I'm dreaming of . . .

YARN!!!


I am recently readdicted (word? I'm not sure) to crocheting. It consumes my thoughts these days. This blog has delivered an immense wealth of inspiration. Too much in fact that I am having a hard time deciding what to make! I keep thinking of projects and sketching them out. I am really waiting to find out the gender of #3 to really decide on what to do. . .

In the mean time, to satisfy my crochet hunger I have set a goal for myself and my etsy shop. I am taking this summer to really beef up my inventory so I am ready to sell in the fall! I have been feverishly crafting oh so cute hats in the evenings when my sweet things are all snuggled in bed. Here's some of my progress from the last week or so. I have been using up most of the yarn that I have. I only have one bin for yarn and I need to empty some out before new can come in! I've been saving up my JoAnn's coupons for a colorful trip of yarn purchasing! Hopefully it will come in my near future!



What crafty things are YOU addicted to these days?

Bath Paints

As I was perusing crafty blogs the other day, I came across this site. It had this simple reciepe (if you can even call it that) for bath paints. I gave it a shot and it was a HIT with Gavin. Sissy didn't enjoy it so much, though. She wasn't feeling well in the first place, so maybe that had something to do with it. Anyway, the best part was the clean up - SUPER EASY!

Third Party

Ryan is doing this District Management internship with Starbucks. It lasts 10 weeks and we are in the middle of it. I'm not going lie, the pay increase has been great! HOWEVER, we now have this third party in our marriage. THE WORK PHONE. I rarely complain about it, as I know this is an incredible opportunity for Ryan (he was chosen over 150 other managers or something like that). I seriously can't wait till the internship is over and this phone goes away.

It interrupts me mid conversation

It buzzes in the middle of the night (because you know reports about Frappucinos are oh so important)

It rings every night as I am making dinner and trying to coral the kids at the same time.

It CAN'T BE IGNORED

It goes everywhere with us

It has e mail capabilities so it's like carting the computer around everywhere we go, too!

Okay, I got it out of my system. Thanks for listening. I'm over it now! I am SO thankful that Ryan has a job, a really good job, and that he is moving up within his company.

Quote of the week

Ryan, referring to Charlotte: "She's kind of like a dog. She's so mischievous, she does things behind your back and she eats off the floor."

Inspriational words

by Pastor Gavin -

I'm pretty sure Gavin will be a pastor when he grows up. He loves the Bible, he loves to follow rules, sees everything in black and white and has no problem confronting people when they are doing wrong.

Here are some things Gavin said and did today -

While using the bathroom he opens the door to inform me that he is singing "Jesus Loves Me" and he is singing it to God, because that's worship and God loves that!

I handed him a bowl of gold fish to snack on while he and Charlotte were playing and he looked at me and said, "MOM! We have to pray for this snack before we eat it!"

He brought me his Storybook Bible and asked me to read to him about "John the Cactus". I asked who John the Cactus was and he said, "You know, the guy who ate locusts!"

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fabulous mother's day. I did. It was relaxing and I really felt the love. I was overwhelmed with joy and the privilege it is to be a mommy to some really great kids!
Today is pajama Monday! I am ready to go on a cleaning rampage. I've already made my chore list!
Here's some pics from our day yesterday! Happy Monday!

Finished Product (almost)

I've recently become "re obsessed with crochet". I go in spurts and lately, I've been loving it. My mother in law also is an avid crocheter (word?). I saw a case like this on etsy or somewhere for all of the gear that goes along with crocheting and I knew I had to make one for her for Mother's Day. When I was finished with it, I was completely jealous that I didn't have one, too! So, I made one for myself! Here is the finished (well, almost finished, I have a few finishing touches left) product! I can't wait to get crocheting again now that I am more organized!



Happy crafting!

Gall Stones

I had my post op. appointment this week. I just HAD to share this interesting news. The surgeon told me that some of my gall stones were 4cm x 2 cm. Break out the ruler, folks and check THAT out. No WONDER I was in so much pain. He said that basically they were filling up my gall bladder. Yikes! Glad that is over with.

All of my restrictions have been lifted, so it's back on the bike for me (with the kids in tow)! Yeah!

15 months and counting . . .

We had Charlotte's 15 month check up this week. I of course wrestled with the MMR shot - to give or not to give. Immunizations drive me crazy. So much info. and it all makes me uncomfortable. Both sides scare me and creep me out.

ANYWAY, this is supposed to be about Charlotte - our little wonder pulled through for us and packed on a few lbs. She jumped to the 25th percentile. They were getting a little concerned b/c she was not growing with the curve. But that's all in the past. She's fattening up quite nicely.

