Email:

Please feel free to email me with any questions/ comments/ ideas that you may have @ bhutchinson401@gmail.com

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10.31.2011

:) A Little Treat





Happy Halloween from my little Pirate!


Happy Halloween? Eh...Kind of.

Good morning people,
I hope your weekend was as eventful and fun as mine (even if I am completely exhausted on this Monday morning)!


My little pirate is in costume this morning and ready for his Halloween PARTY at school followed by a night full of trick-or-treating with family and friends. I think that is the ONLY thing I enjoy about HALLOWEEN. Trick-or-treating with my boy. Everything else...sucks. I HATE costumes, anything that scares me, etc. It completely freaks me out...Almost to the point where I go into full-panic.


Grr. Thank goodness Halloween is OVER after tonight and we can move on to more JOLLY things. Like, wait for it....
CHRISTMAS MUSIC. Yay. Nothing like someone singing "Here Comes Santa Claus" on my radio to get me in the Christmas spirit! I love this time of year.
As of tomorrow, Christmas will have begun for my family.
I don't think I will be able to wait until Thanksgiving to put up my tree. A REAL ONE...which means, we will probably end up having two trees this year. One up until December, then another because the first will have lost all of it's needles. :)


That's all fine by me, as long as the smell travels all through our apartment area! :)
Also, I cannot wait; I mean, absolutely, CANNOT WAIT to try some pinterest crafts. Stay tuned.


Christmas shopping is starting to take over my thoughts. What to get this person, what to get that person. Blah, that's the hardest part. BUT, I love shopping for other people, so I always figure it out.


SOMEHOW, Santa mailed my kid a letter-which completely made his whole day. Love that.


So, around this time...it's like something inside me clicks. I want to dress in warm clothes, sip hot chocolate 24-7 with a ton of marshmallow cream, shop, decorate, smell Christmas smells, and listen to Christmas tunes. I don't know why...but EVERY October, I get anxious to do all of this. I normally make myself wait until Mid-November, or at least until Thanksgiving, but this year, no WAY that is happening.


Watch out! I'll be taking over the stores soon....bargain shopping...& catching all of the amazing sales. :)






How to overcome NEW MOM FEARS Tip #1:
Stop freaking out. Your motherly instincts will kick in as SOON as they place that sweet baby in your arms. Read all you want, you'll forget it all and just KNOW what to do. It comes naturally. I worked myself up COMPLETELY. I almost allowed myself to panic. But, I learned. That's what parenting is. LEARNING. :)


Any questions? Email me @ bhutchinson401@gmail.com

10.25.2011

WHERE AM I?

That's me. That's really what I say to myself sometimes. 
"Where am I?" 
"What did I come into this room for?"
"What did I need to do today?"
I never remember until WAY later in the day.
I am so completely scatter-brained lately. 
It's been an emotional few weeks.
Now, I am able to focus on work, being a MOM (which is THE most important thing), and this wedding!
Whew! We have a little over 8 months! The days are going to go quicker than I want them to because the HOLIDAY SEASON is nearing and that will have me occupied. 
With all the shopping, festivities, and baking....I'll be a busy little bee.
Before you know it, it will be 2012. 

That's when the REAL wedding work begins. :) And, I have a ton of ideas that I am incorporating into my wedding. :) So, that means TONS OF WORK. 
It'll all be worth it though.

Right now, my main focus is..HALLOWEEN & my upcoming engagement party. 
Canyon has lots of fun things going on this week and next at school.
And, I am busy brainstorming decorations for our party! 
I love planning parties--I'm a control freak. HAHA!

All the decorations for the party are going to be simple, Fall-themed decorations--which I LOVE. Fall is such a beautiful time of year and it's definitely my favorite time of year--so, that worked out well. (There will be pictures)...
And, THANK GOODNESS the LSU vs. BAMA game is going to be at 7 PM! 
That was stressing me out pretty bad. 
I just knew it would be a 2:30 game. 

 

Anyway, let's talk about something important. EB AWARENESS WEEK!!!
Take a moment.
Head over to: http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/
And, learn about Tripp --& EB and what you can do to help!
This disease is just plain cruel. It's the worst disease imaginable for a child.
Do your part in raising some awareness! Please.


Coming soon:
-INK. :)
-How to overcome NEW MOM FEARS
-How to LET GO as your kids get older
These should be interesting topics!

ALSO, the FIRST EVER...CONTEST... from [[a mom's journey-with coffee]]

STAY TUNED PEOPLE.

