Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Soo...y'all remember a couple weeks ago when I told y'all about how I completely forgot to put the CHICKEN in my Chicken Spaghetti? Well, luckily for you guys, I DIDN'T forget that I wanted to share my recipe with y'all! I originally found this recipe on pinterest, of course! Chicken spaghetti was not a staple in my house when I was growing up. In fact, I can't remember my mother ever making this. Hey, Mom, WTH? KIDDING. I do remember eating this a few times with friends and I always loved it. It is so, comforting. Gotta love comfort food! 

Ingredients:
8 oz. angel hair pasta
2 C chopped, grilled chicken or 1 large can of chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 can cream of chicken soup
One 10 oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes, undrained
8 oz. sour cream
Parmesan or Mexican Blend Shredded cheese

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350*.
Boil pasta as directed on package and drain.
Mix all other ingredients, except cheese, and then add the pasta.
Distribute mixture evenly into a 9X13 baking dish.
Cover with foil and bake 30 minutes or until bubbly.
Sprinkle with your choice of cheese and return to oven until cheese is melted.

Note: If you don't want the spice of Rotel, you can use plain diced tomatoes. Also, I used non fat soups and sour cream and the dish still tasted amazing! 

XO, 
Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Stuffed Crescents

Howdy! I've been wanting to share this simple recipe with you for a week or two now and I"m finally getting around to it! Hip Hip Hooray! My sweet cousin passed this recipe to me so I was sure I'd love it and as it turns out, it was fabulous!

Stuffed Crescents

Ingredients:
1/2 package cream cheese
One 5oz. can chicken, drained
2 green onions, chopped
2 TBS milk
One 8oz. package of crescent rolls
1/4 C Italian bread crumbs

Instructions:
1) Heat oven to 375*. Line baking sheet with foil and set aside.

2) Combine cream cheese, chicken, green onions and milk.

3) Unroll crescent rolls from package. Place 1 TBS of chicken mixture over the widest portion of the crescent roll triangle. Roll up as directed on the package.

4)Place stuffed crescents on foil lined baking sheet and top each crescent with 1 tsp. of bread crumbs.

5)Bake on center oven rack for 12 minutes.

I did things just a little bit differently. I used a 10 oz. can of chicken vs. a 5 oz. can. Also, I omitted the green onions because I knew my kiddos wouldn't eat them. I'm making these again this week and I will be making two batches - one with onions and one without. 

These are so delicious and easy to make, you just have to try them! 

XO, 
Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Wednesday Weigh-In

Hi lovelies! I know, it's Thursday and I'm late with my Wednesday Weigh-In. Story of my life so forgive me, please?

I promise I took this picture yesterday morning so it's still legit!

Last week I was at 201.4 so I lost one whole pound this week. I'm not mad though cause a pound a week is typical, normal, average or whatever. Plus, I haven't worked out. Can someone please force my ass to go to the gym? I've just been so busy and unfortunately the gym gets put at the end of my list. Anyhow, I'm down a total of 4.6 lbs in just two weeks. I'll take it!

Also, 2 whole weeks without any soda! Can I get a "you go girl?" I've been thinking it had been 3 weeks already but that's not the case. The last few days have been hard for some reason but I'm sticking with it. How do you think I lost 4.6 lbs already?

Til next time...

XO,
Lacey
Click Here For Week 1
Click Here For Week 3

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Monday Listicles

Happy Monday!! I'm excited about this up coming week. I'm working on a lot of projects (which means my mind is everywhere & no where all at once!) and I'm jumping in feet first!

This week on Monday Listicles we're talking birthdays which is perfect because both of my babies are turning a year older very soon (*tear*).

Without further adieu...

10 Reasons Why I Go Over Board For My Kids' Birthdays

10) Because it's FUN & I enjoy it.

9) I love finding my creative side.

8) My kid's LOVE helping to plan their own parties.

7) It makes them feel SPECIAL.

6) They know this day is important to me too.

5) Their smiles when it all comes together.

4) To create amazing memories

3) To give them EXACTLY what they want, even if it is for just one day.

2) The excitement.

1) BECAUSE I WANT TO.

I hate it when people judge others because they give their children lavish or over the top birthday parties. I"m one of those moms and I have my reasons (see above!). I'm not doing it to be at the top of some leader board.

XO,
 Lacey 

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Five Question Friday

Happy Friday Y'all!! This mama is ready for the weekend; we're going to the zoo tomorrow! Expect lots of pictures :)

It's time for 5QF and this week it is being hosted by Kate @ Kate's Life. Y'all go over and say hi, k?

Let's get this party started!

1) Do you call them flip flops, sandals, thongs, or slippers?

I call them flip flops or flops. Sandals have straps, thongs are underwear and slippers are soft and fuzzy. See the difference?

2) Are you a "my kids can do no wrong" mom or a "Johnny punched you? What did you do to him first?!" kind of mom?

I'm definitely not the first kind. My kids can be hellions and I"m the first to warn ya about it. The second kind could be me, if I'm talking directly to my own children because they pick on each other all the time. It's kind of  expected. Around other people these little brats tend to be really well behaved so I don't typically have any kind of issue there.

3) Would you confront a good friend who looks down on your husband/significant other?

In my opinion, if they did that to my husband then they probably aren't a good friend. So, yes. If that friend had a legit reason for feeling negatively about my husband then I would hear them out but I would expect them to extend me the same courtesy.

