two : the big party

I was a little nervous about doing a party at dinner time.  Kyle was on call Saturday night so would sleep for a while Sunday afternoon, and the next weekend begins vacation, so we had to have it this past Sunday evening.  It worked out for the best though!  With the party starting at 5:00, all the toddlers were well napped and ready to go.  

Once everyone started arriving, Myles let it be known he wanted to play outside, so we went with it and the kids enjoyed the leaves while there was still some light out.

Then it was time to move in for dinner and dessert.  We did sing Happy Birthday, but lesson learned... you can't put a regular birthday candle into a rice krispy treat.

Myles has loved looking for all of the paper airplanes as I added to our decorations through the week (Mommy! Airduh!), but he definitely loved all of the additional planes around the house the day of the party.  Our friend Jen made him his awesome birthday shirt (Yellow Door Stitches).

The rest of the time, everyone just hung out and played.  The chalkboard coffee table was the main event for the kids other than the new toys.  There may have been some candy corn thievery in Kyle's lap at one point.  And plenty of sweet moments between friends.

Myles had a lot of fun with his friends! It was a really good birthday.  I think the adults had fun too!  It was nice getting families from our different groups of friends all in one place.

Flight 002 ready for takeoff!

I'm all for cute parties, but I'm even more about doing it on a dime.  This little airplane party fit that bill just fine.  

I started out making the invitations myself on Photoshop, and cut them to shape.  A $1 pack of envelopes were decorated with watercolor to look like little airmail envelopes.

I used about $5 of scrapbook paper cut into fourths to fold a massive quantity of paper airplanes during a week's worth of nap times.  A little string and hot glue finished those up.  The airplane garland was hanging everywhere.  I am generally anti-party favors but I couldn't have an airplane themed party without airplane food... the little grab-bags were filled with snack size pretzels and "peanuts" (Nutter Butter cookies!).  

We had 5 families in addition to ourselves to feed so I went for simple and did a big pot of chili and some hotdogs.  I threw the chili together the day before so that it just needed to slowcook on low all day before the party.  I ended up tossing all of our drinks in the sink with the glasses next to it for easy access.  Fruit and Veggie Capri-Suns for the kids.

Since the birthday-boy is allergic to eggs, we made two versions of Rice Krispy treats for the party.  Brown-butter vanilla bean, and Funfetti were super simple, cheap, and a big hit with everyone that came. 

The last of the decorations was my little runway table runner made out of brown wrapping paper and acrylic paint that I already owned.  Everything else was little airplanes we have collected for Myles.  Thanks to Dollar Tree and Aldi, this party was done for next to nothing with great food and fun for the kiddos.  And extra big thanks to my friends Karina and Brittany for helping me clean the house, and make the desserts.  I could not have done this without their help! 

foodie friday : rice&beans

please excuse the long hiatus, we have been enjoying summer with lots of visitors, a little travel, outside play, developing friendships, tons of books, and a couple of cleaning sprees.  I got out of my groove and I'm not apologizing for that; we had fun!

I specifically look for the combo meals at our Mexican restaurants that include both rice and beans.  But I rarely fix them at home.  The boxed rice is never that great, and the canned refried beans are just okay.  This week, I had the pleasure of taking a meal to our friends who just had their second babies, but I didn't just want to take them enchiladas.  So I searched through Yummly and Google and eventually found some super easy recipes to take along. In both instances, I made significant enough changes that I will just put my version of each on here.

Ok, so confession time.  The rice turned out a little dry.  And I would wager that it is because I let the liquid boil a little too long in the beginning, and then when it was time to pour it in, the cast iron dutch oven (I'm on a learning curve here, only second time to ever use it) was way too hot by that point and so it flash boiled to a scary degree and probably a lot of the liquid was gone from the get-go.  Also, if you didn't notice, this recipe is going to make a TON.  I needed to, since I was taking a good bit to friends, but next time I will probably half the recipe and either use only half the can of petite diced tomatoes (I did like the look of the chunks) or just a small can of tomato sauce.  You can see the original recipe here, I just changed it because I thought the extra steps were a little unnecessary.

The original recipe is for cuban style black beans over at skinnytaste.  I have never bought scallions, have never used red wine vinegar, and wasn't looking for cuban beans.  I just needed a kick-off point for how to doctor up some canned black beans.  It worked.  They were a little runny, so next time I will either add less water, or I will simmer uncovered for the entire time instead of holding in that steam.  Otherwise, Myles went to town on these things, and I kinda didn't want to share.  Not bad if you are like me and need an alternative recipe since you always forget to soak dried beans overnight for the authentic thing.