Much Love,
B

 
 

10.19.2011

"Like My Mother Does"

"When I love I give it all I've got
Like my mother does
When I'm scared, I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I'm weak and unpretty

I know I'm beautiful and strong
Because
I see myself like my mother does
Like my mother does

I hear people saying

I'm starting to look like my mother does"-Lauren Alaina

I couldn't pick a better song to describe my mom and I.

**Yesterday was my BEAUTIFUL mother's birthday, so this blog is dedicated to her. Love you, Mom.**

Dear Mom,

Happy Birthday.

First of all, there are SO many things I could say to you. I could go on and on about how you are an incredible woman and the absolute best mom I could ever ask for. 

You have taught me what life is truly about. You have taught me how to be a good mom. You always, always, ALWAYS rise above all the negative and smile and move forward. You are the strongest person I know. 

T & I are beyond blessed to have you as our mother and I will be forever grateful for all you have done for me and how much LOVE you have given me. When I think about the type of woman I want to be, you are the first thing that comes to my mind. 

You have always told me that when I become a mother, I will finally understand why you did the things you did. And, guess what? I finally understand. I know my parenting skills pretty much match up with yours and that's how I know I am doing a great job with Canyon. You have raised me to be an incredible woman (yes, I'm bragging--because this is your doing). You couldn't have done a better job, honestly. 

I am thankful for every single thing you have taught me and all the things you STILL teach me. That's the joy of it--No matter WHAT, you will be there for me, I know that. It's the most comforting feeling in the world. You are my best friend. I tell you everything. I vent to you and you give me the best advice you can. I take your advice, even when I want to punch someone, and I am a better person because of that.

I've learned how to be strong--from you. I've learned how to be classy--from you. I've learned how to cook--from you.  :)  I've learned how to be completely happy with the smallest things in life--from you. I've learned how to fight for what I want--from you. I've learned how to be calm and gracious--from you. I hope you know how much of an impact you have had on my life. Again, I am so VERY blessed to have you as my mom. I wouldn't be where I am today, or even who I am today....without you.

I love you!

Love, 
Booka

P.S. Canyon is pretty blessed to have you as a grand-mother...EVEN IF you spoil him COMPLETELY.

10.17.2011

ANOTHER busy weekend. :)

What a WEEKEND!
Whew!
Dale and I celebrated our SIX year anniversary on Friday night by going to Zea's in Baton Rouge. The filet medallions = AMAZING. I savored every bite of my food and every sip of my yummy red wine. Dale had the duck...I tasted...It was good but mine was BETTER! The corn grits are to die for. I definitely plan to go back and try more items on their menu.
Happy anniversary to us!

Pumpkin painting/pumpkin carving was LOTS of fun!
Canyon loved it, of course. That makes it sooo much more fun!
The pumpkins ALL turned out great.
**We had a little trouble deciding who won.**


Canyon has his first field trip on Wednesday and I cannot wait! I'll have our lunches packed and my camera in hand as we enjoy the day at the pumpkin patch with all his friends from school. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful kiddo!!!

I cannot belive that October is almost over. WOW!
November=CHRISTMAS SHOPPING!
"Santa is watching."

I thought I had a hard time figuring out what to get Canyon the last few years. HA! This year, I have NO clue. I am really going to have to sit down with him and look online and see what he is really interested in. I mean, he is four. He loves to play with cars and the little army guys (or whatever they are called) and he loves books and movies. But, I am a freak at Christmas. It's the only time of year I go a little CRAZY. I love to shop for other people but I limit myself to just CHRISTMAS.
Now, don't get me wrong, I know the meaning of Christmas and we celebrate that in my house as well. But, for kids (and adults), they love presents.

The countdown begins. 15 days until Christmas music can be played.

We took our last boat ride of the year yesterday. Now, if you know me, you know I grew up on the water. I plan for Canyon to do the same. There is justy something about being on the river that makes you feel calm. My dad just recently re-built our camp and it is almost done. I cannot wait to let Canyon experience all the things I got to experience as a child.


:) This blog is kind of all over the place, but so am I these days.

If you haven't checked out MISTLETOE MARKET (November 12-13) PLEASE FIND THEM ON FACEBOOK! I went last year and it is really WONDERFUL. I did most of my Christmas shopping there and I plan to do the same again this year.

<3 you all.