4) Biggest pet peeve?

My biggest pet peeve has got to be negativity/pessimism. I am the most glass half full kind of person you will ever meet and negative people really bring me down. I realize that things can't be peachy 24/7 but I try to make the best of every situation and folks who are Debbie Downers all day, every day really rake on my nerves.

5) What's your favorite take out meal?

Hands down, Chinese take out from this one place by my husband's office. It's so deliciously wonderful. Let me call him and let him know to pick up dinner... :)

Y'all have a wonderful weekend!! 

XO,
Lacey 

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Wednesday Weigh-In

Hey y'all! Sadly, I'm having to FORCE myself to type out this post right now but if I'm going to hold myself accountable, which I am, I know that this is the very best "weigh" (haha!) for me to do it.

Last week I told y'all about the color run, an awesome 5K race that I've been so anxious to participate in. Finally, they are bringing this awesome event to Houston and I"m running! Woo! I'm seriously so excited; it's going to be a blast! Not just because it's a cool race that I've been looking forward to for what feels like forever but because I "met" an awesome new friend who is running it with me! Hi Lindsey!! Go check out her blog, then come back, k?

Anyhooo, I mentioned that I was going to be shedding pounds for this event. Because I need to lose weight anyway, and I need to train so I won't look like a fool running this race..So from here on out til race day I'll be doing "Weigh-In Wednesday."

Last week when I weighed in on Wednesday I was 205 lbs. Ouch, that is hard to type out. This morning when I weighed in the scale looked like this:

WOOT! for being down 3.6 lbs! I haven't worked out a lick this week, shame shame on me, I know. However, as of today it has been ONE FULL WEEK since I've had even a sip of Coke. This is MAJOR. I'm so proud of myself for sticking to my goal of kicking this nasty soda habit I have. Truth be told, I don't even want it at this point, thank goodness.

I've curbed what I"m eating, but only slightly. One thing I've been eating more of is salads, you know, the standard diet staple! I have been eating plain and grilled chicken salads. I wanted to share with y'all what I use as dressing on my salads because it wasn't too long ago that I would have never even imagined eating them this way. Instead of using any type of dressing on my salad I squeeze about a half of a lemon over the salad and the top with salt and pepper. My mom got me started on this and when she first told me to try it I thought she was crazy, but y'all, it's hella good! I encourage you to give it a try because it is WAY better for you than any "light" dressing could ever be!

I even cut myself to only one Starbucks latte and it was a skinny at that! Go me! I know it's not much but it's a start, and in my opinion, 3.6 lbs. is nothing to turn your nose up at!

It's important for me to tell y'all that I've never been a skinny girl! When I graduated high school I weighed 150 lbs. and I seriously loved my body. I was thin and curvy in all the right places. I was far from perfect but I loved myself and knew that I was rockin it. What? I was! LOL

My body has changed a lot in the past 9, almost 10, years. I don't know what my goal weight will be at this point but I'm gonna be happy with every week I weigh in and I've lost. We'll see where this takes me. This week, I hope to get myself back into the gym because work outs ALWAYS make me feel so good about myself.

If you are on a weight loss journey or want to be, I encourage you to join me. I promise to hold you accountable and support you through your trials and successes. Weight loss is hard but so worth it!

XO, 
Lacey
Click Here for Week 2

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

Helllooooo Lovelies! Happy Wednesday. I think I say this every Wednesday, but I'm so ready for the weekend!! Anyhow, it's time for another round of SO WHAT! Wednesday so let's just get to it!

This week I'm saying SO WHAT! if:

I was so desperate to get my last minute entry in to win a trip to Brandcation (I didn't win) that I took myself to Starbucks to use their internet. The weather had been seriously awful round these parts and my internet connection kept fading which is not good for uploading video folks. A girls gotta do what a girls gotta do!

I cried like a big 'ol baby when I found some old videos of Addison on the camcorder and then again while playing them back. I couldn't help but relish in all her 1 year old cuteness. I can't believe she is going to be 5 in just 3 short months! 

My 2 year old asked if the tuna noodle casserole I served for dinner was dog food.

My 4 year old just suggested that I should go ahead and get on the laundry situation. Really? What the hell?

I've apparently been a total emotional wreck this week. WTF is wrong with me anyway??

I made my hubby go get a library card because I currently have $25 in fees that I didn't even know about and I don't want to pay them. I know, this one is kinda bad, and I will pay the fees.

What are you saying SO WHAT! to this week?

XO,
Lacey

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Is That Normal?! Tuesday ~ Ladies Vs. Gents

So this week of Is That Normal?! is a little bit different. This week I am comparing MY answers to my HUBBY'S answers. This should be fun....I handed him a piece of paper with the questions written out on it so that he could fill them out at his own pace. Surprisingly he did it willingly and quite quickly. Check it out y'all!

1) Is it normal for 2 men to hug?

ME: I think it's pretty normal. Family members, close friends...I don't see a problem with it.

HIM: It is not.

2) Is it normal to gag on your tooth brush while brushing?

ME: Ugh, I hate that! My mom does it, it always grosses me out. No, not normal.

HIM: For me, yes!!

3) Is it normal to wear the same bra daily?

ME: I have 2 favorite bras that I wear throughout the week. I might wear one a couple times before I wash it, just depends on what I was doing while wearing it.

HIM: Yes, Lacey! (gee, thanks babe!)

4) Is it normal for grown women to frequently use the words "like" or "um" while speaking?

