Babies...Belly Laughs & Bare Feet

Still Alive...and Baby #3 is Here!

2011-03-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

Hmmm...I missed an entire month in blog land, and we are over half way thru March. Oh well. My days are full with 3 little kids age 4 and under and some days we don't make it out of our jammies. Just keepin' it real.

I took my last pregnancy picture the night before my c-section. Only Baker accidentally erase all my pictures on the camera in the hospital just after being admitted. Deep breath, went and changed into my hospital garb and took a new "last pregnancy" picture - while on the phone trying to sort insurance mix up stuff. Real life people. Real life. This is it folks.

Baby Hayden joined us on February 7th @ 8:11am

8lbs. 4oz and 20" long

My sweet baby boy. Chillin' with momma and getting some needed rest.

Going home from the hospital. Just moments before he was screamin' mad. My other babies did that too when I buckled them in their car seats @ the hospital. Strange.

My three amigos on Valentines day. So cute!

Who doesn't love a sleeping baby???

38 Weeks

2011-01-31T11:43:00.000-08:00

Surely this belly can't get that much larger!!!

It's been an interesting couple weeks. Feels like we live at the doctors office. Natalie and I both had ear infections (I had two), then a week later she wasn't better...wasn't sleeping and woke up and vomited one morning. Found out she had walking pneumonia. Bleh! Between ears, nose, throats, pneumonia stuff and pregnancy checkups...we've spent a lot of time at the doctors office and pharmacy.

Hopefully, that is all behind us as this little boy is set to arrive Feb. 7th!

37 Weeks

2011-01-24T23:39:00.000-08:00

36 Weeks

2011-01-17T10:17:00.000-08:00

Miss Nat decided she wanted to take a belly picture too ;)

One day she showed me her belly and told me Baby Hayden was in her tummy!

She cracks me up.

She talks so much and is very smart...to much for her own good at times.

34 Weeks

2011-01-11T15:46:00.000-08:00

(Jan. 1st)

My Starbucks Protege

2011-01-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

I'm so lacking in blog post...I'm for sure I've never posted about Luke getting glasses this last summer. I have a bunch of little blog post ideas aka pictures on my phone...that I have yet to learn how to download the pics to my computer. Some day :)

I love this picture of my little guy, holding his hot chocolate, cute in his glasses, rain boots and get this...my $5 North Face jacket garage sale find. Can you believe it? I've had that jacket for over a year waiting until he grew into it. I think it'll fit for at least another year too!

33 Weeks

2010-12-26T11:55:00.000-08:00

Apparently, I got all off schedule remembering to take belly pics on the even weeks. Oh well. This is our only baby born in an odd year...maybe it's par for the course??? After a lonnnngggg two days of celebrating Christmas...this is what this prego was looking like. Not. So. Hot.

31 Weeks

2010-12-11T21:41:00.000-08:00

I've decided black is the best pregnancy clothing EVER! Although, this isn't a maternity top...so whatever. Since I didn't get a full belly shot @ 30 weeks, I had Baker take this one at 31. It's getting closer!

30 Weeks and Christmas stuff...

2010-12-04T09:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, this is the only picture I got of my belly @ 30 weeks. It was sooooo cold the day we went to get our tree, that we decided to bundle up and go 5 minutes down the road and support the local boy scouts. Our Christmas tree cutting adventure turned into picking out a tree from the Four Square Church parking lot ;) We still had a blast and found it amusing when Luke didn't like the tree I picked out. "No! Not that ONE! It's too little! We need a BIG ONE!" So we ended up with a taller, imperfect, crooked tree that met Luke's requirement of what he thought a Christmas tree should look like. It was still a great tree in my eyes. As long as you didn't view from the side to see just how crooked it was - HA!

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-26T15:19:00.000-08:00

So thankful for this awesome family...that has been entrusted to me! What a tremendous blessing and priviledge to call them my own.

And to know my Heavenly Father feels the same way...well, that's just incredible!

28 Weeks

2010-11-21T22:54:00.000-08:00

Still growing!

Baby Wearing

2010-11-18T20:14:00.000-08:00

With Baby #3 coming into our family in the next couple months, I have a question for all the baby wearing mommas. What carrier(s) did you use and did you like them? Here are the two I have been looking at:

(photo compliments of Target.com)

The Moby Wrap

(photo compliments of Ergo.com)

Ergo

For my first two babies I used the Baby Bjorn, and wasn't overly impressed. Mostly, it hurt my back. If there is a carrier out there that doesn't put strain on your back, and allows you to have two free hands, will you PLEASE let me know? Much thanks :)

A Great Wolf Birthday Blast

2010-11-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

Since all four of us have birthdays in the fall, (September, October and November) my mom and step-dad took us to Great Wolf Lodge as our gift! We had a blast, and what a great idea! No cardboard or wrapping paper to clean up and no toys to pick up everyday for the next year (or more)!!!

Both my kiddos luv water and can play for hours...

Our little family of four

He loved the yellow slide.

She loved floating around on her back. Why swim or walk when you can just lay back and bob around? Silly girl didn't have a care in the world which included knowing if she was floating right into people!

She also ended up being completely FEARLESS. She wanted to, "go on the BIG, wello slide!" And she did...again, and again, and again. She also asked while we were in the wave pool to go on the "BIG slide," as she pointed to the ceiling. Unfortunately, she was pointing at the heating/cooling tubes. Ha, ha, ha!!!

We had an awesome time and can't wait to go again sometime!

24 Weeks

2010-10-27T22:38:00.000-07:00

I have a folder full of pictures and blogs to write...however, these days it obviously just isn't a top priority. Here is a picture of me...on my birthday (which was wonderful by the way)

at 24 weeks pregnant with a

...baby BOY!

Baker won out. I wanted to wait until the baby was born to find out the gender. Baker...he didn't want to wait. He had legit reasons and he saw during the ultrasound. I however, did not see during the ultrasound. Baker took me to breakfast and gave me the envelope with our ultrasound pictures in it. I opened it and started bawling like a baby. STUPID HORMONES.

I wasn't sad because it was a boy...we have talked about wanting another boy forever it seems. I was sad because this is probably our last baby. We have talked about 3, wanted three and now...we will have three. But...there's this part of me that doesn't want it to be over. And sitting there at breakfast, for the first time ever, Baker admitted that maybe we weren't done with three either. That made it even more confusing for this hormonal preggo woman.

We don't know what the future holds, but that's okay.

That is part of what makes life ~~stressful~~ interesting!

My Birthday Wishlist

2010-10-13T09:24:00.000-07:00

My birthday is later this month...and I always love to go shopping for fall clothes and shoes to refresh my fall and winter wardrobe. However, this year being six months pregnant it's a little hard to go shopping for cute jeans. I mean really...who wants to spend a lot of money on jeans that won't fit in 4 more months??? Not me! And honestly, there's not many stores close by that carry cute maternity clothes. So...I've been keeping my eyes open for gift ideas other than clothing.

Our current camera we bought the weekend before Luke was born...almost 4 years ago! It's taken a beating and I'm concerned it's gonna go out on me when I need it the most. Meaning...right when the baby is born. Ha ha! So I've had my eyes on this updated version of our current camera. On sale @ Costco this month!

I've decided that watches are a great accessory. And I luv the Fossil chunky watches...and I luv HOT PINK! How cute is this???

And of course a new purse always helps a girl feel cute and trendy! This bag from Fossil comes in various colors. I love the metalic silver. And the purple. And the red. Go figure!

I use to have two of these Starbucks cups. A venti cup and a grande cup. I used them ALL THE TIME! My kids loved using them too! Unfortunately, both of them busted within a week or two of each other and I had to throw them out. I was sooooo bummed. I can't wait to get my hands on another Venti cold cup. And seriously people...I know there are TONS of other companies making these cold cups in cute prints. But it's not the same as the real deal. Just so we are clear.

PS - I have visions of taking this cup with me to the hospital. Big plans for this cup. HUGE!

About a year ago my MIL introduced me to Philosophy skin care. Up until that point I was a very faithful Mary Kay skin care follower. I saw a big difference in my skin. I really...really...like the philosophy skin care! This is the skin care set I tried and loved.

This particular vitamin C serum is awesome! It reduced the redness in my face, evened out my skin tones and softend my skin. This stuff rocks!

Smallest, but certainly not least is my most favorite chapstick EVER! I love mint and I love how it feels on my lips. One chapstick seriously last me a year or more. I gave this to Baker in his Christmas stocking one year...found it a year later unopened and took it back for myself. He totally missed out. Oh yeah...you can find it @ Bath and Body :)

Oops...how could I forget this awesome fragrance by Philosophy?! This fragrance is light and smells like a mixture of vanilla and blackberries...so yummy! I love the fruitier fragrances and I've had my eyes on this one for almost a year now.