She is also, I am thrilled to say consuming all types of dairy. She has officially grown out of her "sensitivity". WOO HOO!!! I've lived without cheese for so long, I could just feel her pain. Now, she eats cheese sticks, yogurt, pizza, mac n cheese, MILK, MILK and more MILK! This girl loves her vitamin D.

She's a super spazzy little thing. Since I haven't been as diligent in writing in her book like I was with Gavin, I'll have to type it all out here - sorry.
So, Charlotte climbs on anything and everything
Runs
Jumps
Points at what she wants
Eats everything but tomatoes
Loves her daddy
Gives kisses freely
Wrestles with big bro
Loves to clap her hands and stomp her feet to "If you're happy and you know it"
LOVES to put on shoes, necklaces, coats, - anything girly except hair clips :(
Does some sign language - all done and please
Loves to brush her teeth
Loves to do everything Gavin does
Is DIRTY all the time

begin toI'm sure there is so much more. She is so fun and it has been a joy (and a frustration, at times) to mold her into the gal God wants her to be. She learning how to have a sweet spirit and be more submissive. I'm sure it's a long road ahead of us, but we are up for the task. Bring it on, Charlotte baby! We love you and can't wait to continue to see you grow!

Fists are Up

My fists are up and I'm ready to FIGHT - with my sewing machine that is. I am so frustrated. I found this lovely fabric in the half off section at the store and have already created something lovely for my mother in law for mother's day. I neglected to take a picture of it. However, I liked it so much I decided to make one for myself. Mr. Singer is NOT cooperating today and nap time is almost over. I had hoped to share my completed project today, but you'll have to wait for another day. In the mean time, here is a pic of the fabric. Let your imagination run wild with things I could/should be doing with it!

One Long Week

I usually stick close to home during the week. I only venture out with the kids once or twice. Ryan usually has the car, so it's not really an option. I don't mind one bit, though. I love being at home with my kiddos and having fun with them with no distractions. I am a true home body. I really do just love my house (well, apartment), all 850 sq. ft. of it!

This week is very abnormal for us - we have three dr's appointments, swim class and an AWANA party to go to. On top of that I was frantically working on some mother's day crafts for our mom's. I did finish those up and they are in the mail! Poor Charlotte has been dragged through the ringer. She's been catching naps in the car, eating lunch in her stroller and screaming at strangers - and it's only Wednesday! Tomorrow is our home day, and I just can't wait for it! P.J.'s all day!

All that, I guess to say that I have been an absent blogger because of it. I do have some posts planned in the near future dealing with schooling options for our big five year old. I'm excited to post about it and can't WAIT to hear all of your opinions. I just hope life slows down long enough for me to sit down and type!

Hope you are all well! What's keeping you busy these days?

I can't believe

I can't believe that at one point this week my son was playing with a pink pony and my daughter was playing with a Pirate Lego guy.

I can't believe that not only am I puking as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, but I also am having the privilege of wetting my pants as I puke. Nice.

I can't believe how a sweet little 15 month old can throw her body around in a raging fit when she is mad.

I can't believe I have lost weight while pregnant (thanks to surgery!).

I can't believe I made it through my first trimester with out having to pull out any matenrity clothes - this is a first for me!

I can't believe how many diapers my husband has changed (completely unassisted) over the last two weeks.

I can't believe how easy they make recovering from surgery sound - it is NOT easy, esp. while pregnant.


Well, that's all I got. It's been a rough month! I hope you enjoyed!

Sibling Rivalry

I really am astounded by how well my kids play together. They don't seem to mind the four years in between them! However, very often when they play someone ends up getting hurt and crying. I'm sure you can guess who that someone is. Well, I finally told Gavin that whatever he did to Charlotte to make her cry, I will do to him. That is SO something my dad said to my brother when we were kids. It sounded like a good idea when I said it.

So, fast forward a few hours. Gavin pushes Charlotte and she falls down and starts crying. So what am I supposed to do? Push my kid down? I don't think so. Gavin looks at me like, are you really going to push me down like that? I said, "Gavin, I am not going to push you, but you ARE getting a spanking."

I really need to think before I speak . . .

Have you ever threatened your kids with something ridiculous?

A lesson learned

I love helping people. I really and truly do. Whatever they need, I like to come through. Accepting help, on the other hand, is not something that comes easy to me. I am sure it's my pride. I think I can and should do everything on my own. After my surgery I was overwhelmed with phone calls and e mails from friends asking how they can help. I have meals overflowing in my fridge, my kids were well cared for and had a blast at their friends houses, and my husband was even on board and changed countless diapers ALL ON HIS OWN! I learned that accepting help is not so bad after all. I could not have had as smooth a recovery with out each of these blessings. AND, I have an easy week ahead of me this week due to so many meals!!! My pride has been checked! Lesson learned.