ME: I say "um" when I'm nervous and I say "like" when I"m excited, so I guess, yea it is. At least every other word isn't like though, right?

HIM: Now days, yes.

5) Is it normal to eat cake batter/dough?

Nuff Said

ME:

HIM: Yes, cornbread batter too.

6) Is it normal to "go commando" in public/work?

ME: Not my thing, hopefully not yours either.

HIM: Not for me, might be kinda rough.

7) Is it normal to have long toenails?

ME: I guess that depends on what you consider "long," mine have to be long enough to paint!

HIM: For my wife & kids!

8) Is it normal to try on an article of clothing in the middle of the store?

ME: Oh, I hate that- I can remember my mom and grandparents making me do that and it's annoying. Plus you can't tell if something fits right with other clothing on?!?!

HIM: NOPE.

9) Is it normal to tell someone to be quiet or "shh" someone in a quiet setting? IE church, movies, meeting, etc.

ME: It takes a lot for me to say something to someone. I will usually just give "the look."

HIM: For Sure.

10) Is it normal to change clothes multiple times before leaving the house?

ME: Um, yea!

HIM: 5 or 6 times for you!! (he means me)

Then he went all "I'm gonna be a totally awesome husband" or a "total suck up" and decided to throw in one more question at the bottom of his paper:

11) Is it normal to have an awesome wife?

ME: Nope, you just got hella lucky!

HIM: For me it is, I must be the luckiest guy in the WHOLE WIDE WORLD!!!

Yep, he wrote it just like that. Dollface.

XO,
Lacey

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Me, Myself, & I

Today I'm linking up with Breanna from My Beautiful, Crazy Life for the first EVER Me, Myself & I linky party!

I've been looking forward to this for a week or so & I hope you will hop over, read some of the other posts & maybe even join in on the fun!


Let's do it:

1) What is your biggest phobia?

Okay, so to me, a phobia is something that you are deathly terrified of. Like if you had a phobia about spiders you wouldn't be able to even see a spider without totally freaking out. I don't react to anything that way, so I guess I don't have any phobias. I do however have this semi irrational fear about being in a car that is directly behind an 18 wheeler carrying logs/pipe. I'm terrified that the load won't be secured properly and a piece of log or pipe will come crashing through my windshield either killing me or causing me to be FUBAR. I know someone who this actually happened to, so I guess that causes me to be even more fearful.

2) If you could relive one day of your life, which day would it be and why?

I'm pretty sure I would relive my wedding day. There are some things I would do differently, and somethings I would not. I would absolutely slow down and enjoy the moment more. The whole day just went by so very fast. I never expected that and sometimes I have to think really hard to remember some of the details.

3) If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be and why?

Staying one age forever sounds nice at first, but when you really start thinking about it, it's not so great. I had lots of fun in my teenage years and even more fun in my early twenties. Had I known then what I known now, I would have done it up even bigger. Now that I'm in my late (gasp!) twenties I wouldn't give that up for anything because I have my beautiful babies to enjoy. You won't catch me trying to speed up time either. I want to savor every moment.

4) What celebrity do you get mistaken for?

Ha! That's funny :) When I was younger people always told me I looked like Tiffani Amber Thiessen. I won't even entertain the idea that I may still look like her. Trust me, I don't.

5) What songs are included to the soundtrack of your life?

I Would Walk 500 Miles - The Proclaimers
God Bless The USA - Lee Greenwood
Fishin In The Dark - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
What's Up - 4 Non Blondes
Bad Day - Fuel
Push - Matchbox 20

AND so many, many, many more!

XO,
Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Tuna noodle casserole is a classic comfort dish in my opinion. It's quick, easy, and filling too. I was lucky when my sweet friend Terri Ann shared her tuna noodle casserole recipe with my 'Mom & Tot' playgroup recently. After making it, I knew I had to share it with y'all. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

Noodles (I used 1/2 package of elbow macaroni noodles)
2 cans of tuna
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 can of of peas (or peas & carrots - I used frozen)
Optional: Cheese, potato chips or french fried onions for topping

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350* Cook noodles as directed, drain. Combine noodles, tuna, vegetables and soup. Spread evenly into a casserole dish and bake for 15 minutes. Top casserole with cheese and crumbled chips/french fried onions and bake til melted.

I used french fried onions and it was downright amazing!

XO,
Lacey

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Monday Listicles

Happy Monday! I have to say, it's been an excellent Monday so far and we all know that is not normal! I'm still recovering from my emotional wreckage this weekend and I'd be a lot better if my husband would just stop bringing it up! Either way, I have so much to be thankful for and lucky for me today's listicles are all about 'thanks'.

1) Thanks to my playgroup moms for being so welcoming and making me feel right at home. I feel like I've know you ladies forever already.

2) Thanks to my husband for not making me feel like an idiot when I spilled the beans all over him about my baby fever this weekend.

3) Thanks to my sweet readers/blog friends who have been so encouraging in this blogging journey!

4)  Thanks to my kids for driving me crazy all the time but still being able to put a smile on my face always.

5) Thanks to the ladies over in the RevolutionizeHer Community for being so fantastic!  

6) Thanks to this rain we've been stuck inside this house for a week and half. Enough already, please and thank you!

7) Thanks to the home school workshop I just finished I am now feeling more confident than ever about homeschooling my kids. 

8) Thanks to Tmobile's shotty internet service I had to go to Starbucks the other night just to upload a video for a very important contest entry!

