Potty Training Day #1

Well today starts potty training boot camp...hubby left this morning until Friday so I planned to just hunker down, not go anywhere and just DO IT. It's something I have been dreading for far to long. Time to face it! Yesterday he was at my sisters house and asked to use the potty...AND WENT! I decided to just put him in underwear with pants on over. Meaning we are confined to our kitchen since the rest of the house is CARPET, sigh. I can do this. This morning was going really well...

Peed a bunch of times on 'his' potty and even pooped on the big potty.

I had set the timer for 20min after I had given him some juice and don't you know with 10 SECONDS left on the clock he comes to me soaking wet! Oh myyyyyy

Today - 3 accidents, he did not like being wet and told me after that he should pee in the potty not in his pants. Luckily it's almost bedtime. With that said it's potty time again...

Giveaway

Another awesome giveaway check it out!!!
http://5ksandchardonnay.blogspot.com/2011/05/cupcake-dream-review-giveaway.html?showComment=1305852420074#c2199852240667048384

Mac n Cheese

So, how long do you think you've been making mac n cheese for? Not the Velveeta kind like the powdered add milk kind???? YEARS right?! WELL I have always opted to give Evan Annie's mac n cheese since he started eating it. Quick and easy meal so figured I'd spring for the good stuff for him. Anyway...I always would complain about how I didn't like the way the cheese always stayed sort of clumpy. Then the other day I had this genius idea...READ THE INSTRUCTIONS! Don't you know it tells you to pour 1/4 milk into measuring cup and then mix cheese in that and THEN add to cooked pasta? Unreal...all this time if I had read the instructions I would have had nothing to complain about when it came to Annie's mac n cheese. Makes me wonder what else I'm making wrong ;0) haha

Big Boy

Today was Evan's last day of Birth to 3! He has been getting services to help with his speech delay since right before he turned 2. So Rachel has been coming here for over a year. It was sad to say goodbye to her! Evan has made SUCH progress and today I was overwhelmed with how proud of him I was. As we approach his 3rd birthday I love him even more then the day he was born! He says the most hilarious things and brings true joy to our lives. So proud of you little man!

Giveaway!

Here's a blog I've been checking out lately that I really like! She's doing a giveaway so check it out!!!
http://5ksandchardonnay.blogspot.com/2011/03/etsy-style-giveaway.html

Heart Day

Happy Valentines Day!!


We usually aren't big 'Valentines Day' people...I'll usually make a nice meal that we eat after kids are asleep. Hubby actually arranged for someone to come over so we could do an early dinner out just us :0). So sweet. One of my love languages is Acts of Service...while I was at work this morning my valentine cleaned up the house which was soooo nice. Can't wait to have a nice date with my man! Waiting at home will be the heart shaped cake that is currently in the oven and the kiddos of course, haha. Hope you're day was great!

Do you?

Do you ever not want to get out of the shower???!!!! Sometimes it's the peace and quiet that I don't want to leave...although my shower doesn't quite look like this pic. I can dream though right??!?! haha

Not Sure?

I am still out here...can't believe I haven't blogged in so long. Then again I HAVE been busy with two adorable kiddos. The Christmas season has come and gone which makes me sad :0(. 2011 starts the year that I (and my hubby) turn the big 3-0! :0( sad face again, haha. I am excited about the next 'chapter' in my life.

Ella is now 7mths old and I seriously can't believe how quickly it's gone. She loves her puffs as well as cheerios! She is such a joy and we thank God for her.

Evan will be 3 in April...wow again! We have started potty training...yikes! Gotta say ever since birth the thing I've been dreading most is PT!!!! He's doing pretty good so far so hopefully we will have only 1 in diapers soon.

Dave & I were able to watch a memorial service for a Pastor in Seattle, WA the other night via the internet. Dave did an internship at The City Church (www.thecity.org) before we were married. There are still so many thoughts running through my head. The services was amazing and that word doesn't do it justice. The strength and character that man walked in is something we should all strive for. Every person spoke on his overwhelming generosity and his REAL love for people. His love for prayer and the things of the Lord. His whole LIFE was an example and I was blown away watching it. Makes me really examine my own life. Sometimes it's so easy to get caught up in where you are right now...not thinking about the big picture. What is God's plan for my life? What's the next step in His plan for me? What am I excited/passionate about in life? ....................

She's here!

