Project Life Tuesday: Week 4

Finally, I got it!

Pajama Day at Rainbow Express!

She saw us folding laundry, so she got out her blankets to fold, too.

*S*'s new snack

This just shows how much he wants to be with his sister.

He always holds on to her.

LOVE...please go read this

Please go read this post from Becky Higgins about love. It's not about romance...just love. It's so good, you need to read it! I know I needed this little reminder about love; it'll make you think.

Wordless Wednesday: Wild Hair

My daughter has inherited my hair...wild and curly. Check out these flips.

Project Life Tuesday: Week 3

"All About MEme" Monday

All About MEme
with MommyBrain and SupahMommy


Today's Prompt: THAT'S A DEALBREAKER LADIES!
This week we want you to share with us your own personal experiences with "dealbreakers." Example: You know that hot man candy dude who took of his shirt at the beach when you were 23- only to reveal a DEALBREAKER kermit the frog tattoo or rampant wolf like back hair?

A. List of your top 5 relationship dealbreakers.
B. Tell us about a time you experienced a DealBreaker.

My Top 5 Dealbreakers
Well, of course since I'm married...there are no dealbreakers because there are no deals to be made. But, back in the day, these were my dealbreakers.

5. He was a bad kisser.
4. He smoked.
3. He was shorter than me. (I'm only 5'3'')
2. His bromance got in the way of us spending time together.
and here it comes...the #1 dealbreaker...
1. He was arrested and waiting for his court date to find out if he'd be going to jail.

And yes, all of the above were actual dealbreakers in my dating days. So glad I found my Mr. Right!!!

Nesting for Toddlers?

When I was pregnant with *L*, I did the whole nesting thing. Her room was ready way in advance. I re-organized her drawers and closet several times before she was even born. Since then, I've re-organized things countless times. However, when I was pregnant with *S*, I didn't do much nesting. I think I was just so tired from being pregnant and keeping up with *L*. (She was only 8 months when I got pregnant!) Plus, his room didn't have a lot of room for nesting because the guest bed was in there. I still am not happy with his room. But that's a whole 'nother blog post.
I recently decided that *L* should move into a big girl bed now that she is 2. I'd love to be able to cuddle with her when I put her to bed. And she's already climbed onto the crib rail a couple of times. Fortunately, she tightly hugged the rail both times til I went in and got her down. We already have the guest bed and her crib converts to a full size headboard & footboard. And I can give her crib mattress to *S*. He's still sleeping in a bassinette/minicrib which I am anxious to get him out of. However, just switching beds was not enough of a plan for me. I decided that her new quilt needed to have accessories around the room that matched. I went shopping. My mom had given me money to buy *S* a mattress. But since we didn't need it after all, she said I could use it to buy *L*'s bedding. After choosing a quilt and some decorative pillows, I threw in a wall painting, night light, wall decals...uh oh. I already decided I don't need the matching night light and put that in the bag to return to Target. I have a feeling more will go into that bag as I realize that I don't need to makeover her entire room.
As for the actual work of moving furniture around and getting her room made-over, Aaron has been intentionally stalling. So, I decided I'll just have to do it myself. We still haven't ordered the conversion kit to attach the head/footboard to the bed, so that will have to wait. But I want to get everything else done. That probably won't go as planned either. Once I start moving bookshelves and dressers, I'll probably realize it would be easier to wait for Aaron to move the big stuff. But maybe my nesting insticts will kick in and I'll get it done.

These are the 2 pillows that I can't wait to put on her new big girl bed.

Wordless Wednesday: Haiti

I can't really make this "wordless" because I need to ask you to do something to help people in Haiti. I purposely didn't choose a picture of hurting people because my heart just can't take it anymore. But you can see the devastation in this picture. The people of Haiti need your help. There is a wonderful organization that runs the Real Hope for Haiti Rescue Center that feeds and houses malnutritioned children. Their building was damaged and the children are all having to sleep outside. They are also trying to help people who were injured in the earthquake. Licia, who runs the rescue center, just sent her 3 sons to live with her brother in Washington because they were having such a difficult time dealing with everything that is happening. She is also expecting a baby in August! Her husband is Haitan and his sister, who is pregnant, is going to have both her legs amputated. He still has not found many of his friends. Please pray for their family and their rescue center. If you are able to help the Rescue Center financially, they have a Paypal button on their blog or you can mail them a check. You can also text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10 to the American Red Cross. It will be added to your phone bill. Please pray for the many needs in Haiti and do something to help.