9) Thanks to PBS, my kids are entertained with educational cartoons in the mornings while I"m trying to get ready!

10) Thanks to the majorly loud thunder this afternoon, I was robbed of the quiet that nap time usually brings. 

XO, 

 Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Baby.Fever.

My baby fever has spiked y'all, and I am coming apart at the seams! I haven't been talking about my baby fever to hardly anyone because I felt like if I kept it all in my head then maybe it would just go away. Ha! What a joke!

It all started with reading posts from other bloggers about being pregnant, giving birth, or having wee little ones. Then the realization sank in that A) my kids are growing up so fast (almost 5 & 3! not babies ANYMORE) and B) having another child would not be an easy process for me. Then a sweet friend announced that she is expecting her THIRD! Her older 2 are very close in age as mine and I'm all thinking to myself "hmmph, I want a third one too!" THEN I was teaching a coupon class on Saturday and one of the ladies was telling us all about her ongoing adoption of her twin boys. You guys know what I did while talking to her? I CRIED. Cried because I want a baby. Cried because I know that at this point in our lives it is just not the right time. Cried because it would be so amazing to adopt a child who needs a loving family. Cried because I figured my husband would tell me I was "off my rocker" for even thinking about adding another child to our family. Cried because if I wanted to have a biological child I would have to go through hoops to make that happen. Geez, emotional wreck much? 

This whole baby fever thing has really put me in a glum mood. For as long as I can remember, I've only wanted two kids. I'd always said that if I had a boy and a girl then I'd stop at 2 and that's exactly what happened. So, I figured I was done. Now I'm thinking, not so much? 

Today my husband was sitting in the living room playing with our kids on the floor. I was reading a magazine in the recliner when he looks up at me and says, and I quote, "If I were half retarded I'd say let's have another baby." I know, so romantic and stuff. Y'all I looked over to him so fast with eyes so wide I think I gave myself whiplash. Never in a million years would I have expected that to come out of his mouth. You know what I did? I cried. Poor guy never saw it coming. He took me aside, comforted me, and asked me to tell him what was wrong. I told him the whole story. You know what he said? "You are off your rocker woman." 

So for now, I'm praying that this "baby fever" will pass. Just for now.

XO,
 Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Five Question Friday

Well hell, it's 2 minutes to midnight so by the time this gets published it won't be Friday anymore but whatevs.  A day late and  a dollar short is the story of my life! I've been super swamped this week! I"m finally starting to dig out of my hole though! Anyway, it's Friday (yippee!) and time for me to link up with My Little Life for another edition of Five Question Friday.

1) What's your view on men wearing sandals? (Yay or Nay)

Hmmm...that kind of depends on the man. Some men are smokin hot and I wouldn't give two shits what they wore on their feet. Other men are not so hot, or have gross feet and should keep them covered. As a general rule of thumb, flip flops are fine. I live in flip flops so who would I be to judge a man for wearing flip flops? Strappy and/or velcro sandals are generally not hot, but again, smokin hot men get a little bit of a break from me :)


2) What song do you love but are embarrassed to admit?

I don't get embarrassed very easily. More like hardly at all. However, you probably would be surprised to know that I totally jam out to the Fresh Beat Band  in my car ALL.THE.TIME. I love the Fresh Beats. The music is so pumping and mood lifting. Love it. For Real.


3) What summer camp should they make for moms?

Wine & Therapy Week @ Camp She {Has To} Drinks A Lot

4) What is the most romantic song?

Oh wow - okay that is seriously a difficult one for me. I'll share with you the song I had playing at my wedding while guests were being seated and before I walked down the aisle. It was one of my favorites then and it still is to this day! I kinda feel like I"m cheating y'all out of a real answer on this one because there are so many great romance songs!!




5) Do you have an embarrassing pregnancy story?

Nope, not really embarrassing. I could tell lots of stories about being pregnant but again, I don't get embarrassed easily. A few awkward things happened during my 2nd pregnancy but by then I had no modesty left at all. Oh, this is sorta  embarrassing. My mother in law lives in Arkansas so we don't get to see her very often. So when Addison was born she and I hadn't spent a lot of time together and we were still trying to get to know one another. Reader's Digest Version: I had a c section. When hubby went back to work she was the one taking care of me at home and at the hospital. Let's just say we got REAL close REAL quick. I <3 her, she's been so good to me!

XO,
Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

RevolutionizeHer

Hip Hip Hooray! It's Friday y'all! Unfortunately it's comin a flood in these parts cause it's been raining for like a week, but I'll take it cause that means we aren't boiling in 100+ temperatures. Ahem..okay, weather forecast is over!

I wanted to tell y'all about this amazing little community called RevolutionizeHer.  RevolutionizeHer is a community for women to join together and share their dreams and it is designed to bring women together to support and assist each other in  reaching their goals. Regardless of what your dreams or goals may be the RH community will be there to empower, support, and celebrate with you.

RevolutionizeHer relaunched their new, totally redesigned site on Tuesday which has made it easier for members to connect with each other and I've gotta tell ya - so far the turn out has been amazing! There are great conversations happening in the forum & chat room and friendships are quickly being made.

I'm telling you all of this because I'd like you to join me in the community. Whether you are a mom, a student, a business owner, a blogger or all of the above I can promise you will benefit from this amazing group of ladies!