There 'ya have it. Whether you wanted to know or not...those are some of my birthday wish list ideas.

GIVEAWAY LINKS

2010-10-10T16:26:00.000-07:00

Be sure to visit my SIL's blog ...and hurry! She is giving away a purse! Not only that, she's doing giveaways all during the month of October, so be sure to check back often!

This might be a great time to start thinking ahead for Christmas gift...heh???!!!

Check out this great giveaway by a long time ago friend of mine from junior high! Win custom made notecards for yourself AND a friend!

nesting instincts: no more chemo - let's celebrate with a giveaway!!!...: "beautiful Audrey, age six Our sweet little friend Audrey is now six years old and is in the first grade. Sounds pretty normal, until I ..."

What Kind of Mother Are You?

2010-10-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

I was blog hopping the other night...when I ran across Steady Mom's Blog and her post on being an Introverted Mom.
She included a link to a little quiz you can take, so I thought to myself...why not?
Here's THE LINK if you're interested and want to take the quiz yourself.
And for your enjoyment - these are my results (as provided by motherstyles.com).

Your type is: INTJ —The “Individual Integrity” Mother

“My kids are better off arguing their own point of view than telling me, ‘But everyone else is doing it.’”

Individualistic and independent, the INTJ mother is both a role model and teacher of how to be an individual and live life with integrity. She is introspective, defining her own success from within, and generally confident in her decisions. She is unlikely to be persuaded by her children saying, “But all the other mothers are doing it.”

The INTJ is competent in providing for her children’s basic needs, but she is likely more focused on developing their self-esteem and confidence. Observant and insightful, she puts great importance on independent thinking and self-sufficiency, yet she is comfortable providing protection and boundaries.

Self-motivated and intense, the INTJ works hard and takes life seriously. As a mother, she lives for those moments when she can impart knowledge and offer her children perspectives on life and important issues.

If you take the test, let me know what your mothering style is. It made me look at myself a little more realistically and realize that the strengths I see in other moms don't necessarily mean that I'm lacking in the motherhood department. God made us each unique and knew just what type of mothering our children would need. Isn't that awesome? I definitely need to be reminded of that from time to time...and I bet you do too.

Boy or Girl? That is the Question.

2010-09-27T07:30:00.000-07:00

Today I go in for my "BIG" ultrasound. I'm now 20 weeks or halfway through my pregnancy. Because we have a boy and a girl...we have talked about not finding out what we are having. Of course we are praying for healthy...all working organs etc. That is our first priority. We have everything we need. We have boy stuff. We have girl stuff. We have baby stuff. We have a crib, diaper pail, stoller, carseat, bouncy seat, changing table, swing and the list goes on...and on...and on.

Quite frankly...Baker says enough is enough.
Three babies is enough.
I have times have said two was plenty.
However, I'm just now getting the hang of this whole pregnancy thang.
I mean seriously, I'm just getting this down.

Anyhow...this is most likely it. Therefore, we are thinking of being surprised when our baby is delivered. We get mixed reactions when people say, "what are you having?" Some people say, "I couldn't do that." While others say, "that's exciting!"

So, the questions is...do you think we can do it? Do you think we can wait and avoid looking at the ultrasound screen during our appointment? And what is your experience? Did you wait until you delivered to know what you were having or did you find out during your ultrasound?

Only time will tell (wink, wink)!

Excuses...Excuses!

2010-09-13T16:24:00.000-07:00

If anyone out there is still reading this blog than congrats! I simply haven't made time for blogging. I have pictures. Tons of pictures to turn into bloggy fodder...and I am way late, still need to download them etc. In all honesty I was gonna update the blog with Natalie's birthday last week. We went to the coast for a long extended holiday weekend. Tuesday we were catching up, cleaning up, grocery shopping and wouldn't ya know?! I came down with the flu somewhere late in the afternoon right around 3:30-4pm. The whole nine yards. Okay, no fever...but everything else. And it didn't leave in 24 hours. It stuck around for the rest of the week. Not all of it. I got better each day, but I still can't eat much. And my energy goes as quickly as it comes. I think my stomach shrunk, which is kinda weird when you're pregnant and food looks so good. So in case you were wondering, I spent my week sleeping, sipping gatorade and well...I'll leave the rest to your imaginations.

Here's to a new week...and maybe, eventually some new blog entries!

My Baby Girl Turns Two

2010-09-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

Two years ago . . . in 2008

at 8:08 in the morning . . .

a baby girl was born on her Nana's birthday.

One Year Old

August 2010

We love you so much baby girl!

You are fearless, loving, determined, silly, mischevious and caring.

Happy 2nd Birthday!

Minnie Mouse Party

2010-08-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

That's right. Another Minnie Mouse birthday party.
Two years old.
Two Minnie Mouse birthday parties.
She likes Minnie. What can I say?
Here are the invites I found on Etsy.
Super. Cute.

And these are the cute stickers I found.

Do you have any favorite links or sellers from Etsy? I'd love to know!

Sunday Worship Song

2010-08-08T22:05:00.000-07:00

We sang this song in church today and I couldn't get it outta my head. All day, I was singing (in my head of course . . .)

I'm so unworthy, but still You love me
Forever my heart will sing of how great You are.

In A Nutshell

2010-08-02T07:30:00.000-07:00

So, it's been a while since I've blogged. AGAIN. Go figure! This last week was one of those weeks that stands alone when you look back over the course of the year. Not because it was fun and we had such an awesome and incredible week. Because the kids were SICK! Both of them. All week. Not together. They took turns! And then throw a sick husband into the mix too. Whoo hoo.

Monday Luke woke up from his nap looking red. Not like he got a little too much sun, more like BEET red including his ears. Sure enough his temp was 102.6!!! We didn't get to have pizza and go swim and play with his cousins that night. Total bummer. Later that night . . . Baker got a temp. He stayed home from work the following day, and he only does that when he's horribly sick. Half the time he goes to work sick. So . . . . BLEH! The two of them ended up being up half the night. Luke couldn't sleep and was up from 4am on. The boys finally went back to bed mid-morning and girlie and I got outta the house as fast as our car could take us. We got lots of errands done, spent some time with my sister-in-law and nephews and did a little shopping. A great break which turned out was going to be much needed.

By Tuesday night around midnight Luke broke his fever. Whoo hoo! Still couldn't do much for 24 hrs include go to the gym. I was so excited to go to my class at the gym Thursday morning because it has honestly been a month since I've attended that class . . . but, alas it wasn't meant to be. Girlie woke up from her nap Wednesday afternoon with . . . you guessed it! A 100+ fever.

The difference between my two children at this point . . . communication skills. Luke can lay on the couch, drink fluids and watch a movie. Natalie whines. And she cries. And she wants to be held. ALL. DAY. LONG. By the end of Thursday I just wanted out of the house with a pair of earplugs. My mother-in-law was so gracious in treating me to a very relaxing pedicure and a smoothie. Yum!

And if having sick kids wasn't fulfilling enough, I decided to follow through with my original plans of having a garage sale with my sister-in-law on Friday. It actually turned out with the best case scenario ever. Natalie allowed me to sleep for six hours straight on Thursday night- where as on Wednesday night I saw every hour except 5am . . . and maybe 4 (can't remember fo sho). The weather was cool in the morning, not too hot, not too cold. Natalie was feeling a little better and we sold most of our stuff and made almost $900. Not bad for a days work. Not bad at all. However, I'm ready to hit the gym again. I would like to sleep through the night. And good grief. I have laundry that's multiplying like rabbits. Thank the Lord for a new day and a new week!

A Little News . . .

2010-07-19T08:00:00.000-07:00

Coming early February 2011.

A new pair of bare feet to add to our house. We can't wait!

The Evidence Points Too . . .

2010-07-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went upstairs to change my shirt and "clean-up" aka put on deodorant when I realized baby girl wasn't around.
I called her name and she soon appeared (weird 'cause this never happens).
She was G.U.I.L.T.Y.
This is the trail I found.

(Why is it camera's can't focus on messes when you need them too? There were berries all over the counter and a couple drawers).

Then there were the smooshed berries from her little hands reaching over the top.

But, mostly this was all the evidence I needed of who got into the berries!

PS - It was all over her arms and hands too. Her hands were purplish/pink!

LOOK!

2010-07-13T15:30:00.000-07:00

Guess what ya'll? My blog design is FINALLY complete! Yay! This was a gift from my sister-in-law for Christmas and it feels great to have it done. So now I have my very own button. Is that awesome or what? In other news . . . lets hope I haven't forgotten how to actually blog. Ha, ha, ha!

The Clash of the Titans . . . otherwise known as Buzz and Minnie!

