single one of you who took the time to click the follow button. I love when people leave a comment. I love anyone who stops by, even if it is just a brief look to realize they don't like my blog. It makes me all kinds of happy.

I needed you all to know that I greatly appreciate you! I can't take the nonsense follower comments anymore and I wanted share that I do give a damn about you.

Thanks for stopping by and rockin my blog world into places I never even pictured.

Giveaway {Shabby Apple} CLOSED

 Today is a giveaway kind of day- because I love you all so much and because Shabby Apple has become a new love of mine I am so stinkin excited to offer you all a $50 gift card to their fab store.






I die for any of their clothes and they even have kids and maternity wear that makes me want to join that club like yesterday.  

  To Enter:  Must tell me what you would love to buy from Shabby AppleMust like Shabby Apple on Facebook Bonus Entries: Like From Nanny to Family Blog on FBTweet about the giveaway {Leave a comment for each thing you do} Giveaway open until midnight on Monday July 16th. Winner announced Tuesday July 17th  Because we don't want to leave anyone out on at least a simple deal, you can use the codefromnannytofamily10off
to get 10% off of a purchase at Shabby Apple for one month.


Also, this contest is open to US residents only  So what are you waiting for? Go enter {now}.

The Bachelorette Dish

I'm linking up to talk all things The Bachelorette. I had another post scheduled for today and I couldn't post it because I decided to fill this little blog of mine today with Bachelorette nonsense that feels oh so important in the moment and that I can't get to stop floating in my head. So lets take it from the top . . .

Emily, Emily, Emily right from the start of the two hour show you had me pressing pause. For fuck sake couldn't you just pretend to have feeling for the other men when you talked about them? I mean you said such sweet things about Sean and then Jef, but it was when you spoke of Arie you had to shed tears and I just had to scream at you. I mean really? Can't you pretend to like my guy for ratings?

Sean's date was beautiful, but oh so forced. I wish wish wish you had a connection with him. He seems perfect, but these are the moments I wish he lived at home with his Mommy and Daddy because I can't believe men like him really could have to search so hard for a wife. Seriously, something has to be wrong with him. Well telling myself that makes me feel better. Oh and can someone please get the man some sunglasses? He squints like a mo fo every.single.episode.

Jef, I hate you. I know Emily loves you and your funny sweet weirdness, but I don't and watching you is painful. Oh and you know you wanted to get all up in E's shit so don't act like you didn't. I'm starting to think your a virgin. I would like to bet big money on that. That is all.

Arie, Arie, Arie! Yes, okay, yes I am giving you a thumbs up on sex appeal, but something just doesn't feel right about you. I don't know what it is, but I feel like if E picks you it won't last. At this point I don't know how she could pick anyone but you because you seem to bring out her deepest emotions. I hope you treat her right and make it last because if you fail I will always know she should of kept Sean.

Sean went home. Poor Sean. He held it together like a man though {good for him}. If I wasn't married, tried to actually be attractive, and didn't like to eat I would so marry Sean in a heartbeat. A heartbeat I tell ya.

I don't know who she will pick. Actually I lie. I think she will pick Arie, but if that is the case I just wasted every Monday night for weeks because I think we all knew that in the first episode. Damn you Emily for showing all your emotions so soon.

So what do you ladies think about this weeks Bachelorette episode?

Blog Friends Book Club

<center><a title="Blog Friends Book Club" href="http://www.fromnannytofamily.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1xEOXe_qyLc/T-r-NtNegaI/AAAAAAAAFyI/EaG2icoBEwE/s200/bfbc2.jpg" /></a></center>
Okay so our first book club choice was a total fail {in my opinion}. We searched long and hard for a lite summer read. There are soooo many books to choose from and each book description leads us to another book. Somehow we narrowed it down to a few and decided on . . .

Beautiful Disaster by Jamie McGuire

via

 Description from Amazon:

"The new Abby Abernathy is a good girl. She doesn’t drink or swear, and she has the appropriate percentage of cardigans in her wardrobe. Abby believes she has enough distance between her and the darkness of her past, but when she arrives at college with her best friend America, her path to a new beginning is quickly challenged by Eastern University’s Walking One-Night Stand. Travis Maddox, lean, cut, and covered in tattoos, is exactly what Abby needs—and wants—to avoid. He spends his nights winning money in a floating fight ring, and his days as the charming college co-ed. Intrigued by Abby’s resistance to his charms, Travis tricks her into his daily life with a simple bet. If he loses, he must remain abstinent for a month. If Abby loses, she must live in Travis’ apartment for the same amount of time. Either way, Travis has no idea that he has met his match."

Show More

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 I am excited to start this book and I even decided to download it from my Nook PC instead of heading to the book store. I only had to pay $4, so if this book sucks ass like the last one at least I am only out a few dollars {I have a feeling it's going to be VERY good}.

We are going to finish and review this book on August 6{ish}. Sharee and I would love to offer a link up for all of you who would like to join in on the reading club and review it with us {fingers crossed you want to}.

So go out and get the book {now} and come back and let us know your thoughts in August! As always we welcome any book suggestions {unless you enjoyed our 1st book choice- then I will question your reading judgement}.

P.S. Until Fifty Shades came along I had never really read love stories {at all} maybe it is just a phase or possibly a summer thing, but I am VERY open to any book suggestions.


