Thursday, January 31, 2013

Baby L's FIRST vlog

Here's my baby girl.

In her first vlog.

I took this last week.

Pre-teeth.

Yes, teeth.

Yes, at 3 months...plural teeth (2 total).

But she's a cutie.

With a sweet raspy little voice.

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Ten

1.  Baby L. has cut her first tooth.  One more is on the way- that I can see.  She also has a cold.  And so do I.  This is the baby tri-fecta of sleeplessness.

2.  Lately the word "control" is coming up a LOT in conversations.  A lot.  God is talking to me.  Am I ready to listen?

3.  Dave and and I have been missing each other in the night lately.  Meetings, work and plowing....makes for a busy schedule.  I see a few date nights in our near future!

4.  Lately, I can feel God pulling our family in a new direction.  I'm not sure what that whole picture looks like yet....but that's what faith is for, right?

5.  I posted an ecard on my facebook page last week.  Funny how a few of my high school acquaintances JUMPED on it- since it was NOT politically correct.  Yeah....I'm not for being politically correct, I'm for being Biblically correct.  Politically correct things offend me.  :)

6.  Sometimes I wonder what the heck is happening to our country.  Makes me want to apologize to my grandchildren.

7.  A. is going on a field trip today.  In celebration of Lutheran Schools week, his teacher is taking them to Steak -n-Shake for lunch.  I was reading permission slip, and was looking to check the box stating "I cannot drive for this trip."  Because I can't...  But...then I realized that his class is small enough that they can all go in the teacher's car.  I laughed and then I was thankful.  #1 No guilt for not being able to drive.  #2 Awesome amount of attention is given to A. and his academics #3 He has really close relationships with the kids in that class.

8.  The boys and I are playing  Dance Party on the wii every afternoon.  It's hilarious.  We are so rythm-challenged. 

9.  I think my baby is allergic to sleep.  :(

10.  A few of my friends online have asked to see Baby L's nursery and the house progress.  I promise a post is coming! 

Sunday, January 27, 2013

Counting Blessings 181-195

181.  Spell Check.  The lazy typers haven.

182.  Auto correct.  Making inappropriate texts around the world.  Laughter ensues.

183.  A nice long nap.

184.  Snuggles.

185.  A good cry resulting from a great movie.

186.  A well-educated and respectful debate.

187.  Awesome graphic designers.  :)

188.  Under eye concealer.  No one needs to know exactly how tired I really am.

189.  Change and growth.  It's sad, it's hard, but in the end we come out refined.  Thankful.

190.  Inspirational books.  Ones that stick with us for years to come.

191.  The sweat of a workout well done.

192.  The first smile Baby L. gives me after she wakes from a nap.  She smiles with her whole body.  It's adorable.  I hope I never forget it.

193.  Looking (and feeling) cute at church with my (super clearance deal) pencil skirt and knee high boots.

194.  Jean that fit perfectly every time.

195.  Quiet conversations with my husband.  My most favorite time ever.

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Guess who...

is THREE months old today?!?!?



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Fastest three months ever.

And yet...the slowest.

(yawn)

Friday, January 25, 2013

5QF- Frigid Edition

Happy Friday!

It's frigid here in Michigan.  We had one snow day this week...I was actually hoping for more.  The boys and I had a great day off, and I'd do anything for another excuse to snuggle up in sweats with my three kiddos.

Anyway, I have about 3 minutes before miss fussy-pants wakes, so I'd best get to it.




1. Do you embrace or dread snow/cold weather days?

Cold and snow are a fact of life here in Michigan.  I actually don't mind them....until April.  A few years we've had blizzardy snow in April, and I got a tad snarky about that.  Otherwise it's not a big deal. 

That's what coats, mittens, boots, and hats are for, right?

Side note:  sleds are on clearance at Target right now!  I picked up two for the boys yesterday- they're the super fast ones with slick bottoms and PADDED tops.  PADDED sleds!!!  Why didn't I think of that?!?!?