2010-06-23T09:30:00.000-07:00

There's a whole lotta Buzz Lightyear and Woody at our house. A. WHOLE. LOT. As in everyday, the Buzz and Woody interactive talking dolls get played with. Well, almost every day. You get the picture. So, Toy Story 3 has been long marked on our calendar with much anticipation. So for Father's Day, as a family with Papa and Nana we all went to see Toy Story 3 in 3D. It was awesome! Except for the part where Natalie needed to go potty. Then she was bored. Then she needed to see Papa. Then she needed more candy. Then daddy took her out. Then daddy brought her back. Other than all that commotion it was great!

So, today in the car the kids and I were discussing what kind of party Natalie should have for her 2nd birthday. And she pipes up from the very back of the car . . . "BUZZ!"
So we discuss it some more.
Luke suggested, "How about Ken and Barbie?" (Which incidently is his favorite characters from TS3)!
"Do you want a Barbie party, Nat?" (crickets chirping).
"How about Minnie," I suggested? "MOUSE!" she replies.
"How about Tinkerbell?" "YEAH!" As she throws her arms up and shakes her head.

I continued to mull it over seeing as how she had a Minnie Mouse birthday party last year and that would hardly be proper for my child to like the same character two years in a row. GASP! But, she doesn't really like Tinkerbell either. And, let's face it. My 21 month old girl does not know who Barbie is . . . yet. What's a girl to do?

We were in the car yet again that evening when I asked her again, "Nat, do you want a Barbie, Minnie or Tinkerbell birthday?"
Her response, (I kid you not) "BUZZ!"
To which Luke yells, "No! Her can't have a Buzz Birthday!"
And she smartly replies, "Woody" while pointing at Luke. To say, Luke can have a Woody birthday and she will have a Buzz birthday! (Because my daughter is that smart, and she knows just what to do/say to push her brother's buttons).
"MOM! Buzz is for big boys not girls! Her can't have a Buzz birthday!"
"Luke? You already had a Buzz birthday. Could Natalie have a Buzz birthday too? First you had one, now Nat can have one."
At which point he warmed up at the idea.
Meanwhile daddy was admonishing mommy to not tease Luke. (Who said I was teasing???)
"Just have a Minnie party again," says daddy.
To which I say, "BAH HUMBUG Daddy!"

Now . . . what kind of birthday party shall it be? Details, details.

CSN Giveaway Winner!

2010-06-22T20:52:00.000-07:00

After a whole lotta frustration between random.org and blogger saving my erased data (insert a massive sigh right here) I'm just plain announcing who won instead of copying and pasting the whole random widget showing you the legit "ness" of it all. Because of course it's way to hard to get a random number to reappear once you delete it. (Insert a massive scream here).

Comment #32
Candice - I am a follower :)

Congrats to Candice! Thank you to everyone who entered this great giveaway compliments of CSN stores.

Giveaway Reminder!

2010-06-15T14:51:00.000-07:00

If you haven't entered the CSN giveaway, it's not too late! You have a week left. Tell your friends and family. The more the merrier! Good Luck!!!

$60 GIVEWAY to CSN Stores! NOW CLOSED

2010-06-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

Giveaway Now Closed
It's time for a GIVEAWAY!

That's right! The friendly people over at CSN stores have kindly offered up a $60 promo code for you to use towards ANY purchase! Over 200 stores for you to browse for your liking.

I am currently looking for a king size bed for our Master bedroom, and CSN has a lot to choose from!

These are a few pictures of the styles of bed I'm looking for.

(I am kinda luvin the one pictured above the most)!

You don't have to like my style in beds. You may like bunk beds, iron beds, platform beds, upholstered beds, trundle beds, leather beds, kids beds . . . well, you get the idea. There are literally thousands to choose from!

Maybe you aren't interested in a large furniture purchase.

Maybe you could use a baby gift,

or something for your kids,

or something for dad.

The possibilities are endless. Go check out CSN's site with over 200 stores to choose from you're sure to find something to fit your needs.

To Enter this Giveaway:

Leave a comment telling me what you would use your $60 to purchase.

Become a follower by clicking the Google Friend Connect Button.

Post about this giveaway on your blog linking directly to CSN and post the direct link in your comment.

Become a fan of CSN on Facebook.

Leave a separate comment for each entry.

Giveaway will end Tuesday, June 22nd @ 7pm PST.

The fine details: This contest is open to US and Canada residents only. CSN did not pay me or give me any products for this giveaway. This giveaway has been sponsored by CSN.

Book Winner

2010-06-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

Chosen by Random.org the winner for the Last Christian Standing book giveaway was comment #1 - Grandma Jean! Congrats! Thank you to all three who entered :) Look for another giveaway later this week! This time for your home. You wont wanna miss it!

Don't Forget!

2010-06-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day to enter my book giveaway! Don't let the "science" part scare you. It's a great book with an interesting, mind stretching storyline . . . including a love story. You have until 7pm PST!

Summer Swap!

2010-06-01T13:55:00.000-07:00

My SIL - April who blogs over at dot...dot...dot, is hosting a summertime girlie giveaway! If you wanna be apart of this swap, head on over and sign up! It's gonna be a good one!

The Last Christian Standing Book Review and GIVEAWAY!

2010-05-26T22:26:00.000-07:00

~Giveaway Now CLOSED~

The Last Christian by David Gregory was F.A.N.T.A.S.T.I.C! I love science (I use to want to be a high school biology teacher) and Gregory's writing style was easy to follow. The story isn't a feel good fiction, similar to what I'm use to reading but very real. The storyline was set in the future of 2088 where all Americans have implanted computer chips. Virtual reality is used everyday and for all things. Often people don't meet in the physical realm such as a restaurant, they meet in virtual reality from the privacy of their own home or office or wherever they may be. Cars are operated via computers and robots are household norms. It may sound ridiculous, but really Gregory just took cloning, stem cell research, computers and technology and wrote about a future that could become one day America's reality.
The storyline follows Abigail Caldwell out of the jungle and into America to fulfill the mission God has for her - to bring Christianity back to America. As she tries to go about her mission she realizes it will be much harder than she ever thought, as no one can fathom the need for a Saviour. With all the advancements in technology, the dissappearance of moral absolutes and since marriages are a thing of the past; finding a way to share God's love becomes increasingly difficult for Abigail.
Abigail struggles with her own faith as she tries to reach out to those around her. All the while she is in the fight of her life searching for the killer who murdered her village in the jungle, and trying to tie up all the loose ends from the message that her grandfather sent her 16 years ago.

You will be enthralled reading this novel with silicone brains transplants, a godless society and a virtual reality. And you can check it out for yourself because I'm giving a copy of this book away. All you have to do is leave me a comment with your contact info to be entered.

This giveaway will close Friday, June 4th at 7pm PST.

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Tuesdays Random Thoughts

2010-05-25T14:57:00.000-07:00

I've been busy. Seriously. Painting and trying to put my house together. Ya'll, it's been three almost four years since we moved into our house and there are some rooms in this house that needed H.E.L.P. (Just to remind you, I had two babies in two years so cut me a little slack, k)?! There has been some major painting and decorating going on. I will post pictures in a separate post. What I'm looking at are some vinyl wall decals to go in a couple places, and while searching on ETSY, I found some funny stuff. So, here ya go.

I personally like this one (he, he, he) . . .

This one is for my SIL (thinking of you!)

And seriously . . . if you have toddlers in your home, how awesome is this idea?

Grrrr - I tried to insert the links to the etsy shop, but blogger is being weird. SO - I gotta finish my book for a review/giveaway later this week and another HUGE giveaway in June from a different company if they aren't annoyed with me and given up on me posting it. I better write an email. TTYL!!!

2010-05-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

My new snack. I've only tried the chocolate peanut butter bar, but it's delicious! Under 200 calories. 12 grams of protein, and only 19 carbs. Taste like a candy bar but without the genically modified ingredients. I ♥ it!

Dear God . . .

2010-05-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

My three year old is learning how to pray and it completely melts my heart every time I hear his passionate prayers. A typical prayer usually goes something like this at meal time.

Dear God,
Thank you for Mom, Dad, Lukey, Nat and Summer.
Thank you for the food,
make us strong,
make us healthy,
Amen.

Sometimes he inserts our activities for the day, or the people we interacted with. One of my most favorite prayers is when prays at the dinner table. The first line is changed and goes a little something like this.

Dear God,
Thank you for Mom, Nat, Dad come over to our house . . .
(WA-HA,HA,HA,HA,HA, ummm . . . excuse me but doesn't Dad live here?)

And then there's the prayers he prayed all this last weekend while at the beach. It was his first time he spent the night at by himself with Papa and Nana at the beach. He was soooo excited and proud. Apparently, he thought he was big stuff and was VERY special. It reflected in his prayers.

Dear God,
Thank you for Nan, Mom, Dad, Lukey - I be special, (apparently he forgot about Papa and Nat)
thank you I go beach house
I be special . . .

Giveaways!

