5 on Friday: Random Happenings

Happy Friday everyone!  This week was a good one for us and let me tell ya, it was much needed after the rough go we had last week with our sickness.  And let’s be honest, the four day work week really helped too!  I feel like I have so much to talk about today so hold on to your hats for more than just five topics. ;)

1.  9/11

Do you remember where you were on this day fourteen years ago?  I will never forget.  I was in college and just waking up.  One of my roommates, Kerri K., came running into the room saying there was something happening in NYC with planes and we needed to go turn on the news.  In a matter of minutes, all of us ladies were in the sorority lounge glued to the TV.  Classes were cancelled at my university, with the exception of my five hour Organic Chemistry class.  That afternoon I walked across a desolate campus to my lab.  The professor took a moment to talk to us, we took a moment of silence, and then we completed our lab experiment in an expedited fashion so we could return to our homes, our families, our friends.  It was a somber day, and certainly one I will never forget.  Don’t forget to take a moment to remember those who lost their lives and those that still mourn their loved ones.

There are a couple businesses in town that are hosting meals for the firefighters today.  I thought that was pretty cool that they are recognizing them on this day.  Hopefully the calls will stay at bay so the hubs and his coworkers can enjoy them to the fullest.

2.  NYFW

You guys, another year is here and I am not at New York Fashion week…again!  Someday I will fulfill my deep desires to witness a show first hand.  I don’t know when this will be but gosh darn it, I have to attend.  It has been on my bucket list since I was in my early 20s.  I’m certain my obsession with clothes, shoes, and Sex & the City back then had nothing to do with it. ;)  Anyway, I am filling my void this year by following all the wonderful fashion bloggers who are out there now.  Pure envy has set in.

3.  Apple Picking

When we lived in Nebraska, we started a family tradition of visiting the apple orchard every September.   I have some great memories that we’ve captured in photos of the little ones; some of Brady just weeks old! 

 

There is a small orchard just down from our house.  Even though it isn’t large, I love the idea that it’s right near us and where the kids will grow up.  I hope to take the kids there this weekend to pick our own apples because Lord knows it’s time to start whipping up those apple recipes! 

 I love making overnight apple cinnamon oatmeal, an apple dessert (blogged previously here), and I want to attempt a new recipe for apple chicken meatballs that I saw on Mix & Match Mama.

4.  Strawberry Pretzel Dip

 I stumbled across this recipe a few weeks ago and am making it tonight.  Doesn’t it look like the perfect combination of salt and sweet?  If it is a success, I’ll make sure to share the details next week.

5.  Cy-Hawk

 This weekend is the showdown for Iowa and Iowa State football.  This is my favorite college game of the year!  It doesn’t matter if you’re cheering for Iowa or ISU; you’re excited and the anticipation over the game makes for a fun atmosphere living here.  Neither David nor I went to an Iowa college (my dad and much of my extended family all attended ISU) but we still cheer both teams on.  However, when it comes to the rivalry, I can’t help but cheer for the cyclones!

For the game we are going over to my cousin’s house, a Hawkeye household.  It should make for an interesting and very fun afternoon!  Bring on the rivalry!

6.  Moments

If you didn’t have the opportunity to swing past my blog yesterday, take a minute to read the story.  I tell you what, it was a game changer for me this week. 

7.  “Mom”

I can’t believe that the time has come.  Yes folks, it was as if Brady turning two was the initiation of the hubs and I having to play referee with the kids.  Our two littles either love each other beyond words or they are in a fighting moment.  I’m not quite sure if there is an in-between anymore? 

"Eh, what mom?  I didn't do it."

 I called David on my way home last night and it was so loud in the background.  He was also driving and the kids were in the backseat arguing over who could see more clouds out their window.  Then, Brady told Tessa how he saw a dog in the tree (um, probably not) and she was screaming at him how that wasn’t possible.  Yep, I think this is how the next 18 years are going to roll.

8.  Because They’re Awesome

I have to share one last thing because seriously, I’m still laughing about it today.  Last night we get the kids to bed and I’m indulging in IG and come across a photo that a friend of mine posted.  She comes home only to find that her husband has mounted a deer head in their entry way hallway.  I swear her husband and mine are one in the same sometime!  Gosh, I love that family!

 And to not keep you in suspense, the deer head is no longer there.  ;)