2. Which game show or reality show could you totally win?

I'd love to say I could win the Biggest Loser...but man, Jillian and Bob....geez, those workouts are hard core!  And I'm a self-proclaimed wimp.

I always wanted to go on Deal or No Deal.  It's just a game of ratios, and if you can do quick math in your head, you can sort of make better judgements.  Plus, everyone goes home with some sort of monetary prize.  I dig that.

On another note, I'd love to try my hand at Wheel of Fortune.  :)

3. What is your preferred climate?

Right where I'm at.  I see all four seasons, we have very little extremes (humidity, tornadoes, flooding, etc), and the landscape is pretty.

4. What do you buy every time you walk into the grocery store, no matter what?

Right now, milk. 

We have C. on Almond Milk and he's drinking it like water (apparently, he likes it???), and A. goes through about 1/4 gallon a day.  So, no matter where I am...milk is most likely in my cart.

5. If you see a spider/bug in the house, are you brave enough to kill it, or do you call for your hubby?

My father did not raise me to be a princess.  I kill it.  Unless it's bigger than my hand....in which case I run....snakes in the house are also a no-no for me.  I don't handle bats so well either.  So, if that makes me a princess, I guess I'd wear that crown....

But...I will handle chipmunks.  There's that.

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Tuesday Ten

1.  Between Baby L, C's new cough with cold, C's asthma, and Ally banging on her cage to go outside (three times!), I had a total of 45 minutes of sleep last night.  Dave was out plowing, so I solo parented the whole gig.  Awesome.  Dave was out all night, and then went straight to work.  On no sleep.  Sleep deprived team parenting....not for the faint of heart.

2.  Dave's back and neck were hurting him, so I flipped and rotated our mattress.  Now he feels great, and my neck and back are hurting.  Go figure.  No good deed goes unpunished.

3.  Baby L. has never been a good napper...but lately, it's at an epic point.  I take that back...she'd be a GREAT napper---- if I stood above her and kept putting her pacifier back in her mouth every 3 minutes.  Sleep training is not for the faint of heart.

4.  A. is in Cadets this year- which is like a Christian CRC-based Boy Scouts.  He earned his first badge.  He's chest-puffing proud of that badge.  Little did I know, his first badge would turn into a HUGE home economics project for me- hand sewing snaps on a badge holder and affixing it to his shirt...sewing the badge on the badge holder, etc.  Oh my.  I'm already 4 hours into this project and have yet to get it on his shirt.

5.  We had to switch Baby L. to a soy-based formula.  I'm afraid digestive issues are a dominant trait in the females of my lineage.  While it's a marked improvement, we've got a ways to go before we have a happy baby all the time.

6.  I'm so grateful for my parents.  They've offered to help with childcare one day a week after I return to work.  My kids are so excited to see them more often.  The gift of their time is better than any physical gift they could ever wrap up.

7.  My dog likes to chew fabric.  And by "chew" I mean destroy.  There is only one blanket left in my house that doesn't have holes torn through.  I can't even leave a laundry basket of towels laying around...she's crazy.  I hope it's a phase she outgrows.

8.  My boys are newly obsessed with Justin Bieber.  They have no school today, and they are wearing their baseball caps around the house cocked at a derelict-angle.  I had hoped to avoid the whole "biebs" thing.  Oh well.

9.  I'm always amazed by all the women who encourage me to leave the baby at home or get out without the baby, etc.  Guess what?!?!?  There's a bazillion things pulling us in different directions- all asking us to leave the kiddos behind.  I have a short time with them when they still want to be around me.  I was made for this moment- quit asking me to give it up.