I was honored when the creators of RevolutionizeHer asked me to a be an admin for the new site and today is my first official day on the job! I'll be tweeting and facebookin' it up all day today, as well as chatting it up in the forums. Y'all come say hi, mmkay?

XO,
Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Mommy Needs A Little Brandcation!

Heeeeey Y'all!!!!

Boy are y'all in for a treat today! I did a VLOG. Yup, mmhmm, you read that right. This girl don't vlog either, but I did today. I did it as an entry to the most amazing contest! That's how desperate I am to win. I'm hoping and praying that being the only entrant (so far!) to vlog will give me a competitive edge ;)

MomDot, Jen of Life with Levi, and Toni of Just Stop Screaming have teamed up to award one lucky blogger the trip of a lifetime! Brandcation: Blog Cabin!

We get to stay HERE!?!?

The winner will receive the last ticket to Brandcation ($125 value) from MomDot, free lodging ($150 value) from Jen of Life with Levi, and $100 stipend for food/travel expenses from Toni of Just Stop Screaming. I don't even need a bed y'all. I will gladly sleep on the floor! 

Oh, and this beautiful cabin is nestled in the Smoky Mountains in Piegon Forge, Tennessee. I've never mentioned it to y'all before but Tennessee is like my home away from home. I've been visiting there since I was like, 12? My uncle lives an hour away from Pigeon Forge and it is literally one of my favorite places on Earth! 

Look, here I am at Dolly Wood with my Uncle & cousins:

This was 11 years ago!!

It would mean the world to me to go to Brandcation, especially since I've never attended an event like this. An entire weekend with 33 other bloggers would be FANTASTIC!! Plus, Mommy hasn't had a real vacation in like, um, 5 years!

So, in an effort to get the BIG WIN, I made this little Vlog. Don't go making fun of me, remember this is my first time! Check it y'all:

If you can't see the video, please go here.

A sincere "Thank You" goes out to the sponsors. I sure appreciate the opportunity to enter into this contest for such a great prize! I'm hoping and praying I can join y'all in all the fun at BRANDCATION #4!!

Also, thank you to Sara @ Sensibly Sara for sharing the information about Brandcation!

**UPDATE**

My kids are holding up signs begging you to take their mommy with you to Brandcation! You just can't see them because the weather has been awful in Houston all day and I've had the worst time staying connected to the internet. I tucked them in bed and then headed to Starbucks to borrow a little internet for a mintue! 

XO, 

Lacey

**Full Disclosure** This giveaway is sponsored by MomDot, Jenn from Life with Levi, and Toni of Just Stop Screaming! No compensation has been received and all thoughts, ideas, and opinions are 100% mine.

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Shedding Pounds & Gaining Some Color

When I woke up this morning I decided to step on the scale. Yikes y'all, it wasn't pretty.  I didn't get bummed out about it though because I already know it's my fault. Up until my car accident in April, I was working out just about every day. After the accident my doctor told me to lay off the work outs (I wasn't too disappointed) which meant all progress I'd been making came to a halt. I was released from the doctor more than 2 weeks ago and I still haven't gotten my rear end back into the gym. That's all about to change though!

In exactly four months from TODAY I will be running my second ever 5K. THE COLOR RUN! I am too damn excited about this you guys! I've been begging the nice people in charge of this race to come to Houston for what seems like forever and they are FINALLY coming!

 All photos courtesy of The Color Run.

So after looking at the pictures you're either thinking WTF?? or Holy Hell that looks awesome!! Trust me, it is going to be amazing!

A little about The Color Run: This race is an untimed 5K for any level runner or walker. Color is thrown onto race participants by staff, volunteers, and sponsors at different intervals of the race. You start all pristine and white and you finish looking like a walking rainbow. The color is 100% natural & safe! Go here to read more about this one of a kind race and go HERE to find a race event near you!

Even though this is not a timed race I'm determined to start training for it. No one likes to be last in line! Be on the lookout for posts about my journey as I train myself to not look like a fool when I run this race!

I would LOVE to know if you've done The Color Run before or if you are planning on doing it now! 

XO,
 Lacey

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

This post is sponsored by The Color Run. I have received free registration to the 11/11/2012 event in Houston in exchange for writing about the race. All thoughts and ideas are my own. 

SO WHAT! Wednesday

Happy Humpday y'all! I don't know what is up with me but I just cannot wait  for this week to be over! I'm just over it already. However, the show must go on! It's Wednesday so here I am linking up with Shannon from Life After I Dew for another edition of SO WHAT! Wednesday. Stop by her place and say hi, will ya?

 This week I'm saying SO WHAT! if:

* I forgot the chicken in my Chicken Spaghetti on Thursday night.

* I went through my blogger reading list and deleted almost every blog that I couldn't subscribe to via email. I can't keep up with everyone via GFC. BLOGGERS, pretty please add the option to subscribe by email. Please??

* I've only had my new car for 6 months and we're already talking about trading it in. I went from a big ol' truck to a little car and let me tell you, this chick ain't diggin it!

* I was "whisper screaming" at Emily when she sent Sean home this week. Home girl is Crazy, with a capital C (obviously!).

*I'm overwhelmed by the 123 billion windows I have opened on my computer at any given time.

XO, Lacey

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Hawaiian Ham & Cheese Melts

Something y'all may not know about me: I'm addicted to carbs. Specifically of the bread variety. If I could cut out carbs I could probably cleanse myself of about 20 pounds. Seriously. Anyhoo...this recipe feeds my addiction and I'm pretty sure y'all will love it.

