Saturday, April 7, 2012
Balloons
I had a sweet little thought today. My daughter had a birthday party almost a month ago and we paid extra for the 'good helium' in her balloons. We wanted them to last longer than just a day or two. Well we are going on 27 days and they are still afloat, a bit saggy, but afloat. There is one sad yellow one that is tied to 2 other balloons and it's getting very weak. The balloon is staying afloat mostly because of the support of the other 2 stronger balloons. The immediate thought I had when I looked at this sad yellow balloon was how much the strength of others can uplift us. We may be on the edge of defeat but sometimes that little extra boost is what we need to stay 'afloat' one more day. Now I'm not expecting this weak balloon to all of a sudden shoot to the moon, but it was nice to think of those in my life who have helped me when I was a bit 'saggy!' The pillars around us may not realize how influential they can be at certain times. They may not understand their value or importance, and yet God can use them. I am so thankful for those who have showed a quiet and humble example of what a life can be & helped me along the way! Here's to staying afloat!
Friday, April 6, 2012
Stay at home Mamas~
While chatting with a friend today I came to the realization that being a stay at home mama is nothing to sneeze at! When you actually do the math and realize how much time, effort, love, tears, & self that you put into your children everyday, it's mind boggling! For the record I have been a mother for 797 days-19,128 hours!!! If you do the math, I have earned 18.39 weeks of vacation already (and only seen 1). Some days I dream of those 17.39 weeks and where I'd go, what I'd see, or who I'd visit. Let's face it, I'd spend it sleeping, eating, sleeping, reading, sleeping, & taking showers until I turned into a human prune! I would listen to whatever music I wanted, as loud as I wanted, but more importantly I'd enjoy the peace & quiet. My phone would be shut off & I honestly might not even want anyone with me! Okay, maybe the hubby can come too, but only if he promises not to ask me for anything. I will not be doing dishes, laundry, cleaning, organizing, or sorting of any kind. I will only eat foods that don't require cutting, in fact knives aren't even coming on this 'vacation.' All foods must be able to be eaten w/o utensils b/c I chop, slice, section, peel, dice, cut, & split way too many foods into tiny toddler bites everyday, all day! I also will be refusing to wipe up messes as well. I guess if he gets syrup in his hair, or somehow throws up on anything, it will be his own problem!
When someone asks me 'what do you do for a living' I tend to get this feeling of dread. I look at my adorable children and feel embarrassed. WHY?!?! I wish I had the confidence to say 'I am currently the Head of Security, Safety Administrator, Education Director, Discipline Enforcer, Financial Manager, Charge Nurse, Chauffeur, Ring Master, & Personal Chef of these tiny HUMAN BEINGS!' I wake up to 1 of 3 things every morning. 1) My 2 year old saying "mama, all done" while she physically pulls my covers off or throws my glasses at my head. 2) That same 2 year old slamming our bedroom door shut so she can get into mischief w/o mommy & daddy hearing her or 3) Said 2 year old turning on my very bright, interrogation room like lamp & peering in my eyes to see if I'm up yet! I can't say which of these I prefer, it would be a tough call. From that moment when my eyes open, it's a whirlwind of getting Annelise her 'boilll' aka pill aka vitamin (which is her very first request for breakfast) and keeping the baby happy enough to feed my little trooper. I sometimes set the timer on the microwave for when we can FINALLY go wake up daddy! I have to admit, the sound of that dumb beeping sometimes is the sweetest music to my ears! Then it's his turn to have a fun personal wake up call from Annelise. She tends to just start getting his clothes out for him to get dressed. She pulls out a t-shirt, gets his jeans from behind the bathroom door, and brings him all 3 belts he owns. She's a big fan of belts right now. As he groggily realizes his sweet slumber is over for the day I sometimes feel bad, but we're in this together...so I help yank off the sheets! I didn't have these kids on my own! From then on we are full throttle til bedtime.
It's hard to remember life before kids. I think God planned it that way. If I could remember every lazy day I enjoyed, or every time I left the house w/ only a purse, I may miss it too much. Instead I revolve around my cute little tornadoes that daily convince me that I want to continue to be their mama tomorrow. I put my everything into these 2 little people who puke, poop, pee, scratch, bite, & throw things at me! They also happen to be adorable, clever, unpredictable, & loving creatures if the mood strikes them! I laugh every day and only cry some days, so I guess that's a win, right?