Wow it's been a long time sine I last blogged! Our little girl has finally arrived!!

Ella Ann was born 5/29/10 (on her due date!) at 5:31pm and weighed 6lbs. 13 ounces 19in. Our little lady was right on time even though I was very ready for to come out prior to her due date. We're so glad she's here and what a blessing she is!



Here is our family of 4!

Tick, Tock...

Well I can't believe the calendar has flipped to MAY!! WOW this year is going by fast. Had my 36 week Dr. appt. this morning and she said I was measuring 'really' small so ordered an ultrasound to check my fluid etc. I wasn't too concerned but was definitely excited to see baby girl! Everything is OK and baby is weighing approx. 5lbs. 13oz. 42%tile and the head is down so yay! I feel like I had a late ultra with Evan too and they said around the same weight so we will see how big she is! We were confirmed that it's a girl too! haha Dave and I have joked saying what would we do if this baby came out a boy lol! The last ultra we had was at 20weeks! I must confess that I am getting a tad nervous that this baby is not going to come early/on time! Evan was almost 2 weeks early. Soooooo the weather in CT has been ridiculously HOT and my ankles (of lack there of) are not liking the weather!! I never experienced this first time around and I am NOT A FAN! Have been trying to keep my feet up and tried icing them the other night. Oh my!!

The only other update I would give is that we need to transition Evan to a bed...anyone have any words of wisdom/advice?!?! NOT looking forward to this at all that's for sure. All for now...

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Today is Evan's 2nd b'day and I can't believe it!! He's such a sweet boy and I love him OH so much! Enjoy the pics!


Day he was born! 4/20/2008 5:38am
6lbs. 3oz 18 ½ in long

First birthday party with me :0)!!

Blurry :0( but still OK!!

34 Weeks and Counting...

Well today marks 34 weeks in pregnancy #2! I now go to the Dr. every 2 weeks, joy! I have been feeling...pretty good. I have been super blessed by good pregnancies both times. I DO recognize them as a blessing because I know too many people who have had medical issues and sickness. In the past couple weeks I have definitely noticed a change in me being TIRED. Also quite soar as my body is getting ready for delivery. So soar that the other night I got up off the couch after watching 'my shows' and had a VERY hard time walking up the stairs to bed. Dave said 'I don't remember you being like this with Evan' and I kindly answered 'that's because I WASN'T!!' Hahaha! It's interesting the things that are different second time around. So with all that said...

I had Evan at 38 1/2 weeks (11 days early) and was in labor for 4 1/2 hours (from water breaking to delivery) Care to take a guess on the date she will arrive?!?!

Just like that??!!

So Saturday night Evan and I did our bedtime routine as usual and he put his bobo(yes, pacifier! Which he ONLY gets at bedtime) in his mouth and then handed it back to me saying his version of ‘thank you’. Strange I thought…Sunday nap time he did the SAME thing. It’s so funny how little ones pick up on the things that we say a lot…apparently I say ‘thank you’ quite a bit…when he hands me a toy or something like that. Funny thing is that he uses the term correctly too! Anyway, the thought came to me ‘could weaning him off his bobo be that easy?’ Lol I guess so!!!! I had planned on taking it away after he turned 2…which by the way is a week away! HOW DID THAT HAPPEN?!?!? So he now goes to sleep without his bobo. My boy is growing up :0)!! Wondering how the transition to a bed will be…oh dear…

A little of this and a little of that...

I've thought of SO many things that I could blog about lately and just haven't. Who knows why? SO many thoughts have been going through my head lately...especially as my due date is creeping up on me! 33 weeks TOMORROW. Seriously I feel like this pregnancy has gone by SOOOOO much faster this time around. For those who have 2 (or more) why do you think that is? You aren't JUST focused on the pregnancy cause you're chasing another little one around?? Hummmmm that's one of the reasons I think. I know every delivery is different but part of me...RIGHT NOW...is not really nervous about the labor and delivery but more nervous about the adjusting to having 2 kiddos. I love my boy so darn much and I wonder how he will react and respond to everything?? Like I said...lots of questions!

I was totally BLESSED by a small group of ladies who threw me a little girlie shower this week :0)! Got some really cute girl things! It's so different going through all the pink stuff, lol! I was definitely surprised and will have to post pics when I get them.

