Wednesday, November 30, 2011

funny nap

If you're at all considering a video monitor...my suggestion would be to get one!

I tell everyone that was our "splurge" item when expecting.  Honestly, it was.  It was the one thing that was expensive that was totally a "want" more than a "need."  So happy we got it!

My daughter is a year and a half now and I still use it.  I love watching her play in her crib; to see why exactly she's fussing; or to see if she's OK after that loud noise I heard all the way downstairs, etc.

I do, however, forget to turn it on sometimes.  Riley is older and I'm not too concerned with having it on always.  It's more handy, than anything.

Like yesterday - I should have checked the monitor when I heard Riley talking a lot, just to see what she was up to!  If I did...it would've saved her from a very cold nap.  Brrrrr....



After a couple hours, I finally decided to check the monitor.  I saw her laying down with no shirt!  She was wearing a long-sleeve onesie so she managed to wiggle her way out of the top of it, and it was hanging down over her pants. 

When she woke up, I went in to snap a picture! 

It made me laugh. 

Poop smeared in the crib does not make me laugh!.  (Did I tell you about that?!  No?  Good.  You don't want to know - just use your imagination.  Actually, don't.  Forget I said anything.)

On the other hand, shirts off do make me laugh!  Ha ha.  (This is one of several times now that Riley has had an article of clothing missing from her body after sleeping in her crib...something tells me, it's not the last either!)




It's (little) things like this that remind me how fun it is to be a momma.  I see and hear some funny stuff already!

I'm sure some of you have funny "crib" stories too! 

Just spare me the "poop" stories, will ya?  

Monday, November 28, 2011

thank you's

I really enjoy making easy (and inexpensive) goody bags, party favors and little "thank you" gifts.

Riley & I visited Aaron's side of the family over Thanksgiving...

I decided to create a goody bag for the immediate family (three bags total) since they all do so much for us when visiting.

Honestly, it did not cost much to create each bag. 

Even so, I felt like it was a nice way to say "thank you." 

hot chocolate, magnet list & pen, peppermint soap, candle, and Lindt truffles
(hint: always buy candies or chocolate in a big bag and package yourself to save $$ vs. already pre-packaged items)

the final product
(I bought the bags at Target for $0.25 each!)

I made this "tag" on the computer; cut it out and then glued to cardstock - easy!!


I also took a plate, with 5 different kinds of cookies on it, wrapped in cellophane wrap to share with family.  It looked pretty!  Again, it was an easy and inexpensive way to show my thanks and to contribute something.  (Sorry, I didn't take a picture to share.)

All the cookies were baked during the couple weeks prior to our visit, and frozen.  Having frozen cookies on hand during the holidays is a must in our house.  It's so easy to take them out and package them for family, friends and neighbors.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

There is so much to be thankful for, isn't there?!

 

Sunday, November 20, 2011

25 things

Linking up with Welcome to Mommy World for this post!

I love the idea and always like sharing things about myself...when asked.

Which leads me to:

1.  When you first meet me, you will know very little about me - unless you ask.  I am not a talker.  I will not tell you much of anything personal, actually.  I'm very private when having discussions with people.  But, I love sharing about myself when I get to know someone.  And I always answer a question.  It's just I make the others do all the work!  Ha.  And because I'm on the quiet side - this blog has been a huge outlet for me.

2.  I'm an Army brat.  I was born in Colorado and have lived many different places.  The most "coolest" being Germany.

3.  I used to ice skate (got as far as a single axle).  Heck yes!  I actually love ice skating to this day but don't get to go very often anymore.

4.  My favorite sports when younger were soccer and skiing.  Love them.

5.  I met my husband at a bar.  It's not something I like to share with people.  For some reason it feels weird to me.  I don't like to admit that I had a phase of living the single life - going to bars to interact with other singles.  Ugh.  I know many of us do it - but it's not exactly the place I thought I'd meet my future husband.  Especially being as shy as I am.  Regardless, it led me to Aaron...to which I'm very thankful.  But truth be told, I am glad that that phase is over!

6.  Since we're on "bar" talk...my favorite alcoholic beverage is a margarita.  On the rocks.  I drink them once or twice a year because they have a ridiculous amount of calories in them.  I actually think they deserve to be treated as special though.  It's usually my birthday (in June) when I really want one...and demand one.  Ha!

