What's Up Wednesday

how can it already be Wednesday?!  I hope ya'll had a great weekend and remembered those who have lost their lives fighting for our freedom.  America truly is the greatest country!

Today I am joining Mel for her What's Up Wednesday link up  so here we go!!

What we're eating: 

So we usually have our menu planned out for the week on Sunday.  This week is one of those rare weeks where we really haven't discussed whats on the menu...it happens and I'm ok with it.  On Monday I made Catfish Po'boys from this book and they were delish!  I don't think that there has been a bad meal yet!  Then yesterday we had hot dogs and today we're probably having BBQ chicken.  The rest of the week has yet to be decided but I have some quinoa and lentils that need to get used up so if you have any ideas for that and shrimp I am all ears!

What I'm reminiscing about: 

2013

I guess I keep thinking about when we finally got to bring home Ellie!  We waited so long for her and to have our dreams of becoming parents realized put us on a never ending high!  In addition to that day, I think I just have been reminiscing about Ellie's last year and how much she has grown and changed and how much fun she is!

What I'm loving:

Hummus.  Oh my lawd that stuff is good.  I like it on veggies, chips, pretzels, rice cakes, toast, you name it!  I like to get the big jar at Costco because that means it "lasts" (for like a week!!)  I am all about Greek and Mediterranean food lately and I cannot get enough.

What we've been up to:

Party Prep.  We are hosting Ellie's Second Birthday at our farm on Saturday and it has pushed us into getting a lot of our outdoor projects done!  I know that our home doesn't have to look perfect for a party but it gives us the push that we need to get things done around here.  We are overhauling our backyard: taking down a fence, digging out stumps, filling in holes, planting grass, spray painting all my metal outdoor furniture, and hanging Bistro Lights!! Not to mention a bunch of pressure washing, garden prep and planting, and then any excuse for me to buy flowers...oh who am I kidding, I don't need an excuse to buy flowers!

What I'm dreading:

Potty Training.  I don't know if dread is the right word and its not something that is completely necessary though either.  I mean Ellie did just turn two a week ago, but we have casually started the process and let me tell you.  I am so done with diapers.  But I don't want to do the 3 day method because I can't be locked up in our house for over a day, nor am I really interested in having any accidents on my carpet (someone please just buy me wood floors!!)  

What I'm working on:

Photo Books.  I am almost done with Ellie's Year Two book, then I still need to make a photo book for our trip to Scotland and Ireland, and our Disneyland trip.

I also need to update our Adoption Portfolio and they have moved to using Photo Books for those as well...so I have to transfer and update all that stuff too.  It's a huge undertaking but once we get that second babe in our arms it will all be worth it!  Click here if you would like to donate to our adoption fund!!

What I'm excited about:

That summer is just around the corner and Thomas and I get to do so many fun things!! Also that some days Thomas will get to have Ellie/Dada days while I go to my nanny jobs.

What I'm watching/reading:

I just finished The Fertility Diet and while the book discussed healthy eating which I already knew about it was nice to learn some of the science behind it and how what we eat affects our fertility.  As an Infertility sufferer for over 6 years with no real explanation I really want to do whatever I can to make sure that I am healthy.

We are huge Housewives fans at our house and I am so happy that Bethenny is back! She is hilarious and adds so much to the show!

What I'm listening to:

I'm not really big in to music.  I listen to the radio in the car and that's about it.  I like the morning talk show and usually turn the volume down when the songs come on...I know I'm lame.

What I'm wearing:

 My basic "uniform" leggings and a t-shirt or skinny jeans and a top.  Occasionally I'll throw on some accessories but when you are dealing with baby spit up on the daily rocking a killer outfit just doesn't make sense.

What I'm doing this weekend:

It's Ellie's birthday party! I am so looking forward to having people over to our farm to celebrate our sweet girl and for her to get some love on!  After the party is over I might try to take her out on Sunday for her 2 year shots.  I took them last year and loved that I was able to capture exactly what I wanted (hello, control freak) and I want to do that again this year!

What I'm looking forward to next month:

We had a dog visitor for over a month this year.  She belongs to my dad and he had knee surgery. So we took her while he was in recovery, she is a BIG dog - we're talking a Newfoundland.  She is the sweetest girl and Ellie had so much fun with her...occasionally she will still go to the back door and call for "Mayee" aka Maggie to come inside!  So my dad is sending us for a week in Canada!! We are going to Sun Peaks and I am so excited to get out of here for a while and just be the three of us with no interuptions!!

What else is new:

I have confirmation that at least one of my nanny jobs is going to continue for the long term and I couldn't be more excited.  I have all sorts of plans to take the kiddos to the zoo, aquarium, splash pads and parks all summer long...not to mention making/eating popsicles and all those other fun summer activities...and the best part is that Ellie gets to come too!!

What is your favorite thing to Grill/BBQ?

I love all sorts of things on the grill so its hard to choose...but one thing I really like to have during the summer season are Garlic Scapes,  you can find them in the produce section of Trader Joes or at the farmers market.  They are the flowering bud of a garlic plant, similar to a chive and you grill them just like asparagus.  They have a mild garlic flavor and I just love them!!

What's Up with you?

♥ Ashley

linking up here