Sunday afternoon it started out as a little rash on the inside of my right knee. I thought for some strange reason it might be razor burn. But then, my other leg and crook of my right elbow started to itch. Can't be razor burn. Maybe it was the lotion I used. Maybe I'm allergic to it. So, I quit using it and the itching didn't go away. I knew it couldn't be the laundry detergent because 1) I use free and clear for everything; 2) I wasn't itching on my trunk. Now, since I use that detergent for everything, my trunk should be itching too, but it's not. It could be the bar soap that I was using too. I don't know. Either way, I have quit using that and the lotion. I don't want to take any chances.
I wake up in the middle of the night with horrible itching. I've taken Benadryl and while that's great for more than one reason, it hasn't necessarily treated the symptoms, like the severe itching. I described this reaction to my Dad and low and behold he came up with Allergic Contact Dermatitis. The worst part about this is you don't know what caused it and you can be using a product for any length of time (the first time or years worth of use) and then this type of reaction will occur. Depending on the severity of the reaction, it can take a few days or WEEKS to have the reaction go away.
Long story short, there's really nothing I can do about this other than what I've already done; quit using the products, take Benadryl and wait for this to run its course. It's a good thing I have freckles (I never thought I would say I am grateful for my freckles!) because it makes it harder to see the rash and that the cooler weather is here so I can wear my long sleeves. It looks likes hives and the last thing I want to do is constantly have to explain what is wrong. This post should suffice, right?!
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Monday, November 26, 2007
Pampers v. Kirkland - Part II
I walked into Owen's room this morning and low and behold he peed through his jammies. Owen sleeps in between the comforter and flat sheet. Underneath the flat sheet I put the pee pads on top of the fitted sheet. That way if his diaper did leak, I would only have to wash the flat sheet and the pee pads, so the theory goes.This was probably one of his biggest pee throughs ever. It not only went through the flat sheet, he missed the pee pads on one side because of the way he slept, the fitted sheet and the mattress pad, his pillow case and pillow! It was such a mess. Owen earned the crown of "Peaball Prince" this morning. Maybe it had everything to do with the 2 cups of juice (watered down juice) and a cup of milk in about the 2 hour window before he to bed. Note to self: do not give him this much liquid before he goes to bed any more!
Oddly enough, this came on the heels I had with my sister-in-law, who suggested that I try the Huggies overnite diapers. She was having the same problem with her son and she got that tip from a friend of hers. My mom suggested using the "diaper doublers" liners that are used in cloth diapers right inside the disposable diapers at night. I think I migh give either one of these a whirl and see what happens. I've also heard of using maxipads in the diaper at night to help with this problem. I don't know if this works or not. If you've done this, let me know how well it worked.
Anywho, the day started once again with the stripping of bed linens to be thrown into the washer so they can be clean to be put back on the bed in time for Owen's nap. I am happy to report this was accomplished and my Onie B and Cari are down for a nap at the same time. So, why am I blogging instead of napping myself? Good quesion!
Decision: I'd still choose Kirkland because I didn't have any of those gel pellets, like I would've had with the Pampers, to clean up this morning in addition to everything else there was to clean up.
Comfort Zone
When the weather turns gray, overcast and much cooler, like in the 60's for highs, (yes, it does get that way here!) I immediately start to think of comfort food. For some people a comfort food might be fried chicken, meatloaf, or stew. Me? My comfort food is beans and rice. Yep, just plain pinto beans and white rice. Mmmmmmmmm. Good!
You see, that's what I was raised on, beans and rice. I would come home from school and smell the pot of beans cooking on the stove with a fresh loaf of bread made or baking in the oven. I love it! It instantly takes me back to being a kid again.
When my parents got married, my mom learned how to make beans just like her mother-in-law. Having grown up in the Colonies of Mexico, my Dad was raised on them. My Grandma was raised on them from her mother and so on and so on. It's cheap to make and it feeds a lot of people. They freeze well to boot! This very simple dinner was perfect while my Dad was in medical school with small kids in the house and kids on the way. It just brings me back to simpler times and "the good 'ole days." In fact, my Mom still cooks her beans in "the original" bean pot that my Dad got specifically for making beans 40+ years ago. (My Dad swears it's all in the pot you make them in.)