10.  I had a few minutes of free time yesterday.  Instead of using it for something productive, I chose to redo my MOPS craft with a different paper and redo some magnets on my fridge.  Not the smartest use of my time, but my kitchen is just a wee bit prettier.  :)

Sunday, January 20, 2013

Counting Blessings 171-180


171.  An accountability partner.

172.  Negotiations that go my way.

173.  Talking to someone and realizing that you're not the only person who can see the forest through the trees.

174.  Soy formula.  It's a new addition to our family.  And it's so peaceful.  :)

175.  His sexy little smirk.  (sorry, tmi)

176.  Date night.

177.  Back rubs.  That don't require reciprocation.

178.  A fresh salad

179.  Quiet cuddles with my baby.  Even at 3am.

180.  Finding someone else who is as snarky as I am.

Friday, January 18, 2013

5QF






1. If you were going to be stuck on a deserted island, which 5 books, movies, people and foods would you take along?

5 of each?  Cause I just can't have 5 total.  My immediate family would take 4 of those slots...and then I need to feed 'em.

I wonder if all five of us could live on eggs alone.  That's supposed to be the perfect food, right? 


2. What is your thought on year round school?

There's pros and cons to both ways.  I really saw evidence of the "summer slide" this year, and I even worked with them both all summer.  So, for that, I'd say go for it.  Then give me my kids for longer times during the breaks.  At the same time, summer time is for being a kid, right?  I want my kids to have FUN.

3. What is your most embarrassing potty story? (Can't be one of your kids' potty stories either!) Hee Hee! This cracks me up and stems from a HILARIOUS twitter conversation...

I'm not sure I want to go there on my blog.  :)

I will admit to passing gas in a public place and blaming it on my sweet baby boy sleeping innocently in his car seat.

4. What's the temperature where you are?

Freezing.  Artic blast coming our way- welcome to Michigan.
5. Are you a winter/spring/fall/summer person?


Fall.  I LOVE fall.  The crispy air, the beautiful colors.  Love it all.  Seriously, that season soothes my soul..

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Ten on Tuesday in pictures

1.  I'm enjoying this week of non-work.  I'm getting lots of things done.  It's not work I'm getting paid for...but it's work that needed to get done.  I'm hoping to start real work with a clean slated to-do list.  Here's hoping.

2.  One thing I'm working on is helping my husband brand his business.  We've always wanted to do this, but never had time.  Now we are slowing down and taking a little time to think about where we want his business to go.  I started a blog to showcase his work (while we wait for web site information).  My brother in law made this little collage on one of his phone app thingys: 

Before, During and Current

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3.  I realized that I never posted pictures of Baby L's baptism.  Here's one that I will cherish forever.  My Godparents (Sandy and Jerry) loving on my daughter on her baptism day.

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4.  Baby L and her Godmother

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5. Baby L. in her baptismal gown. Also my baptismal gown.


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6. Remember when I mentioned that I had been using a Hair Straightening Serum as hairspray? And I'd spend ALL this time curling my hair and making it *just so* only to have it fall flat an hour later? Yes...Baby L's baptism day was no exception.

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7.  We have one of those video baby monitors.  I used to think it was the most spoiled item, and I had to old adage "remember when monitors were just sound?  what the heck happened?!?!"  Yeah...I'm totally eating those words- because I LOVE THE VIDEO MONITOR!  I can check on her, see what's going on, make sure she's still breathing, AND I can talk back to her.  It's awesome!  (Awesome gift, Wayne and Linda...thank you!)

8.  I'm trying to motivate myself to take up running again.  Trying.  I'm afraid of the potential for pain as Baby L's labor split my pelvic bone.  And my arches...and my lack of muscle tone, etc.  I spent all afternoon clearing off my treadmill.  That, in and of itself, was a workout.  Today, I rest.  :)

9.  We're in a new cleaning routine to help keep C's asthma from getting triggered.  This includes weekly laundering of ALL his bed linens in hot water, and dusting and vacuuming while he's away at school.  Mondays are my day to do this.  So far we're two for two.  I'm proud of myself.  :)

10.  I painted my nails one afternoon last week while I was on hold with the hospital billing department (yes, I was on hold THAT long).  They looked real cute at first.  Now they're peeling.  And look like crap.  And I'm too lazy to strip them down.  Sigh.

Monday, January 14, 2013

Gratitude 161-170

I meant to post this yesterday.  However, then yesterday came and it was a blissfully full day of family with just us 5.  I didn't want to be all like "Hang on guys...this is awesome fun, but I need to do a blog post."  So...today it is.  :)

161.  A baby who takes long naps.  I really don't know what these are right now....since her longest nap of the day runs about 35 minutes....but once she does start taking long naps, I know I'll be grateful.

