My new motto

I owe my new motto to a very dear friend of mine; Thanks Toni!

"It can't be both of us; either I look good or the house looks good."

Love it! That definitely sums up what stage I am at in my life.

In the still of the night

Having a new baby means that I am up several times a night. I will admit that I do not happily jump out of my cozy bed, stumble down the hallway, and get my crying baby - no I grumble the whole way! But once I get there I settle into a calm about the moment. After having Kinz, I know that these ultra quiet moments with just mommy and baby are short lived. So, I settle into my oh so familiar (and comfy) rocking chair and use the time to pray over my kids, ponder the events of the day, dream for their future, and try to be the mom they deserve. When Jax is back asleep, it is off to Kinz room to recover her with her blankets and gaze at the beautiful little girl who first opened my eyes to the role of motherhood. 

I take solace that in the still of the night, I am not alone. Somewhere in this vast world, there is a mommy doing the same exact thing and this role of motherhood has bonded us. So if you are up with your little one during the night, know that I am here in my Pottery Barn rocker with a baby in my arms, and that what we are doing is extremely important and worth every wakeful minute!

Only half the battle

The other day my friend and I were discussing going to the grocery store with 2 little ones. Before having our little guy, I naively thought that if I could just get everything ready and make it to the store, I would be fine. Not the case! Yes getting out of the house with everything you need is a chore. Getting the kids out of the car and in the correct place (currently that is Kinz in the cart and Jax in the sling or Bjorn.) is a challenge. Keeping them in that place and happy is sometimes problematic. Shopping for everything on your list (if you could find that list!) and making it through the checkout is an obstacle. Making it back to the car with all of your groceries and kids in car seats is work out. And just when you thought you had it made...BAM...it hits you that now you must get all of those groceries out of the car and into their proper place. Inevitably when you get home, one of the kids will be hungry and need to be fed. Then the other. Then it is nap time for both of them. By the time you get both kids down, the butter that has been sitting on your counter with the rest of the groceries, is no longer a solid substance. Cheese is mushy, ice cream is runny, and milk is warm. That is usually the point that I grab a drink, sit on the couch, close my eyes, and tell myself "well at least the wine didn't spoil!"

My Tiny Dancer

Our little peanut just crossed another milestone in her life...she went to her first dance class! Those of you who know me are surely not surprised that she is going to dance class! She absolutely loved it. Kevin and I have always said that she is our little "free spirit" and there is no doubt after watching her today. It brought a little tear to my eye to watch her. This is the first "class" that she has gone to where I am not a part of the class. It totally showed me that she is growing up so fast! She is so self-assured and confident. I am so proud of her and can't wait to see what the future holds!

Pump, Pump, Pump it up

It became that time again for me...not pregnant, 6+ weeks passed delivery, and getting a tad more sleep than before...it's back to the gym time. I actually don't mind working out that much; probably because I choose to go to the classes that I like - namely yoga and cycling. That being said, I had not been to a cycling class since before I was pregnant with Jax. So yesterday I ventured back assuming it would be about the same as the last time I went - wrong! I had forgotten that sitting on that little tiny seat for an hour really hurts into the next day! Ouch, just sitting here typing is hurting. Today it is back to yoga - YIPPEE! That is really my kind of work out; barefoot, on the floor, eyes closed, and no talking. 

On a side note, my gym is really great and most of the people there really do want to work out. But every now and again I see these women walking around and I think they stumbled into the wrong place. They look like they got all dolled up for a hot night out. Is it just me in my SAHM mindframe to not wear make-up to the gym, pull my hair out of my face, and to wear something I don't mind sweating all over?

I did it!

Yes, after all this time I finally found enough free time to read a book. My choice was "The Doomsday Key" a historical fiction novel by James Rollins. It is part of his Sigma series which I just love. It took me a couple days to get through it's 430 pages but I did do it. My poor husband...he is always so excited when I finish a book because when I am reading something I am a bit consumed by it! Now, I am going to pass the book off to my dad will no doubt consider it a light mid-afternoon read. Yes, I am jealous! 

