So what better way to make a girl feel better than to make her Christmas list. This might sound cliche, but I can honestly say that I don't need a thing for Christmas this year. I received the best gift I could ever hope for on May 11 and that is a healthy baby boy. BUT, since the holidays are upon us and I need something to take my mind off of my current situation, why not do a little lusting....

New Everyday Dishes

Source: crateandbarrel.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Dryer Balls

Source: amazon.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Cupcake Corer

Source: hostessblog.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Medium Sized White Gold Hoops

Source: tiffany.com via Marissa on Pinterest

L.L. Bean Tote

Source: llbean.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Leakproof Travel Mug

Source: starbucksstore.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Tall Brown Boots - I heart these, but they cost more than most of my shoes combined!

Source: elefantitasalegres.blogspot.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Black Wedge Heels

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Black Flats

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Marissa on Pinterest

Black Kitten Heels

Source: piperlime.gap.com via Marissa on Pinterest

A Perfect Fall Weekend

Could we be more blessed with this weather lately? I mean really, it's October and this man is outside with no clothes on...

What a wonderful weekend we had! We opened our home to good friends, the Hooli's, and had more fun than we could handle. The interesting thing about the Hooli's is that Brett met Brian the same weekend that he and I met in Myrtle Beach. They became instant friends and as both boys moved on, got married, and had kiddos, our families have become wonderful friends. They are the kind of friends that you love to have as overnight guests. They're very much like us and we can have the greatest time doing nothing at all.

On Friday night, we enjoyed catching up playing with their boys, Colin is 3 and Brendan is 4, and they got to meet Owen for the first time.

On Saturday morning, the men went golfing and Claudette and I took the boys to the Adler Planetarium. Brett and Brian met us later on. What a  beautiful day to be by the lake and learn a little about space.  It's wonderful to be grown adults hanging out with your children and still acting like little kids. The joke of the weekend was "five" because so many jokes were made that you would think we were still kids. What planet comes after Saturn? Uranus. Yep! Still funny!

Saturday night we had a cookout, play tag in the dark and all retreated to the basement for some laughs and some good episodes of the Backyardigans. 

Sunday was equally as beautiful so we went to park. This was Owen's first real trip to the park and he enjoyed it immensely already.

Cluadette and I entertained ourselves by trying to learn to juggle with walnuts. "five". 

 Oh, I wish this weather could last forever!

Wednesday Brain Dump

I love brain dumps...whether they are via blog, email, text, whatever, we all need them. So here's my mid week dump (I have the same mentality as a 10 year old because I giggled as I typed "dump").

1. It's hot. I hate it. I know. I shouldn't complain because we are what seems like days away from breaking out the parkas in the good ole Midwest. I don't know why we live here. It's too hot, too cold, too rainy, too windy. Always too something. The hot is much more tolerable here.

2. I want one of these. This one is at Target and is actually made of glass, not cheap plastic. I don't know where I would store it as our house seems to be shrinking.

3. I also want one of these L. L. Bean tote bags. They're so cute and would be perfect for schlepping (my new favorite word) our stuff around. Owen has a lot of stuff + I have a lot of stuff = we need a fun tote bag for all our stuff. I have no clue what color to order, nor do I know what size or whether I should get it with our without a zipper. I do know I want to have "Team Clancy" embroidered on it and I don't know that it will fit.

4. My birthday is coming up. I am dreading it a little bit. It's a big one. Fortunately, I get to spend my actual birthday at the University of Dayton with the whole fam. Scotty moves in that weekend and Ben will be home and is coming along for the ride. So we are road tripping it to Dayton to see everyone and "help" move in.

5. Love. This. Smile. He is smiling up a storm and it makes me laugh every single time.

6. I also love this face. It's his poopin' face.

7. Did I mention it's hot and I don't even want to go outside.

8. Owen woke up 3 times last night. It sucked! The 3rd time was the worst because he wasn't hungry or need a change. His reflux was bothering him and he spent about 15 minutes burping and doing the hard swallow like it was burning. I hate that for him.

9. From where I am sitting, I can see a huge cob web in the corner and i don't feel like getting up to get rid of it.

10. Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Products are my new fav. I have the Lavender hand soap and Lemon Verbena All Purpose cleaning concentrate. Even Scotty commented on the scent when he was here.

11. I want to make my own cleaning wipes, I just need a container big enough to hold a roll of paper towels. Any suggestions? I found one idea - to cute the roll of paper towels in half with an electric knife. Good thought. No electric knife here.

12. My lil man just woke up. Brain dump ends here :-)

Babies bring with them a whole new life

It's Friday night.

Brett is on his computer working on a contract for a friend.

Dateline or 20/20 is on TV.

I am blogging.

Baby boy is in bed.

We had KFC for dinner.

The dogs are cuddled up next to us.

I am enjoying a cold Berryweiss.