#mugswap15 a blessing in a box

Last year, a friend of mine participated in a mugswap and it looked amazing so I stalked the coordinator's Instagram for a year, waiting for the next one.  The swap works like this: you give the coordinator (Kim aka @cuppakim) information about yourself with your address.  Kim sends this information to one random person (this thing is international now but the majority are US participants).  Then you receive someone else's info.  And then you cyber pinky-swear that you will ship your box by Aug22nd.  You are also asked to donate a minimum of $5 to the adoption fund she has chosen for that year, in this case it is the Barnetts who are currently adopting 2 different kids from two different places at the same time.  Expensive.  So this year, I signed up during the first round of 50 extra spots (1300 spots where filled 2 days before!).  I had my swap partner sent to me that night.  

Her name was Kendra, and she is 15 years old.  My initial thought was : "do her parent's know she is doing this, and are they going to get mad when a random stranger that is 13 years older than her sends her a package?"  What I sent her:

Notebook and pencils because she started school soon, real bubblegum because she just got her braces off, sparkly nail polish because she is a teenager, hair ties to control her awesome head of curls, my favorite granola bar, and the amazing instant coffee my brother sends me on occasion, with a little note.  And of course, a cute mug!

I did my research; stalked her rarely used Instagram, looked at her Pinterest boards, and immediately went shopping.  Because Kyle is on a super light rotation this month and was getting home early enough to watch Myles while I went out on my own.  And you don't procrastinate when that sort of thing happens.  I had her box shipped out within a week.  

And then the waiting began.  Myles and I were stalking the mailman.  And I was checking the #mugswap15 hashtag every few minutes, to see what everyone was sending and to try and guess if maybe I could figure out who had me.  I totally didn't.  But if you need a pick-me-up/want to be reassured that there are still good people in the world, you should go look.  There is serious love being sent during the month of August.

Myles and I did some grocery shopping today, and when we pulled up, I got to scream: ITS HERE!!!

He may have then thrown the box off the steps as soon as these photos were taken.  

I took it inside, and locked myself in the back bedroom so I could open it undisturbed.  It was filled with beautifully wrapped things for me, and one for Myles, from a mother of teen girls named Connie.  

I loved that everything was individually wrapped so that every piece was a new surprise.  Completely worth the wait.  Little did I know, the heartfelt card would hold the biggest surprise of all.

Connie, you blessed my socks off.  I might have cried a little.  I am so excited that I get to be new e-friends with your whole family, because you all seem like truly beautiful people.  Thank you for making MY first mugswap so memorable!  I cannot wait to do this again next year!

clockwise from top left:  BodyShop mini spa set, WorldMarket pot holder, plastic measuring spoons, linen napkins, cozy aloe socks (I just threw away my old ones so these are perfect!), a stack of fun family recipes (in honor of Foodie Friday!), fabric coasters, 4-ink pen, pocket notebooks, a little dinosaur for Myles, and the white version of mug that I sent her daughter!

In total, the 2015 mugswap raised over $7000 for the adoption fund this year.  The Barnetts said that this completed the payments for the first child they are bringing home.  So awesome to be a part of this!  

a morning at the farm

Our church plans Family Fun days during the summer.  A couple of weeks ago Myles and I went to the one planned at Mini Miracles Farm.  Of course it was in the middle of our mega heat wave... so we were all a bit miserable.  But Myles and his friend Maggie had a blast anyway!  A few photos of them exploring:

stamp it with love

Growing up, there weren't very many kids in my neighborhood.  However, one of my very first and best friends was one of the girls, Amy, on our street.  And one of the very few friends from home that I still keep in touch with.  I was in her wedding, she helped out with mine.  Then we didn't see each other for almost 7 years.  

During that time, we have kept in touch, and I have loved watching her grow her blog and her personal business: That Winsome Girl.  This chick is constantly figuring out new ways to evolve her vintage inspired jewelry line and is an inspiration with party planning and baking.  In her business, she only uses quality, beautiful materials and crafts each piece personally.  She really loves custom orders, but usually has an abundance of designs in stock at the numerous craft shows she frequents in the Lexington KY area.  