Also, this one is pretty near and dear to me because my mom's all time favorite sandwich is a melted ham and swiss. Hey, Mom! I'm putting a twist on your fave - try it out, k? Hawaiian rolls are pretty much the business a-n-y-w-a-y...so add in a little thin sliced ham and some cheesy goodness and what is there not to love?

Ingredients:

1 pkg. Hawaiian Sweet Rolls
1 onion, chopped
1 stick (yep, you read that right!) of butter
3 T Dijon Mustard
2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 lb. ham
1 pkg. of swiss cheese (8-10 slices)

Instructions:

Melt the butter in a skillet and then add the onions; saute. Add in the mustard and worcestershire. I used spicy brown mustard as it is what I had on hand. Also, I added more mustard and worcestershire sauce than what was called for so that I"d have a bit extra, just in case. I ended up needing it. Preheat oven to 350*.

Open the package of rolls and slice them, while still in tact, length wise. You will then place the bottom half onto a foil lined pan. Spoon the mustard mixture onto the bottom of the rolls, just enough to cover. Then you will layer the ham and cheese slices on top. Replace the tops of the rolls and cover with remaining mustard mixture. Wrap the foil over the rolls and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

See the yummy mustard/onion mixture piled on? Yum!

Make sure to bake these on the middle rack, otherwise the bottoms will harden. Pull them out, slice, and serve 'em up!

I like to serve these with french fries & green beans!

Feel free to pin this to pinterest!

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Cheesy Chicken & Rice ~ Crock Pot Style

One of my hubby's very favorite dishes is chicken & rice and it seems like every time I try to fix it I screw it up. I'm a pretty good cook y'all, but chicken and rice? Does me in every.darn.time!

Then I found this recipe. Y'all, oh my gosh! I now have renewed faith in my capabilities to fill my family's tummy with yummy goodness.

 Not only is this dish super tasty, but it is quick and easy too. I love nothing more than having the ability to throw a bunch of stuff into the crock pot and then to come back later to an amazing meal.

You will definitely want to make this one!

Ingredients:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast
Onion, Chopped
8 oz. box yellow rice mix, cooked according to directions
Cheddar Cheese
10.5 oz Cream of Chicken Soup
15 oz can Whole Kernel Corn, drained.

Instructions:

Place the chicken breasts in the crock pot. I used just over a pound of chicken. Scatter chopped onion over the top. The recipe calls for one large onion, but use however much you like. I only used about half; once the dish is done you can't even tell there are onions in it. Next, spoon the cream of chicken soup over the top of the chicken and onions. Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for about half that. About half an hour before serving add in the cooked rice, corn, and cheese and stir. Salt & pepper to taste.

I added more cheese on top once I had made individual servings.
Add biscuits and/or a salad to complete the meal.

Please feel free to pin this recipe to pinterest!

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Five Question Friday

Hey Y'all!! It's Friday! Can I get a hell yeah? I know we just had a day off in the middle of the week but really it was only enough to piss me off. So let's say hello to the weekend! Let's get started with a little 5 Question Friday!

 Alright, here we go:

1) Is love at 1st sight possible?

As jaded as I am, I totally believe in love at first sight. When I was in college I fell hard for a perfect stranger. Luckily for me he happened to be the best friend of my new best (college) friend's boyfriend. (Still with me? lol) I knew from the first moment that I saw him that there was something super special about him and my heart swelled. We didn't have a happy ending but I blame it on the fact that he was in the Navy and just a few short months after we first met he was shipped off to Cuba. 

2) How did you choose your pet's name?

I didn't! LuLu is a rescue. I would have never picked LuLu as a name but it fits her.

Pet names that I've picked in the past are: (Captain) Morgan, Tequila (Rose), and Skyy (Vodka). Hmm, yea, awkward now that I look back on it...

3) What are you considering giving up?

Wait, what? Why do I have to give anything up? Did I miss something? Just kidding.

Actually, the hubby and I have discussed giving up eating out all the time. I menu plan to death, I go to the grocery store and buy food for up to 2 weeks at a time and STILL we eat out constantly. I can't figure out why exactly but we did figure out that it really has to stop! We've allowed ourselves one meal out once a month (yikes!)

4) How much do you pay your babysitter?

Yea, we don't pay a babysitter... mostly cause we can't really afford one...which also means that we are very rarely without our children. As it stands if we need a sitter we turn to my in laws. Recently we went out of town for the weekend and we brought back a beautiful rustic corner cabinet for them to say "Thanks."

5) How "young" is old enough to babysit?

This is such a HARD question to answer. I started babysitting at a really young age. I watched myself after school very early on and I'd say by the time I was 10 or 11 I was caring for my cousins alone during the day all summer long. I was old enough even though I was young. I'd say that this is definitely a case by case basis dependent upon the person doing the babysitting and also the children that they will be watching. There are some 17 year old kids that aren't old/mature enough to babysit so I don't think that there is an "old enough" benchmark.

Y'all have a great weekend!

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

SO WHAT! Wednesday

Happy 4th of July, y'all!! It's that time again..What time is it you ask? Time for SO WHAT! Wednesday. I'm linking up with Shannon from Life After I "Dew". Be sure to head over and say Hi! and to check out the posts from others who link up. This is SO much fun!

This week I'm saying SO WHAT! if:

* my hall bath renovation is going to take at least 2 full weeks because I refuse to work on it during  the day when I'm home alone with the kids.