Thank You Pottery Barn!

The other night, as I was rocking my sweet little guy to sleep, I got to thinking about my rocking chair. Many nights have been spent in that chair as I often rock myself and my babies to sleep. It has soothed both myself and my kids in the worst of moments. It is the perfect chair for late night feedings and late night tears. It is easily the best present I received when my daughter was born. Thank goodness it has a washable slipcover (I won't mention all the reasons why it has needed a washing but if you are a parent you know!)

Conspiracy?

I am not a huge believer in conspiracy theories. Sure there are some that I find plausible and interesting if nothing else. But today I am truly starting to question something...can my two children (one of whom can not communicate beyond crying) be conspiring against me in order to keep me sleep deprived? My oldest is known to be a very late sleeper and a very consistent sleeper. My little guy was going in the same direction, sleeping 5-6 hours as a newborn. Now my little guy has decided to wake me up all night long and my oldest has decided to start getting up at the crack of dawn (even with her window blacked out.) I find it interesting that these two events began happening at the same time. Coincidence...I think not!

Gratitude

Sometimes I find it calming to take a moment and think of the little things that I am thankful for. Usually they are things that help make my days go more smooth. Today I am thankful for my IPOD, the baby bjorn, and kids that love music and dancing. My day was quickly heading into a downward spiral but luckily some quick thinking on my part rescued the day from ruins. Plug in the IPOD docking station, throw Jax in the bjorn, and happier times were on the way. I even managed to vacuum the house! When I was done, Kinz came in and asked "Mommy, all done?" When I told her I was, I got a round of applause and a "Yea Mommy!" I can never again say motherhood is a verbally thankless job!

Books, Books, Books

One of my favorite things to do is read! I get this from my Dad who can read a 1,000 page book in one leisurely afternoon. I am not quite so lucky: not lucky enough to read that fast or have a leisurely afternoon. But, I do see the shining light at the end of the tunnel. My kids are beginning to nap on the same schedule and that means, if I am lucky, I get 2 hours of "free time." Yes, I could fold laundry, clean my kitchen, or scrub the bathrooms but lets face it...I don't want to. What I want to do, what I long for, is reading a book! Sorry, Dr. Seuss just doesn't cut it for me. 

Right now I am on a historical fiction kick. I have been reading mostly James Rollins Sigma series which I love. Steve Berry is also pretty good. I will read the new Dan Brown when it comes out as well. Before kids I loved reading crime novels but after Lisa Gardner's last novel "Say Goodbye" I have had to keep a safe distance from that genre. That book nearly sent me over the edge!! Being a Mommy has put me in a very sensitive spot when it comes to crimes and children. However, she does have a new book that is coming out as well as Karin Slaughter (good name pick for a crime novel author) and from a distance they look fairly "safe".  Any other book suggestions from out there in internet land...and no don't tell me to read The Shack! I am sure I eventually will but reread the post...I don't want to read a book about bad things happening to kids. 

My My...how time flies!

Where have the days gone?! I apologize for being so absent from my blog but life got the better of me. The holidays came and went. We spent the first part of the year preparing for our family trip to SeaWorld (which our little peanut loved!!). Then came our precious baby girl's 2nd birthday. After that, we were blessed with the arrival of our little man. Needless-to-say, since his arrival free time to blog, or read, or eat, or sleep for that matter have been at a minimum. In fact, I am being called right now in the form of the saddest little baby cry ever. More to come...

It's a BOY!

Oh my! Yes, our #2 is going to be a boy. That means we have a lot of redecorating and shopping to do. We saved everything from our little peanut but it is all pink! 

We are so excited and thrilled for our new little one. Still working on a name but will let you all know once we decide.

Baby #2!!

Yes, that's right...our little patch of heaven is going to grow by 2 feet in April. We are very excited but can't seem to wrap ourselves around loving anyone as much as we love our little peanut! We of course know we will but it is just foreign to think that...our little peanut is our world, our sun, our moon, and stars!