So, although I got a late start on the beans, I am having my ultimate comfort food for dinner tonight. I am so excited! There's not much "cooking" involved and I really don't have to think a whole lot as far as preparation goes. Once the beans are on simmer, with the occasional stir from the bottom up, they are good to go.
Now that this "tradition" has been passed down for so many generations, there are a few little tricks learned along the way that I don't have to worry about. For instance, when the beans are done, add a little bit of salt, olive oil and either a can of diced green chili or a heaping spoon full of salsa for a little bit more flavor, NEVER add cold water to warm beans because the cold water will turn the beans dark, wait for the beans to cool off to just about room temperature before putting them in the fridge or freezer. Otherwise, the beans will sour more quickly. (Trust me, if you've ever smelled sour beans, this is the first trick you learn,) Owen loves them -they have great fiber benefits for kids if you catch my drift- and Cari likes them as well. Start the kiddos out very young eating them and chances are they will get use to them without any problems.
More over, I cannot only freeze some for a dinner later on down the road, but the portion I don't freeze, I can make refried beans later in the week and have tostadas or bean & cheese burritos for dinner. Two dinners in one night. Can you really beat that?
You see, that's what I was raised on, beans and rice. I would come home from school and smell the pot of beans cooking on the stove with a fresh loaf of bread made or baking in the oven. I love it! It instantly takes me back to being a kid again.
When my parents got married, my mom learned how to make beans just like her mother-in-law. Having grown up in the Colonies of Mexico, my Dad was raised on them. My Grandma was raised on them from her mother and so on and so on. It's cheap to make and it feeds a lot of people. They freeze well to boot! This very simple dinner was perfect while my Dad was in medical school with small kids in the house and kids on the way. It just brings me back to simpler times and "the good 'ole days." In fact, my Mom still cooks her beans in "the original" bean pot that my Dad got specifically for making beans 40+ years ago. (My Dad swears it's all in the pot you make them in.)
So, although I got a late start on the beans, I am having my ultimate comfort food for dinner tonight. I am so excited! There's not much "cooking" involved and I really don't have to think a whole lot as far as preparation goes. Once the beans are on simmer, with the occasional stir from the bottom up, they are good to go.
Now that this "tradition" has been passed down for so many generations, there are a few little tricks learned along the way that I don't have to worry about. For instance, when the beans are done, add a little bit of salt, olive oil and either a can of diced green chili or a heaping spoon full of salsa for a little bit more flavor, NEVER add cold water to warm beans because the cold water will turn the beans dark, wait for the beans to cool off to just about room temperature before putting them in the fridge or freezer. Otherwise, the beans will sour more quickly. (Trust me, if you've ever smelled sour beans, this is the first trick you learn,) Owen loves them -they have great fiber benefits for kids if you catch my drift- and Cari likes them as well. Start the kiddos out very young eating them and chances are they will get use to them without any problems.
More over, I cannot only freeze some for a dinner later on down the road, but the portion I don't freeze, I can make refried beans later in the week and have tostadas or bean & cheese burritos for dinner. Two dinners in one night. Can you really beat that?
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Deck the Halls
While I was out shopping on Black Friday, I came home and Adam had already started putting up the lights on the house. He had to stop momentarily to get the kids up and fed. When I got home, Owen was up and drinking his milk. Cari was getting her bottle. I made Owen a waffle, got their warm clothes on and outside to help Daddy he goes. Of course there were the cries of wanting to climb on the ladder and then being told "no." Cari was crying because everyone left her alone in the house. I got her cereal ready and then took her and the Bumbo outside to feed her. Now, everyone was all together outside to "help"get the lights up on the house.