When someone asks me 'what do you do for a living' I tend to get this feeling of dread. I look at my adorable children and feel embarrassed. WHY?!?! I wish I had the confidence to say 'I am currently the Head of Security, Safety Administrator, Education Director, Discipline Enforcer, Financial Manager, Charge Nurse, Chauffeur, Ring Master, & Personal Chef of these tiny HUMAN BEINGS!' I wake up to 1 of 3 things every morning. 1) My 2 year old saying "mama, all done" while she physically pulls my covers off or throws my glasses at my head. 2) That same 2 year old slamming our bedroom door shut so she can get into mischief w/o mommy & daddy hearing her or 3) Said 2 year old turning on my very bright, interrogation room like lamp & peering in my eyes to see if I'm up yet! I can't say which of these I prefer, it would be a tough call. From that moment when my eyes open, it's a whirlwind of getting Annelise her 'boilll' aka pill aka vitamin (which is her very first request for breakfast) and keeping the baby happy enough to feed my little trooper. I sometimes set the timer on the microwave for when we can FINALLY go wake up daddy! I have to admit, the sound of that dumb beeping sometimes is the sweetest music to my ears! Then it's his turn to have a fun personal wake up call from Annelise. She tends to just start getting his clothes out for him to get dressed. She pulls out a t-shirt, gets his jeans from behind the bathroom door, and brings him all 3 belts he owns. She's a big fan of belts right now. As he groggily realizes his sweet slumber is over for the day I sometimes feel bad, but we're in this together...so I help yank off the sheets! I didn't have these kids on my own! From then on we are full throttle til bedtime.
It's hard to remember life before kids. I think God planned it that way. If I could remember every lazy day I enjoyed, or every time I left the house w/ only a purse, I may miss it too much. Instead I revolve around my cute little tornadoes that daily convince me that I want to continue to be their mama tomorrow. I put my everything into these 2 little people who puke, poop, pee, scratch, bite, & throw things at me! They also happen to be adorable, clever, unpredictable, & loving creatures if the mood strikes them! I laugh every day and only cry some days, so I guess that's a win, right?
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Week 1 : 52 weeks to simplify my life Challenge!
What energised you?
I was pregnant for 10 months of the year so I wasn't very energized. However, I know this is supposed to be a positive time to reflect so I'll say what excited me instead. One of the best days of the year for me was finding out that we were expecting a little boy!!!! I hadn't realized how much I wanted a boy this time around until I heard it was a 'he'...I was elated!
What made you feel happy?
Annelise has made me smile everyday since she was born. This year she has grown and changed so much. She's become quite a little character and I love watching her mind working. I see a mini version of me when I look at her and wonder where life will take her!
What made you feel at peace?
There is nothing like being in the presence of God to make me feel at peace. Although life is crazy right now I can always find TRUE peace when I need it.
What positive people lifted you up?
My life is full of amazing people who lift me up everyday! My parents and husband are very supportive and my 'family' here in WA is massive and incredibly united. I have more encouragement that I could ever need in life and I'm very thankful for that!
What worked to bring your family together?
My parents moved here this year! They used to live over 2,000 miles away so having them close has been amazing. I realize that is literally bringing our family together but it has been so great having them nearby. The kids get to spend time w/ them and I love having my mom, who is one of my best friends, so close by.
What is something that made you feel excited to dive right in?
I didn't dive into much last year (being pregnant and chasing a little girl around) but I sure was ready to dive into this year with gusto!
What did you learn (positive things)?
This past year I learned that you can love your 2nd baby just as much, if not more, than the first. I had a fear of the unknown having a 2nd child. I knew I would be even more tired than with our daughter, and that it would be a lot more work. I worried that I wouldn't bond with this baby or love it like I finally had bonded with my daughter etc. Every baby is different. My first was very independent and never wanted to cuddle or be held. It took us quite awhile to have a strong bond b/c I felt rejected by her(I know that sounds petty) and because having a baby severely changes life. My son was born in November and is the sweetest little snuggler you can imagine! He's a mamas boy and loves me so much it blows my mind. I'm so glad that I can love each of them for such different reasons. I Love her for her independence and lack of fear. She's strong, funny, happy, and makes me laugh out loud at least once a day! I love him b/c he lights up when I enter the room and never wants to leave my arms. They are both such wonderful people already and they own my heart!
