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HAPPY TUESDAY!

It's been awhile since I've blogged.   It's so crazy how time flies when you have a child.  The days are not long enough!

Well let's see...Marshall is three months already!  Can you believe it?!  I like to say, three months YOUNG!  He has become such a happy little guy.  Of course we have our meltdown's, but all the smiles these days make up for all the fussy times. ;)  As much as I like to get a little sad face when I see him growing so fast, I am loving this age.  He is so responsive and smiley.

Everyone still says he looks just like Doug.  BUT, I have been hearing more and more that he has my eyes!  Woot woot.  Let's just hope they stay blue!

Marshall's current favorite is...

Bright Stars Safari Gym

He absolutely loves this thing!  It's so cute to see him smiling at the lights and learning how to use his hands to hit the hanging toys.  I think his favorite accessory is the mirror.  He sure loves to look in that mirror and smile. :)

Not too sure what's been goin on with little ole Marshall's hair these days but it's sure giving us a laugh.  Doug said he looks like Frank Barone from Everybody Loves Raymond.  I think he's right.  Poor Marshall.

I ran my first post-baby half marathon about a week ago.  It felt so flippin good!  

I tried running during pregnancy but I seriously felt like I was going to die, so that didn't last long.  The day the doctor cleared me to run again, I literally went out that same afternoon for a run.  It felt great but awful at the same time.  I knew it would take a bit to get back into shape but just after a few days of running, I sure was amazed at how my body was able to bounce back into running.  I was excited and eager to run more, so I decided I'd give the City of Tree's half marathon a whirl.  I went into it with an open mind and no time goal this time around.  I really only wanted to finish.  Well, I finished, felt awesome and was excited to see my supportive hubby and sweet little baby at the finish line. 

 It was a great day!

Today is our anniversary...Happy 2 Year Anniversary to us!

It feels like yesterday that Doug and I first started "dating!"  Or I should say, long distance dating, flying out to see each other every other weekend!  Those were the days!

A little over 2 months later we were engaged and 9 months after that, MARRIED!

What a journey it's been so far.  We traveled a bit, took some weekend road trips and really soaked up the time together.  I am so glad we did!  I have absolutely loved the last 3 years together!  Beyond excited to continue our adventure together.

Our first picture together...

Last year during this time was a very special time for us.  We were in the process of IVF.  I had just started my first round of medications and we were in Seattle celebrating our anniversary for the weekend.  Who knew that a year later we would have our perfect little miracle.  We are so blessed, beyond blessed. 

Us on our anniversary last year at the Crab Pot in Seattle.  Love that place!

Tonight we will be celebrating at home with our traditional seafood feast!  

Happy Anniversary to my best friend, the man who makes me smile each and every day!  Thank you for the last 3 years together and for making me a Mommy.  

I love you!

Cheers to a great day!

five on friday

It's finally Friday, wahoo!  

Even though my job is currently being a stay at home Momma, I still get excited for Friday.  Friday means that I get to spend more time with my husband, we get to spend more time as a family AND I get an extra hand with the little guy.  ;)  Friday is a good day!

Linkng up with Darci again today for Five on Friday!  Five things that I'm loving this week.

Ready....GO...

~one~

I've seen this flying around Instagram and Facebook this week and I just LOVE it.  October is by far my favorite month.  October means FALL and October also means it's the anniversary of the day I married my best friend!

~two~

I recently scooped up this hooter candle holder!  Is this not the cutest?!  Bath & Body works for the win once again!  Bath & Body works has been really coming out with some cute stuff this Fall.  I'm not gonna lie, I'm a Bath & Body soap and scents hoarder.

~three~

I am so excited about my new leggings!  CAMO!  I saw these at Express and had to have them.  These beauties were originally $34.90.  Crazy for one pair of leggings.  Well, since I'm an extreme coupon coder, I ended up getting them for $5.19.  That's right!  Doug was very pleased!  Not sure what to wear them with yet but I'm sure I'll figure it out.  I'm thinking Uggs and a long cardigan???

~four~

Running.  
As soon as I was cleared to exercise again at my 6 week check-up, I literally went out that same day for my first run.  I felt so rusty at first but then it just started to get easier and feel better.  Now, it feels awesome and I'm slowly starting to feel back to my old self.   This week I've felt absolutely amazing when out running - especially since the weather has cooled down!

~five~

THIS made me laugh out loud.

Happy Friday everyone and HAPPY WEEKEND!

XOXO

It's October 1st!

With it being the first day of October, I thought I'd share one of my all time favorite Fall recipes.  This is to die for!  For those of you that love pumpkin but aren't huge pumpkin pie fans, this recipe is for you!!!  
It's such a light and healthy dessert (insert sarcasm here). 

Gooey Pumpkin Butter Cakes

Ingredients

Cake Mix:
1 package of yellow cake mix
1 egg
8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Filling:
1 (8oz) package of low-fat cream cheese (softened)
1 (15oz) can pumpkin
3 eggs
1 tsp vanilla
8 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
1 (16oz) box powdered sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp nutmeg

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Combine cake mix, egg, butter and mix well with an electric mixer.  This mixture will be very thick.  I sometimes need to add a splash of water to be able to mix it up.  Pat the mixture into the bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 inch baking pan.

To make the filling:
In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and pumpkin until smooth.  Add the eggs, vanilla, butter and beat together.  Next, add the powdered sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and mix well.  Spread the mixture over cake batter and bake for 40-50 minutes.  Make sure not to over-bake as the center should be a little gooey.  Let it cool for a bit.

Serve with fresh whipped cream.  I just use a dollop of Cool Whip on each piece.  

I have always used unsalted butter and low fat cream cheese.  It makes me feel a little better when eating it.  ;)  

ENJOY!