Stay tuned to find out if our #2 will be a boy or a girl!

Vacation!!

So my DH, our closest friends, and myself all went on vacation and let me tell you...it was wonderful! Woke up at our own leisure, had the butler (yes I said butler) bring up my coffee, lounged by the pool which was heated to the perfect temperature, and enjoyed great meals without having to cut up something into little pieces for my peanut. Yes, she stayed with Grandma and Grandpa who thoroughly enjoyed having her but were totally exhausted. 

Aside from just getting out of the heat, the main reason for our vacation was so my DH and I could reconnect. We put everything we've got into our marriage on a daily basis but sometimes the hustle and bustle of life can leave you feeling drained. We decided long ago that our marriage would always take precedent and we would do everything we could to keep it strong. Going away without our peanut allowed us to focus on our marriage completely. Before we left I mentioned that we were going away just the two of us at my ladies bible study and all of the women really supported and encouraged it. It really made me feel like I was totally doing what was right since most of those women have been married to their husbands for MANY years! 

I deserve a sticker!

Being a mom, especially to a toddler, can be a "verbally" thankless job unlike the corporate world where you constantly receive praise in one form or another. Yes, I know I get paid in hugs, smiles, giggles, kisses, and the occasional love bite, smack, or jab (yes, we are working on the no biting or hitting.) However, today I decided to keep a small list of things that I did today that I deserved a sticker, cookie, or at least a thank you for.

1. I rescued a packie from certain destruction when my peanut tried to throw it into the running garbage disposal.

2. I did not say unkind words to the old grumpy woman screaming to the poor little girl working the return counter at Target. (Yes, I do not like the Target return policy but there are ways of asking politely to speak to the manager - and that would not be screaming so everyone in the dollar section can hear you!)

3. I gave my peanut the can of Little Crunchies while she road in the cart at Target. (DON'T WORRY, I PAID FOR THEM!) 

4. I laughed out loud in the card section when I looked at my baby, who had 3 Little Crunchies stuck in her mouth, crumbs all over her face, and then decided to try and talk. It was so darn cute but reminded me of the Gremlins movie when one of them has like 4 cigarettes hanging out of their mouth.

5. Got Father's Day stuff and birthday stuff for my mother-in-law

6. Made my weekly trip to Sprouts for double deal Wednesday, clipped coupons, and just saved our family a boat load of money.

7. Took our little money pit of a dog to the vet as she was would not put weight on her front leg and did not freak out when the vet told me she won't know if it is broken for a couple days. (I really wanted to say, well I will pay the bill when you tell me something worth that kind of money - but I guess I wouldn't get a sticker for that response!)

8. Did not smart back to my husband when he piped off about the vet trip. 

9. Locked myself in the bathroom to try and have a conversation on the phone, only to find myself laughing about my peanut banging on the door and sticking her little fingers under the door. So cute!! 

10. Made no comment when my DH asked why our peanut can not just sit on the couch. 

But, I would give back all the stickers, cookies, and compliments just so I can see her smiling little face every morning! There really is nothing better than that!

My gift is my song and this one's for you

Music is something that is very constant around our little patch of heaven. At any given time we either have the laptop, ipod, radio, or tv playing some type of music. We are pretty much a fan of all kinds but there are certain songs that just stick with you. Here are some songs that remind me of people in my life:

DH: Son of a preacher man - "the only one who could ever reach me, was the son of a preacher man."

Our peanut: Maneater - this song would ALWAYS put her to sleep in the car when she was little. A guess a little Nelly Fertado never hurt anyone. 

My Mom: Anything by the Beatles - we would listen to them in the car all the time. I have her to thank for getting an A in the History of the Beatles in college. My DH has her to thank for the same reason!

My Dad: I fought the law and the law won - I gave up trying to fight the law in my early teenage years because he would always win! It is no fun trying to argue with a lawyer!!