2010-04-28T22:15:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again where my SIL has an awesome week of giveaways! Juicy, Coach, Philosophy and more. Go check it out!!!

And . . . in case you haven't heard, she just opened up her closet on a new blog. Go check it out - you might just find something for yourself!CLOSET SHOPPING

Over the Top!

2010-04-21T23:11:00.000-07:00

I should be birthday shopping for my sister-in-law because her birthday is on Sunday. Instead, I found this awesome top for me. Shhhh . . . don't tell her. It'll be our secret. (wink, wink). Now . . . about that birthday present. Hmmmm . . . think she would care if we were twins? Ha, ha! Just kidding.

(victoriassecret.com)

Our Little Yankee

2010-04-19T09:00:00.000-07:00

Baker is "assistant" coach for his nephews tee ball team.
First day of practice, Baker arrives home early from work to change and run out the door. At which point, Luke grabbed his yellow plastic bat and balls and was ready for practice.
We arrive at the field, and daddy gets out to coach. At which point I think it'll be easier to run an errand than hang out at a baseball field for 1-1/2 hours at dinner time with a 3 year old and a 19 month old.
We stay in the car, and prepare to leave.
At this point Luke promptly states, "but mom! I play baseball! I gotta practice!"
Luke is three. Tee ball starts at age five.
We have a little ways to go.
However, this poor boy is already counting down the years.
He is R.E.A.D.Y.
He is already holding up four fingers and asking, "my birfday I be dis many?"
Yes, buddy.
"When I'm dis many (five fingers spread open) I play baseball and golf."
Okay.
Soon enough baby, soon enough.

Our nephew Maddox and Luke

(The boys on the team were asking, "who are you?" as Luke was warming the bench.

Luke says, "I'm Yuke and dats my DAD (pointing proudly at Baker).

Forget Me Not Book Review

2010-04-16T15:15:00.000-07:00

One of my most favorite genres to read is the mystery fiction. This book written by Vicki Hinze did not disappoint. I was going to save this book to read while on vacation and actually started it prior to leaving and couldn't put it down. Which meant, I finished the book instead of packing for my trip (smile). Forget Me Not kept me on the edge of my seat reading well into the night, hoping that I would then be able to sleep. If I read during the day, I had to face the stairs and face the doorways . . . just in case the boogy man was gonna come while reading my book (does that just sound absolutely dumb or what)?! I've never been this engaged with a mystery novel and the suspense the author built into the story line was phenomenal.

The story is of a young woman who develops amnesia after being attacked while in her car at a red light. She is beaten and left for dead in another state away from her home. She is determined to find her identity, her memory and solve the mystery of why someone wants her dead. The only thing she knows for sure is regardless of her circumstances her faith in God is absolute and she knows beyond any shadow of doubt her place as a daughter of Christ. As she clings to her Saviour she finds herself falling in love with Ben. Ben is a man who is heart-broken as a result of his wife and son who were murdered. and because of that - he has completely abandoned his faith.

You will completely fall in love with these characters as they work their way through questions surrounding Ben's wife and son's murder, why this young woman looks identical to his wife, why she was beaten and left for dead and without memory, and who is behind it all.

Go check out this great book at Waterbrook Multnomah's website.

This was book was provided for review by WaterBrook Multnomah.

We Have A Winner!

2010-04-14T21:46:00.000-07:00

Okay ladies! The book winner for This Little Prayer of Mine is . . .

APRIL who said: I know 2 little boys who would love this! :o)

Thank you so much for participating in this great children's book giveaway. If you would like to purchase the book for yourself head on over to Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group to get your own copy for your children's library.

Don't Forget!

2010-04-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

A few more hours to enter my children's book giveaway! DO IT!

Vaca Recap

2010-04-13T22:56:00.000-07:00

While on vacation, we stopped to pose with a poster of some very famous characters in our household. Buzz and Woody are like, SO COOL and June 18th is a very big day this year. HUGE!

And then we like ran into FAMOUS ~~people~~ characters.

We spent the day playing here.

I kinda tricked Baker into going on this ride with me and my bro-in-law. He HATES heights. And this drop is only like 84 feet. But, he still talks to me so it's all good.

We ate.

And we ate some more.

Best of all . . . we just got to be together, in the sunshine - and without any babies needing us for 5 days!

This Little Prayer of Mine Children's Book Giveaway! CLOSED

2010-04-07T10:45:00.000-07:00

~GIVEAWAY CLOSED~

(picture from Amazoncom)

This Little Prayer of Mine written by Anthony Destefano and illustrated by Mark Elliott has quickly become one of my kids most favorite books to read. The entire story reads as a prayer written from a childs perspective. Each portion of the prayer deals with common situations a young toddler through elementary aged children may face at any time during their day. Just a few of the situations children talk to God about during this prayer are being scared of the dark, being upset over broken toys, being left out by other kids at school, and being greedy over toys. My toddlers enjoy the illustrations throughout the book including a page where the older brother and younger sister are lying in the grass gazing up at the sky. My three year old points out . . . "that is Lukey and that is Nat!" My children have definately made this book their own, and that warms my heart.

I am so excited to offer you the opportunity to win your own copy of this great children's book!

Here's how you can enter to win:

*Leave me a message what you would do with this book if you won.

*Twitter, or blog and leave your link back in an additional entry.

*Refer a friend.

* Become a follower by clicking the Follow (with Google friend connect) button.
PLEASE! Don't forget to leave me your contact information!!!

This book giveaway will close next Wednesday, April 14th at 7pm PST and the winner will be chosen using random.org

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

A Lil' Bit O This & A Lil' Bit O That!

2010-04-06T17:06:00.000-07:00

So! Have ya'll noticed the blog design change??? Isn't it adorable? My sister-in-law gave me a gift certificate for Christmas for a blog makeover! I luv it! The sweet April over at April Showers designed this super cute layout. She now does kids blog designs as well as custom illustrations. Be sure to check out her blog and designs!
On another note . . . my sister-in-law is hosting a FAB giveaway for Bearpaw sandals. Head over to her blog and check it out!
Last, but certainly not least . . . I'm heading out on vacation starting tomorrow! YAY!!! It's been five years since Baker and I have gotten away out of state together, without kids. Way too long. But, in our defense we've been busy procreating (in case you were wondering). Have a great week, and watch for a children's book giveaway starting tomorrow. You'll luv it!

The Winner Is . . .

2010-04-05T22:22:00.000-07:00

According to the handy, dandy random.org . . . it was quite the toss up between Nadia and Emily! (smile) However, number 2 - Emily, you won your very own copy of An Absence So Great! Congrats and happy reading!

Book Review and Giveaway!!!

2010-03-29T22:47:00.000-07:00

If you like photography, symbolism and historical novels then you will thoroughly enjoy Jane Kirkpatrick's last book inthe Portrait of the Heart series. I unknowingly read this book without having read any of the previous books in the series and was still able to follow the storyline and characters easily.This book had several interwoven stories using photography as metaphors for the main character Jessie Ann Gaebeles life. The storyline follows Jessie's life as she blossoms from teenage girl to an independent young photographer trying to make it on her own in a world where previously only the men are entrepreneurs. She uses her passion for photography to try and fill the emptiness felt from a forbidden love. Jessie does everything within her power to create a meaningful, independent and purposeful life by following her passion of photography only to find that everything she once thought as reality to be a facade. If you enjoy historical novels then you will like this book!

Now . . . you have the chance to win your own copy of An Absence So Great for your own library! Leave me a comment telling me why you want to win this book along with your contact info. Giveaway will close next Monday, April 5th at 7pm PST. A winner will be selected using random.org

The fine print:

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Life Happens

2010-03-23T23:08:00.000-07:00

I have been the worst blogger! Honestly, life . . . a lot of life has been happening. It's been GORGEOUS outside . . . and we try to get lots of energy out at the park when we can. Which means we are home less, and therefore blogging less. Also, Luke is making some transitions in his schedule which means that I get a) little or b) no break during my day. Such a bummer. Because anyone who knows me knows that I ♥ naptime. Major heart. And this momma . . . well, I'm tryin' to make some changes too which involves time, priorities and organization. All of which push blogging to the very end of my too do list. I have a fun change in store for my blog which should be coming soon. Very soon - watch for it!

Bring on Springtime!

2010-03-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

I've been getting my wardrobe ready for spring as I am now a completely different size than I was last year. Completely different. As in no short sleeved t-shirts. Baker's family business logo short sleeved tee does not count. Belive me. Therefore, I've been hunting down some basics. Found a few things I'm luvin! Gap.com had basic tees and tanks with a 20% off promo - and I scored tops for less than $9 a piece. Luv a great deal. If you like GAP, they are now running 30% off and can get an even better deal!!!