162.  Awesome days with family.

163.  Showers long enough to shave legs.

164.  Friends that are considerate enough to cancel plans when they're under the weather.

165.  A night out without Baby L.

166.  A good conversation with my MOPS table over coffee and smoothies.

167.  Hand-me-downs.  All FOUR 31 gallon bags of them.

168.  Arch support.  You don't realize how much you need it until you wear the wrong shoes at the wrong time to the wrong place.

169.  Yoga pants.  Every mom's go-to.

170.  Coffee.  Coffee.  Coffee.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Happy 5QF!!!

Happy 5QF!!!

Someday I'll be brave enough to vlog.  Today is not one of those days.

As a matter of fact, I have about 45 seconds before that stirring baby on the monitor turns into a crying baby.

Type, Sandy type fast!!!




1. Flu mist? Flu shot? Or take your chances?

Normally we take our chances.  HOWEVER, this year...since the flu shot is 96% effective with the strains out there....and since we have TWO immuno suppressed kiddos in our house (one with asthma and one under the tender age of 6 months), well...we all got the flu shot.  Except for the baby- cause she can't get it yet.  This is C's first year for getting the shot, and he has to go back for a booster in a few weeks.  I haven't told him yet.  The first time was awful enough!


2. Do your kids have iPads? What are some good educational apps? Price?

Seriously?!?!?  Kids with ipads?!?!?!?

I would like an ipad first!!!

And we wonder why our kids have an entitlement issue?!?!?  And no concept of money and how much things cost?!?!?

GAH!

3. What are your favorite boy/girl baby names?

For both boy or girl:  Reagan

Other favorite boy names:  Chase, Samuel and Wyatt
Favorite girl names:  Ruby, Hazel, and Claire


4. If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, which apple do you choose to eat? (red/green, gala, red delicious...)

Ohhhh!  I do try to eat one apple a day.  It's REALLY good for your heart.  I'm a sucker for a good Honey Crisp apple.  But, the last batch we got from the store has been less than stellar, so we're going with Gala's until my honey crisps are back in season. 

They must be crispy.  They must be sweet.


5. What is your favorite place to escape to for peace &quiet, to think? Why?

Peace and quiet?  What's that?

And now she cries....


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Random Wednesday....wait...it *is* Wednesday, right?!?!?

  • I have no concept of days lately.  It started with Christmas break....but now I still can't figure out which day it is.  I've taken it as a sign that it's one of two things:  1- I'm slowly loosing it or 2- I just don't give a sh*t.

  • I'm swearing more and more lately.  I need to work on that.  Or maybe I don't.  No....I do think I need to work on that.  It's crass.  Right?

  • I have approximately one week before I have to return to work.  I have SOOO enjoyed not STRESSING out all the time.  I've really enjoyed going to bed and not feeling guilty for choosing sleep over hammering out that last audit.  BUT, I miss the paycheck.  And now that we have a hefty hospital bill to pay for....well, we need that paycheck.  Sigh.  But in the meantime, I plan to clean and organize my house (because I won't have time for it while working), and I have three books on hold at the library.  I plan to be blissfully slothful and read all three cover to cover.  I only get to do this once a year- with two kids....I can't imagine this happening again until Baby L. is a few years old....so I'm going to enjoy it now.

  • The boys have no juice boxes for lunch tomorrow.  I haven't made their lunches yet - just because I don't want to deal with the lack-of-juice-box issue.  Actually....there's one juice box left.  Which is probably worse than zero juice boxes.  Now I have to choose which one gets hydrated.

  • I would LOVE to start running again...but I cannot find the time.  Baby L. is uncooperative in the nap department during the day.  Uncooperative would actually be generous when describing it.

  • I washed, dried and folded four loads of laundry today.  In one swift bounce, Ally jumped into the center of it all and not only messed up all the folding, but proceeded to get the entire top level of clothing dirty.  Again.  I was seeing red.