My Brother: Anything Guns and Roses - he was the only 8 year old on our block who actually convinced his mom to buy him Appetite for Distruction when it came out. She was always a push over for him!

Ton: Pour Some Sugar on Me - On our way to Maui we were listening to the radios on the airplanes and this song came on. We both love it and have danced to it at many a clubs and weddings. So hearing it and being on the plane was not going to stop us from rockin out in our seats. I am pretty sure the boys were totally embarrassed.

Miss M: See you again by Miley Cyrus - Probably just the name reminds me of her but I also change up the chorus to say "My best friend Kinley said oh she's just being Miley."

My father-in-law: Amarillo Sky - "And he takes the tractor another round and pulls the plow across the ground, and sends up another prayer. He says Lord I never complain, I never ask why, please don't let my dreams run dry."

Cheri: Shook me all night long - her anthem! 

That is about all I can think of at the moment. What about all of you out there...any songs that remind you of someone?

Can't believe I am going to admit this...

but I really hate getting flowers now! Me, the eternal feminine romantic, and I don't want flowers anymore. My DH brought home some flowers the other day and I saw them and actually thought "great, something else I have to take care of." In fact, they sat on my counter for a day and a half before they made it into a vase. I didn't even remember to put more water in the vase; they just wilted away. 

I think being a mom has just changed what I view as a romantic (or apologetic) gesture. So honey, if you are reading this and want to be romantic, bring me home something I don't have to care for: like SHOES, HANDBAGS, OR JEWELRY!  ;)

A true Spice Girl!

The other night I made homemade salsa which always goes over well with my DH! However on this occasion it also went over very well with my little peanut! We gave her one little bite on a crumb of a chip and she was hooked! She actually started eating the salsa by the handful (then I busted out the swiffer!). The next morning I mixed some in with scrambled eggs for breakfast and she eat them as fast as she could. Guess that is one way for her to get her veggies!

You know you are a parent when...

it is your 4 year anniversary and you made plans to go out just the two of you. The day before your little one pukes all over you and then acts like she feels terrible. The morning of your big day, she wakes up perfectly fine. Then 1 hour before you start to head out, she pukes all over you again. To top it off, you can't find anyone to teach your class at church so you need to go to church but you can't bring your little one. So your 4 year anniversary date looks like this: drop off your little one with Grandma, go to church and teach other kids, on the way to pick up your little one get In and Out Burger and eat it in the car. Don't worry my DH up sized my drink to a shake for our anniversary! We have plans to celebrate this Friday at a resort here care of my husband's work (he will be there at meetings all day, I will be at the spa!). However, I am sure before I go to leave our little miss will probably start throwing up  =)      

Yes, I know that In and Out Burger is not going to help me get into a swimsuit or rather feel comfortable in my swimsuit but it was SO GOOD! 

We are going on vacation!!!

For the first time since before we had our little peanut, my DH and I are going on vacation alone! Well, not really alone, with our best friends who we really consider family but without the girls (Miss M is our best friends little girl). Ton and I know that as the moms we will certainly cry as we pull away from the house and will need some movies to watch in the car as distractions. 

That being said, here is my real dilemma, we are going to a very nice resort where time will be spent on the beach. Ton is expecting baby #2 and is absolutely glowing. I never really saw a woman glow in pregnancy until Ton got pregnant. I think maybe I glistened but it was really just sweat! Anyways, she will look absolutely adorable with her little baby bump in her swimsuit, but I sadly will not look that cute. I have flab and no baby bump to fill it. So now I need to start really getting in shape again; I took a break after the Tillman Race. However, I just left my super nice gym due to the God's Miracle Campaign at church. We decided that getting rid of the gym membership would be one sacrifice we could make for the campaign. I did talk to my old gym (the one I went to before I was pregnant with Kinley) and I can get a membership there for less than half the cost of my super nice gym but I have to commit to 18 months. Oh what to do...I am in need to a swimsuit and a body to wear it.