I had the major joy of getting to see her when we went back to Kentucky last month.  She and her husband just happened to be in town on their way to pick up their new puppy and we were able to visit for about 30 minutes one morning.  And man, she surprised me!  I had totally forgotten that I had mentioned eventually wanting some stamped rings by her if she ever got to doing them.  Well she didn't forget!  She had the most amazing mix of her stacking rings ready for me, with incredibly thoughtful stamped designs.  I LOVE these rings!

Here is the really awesome part... when I told her that I was wanting to talk about the rings on the blog, she was total game to offer my readers a discount in her online store.  You have to go look at the beautiful things she has there.  And then buy a bunch of stuff; at checkout just enter in the code "HOMEGROWN10" during Etsy checkout for 10% off of your total order.  No minimum purchase and no expiration.  I know you will love whatever you choose.  If the stamped look isn't for you, don't pass up the beautiful stacked sets!  

Please excuse the scuffs on them.  I have worn them every day since she gave them to me.  These rings really are some of my favorite jewelry, and I have the tan line to prove it.

medical monday : importance of the rank list

There may not be an official link-up anymore for the Medical Community to meet up, but that doesn't mean there isn't information and stories to be shared!  I'm not necessarily going to make this a typical thing but I did have stuff I wanted to share during this busy time for medical students finishing their interviews and making their NRMP Match lists.

Over the past 2 years I have posted a lot of things pertaining to our personal journey getting to where we are currently (into our 2nd year of Kyle's Gen Surg residency program in a completely new state with our first house and first kid).  You can read more in the links at the end of this post.

This post is about the importance of your rank list.  Real life style.  We were lucky when making our list that our #1 choice was also the city that we liked the best with the program with the best perks, but after filling that #1 spot in our list making, it got a lot more murky.  Thankfully, we got our #1 spot on Match Day.  And we don't regret it one bit.

Not only is Kyle extremely happy here, but I am as well.  Sure we could have made members of our families much happier by staying put in Louisville, and I would have probably been fine with staying where we already had a Community of support with nearby babysitters, but Kyle most likely would not have been nearly as happy in his program as he is here, and that would have seeped into our daily lives.  Kyle is legitimately friends with his coworkers, I am legitimately friends with their wives.  We have never been made to feel "bad" for having a baby during first year; in its own way, this program has been very "family friendly" for a Surgery program.  We never felt weird bringing Myles along to the interview dinners, and several of the other residents would immediately take him from us so we could be sure to eat.  

But it isn't just that, in the past week alone, I met a few of the girls for our monthly get-together, this month, our hostess of the month, Julia, picked a painting class for us and brought a ton of snacks while Beth brought the wine.  I was pretty exhausted from my day with Myles but it was exactly what I needed.  Such a great time with those girls every time we are able to hang out and just have others who understand this life.

Later in the week, I got to be a part of a meal train that was organized for one of our new moms in the program. Her husband was on nights so she needed someone to just hang out in the evenings so she could talk to someone that could actually talk back to her for a little bit.  Getting to meet baby Jack was a big bonus to my week! Thankfully Kyle was able to be with Myles during both of these events so I could participate and see my friends.  

Then, this Saturday was the big yearly exam for our residents, the ABSITE (American Board of Surgery In-Training Exam).  Its kinda a big deal.  So every year (weather permitting), their Program Director (who takes the test with them), invites everyone who isn't working afterward, out to his farm to eat some chili and do some skeet shooting with shotguns!  It was a great way for everyone to just chill out after months of studying, even if the main topic of conversation was the test.

I cannot tell you how important it is to consider your happiness when making your list.  Don't just pick a program because it is "the best in the country".  Pick it because the residents you meet seem to really like each other and you can see yourself fitting in with them.  Pick it because it is what is best for you and your spouse.  Pick it because the location has things you will love to get out and do.  Of course there isn't much time outside of some residencies, but there is time, and if you have people around you and stuff to do that you love, it makes the bad days a mere blip on your way to your much coveted days off. 

Past posts of information 

before residency : interviews

rank order list submitted

the Match : what is it?

the Match : tears of joy

the pregnancy announcement

trauma alert

from the other side : interviewee dinner

one year down

crafting : bibs

 

Sew I have this new hobby...

Well, not that new.  I challenged myself this summer to learn how to sew.  I was inspired by a bib I purchased at a little local store here... In order to make myself learn, I challenged myself to make as many as I could before a collaborative yard sale so I could try to sell some... 