Surgery Update

My surgery went well, so they tell me. It sure didn't FEEL well. I had a really tough 24 hours post op.p I was incredibly nauseous and couldn't keep down any pain meds. I am feeling much better now. I'm moving around pretty slowly and I'm still in quite a bit of pain. The baby did fine during everything. They did several ultrasounds to make sure he/she was doing okay and he/she was flipping around like a crazy person every time. It was cute and fun to see.

Anyway, I am home now. Ryan has taken the next few days off of work to care for me and the kids. Our church family is blessing us with meals every night. I hope to be back to normal in a week or so. Every day gets better and better. I really can't wait to get back to my bike riding! I miss it!

Hope you all are doing well!

Upcoming Vacation!!!

Well, not really a vacation at all. I am having surgery on Monday to have my gall bladder removed. It has gotten really bad lately and they want to remove it so that I don't get an infection in my liver or gall bladder. I have been on this low fat, no fun diet for the last month and it hasn't even helped. I am still experiencing gall stones. This is normally an out patient surgery, but since I am pregnant they are keeping me overnight to monitor me. I was joking with a friend that it's like a vacation for me. She thought that was pretty pathetic that I would consider surgery a vacation. I just thought, "no kids, peace a quiet, sounds like a vacation to me!"

In all seriousness, please pray for me if you think of me. I know this is routine and they actually do it quite a bit on pregnant women. But there are still risks involved. Please pray that our little one stays safe and that my recovery will be quick! I will need to get back on that bike!

Progress Report

Well, I had some successes and some failures when fleshing out my 10 step plan. I'll start with my failures and get them out of the way!

I did NOT get up before my kids everyday. It turns out, I think it would kill me. I don't even feel bad about this failure. I'm over it.

I also did not "power clean" everyday. I planned on cleaning one room really well each day. I did do it one day. I cleaned the bathroom. It was so sparkly and I loved it. But the other days, it just didn't work out.

Now, on to my successes! Yay!

I was better at getting into the word. Although, I am still not where I want to be. I'm a work in progress on this point.

I did exercise five out of the last six days. I've been putting the kids in the bike trailer and taking them on three (or so) mile bike rides. It has been great. It's the best thing I can do for myself right now. I have SO much more energy, I don't need a nap during the day and I wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, not groggy! The best part was that I took a tip from Katie and downloaded some sermons from here and here on my ipod and listened to them while I rode. What encouragement for my heart!

I also did great with the kids. With all of my new energy: I was more patient, more willing to play with them, read to them, more consistent and the list goes on and on. We have lots of sticker charts going on now in our house. Chore charts, reading charts and a pink chart just for Charlotte so she doesn't feel left out! She loves to put those stickers on just like her brother - even if she has no idea what they are for.

My kitchen has never looked better every morning. It's so nice to make breakfast in a clean kitchen!

And, Ryan has not had to iron his own clothes (don't ask my about his lunches, though!) this week!

So, that is my progress this week. I'm sure you don't care. But I thought since I posted my steps, I should at least post my progress.

What are you working on these days?

10 steps

Today I came to the end of my pregnancy induced funk. Something snapped and I just started going nuts. It was like the fog cleared out of my brain and I was back to myself again. I was cleaning, doing laundry, washing dishes and who knows what else. It was so refreshing to be back to normal. I realized how short I've fallen from being the wife and mother I should be. Starting today, I am putting these 10 steps into place to help me get back to where I need to be. My wonderful family has been so patient with me but I am sorry to say I've been making them suffer (weather they are aware of it or not!). Here are my 10 "steps".

1. Read my Bible everyday (said with head hung low as I have NOT been consistent with this lately)
2. Read to each of my kids everyday
3. Get going again on Gavin's 100 reading lessons - sadly we are only half way through
4. Exercise, take my prenatal vitamins and eat a better diet - all in hopes of gaining more energy
5. Play with each of the kids individually every day
6. Get up and shower before the kids are up - this one might kill me
7. Spend 20 minutes power cleaning every day
8. Iron Ryan's clothes for work
9. Make sure the kitchen is clean before I go to bed every night
10. Be more consistent with the kids chores - they are so much happier when they know what to expect.

There it is! My ten steps to being a better wife and mother. I am sure most of you are already doing those things. I used to, but ever since I've been pregnant I have not "felt" like doing it. Well, that's no excuse! Even if I don't feel like it this week, I am going to accomplish these things!

What are the chores you don't feel like doing and how do you power through? Cheer me on!

Gavin Talk

He was watching a commercial one day and he came up to me and said, "MOM! That lady on t.v. told me I should buy these girly things and I really don't want to! Why did she tell me that?"