* the hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary by painting the walls and laying the tile in the above mentioned bathroom.

* all I want to do is hibernate inside for the remainder of the summer. I don't do 100+ temperatures.

* I almost scheduled myself to volunteer for and attend a blog conference on the weekend of my husband's birthday. Luckily I came to my senses before it was too late!

* I spent $20 on hand soap last weekend. I can't resist $3 Bath & Body Works foaming hand soap!

* I secretly, just a little bit, hoped that Emily from the Bachelorette  would have sent Sean home this week so that I could get my rear end up to Colleyville and sweep him off his feet. What y'all? The dude is SMOKIN hot!

* all I want to do on this 4th of July is catch up on my sleep. Momma is tired!

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Putty In My Hands

Side Note: Y'all something is up with my formatting but I am trying to fix it!
------------

Growing up I was always a really good kid. I rarely got into trouble because I almost always did what I was told or what I was expected to do. If you were to ask my mom, I promise you that she would say I was a perfect child, even through my teenage years. I think she may be slightly delusional but we won't tell her that mmkay?

Anyhow, since I was so completely perfect all the time you can bet that I never pulled any stunts on anyone, never, ever, ever. Except this one time. Oh, and then there was that other time...Oh who am I kidding? I pulled stunts all the time!

I've always been a talker. My nickname was Motor Mouth for YEARS. I just talked and talked and talked and talked...I'm getting paid back 10 fold  because Addison is a motor mouth too. No wonder my parents always wanted me to hush it! Anyway, I was also very social. I was friends with everyone I knew and of course I wanted to talk to them constantly.

Photo Credit

 My blabbing skills became a problem pretty early in life. Like in the first grade y'all! Mrs. Lankford (who happens to still be one of my most favorite teachers EVER!) arranged her students desks together in groups of either 4 or 6, or something like that. Do you know what happens when you put a Motor Mouth in a group of 4-6 of her best friends? She talks to them. Do you know what happens when you tell her to stop talking to them? She whispers to them. Do you know what happens when you move said Motor Mouth away from her friends into a solitary group of just ONE? She TRIES TO WHISPER to her friends from across the room. 

Yep, I'm here to tell ya, that is what happens. It's a wonder that Mrs. Lankford still liked me by that point but luckily I was and still am a pretty likeable gal! However, after about a week or so of my nonsense Mrs. Lankford knew that she had to take further action because my talkative nature wasn't going to simmer down on it's own. Do y'all know what she did? She gave me a bad conduct remark on my take home folder. You know, those folders you have to TAKE HOME for your parents to sign?! Holy crap! What was I going to do? I was going to be in SO.MUCH.TROUBLE.! 

Well, it didn't take long for me to come up with a plan. You see, at the time I lived with my mom who was a single working mother and my single Uncle who I happened to have wrapped around my little finger. It's true. He did anything and everything I wanted him to do and I knew I'd have no problem getting him to help me out of the pickle I was in. 

My Uncle picked me up from school that day. The plan I'd devised was so devilish that I wasn't even one bit nervous. My Uncle was clueless to the fact that it was take home folder day and my mom wouldn't be home from work for a few more hours. I had plenty of time. When we got home I went to my room and did what any normal 6 year old girl would do after school. Why, I colored my mommy a pretty picture of course! (I know, what a suck up!) 

When I'd finished, I marched right out to my Uncle who was in the living room, my picture in hand. I said, "Uncle Vince, I drew this picture for mommy & I want to put her name on it. How do you spell Celeste?" Do you know what he did? He wrote it down for me on a piece of paper so that I could go back to my room and write it out on my mom's beautiful new picture. Ahh, he was like putty in my hands!

Once I'd mastered printing my mom's name on the picture I'd drawn it was time to get down to business. Have you figured out my plan of action yet? I FORGED MY MOTHER'S SIGNATURE. AT THE RIPE YOUNG AGE OF 6. Except that of course we hadn't yet learned how to write in cursive. So I printed it. Probably in pencil or crayon and if you've ever seen the handwriting of a 6 year old then you know where this is going..

The next day I turned my folder in with my head held high. I just knew in my heart that this was going to work. That is, until Mrs. Lankford came to my desk and asked me to step into the hall with her. Then she led me to the principal's office where I was asked to call my mother and tell her what I'd done. CRAP. 

Y'all, I learned a BIG lesson from all this and I'm glad I learned it at a young age because it saved me a lot of trouble in the years to come.

The lesson? DON'T GET CAUGHT!

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Is That Normal?! Tuesday

 Today I'm trying something new and linking up with Allyce over at Chalk in the Rain for Is That Normal?!  You should definitely pop over and check out the fun blogs linking up or even link up yourself!