Another favorite I found was from Buckle. It's one of my new favorite stores. These are my new denim capris. They are so comfy and cute. Apparently, they make me look skinny as I had several compliments wearing them. That my friends is a great staple to any wardrobe!

Any new trends that I should be aware of for this spring and summer? I tend to live in the basic tees and jeans so any kind advice is appreciated :)

Perhaps You've Noticed

2010-03-11T11:25:00.000-08:00

The blogging for books button on my sidebar. It's been there for a little while, yet I haven't told you why. I'm going to be reading books, writing my own review and then give YOU an opportunity to win your own copy of the books I'm reviewing. How cool is that? It's a great way to help with one of my new years resolutions, while being frugal at the same time! Such a great concept! My first review is coming the last week of March. If you love to read, you're gonna wanna check back soon! If you're looking for some great books head on over to waterbrookmultnomah.com

Boring, Blowing Noses . . .

2010-03-10T11:24:00.000-08:00

It's spring clean time around here, and among many other reasons . . . I've been too pre-occupied to blog much. Boring, I know. Today we are home while girlie is battling a fresh runny nose and my little guy has a fever and was up vomiting last night. So, more laundry today and hopefully a few clean toilets too :) Maybe I'll even have a few minutes to sit and pound out a few creative blog post. That would be a miracle! Until then-

Food 4 Thought

2010-03-03T23:17:00.000-08:00

An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up. Proverbs 12:25 (NIV)

There are so many things to get anxious about throughout the day. Today was one of those days. I cleaned up one mess only to move to the next problem and then look behind me to see that another was created. They weren't large messes, or life threatening. Just little things. Little things like time stealers that ate away at my day, my peace, my patience and my joy.

Words have the ability to cut to the core, and wound eternally. They also have the ability to strengthen, encourage, soothe, heal and uplift.

Like I tell my children often, "use your words."
So my question is who do you know that needs to hear a kind word from you today?

Kids Say the Darnest Things!

2010-03-02T21:48:00.000-08:00

Conversations during my day sounded something like this:
Pulling out of the driveway to head to the gym.

Me: Oh no! I forgot my deoderant. Now I'm gonna stink!
Luke: It's okay mom. They have bathrooms at the gym.

Later while watching my nephew the kids are all at the kitchen table eating lunch.

Nephew: Aunt Jackie? Will you take me to Disneyland? My mom doesn't like Disneyland but I wanna go. Will you take me with you?
Me to Nephew: We aren't going to Disneyland. You need to finish your lunch.

Sooo Polka Dot Cute!

2010-03-01T22:13:00.000-08:00

This is my super cute swimsuit I found at Target this weekend. It even looks cute with pastey white winter skin. Okay, maybe not. But, I'm so glad I found a suit that looks good. But, I'm still looking for a one piece that isn't too old lady looking (for those "feeling fat and bloated" days). Anyone have any leads on cute swimsuits??? BTW - It's brown and white :)

Lookin' 4 Some Sunshiney Rays

2010-02-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

I tried on these awesome Coach sunglasses at the eye doctors last weekend. They were kinda cute. I keep thinking about them. That's not good.

So then I found these green sandals (Buckle.com) and thought . . . those would match my glasses! Only the glasses aren't mine. Minor detail.

So then I found a few more pairs of cute flip flop sandals. Apparently I like sparkly shoes.

Flip flop weather is surely not too far away. Right?

The Debt

2010-02-23T22:00:00.000-08:00

One of my New Years resolutions was to read twelve books throughout the year. So, I started by finishing a few books that were just layin' around and oh yeah - three quarters finished. whoops.
The first book I finished was, The Debt: The Story of a Past Redeemed.

(picture for amazon.com)

This book was an easy read, with a good, somewhat predictable storyline. A pastor's wife with a past she can't forget. She lives a very high profile life, yet is stuck in a bubble. She finds she has secluded herself from the rest of the world by doing "God's" work. This leads to some very conflicting moments within her own heart and mind as well as her relationship with her husband in trying to find her place "in this world, but not of it."

This book obviously didn't draw me in as some books do. I was able to put it down for months and even forget a bit of the story line. Good book, but not a book to leave the kids in their jammies all day while I read :)

Ordinary Days

2010-02-17T22:48:00.000-08:00

A moment between brother and sister like this usually doesn't last for long around here. If I were to take a picture following this it would most likely include tears and something like, "Nat's in my space" being shouted towards towards his sister. But some days, like this one . . . it's just as it appears.

And this silly girl, cannot stay clean. She usually goes through two shirts a day. I tried to salvage the shirt this particular day . . . only to find I had to completely rinse out her jeans as they were completely covered in strawberry yogurt.

Sometimes I come around the corner to find my tough boy watching a cartoon and sitting with his sister's "baby" on his lap - feeding it with a play bottle. Sometimes he throws the baby and lets out a very loud, "BLAH!" And sometimes I'll ask, "what 'ya doin'?" And my sweet boy smiles at me without saying a word. And the picture truely becomes worth a thousand words.

At the end of the day whether it's been full of fun, filled with tears or just routine laundry, dishes and naps . . . we are grateful for each other and another day together. Even if girlie woke up her brother at midnight and none of us got much sleep. Just keepin' it real ;)

Happy Monday!

2010-02-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

If you haven't had a chance to watch the show, Modern Family - then you may be missing out on a good laugh. We have not watched this show regularly, however Baker and I watched this episode last week, and were laughing so hard. I hope your Valentines Day went much more smoothly than this episode suggests :)

Anyone Heard of the Canadian Tenors?

2010-02-10T23:50:00.000-08:00

I don't watch Oprah regularly but happened to have it on yesterday in time to catch a glimpse of this group. They are unbelievably talented. AND! They are performing at the Olympics! So, they must be decent :)

Happy Birthday Dude!

2010-02-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

Baker's nephew (and mine) is turning six today. He was the first baby in our family and now he is six and in kindergarten! Mr. M . . . we love you so much and are glad that you are a part of our family. We love being your Aunt and Uncle and are glad that God chose you to be our nephew. Happy Birthday Dude!

Free Friday

2010-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:00

So . . . in December when I was Christmas shopping with my MIL, I found this awesome Duck t-shirt. It looked cute, comfy and it wasn't white or dark green - yay! And while I should have been Christmas shopping . . . (I actually was when I found it) I went ahead and got it. And get this . . . it was FREE. That's right. The last two years, JCPenny's has send me a $10 off coupon before Christmas. My shirt was $9.99 and I used my $10 off coupon, and whola! The cashier rounded up my t-shirt to $10 and I walked out of the store paying nothing for a super cute tee. How awesome is that for a freebie deal?!

Workin' it Out Wednesday

2010-02-03T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you have been following my blog for any amount of time then you know how much I ♥ the show, The Biggest Loser. Super big puffy heart kinda luv! A new season just started on January 5th I believe, and you can bet your money I've been following this season as well.
With that said . . . I'm a little disappointed with the season to this point. I was trying to figure out why this season is different. The word that kept coming to mind is indifference. The majority of the contestants on this seasons show got to where they are because they just didn't care. They've always been fat. They just kept eating. They don't know anything different. At least this is the attitude and impression I have been left with while watching the show. It has been extremely hard for me to chose a team that I'm drawn too. A team I connect with. A team I'm routing for. Its harder to chose a team to connect with when many of them have very similiar stories.
Then there was a stirring in my own heart. "What makes you so different from them?" Maybe you aren't overweight, but you overeat. What about you, Jackie? Your attitude of indifference is no different than their's. What about spending time with Me. In My Word. In prayer. What about sitting on the couch and choosing to watch television and setting Me aside? How's that for an attitude of indifference?
Again I am humbled. It's so easy to focus on one or two aspects or my life such as growing spiritually, exercising, eating healthy, keeping the house clean, working hard, be an attentive spouse, a loving parent, a supportive friend, a caring daughter . . . but to put it all into balance is a completely different story. It's EASY to become indifferent to the areas of my life that are out of balance. The areas I neglect because sometimes it's all too much and easier to ignore. So, my question to you is, being a month into the New Year, how are your resolutions coming along? What is it you do to help keep your life balanced?

A Small Confession of Sorts

2010-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have a confession to make. These yummy chocolate peppermint patties may be the reason I still frequent the gym. If you put them in the freezer they are even more amazing! And while talking to my brother last week I realized just how addicted I am to these little fellers. I have consumed five bags of these since October 25th. FIVE BAGS. Not to mention a few full size Yorks. You know the ones you can grab at the checkout counter while waiting in line at the grocery store. ~~Stupid buy three get three free sales.~~ If you're wondering why I have a specific date, that is my birthday. Let me spell it out for you. One bag for my birthday, one bag for Christmas, two bags at the beach (not a good place for me to be- although I ate half in October, the other half at New Years, bag 2 - half for our anniversary and the other half is waiting for me in the freezer still) and of course we cannot forget the most recent Valentine heart shaped Yorks! And that my dear friends is why I must frequent the gym.