We were riding in the car one day and he told me, "I can't wait till I grow up so that I can honk at people when I drive!" Can you tell his dad is a true city driver?

We often call Charlotte our ragamuffin and sometimes we call her "rags" for short. I heard him comforting her one day like this, "It's okay, rags. Don't worry. It's okay."

I was getting ready in the bathroom one day and I was puffing my bangs. Gavin stopped to check it out and he said, "If you had a bump it, it would be much better. You go from flat, to up!" Have you seen those commercials?

Gavin loves to sit on the window sill and look outside. When the first snowflakes started to fall at the beginning of the winter Gavin looked at me and whispered, "OH! It's winter now!" It could have been a hot chocolate commercial or something. It was too cute.

He was playing in the bath one day and he called me in there to see something. When I got in there he was using Buzz Lightyear as Jesus and he was walking on water.

I asked Gavin what I am going to do next year when he is at school. He said, "Oh don't worry mom, you'll just get used to it!"

I've been really bad about writing down his funny quips lately. I feel like I haven't done one of these posts in so long! I hope to be better about it. I can't wait until Charlotte starts talking and I can start a "Charlotte talk"!

Blogging Funk

I know we've all been there. The blogging funk. We go in spurts. We love it, we hate it. It's probably a never ending cycle. I think that I am in an overall "life funk" right now. The blog is one of the many things that are suffering. I've been thinking a lot about it, though. The blog. I think of a post, but then realize it's not too interesting to the masses. Okay, it's not too interesting to anyone! I've just been taking a step back and trying to figure out why I blog. Well, I know why I blog. It's purely for me. It's an outlet. It makes me feel like I am talking with other adults during my day.

I can't help but roll my eyes at those "braggy" blogs. You know the ones. "My life is great, I never struggle, I never sin. My kids are awesome. They are so cute. Yadda, yadda, yadda." It's like reading their Christmas letter all year long! You only see the good, never the bad. I'm sure we all come across that way sometimes, I'm positive I do (even though it's not my intent).

Another thing I do not want my blog to be is a platform for me to impose my views on you. I'm not talking about asking others what their opinion is on such and such. It's the blogs that are pretty much saying "This is what I think, and you should, too!" It seems like just by reading it they want to punch you if you dare think another way! That is not what I want my blog to be.

The other kind of blog I can't stand is a boring blog! I feel like there are so many blogs that I read out of obligation, but really want to poke my eyes out. It's so hard to get through a post sometimes about peoples random every day occurrences.

However, I am pretty sure my blog falls under this last category. It's mostly boring. You don't care. I'm okay with that. Really, I am. Please don't leave comments saying, "No, your blog is so interesting. I love it." I know it's not. I'm sure I have the occasional post that makes you laugh. Overall though, I know it's big fat bore. So, I guess all of that to say this: I'm working on it. I want my blog to be creative, insightful, something you enjoy reading. Maybe you'll even learn something from it every once in awhile. So, I will end this post before you start poking at those eyes. But I do want to list some of the blogs that I LOVE to read. I mean, I love reading all your blogs, but there are a few I just really can't wait to read when I see them pop up in my goggle reader! In no particular order:

Loud Songs of Joy - because how could life with six kids EVER be boring?

Chloe and Clive Chronicles - a super fun frugal mamma, with fun ideas and the sweetest spirit

The Finer Neiners - inspiration always awaits here

A Museum of Memories - always learning something and being sharpened by reading this one. It also helps that their kids are SUPER DUPER cute

No better place on Earth - I love the honesty and humor that comes from this blog. I don't even technically know Beth, but if I lived near her, I'm sure we'd be FAST friends.

So that's it. Five of my favorite personal blogs. I hope you made it to the end of this post with out having to take drastic measures. Hopefully the next time I enter the bloggosphere, I'll have something interesting to say to you.

I can't believe

Well, it's the beginning of the month again and here is my "I can't believe" post, as promised! It's not as fun as usual, though. When you are sick, nothing is fun.


I can't believe my husband eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich almost every day for lunch.

I can't believe that only throwing up one or two times constitutes as a "good day."

I can't believe how much pain, unbearable pain, a gall stone can inflict.

I can't believe I have enrolled my son in KINDERGARTEN for next year! Yikes!

I can't believe it was 82 degrees today!

I can't believe how much my belly is already sticking out!

I can't believe how much food I am able to consume in the midst of all this vomiting.

I can't believe how long it's been since I've enjoyed a cup of coffee!


Wow, I almost hesitate to post this. It all sounds very depressing. I assure you, in the midst of everything we are happy and getting along just fine. Don't feel bad for me. I am so thrilled to be having this baby, I'll take whatever comes my way!!