7.  My favorite type of food is Mexican.  I love most everything they have to offer.  Not to mention, it goes quite well with margaritas!!

8.  I hate the summer.  I really do.  I'm an odd ball.  I guess I should clarify.  I don't hate the sunny days and the fact I can live in flip flops.  But I do hate the harsh humidity that comes with our summers.  I hate feeling sticky.  I hate sweating when I'm just standing outside.  I hate not being able to breathe while out running.  And I HATE bathing suits.

9.  I love fall.  Best time of the year.  Hands down.  Cool, crisp air.  Leaves.  Pumpkins.  Hiking in the woods.  Drinking hot cider while eating pumpkin deliciousness of some kind.  Love. it.

10.  I have a lot of favorite movies - not just one.  But one movie that is at the top of my list is Little Women (1994).  I usually want to watch it in the fall.  It makes me feel happy.  Oh, so happy.  (Even if there are sad moments in the movie!)  Actually, it's a favorite book of mine too.

11.  I enjoy reading but I would rather read magazines any day over a book.  I find books are hard for me to commit to.  Especially now, being as busy (and tired) as I am.  I struggle to start and finish a book.  I read the first Twilight book and not the rest.  I read the first Harry Potter book and not the rest.  The last two books I started to read I left off half way through.  I've been reading the same book now since early summer.  Ha!  Magazines are easy for me to finish and I don't feel the stress of committing to it.  I still like a good book though - that is, when I actually finish one.

12.  Baking is turning into a #1 hobby of mine.  I absolutely love it.  I turn on some music in the kitchen (thanks to my husband's iPod speaker thingy) and listen to music while baking away.  It makes me happy.

13.  I love warm, fuzzy socks.  We have hard wood floors in our house and it's always cold in here.  Socks are a must.  The prettier and the fuzzier they are...the better.

14.  I truly don't care what kind of car I drive.  A lot of people do.  I don't.  (Though, I do want a minivan!  Not necessarily the most stylish of automobiles.)  My first car out of college was an Infiniti G20.  Leather seats, sun roof, etc.  It was nice.  It was used, but it was nice.  Mocha was the color.  How fancy right?  Yeah.  I had that car all of 4 months before getting into a serious, one car, accident and it was totaled.  I was OK.  The car, was not.  After that I didn't care what I drove as long as it was decent, and affordable.  I refuse to be emotionally attached to my car.  It can be taken away in a second.

15.  My family is top priority.  I truly cherish every single family member.  The older I get the more important they are to me.  I feel very lucky.  Our family has always been close, and I get along really well with my husband's side too.  I can honestly say there is no drama!  Aaron and I both always comment on how blessed we are with our two families.  They are different, but we think that's a good thing.  We get all of the good there is to be had, on both sides!  My family is who I want to be around most.

17.  I am a lot like my husband.  They say opposites attract, right?  Well, that's not entirely true for Aaron and I.  We are a lot alike in personality.  Don't get me wrong - we definitely have our differences too.  But I would say we are more alike than different.  He may disagree...but if he does, he's just in denial.  ;)

18.  I "dated" Aaron over email and phone calls for 3 months.  When I met him he was getting ready to go to TX for some training.  He left.  We kept in touch.  He returned, and a year later we were married.  Aaron is, without a doubt, my absolute best friend.

19.  I married in Maui.  Just my hubby and I.  No family.  No friends.  Do I regret it?  No.  I will say, there are times I wish my parents (and in-laws) could have been there with us.  But in all reality I needed our wedding to be private; I needed it to be quiet and peaceful.  It was perfect.  I would marry Aaron again in a heart beat...as long as we get to go to Maui again!  Our families were amazing for supporting us in our decision.  (Again, no drama!)

20.  I never thought I'd love being a mother as much as I do.  It's truly "the hardest job you'll ever love."  It's awesome and stressful all at the same time. 