So I was thinking about starting a...oh what's it called...survey? contest? For people to guess when Baby Girl will be born, ahaha! Would you participate?! Maybe I'll give away a gift card or something hahaha!!

Enjoy your weekend!

Proverbs 31 Woman

Have you ever read the Proverbs 31 woman scripture and felt a little lost with the 'terms' used??? Now don't get me wrong I'm not saying something negative about the B-i-b-l-e and I obviously want to strive to be like her!!! But how often do you get things from merchant ships from afar?? Haha ;0)! Anyway, in the Bible study I'm doing this scripture has been referenced quite a bit so our study leader decided to create her OWN interpretation of the things listed. This is not 'thus sayth the Lord' just something she wanted to do to help her and us better understand the scripture. I really liked it so thought I would share! Happy Monday!

Proverbs 31:10-31
A wife with noble character is hard to find and she is worth more than diamonds.

Her husband is confident in her and she brings him good, not harm.

She knows what she needs to do to make her work successful and she works with eager hands.

She gets up early to make the most of her day, to provide what her family needs.

She wisely considers opportunities and uses her earnings to further benefit her family.

She takes care of herself and is physically able to keep up with the demands of her life.

She sees that her work us successful, which encourages her during the long hours of her day.

She is generous and finds ways to help those in need.

Her household is safe and provided for, so she is not one to fear sudden disaster or danger.

Her husband is respected at his job.

She makes the things her family needs and shops for the best bargains.

She has strength and grace and she is confident that the Lord will see her through whatever challenges she may face in the coming days.

She speaks with love and wisdom and she instructs her children as she watched over them.

She knows what’s going on in her house.

She is not lazy and she does not gossip or slander.

Even though her children dislike being disciplined, deep down, they know she loves them and they praise her.

She recognizes true inner beauty and has a reverential fear of the Lord.

Let her be praised and loved!!

Working on ME…it’s a long one!

Over the past 2 months I really feel like there has been so many things presented to work on ME. Almost feels like I’ve been having ‘internal surgery’. This all started with my trip to Atlanta. Being ministered to amongst a lot of other things refreshed my relationship with the Lord. I must say that it has been hard at times and it’s easy to forget the stuff that you learn. Sort of like going to camp or on a retreat …God does awesome things but the real test comes when you go home and live your life.

The week before I went to ATL I started a Bible study at my church called ‘A Woman After God’s Own Heart’ by Elizabeth George. To be honest I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard that the homework was going to be A LOT of scripture look up etc. IT IS! It’s a good thing though :0). Anyway, each week has a different topic…the ones that have made the most impact on me are ‘A Heart for your Husband’ and ‘A Heart for your Home’. The content in the homework has really made me think and evaluate my daily life. I’m going to touch on the ‘Home’ right now because we just finished the week in that chapter.

I’ll be honest…keeping my home is a CHALLENGE at times for me. I tend to get easily distracted by stuff. Discipline is the word I need to have more of in my life. Am I alone here?! A lot of what I’m jotting down is directly taken from the workbook for this study.

- When a woman after God’s own heart develops a heart for her home, she becomes the heart of her home. Titus 2:3-5 is the verse that we have read A LOT during this study. The command is to be busy at home…seems unnecessary on the surface. Most women are always busy; the need is to be busy doing the RIGHT THINGS.

- Examine your heart. Open your eyes. Ask the Lord to open your eyes to things you may not have noticed before. Ask Him to speak to your heart about the needs of your family and how often you address them.

Walk through your home. Walk through each room in your home. If something needs to be picked up or cleaned, take a moment to do so. Pray for each person who occupies or uses that room.

Make a list. Create a list of improvements, repairs or other work needed in each room of your home. After compiling your list, gather the resources you need. Then start to work! This is what a good manager does.

Do some ruthless what-if thinking. For instance, to be a better manager of your home, what could be gained if…

You unplugged the TV on certain days?

You turned off or disconnected all phones at certain hours?

You canceled some subscriptions?

- She really stresses the importance of BEING at home. A woman who is never home can’t really keep her home. Then she asks…

Look at your personal calendar for the previous week and respond to the following questions:

How many meetings did you have?

How many outings or get-togethers did you have?

How many lunches out did you have?

How many appointments did you have?

How many evenings out did you have?

How many days did you shop or run errands?

Sometimes the drudgery and demands of housework tempt us to find any excuse to get out of the house.