This my friends is our new life - I couldn't be happier.

A Few Favorite Pregnancy Items (WARNING: a bare belly pic is involved)

Now these things are by no means necessary to get through a pregnancy. I am, however, fortunate enough to have a super excited husband who can't wait to be a daddy and is doing everything he can to make it easier on me. He told me one day that he had bought the baby and I a few gifts and that they would be delivered soon. All I can say is...he done good!

• Belly Buds: Specialized "head phones" that stick to you pregnant belly and adjust the volume of music so it is not too loud for baby. Since Brett and I are both very into music, we felt it was important for the baby to be exposed to some of our favorites ahead of time, mainly Dave Matthews. The baby has however already "attended" two Dave concerts. The neat thing about Belly Buds, is that they have a website that you can send invitations to family members to record messages to the baby. When we were home for Christmas my mom recorded herself singing to the baby. My only complaint is that you can't download the recordings so you have to plug the headphones into your computer. I think it is just easier to make your own audio file. Anyway, we created a lay list so that I can sit at night and the baby can listen to my iTouch!

• Snoogle Pillow: This is a MUST HAVE. I honestly don't think I could sleep with out it. It is a pillow with a hook shape at the top, long straight body part and then a curled bottom. It fits my body so perfectly and helps to ensure that I sleep on my side. A lot of women at this stage in their pregnancy struggle to get a good nights sleep. I don't attribute it all to the snoogle but so far I am having the opposite problem. I feel great but when it's time to go to bed, I have no problem!!!! Brett ordered my pillow from Amazon, but I saw something similar at Babies R Us.

• Prenatal Yoga DVD: I must confess that I have been VERY lazy so far during my pregnancy. Fortunately, my weight has not suffered but I know that it is good for both me and the baby to get some physical activity. Brett realizing that I was struggling with this ordered me a prenatal yoga DVD. I tried it recently for the first time and I love it. It is broken into practices by trimester and then special symptoms (morning sickness, sleeplessness, back pain).

And most of all, the one best thing to have while being pregnant - this guy!

Support Bear Photography, Support the U.S.

Several weeks ago I mentioned that Brett and I had traveled home to PA to celebrate my brother Ben's high school graduation. Before I get to the purpose of this post, I would like to tell you a little about Ben.

Ben is about 9 1/2 years younger than I am making him currently 19 years old. My parents tried to conceive shortly after I was born with no luck. After a series of failed fertility treatments, an adoption that didn't work out, they finally found out that their last fertility attempt had worked and our family of three would become a family of four. (Scott who is eighteen month younger than Ben was truly a beautiful surprise!) I was the proudest big sister you could imagine. Growing up, Ben was a quiet kid - gentle. He became known for a long time as gentle Ben. He had a talent for sports, academics, and music. A while back Ben decided that he wanted to apply to the United States Military Academy at West Point. This is one of the most prestigious and competitive schools in the country requiring an impeccable academic, athletic and leadership resume, as well as an appointment by a congressman. Ben found out late this spring that he was deemed "Qualified but not Selected". While this was a hard dose of reality for someone who is used to getting what he sets out to achieve, Ben took this setback in stride and enrolled at Washington and Jefferson College, a very reputable school (that just happens to be in our hometown). For the 2010/ 2011 Ben will play football for W & J as well as dedicate himself to being the high caliber of student that he is used to being. Ben has decided that he will make the most out of this freshman year and treat it as a transition year. He may reapply to West Point in hopes to be accepted for the following academic year. Ben has decided that whether or not he is accepted to West Point, serving his country in the U.S. military is something that he wants to do. Tomorrow, Ben will be sworn into the Army and participate in the ROTC program for at leats the next year. As someone who cares very much for Ben, joining the military with our country still at war is a scary venture, but I am filled with pride that this young man, who I have watched grow from a gentle and quiet young man into a strong and loyal young man, wants to serve our nation.

During his senior year in high school, Ben developed an interest in photography and developed a creative eye for turning pictures into art. He enjoys editing pictures on the computer just as much as he enjoys taking shots with the camera. He has decided to turn this into a small business that he can hopefully earn some extra money while he is in school. (He intends on going to medical school and knows the road will be paved with bills and loans!) I have been impressed with Ben's photography since he started, although I understand I may be a bit biased. Several days ago, Ben launched a website to showcase his work to this point. On the site are some beautiful images he has taken of the city of Pittsburgh, nature shots, and portraits, as well as some artsy photographs created with a technique call light painting. If you are in the Pittsburgh area and are looking for an inexpensive photographer to take say some shots of your dogs (there is a great image of both Lucy and Tucker on his site), your new baby (he doesn't have a lot of experience photographing babies, but he's cheap), you (don't feel vain) or you like his stuff...get in touch with him. He would like to sell prints of work he has already done as well as create a client database that he can offer quality shots at a lo cost. Without further ado, I present to you -

Bear Photography!