As usual, Adam was quite specific on how he wanted to put the lights on the house. But, because he was so specific, the lights look great! I get frustrated with him sometimes because I just want to get things done. But, just when I am getting frustrated because it's not going quick enough, is when it does get done and looks fabulous because Adam was precise in how he did it. Armed with his drill (he even predrilled the holes to put the hooks into for the lights) and zip ties to keep the cords nice and neat, making sure the extension cord was fed through the right holes so as to be as inconspicuous as possible, he finished the job.
A few more projects to do on the inside of the house (my job) and the house will be as decorated as it can be without the tree (we'll get a real one later). It looks good, if I do say so myself. I love this time of year. I can't get enough of it!
As usual, Adam was quite specific on how he wanted to put the lights on the house. But, because he was so specific, the lights look great! I get frustrated with him sometimes because I just want to get things done. But, just when I am getting frustrated because it's not going quick enough, is when it does get done and looks fabulous because Adam was precise in how he did it. Armed with his drill (he even predrilled the holes to put the hooks into for the lights) and zip ties to keep the cords nice and neat, making sure the extension cord was fed through the right holes so as to be as inconspicuous as possible, he finished the job.
A few more projects to do on the inside of the house (my job) and the house will be as decorated as it can be without the tree (we'll get a real one later). It looks good, if I do say so myself. I love this time of year. I can't get enough of it!
Black Friday
Wow! What an experience! I decided I would go to Kohl's and hit Target in the weeeeee morning hours. Kohl's, as you all know, opened at 4 am. I was seriously under the impression that if I got to Kohl's by 4:30 I would out of the store by 6 am, on time to hit Target right when they opened (my inexperience on Black Friday is coming through). Was I wrong!!!!
I got to Kohl's at 4:20 am and by the time I got there, the parking lot was full and there were already people LEAVING the store with cart after cart after cart full of stuff. I couldn't believe it. I went back to the children's section, as that was my focus for going in the first place. On my way back to the children's section the line to pay was already starting to snake around the store. I grabbed a few things, looked around, grabbed a few more things, and then made my way for the line. I saw the line on the women's side of the store and thought I would be smart and go to the men's side. That line was e-freakin'-normous! I was screwed either way. So, I planted myself in line on the men's side to wait.
When I mentioned to Adam that I was going to go out on Black Friday, he said something like "Okay, but you're going to have to wait in line for like 30 minutes and you're going to hate it." To which I replied, "I know I'll have to wait in line and I can do that, provided I have no kids." Side note: Adam doubted that I would even get out of bed for Black Friday. HA!
So, I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more. To be exact, I waited in line to pay at Kohl's for 2 HOURS!!!!!! I was astounded. I got in line at approximate 4:55 am and walked out of the store at 7 am! I was seriously behind schedule at this point.
Next stop, Target. I had severe reservations about going to Target if Kohl's was as bad as it was. But, I pushed on. Target, as it turned out, was one of the best experiences on that day! I grabbed the main gift for Owen, a few more toys and goodies for Cari and Owen, paid (walked right up to the register as the cashier's were standing in front of their lane WAITING for people to ring up), got my rain check and out to the car in 45 minutes. As miserable as Kohl's was, that was how wonderful Target was. Back on schedule!
I tried to hit one more place, Circuit City, before going home. When I pulled up and parked at Circuit City, there was a line to GET IN the store. The reason being was the fire code only allowed 600 people in the store at any one time. So, as 2 or 3 came out, 2 or 3 went in. I was fortunate in that there were a couple of employees outside waiting to load a TV into the car of a customer. I asked if indeed that was the line to get in and they confirmed that it was. I then proceeded to ask if they had any of the items left I was looking or if they were gone. The employee went into the store to check, came back out and told me that they didn't. On my way home.
I was home by 8:30 with what I considered to be a very successful shopping trip on Black Friday. I have to pick up just a couple more things and my Christmas shopping is done! Was it crazy, probably even a little insane? Yes. Was it worth it in order to be done Christmas shopping BEFORE December 1st? Yesssireeeee!
I will be going out on Black Friday next year. I'll do things differently, but I will definitely go out again.