I ended up making about 12 or so... and sold a grand total of 0.  The day of the yard sale, it was a yucky post-rain mess, and we didn't really advertise that there would be kids stuff there because we weren't sure who all would bring how much.  Oh well, I have had several friends have kids this past year.  

Sew inside out first with a decent margin, leaving a gap to later flip it correctly.  Cut triangles out of the curved areas and slits in the neck area so that the bulky felt can lay flat once you flip it.  Then sew a close edge to complete it.  Add a button hole and hand sew your button.

So this is my new go-to baby present.  Because like I have said before, in those early months, you just can't have enough bibs.

This week alone we have a boy almost ready to be born into our small group, and a girl coming in March to another resident couple.  The wolves were left over from my last sewing extravaganza, the other 3 I used up parts of about 3 morning naps to complete.  So much fun to be able to give these to friends!

Generally, I use felt as a structural/sort of liquid barrier from the front.  And the front is whatever cotton print I find in the fat-quarters or clearance section of various craft departments.  I try to stick to colorful prints that won't show baby food stains so terribly.  And I always prewash before I craft so that they don't shrink up after I hand them out.

As for the button closure, that was the cheapest option I could figure out without having to buy any special hardware.  I originally wanted to do magnets but those are ridiculously expensive.  And I could not be happier with how the button functions and looks.  It is super easy for parents to fasten, but secure enough that baby can't just rip it off.

Myles never complained about his...  Unfortunately he almost completely stopped wearing 

bibs right after I learned how to make them!  But he was a pretty good model for me anyway.

I love just having this to do on occasion to take care of my DIY cravings in these long days of residency.  It is a little hard to find enough time to do anything bigger like build furniture or paint a room.  Getting to do this to love on our friends is a major bonus, and making myself learn how to sew is so so so fantastic.  I have since managed to make my own pillow sham for the couch, a small curtain for the kitchen window, and a crib rail protector when Myles started chewing the crap out of his.  What have you been crafting lately?

I'm linking up at this crafting Blog Party!

photo shoot : a family of 4

I met Amanda last year.  She is another resident's wife/stay at home mom.  I completely value her friendship and have been so excited to watch her family go from 3 to 4 this year.  It makes finding time with her a little bit harder, but she is pretty good about getting back to me with texts.   I was beyond excited when she asked me to take some photos of them now that Baby Charlotte (aka Charlie) is here.  Here are a few of my favorites:

myles oliver : a birthday party

I had been a bit of a fuddy duddy earlier about whether or not to have a party for Myles since his birthday falls in the middle of Kyle's away rotation.  Since we didn't find out Kyle's schedule until he was already in Charleston, we capitalized on what we did know and planned Myles' birthday party 2 weeks early.  Kyle had to leave on the 2nd, so we celebrated on the 1st!  Issue:  this was the beginning of when everyone started getting sick so through a series of unfortunate events, 2 of the 4 families we invited weren't able to make it.  No worries.  We didn't let it slow us down!

I kept things as simple as I could without feeling like I was sacrificing on the cute first birthday for our first kid factor.  I had planned for quite some time to bake a blueberry pie for Myles since blueberries are his favorite, it is eggless, and well, you will understand once you see the pictures.  To all those haters that thought pie was the worst thing you could do to a kid on their birthday (how dare I not give my kid cake!) get over it.  Pie was a major hit!  I also grabbed an apple pie from Trader Joes in case people weren't blueberry fans.  Food wise, I just grabbed some roasted red pepper hummus with pita from TJ's and made some sausage balls right before the guests arrived.

We went with a light dinosaur theme.  I snagged that cute reusable chalkboard banner and used my dinosaur cookie cutters as stencils for the images, and dinosaur plates and napkins from Target.  A few colorful streamers and some little plastic dinosaurs from the Target dollar spot finished us off.  I also printed the monthbymonth photos from here on the blog and displayed them with a few other gems.

Adults and kids alike tore into that blueberry pie after Myles took care of the first slice.  It really was phenomenal and Pillsbury made the crust much easier to deal with.

The kids all took turns on Myles' present from us, his little red rocking moose from Ikea.  

The party was just what we needed.  A few friends to celebrate our kiddo.  Some good food and conversation.   Just enough to say we actually did it and had fun in the process.  I know Myles had a blast.