10.13.2011

Cooking With Canyon = L.O.V.E


Negotiating with an insanely handsome four-year-old is fun. HA! I had two HEALTHY recipes picked out that I wanted to try last weekend but my kid was not having it and I must say, he is very persuading.
 We made French toast-Canyon’s FAVORITE.
I tried reasoning with him but his mind was made up (I choose my battles). At least the bread was wheat.
I let him do most of the preparation—Our mess was amazing, remember I’m compared to Julia Child and my kid is just like me—and he had a blast.
PICTURES:



Now, I am sure most of you know how to make French toast so I am going to spare you the recipe. HOWEVER, I do recommend cooking with your kids. It’s not only fun but it’s rewarding. When Canyon finished cooking his French toast and I put it on a plate and let him drown it in syrup, the look on his face was priceless.
“I made this momma.”
And, I said, “That’s right bud, you did! Great job! Now, eat it all up!”—He did.
Being a mom has taught me that the mess you make is worth it and we make A LOT of messes in my house. I’m OCD which is why this is such a huge deal to me. I’ve definitely grown as a person since I became a mommy.
It’s Thursday and this is my first blog of the week. I try to write at least two a week. I’ve been so busy lately that I didn’t even realize it was Thursday. CRAZY!
October is halfway gone already. Time goes by TOO fast.
This weekend is my anniversary and Dale and I plan to celebrate but, of course, he has left all the planning up to me. Lovely. Now, I am trying to decide WHAT I want to do. Dinner for sure but where?
I’ll blog about our anniversary this weekend—Taking a timeout and remembering to appreciate each other is a big part of why our relationship is successful. :)



10.07.2011

RELAX? What's that mean?

Do you work full-time or part-time?
What do you do when you get home from work?
I play SUPER mom. :)
I work full-time.
I love my job but sometimes, I'll admit--It's HARD.
I don't like to leave my child. Ever. I don't even like to go the gym during the week because I feel so guilty.
Some parents have no problem leaving their children. And they do it ALL THE TIME.
I just don't get it.
Now, don't get me wrong, sometimes I need to step away from parenting 24-7 and take a breather. That's where grand-parents come in (& uncles)!!!
But, it's not an everyday thing. I don't speak for anyone other than myself. I enjoy being a parent--even when my child is acting like a psycho.
I like everything about being a mom--even the hard stuff.
So, when I get home from a LONG day of work and my kid wants to play cars, I play.
When he wants to watch a "super cool" movie and I have laundry to do, I watch a movie. It's not rocket science.

And, even if I don't want to, I know that I need to do things for myself occasionally. Just like last night, I went to a painting class with a friend. I had a glass of wine, painted a HALLOWEEN picture, and had some MOM conversation. It was wonderful. BUT, I missed my baby. It's a constant struggle.

I have a good balance in my life. I am OCD when it comes to cleaning but I am also OCD about being a good mom. Being a good mom will win every time.
I don't get much time with Canyon in the evenings, so I really try to make the most of it.

When Canyon gets older, I want him to look back and KNOW how much I loved him and how much I did for him as he was growing up. He deserves for me to come home and play with him EVEN IF I am exhausted. He deserves for me to be the best mom that I can be ALL THE TIME-which is exactly what I strive to do.
I look at my son and I see how precious he is-how precious it is to be able to be a parent. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to raise a child. Being a mom rocks! :)

Tomorrow should be interesting. Canyon has a soccer game but luckily, it's later in the day. So, tonight I am going to the grocery store--as I do WEEKLY.
Tomorrow morning, Canyon and I are COOKING. Finally. 
I can't wait. I have a few breakfast recipes to try out with him but I am letting him pick which one he wants to make. The kid has an opinion. ABOUT EVERYTHING. It's hilarious.





10.04.2011

SPECIAL WELCOME {& news}

“Chance can allow you to accomplish a goal every once in a while, but consistent achievement happens only if you love what you are doing.”-Bart Conner


Dear Devoted Readers,
Skip the “Dear NEW Friends” part—or don’t—but, it’s stuff you already know.
Love,
B

Dear New Friends,
Hello and welcome!
 To begin, let me give you some information.
I know the link to this blog just landed on Baton Rouge Parent's Magazine's website YESTERDAY!
I’m beyond thrilled that you decided to stop by and check out my journey. I'll go ahead andapologize now-- because I am NOT a professional writer. Please excuse my grammatical errors. I’m a mom. That’s my main profession-even though I also hold down a full-time job. So, writing is a complete passion of mine. I do it for the joy of doing it. I do the best I can in life-with everything.  PLEASE check out my previous entries (start at the beginning) to get a clear understanding of what my journey has been about thus far!
I really hope you guys enjoy this blog! I sure do!

Love,
B

Dear ALL Readers,
This journey of mine just got a whole lot more interesting. My blog up to this point has been strictly about ME and my life as a mother. Now, obviously, it will still be about my journey but I am changing things up a bit. Aside from all of my stories, I want to bring in some fresh topics-some current issues and opinions (of my own)! Here we go people!
I hope you enjoy this new chapter as much as I do!
B!