Project Life Tuesday: Week 2

Okay, I'm cheating a little bit. I didn't actually take a picture a day. The Project Life kits aren't available yet on Amazon, so I'm behind already. That is causing me to procrastinate taking pictures, too. And realistically, I doubt I'll be faithful in taking daily pictures. It'll probably be more like weekly faves. So, here are my favorite pics for the week. And since I didn't participate last week, I added a few extras. Check out more Project Life posts by clicking the Project Life Tuesday button.

*S* eating a teething biscuit for the first time.

My 2 cute kids playing together.

Their blocks they play with EVERY day.

*S* sporting his Broncos jersey and gettin' some love from Daddy.

My baby boy can stand now, holding on to the couch! I love when they play side by side.

My Baby Girl

My Baby Boy

Re-thinking my blog...again

So, I haven't been blogging regularly like I used to because I'm rethinking the purpose of my blog again. A couple of months ago, I started reading people's blogs and got really motivated to start my own. I didn't really know what I wanted to write about so I found inspiration from others and came up with a topic for each weekday. However, that eventually became a chore. I felt like sometimes I was writing just because I was supposed to and not because I wanted to. Also, I sometimes feel like I don't have time to blog and do other things I want to focus on. So, I'm trying to figure out how to use my blog to help me accomplish some other things. For example, I want to start the Project Life kit by Becky Higgins. A blog I read, The Mom Creative, will be doing a link up on Tuesdays where people can link their blogs to show off their pictures for the week. I'm excited because my blog will actually be helping me to do something that's important to me...documenting our family life through pictures. I'm hoping to use my blog to keep track of milestones in my kid's lives, too. *S*'s baby book is still empty and *L*'s is done up to the first year (she's 2 now). I know there are some things I can go back and look at from my blog. So, I'd like to make that something intentional from now on. I also want to have record of the funny stuff that happens in life. Helene has a hilarious blog where she often writes about the funny stuff her kids say and do. She has 2 sets of twins, so you can only imagine. She could publish her blog into a book and it would sell like crazy! So, I'm still cooking up my blog ideas. Any suggestions for other ways to use my blog to help me be an organized working mom with great photos and memories of my family? For those of you that blog, how do you use your blog to help you accomplish goals that you have?

Project Life...sometime this year

So I really want to do the Project Life kit, but I found out about it late. They are not currently taking orders. Every day, I check Becky Higgins blog to see if their Amazon store is ready so I can order it. It's frustrating to wait. However, the point of Project Life is to take a picture every day. And since I don't have the kit, I haven't been motivated to take pics. I've only taken pics one time...of *S* eating and making a mess. So, I've got to start clicking away so I have pics to put in my kit once I finally get to order it. Then, I'll start posting my pics on Project Life Tuesdays to link up with Jessica Turner.

Wordless Wednesday: Playtime

I love that they play together now!

2010 here we come

2009 was a great year.
I've read some great blogs recapping the last year. I decided I should do the same, at least for my own reflections. I didn't blog often until later in the year, so my recap isn't going to be as thorough as some others'. Here goes...

January- I had one post that summed up the whole month. Last year, we rang in the new year on the San Antonio Rivewalk, just me and my wonderful husband. This year, we're celebrating with a quet evening at home while our 2 babies sleep soundly in their rooms.

Febraury- I was getting adjusted to life with a toddler.

March- I was 8 months pregnant, therefore not too comfortable.

In April, I was 9 months pregnant and just wanted to sit on the couch or sleep. On April 30, my precious little boy was born. We went from parents to one little baby girls to a family of four. I never imagined how much adding one more child would make a difference. The act of juggling your time and energy between two babies is not an easy one. I don't know how parents of multiples do it. So, I didn't blog during April, May even though it was only my 2nd Mother's Day and I had 2 kids, or June even though I celebrated my 6th wedding anniversary and my 30th birthday.

July- I finally posted the first pics of my son. We went to Albuquerque for 2 family reunions during July 4th weekend.

August- I finally wrote about my 30th birthday (which was in June). And I posted more pics of my cute kids.

September- This is when I got serious about blogging. I found SITS and started reading other blogs. I started posting Wordless Wednesday pics of kids...the first of my little girl's portraits in her PJs. I also made the tough decision of pulling my daighter out of daycare because she was repeatedly being bitten. MiMi (my mother-in-law) started watching her instead.