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Also shout out to all the lovely ladies I met yesterday. I have no pictures to show, but I hope to steal some of yours. It was fun and we should totally do it again!

TGIF

Happy Friday everyone one! I had one too many of these last night to write a proper post today, but I wanted to stop by and wish you all a happy Friday and I hope you have a fabulous weekend!

Yesterday honestly felt like a Monday to me and today is Friday, so what a fast ass week I just had! I got a great giveaway happening early next week, so stop on by.

Until then . . .

The Bachelorette Dish

I'm linking up with Anne today for a little Bachelorette talk.

Emily, Emily, Emily where oh where do I start with you? First off let me just say that your clothes this episode were to die for and it made me forget about how much I hate your teeth. Do you ever look bad? Ever? I could hate you for always looking so damn good, but I'm not like that {well I try not to be}. Let's break it down by your man dates.


Chris:

Ugh. I can't stand Chris. Can Emily just admit she kept him one more week because she didn't know what to do with him? I mean there was really no point to keeping "wolf" or Chris last week and the only reason I can think of that she did was so after going on 3 home dates she wouldn't have to eliminate Jef, Arie, or Sean.

Best part of the date for me as when she kissed Chris at the end which in turn put red lipstick all over his lips and he had to give his whole "I love you" speech with read lipstick on. Love it.


Jef:

Wow wow wow. Man has some money or I guess I should say family has some money. Did you see that compound they reside at. Damn.

Jef and Emily have a really playful connection, but he is not mature enough to marry. I mean look at his hair- how can you ever take a man like that seriously?

Best part for me was when his bro confronted him on how he has never really shown interest in becoming a family man with any girl before. Right on bro- he's not ready.


Sean:

God I love this man. I think they would be so so perfect together and it would be such an easy transition to be together. His family is amazing, he is amazing, and OMG his Mom and Emily are like the same people when it comes to decorating a home.

I love love loved his family so very much! I almost fell over and died when he tried to present that room as his own because he said he lived at home. I was like that's your secret! Get rid of him! But long behold it was just a joke- which to me shows how fun {funny} he and his family can be.

Best part was after the show when they showed the dinner scene with his family. Emily is just so damn sweet. I would have told them I had just become a vegetarian if they had presented me with an armadillo to eat.


Arie:

Arie is the man to beat as far as I'm concerned. Emily is head over heels in love with that man. He seems like a great guy, but his family all had sticks up there ass. I would not want to marry into that family. Arie seems like he would move the moon and the mountains to be with Emily and that is a good thing.

Best part of the night was when they all started speaking {dutch?} and Emily had no clue what they were saying. It was rude, but oh so damn funny.


Next week I think Jef will be headed home. I just do not see how she could get rid of Arie or Sean at this point. As much as I love Sean I think so far Arie seems like he will be the last one standing. I also question because Emily and Sean seem to mesh so well together that maybe she would be bored in that relationship. After all he doesn't have a bad ass racecar like Arie.

That's all I got {for now}. What are your Bachelorette thoughts this week?

Dinner is served and we all survived {recipe}

So if you know me, you know I stay the hell away from cooking at all costs. We eat mostly because Kelly cooks, we eat out, or we order in. I avoid making dinner like the plague. Baking I'm good with. Cooking not so much. So unless you want to have brownies for dinner don't expect much from me.

I had vowed to my family and myself that this summer I would be different. This summer  I would get it together and actually try to make them a meal.  I thought the goal of one new meal a week from Pintrest or somewhere else sounded like a great plan. Then real life set in and I remembered how I hate cooking and I broke my vow.

Last week that all changed when I actually decided to make a new meal. It took me awhile to find something that was going to be a big hit with everyone, but long behold I think I found something.

Crispy Cheddar Chicken

When Olivia saw that I was making chicken she was all "booo" then she saw it had cheese and she thought it would be amazing. I even heard her tell Gracie about it.

This is what you will need to make your family love you forever {at least while their eating}.

Chicken:

4 large chicken breasts
2 sleeves Ritz crackers
1/4 t salt
1/8 t pepper
1/2 C milk
3 C cheddar cheese, grated
1 t dried parsley

Sauce:

1 10 ounce can cream of chicken soup
2 T sour cream
2 T butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Spray 9x13 pan with cooking spray

Cut each piece of chicken in 1/2

Grind up Ritz crackers. I don't have a food processor, so a rolling pin worked for me- I'm just fab like that.

Put the crackers, cheese, and milk in 3 separate containers and add 1/4 t salt and 1/8 t pepper to the cracker crumbs (mix)

Dip each piece of chicken into the milk
Then Cheese {you have to really press the cheese onto the chicken}
Then Ritz cracker crumbs

Then place each finished piece of chicken into the sprayed baking pan

Sprinkle the dried parsley over the chicken

Put foil over the chicken

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 35 mins

Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until edges of chicken are brown and crispy

In a medium size sauce pan add the cream of chicken, butter, and sour cream. Whisk over medium heat until sauce is nice and hot {if you don't use a 9x13 pan like I didn't, all the chicken won't fit and you will have to cook the rest after 1st batch is done}.

 Pour sauce over finished chicken and add parsley flakes. Enjoy! Also add fatty sides to make everyone love you even more.


My entire family LOVED this chicken! HUGE hit! I will make this again. Let me know if you try it. For me it was easy enough and all my sides were just stuff cooked in the microwave. I know that's cheating, but oh well. They make that shit for a reason.