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Thursday, December 31, 2009

Saying goodbye to '09.....and "Hello 2010!"

I don't have many musings to talk about today. We've had a full year, to say the very least. I'm not complaining....we have been so blessed.

From watching our 1 year old become a 2 year old.....to finding out we're expecting our second baby....to selling our first home....to buying a new home....moving the weekend before my last semester of school.....my last semester of school... graduating...and just surviving all that life has to offer!! And that's just naming a few!

We joke about how we like to cram all of our major life-changing events into one year....new baby, new house, graduation, etc., etc. ;) haha

So to wrap up this year.... I decided to compile a slideshow of 2009. It's almost 5 minutes long so I realize many may not watch, but I mostly made this for our family and for memories. It's to music so it seems to go a little faster....and I think the song is all too fitting!

I highly recommend taking the time, if you have it, to go through all of your photos taken in 2009. It really takes you back. We all know that a year flies, but man.........so. much. changes. As a matter of fact...I can't even watch this slideshow without tearing up (which I realize could also be due to hormones!). Think back to where you were a year ago today....what were you doing...what was important then...is it still now?....what were your kids doing then....and now? Did you even have a child then? ~Could you have ever imagined?~ I don't think I could.




So to everyone....wishing you a very safe and happy New Year! May 2010 have many blessings in store for you all!

Love,
Our Family

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The nursery....

....if you can really even call it that yet!



This is the new baby's room....stuff is just thrown everywhere! I need to go through clothes, wash, organize, figure out what else we still 'need', etc, etc, etc.

And we have big plans for this room.

Not really. But we do have some plans.....which should hopefully commence tomorrow about mid-morning sometime!

We are going to try something new...something very unlike me. We are going to add color to the walls....and {gasp}....paint them!! We kept our walls neutral in our old house because we bought that house specifically to live in for a few years and then sell. We'll probably be here a while and we always said in our next house that we would add color. So....I think we are. And I'm pretty excited about it.

The deal is...I have this issue with color. I get tired of colors easily and I have trouble committing and really....I don't even have a favorite color because it wouldn't be fair to all of the other colors.

I digress.

But anyway....I have this vision in my head and I hope it turns out. And anyway...it's only paint and it can be fixed! Right?

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

36 week belly.....and update!!



I had my 36 week check-up this morning. They did the 'fun' group B strep test. I thought she was going to check to see if I was dilated any, but she didn't. I know it doesn't matter....me being a repeat c-section and all....but I was still curious! She said that she doesn't do it because sometimes it can trigger contractions...so I said ok....it's not a big deal.

She felt around on my belly.....the baby is head down. Which the doctor said is still a good thing eventhough I am having a c-section because she said it is just easier on the uterus? Ok...sounds good to me!

And that this baby is already a "good 7 pounds!" She said, "Ya'll just make big babies!" Parker was born at 40 weeks and 3 days at 8lbs, 4oz....and the doctor said that this baby will probably be right around that same weight...even though they are taking her at 39 weeks and 1 day (which will mean that I will carry this baby for 9 days less than I carried Parker....yet could be bigger than Parker!).

I go back next week.....then the next week.....and then the next week is d-day {delivery day!}. So...in at least 3 weeks from today we will no longer be parents to one, but to 2!

And in keeping with tradition.....my huge belly for all to see.....


Click here for all of my past belly photo posts.


I think it's pretty hilarious how I thought I was big here at 27 weeks....Haha!!!

It looks so little to me now! Haha!

Monday, December 28, 2009

Better late than never.....


"Better late than never...."

I feel like that is becoming my daily life motto. I have so many things that I want to get done....and no matter how much we actually do get done....I feel like we cannot seem to catch up. I have officially diagnosed myself this morning as nesting. But that's a whole 'nother post for a whole 'nother day.

Today....I am posting about the swing set that we Geoff has finally put together and is ready to go!!

If you'll remember....we got this swing set for Parker back in September....for her 2nd birthday.

Only...we didn't really 'get' it until November due to our schedules and then the rainy weather. (there I go with my excuses again).

Then one thing after another....

Fast-forward to December 19th....and Geoff begins construction.....



Then...onto Monday, December 21. He spent all morning and part of the afternoon working on it again.....

Then Tuesday, December 22.....almost finished!!

Parker was supervising with the waterhose.

Not really....but I wanted to show a picture of her and her face....with M&M residue all around her mouth....they're potty training rewards, you know.....