What are you grateful for?
My life. That may sound like a lame answer but I seriously wear this keyboard out listing everything I'm grateful for...so I'll keep it short and simple. I love my life and where I am in it.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Happy 2mo Bday Little Man~
It's hard to believe our little guy is 2 months old today! He sure has stolen our hearts (and some sleep) in these past 9 weeks! I don't think I've ever loved something so tiny and cuddly so much. He lights up when he sees me and his big smile melts my heart. He's started talking and wiggles a lot on his changing table. That's one of his favorite places. He just lays there and smiles up at me, even when I'm yanking clothes on and off etc.
He LOVES to be held, and prefers me above others. This is a bit challenging when I want to get things done but it does make me feel special and needed, which I can't help but like. He's lost most of his hair and has a coldesac going on. Everyone says he looks like my dad (Dale). I think it's b/c they both have bald heads and big cheeks! I think they are both adorable!
He has started to sleep for longer stretches. When he does wake up he is STARVING, and doesn't want to wait more than 5 sec before all wail breaks loose (0:
I had no idea, when I had Annelise as a newborn, how easy it is to go any and everywhere with them. I always saw it as a huge challenge. Now that there are 2 of them I have a new outlook. If I get the chance to go to the store, with only 1 kid, it's a breeze! Either he sleeps happily in his carseat (most of the time), or she rides along in the cart and says hi to everyone! Now put 2 in the cart (which fills the entire thing btw) and it's a totally different story. You need another person just to push your 2nd cart so you can actually buy something. If you only need enough that you could use a basket I'd suggest skipping the experience all together and just wait it out! haha.
Annelise is at a sleep over at Gramma's tonight. We'll see if she leaves her jammies, onsie, & diaper on tonight. I heard her chattering away in her bed this morning but since she was happy I rolled back over and dozed off....until I heard....that distinct crisp sound of a diaper flap being ripped away from it's secure place! YIKES! I was feeding Russell so I woke Eric up as fast as I could and sent him running into her room before we ended up w/ a new mural we hadn't planned on! Oh help us. She was startled when he barged in and burst into instant tears. Guess getting caught in the act is pretty emotional when you're almost 2! Oh the relief of avoiding a possible disaster, and the dread knowing it will happen one of these days...SOON! Bring out the duct tape!
Russell is happily napping on the couch and I'm catching up on our office stack of junk. Feels good to purge a bit. Mom helped overhaul our pantry today and it looks amazing! So clean and clutter free.
I managed to make bran muffins this morning and yummy pork chops from the freezer tonight! That is a recipe that I plan on using often! So yummy! (Apple Pie Pork Chops)
I felt like I was eating dessert and the main course all at once! What a yummy combo.
I'm heading to bed and looking forward to sleeping in. It's not often that a tiny voice doesn't wake me up by 7 saying...'Mama, Mama, All Done! All Done!' When that doesn't rouse me fast enough she pulls out things like 'Uh Oh and Ucky' to frighten me into getting my butt moving! Sometimes I just shake my head thinking about how brilliant she is. Now if only I could motivate myself like that! haha.
Goodnight world...until tomorrow
Sweet Dreams!
He LOVES to be held, and prefers me above others. This is a bit challenging when I want to get things done but it does make me feel special and needed, which I can't help but like. He's lost most of his hair and has a coldesac going on. Everyone says he looks like my dad (Dale). I think it's b/c they both have bald heads and big cheeks! I think they are both adorable!
He has started to sleep for longer stretches. When he does wake up he is STARVING, and doesn't want to wait more than 5 sec before all wail breaks loose (0:
I had no idea, when I had Annelise as a newborn, how easy it is to go any and everywhere with them. I always saw it as a huge challenge. Now that there are 2 of them I have a new outlook. If I get the chance to go to the store, with only 1 kid, it's a breeze! Either he sleeps happily in his carseat (most of the time), or she rides along in the cart and says hi to everyone! Now put 2 in the cart (which fills the entire thing btw) and it's a totally different story. You need another person just to push your 2nd cart so you can actually buy something. If you only need enough that you could use a basket I'd suggest skipping the experience all together and just wait it out! haha.