Christmas Fav

2010-01-31T22:34:00.000-08:00

Picture from Uggaustralia.com

For Christmas I received a pair of these lovely slippers. They are wonderful! Coming from someone who goes barefoot while at home slippers can sometimes be sticky and too warm. These are comfy and perfect for running to the garage, grabbing the paper or even driving to get coffee. And seeing as how I have been blowing my nose and sneezing all day yesterday . . . I may be living in these today. Thank you Mom B for the great Christmas gift!

A Night to Remember

2010-01-27T23:41:00.000-08:00

Baker and I celebrated our 8th anniversary this week.
I decided to share how incredible our evening was with you.
(Aren't ya'll on the edge of your seats now)???

First, he brought home these beauties. Flowers are a very rare treat in this household and I love, love, love it when they are a surprise. Why I wasn't expecting flowers for my anniversary, I'm not sure, but anyhow. Probably because he surprised me by making reservations for dinner. This meant not just traveling down the street to a local place. Reservations = forethought.
HUGE BONUS POINTS! HUGE!

Then, he gave me a wonderful card. Baker gets the BEST cards. He can walk into any store, with a minute to spare and find the most absolute, wonderful card fit for the occasion. Probably my reason for scoring him bonus points with reservations. He actually planned ahead. Moving on. Oh yes, my card . . . had a picture of two bare feet on the front.
The caption read:
I love the days when we never get around to shoes . . .
When all we get around to is us.
(Ahhhhh . . . sniff, sniff - (told you he picks the best cards))!!!

Then we had reservations on the waterfront at McCormick and Schmicks.
They personalized our menu's just for us!

By the way, I had the chef's recommendation and boy was it tasty! So much, that I inhaled my dinner and waited while Baker proceeded to eat the remaining three quarters of his plate. No kidding. I think I made olympic record time. So, I decided to use the restroom. At which point I ran into a family friend that goes way back. Probably since I was born way back.

HUGE Hugs.

I can't believe it!

How are you?

Why are you here? We are celebrating our anniversary!

Which anniversary? Our 8th.

It's Mr. M's 50th birthday and so we are celebrating together.

And so to conversation continued. In the restroom.

Until our men were wondering what on earth had happened to us.

So we parted ways with promises of whomever was leaving first to stop by the other's table to show pictures of my little girl (who's middle name happens to be the same as Mrs. M's).

We got dessert.

We got the bill.

We paid the bill . . . or so we thought.

And then our server came to our table.

Those really, really nice people, she says as she looks over her shoulder, just paid for your dinner.

Baker and I just stared at each other in shock.

Oh my goodness!

Are you kidding me?

So of course there were more hugs. Huge thank yous. And lots of showing pictures of my babies.

It was an unbelievable evening. One we will never forget. An evening that was truely heaven sent!

To My Husband

2010-01-25T14:34:00.000-08:00

You are passionate and insightful.

Loving and discerning.

Wise and purposeful.

Hardworking and genuine.

You are a strong leader.

You are a caring father and your children adore you.

You were made for me and I for you.

I love you and am so incredibly grateful for our 8 years of marriage.

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.

Isaiah 32:17-18.

Fast Food Diet

2010-01-22T21:56:00.000-08:00

I saw this commercial and no kidding. . . yelled at the tv. ("NO! NO! Are you KIDDING me?") I didn't know whether it was for real or a joke and kept waiting for the punch line. Well folks. It's no joke. If you're lookin' for a diet to jump start your weight loss, then perhaps you could consider this one. I present to you . . . The Fast Food Diet.

Just A Wii Story

2010-01-20T22:49:00.001-08:00

Luke and I are in the playroom.
I am playing the wii.

Me: Man, this level is hard! (I kept losing).
Luke: I played this one last week. (Very nonchalant).
Me: You did?
Luke: Yeah.

Put in my place by my three year old.

More Chocolate Stuff . . .

2010-01-19T07:30:00.000-08:00

I saw this flip calendar at the Chocolate Factory "store" at the beach. I laughed out loud and had to take a picture.

Hope you all have a great Tuesday. I'll be workin' my chocolate off. AGAIN.

Chocolate or Gym. Or Chocolate.

2010-01-15T07:30:00.000-08:00

Yesterday went a little something like this.

Gym.
Kids haircuts.
Lunch.
Make coffee.
Eat a cookie. Yum. Eat another cookie.
Throw in some laundry.

Natalie finds one of my empty purses. Luke and Natalie fight over who gets to play with my purse. Luke yells, "NO! That's my PURSE!"

Read to kids. Have an awe...I love being a mom moment.
Nat goes down for nap.
Eat chocolate.
Put Luke down for nap.
Finish my coffee and eat more chocolate.
Shower.
Eat some chips.
Dinner.

Find some Junior Mints it the pantry. Bust open the box. Share ONE each with the kids. Put them in the freezer.

So if you wonder what I'm doing this morning it had better not be rummaging around the freezer for Junior mints. That's for sure. Hopefully not.

Shooper Winner!

2010-01-13T21:01:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who participated in the shooper shoes giveaway! Thanks to the handy dandy random.org a winner was chosen. Number 16 - SCRAPIN' MAMA!!! Congratulations!

LAST CHANCE!

2010-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

Last chance to enter the shoopers giveaway!

NOW CLOSED

Visit Shaunna's cute Etsy shop - Mom's Blankies and leave me a comment which size and print would be your shoe of choice.

Giveaway ends tonight @ 7pm PST.

GOOD LUCK!

A Tad Late . . . and Other Stuff.

2010-01-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

I know I'm a bit late with my New Years Resolutions list, but I'm still compiling it. This is just my rough draft. (smile)

Go to bed earlier. My bedtime was ridiculous. Seriously. Midnight. 12:30 am. So my resolution is to go to bed by 10:30. So far . . . havin' a little trouble. So I may adjust it to 11pm. Still much earlier than I was previously ending the day.

Be on time to my classes at the gym. I notoriously get to my class while everyone is warming up. ANNOYING. Much of this has to do with getting to bed earlier. Last week I did okay. I actually arrived before class started! But, I would like to have all my weights set up and ready to go.

I would like to see some stomach muscles this year. I can feel them . . . but I can't see them yet. I still have my "baby love" hangin' around and I don't need that anymore.

I want to read at least 12 books this year. Some parenting/marriage/spiritual and some fiction. The fiction is easy. The self help books are harder to follow thru to the end. I would love some suggestions. Anyone have some recommendations? BTW - this has to do with the going to bed earlier = reading before bed. I will have to be purposeful, as it is much easier to watch tv and be on the computer.

I already shared the memorizing scripture with the kids in this post.

I'm sure I have more resolutions, but I have a little boy who just woke up @ 11:30pm. Which reminds me. . . I should be in bed already.

Happy Birthday Shell!

2010-01-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Aunty Shell! I hope it's one of your best yet.
I love you sister! ♥

First Giveaway of 2010!!!

2010-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

It's my first blog giveaway of 2010! That's right!

I'm pleased to introduce this super cute Etsy shop called: Mom's Blankies.

I came across her shop a few months ago and was so impressed with range of adorable little shoes she makes called, shoopers. The sizes range from newborn to size 10. And the prints that she offers are awesome. From plain, to cordoroy, camo, polka-dots, John Deere, Buzz, to Minnie Mouse or even personalized little shoopers.

Shaunna, the powerhouse behind the store, Mom's Blankies is offering a pair of shoopers to you! The winner will choose any print and any size shoopers of their choice. What an incredible opportunity!!!

Here's how to enter:

Visit Mom's Blankies Etsy store and tell me which pair of shoopers is your favorite.
Become a follower by clicking on the FOLLOW Google tab on the right hand side of my blog.
Twitter, facebook or blog about this giveaway and leave the link in your comment.

For every entry please leave a separate comment.

Giveaway will close Wednesday, January 13th @ 7pm PST.

A Resolution

2010-01-05T14:51:00.000-08:00

When compiling my new years resolutions, I think of the things I want to change, improve, learn or just start doing (don't we all)? While coming up with my list I also like to also make a list of small steps to help me reach my goal so I don't get discouraged, quit and feel like I failed.

This year, I wanted to incorporate my children into my new years resolutions. One of my new years resolutions is expose my children to more of God's word by helping my children memorize scripture. When I was young, my mom had an alphabetical book of scripture. So with every letter of the alphabet I had a verse that went with it.

For instance,
A: All we like sheep have gone astray.

B: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.
C: Children obey your parents.
You get the idea.

I decided that if 25 years later I can still remember those verses then what better way to teach my kiddos and help them keep God's Word in their hearts and minds. So, I found this book at the Tree of Life outlet while we were at the beach.