I got to Kohl's at 4:20 am and by the time I got there, the parking lot was full and there were already people LEAVING the store with cart after cart after cart full of stuff. I couldn't believe it. I went back to the children's section, as that was my focus for going in the first place. On my way back to the children's section the line to pay was already starting to snake around the store. I grabbed a few things, looked around, grabbed a few more things, and then made my way for the line. I saw the line on the women's side of the store and thought I would be smart and go to the men's side. That line was e-freakin'-normous! I was screwed either way. So, I planted myself in line on the men's side to wait.
When I mentioned to Adam that I was going to go out on Black Friday, he said something like "Okay, but you're going to have to wait in line for like 30 minutes and you're going to hate it." To which I replied, "I know I'll have to wait in line and I can do that, provided I have no kids." Side note: Adam doubted that I would even get out of bed for Black Friday. HA!
So, I waited, and waited, and waited, and waited some more. To be exact, I waited in line to pay at Kohl's for 2 HOURS!!!!!! I was astounded. I got in line at approximate 4:55 am and walked out of the store at 7 am! I was seriously behind schedule at this point.
Next stop, Target. I had severe reservations about going to Target if Kohl's was as bad as it was. But, I pushed on. Target, as it turned out, was one of the best experiences on that day! I grabbed the main gift for Owen, a few more toys and goodies for Cari and Owen, paid (walked right up to the register as the cashier's were standing in front of their lane WAITING for people to ring up), got my rain check and out to the car in 45 minutes. As miserable as Kohl's was, that was how wonderful Target was. Back on schedule!
I tried to hit one more place, Circuit City, before going home. When I pulled up and parked at Circuit City, there was a line to GET IN the store. The reason being was the fire code only allowed 600 people in the store at any one time. So, as 2 or 3 came out, 2 or 3 went in. I was fortunate in that there were a couple of employees outside waiting to load a TV into the car of a customer. I asked if indeed that was the line to get in and they confirmed that it was. I then proceeded to ask if they had any of the items left I was looking or if they were gone. The employee went into the store to check, came back out and told me that they didn't. On my way home.
I was home by 8:30 with what I considered to be a very successful shopping trip on Black Friday. I have to pick up just a couple more things and my Christmas shopping is done! Was it crazy, probably even a little insane? Yes. Was it worth it in order to be done Christmas shopping BEFORE December 1st? Yesssireeeee!
I will be going out on Black Friday next year. I'll do things differently, but I will definitely go out again.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
I wanted to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving. In doing so, it has caused me to reflect on several things that I am grateful for in my life. A small portion of my mental list, in no particular order, is the following:
Adam, our children, the Gospel, freedom, liberty, my health, my family, knowing that I can stay home and raise my children, my home, laughter, Adam's job, the men and women who died while serving, those who have served, currently serve, or will serve our country to defend the liberties we hold so dear, my right to have my voice heard through voting, a soft pillow and bed to lay my weary head and body down on each night, A/C in my car and my house (especially during the summer time).
Obviously, I could go on and on with all that I am blessed with in my life. I am grateful for this time of year that causes at least a moments reflection for what I have given. Now, the trick will be remembering all of this while be shoved, shoving others and standing in line on Black Friday. 'Tis the Season after all.........................
Adam, our children, the Gospel, freedom, liberty, my health, my family, knowing that I can stay home and raise my children, my home, laughter, Adam's job, the men and women who died while serving, those who have served, currently serve, or will serve our country to defend the liberties we hold so dear, my right to have my voice heard through voting, a soft pillow and bed to lay my weary head and body down on each night, A/C in my car and my house (especially during the summer time).
Obviously, I could go on and on with all that I am blessed with in my life. I am grateful for this time of year that causes at least a moments reflection for what I have given. Now, the trick will be remembering all of this while be shoved, shoving others and standing in line on Black Friday. 'Tis the Season after all.........................
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Pampers v. Kirkland
Like any mom, I am particular when it comes to the kind of diapers I put on my kids. I don't like Huggies, they seemed to leak the worst (which is ironic as I will explain later), LOVE Pampers Swaddlers, not crazy about Pampers Baby Dry or Cruisers, haven't tried Luvs, or the various Wal-Mart or Target brands. I REFUSE to do cloth diapers.