But on this day....Parker did get to at least climb on the 'fort' part....





And the fourth and final day....yesterday. Phil and Kristin came over (thanks guys!) so that the guys could put a few finishing touches on the swing set (Geoff needed help lifting and holding and blablabla...stuff I was useful for)...and then the girls could play!


And here it is....complete!!!

I am so proud of Geoff for his hard work! That may sound corny....but he put in quite a few hours, and with the exception of just a couple of hours yesterday....he did it alone!

And then here are just a few of the girls enjoying the swings!


And yes.....that is M&M residue all around her mouth....again. ;)

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Adventures in Potty Training

Well....it's official. We started potty training Parker this past Monday. I can give you a list of excuses and reasons as to why we are just now starting.....but it doesn't really matter.

So anyway....we've had some pretty successful days. We haven't googled the subject of 'potty traning'....nor have we read any books. We've received some helpful hints from friends, but other than that....we're just making it up as we go.

The good thing: we think she is aware of when she needs to use the restroom (for both #1 and #2) because she has demonstrated this for us several times.

However....the bad thing: she, herself, is not that motivated to be potty trained. For example, I spent approximately 5 minutes this morning trying to convince a whiny 2 year old how she needed to let me put on her 'big girl panties' and not her diaper.

Have you ever tried to convince a headstrong 2-year-old how it is a good idea to wear panties instead of just going at will in a diaper? Better yet.....have you ever convinced a 2-year-old of anything??

So I ended up heading to the kitchen...leaving my darling child panty- and pant-less....until she finally caved. I'll admit...I felt kind of bad for her....but as soon as I put them on she said, "I need tell Mommy and Daddy when I need go potty!" So....she understands at least a little. I think.

I (we) have learned a few things this week and I'm planning to start changing my strategy up a bit. See- we don't have a set time that we take her to the potty. I pay attention to what she drinks and then we ask her randomly if she needs to go potty. This way has worked several times.

Other times....she gives me signs that let me know that she needs to go and she's holding it. I ask her if she needs to go potty, and in her whiny voice she says, "Nooooooo!" This happened 3 times today. And 3 times she had an accident. And all 3 times were my fault. I've been beating myself up about it, too, because I feel like they could have all been prevented if I would have just scooped her up and made her go. Because this....to me....makes me think she does have an understanding because she is holding it and is aware that she is holding it....but then refuses to go sit on the potty....and most importantly....I didn't make her go!

So...tomorrow is a new day with a clean slate, and a semi-new strategy. I am going to try to put her in a position to succeed! Something I did not do today.

It's a learning curve. She'll be potty trained..... someday. :)

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Funny conversation today:

Setting: She had just come into the living room after waking up from her nap. I was sitting on the couch. At the time, she is in a pull-up that has princess characters on it. She stops at the coffee table. By the face she is making and her mannerisms....I can tell that she has just used the restroom....but I decided not to say anything.

Parker looks down, looks back up at me, and says, "I not tee-tee on the floor."

Me: "Did you tee-tee in your pull-up?"

Parker: "No. I tee-tee on the princess," so matter-of-factly, and almost proud of herself for the mere fact that she didn't go on the floor. Bless her heart. I love this kid.

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Our visit with Santa.

Kristin and I decided to take the girls to the Bass Pro Shop to get their pictures taken with Santa. Last year....we went to Northpark Mall...which I loved, but we just waited too late in the year this year to try that one again! So maybe next year.

But then again....we had a really good experience here, too!! There was a line, but we were still in and out in just a little over an hour.

Parker was able to see the fish...

And play on the boats....



And found a nice, comfy chair to rest in for a bit...



So far so good.

Now...we are at the front of the line, but there are still a few people ahead of us. Parker appears to be so excited to see Santa. She almost walked right up to him, but then we had to hold her back because it was not our turn.

In the meantime...she is saying and waving almost continuously, "Hi Santa! Hi Santa!"

Here he is waving back to her...


At this point....I am thinking there is a slight chance she might go sit in his lap.

But I know my kid....and I was pretty sure that the bravery would end just there....she would get a little closer and realize that she did not want to sit in this big guy's lap that has this fluffy white beard and a big red suit on.

Well....

I couldn't even get her out of my arms. She was holding on so tightly. She pressed her little cheek so close to mine. I was laughing so hard. They offered to get a picture of both of us, and I obliged.

So here it is....our visit with Santa 2009!



