MEme Monday

Today's MEme prompt is to write an excuse of why you can't do MEme Monday today. So, here goes...I'm tired. I had a busy but fun weekend. We put the tree up on Friday. On Saturday, we did an outreach with the youth from our church. We gave out coats, socks, and hygience products to people living on the streets. Yesterday was church, which is a work day for me. I'm tired and don't feel like writing much. I think blogging during the holidays is gonna be tough!

Family Foto Friday

With Great Grandma Margie

Salt Lake City, Utah

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you are enjoying today with your family and those that you love. Be thankful for what you have been blessed with and pray for others to receive the blessing you've been given. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Wordless Wednesday

Photo taken in Salt Lake City, UT, Nov 14

Tuesday Tips: Stress Free Holidays

I decided to make Tuesday Tips a series for the month of December. I know you don't have time to read long blogs. Well, I don't have time write long blogs, either. So, every Tuesday will be just a few tips to help make the holidays less stressful.

With only 30 days til Christmas, now is the time to start thinking about your holiday activities, gifts, and traditions. Today's tips are all about what you can do now in November.
1. Plan ahead. This sounds obvious, but how many times do we actually take the time to plan the little things that need to get done? Write a list of all the things you want to do for the holidays: bake, make cards, have a party, take family pictures, make/buy gifts for your kids' teachers, shop for Christmas outfit, pick up stocking stuffers...the list goes on. Grab your calendar or print out a December calendar and start writing in dates to get those things done. Post it somewhere you'll look often so you can keep organized and know ahead of time what supplies you need or when you'll need a babysitter.
2. Bake ahead. If you're planning on giving gifts of cookies or other baked good, consider baking ahead of time and freezing your cookies. This way, you can bake up your baking list over different days rather than trying to devote an entire day or weekend to just baking. I know this is something I have to do this year. There's no way I can spend an entire day or 2 baking and still take care of 2 babies, all while trying to keep L away from the oven!
3. Make a photo list.
So many different holiday memories will be made and you'll want to remember those moments with pictures. Whether you've got the newest DSLR camera or a disposable plastic camera, you can capture special photos if you think ahead and anticipate when you'll need your camera. Include in your list any festivities like parties, school performances, church events, and other special or tradional events. Then add activities you might do like driving through neighborhoods to see lights, baking cookies with your kids, decorating the tree, wrapping and openning presents, etc. Now, add special items or moments that are unique or special to you and your family. Maybe you have a star for the tree or ornament you've had since you got married...plan to take a picture of someone placing it on the tree. Capture your child's excitement when they wake up Christmas morning. Take a picture of your child reading a Christmas storybook or eating a candy cane. If you plan ahead, you'll have your camera ready when those special moments happen.

Day 4 of the 3 Day Potty Method

I didn't post last night (Day 3) 'cause I was very tired and there wasn't much to tell. Day 3 was better, but she still had accidents all day. Never went in the potty. And, mommy broke the rules. One of the major no-no's is using pull-ups. I've hear this from lots of people that have been there...everyone says don't use pull-ups. And I totally agree, but...I had to. We went to lunch with my family and couldn't risk her peeing in the middle of Outback! And then later we went to church and again she wore a pull-up. I knew I had messed up because at church she did both #'s in her pull-up.
This morning, her bed was wet but that was expected. She right away wanted to get out of her crib and headed to the potty. And guess what? SHE PEED IN THE POTTY! I was ecstatic. And after breakfast, SHE POOPED IN THE POTTY! I was thinking...finally, she got it. Then, about 15 minutes later, an accident. And while I was at work and she stayed with MiMi, accidents all day. Once mommy got home from work, accident after accident. However, she looked very unhappy about wet undies, so I think that part she's getting.
Although I'm disappointed that she isn't fully potty trained within 3 days, I realize now that I set my goals wrong. I was expecting too much too soon. I'm happy with my results. On day 2, she pooped once in the potty and on day 4, she did both in the potty once. Now, let's move ahead...and make it quick, please. (A mother can dream.)

MEme Monday: Thankful Four

Today's MEme Monday prompt is to name the top 4 things you're thankful for.

1. My amazing husband.

With both my children, Aaron has been the best labor coach!! And once we were home, he helped me recover quickly and helped me get adjusted to 2 little ones. Aaron is so supportive and encouraging. And he makes me laugh all the time! Every day, I am so thankful that I married such a wonderful man that makes me so happy.

2. My beautiful children.

I'm so blessed to have adorable kids. *L* is just too cute. I love watching her learn how to do new things and hearing her say new words. I love the way she walks with confidence, swinging her arms and exploring her world. *S* is the sweetest and happiest baby ever. He's so chilled out and loves to smile to everyone. I never imagined motherhood could be so rewarding with just the little things.