 If there is a specific topic you hope to see land on the BLOG, please email me @ bhutchinson401@gmail.com.

Coming up: How to make the MOST of your evenings at home--when you work full-time!
Also, you'll never believe what joke my kid loves! :)

Until next time,
B

10.03.2011

Pumpkin Time.

October is one of my FAVORITE months.
The beginning of F-A-L-L.
The beginning of all the fun fall activities.

The beginning of COLDER weather. Finally. 
My mom’s birthday.
My anniversary.
Halloween.
Halloween parties.
Baking.
Decorating for Fall/Thanksgiving.
The beginning of CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. Yes, in OCTOBER!!!
It’s also when I stop spoiling my child because, “Santa is watching.”
I know it might seem like my family & I do A LOT of things, but I am proud to say that I am THE best bargain shopper/deal catcher, ever. No, really, I am.
I just decorated my house (for fall) with a wreath, pumpkins, candles, spider webs, a black cat, etc., all for about $30-35. Crazy, right?
Wrong.
Not to me at least. I LOVE to shop and I figure, the only way to do so and NOT go broke is to transform myself in the bargain shopper.
When I was younger, I worked for my money, but it was different. I didn’t have a child to provide for nor did I have a fiancĂ©. Those two are lucky…they are BOTH spoiled. I would work and spend my money almost immediately. Now, I have a budget—one that I stick to pretty closely.
So, you’re wondering about some FUN, FAMILY activities to do with your kiddo this fall?
Here’s what I do with Canyon:

1.       We paint pumpkins. It’s very inexpensive and kids love it. We do it as a family every year—Daddy pumpkin, Mommy pumpkin, Canyon pumpkin. And, then, we display them outside our front door. Canyon will tell me on a daily basis, “Mommy, we painted those pumpkins.” :) It makes him happy to see his art work every day.
2.       We visit the pumpkin patch. We have a local pumpkin patch that we visit yearly. It’s is remarkable. They have it ALL, literally. They have pumpkins EVERYWHERE, a petting zoo, face painting, jams & jelly for sale, story time, crafts, a playground, etc. I have a picture of Canyon on the same little bench every year since he was a year old. It’s precious to me because it shows how much he really grows over a year’s time. We usually plan it out to go on a cooler day and we spend a few hours there. It’s a fun, family outing that costs about $10 for my family of three.
3.       We bake. A LOT. I usually rack up on the Halloween baking items at Target when they first start displaying all of the Halloween stuff. I usually get a box of cake mix, icing, and decorations for the cupcakes, and of course cookie cutters, etc. Then, closer to Halloween, we have BAKE DAY. We bake cookies and cupcakes and decorate them. Then, we let Canyon pass them out to our families. It’s super fun and gives me some quality time with my little one in the kitchen.
4.       BOO AT THE ZOO!!!  Dress your little ball of energy up in his/her costume and head to the Baton Rouge ZOO on October 15, 16, 22 & 23.You can add a little something extra to your average trip to the zoo by allowing your child(ren) to “trick or treat” throughout the zoo while they visit all of their favorite animals.
5.       Hit up some local fairs!!! There are lots of entertaining things for the kids to do while you get to enjoy a night OUT with your family.

I’m not familiar with a ton of things to do in Baton Rouge. So, if I missing something significant that your kiddo loves, please feel free to email me @ bhutchinson401@gmail.com

ALSO, pick up a copy of BATON ROUGE PARENT'S MAGAZINE! It's filled with LOTS of exciting, fall activities to do with your family. I will definitely be trying some new things this year. I'll blog about all the cool things my family does this fall. ;) Hopefully, you guys get some good tips/ideas!

Remember: Baton Rouge Parent’s Magazine:

PAGE 39: HAUNTS, TREATS AND PUMPKINS---OH MY!

AND, check out PAGE 12...

Funny story: My boys and I were eating at a local bagel shop, after our adventurous morning of taking family pictures, when I spotted the October issue of BR Parent's Magazine. I grabbed it to read while we waited for our delicious breakfast. I skimmed a bit and reached page 12..."Um, that's me." I laughed. Dale just looked at me. I said, "No, really. That's me." The cutest part was Canyon--"Mommy, that's you, in this book. I want to keep it." Of course, I grabbed a few copies. Excitement. 

I'm looking forward to sharing my story with SO many NEW people. But, I am even more excited to hear from my fellow mom's and mom's to be. Lots of new things coming soon to this mom's life, so stay tuned!

:)
Happy FALL y’all!