I'm excited to go through this book and seeing has how there are 26 letters in the alphabet that gives us two weeks for each letter. Rather a long time for each verse, but I figure if we miss a week, go on vacation or whatnot . . . 26 verses in one year is exciting to me. The only thing now is to figure out when we can be most consistent in going over our verses. I'm thinking before bed or at breakfast.
Have you made any resolutions that include your children? I'd love to hear your ideas. I might just have to steal a few ;)

PS - Tonight is the premiere of BIGGEST LOSER!!! If you are looking for motivation for your new years resolutions this is a great show to follow!

Monday Musings

2010-01-04T14:26:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone's New Year is off to a great start. We were at the coast for the extended weekend with Baker's family. We had a fun time, all the cousins yelling and running around the house playing together with the occasional fighting or rough housing match. Now, we are home and facing the reality of putting away Christmas.

I have NEVER had my Christmas decor up this late and am trying to find a way to incorporate the soft white lights that I love at Christmas into our everyday decor. For Christmas, I ended up staging a small tree on the countertop in my kitchen. It's my Starbucks tree :) Now I'm thinking I may turn it into a Valentine's tree. The picture doesn't do the tree justice. At least in real life you don't see the strand of lights. It was a magical coffee tree ;)I have some new years resolutions in the making that I'll be sharing with you soon and a giveaway coming up on Wednesday. You won't wanna miss that! Happy Monday!

GO DUCKS!

2010-01-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

New Year New Me

2009-12-31T09:00:00.000-08:00

We are off! We leave for the beach today for an extended holiday! The little ones and I are very excited to spend some quality time with daddy and the rest of the Baker Fam. Daddy has been working some long hours and late nights. Thank goodness year end only comes one time a year, huh?!

Come 2010 . . . the gym and I have some long overdue dates together. Also, Baker gave me a tanning package for Christmas. Just what the doctor ordered. That is way exciting, because it's no problem to tan after a workout while the kids are in childcare. Pretend warm sunshine and babysitting? Not a bad gift. Remember the post re: vitamin D deficiency? Hopefully, this tanning thing will help boost my vitamin D count as well as give me a nice glow. However, if you were wondering, I am taking 2,000 IU's of Vitamin D a day. Or when I remember. Which ever comes first.

Anyhow, as I always say, "tan fat is better than white fat!"

Here's to a great New Years Eve and lookin' good in 2010!

Behind

2009-12-29T15:42:00.000-08:00

I'm behind, and my behind is getting bigger. No joke. I miss our routine, I miss my workouts and I miss my children. You know, the cute, funny, happy children who are fed good meals (minus the sugar) and take naps and go to bed on time. Not the little kids who are whiny, disheveled, and melt down any time you give them instructions. We had a wonderful Christmas minus the meltdowns at EVERY. SINGLE. CELEBRATION. Lots of Christmas, too much sugar and too little sleep for the kiddos. Still . . . we had a very Merry Christmas. Now, if I could just find my floor.

Daddy and his kids

Natalie opening presents

Nat's new baby doll

Luke & his cousins

My siblings (oldest to youngest L to R)

My New Tuesday Night Fav

2009-12-22T23:57:00.000-08:00

Remember Logan Huntzberger from Gilmore Girls? Well, he's all grown up and a lawyer in this life. I watched some of the episodes of The Good Wife On Demand and now I'm hooked. Not because of him, he's just one of the side characters. No really. I'm just sayin' it's worth checkin out.

Tuesday Nights 10pm CBS.

Mondays Affairs

2009-12-21T23:05:00.000-08:00

This is how our day started. In case you're wondering, that's my phone complete with charger and all. She pulled it out of the wall and drug it down the stairs with her.

And this is how we finished the day. Completing our gingerbread house. Well, as completed as a three year old's attention span will allow. We did this in three separate sittings.

Even though we didn't get the entire gingerbread house decorated, I still think it turned out cute!
Hope your Christmas week is full of fun filled memories. How are your Christmas preparations coming along?

MAC Winner!

2009-12-18T07:00:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Vintage Dutch Girl random.org number 18. I have notified you via email and will ship out your gloss before Christmas. Thank you to all who entered!
BTW - Check out her blog - very fun!

You Might Be A Coffee Addict If . . .

2009-12-17T13:56:00.000-08:00

I headed to Starbucks last week, picking up a coffee after grocery shopping.
Of course I took advantage of the drive thru window, because lugging two toddlers while holding a hot mocha just isn't fun.
I placed my order, pulled up to the window, paid and was handed my nice warm, tall peppermint mocha. Immediately after being handed my coffee, Luke piped up from the backseat.

"Whad 'ya git mom?"
"A tall . . . (pause), a tall mocha?"
"Buddy, did you just ask if I got a tall mocha?"
"Yeah."
"Yes, I did! A tall peppermint mocha."

And that my friends, is how you know you are a coffee addict. When your (just turned) three year old knows your coffee order.

Dear Mom Santa,

2009-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

Dear ~~Mom~~ Santa,

I have been making a list and checkin' it twice. Why? Because everything I posted on my blog for birthday gift ideas were taken very seriously and noted to the tee. I apparently left out some important things such as sizes and colors which added stress to the whole shopping experience. So I will be more specific this time, although, I'm sure you know me well and what I like already.

You know how much I ♥ coffee. Well, I could save a bundle with the help of these guys. Peppermint mochas are Y.U.M.M.Y! But, you already knew that I'm sure.

If you think making my own mocha just sounds like too much work and not festive enough (it's the holiday's enjoy yourself!) then I would always take a gift card to the special happy mommy store. Also known as Starbucks.

And, if you really wanted to give me a gift . . . the gift of alone time is priceless! Free babysitting and a copy of one of these books for good reading while at the coffee shop = a little slice of heaven!

Speaking of time, I'm a sucker for cute watches. These Fossil watches are SO CUTE! I like black or purple.

I mean really. How awesome is the purple? And I use to not be a purple girl. What was I missing?

And, while I was perusing the Fossil store, I also came across this cute sweater. I think these kind of chunky sweaters are so comfy and cute too! (Size medium, please)!

And while my mom-in-law treats for nails, lets just say mine still take a beating. Washing my hands all day long and scraping things off floors, counters, tables, cupboards . . . you name it,

I scrape it. With my nails. So, I would luv me a good top coat to help my nails look fresh while in between visits to the nail salon. I have no idea where I found this cute sweater at, but I'm thinkin' Buckle.com. Isn't it cute? Nordy's had a style like this too, but I could find a color or size for me. Really likin' the grey. Probably a medium, but possibly a small depending on the fit of sweater.

And, don't roll your eyes, but I could use another sweatshirt. I've already worn my green one way too many times. (Is three times a week too excessive)?

~~Mom~~, Santa - I really, really, really, like this new perfume from Viktor & Rolf, Eau Mega. I wasn't quite sure if I liked it, but I used the entire sample up and realized that yes indeed, I am quite fond of this perfume. I love to smell good. And I can smell this scent all day long. Delicious!

I am also fond of this little gift set. Not diggin' the whole skull thing. But vanilla and strawberries = Y.U.M.
I would luv to try this stuff on my unfortunate breakouts! Philosophy is quickly becoming a fav!

Speaking of philosophy I like this scent to replace my Falling in Love (everyday scent).

I found these comfy looking lounge pants on Anne Taylor Loft.com. I enjoy a good lounge pant. They don't need to be from this store, but I really like the style. Probably a small or medium. A little unsure on the size. But the style, perfect!

And last but certainly not least, is this beauty! I've been a very, very, good girl this year. And do you remember ~~Mom~~ Santa when I got that big, cute red bag this spring? And it was my absolute fav, until the straps just about wore through after 3 weeks of use? And I was sad, because I really, really, really liked that bag? And then I realized to get a good quality bag like the one that broke meant spending $300+ because it needed to be leather to hold all my stuff and not break. So that meant no super, duper cute purse? I found one. I found one on CLEARANCE. As in at least half price clearance. Nordstroms.com

It's so beautiful! BIG. SIGH.
Anyhow, I think the list is probably longer than it should be so I'll conclude. There's a couple things I don't have pictures for like running shoes (size 8-1/2 wide) and workout clothes (size small bottoms and medium tops) and probably more things that I've forgotten, and yet don't need. If you have any questions, well . . . you know where to find me!

Merry Mac Gloss Giveaway!

2009-12-10T14:36:00.000-08:00

~GIVEAWAY CLOSED~

This is one of my favorite lipglosses! And because I'm feeling generous today (it took me over a month to convince myself to part with this gloss) I'm giving you, my readers a chance to win this fabulous gloss! The color of this gloss is just as shown in the picture. It's not pink, it's not copper or brown, but a mixture of the three. It's fabulous! In fact, the name of the gloss is . . . Get Rich Quick.