  • Joel Taylor was a member of TVN (Tornado Videos.net) on Storm Chasers.  I'm a fan of his on Facebook.  Not only is he (very) easy on the eyes, but his posts are awesome and educated.  I highly recommend becoming a fan.  And yes, I do believe he looks like my husband.  It's his doppelganger- in my opinion.

  • The song "This girl is on fire" by Alisha Keyes is more than annoying.  And it's going to be stuck in my head for the rest of the night.

  • I just finished a three day detox/fast program.  While I'm impressed with the way I feel physically, I'm not impressed with the results on the scale.  This non-budging scale phenomena has happened to me every time I've had a baby.  Grrrrr. 

Sunday, January 6, 2013

Counting Mine 146-160

Blessings abound. 

Time to get back into a routine of thankfulness.  Right?

146.  Spell check. 

147.  Amazing teachers for my kids.

148.  Play dates.

149.  Long talks with my husband.

150.  Chocolate.

151.  Coffee

152.  People who don't judge me when my kids act up in public...or on their way to the communion rail.  Those that remember what it was like to have kids...well, they're my favorites.

153.  Fancy underwear that puts an extra swagger in my step.  (sorry, tmi)

154.  Crossing things off my to-do list

155.  A sleepy baby that transitions easily from my arms to the crib.

156.  Downton Abby starting tonight!  Whoot!

157.  When my hair goes easily into the perfect pony tail.  This doesn't happen often, but when it does...WOOHOO!

158.  Finding the perfect cute hat.

159.  Seeing friends that you haven't seen in a LONG time - and picking right up where you left off.

160.  A full night of sleep.

Friday, January 4, 2013

2013 5QF




1. Have you set any goals/resolutions for 2013?

I made a few - highlighted in this post.  Otherwise, Dave and I just sat down this afternoon and hammered out 1 year, 5 year and 10 year plans.  These are less resolutions and more goal oriented.  But, I didn't get his permission to share them all with you...so I'll just refer you to my personal resolution post. 


2. Have you made any travel/vacation plans for 2013?

Nothing concrete yet.  Last summer, we didn't go anywhere...and it really sucked.  However, a high risk pregnancy and necessary house changes kept us close to home.  This summer, we're not planning a huge trip, but I'd like to plan something for the boys and I to look forward to and create some family memories.

3. What room is never cleaned in your house?

My kitchen.  It's a high-traffic zone with many uses....our kitchen, family area, play area, office area...the kitchen table is a catch-all for everything...the cupboards are usually stacked with stuff...as soon as I clean every surface of it, it's time for me to make dinner or the kids come home and track dirt on the floor, etc.

4. What food must be in your house at all times?

For the family - chips.  Or a salty snack of sorts.

For me - chocolate.  Even if it's one Hershey's kiss...and I never open it, I just need to know it's there.  Just in case.  Yes, I have issues with food.  I'm workin' on it.


5. Are you a hugger or more of a hands off person?

Depends on the person.  With my husband, heck yea....lots of huggin' going on there.  :)

Close friends and family, yep....hugs happening there too.

"Friends don't shake hands, friends hug."  ~What movie?

Otherwise, I do maintain a pretty hard boundary of hands-off-ness.  I'm kinda weird like that.

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Wednesday Ten...because others are doing it too. :)

If Gini can do it, so can I, right?!?!

1.  As of last night, all of our parties are now over.  Christmas is dismantled.  Toys put away.  Life is going back to normal.  As much as I've looked forward to "normalcy" for the past month, I'm kinda sad.

2.  There is a Tropical Smoothie Cafe new in our area.  As a matter of fact, the owner is a mom at my MOPS table.  They have a smoothie called Orange Dream.  It's amazing.  It's not on the menu currently, which makes me think that it's probably a seasonal one...but you can still order it anytime.  I highly recommend it.  Oh....YUM!