I know that all diapers have there maximum liquid retention level and if not changed will leak. I get that. However, I just don't like the absorbing gel that Pampers uses. My kids are definite stomach sleepers (thank heavens - as I am of the opinion that babies sleep best on their tummies. That's my opinion and I don't care what the AAP says.) When I would go in to get them in the morning after sleeping all night long, it was obvious they peed through their jammies, onto the sheets, etc. As usual, the gel pellets would be all over their tummies, legs and every other nook and cranny. More laundry for me to do, not to mention a bath for the kid as the gel pellets don't just wipe off.
In fact, Caroline would pee through her jammies and onto the sheets almost every single morning. It got to the point where I was calling her my "peeball princess" in the morning because she would be soaked with pee! I never had to do the full bath routine in the morning with her, but several times I had to with Owen. The gel pellets were EVERYWHERE, even into the feet of his jammies!
When Owen was younger, I just couldn't find a diaper that I really liked. My younger sister, Mindy, has a son 9 days older than Owen and she was going to try the Kirkland (Costco) brand and let me know what she thought of that diaper. We both had heard some good and bad things about them. In the end, she did try them and she couldn't tell a difference. So, I decided to try them for myself. Boy am I glad I did! I will definitely not go back to using the Pampers Baby Dry or Cruisers. Does this mean that the leaks have magically stopped all together? No. But, they are much farther and fewer in between.
It is ironic that I prefer the Kirkland brand over Pampers and especially Huggies because I do believe the Kirkland brand is made by Huggies. (I could be wrong, so please let me know if I am.) I was excited to see a little while back that Costco has now started carrying the sizes 1-2 through 5 and not just sizes 3 through 5. They are fairly reasonably priced for the allotment that you get. I think it's about 17 cents per diaper. For me, that's a deal worth paying for, especially when it holds up (pun intended) to my kids.
Decision: Kirkland
I know that all diapers have there maximum liquid retention level and if not changed will leak. I get that. However, I just don't like the absorbing gel that Pampers uses. My kids are definite stomach sleepers (thank heavens - as I am of the opinion that babies sleep best on their tummies. That's my opinion and I don't care what the AAP says.) When I would go in to get them in the morning after sleeping all night long, it was obvious they peed through their jammies, onto the sheets, etc. As usual, the gel pellets would be all over their tummies, legs and every other nook and cranny. More laundry for me to do, not to mention a bath for the kid as the gel pellets don't just wipe off.
In fact, Caroline would pee through her jammies and onto the sheets almost every single morning. It got to the point where I was calling her my "peeball princess" in the morning because she would be soaked with pee! I never had to do the full bath routine in the morning with her, but several times I had to with Owen. The gel pellets were EVERYWHERE, even into the feet of his jammies!
When Owen was younger, I just couldn't find a diaper that I really liked. My younger sister, Mindy, has a son 9 days older than Owen and she was going to try the Kirkland (Costco) brand and let me know what she thought of that diaper. We both had heard some good and bad things about them. In the end, she did try them and she couldn't tell a difference. So, I decided to try them for myself. Boy am I glad I did! I will definitely not go back to using the Pampers Baby Dry or Cruisers. Does this mean that the leaks have magically stopped all together? No. But, they are much farther and fewer in between.
It is ironic that I prefer the Kirkland brand over Pampers and especially Huggies because I do believe the Kirkland brand is made by Huggies. (I could be wrong, so please let me know if I am.) I was excited to see a little while back that Costco has now started carrying the sizes 1-2 through 5 and not just sizes 3 through 5. They are fairly reasonably priced for the allotment that you get. I think it's about 17 cents per diaper. For me, that's a deal worth paying for, especially when it holds up (pun intended) to my kids.