Annelise is at a sleep over at Gramma's tonight. We'll see if she leaves her jammies, onsie, & diaper on tonight. I heard her chattering away in her bed this morning but since she was happy I rolled back over and dozed off....until I heard....that distinct crisp sound of a diaper flap being ripped away from it's secure place! YIKES! I was feeding Russell so I woke Eric up as fast as I could and sent him running into her room before we ended up w/ a new mural we hadn't planned on! Oh help us. She was startled when he barged in and burst into instant tears. Guess getting caught in the act is pretty emotional when you're almost 2! Oh the relief of avoiding a possible disaster, and the dread knowing it will happen one of these days...SOON! Bring out the duct tape!
Russell is happily napping on the couch and I'm catching up on our office stack of junk. Feels good to purge a bit. Mom helped overhaul our pantry today and it looks amazing! So clean and clutter free.
I managed to make bran muffins this morning and yummy pork chops from the freezer tonight! That is a recipe that I plan on using often! So yummy! (Apple Pie Pork Chops)
I felt like I was eating dessert and the main course all at once! What a yummy combo.
I'm heading to bed and looking forward to sleeping in. It's not often that a tiny voice doesn't wake me up by 7 saying...'Mama, Mama, All Done! All Done!' When that doesn't rouse me fast enough she pulls out things like 'Uh Oh and Ucky' to frighten me into getting my butt moving! Sometimes I just shake my head thinking about how brilliant she is. Now if only I could motivate myself like that! haha.
Goodnight world...until tomorrow
Sweet Dreams!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Pics~
Here's my little Russell!
Annelise decided to join in the photo shoot
My groceries
Sarah's groceries/supplies
Mmm Bacon!
The finished burritos for our house
Healthy Mama BBQ Chicken
Stephanie's Goulash
Apple PIe Pork Chops
Cranberry Chicken
All of these recipes came from mamaandbabylove.blogspot.com except for the burrito recipe. Not sure how they will turn out yet but they're all in the freezer waiting to be eaten! Each one only requires being thawed and then put in the crock pot for 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low! How easy is that?!? So excited to start enjoying them after all the hard work put into making them yesterday.
Once these are tried and true I will be happy to post recipes.
Once these are tried and true I will be happy to post recipes.
Jan 3rd & 4th~
I didn't find time to write yesterday (the 3rd) so I'm catching up today.
Yesterday was my first 'cooking day' of the year. My friend, Sarah, & I decided to start the year out right by filling our freezers with some healthy and easy meals. I went searching online and found some fun recipe blogs and other ideas for what might be yummy and quick.
Here is a list of the recipes we decided to make:
Cranberry Chicken
Apple Pie Pork Chops
Stephanie's Goulash
Healthy Mama BBQ Chicken
Breakfast Burritos
Here is a rundown of the day...and what a crazy day it was.
1)Woke up to find out mom was sick and can't babysit (setback #1)
2) Sent Annelise with daddy instead but only for a couple hours
3) Organize huge list and head to 2 stores with a 9 wk old baby
~This involved 2 carts/store and at one point he was so mad we had to 'drive' both carts with only 3 arms...this may not sound hard but they were both stuffed full and all Sarah could do was push. I took over steering and we made it to the checkout...but it wasn't a fun experience!
4) Sarah loaded the car while I changed Russell who almost had a blowout! ughh
5) Rushed home and Sarah unloaded groceries while I fed Russell (can you see a pattern emerging yet?!?)
~poor Sarah
6) Eric and Annelise return home for a quick lunch and then it's nap time for her...except all she wants is mommy and has a major meltdown!
7) Managed to get a quick tuna sandwich down the hatch and some ingredients sorted and started prepping.
8) Eric bounced Russell for awhile but pretty soon his need of Mama returned again!
9) Basically the rest of the day we passed around the 2 kids while the other 2 adults worked in the kitchen.