At the very least, check out the site, read the blog, and leave him a comment. If you are feeling daring, shoot him an email and buy a print....here's a sneak peak at one of my favorites...

Nothing Says Summer Like....

Ribs

and

Peach Cobbler
YUUUMMMY!!!

*clip* *clip* *snip* *snip* Oh the sound of clipping coupons!

Please do not laugh at what I am about to say. I. Love. Coupons. I live for using coupons at the grocery store, at the movie store, at restaurants, at clothing stores; if there is a coupon to be had I want to find it and use it and revel in the money I save. Fifty cents may not seem like a lot but several times a week times 52 weeks a year, wow! Brett even told the cashier at Wal Mart once, that my coupon-clipping-money-saving addiction was a main reason that he married me. So right now I am sitting looking at a pile of coupons I have accumulated over the past like two weeks. They are coupons sent to me via email because I have either signed up to received them or ordered online and coupons sent to me in the mail. You know the ones that send glued to a small advertisement and are about the size of a credit card. I am making a list and this is what I have come up with:

Kohl's

$10 off any purchase AND *15% off this Friday an Saturday

Victoria's Secret

*$10 off a $60 purchase (also of note their long sleeve sleep shirts are 2/ $30; how cozy do these look?)

The Limited

$30 off a $100 purchase, $20 off a $60 purchase or $10 off a $20 purchase

GAP

*30% because it is the friends and family sale

Express

$30 off a $90 purchase or $15 off of a $45 purchase

Borders

30% off one item $10 or more

Any offer w/ an * beside it is an email offer and I would be more than happy to share!

This is awful because I mean these are some great deals and it would not be a financially sound move for me to let these deals go to waste. Brett is all about saving money; I think maybe our definition of "save" may be slightly different, but it would be far better to make all of my purchases now when I can save money than to wait until a time when I am sans coupon, right?

Oh the dilemma!!!!!! Most of the coupons expire this weekend...can I hold out and keep my wallet closed tight? We'll seeeeeeeee......

Favorite things #3

Well, given that I was a little sleepy today (details of last nights events to follow), Souper Sunday was a no go again. However, I did manage to whip up the husband's fav dip - Buffalo Chicken Dip! This is becoming a staple on Sundays!

2 lg. cans chicken, well drained

2 - 8oz. cream cheese

3/4 c. hot sauce (I prefer Frank's red hot and you can add more or less depending on "hotness" preference)

1 c. Ranch dressing

grated cheddar if you please

Flake chicken in frying pan and add hot sauce. Heat through. Add cream cheese and Ranch and cook over low - medium heat until melted and well mixed. Add cheese and stir until melted if desired. Put in pie plate or shallow baking dish and bake on 350 until hot. Serve with tortilla chips (Scoops!).

Favorite Things # 2

Pizza Hut!!!

Brett and I have developed quite an affinity to the deliciousness that is a hand tossed (or pan, we haven't decided which is better) sausage and onion pizza with an order of bread sticks and marinara sauce. It seems as of late, we order one of these delicacies about once a week. Last night was no different and it seems that when the question, "What are we having for dinner?", prompts no immediate response from either of us we look at each other coyly and ask, "Should we just order a pizza?". What ensues is a feeling of pure indulgence! One of the best parts of ordering from Pizza Hut, is that you can order online (to ensure accuracy, not that the employees at Pizza Hut are lacking any type of skills provided by a proper education) and they usually email you coupons to use on your online order. I know you may be thinking, "Brett and Marissa, you live in Chicago, home of some of the greatest pizza in the world. Why Pizza Hut?" Yes we know and Gino's East is DEFINITELY our top favorite pizza (I mean, really, nothing can beat a wheel of sausage on your pizza), but for a regular week night, nothing says good pizza like Pizza Hut. Now tell me, doesn't this just make your mouth water?

Happiness is a big cookie!

Favorite thing #1: The skookie pan

I can not take credit for the above quote (Charlies Brown actually said it) but oh how true. We ordered a skookie pan a while back and used it last night for the first time. Wow! A skookie pan is a cast iron pan, about 8 inches in diameter that you put directly into the oven with your favorite dough or batter, i.e. chocolate chip cookie dough, brownie batter, pizza dough, etc. and you make an 8 inch cookie, brownie, crust etc. Well we made chocolate chip cookies last night and ate them right out of the piping hot pan. I think I died and went to heaven and am reliving it as I sit here and eat the rest for lunch (no, neither of us could stomach eating the entire 8 inch cookie after a big delicious, cooked-by-me meal). If you have a cookie lover in the family, the skookie pan is the only way to go this holiday season. We purchased ours through LTD, but they are also available on the Internet and at Bed Bath and Beyond around Christmas.

And now, back to my big cookie!