Decision: Kirkland
Friday, November 16, 2007
Running on Empty
Okay, so I may not be completely on empty, but it's dang close. You see, I found out 3 weeks ago that my cousin is getting married tomorrow. We are all so excited for her (it's her 2nd marriage). This time she's doing it right...sort of. She won't be able to be sealed to her husband yet but, is planning on going through the Temple on her own in the next few weeks and then on their 1 yr anniversary (or thereabouts) will get sealed to her husband. This time around she is marrying her high school sweetheart.
My mom, brother, sister-in-law and their baby are coming over. (My dad can't make it due to unforseen circumstances....THAT SUCKS!) So, since most of us will be together we decided to due an early Thanksgiving dinner. I volunteered for the desserts.
A lot of information to get to the heart of the matter. Today I went with my sister, Jenny, to do a couple of errands for her, get lunch and stop by my grandma's house. I got home a little bit later than planned (3:30). I tried to put the kids down to finish their nap - they both fell asleep in the car- but neither of them would hear of it. So, I ate dinner and then started on my baking. I made a pumpkin cheesecake and an apple pie (the first one I've ever made. I'll let you all know how it turned out - it's still in the oven as of this posting).
Tomorrow, I have the produce co-op, kids' flu shots, baking a pecan pie, Thanksgiving dinner, and the wedding. Somehow I need to fit in a shower, driving to the wedding (which starts at 5:00 p.m.), Owen's nap, Caroline's naps, a workout at the gym for me, and other household chores that have been neglected, i.e., putting the laundry away, folding the laundry and transferring the laundry to the dryer, you see a theme here? I'm sure it will all turn out fine and the day will be great, but I'm exhausted already and the day hasn't even gotten here yet. I CANNOT WAIT for MY SUNDAY NAP. Come hell or high water I'm taking a nap Sunday.
There is a positive side to all of this though, next week while everyone is running around doing their Thanksgiving stuff, I'll be nice and relaxed while planning on a possible strategy for Black Friday. I think I might venture out this year. We'll see.......
My mom, brother, sister-in-law and their baby are coming over. (My dad can't make it due to unforseen circumstances....THAT SUCKS!) So, since most of us will be together we decided to due an early Thanksgiving dinner. I volunteered for the desserts.
A lot of information to get to the heart of the matter. Today I went with my sister, Jenny, to do a couple of errands for her, get lunch and stop by my grandma's house. I got home a little bit later than planned (3:30). I tried to put the kids down to finish their nap - they both fell asleep in the car- but neither of them would hear of it. So, I ate dinner and then started on my baking. I made a pumpkin cheesecake and an apple pie (the first one I've ever made. I'll let you all know how it turned out - it's still in the oven as of this posting).
Tomorrow, I have the produce co-op, kids' flu shots, baking a pecan pie, Thanksgiving dinner, and the wedding. Somehow I need to fit in a shower, driving to the wedding (which starts at 5:00 p.m.), Owen's nap, Caroline's naps, a workout at the gym for me, and other household chores that have been neglected, i.e., putting the laundry away, folding the laundry and transferring the laundry to the dryer, you see a theme here? I'm sure it will all turn out fine and the day will be great, but I'm exhausted already and the day hasn't even gotten here yet. I CANNOT WAIT for MY SUNDAY NAP. Come hell or high water I'm taking a nap Sunday.
There is a positive side to all of this though, next week while everyone is running around doing their Thanksgiving stuff, I'll be nice and relaxed while planning on a possible strategy for Black Friday. I think I might venture out this year. We'll see.......
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
A New Discovery
I made a new discovery the other day while I was shopping at Wal-Mart for my pies to bake for Thanksgiving. I was there getting the pumpkin, sugar, flour, etc. and there I saw a roll of parchment paper. I thought "hmmmm....I wonder how well this stuff really works." Let me tell you, it works! I used it to bake the raspberry thumb print cookies. The paper made it so there was very little clean up. I cannot believe that in the tens of dozens of cookies that I've made, no one (and that includes my mother) ever told me about parchment paper. I haven't done a lot of baking in the last few years, not because I haven't wanted to, or because I have two little ones. It is merely because I didn't want to have to deal with cleaning up the cookie sheets. Well, all of that is about to change.