1) Is it normal to live with your parents past the age of 24?
For me, NO! I suppose if you had a good reason for living with your parents still, like trying to save money for a down payment on a house or something along those lines that would be fine. Things happen, situations change so you aren't automatically weird in my book if you are 24+ and living at home. However, if you are a lazy moocher, you should get off your rump and get your own place. I was out of the house permanently at 21 and I can't imagine ever going back to living with my parents.
2) Is it normal to leave your house and/or car unlocked?
OMG! When I first met my husband he NEVER locked his car. He would just drop the keys on the floor board and  shut the door. This drove me INSANE. Luckily I've broken him of this bad habit. I don't think this is a normal thing to do, however, I think it depends on where you live. If I lived on 20 gated acres in the middle of nowhere, I'd probably leave my doors unlocked.
3) Is it normal to prefer using a man's razor instead of a woman's?
Lordy I hope so cause that's all I use. Razors made for women just don't cut it for me...Literally.
4) Is it normal to go back to bed right after showering for a quick nap?
Heck yea, showering can wear a person out, especially if your showers take a long time...which mine do. I don't know anything about naps anymore though..
5) Is it normal to eat chocolate chips straight from the bag?
You mean there are other ways to eat chocolate chips?
6) Is it normal to check behind the shower curtain or under the bed before you get in?
Are you home alone? Did you just watch a scary movie? Is your house haunted? Then yes, of course it is.
7) Is it normal to talk to yourself?
It's better than talking to someone who isn't there, Amen?
8) Is it normal to bite your nails?
Unfortunately it is, but I think it is terribly gross.
9) Is it normal to go to bed without brushing your teeth?
Yea, I'm pretty sure lots of people do that on occasion..ahem..
10) Is it normal to "baby talk" to your pet?
Umm, is your pet a baby?

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Magic Mike ~ A Different View

 Don't worry y'all, I haven't seen the movie so I won't be spoiling it for you or anything like that!
I do however, want to see the movie, for...ahem...obvious reasons..

Photo Credit

SIDE NOTE: I have a feeling that some may be very passionate about this topic so please remember to be kind & respectful of one another's opinions.

I was catching up on my facebook news gossip feed earlier when  I saw a status posted by a lady who is prominent in  the church that I no longer attend. As in, she is the pastor's wife. Anyhow, she had something thoughtful to say and when I first read it I could see her point, although I did disagree in the end. Here's what was said:

Like I said, she kind of has a point right? I can see how some husbands or wives might not be so thrilled with this situation. However, my hubby has NO CLUE what Magic Mike is about and if he did I don't think he would mind me seeing it one bit. Before I see this movie, I will certainly let him know what it's all about because I don't believe in the whole what he doesn't know won't kill him philosophy. 

I started getting worked up when other people began chiming in on this status:

Okay ladies & gents, I'm sorry if you don't agree but here is my take on this: A movie and a set of books are  a threat to your marriage? Really? Honey, if a set of racy books and a couple of shirtless actors are creating speed bumps in your marriage you've got bigger fish to fry. Sickening? Raise our standards? I'm sorry y'all but just because I enjoyed reading the 50 Shades Trilogy doesn't mean I have low standards. Also, I'll be reading them again for a second time. Also again, I will be first in line to see that darn movie. Who's going with me?

Then I saw a post by a friend of the pastor's wife that about had me coming unglued:

Wait, Wait, Wait a damn minute. You are seriously going to try and tell me that my husband going to a strip club, where there are real live naked, NAKED women who can reach out and touch him is the EXACT SAME THING as me going to a movie theater to watch actors, on a SCREEN, dance with very little clothing on???? Am I missing something? Is Channing Tatum gonna jump out and give me a lap dance? Oh please tell me it's true!! 

Give me a damn break y'all. Books and movies are just that: books & movies. They are entertainment and are not meant to be taken so damn seriously. If you don't like the popular books and movies at any given time, that is fine because you have the right to your own opinion and free will. Just like I have the right to read or watch any smutty novel or movie that I want. That doesn't make me a bad person and I don't think that it makes me a "bad" Christian. I have a personal relationship with God and really that relationship is none of anyone's business. 

What do you think about Christians & Magic Mike? Is it okay for a married or single Christian woman to see this movie? Why or why not?

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.

Monday Listicles

 This week I"m linking up with Northwest Mommy for a fun round of Monday Listicles.

1) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, and find line 4. What is it?
There are no books near me. I'm in the living room and I only get the opportunity to read while I'm in the bathroom lol.
2) How many times a day do you say Hi?
On average, I'd say 8-10 times.
3) Have you ever worn a uniform?
Yes, for one year in middle school. Also, when I worked retail we had to work specific colors as well.
4) What do you think about the most?
Random junk! I swear, sometimes I think about the littlest, weirdest things that don't make any sense or even matter at all.
5) How many keys are on your key ring? 
Just 4. A key to my car, my house, and 2 keys to my mom's house.
6) What was the last thing you bought?
Oh boy, yesterday was a rare day of shopping for me! I stocked up on foaming soap from Bath & Body Works. I LOVE THEIR FOAMING SOAP! Also, we've been remodeling our spare bathroom this weekend (and last!) and so I spent yesterday hunting down a new mirror, shower curtain and decor for the bathroom. So much fun!

7) Are you growing anything these days?
Yea, me and my black thumb are growing nothing. Nothing at all.
8) What is under your bed?
A storage tub with craft supplies and an extra down comforter. Also, probably a half dozen pacifiers and random toys, but that's just a guess.
9) What is most important in life?
Family & happiness.
10) What is the strangest word you used this week?
Umm, I dunno? Sometimes I get tongue tied and just start mumbling and hope that whomever I"m talking to can manage to decipher the words coming out of my mouth though.

©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012. 

My Favorite Funny

Okay y'all, I know this is corny but hear me out! 

Q: What does a frog eat with his burger?
A: French FLIES & a CROAK!

I know, I know, you are doubled over cracking up uncontrollably. I know.

You.Are.Welcome!

 ©..And They Call Me Mommy,2012.