October- I went on a business trip to San Diego, CA, and I missed my kids like crazy. We visited the pumpkin patch. Now I know not to wait til the last day because all the pumpkins are gone and you just get pics of your kids next to empty crates and rotten pumpkins. My mom was in and out of the hospital and we were relieved when she was finally able to go home and we knew she was gonna make it. *L* started a new "school" (aka Mommy's Day Out). She looked so grown up wearing her backpack and carrying a lunchbox. I almost lost my mind on her first day. *L* dressed up as a fairy for Halloween after mommy decided to make her costume. At 10pm on Oct 30th, I took of to Walmart for tulle, ribbon, and glitter spray to make a cute fairy tutu. Mommy didn't get much sleep that night. Good thing *S* already had a pirate onsie and goes to bed early or I'd have had to make 2 outfits! oh, and I got an iPhone!

Novemeber- My dad turned 70. My grandma turned 90 and we made a quick trip to Salt Lake City for her party. Right before we left, it started snowing. We tried the 3-day method and failed at potty training. Well, I only tried for a week and decided she just wasn't ready.

December- We got cute portraits taken for *S*'s 7 month pic and *LS's 2 year old pic. And we had lots of fun with all the holiday festivities.

2009 was all about the transition to a mom of 2. It was tough, but I survived and learned A LOT about myself and about raising kids. So, 2010...whatever you got...bring it on!
Best wishes to everyone for a year filled with love and laughter!

Holiday Memories

I've been gone so long

Things just got really busy during the holidays both at work and at home. I didn't have time to turn on the laptop in the evenings. So, I haven't been able to post in a while. Next week, I'll try to get caught up while the kids nap 'cause I'll be home for vacation!

Fun Foto Friday

I was trying to get pics of *L* in front of the Christmas tree, but since it was cold outside we let Duke come in. He was ruining our photo shoot, so *L* bumped his head to try to get him to go away. Made me laugh!

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday Tips: Decorating

Today's stress-free holiday tips are just a few ideas to help you decorate your home without feeling overwhelmed.

1. Get creative so you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Use candy canes on your tree. Use natural décor. For example, grap some twigs from your backyard, tie them together with festive ribbon and add a couple sprigs of holly or mini ornaments. Place on a mantle or bookshelf. Have your kids create some holiday art work. Frame it and hang for seasonal art. Store it with your Christmas decorations and you’ll have keepsake art that can be reused for years.
2. Stay organized. Keep ornament boxes or buy an ornament container with dividers for breakable pieces. If you take down any everyday décor, store it in the containers where you keep your holiday décor. When you take your Christmas decorations down, you can put the usual stuff right back up.
3. Choose a color. Pick one holiday color to use throughout your home. Decorate the tree with red ball ornaments. Fill a glass vase with the same ornaments. Buy everyday red towels instead of splurging on holiday towels. Use red ribbon on glass candleholders to make them look more festive.

Me on Monday

I finished most of my Christmas shopping two nights ago from the warmth and comfort of my couch. We decided to do as much online shopping as we could. I’m so glad I didn’t have to fight the crowds. I still have to head to Toys R Us to buy gifts for L and S, but my plan is to go during the week before or after work so it will be less crowded. I also need to go with a list since I won’t have much time to browse. This will help me stick to a budget anyway. I also still need to put together some homemade gifts. But having the bulk of the shopping done is such a relief. Now if I could just get caught up on the rest of my Holiday To Do’s…take a Christmas pic, make Christmas cards, make keepsake ornaments, print gift tags…got a lot to do this week. Oh ya, and plan L’s birthday party!

Family Foto Friday

Here are a few recent pics of the kiddos from Thanksgiving Day.

I was trying to take a picture of *S* sitting up on his own with no hands (yeah!!) and *L* wanted to make sure she was in it, too. She came and sat right in front of my camera. I had to get her to scoot back some so I could make it look like she just wanted to be next to her baby brother.

My nephew put his hat on *L* and she looked so cute walking around my brother's house wearing it!

My neices decided to dress up as superheroes and they even let *L* join them.

My little girl enjoyed Thanksgiving with the family!

Wordless Wednesday

*S*'s First Christmas Tree

Photo taken Friday, Nov 27th

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.
Today’s Tips are about Shopping:
1. Try to go on weekdays when there are less crowds. Parking will be easier to find. Salespeople will be friendlier. New inventory usually comes in during the week, not on the weekends.
2. Look for coupons or discounts. Especially if you have a list, you can search for coupons or online discounts for products you want to buy.
3. Stick to your budget. It may seem easy to pull out your credit card to pay for gifts, but this will only create a very stressful January and maybe even February. It’s just not worth it.
4. If shopping online, look for free shipping or shop on websites where you can buy several gifts for one shipping cost.
Have a safe and stress-free shopping experience.

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!