Bed Time Battles

Never in my life have I had a battle to get my kids to bed. Sure, Gavin might whine a little bit sometimes. He gets corrected and then it's over. He's in bed. Well, our spunky little girl has been throwing these fits when I try and put her to bed. It just baffles me. Last night was the worst. She knew it was time to go to bed and every time I would go to pick her up and take her, she would run to Ryan screaming and crying. Then she would snuggle up to him and look at me with this snotty little face. I was shocked. She did it about three times. Ryan finally had to get up and take her to bed himself. He put her in her crib and we said good night and walked right out. She cried for 5 - 7 minutes and then it was over. Ryan and I were just looking at each other shaking our heads. When we imagined having a little girl, we thought it was going to be a much sweeter picture. It looks like we have our work cut out for us with this one! I know we will have our struggles with her, but we wouldn't trade her for the world. With the right direction, her will and firey personality will be able to do great things!!

Mail

I love getting mail. A card or a letter from a friend, pictures of my nieces and nephews, even thank you cards just make me smile. As much as I love receiving mail, I love to send it even more! I recently made and sent these cards out to our dearest family and friends! Wouldn't you just love getting something like this in the mail?

Front of Card

Inside of card

Pictures

I realized that I never put up the kids 1 year and 5 year pictures. Thanks to everyone who voted on what Charlotte should wear. It really helped me out! I went with the most popular vote - the purple dress. Here are their pics! I think they turned out really well.

I can't believe . . .

I've decided to make this a monthly post. So, as it's the first of the month . . .

I can't believe I survived SEVEN days without the hubbs while I was in Michigan and he was in Costa Rica

I can't believe I left the bathroom door open one day
I can't believe Gavin forgot to flush the toilet
I can't believe how much Charlotte likes to splash in the toilet. EW!

I can't believe I actually gave Gavin some baby orajel because he wanted to know what it tasted like.

I can't believe how many times my sweet daughter has pooped in the bath.
I can't believe Gavin continues to take baths with her.

I can't believe I saw a lady with a hot pink blanket running through a park in the city chasing (and trying to catch) a rooster. (This is no joke)

I can't believe Charlotte flipped out of the bathtub while I was standing right next to it blow drying my hair.

I can't believe I am attempting to give up drinking Coke . . . again.

Gamer!

I think we have a gamer on our hands here! She knows exactly what to do with the controller!

Sledding in the city

FORT!

What do you do on a snowy wintery inside day? You build a huge fort, of course! And you read books in it all day long!

My new Favorite thing

My sister in law told me about this idea. She bakes her brownies in muffin cups so each one is the perfect brownie. OH MY! They are so delicious! I must warn you, though. If you try this, you just might consume the whole batch in one day (especially if you use Ghirardelli brownie mix)!

Project!

I woke up in the middle of the night one time last week and could not go back to sleep. While I was tossing and turning, this idea jumped into my head. Eventually, I did fall back to sleep. I woke up the next day and made this Bible cover!

Ouch!

Last Thursday we were getting ready for Ryan's parents to come into town on the train. Ryan was heading out the door to run a last minute errand. He slipped and fell on some ice and cut (okay, sliced) two of his fingers open on a license plate. I heard him come back in the door and say my name. I followed him (and a trail of blood) into the bathroom. He was gushing blood. Poor Ryan was in so much pain he could hardly think straight. Once he absorbed the situation a little bit, he decided to drive himself to the ER. He was there for over three hours and I think they let a med student stitch him up. It looks awful. They didn't even clean the wound very well. When he took the bandage off the next day, he couldn't even get it off b/c it was stuck to gobbs of blood! Ewww.

This picture was a few days after the incident. It is healing up nicely here. I have a better, grosser picture on my phone, but I'll spare you all the horror!

Getting Older

I'm not one to mind getting older. In fact, I embrace it wholeheartedly (much to everyone's annoyance). With that said and out of the way . . . lately, I. FEEL. OLD.

When I was in Michigan I stayed up way too late with my sister in laws. We were having such fun that the time seemed to pass so quickly. One night we stayed up until 1:30 and the next night (I am ashamed to say) the clock read 3:30 before we decided to turn in! I felt fine the rest of that week. This week, however, boy have I been feeling it. I have even taken a few naps to try and catch up!!

With the mountains of snow that we received this week, I decided to take Gavin out to play while I shoveled. I did this for 2 days. The following day, I could not get out of bed. My mind thinks my body can do anything. My body is telling me different. I even went as far as popping a few ibuprofen.

I went to get my hair cut this past week. I love getting my hair cut. It's a kid free hour and I always feel great when I leave. Well, maybe always isn't the best word. This trip left me feeling not so young. I had a front row seat to view my gray hair. I have had a gray streak for quite some time. I've always embraced it and was even oddly proud of it. Well, as she was cutting I was starting to realize that my "streak" has almost taken over the crown of my head. How and when did that happen?