I made about 5 dozen cookies for my dad today (I promised him I would make him some of my cookies when I was at "home" over Labor Day, but it never happened). From start to finish (including clean up) was 1 1/2 hours. That was with Owen "helping" me, answering the phone, putting Caroline down for a nap, etc. I couldn't believe how quick it was.
It was only that quick because I used the parchment paper. I didn't have to wait for the cookie sheets to cool down in order to scoop out the next batch of cookies to go into the oven. I scooped them right out onto the parchment paper while the sheets were in the oven. When the sheets came out, on went the next batch and into the oven. It was awesome! Then when all was said and done, I slid the last batch off the sheets and poof! NO DIRTY COOKIE SHEETS TO CLEAN UP! Wad up the paper and throw it away. Can't get that much easier for clean up.
I think I will definitely be baking more, especially since I have discovered parchment paper, a discovery I wish someone would have told me about long ago.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Next Stop....The North Pole!
Adam and I took the kids up to Williams, AZ to ride the Grand Canyon Railway decorated like the Polar Express. We went with our friends/neighbords (I got my priorities right this time). It was sooooo much fun! The "elves" passed out hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies. The train conductor came through and talked to all the kids. We sang Christmas carols, the story Polar Express was read to all of us, and then the train made a stop at the North Pole, where Santa came aboard. Santa handed out to each little girl and boy a sleigh bell. Owen wouldn't take his directly from Santa, but once he got the bell in his hand, he didn't let go.
We got back to the hotel room around 10:45. Adam and I were wiped out from the day. Owen, it was a different story. He did not fall asleep until somewhere between 12 midnight and 12:15. Caroline was having no part of sleeping either until 1 am! She woke up at 7:30 when she heard Adam and I stirring around getting ready for the day. Owen was still sawing logs in the bed. We finally woke him up at 8:30, got him dressed and then we all went to breakfast at one of our favorite places for breakfast........CRACKER BARREL!
The kids did AWESOME in the car on the ride up! They did okay in the car on the ride down. I guess we couldn't have it both ways now could we?!
There's only one drawback to this weekend. It has put me in the Christmas mood extra early this year (which isn't hard to do since I am a Christmas-aholic). Now, I've got to wait through Thanksgiving in order to be able to put up lights, decorations, etc. How will I ever survive?
We got back to the hotel room around 10:45. Adam and I were wiped out from the day. Owen, it was a different story. He did not fall asleep until somewhere between 12 midnight and 12:15. Caroline was having no part of sleeping either until 1 am! She woke up at 7:30 when she heard Adam and I stirring around getting ready for the day. Owen was still sawing logs in the bed. We finally woke him up at 8:30, got him dressed and then we all went to breakfast at one of our favorite places for breakfast........CRACKER BARREL!
The kids did AWESOME in the car on the ride up! They did okay in the car on the ride down. I guess we couldn't have it both ways now could we?!
There's only one drawback to this weekend. It has put me in the Christmas mood extra early this year (which isn't hard to do since I am a Christmas-aholic). Now, I've got to wait through Thanksgiving in order to be able to put up lights, decorations, etc. How will I ever survive?
 |
 |
| Make a slide show, scrapbook or ecard |
Monday, November 05, 2007
My Sweet Girl
Every Monday the ladies in our ward get together at one of the various parks in the 3 subdivisions that make up our ward boundaries. I like to take Owen, and just within the last 6 weeks to 2 months, he is starting to be brave enough to venture from my side and go play by himself. I'm usually attending to Caroline and/or yapping away to the rest of the moms that are there. One particular trip to the park, my friend, Stacy, had her camera with her at the park. (Her husband has his own photography website) She took a couple of pictures of Caroline while I was sitting there. I give credit where credit is due - below is what she took and then sent on to me. She did a great job! Thanks Stacy!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 01, 2007
A "Target" Moment
I was at Taret this morning (no big surprise there, right?) gathering up a few things. I had Owen sitting in the basket, Caroline in her car seat on top of the basket, and all of my "treasures" surrounding each kid. Owen kept fussing and whining every time one item or another would touch him. He was trying to open my Diet Coke Plus fridge pack and I, of course, was trying to keep his little fingers out of it. He relented and finally figured out that Mom was going to win this battle (I put it underneath the cart!). About 2 minutes later and elderly lady saw me with the kids. This lady turned to me and said "You look like a very busy, but very happy mom. You're kids look happy too!"