3.  At the New Year's Day party yesterday, C. spent almost the entire day playing with Play Doh.  He spent the entire 25 minute drive home telling us about how awesome the Play Doh was.  Then I realized we have ZERO Play Doh in the house (not by accident...I loathe the stuff).  So, today during a pilgrimage to Target....Play Doh was purchased.  Not with my money....but apparently, C. thought it was awesome enough to break open the piggy bank.  It's not a total loss, though.  He's been quiet for the last hour.

4.  I need to purge my house of crappy food.  I have little will power.

5.  We are now shopping around for Health Insurance options again.  This is my LEAST favorite thing to do.  I really really dislike it.  I would rather go to the dentist.  If you know me...that is defcon 5.

6.  Baby L. got her first set of immunizations on Friday.  Her cry was nothing short of heartbreaking.  Seriously.  I've never heard her cry like that before....it made me want to cry.  To top that off, I scheduled the boys for flu shots that same morning.  Great times.  Because this is C's first flu shot, he has to go back for a booster in 4 weeks.  I haven't told him that yet....the first time was bad enough.

7.  My FMLA leave is almost up, and I'll need to return back to work soon.  Thank goodness I work from home...BUT it was SO NICE not to be stressing out every day/ all day for a while.  I'm going to miss that.

8.  Yeah...this whole fiscal cliff thingy?  Seriously...congress is essentially just rearranging deck furniture on the Titanic.  We're all still going down.

9.  Michelle is coming over for a play date today.  I'm giddy.  Play dates with anyone have been lacking since school started.  School days are such a buzz kill.

10.  Target has some awesome clearance going on right now.  I highly recommend a trip.  Without kids.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

I hate to say "resolutions"...but that's what they are.

So....2013.


It's kind of like standing outside your school door on the first day of school.

Wondering what is in store for you in the upcoming months.

Knowing that when this whole experience chews you up and spits you out on the other side, you'll have lived some, learned a lot, and hopefully laughed a bit along the way.


So, 2013, what have you in store for us?


I can say that it will be what I make of it.

Some things I will be able to control, others I won't.

I can only control how I react to them.

So...here's my list for 2013:

  • Respect myself.  No negative self-talk.  If I feel something needs to change, I'll change it.  Not just put myself down and dig a deeper hole.

  • Stand up for things I believe are right.  This includes talking about politics and speaking up for God when it is only politically correct to dog on Christianity.  Religion and politics....Yes...2013 may be full of awkward moments for those around me.  :)

  • Think of others more.  I have a tendency to be rather self-centered.  Putting other's needs before my own will hopefully help me with that.

  • Have a dance party with my boys once a week.  Or just be more a "fun" mom and not "I have a ton of things to get done" mom.

  • Simplify.  My home and my world is full to the brim with unnecessary thingsStuff.  Noise.  All things to distract me from the prize at the end.  It's time for me to remove some noise.  This includes NOT overextending myself and my time- and even taking a few things off my already full plate.

  • Organize.  More lists.  My friends were right...having that third baby has taken what is left of my brain cells and turned them to mush.  I cannot remember a thing.  This includes family and friends birthdays, my shopping list, or something as simple as changing the washed clothes to the dryer ...(which reminds me....hang on a sec...... ok!).  See?  keeping a resolution already!  Whoot!


  • Choose to be a part of the solution, not the problem.  Every issue that arises has two parties- those that are the problem, and those that are the solution.  And one person can be part of both parties.  It's a matter of choices.  I'm choosing the side of the solution.  But, if I am a part of the problem, I'm hoping for enough maturity and integrity to apologize and amend behavior.  And I'm willing to hold others accountable to this resolution as well.

  • Pray for my enemies daily.  If I do that, it is harder for me to withhold forgiveness and carry a grudge.  Those things just corrode me...not them.  God commands us to forgive because he forgave us- even things we don't repent for.  My withholding forgiveness only hurts my relationship with Him.  I'm not going to let that happen.

  • Crack my Bible open more.  Perhaps start a bible study in my home?  Eeekkk...that's a bit of a stretch, but my heart in leaning in that direction. 


So....do you make resolutions?  What do you want to see in 2013?