The last event to make me feel oh so old also happened while getting my hair cut. After my glorious shampoo, I was sitting in the chair with the towel wrapped around my head. I was looking into the mirror and discovered a wrinkle on my forehead. A WRINKLE! Now you have really got to be kidding me. I'm over it now, but at the time I was slightly bothered by it. Thankfully my bangs cover it and no one will ever see it. But seriously, a wrinkle?

Schmoozing with the big wigs . . .

While Ryan was in Costa Rica he got to spend some time with the President of Starbucks. Yes, I said THE PRESIDENT OF STARBUCKS!!

Can this be happening?

Did my baby really just climb up into this chair and sit herself down? No, no. I must have imagined it . . .

I can't believe . . .

I can't believe I let Gavin feed Charlotte nerds while at the store so that I could shop in peace.

I can't believe how much time Gavin and I logged playing video games over "Christmas break".

I can't believe my son told me that I was a terrible mother.

I can't believe how personally I took the above incident and actually shed some tears over it.

I can't believe I witnessed my son take my daughters sweet little face in his hands and then proceed to slam her face down into a pillow (she didn't seem to mind, but still!).

I can't believe how much Gavin talks. He even paused in the midst of vomiting to tell me some random fact about tornadoes.

I can't believe Charlotte shattered (shattered!!!!) my favorite vase.

I can't believe that Gavin was occupied for an hour with a tornado (construction paper fashioned into a funnel) and the houses from monopoly.

One Year

I remembered to take a picture of Charlotte every month next to Pooh Bear for the entire year! I never did this with Gavin and I always wished I would have! It's fun to look at them all and compare.


We love this little girl so much! We pray that she will grow up to love Christ more than anything, serve Him with her whole being, and focus all her energy on bringing Him glory.





We just lov

A little help . . .

I am having a hard time deciding what Charlotte will wear in her One year pictures. I've never really had a dilema with Gavin. I just have so many cute outfits for Charlotte that I just can't decide! What's your vote?

#1 - Cream Gap Dress with Gold Threading, Gold buttons and Gold Shoes

#2 - Purple butterfly dress with striped tights and hot pink shoes

#3 - Grey Children's Place dress w/ pink flowers and pink shoes

#4 - Pink, Blue and brown dress with brown leggings and pink shoes

Animal Crossing

Do ya'll have a Wii? We do. We bought it two years ago. We played it quite a bit at first, as everyone does. Then once summer hit, we stopped playing it altogether. Ryan even contemplated selling it. I talked him out of it and told him that we would play again once winter hit. We didn't. It just sat there last winter, taking up space. Well, last mother's day Ryan bought me Mario Kart with TWO steering wheels. We started playing all the time. It's my favorite game. I'm not crazy about video games, but this game, I L.O.V.E. Ryan then bought me Tetris - my all time favorite game. When I was younger, my family used to fight over who got to play - my parents included. Then after the newness of those games wore off, we stopped playing it again.

This Christmas, we bought Gavin Animal Crossing City Folk. I am once again obsessed with the Wii. Gavin loves it, I love it. We play it almost every evening. I confess I've even played it by myself after everyone is in bed on a few occasions! It's just so fun and addicting. It's my guilty pleasure and what I like to do to unwind.

What is your favorite pass time these days?

Miserable weekend

What a miserable weekend the Dobbertin's had! I was home with Charlotte every minute. I was so bored. Ryan took Gavin to the Shedd Aquarium on Saturday morning and then to work with him. When they got home, Ryan said that Gavin wouldn't eat lunch and needed a nap. He fell asleep on the couch and woke up with a 102.2 fever! I thought he had what Charlotte had. Then, we woke up at 2:00 a.m. to "Mom! I threw up! (BLAGH!) MOM! I'm throwing up!" Ryan camped out on the couch with him for the rest of the night. I was up with Charlotte for a few hours in the early morning. Ryan let me nap the rest of the morning while he hung out with Gav and fed him toast for breakfast. He kept it down. Later we gave him some pretzels. He did not keep those down. Charlotte is doing much better. I had a hard time keeping up with her last night and all of her mischievous ventures. She is one crazy kid. Currently she is nosing through the trash can looking through the discarded newspaper . . .

We have a lot to do this week in preparation for our trip to Michigan,Charlotte's birthday party, and Ryan's trip to Costa Rica. On top of that, Ryan has to have a procedure done today to see what is wrong with him. They are thinking he has an ulcer. We have to pick him up downtown this afternoon once it is over. I'm exhausted already! I hope Charlotte kicks this nasty habit of waking up from 4-5:30. It's really cramping my style!

