update on me

In September I had written about getting reconnected with church.  I joined two groups rather fast, knowing that Aaron was deploying and knowing that I needed to get out with Riley.  I wanted to meet other women, young mom's especially.  And I also wanted Riley to get used to being without her momma once in awhile.  It is good social skill practice for both of us!  Ha. 


I really like the church I'm going to and feel they have amazing opportunities and a ton of things for kids (newborn to college age).  That was all very important to me.  Also, they have excellent (free) childcare during their weekend services, and for most of their morning (and some evening) classes.


I was so nervous to start.  Starting was the hardest part actually.  I was more nervous that Riley would be a wreck in childcare and cry the entire time.  I didn't want to be that mom that had the crying, screaming baby.  But at the same time I knew that even if she did cry the entire time, I wasn't the only mom to have ever gone through this!  Anyway, she did cry at first when I dropped her off (and still does to this day).  She only cries initially when I say "bye" and hand her over.  Every single time I have gone to get her at the end of my classes, they say she did great!  She plays well, eats a snack, swings, etc.


The other day, after bible study, I went to get her and she was asleep in one of the ladies' arms.  She was in the rocking chair with Riley.  I couldn't believe my eyes.  This kid rarely sits still for us.  I can't tell ya the last time she fell asleep in my arms!  Too funny.  I guess she was tired.  Ha.  See - she's obviously doing fine with all of this.  It makes me so happy.


I love the bible study I'm attending weekly.  It's called Effective Parenting in a Defective World and is by Chip Ingram.  We're doing the DVD series.  It's so good.  I've already learned a lot and know I will continue to.  I think it'd be a great class for parents to do together too.


I also joined the Mom's Time Out group.  It meets every other week.  I love the discussions we have during these meetings.  It's so laid back and I feel really comfortable talking to the women.  And, we get to eat really yummy brunch foods.  A huge bonus!


Both of these classes have been amazing.  It's one of the best personal decisions I've made in awhile!

columbus day

I hope you all enjoyed the holiday (and day off, for some of you)!

Riley & I went to the playground in the morning and had the place to ourselves!  It started getting more crowded around lunch time, when we left.

I've never taken this many photos of her at a playground, so it was fun to capture it (with my little point and shoot camera).

It's amazing how every time we go she can do more and more.  She is walking up and down stairs so much better.  And she also can go to the slide and sit down all by herself to go down it.  I still have to say "sit" when she gets there to make sure she doesn't keep walking (it is a little scary to watch)!  She's doing great though.

We had a fun time!

this area was just her size!

weeeee!

walking down the stairs by herself

in a fire engine, like her Daddy!
(i sent this to Aaron)

this is when I say "sit" ha ha

she loves slides

climbing up this beam by herself.
it was so scary watching her on it!
she did great though.

now braving the bigger stairs and slide!

Pumpkin Cookies

I don't know about you, but the minute fall arrives I want to eat me some pumpkin goodies!  Yesterday I made a batch of pumpkin cookies, in celebration of fall and all things sweet.  If you like soft, cake-like, cookies than these are for you!  It's a recipe I got years ago from an old co-worker.

Pumpkin Cookies
(Printable Recipe)

Ingredients:

1 cup butter
2 cups granulated sugar
(1) 15 ounce can pumpkin
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
2 eggs
1 tablespoon vanilla
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans (optional)
*recipe for confectioners' sugar icing (optional)

*I started my icing with 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 1 tablespoon milk and 1 tablespoon orange juice.  (You could use some melted butter too, but I didn't want anymore butter in the cookies!)  I added sugar and orange juice as needed afterwards to make the consistency just right.  I wanted mine to be a glaze, so made the icing more thin and runny so that it would drizzle over the cookies nicely.

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
• Grease a cookie sheet (or just use a silicone baking liner); set aside. 
• In a large bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on medium to high speed for 30 seconds.  Add the granualted sugar, pumpkin, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, nutmeg, baking soda, and allspice.  Beat until combined, scraping side of bowl occasionally.
• Beat in eggs and vanilla until combined.  Add flour and combine.  Stir in pecans (or chocolate chips, or raisins...) if using.
• Drop dough by a rounded teaspoon one inch apart onto the prepared cookie sheet.
• Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until edges are golden brown.
• Transfer cookies to a wire rack; cool. 
• If desired, spread with icing once cookies completely cool.

Makes about 72 cookies
(or about 56 if you make big ones like me)

I gave Riley a cookie...

she started running in circles while eating and smiling!

She had to stop to catch her breath.

Enjoy!