3. Health & Hope.

I'm thankful that both my kids were born healthy. I'm glad that despite the colds, ear aches, upset tummies, and other baby stuff, we have been blessed with strong children. I'm beyond thankful for the healing my mom has experienced rcently. It was tough mentally and emotionally while she was in the hospital. I'm so thankful to still have my best friend, and I'm hopeful for the continued healing I know she will have.

4. Moments

There are those moments that you just want to freeze and hold on to in a special place. Like holding your little girl's hand as she walks into a new place and sees new friends and feeling her grasp get just a little bit tighter to let you know she still needs you. The moment of holding your newborn son for the first time and realizing not only can you love someone else just as much you love your first baby, but it just comes naturally, like it was meant to be. Or the moment where your toddler stops playing, runs over to you, and puckers up for a just cuz kiss! Right now, I'm loving all the little moments of my life!

Day 2 of Potty Training

Potty training went a little better today, but it was still a tough day for mommy. L had lots of accidents. She realizes it a little quicker now, but still doesn't tell us until she's started going. So, lots of wet undies and cleaning up today. She didn't ever pee in the potty, but she did poop in the potty! yeah! I never thought I'd be so excited about that, but after yesterday, this gives me hope.

Day 1 of Potty training

I've decided to try the 3 day potty method which is basically all about dressing them in undies (no pull-ups) and using positive reinforcement. Day 1 was rough! Things didn't go as smoothly as I had hoped. It just didn't click yet. I know, it's 3 day not 1 day, but I just hoped she'd get the idea at least. It was accident after accident and tantrums to put undies on...exhausting.

Family Foto Friday

I decided to change Friday's to also include Family Foto Friday because well, I have a lot of family photos (fotos en espanol) and not enough time to come up with creative activities or crafts for every Family Fun Friday.

Today's Family Pic is of my two little ones when they matched for church this last Sunday. *S* cried when I sat him on the couch until I sat *L* with him. She didn't want to sit down because she was busy playing. So this is the best shot I got. I love that he's holding on to her. He does this everytime I take pics of them sitting together...so cute!

Thursday Thoughts: Toddler Party Help

Today’s thoughts are actually a request for my creative SITSas. I’ve visited many of your blogs and have seen some cute party pics. So, now that I’ve got a party to plan, I need your help.

Next month, my baby girl turns 2. I’m looking for ideas for her 2^nd birthday party. Her guests will mostly be family, but will include a few friends ranging from age 6 months to preschool. She doesn’t have a favorite show or character, so I’m looking for a unique and creative theme. If you have ideas for party activities for infants/toddlers, please pass them along. Thanks so much ladies!

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday to my Dad who turned 70 last Friday! He’s the best “Pop-Pop”!

Tuesday Tips: Looking Slimmer

• Pull your hair up and away from your shoulders. Try sweeping your hair into a high ponytail and you'll be surprised at how much slimmer your face looks.
• Wear the right size. Oversized clothing doesn't hide problem areas. Excess fabric only makes you look bulkier. And wearing clothing that’s too tight …well that’s obvious.
• Choose fabrics very carefully. Avoid clingy or shiny textures. Avoid large patterned prints.
• Balance. Accentuate your best parts and don’t draw attention to your problem areas. Accessorize to create balance and bring focus to areas that are slimmer.
• Elongate your body. Wear pants that make your legs look longer. Avoid wide cuffs. Try boot cut or flare jeans to balance out curvy hips.

Blog: Meme Monday Shop til You Drop

The Meme prompt for today is to go shopping for 5 wearable items with a virtual credit card. I had so much fun shopping with imaginary money! Here’s what I picked.

1. Diane von Furstenberg Cashmere Turtleneck $345.00
2. Jimmy Choo Bag $995
3. Jimmy Choo Flats $425
4. Betsey Johnson black dress $428
5. Manolo Blahnik black pumps $575


1.
2. 3.
4. 5.

Thursday Thoughts

I've had really bad "Mommy Brain" for the last couple of weeks. Before this, I had heard of "pregnancy brain" but it's now been 6 months since I was pregnant. Now, I'm forgetting things and just doing dumb things because I just can't get my brain to focus. My mind is going in so many directions...I'll get it together soon. But until then, I apologize for my scatter brained behavior. Did I mention I have 2 kids under 2?!

Joy

Wordless Wednesday at the Pumpkin Patch

Tuesday Tips: iPhone

Sharin' some iPhone tips for those of you who have recently gotten one.
1. When using the calculator, turn in sideways to make it a scientific calculator.
2. When reading a text message, touch the status bar to scroll up to the top (to call the person).
3. When recording a video, use the camera in landscape (sideways) to make it look better when uploading to youtube.
4. If you mess up what you're typing, shake your iPhone and it will give you the option to undo typing.
5. To take a screenshot, press the home button and the lock/power button at the same time. Your iPhone will take a picture of whatever you are viewing and save it in the camera roll.

Enjoy your iPhone!