Dazzleglass gloss according to the MAC Cosmetic website is listed as:

Lipcolour that dazzles with light and shine to bring an exciting dimensional pop to your lips. Large particle pearls reflect and refract light to mimic the brilliance of quartz and opal crystal. Provides exceptional shine with a crystalline iridescence. Non-sticky, non-tacky, lightweight and moisturizing. Glides on. Wear alone, or layer over lipstick or Lipglass for dramatic effect. Features our signature M·A·C vanilla aroma.

photo courtesy of MAC Cosmetic

To enter this giveaway you must be a follower (join by clicking on the right hand side of my blog). Leave me a comment about your favorite lip product. Could be chapstick, balm, lipstick, liner, gloss, you name it, you like it, you tell me! It's that easy! And if you refer a friend to my blog . . . I'll throw in another entry. If you re-post on facebook or twitter, another entry. Be sure to leave the link in your comment.

Giveaway will close at 7pm that evening PST.
I will use random.org to choose a winner on December 17th.

Doctor's Orders

2009-12-09T07:30:00.000-08:00

I got a call from my doctor's office today. They told me my vitamin D count is low. Therefore, I need to take a supplement. I however, think this would be much better for my health.

(photo courtesy of pueblobonitosunsetbeach.com)

But, I would maybe settle for this instead.

And of course I'm talking about a tanning package, not the actual bed itself. And of course if that doesn't work out . . . there's always those supplements.

Tonight's Finale!

2009-12-08T15:50:00.001-08:00

Tonight is the finale for biggest loser! I'm excited. Another good season has come to an end. Hopefully I won't ingest the other half of the kids Halloween candy during the show like I did last week. Seems a bit hypocritical to eat massive amounts of chocolate while watching a weight loss show. I'm just sayin' .

It's a Cold One!

2009-12-07T11:15:00.000-08:00

It has been absolutely freezing here. No joke. It's beautiful and sunny with temps in the 20's and 30's. Even so, we braved a trip with Baker's fam to the zoo on Saturday night to see the Christmas lights. We had to bundle up, but the kids were troopers about and we had fun!

And yes, my daughter is wearing socks on her hands for mittens. Apparently, I wasn't on top of that. See how Luke isn't wearing mittens? That is the kiddo I'm use too. He is the child that is NEVER cold. Doesn't like hats, mittens, socks & shoes or puffy coats for that matter. In case you're keeping track, crocs don't count as real shoes. Especially in the middle of winter. The only reason he wore a hat was because (gasp, choke, sputter . . . ) he WAS cold. Anyhow, Baby Girl needs some mittens. And apparently some shoes. She out grew her boots this week. And I put slippers on her because I thought she might actually keep them on. She doesn't like shoes either. Or socks. Or hats. SIGH.

Sick Computer

2009-12-06T10:00:00.000-08:00

My hard drive on my computer crashed.

Yep.

Crashed.

Completely.

The situation has been remedied.

I'm now back bloggy world. I'm back!

We Are The Champions!

2009-12-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

Ducks made it to the Rose Bowl!

photo courtesy of www.goducks.com

Civil War

2009-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

The great showdown.

December 3rd.

Baker and I will be there. In Green.

Our friends are coming with us.

They will be wearing orange.

I hope we are still friends on the ride home.

Sick Day

2009-11-30T09:00:00.000-08:00

I'm so bummed. My computer isn't working. It freezes upon starting up. Not. Good. Therefore, this post is coming to you from Baker's work laptop. It may be awhile before I can post again.
Sick baby girl + sick computer = no fun for mommy. Ha ha!
Hope everyone had a marvelous thanksgiving. Hopefully, I'll be back in business soon with pictures to post, stories to tell, and quite possibly some giveaways.

3 Years Old!

2009-11-28T17:25:00.000-08:00

Three years ago, this little boy turned my world upside down and inside out. I'm so glad I get to be his mommy and that God gave me you, Lukey! Happy Birthday Babe!

I Am Thankful

2009-11-26T09:00:00.000-08:00

I am thankful.

Husband

Family

Food

Clothing

Shelter

Husband who's job pays for the shelter, clothing & food :)

Mostly . . . for these little characters that make every day an adventure.

They stole my heart, and gave me theirs.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. (Psalm 136)

Only a Month Away!

2009-11-25T11:25:00.000-08:00

Christmas Countdowns at WiddlyTinks.com

Good Flick Alert

2009-11-24T22:00:00.000-08:00

Baker and I saw this movie on Sunday night. Very clean, great story and it touched our hearts. If you want a good movie to see over the Thanksgiving holiday I highly recommend! Are there any movies you're looking forward to seeing?

Game Day

2009-11-23T23:32:00.000-08:00

I'm behind in posting these, but I finally downloaded them off my camera. They were too fun not to post, even if they are late.

Could he be more proud? (You pick who you think I'm talking about - he, he).

My sister and her boyfriend joined us for the game. Good times. Good times.

Baker had multiple layers on, including ski pants over his jeans. No joke. It was a little chilly. I drank one coffee the first half, and another coffee the second half. Just to help me stay warm. Not because it was reasonably priced by any means.

This is my sister and I. I told her not to wear the purple furry headband, but she realizes she's an adult now and doesn't have to listen to her bossy ~~older~~ wiser sister. But, whatever. Still a good picture (because we were walking while taking it). Ignore the goober in the background.

To Infinity and Beyond!

2009-11-19T22:32:00.000-08:00

Lately, there's been some preparation going on. Ask Luke when his birthday is and he will show you on the calendar hanging on the wall in the kitchen. It's next week after Thanksgiving. In fact he's been telling his dad and I, and anyone else who will listen that he wants a Buzz Birthday at Chuck E Cheese. Silly boy. He's sooooo excited. By the way, we bribed him with the Chuck E Cheese location. Yes, I'm tellin' ya now. He's been potty trained during the day (even through naps), and wearing pullups only at night. He was staying dry for days on end and we finally were running out of pullups. We told him if he could stay dry for five nights in a row, that he could go to Chuck E Cheese. It worked. Oh, there have been accidents, but we are no longer buying pullups. Hooray! Anyhow, I digressed.

I found these invitations on ebay and the seller was super helpful and fast when I was in a pinch.

PS - She does announcements & Christmas cards too!

And I found these on ebay. They are the "goody" boxes. So. Cute.

And this is stuffed in a cupboard waiting to be gift wrapped.

And this is hiding in the closet at Nana's. Waiting for a very excited almost 3 year old boy on his Buzz Birthday.

Babies...Belly Laughs & Bare Feet

Still Alive...and Baby #3 is Here!

38 Weeks

37 Weeks

36 Weeks

34 Weeks

My Starbucks Protege

33 Weeks

31 Weeks

30 Weeks and Christmas stuff...

Thanksgiving 2010

28 Weeks

Baby Wearing

A Great Wolf Birthday Blast

24 Weeks

My Birthday Wishlist

GIVEAWAY LINKS

What Kind of Mother Are You?

Boy or Girl? That is the Question.

Excuses...Excuses!

My Baby Girl Turns Two

Minnie Mouse Party

Sunday Worship Song

In A Nutshell

A Little News . . .

The Evidence Points Too . . .

LOOK!

The Clash of the Titans . . . otherwise known as Buzz and Minnie!

CSN Giveaway Winner!

Giveaway Reminder!

$60 GIVEWAY to CSN Stores! NOW CLOSED

Book Winner

Don't Forget!

Summer Swap!

The Last Christian Standing Book Review and GIVEAWAY!

Tuesdays Random Thoughts

Dear God . . .

Giveaways!

Over the Top!

Our Little Yankee

Forget Me Not Book Review

We Have A Winner!

Don't Forget!

Vaca Recap

This Little Prayer of Mine Children's Book Giveaway! *CLOSED*

A Lil' Bit O This & A Lil' Bit O That!

The Winner Is . . .

Book Review and Giveaway!!!

Life Happens

Bring on Springtime!

Perhaps You've Noticed

Boring, Blowing Noses . . .

Food 4 Thought

Kids Say the Darnest Things!

Sooo Polka Dot Cute!

Lookin' 4 Some Sunshiney Rays

The Debt

Ordinary Days

Happy Monday!

Anyone Heard of the Canadian Tenors?

Happy Birthday Dude!

Free Friday

Workin' it Out Wednesday

A Small Confession of Sorts

Christmas Fav

A Night to Remember

To My Husband

Fast Food Diet

Just A Wii Story

More Chocolate Stuff . . .

Chocolate or Gym. Or Chocolate.

Shooper Winner!

LAST CHANCE!

A Tad Late . . . and Other Stuff.

Happy Birthday Shell!

First Giveaway of 2010!!!

A Resolution

Monday Musings

GO DUCKS!

New Year New Me

This Little Prayer of Mine Children's Book Giveaway! CLOSED