So tired and feeling yucky! She passed out here on Gavin's bean bag chair.

Poor Baby

I just got back from taking Charlotte to the doctor. She has been so sick. She was miserable last night. I couldn't get her to fall asleep. She was just laying in my arms crying with her eyes closed. It was so sad. I am glad I ended up taking her in - she had some fluid in her ears (not an infection, yet) and the doctor said she has Bronchiolitis and possibly Pneumonia. I just can't believe it. Gavin is 5 and has never had an antibiotic. Charlotte is not even one and she has to take one. That makes me sad. But, I just want her to get better! Looks like we'll be missing church this weekend and laying low! I hope you all have a healthy and great weekend. Live it up for me!

Swim Class

Gavin is a little timid in the water. He is scared he is going to drown or something. I signed him up for swim lessons at one of our parks and rec. centers. He was really nervous the first time we went. The second time, he was fine! The night after his third class he actually thanked God for swim class in his prayer! It is so fun to watch his progress. The class meets once a week and goes all the way through March. I can't wait to see how well he is doing by then!

Gavin on the "island"

The instructors name is Ed and one of the moms told me she thought he looked like Drew Peterson. I thought that was funny!

And here's Charlotte confined to the stroller. I wont let her out for fear she'll jump right in. This girl is afraid of NOTHING!

Day 3 and 4

Well these last two days have been kind of a bust. Charlotte threw a wrench into my productivity plans. She decided to come down with a very nasty cold. She's had a fever and has been so miserable. She's been up in the night a few times for the last few days! So, I've been letting Gavin watch cartoons, I barely get in the shower before 12:00, and Charlotte and I just snuggle our days away.

I have been able to get some things done b/d she's been sleeping so much.
* we've done Gavin's reading
* I organized the pantry (yeah!)
* I put the last coat of decoupage on Jayne's bow holder
* I vacuumed the living room and Charlotte's bedroom - that's as far as I got, though.
* I packaged up an etsy order
* we went to AWANA
* I had Gavin fill out some Valentines to work on his penmanship

That's about it. Like I said, we've been watching a lot of cartoons and are laying around quite a bit!

Back to the grind - day 2

Today was not quite as productive as yesterday. Still, I was up and showered by 8:00 again. I did some light cleaning this a.m. while the kids played. Gav and I did school during C's 1st nap. We made a paddle steamer - we are learning about steam powered machines. Gavin loved it and it was a fun craft for us. It was nice just crafting and talking about different steam machines and looking up how they work.

I had to wake C up from her nap b/c we had to go to Gavin's swim class.
After that, we ate lunch in the car on our way to the Library to renew my card. Apparently it's something you have to do every 2 years. I have never lived anywhere long enough to have to renew one before! We ran into one of Gavin's buddies from swim class, so we hung out there for awhile. Then we ran to the grocery store for a few odds and ends that I forgot this weekend. We headed home where Charlotte crashed and Gavin and I worked on reading. Much better today (thank you, Lord!)!

Once Ryan got home, I was able to work on my second project for this week. I messed it up royally and Ryan had to come to my rescue. He had to sand and repaint part of it. He even used my blow dryer to speed up the drying process so that I could redo the finishing touches. It's a bow holder for my niece, Jayne. It still needs one last coat of decoupage and I'd like to make a few more bows to hang on it. But, it is just about done! I hope she loves it! I had a blast making it.






After dinner we just all hung out. Gavin and I played Animal Crossing on the Wii. It's our new obsession. It's so much fun! Well, that was my day 2 of getting back on track and back to schedule. I can see why I needed that extended holiday. My life is exhausting!

My Deals

I know lots of you hit up old navy when they had 50% off their already clearance items. I remember doing this last year, too. I didn't get as much for Gavin last year, though. I have recently discovered the best old navy EVER! A few weeks ago I decided to drive a mile or so farther to a new Old Navy that I hadn't been to. It.Was.Huge. It was also very clean and well organized, not like the one we usually go to. Anyway, when I saw Kelly mention on Facebook that they were having their sale, I packed up the kiddos and off we went. I ended up spending $100 and got LOTS of great stuff. I was able to buy some baby gifts, some Christmas gifts for next year, school (sniff, sniff) clothes for Gavin for next year and so many cute outfits for Charlotte! I had a blast! I even scored a dress coat for myself for $20. It was originally $99.50.
I added up all of the original prices and it came to over $600. I think I got about 35 items all together.
I tried to get a good picture of my loot, but it was all spread out over my bed so I could show Ryan when he got home!

Help!

I need some help. We are having "mom's night" at AWANA and we would like to send each mom home with a favor. When it was Dad's night, we sent them home with a can of Dad's Root Beer. I am looking for something not too expensive (we have about 120 kids or so) but something that you would really appreciate. Got any ideas?