Now, this lady was not witness to the umpteen times I was trying to keep Owen from standing up in the cart, throwing things out of the cart, or fussing and whining because something was touching him. However, at that particular moment when she paid me one of the best compliments ever, I couldn't help but to think that I am one very, very lucky woman. I have 2 healthy and happy kids with a wonderful husband. I have the privilege and opportunity to be able to stay home and raise these kids and to teach them what really matters. There aren't many women in the world who have this opportunity or would choose to stay home and raise their children, but I would bet that if they all got the compliment that I got today, they would stay home too.
I am one blessed and lucky woman.
Now, this lady was not witness to the umpteen times I was trying to keep Owen from standing up in the cart, throwing things out of the cart, or fussing and whining because something was touching him. However, at that particular moment when she paid me one of the best compliments ever, I couldn't help but to think that I am one very, very lucky woman. I have 2 healthy and happy kids with a wonderful husband. I have the privilege and opportunity to be able to stay home and raise these kids and to teach them what really matters. There aren't many women in the world who have this opportunity or would choose to stay home and raise their children, but I would bet that if they all got the compliment that I got today, they would stay home too.
I am one blessed and lucky woman.
Happy Halloween!
Last Friday, was our ward's "trunk-or-treat" and it was a lot of fun. Owen's costume kept him nice and warm and he looked so cute in it, to boot. Adam took Owen & Caroline around to each of the trunks to get candy, while I stayed back at our car to pass out the candy. When I ran out, I caught up to them and enjoyed the rest of the night taking Owen & Caroline around the parking lot.
Monday night Adam helped Owen carve the pumpkin into a Jack 'O Lantern. Owen really liked using the knife to carve the pumpkin. He helped scoop out the seeds, and pull the pieces out to make the face. But, I think what was his most favortie was throwing the pumpkin seeds on the floor and watching Baxter eat them. Bax liked that part the best too.
Last night was a lot of fun too. Again, Adam took Owen and Caroline and I stayed back to pass out the candy. Adam and Owen met up with our neighbors and their kids. Pretty soon, Owen was walking up to the houses with the older boys (ages 5 and 3) by himself, without Adam. Granted, Owen would not say "trick or treat", he would merely hold up his bucket and wait for the candy to be dropped in. I was surprised that he would go up by himself. Strange house, strange people, but I guess the lure of candy made it all worth it.
I didn't get many pictures of last night, but I did snap quite a few at the trunk or treat. I also didn't get a chance to post a blog about each of these fun times, so I'm throwing it all into one blog and one slideshow. Enjoy!
Monday night Adam helped Owen carve the pumpkin into a Jack 'O Lantern. Owen really liked using the knife to carve the pumpkin. He helped scoop out the seeds, and pull the pieces out to make the face. But, I think what was his most favortie was throwing the pumpkin seeds on the floor and watching Baxter eat them. Bax liked that part the best too.
Last night was a lot of fun too. Again, Adam took Owen and Caroline and I stayed back to pass out the candy. Adam and Owen met up with our neighbors and their kids. Pretty soon, Owen was walking up to the houses with the older boys (ages 5 and 3) by himself, without Adam. Granted, Owen would not say "trick or treat", he would merely hold up his bucket and wait for the candy to be dropped in. I was surprised that he would go up by himself. Strange house, strange people, but I guess the lure of candy made it all worth it.
I didn't get many pictures of last night, but I did snap quite a few at the trunk or treat. I also didn't get a chance to post a blog about each of these fun times, so I'm throwing it all into one blog and one slideshow. Enjoy!
 |
|
| Make your own slide shows and scrapbooks |
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