21.  I love cats.  We have a cat.  And, I'm also allergic to cats.  When I tell people I have a cat and they say "Oh, I'm allergic."  I say "I am too."  Then they look at me weird.  Ha!  Seriously, I shouldn't have a cat but I grew up with them.  The allergy has gotten worse the older I get.  I never hold my cat.  Never.  Kind of sad, right?  (He's too big to hold anyway, heavier than Riley probably!)  I rarely pet him and if I do - it's on his head and I wash my hands after.  I'm lucky Tater is not an affectionate cat that jumps on our laps.  I don't think we could have him if he did.  He doesn't sleep with us either.  His fur seriously bothers me, I can't handle it.  I vacuum all the time.  It's crazy.  I love cats and really hate that I'm allergic.

22.  I love blogging.  I should be doing a million other things right now but wanted to share this post with you!  I just can't stay away...

23.  I think one of my favorite CDs of all time is Pieces of You by Jewel.  It's just one of those albums that means a lot to me.  I still love it. 

24.  I love to dance but don't dance in front of people.  I'm so shy about it.  But I truly love doing it.  This white girl definitely has some rhythm!  Ha ha.

25.  I love God.  I haven't always gone to church (but I did grow up going).  I don't always read the Bible.  I can't quote scriptures (maybe a couple...)  I'm very much out of practice.  I don't like to pray out loud in front of people, either.  But, I do love God.  I'm really happy that I'm going to church again and starting over (in a sense) with my faith.  I will say I've always prayed.  It completely helps me to stay sane.  If something isn't going my way I just stop, pray and let it go.  We only can control so much in life.  Praying has helped me so much.  I'm not naturally laid back.  I get frustrated and stressed very easily.  I'm a perfectionist.  (Uh oh...I'm seeing Riley has these same qualities!)  I don't like to be around a lot of people.  Etc, etc.  In moments like this I just know God is watching over me and helping me to be more patient and to only give my best.  That's all He asks for - is our best.  Every day.  My faith has helped me through many (minor) challenges in my life.

Thank you for letting me share with you!  If you want to link up and post 25 things about you - do it!  It's FUN.  And, we all like fun!

Later gators!

26.  Yes, I'm a little corny too.

jibber jabber

Riley & I have been having a good week.  Its been busy...but a good kind of busy.  We're getting prepared to visit family over Thanksgiving!

We've just been hanging out in between all the rushing around.  We had Emillie and Hannah over here yesterday.  We did some shopping...and we got to Skype with Aaron!  Also, they worked on a little craft while watching Fred Claus (first Christmas movie we have watched) and I too worked on some stuff.  I feel very accomplished this weekend!

Can you see Riley's cute slipper socks?!
Riley watched one of her Einstein DVDs the other night while I was getting organized in the kitchen.  But then I decided to come out and join her a little bit and took some video of her bobbing up and down to the music.


The weather has been nice the last couple days, after the rain we had.  Today was in the 60s!  So nice.  Even our cat, Tater (Tot), can tell.  He's been in the window more lately.


I've been baking up a storm this past week (tried a few new cookie recipes).  And, unfortunately, eating some cookies after they get out of the oven.  I don't know about you but I have a very hard time staying away from fresh, warm cookies straight from the oven.  They call to me!  After I sample them, they go straight in the freezer after cooled.  Out. of. sight.

The first week of my diet and exercise journaling I did great!  I even lost a pound.  This week I've stayed the same.  Honestly, I'm happy with that.  I haven't had much of a chance to get out and run or exercise much this week with all our errands, play dates, baking, etc.

**side note: It's tough being the only parent home with Riley at times.  I have to say a big thing I miss is going out for a jog while Aaron stayed home with her.  Oh well, I'll get that back eventually.  I'm dying to get a treadmill but we need to move first - this house can't fit one or handle it (I'll fall through the floor, ha ha).  I just had to gripe for a moment.

And another reason my weight stayed the same...the cookies.  This time of year is rough.  I love baking and love all the delicious cookies and other holiday goodies!!  They do make me smile.

Anyway, I'm going to keep journaling through the holidays even if my weight stays the same.  At least it'll help me be aware of what I'm putting in my mouth, and help me track the exercise that I am able to do.

Also, I am attending this event at my church on Dec 13.  They are having a baking contest and I decided to submit a recipe for it (sort of last minute).  They only picked 15 recipes and mine was chosen!  Honestly, I was thinking it probably wouldn't be chosen because it's not that fancy of a recipe but the cookies do look pretty.  Here's a picture...