Back to the Grind

I started off my week with a bang! Actually, it all started last night. I decided to page through my Better Homes and Gardens magazine. Half of the magazine was about organizing!!! I looked at it for five minutes and was rearing to go after that. It was all the motivation I needed to get me out of my post holiday funk!

After everyone was in bed, I cleaned out the bathroom closet and reorganized everything in it. It was awesome! I threw away expired medicines, old curling irons that I haven't used since 1999, yucky nail polish and the list goes on and on. It felt great to get that accomplished.

I was still feelin' it this morning when I got up (despite a random 4 am wake up call from Charlotte). I was showered and ready to go by 8:00! I loaded up the kiddos and ran a few errands and was home by 10:00 to put Charlotte down for her 1st nap. Gavin and I dove right into school and had art class. We were learning to paint trees from different view points - up close, far away, aerial. He did awesome! I may have a little artist on my hands! After a little instruction, he went to town and busied himself with it for a good 1/2 hour.


While he was doing that, I started to work on one of my projects. I ended up finishing it! It's for Charlotte's 1st birthday party. I can't wait to see her in it!

I got the shirt for $4 at Khol's and the tutu was pretty inexpensive to make (thanks to a few trips to Joann's with a 40% off coupon).

During Charlotte's 2nd nap of the day, I was able to reorganize most of the kids toys and Gavin's art supplies. Everything had been in Charlotte's room and I could NEVER remember to get something out for Gavin before she went to bed.


We also did work on Gavin's reading. It was tough! He had such a bad attitude about it. We had to stop so many times to correct his behavior. It was so sad. I mostly was sad b/c I know that if I had just stuck with it, he wouldn't have been in a funk at all.





All in all a very productive day! I decided that since I got so much accomplished that I should add one more task to my week. I am going to organize my pantry one day. I may regret this later, but oh well. I hope to report more progress tomorrow. For tonight, I have one load of laundry to fold (did I mention I did two loads of laundry today?) and then I am going to bed!

Charlotte's Favorite Nook

This spot happens to be one of Charlotte's favorite spots. She goes back there several times a day. Doesn't she look so cute hanging out back there? The trouble is that it is a very naughty spot for her to be in! There is a shredder back there (that is always unplugged, but still) and the garbage can that holds lots of paper that she likes to eat. She also likes to spread the garbage around the house, as well. She is so determined to get back there and it drives me nuts! When Gavin was a baby, if you told him "no", he would listen. Not our Charlotte, she definitely has spirit and likes to do what she wants to do. We definitely have our work cut out for us with this one!

Vacation Mode

I am having the hardest time getting out of vacation mode since Christmas break. I just can't seem to get motivated. Most days I don't even get out of my sweats! Even cleaning my house (which I usually take joy in) doesn't seem to be appealing to me. I am way behind in Gavin's reading schedule. I've been letting him watch way too much t.v. and we've even neglected doing school. It has been taking me two weeks to get through one week of material with him. I know he is in the same rut that I am in. When we do do reading, it is a huge struggle to get him to focus. I have several projects piling up on me which is making it even harder to get motivated! I just need to power through and do what I need to do weather I feel like it or not! My goal this week is to complete TWO of my projects this week, do Gavin's reading every day, school at least four days and make a spreadsheet for children's ministry that I have been wanting to do. It seems like a lofty to-do list to add to the other every day tasks that I have, but I know I can do it! Help cheer me on and keep me accountable!

My girl

I can't believe my little girl is about to be ONE! That is crazy to me. I was so good at documenting all of Gavin's milestones, the big and the small (no matter how annoying it was to everyone else). Charlotte on the other hand seems to be passing them all so quickly I barely have time to capture half of them! I know I will forget all of these little things in the future, so I just have to write them down now!!

Some of her milestones -
waves bye-bye
signs "all done" when she is done eating
is walking - a little like Frankenstein, but still . . .
puts her hand to her ear when we say "hello" as if she is answering the phone
gives kisses - mostly to her baby doll, though
says mama and dada
still has NO TEETH!

some of her little quirks -
does not like to sit at the table but would rather eat grazing around the house
is ALWAYS messy - our little ragamuffin
doesn't so much like all the bows I force in her hair (too bad!)
does NOT like men (except daddy and her grandpas)
has no problem being thrown three feet into the air
loves to wrestle with her brother
is still "sensitive" to milk
loves to get a hold of my coffee and drink it - she gets SO MAD when I take it away
she could take or leave the passy but would wither up and die without her blankie!

I am sure I could go on and on here. But my little ragamuffin is pulling on my legs and smiling up at me ever so sweetly. I must go play with her and smooch on her before she passes some other crazy milestone!