Homemade Pops + The Best Shredded Pork

Our girl loves being outside. She loves water even more. Last night after work we pulled out the water table - which she 'asks for' everyday by pulling it round the porch - and had some end of summer fun. The crisp cool mornings have me excited for fall, pumpkins and football... but I'm a little sad to see summer go. I already miss the beach, and decided we needed to soak up as much of summer as we can before it slips away.

Ok, on to the homemade pops. I finally found some good molds that actually work - meaning they will pop out of the container without breaking to pieces - and they are perfect for little hands. I found them on Amazon for less than $10 and free prime shipping. Score! They have been our go-to snack at the river, at the beach and for nights on the porch.

Instead of fruit juice, I've just been chopping up some fruit, adding a splash of lemon, lime or orange and filling with water. It's the perfect balance of sweet... however, maybe my last batch were a little tart! haha

That was after the first lick... she did end up loving it. Even though her face does not say so. 

I also wanted to share our favorite crockpot pork recipe. It's light and, dare I say, moist and o, soooo delicious! It's a toddler fav - and just five ingredients too. 

via

1-3 lb. pork tenderloin

1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 

1 cup water

2 tablespoons minced garlic 

1/4 cup honey 

Black Pepper to taste 

Recipe modified from Creme de la Crumb 

Place pork loin in crockpot, coat with black pepper, garlic, and honey. 

Stir water and vinegar together and pour over top of pork loin. 

Cook on high for 4 hours, or low for 7-8 hours. Shred with forks and serve! 

My Cajun Favs

Thanks for all the love yesterday. Still working on this balance... but we had a fun night - even after my meeting, we crashed the playground and took an extra long time in the tub for some water fun! Also, the hubs will be home late tonight, so I'm looking forward to breakfast with the fam.

Today I thought it would be fun to share my favorite cajun goodies. My grandmother is from New Orleans... hints my mommas accent, dark tan and cooking skills. We didn't necessarily grow up on all cajun cooking, but I can certainly say that I'm picky when it comes to jambalaya, étouffée, gumbo or a shrimp boil. My mom has forever spoiled us. So, what are our favorites?

Swamp Fire - the only thing we use for shrimp boils. It's got some kick!

Zapp's - Voodoo are my fav! I will eat the whole bag in one sitting - no kidding.

Essence - The only spice we use on chicken and fish.

Woeber's Sweet and Spicy Mustard - a new fav! OK, it's not really cajun... shhh! But it's spicy and sweet, and seriously, the best sandwich mustard ever.

During our family beach trip we took a trip to Rouses - a new cajun grocer that has moved to town. We were in heaven! Are you a cajun fan? What are your favs?

Balance is my aim.

Balance. Not 50/50. More like 70/30 at the moment. 70 being work and 30 being a mom.

I've learned lately that working a 40+ hour a week job is not easy when you want to give your toddler 100%. Especially when you throw in volunteer meetings, phone calls, fundraisers, etc. Now throw in a work trip for the hubs.... and any hours there were left for workouts, blogging, and extra activities is truly thrown out the door.

I'm still standing on my two feet at the moment, but I feel so guilty.

When I'm having to get ready for work while chasing Annaleee around in the mornings... thinking this is the only hour I get wither when I'm not feeding her, bathing her, and trying to get her to bed. All she wants is my undivided attention. Read a book? Play with my doll house?

Then I feel guilty when I walk in 5 min late for my 8:30 meeting at work. Again. Second day in a row... b/c I wanted to spend an extra 5 minutes talking to Annalee's sitter.

Then I feel guilty leaving work at 4:30pm to squeeze in a 20 min run and shower... before I have to get Annalee at 5:15 and head strait to a work event. Guilty. I'm late picking her up... she is ALWAYS the last one there. Guilty, I left work early to go run.

Guilty I'm dragging Annalee to a work event - where I chase her around an hour, while trying to keep her away from anything brake-able... while balancing a glass of wine and trying to be social. ha!

Guilty we get home at 6:30, so I have 30 minutes to bathe her and get her to bed before we have a delirious toddler on my hands. Guilty I don't have more time with her.

Guilty. Guilty. Guilty. How do I do it? How do all you mommas do it?

Send me some love. Ideas. Suggestions. Maybe it's just a phase...  This too shall pass, right? ha!

42 Years ago

42 Years ago today, rain showers poured over the streets of Mobile, flooding cars and closing roads. But it couldn't stop the wedding bells. On August 17, 1974, at St. Pius X Church in Mobile, Al, Sam and Debbie tied the knot in front of hundreds of family and friends - who braved the rain to celebrate the couple. There may have been a bridesmaid with a dress that was all sorts of colors, and a groomsman that passed out during the mass, but the show went on!

Mom wore a beautiful simple white dress hand made by my grandmother herself. With a full length lace veil borrowed from Aunt Sissy. The ten bridesmaids wore a rainbow of colorful dresses, 2 blue, 2 pink, 2 yellow, 2 green and 2 purple. Off the shoulder with a ruffle top - who knew my mom was so stylish?

Even though my Dad begged to were his baby blue suede suit, with a ruffled shirt - the men wore simple black tuxes, and Dad saved the blue ruffles for the going away outfit. Thank goodness mom put her foot down on that one.

A reception followed the mass in the fellowship hall, where pimento cheese sandwiches and champagne punch was served. {Man, things were so much easier in those days.} My grandmother also made their beautiful 5 tiered wedding cake that also had a fountain underneath. It was so beautiful!

So much has happened since that hot, rainy August day - 3 kids, 9 grand-children.... countless first days of school, family beach vacations, graduations, weddings and lots of lots of sacrifice. I hope that today you celebrate YOU.

Today they are celebrating 42 years at Margaritaville in Pensacola Beach. Their favorite 'stay-cation' spot. Cheers to you, Mom and Dad! 

Beach Week 2016

It was our first family beach week and it was truly the best. Let's just say we are ready to book our getaway for next year already. Originally we had planned to find a place in the OBX. But, with neither of us being from there, and knowing nothing about it - we opted to head south instead. Where we know the beaches are sandy white and the water is warm, warm, warm. My family was also close by and could come join us of for a couple days of fun in the sun! Sorry the picture overload, but I couldn't leave any out.

We rented a condo at Pheniox East, right by the Alabama Pass and just across the street from where Jesse and I got married.

Lots of coffee was needed for our 13 hour drive to the Gulf Coast. 

But we made it!!! And you can hear the ocean...

Literally.

And we got lots of snuggles with GranDe!

...our view from the back balcony. Water all around. 

The cousins came on Sunday.

This one is 6 going on 13. 'Aunt Tracy, can I have a fun glass like you?' Surrree....

Early morning balcony games.

And walks on the beach.

Splash pad below.

Made for lots of fun!

Sunsets, every night.

 

Shrimp Boil!

Our lil Flora Bama gal.

Lots of beach time.

And naps.

Dinner at The Gulf

When we weren't soaking up the rays, lots of of olympics to be watched in the condo.

And family walks every day.

And fun times at Tacky Jacks during our last, and rainy, day there. 

And a trip to the Bama as well. 

Next time, a full week for sure! Until next time. 

Back to School

We are back from a fabulous week away. A family beach vacation was just what the doctor ordered. A full recap coming soon, but for today it's back to school! Since our local schools started school today, I thought it would be fun to take a traditional back to school picture of Annalee too!

Happy start to a new school year little one. We are so lucky to have an amazing nanny and teacher that has guided you and helped you grow so much... we can't wait to see all the things you learn this year! 

We love you, Mom and Dad

Of course, a 'back to school' outfit and book was in order. 

Have a great week everyone!