I've never made them before so I'm a little nervous.  I like to know that the cookies are good before giving them away or worse...putting them in a contest!  Yeah - and on top of that I have to bake 6 dozen of them for that event.  Ha ha.  I don't even know when I can do that.  I want the cookies to stay fresh, so should I cook them the night before?  I may have to make a batch prior to that night to make sure they come out alright and I know what I'm doing.  They aren't cookies that would be easy to freeze because a Hershey kiss is in the middle!  What are your ideas and suggestions??  Help!  I don't know what I got myself into...

I'm still doing the cookie swap I told you about earlier too!  Those will be sent out by Dec 5.  A total of 3 dozen I have to bake.  I think I'm doing a cookie bar.  (Check back here on Dec 12 for my recipe!)  Anyway, at least those cookies won't get in my way for these 6 dozen...geesh.

Needless to say, I'm busy - busy baking!

Friday, November 18, 2011

family pics

FINALLY!

As promised - below are pictures from our fabulous, fun, family, fall weekend.

At least I got them up before this weekend is here already!  Geeze.

I need more hours in my day...

Don't we all?!



Riley playing in the leaves...





My brother (aka Uncle Ian) pushing Riley in the wagon...


My sister-in-law, Julie, and my nephew, Jackson.


Jackson & Riley


Ian & Jackson






Riley pushing Jackson all by herself!



Jackson, being all cute on this yellow chair!




Riley being all wild in this chair...


Riley was cracking up while playing peek-a-boo with Grandma around the cars.




Cuties in pajamas (learning how to share)!


Ian (Jackson on his back), Julie, Granddad (my dad), Me (with Riley on my back) out hiking in the woods!


Us again, only with Grandma this time!



My parents...and a big Oak tree.




Riley loves Mister, the cat!




In this picture, Riley is going "awww" as she is petting his belly!


Miss Riley 



It's hard to see Jackson's face, but he's so smiley here, I love it!



Jackson is standing and walking really good now!


Watching the geese...or as some like to say "gooses."



Riley and her Grandma


Ian, Julie & Jackson


We had a blast with everyone!


Now, I'll leave ya with a video of Riley playing in the leaves...if you care to view.




I hope everyone is having a great week!

Thanks for being patient with me...


Monday, November 14, 2011

little of this and that

I want to get on here and blog about this past weekend!

But, I need sleep more...so it'll have to wait for another day.

Riley and I visited my parents in MD.

It was special this time, especially, because my brother and his family were there too!

We had a great time and I really enjoyed seeing everyone.

My nephew Jackson (almost 13 months old) and Riley were so cute together!!

It was relaxing and fun, as always.

And...a little chaotic at times too.  ;)

I will blog more about it soon...I have pictures to share!




I want to say too (even if late) Happy Veterans Day
Thank you to everyone who has served. 
We are thankful for your hard work, sacrifice and commitment to our country. 
God Bless!

To my hubby -
We miss you very much!
But knowing that we're separated because of your service to our country,
makes it a whole lot easier to deal with.
We are incredibly proud of you!
We thank you for all that you do for this family.

Being a military spouse is so special.
It's a title I take very seriously.
I feel so honored and blessed.

We love you with all our hearts, Aaron!


Friday, November 11, 2011

snack time

Riley was funny today during her afternoon snack.

I had given her some kitchen items to "cook" with me this morning while I was making pancakes for breakfast.  She played with the stuff on and off today.

This afternoon, I caught her "cooking" with her snack.

She moved the crackers from the bowl I gave her to the mixing bowl, and was crushing them and stirring them.  Eating, throughout.




I had to laugh because it was the first time she really played with her snack like that.  She's really been using her imagination already! 

I need to start giving her other fun things to do that are different like this.  I need to let her make messes more.  As proven by this face...

"Uh oh.  I made a mess!" face
There's nothing wrong with being messy.  I'm learning this.  Slowly...but I'm learning.

I'm glad she had fun "cooking" today. 

And, I'm glad that I let her!  Messes and all.

(It's tough being a neat freak momma!)