(I know we did!)

my little helper

Riley helped me sweep the porch today.

you go girl!

look how long her hair is getting!

hugging Tater

"cheese!"

a year and a half

To Riley ~


You are a year and a half!
(I'm a few days late on this post, sorry.)


You are getting so big - you are taller and filling out more too.
(You have some big, cute, chubby feet too.)


Your hair is getting long!
(We had to cut your bangs because you won't keep anything in your hair!)


You are getting your second year molars, already.
(You are biting on things and constantly sticking your fingers way back in your mouth.)


You currently have a cold and are snoring like a piggy when you sleep.
(Hope you feel better soon...)


You still love eating a wide variety of foods. 
(You ask to "eat" and for "snacks.")


You like your milk too!
(You drink your milk in a sippy cup while holding your blankie.)


You splash like a crazy girl in the bathtub.
(I'm not too fond of bath time, but I love a clean baby!)


You love playing outside.
(You stand at the door, saying "outside" in your cute little voice.)


You say "hi Tatey" to our cat, Tater, multiple times during the day.
(Tater doesn't say "hi" back but you don't seem to care.)


You always wait at the door for Daddy to come in, when he gets home.
(Even now with Daddy gone, you still ask about him so much!)


You are so ticklish and giggle a lot too.
(We love it!)


You make some really silly faces.
(I'm pretty sure you got them from Daddy.)


You love hanging out with Momma in the kitchen.
(I hope you like cooking and baking with me some day too!)


You love when Momma vacuums.
(Yes, your momma is a neat freak.)


You say "made mess" a lot - anytime you drop something on the floor.
(Gee, maybe it's time for Momma to be less of a neat freak?  ha)


You are a big helper!
(You throw trash away, pick up your toys and follow directions...most times.)


You love looking at pictures of your family.
(I have a little project I'll be working on soon to help you with this.)


You love your crib and going to sleep!
(love. it.)


You still throw tantrums.
(hate. it.)


You sing and dance with us.
(So cute!)


You love other kids and playing with them (sometimes hugging them too).
(You call them "babies.")


You love your "cookies."
(Ummm, not sure where you got that from.)


You fight me most every time I brush your teeth.
(I sing to you, and even let you do it yourself but it's still tough sometimes.)


You are saying new words all the time.
(Sometimes we're not sure what you're saying though!)


You love your books.
(We read many books to you every single day.)


You love your Baby Einstein DVDs.
(You start dancing and smiling the second we turn the TV on to put one in.)


You love music.
(You go over to the stereo and try to turn it on.)


You give the best hugs!
(You are not overly affectionate, but you definitely have your cuddly times!)


You are a climber.
(I need to take you hiking.  Up a mountain.)


You have the most beautiful smile.
(This is why you need to brush your teeth!)


You love your sisters, Emillie and Hannah.
(You call them Emmy and Hanny.)


You scream, yell and whine a lot.
(hmm, I wonder if you get any of that from me?)


You are active. 
And...
Funny.
Crazy.
Goofy.
Sweet.
Loving.
Cute.
Strong.
Smart.
Persistent.
Demanding.
Impatient.
Ambitious.
Wild.
Happy.


You are a full on toddler. 
(You don't stop until you sleep.)


You say "I sorry" when you do something wrong and we ask you to apologize. 
(You even say it to Tater when you pull his tail.)


You say "I love you" back to us after we say it!
(You said it to Daddy first, and he smiled so big.)


You say "please," "thank you," and "bless you."
(We're trying to teach you manners, as they are very important.)


We love you little buggy!

sad

Oh, boy.

I'm tired.

Tired of crying.

Its been very sad the last few days.

I had a hard time even watching Aaron with Riley.

And watching him with Emillie & Hannah, too.

Knowing he was leaving...and going to miss them so much.

(and vice versa)

It broke my heart.

Still does.

Deployments are tough.

Please keep our family in your prayers during this separation.

The first couple days are the hardest.

We miss you already, Aaron!

I'll be back on here soon...blogging away, and more happily.

Promise.

**If you haven't voted, please do!

what do you think?

I'm wanting to change up my blog.

I have really enjoyed updating everyone on our family the last year, and more!
(Can you believe its been that long?)

I want to keep blogging about my family; my experiences as a momma.

I love talking about all three of our girls - and my hubby too.  Oh, and cat!

I also want to include some new topics, to help keep me interested in blogging.

Maybe recipes.
(You know I love me some baking!) 

Maybe more photos.

Maybe my ideas on things.

Maybe my feelings.

Maybe my attempts at being creative.

What do you think?