Between the 3 of us we cooked 6 dozen eggs, bacon, & sausage for the burritos and prepped 20 dinners! I'd say that's pretty impressive for how clingy the munchkins were! There is only so much play doh for Annelise and Russell only took 1 nap in my baby carrier. BTW holding 15# on the front of you while trying to prep all day is exhausting...Note to self...CANCEL if the babysitter CANCELS! duh...
All in all we were finally done around 9pm when I pretty much passed out on the couch. (hence no blog post yesterday)
~This morning we ate 4 of the breakfast burritos and they were ok. Mine are super plain b/c of the no dairy factor...which is killing me! Eric's were good b/c they had way more ingredients and flavor. Gotta stay mild for my little guy but sneaking a bite sure made me jealous!
We had meeting this morning and both kids did great. That was a nice surprise. We got daddy off to work and Annelise had a good nap. Gramma was over and we enjoyed her company and help today. Russell has decided I really am his favorite female so I didn't get quite as much done as I'd like, but what else is new?!?
However, I did get to snuggle my adorable little man...which I know will be over soon so I try to appreciate it now. Glad he did go down for a nap here and there and Gramma did get to hold him a bit. These past few days really make me wonder why God didn't create us with 4 arms. If it was up for a vote it would definitely get mine! (0:
I'll add on recipes and pictures another day...too tired! Time for this mama to go to bed. Goodnight world~
Yesterday was my first 'cooking day' of the year. My friend, Sarah, & I decided to start the year out right by filling our freezers with some healthy and easy meals. I went searching online and found some fun recipe blogs and other ideas for what might be yummy and quick.
Here is a list of the recipes we decided to make:
Cranberry Chicken
Apple Pie Pork Chops
Stephanie's Goulash
Healthy Mama BBQ Chicken
Breakfast Burritos
Here is a rundown of the day...and what a crazy day it was.
1)Woke up to find out mom was sick and can't babysit (setback #1)
2) Sent Annelise with daddy instead but only for a couple hours
3) Organize huge list and head to 2 stores with a 9 wk old baby
~This involved 2 carts/store and at one point he was so mad we had to 'drive' both carts with only 3 arms...this may not sound hard but they were both stuffed full and all Sarah could do was push. I took over steering and we made it to the checkout...but it wasn't a fun experience!
4) Sarah loaded the car while I changed Russell who almost had a blowout! ughh
5) Rushed home and Sarah unloaded groceries while I fed Russell (can you see a pattern emerging yet?!?)
~poor Sarah
6) Eric and Annelise return home for a quick lunch and then it's nap time for her...except all she wants is mommy and has a major meltdown!
7) Managed to get a quick tuna sandwich down the hatch and some ingredients sorted and started prepping.
8) Eric bounced Russell for awhile but pretty soon his need of Mama returned again!
9) Basically the rest of the day we passed around the 2 kids while the other 2 adults worked in the kitchen.
Between the 3 of us we cooked 6 dozen eggs, bacon, & sausage for the burritos and prepped 20 dinners! I'd say that's pretty impressive for how clingy the munchkins were! There is only so much play doh for Annelise and Russell only took 1 nap in my baby carrier. BTW holding 15# on the front of you while trying to prep all day is exhausting...Note to self...CANCEL if the babysitter CANCELS! duh...
All in all we were finally done around 9pm when I pretty much passed out on the couch. (hence no blog post yesterday)
~This morning we ate 4 of the breakfast burritos and they were ok. Mine are super plain b/c of the no dairy factor...which is killing me! Eric's were good b/c they had way more ingredients and flavor. Gotta stay mild for my little guy but sneaking a bite sure made me jealous!
We had meeting this morning and both kids did great. That was a nice surprise. We got daddy off to work and Annelise had a good nap. Gramma was over and we enjoyed her company and help today. Russell has decided I really am his favorite female so I didn't get quite as much done as I'd like, but what else is new?!?
However, I did get to snuggle my adorable little man...which I know will be over soon so I try to appreciate it now. Glad he did go down for a nap here and there and Gramma did get to hold him a bit. These past few days really make me wonder why God didn't create us with 4 arms. If it was up for a vote it would definitely get mine! (0:
I'll add on recipes and pictures another day...too tired! Time for this mama to go to bed. Goodnight world~
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