In a busy, demanding world, every woman needs to have and maintain a schedule. Having a schedule and doing your best to stick to it will help you achieve God’s purposes, keep your home in good order, and provide you adequate time for the important things in life. Ecclesiastes 3:1-9

- A woman builds a heart for her home by keeping her home a place of rest, joy, and provision. By keeping a schedule that helps us to be home more often and by devoting ourselves to essentials, we can be successful keepers of our homes.

As women/moms we need to be intentional in making our homes a safe place and a haven of peace and so many other things for our families. I am going to work on creating a weekly schedule for maintain my home. Hopefully this blog will keep me accountable to actually DOING THIS and sticking to it!!! Hope you are as encouraged and challenged as I was/am!

UGH!!

I'm so annoyed because I have not been able to find my coupon holder!!! I'm not quite as coupon savvy as my sister Jen (check out her blog!) when it comes to all her latest couponing!! I usually leave it in my car so when grocery shopping day (Thursdays) comes around I know right where it is. Well this Thursday it was NOT the case!!! UGH!!! I sure hope I just misplaced it...my fear is that I left it at the store and dropped it somewhere :0(....booooo! I'll keep you posted! hahaha

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!! Of course we are wearing our green today and corned beef and cabbage is cooking while I type! First time I've ever made it actually! Hope it's good.

Me and my sweet boy!

Quick update from us...I'm currently 29 1/2 weeks...WOW! This pregnancy has certainly gone by quicker than the last. I woke up Monday being all congested and stuff which was SO annoying. Hence the reason I look like death in these pictures! ;0) Dave returned home from a great time in Atlanta last week. Evan is doing well, loving being able to play outside! He is in the beginning stages of starting the Birth to 3 program for his speech/communication. We know once he starts talking he probably won't stop! Haha! It's so hard to believe that next month he will be 2! We don't have a firm name yet for Baby Girl, not that I would be posting it anyway! We like to keep the name a secret! I'm still baking goodies from time to time so I guess you could call that my pregnancy craving! Get out there and take a walk to enjoy this weather!!!!!

28 Weeks

Sorry I have been blog MIA!! Had some issues with our computer this week so was without it for days. It was sort of like a detox which was nice ;0)! Haha. I have a story to tell that happened last Monday...feels like so long ago now!!

Because I am a negative blood type between 26-28weeks preggo I have to get a Rhogam shot...basically near your butt where all the fat is! LOL! Thankfully I knew what to expect going into this pregnancy so I was prepared...I am not really one that loves shots or getting blood drawn! Anyway, off to the hospital I went to have my blood drawn again...I'm guessing to make sure I am me (haha) and then headed up to Family Birthing to get my shot which is where I had Evan. Got to see a friend who is 37 weeks preggo and lookin fabulous! The nurse took me into a room, gave me my shot and then said 'alright we'll see you in about 13 weeks!' WHAT?!?!?!?! YIKES!!! That kind of freaked me out a little to be honest!!! I think in the back of my head I keep thinking how far away May seems but 13 weeks doesn't sound that far! After all it is MARCH already...where has this year gone so far? Sigh. I was 11 days early with Evan so I think I'm hoping for mid-May this time around!

Today marks 28 weeks (7 months!!) and I'm still feeling good. Although I feel like I'm constantly eating all the baked goods I make! It's a vicious cycle I tell ya. Hoping to take a couple pics today to share :). Dave leave Sunday for Atlanta til Thurs and I wish I was going!! Haha. So it'll be just me and the boy! Have a great weekend!

Yep, you guessed it!

I feel like all I blog about these days are RECIPES!! For some reason I have been on this kick of trying new recipes and baking goodies...yum!! Back in the day when our church was getting ready to build it's building we did a cookbook fundraiser that was compiled of recipes from ladies in the church. It's a treasure for sure! I made these muffins a couple days ago and they are DELICS!! I pretty much had everything in my pantry to make them too which was fantastic. This recipe is from Deb Gaiotti :)...

Oatmeal Apple Raisin Muffins
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 cup raisins
1 chopped apple
1/2 cup oil (I used applesauce instead)
1 cup flour
1 cup oats
1/3 cup sugar
3 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. nutmeg
2 tsp. cinnamon

Beat egg; stir in remaining ingredients. Mix just until moistened. Pour into muffin cups. Bake at 400 for 15 minutes.

That's IT!!!!!