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Good Parenting Tip of the Day:

When we were done with Santa...we let her play on the boats for a little longer....we've been cooped up in the house for a few days now.

When it was time to go.... she, of course, did not want to and tried to run away.

I quickly grabbed her and said, "Do you want to go sit in time out?" (At this point she is still squirmy and not at all phased by my threat....which is also typical.)

So then I said, "Do you want to go sit in time out by Santa?"

She stops in her tracks. Sat quietly for a second and responds, "Nooooo!" while shaking her head side-to-side.

She then immediately walks to her shoes and puts them on! Haha! I kind of felt bad...but really....the kids are supposed to want to be good for Santa...so sitting in time out by Santa would really never be good at any age. Right???

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Christmas Baking Bananza


This past Friday and Saturday I had a major baking ordeal going on in my kitchen. I had been itching to do it for a while...but just didn't because of lack of time and motivation. However....I think it is now safe to say....it is totally out of my system.

I think.

The first thing I made were Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls. I made them last year and made a few mistakes. Then I made them this year...made some similar mistakes. Maybe next year I'll remember and NOT make those mistakes.

But let me tell you this..... It's pretty hard to mess up something that is made of dough....about 3-4 cups of butter....and a whole lotta sugar!!! They were still dee-licious!! I had 4 for my dessert after lunch on Friday. I couldn't contain myself. They were still warm and all.

(CAUTION: Do not try this at home. Eating 4 in a row for dessert after lunch and then 2 for breakfast the next day....your stomach will not be happy. This is not from personal experience or anything.)



The recipe makes about 7 pans if you do it right (mine only made about 6 and they didn't rise to be as fluffy as hers)....so I knew that we could not keep them all. So Friday was perfect because I had my pinning ceremony and I sent a pan home with each of our parents.

We interrupt this program...
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A funny story.....about the cinnamon rolls...

So Saturday night we had Christmas at my dad's house. They had their pan of cinnamon rolls sitting out on the dessert table and I noticed that there were only 3 missing.

I asked, "You didn't like them?" They said that they did....and almost immediately...my sister piped up and said, "Marla....some people can't sit there and eat the whole pan like we do." I had no rebuttal. She spoketh the truth.

And I laughed.

On the inside.
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Oh...and Parker liked them, too. Well...she really only licked the icing off...


OK....on with the other goodies.

I made these super easy pretzel turtles. I got the idea from here.

Then I made Pioneer Woman's Best Chocolate Sheetcake. Ever. I really liked it...however...next time I think I need to only bake for 15 minutes instead of 20. I'm still trying to figure my oven out. But still....it was good. And I am still eating it.
And lastly....I made these cupcake cake balls. You can see how to do it here. I am almost embarrassed to be posting this picture because they are pretty sloppy....I was running out of steam....and they look easier to decorate than they really are!! Kelli does such a great job with hers!


And I also made a cheesecake......and to make more excuses for myself....I have not made a cheesecake in SO long.....and it did not turn out. I thought I took a picture of it, but I didn't. Only 1 and half slices of it were eaten at my dad's house. Then when we got home...Geoff said it was ok to throw it away....."but it was still really good" he said.

Uh-huh....sure it was.....we usually throw away decadent desserts that we really like. :)

The end.


P.S. Three cupcake cake ball bites were eaten during the writing of this post. I am out of control and I hope that my sweet tooth dissipates at the conclusion of this pregnancy. I really don't think my body can handle it.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

what to do with all of this 'stuff'?....The Answer

Back in October I had posted a blog about "what to do with all of this 'stuff'?" And it was basically about me going through this old box of stuff that my mom had saved....and whether or not I should keep it....and then what stuff should I save for my kids?

Well....instead of dealing with the issue then....I dealt with it the other day. :)

I did take some of your advice, though....and I finally re-went through the box....decided to throw some things away.....made a pile of some things that I am keeping....and then.... this is what we are doing with the rest of the 'stuff'.......








This was one of my pee-wee drill team uniforms. She loved it!

Saturday, December 19, 2009

And so ends another chapter.


And so ends another chapter.

Today, I will graduate cum laude with my bachelor of science in nursing from Texas Woman's University. I finished my last final this past Monday. I had my pinning ceremony last night. And today, I officially graduate.

All week long I have been trying to put into words how I feel....elated? excited? relieved? sad? ecstatic? And I just can't seem to do it.

Am I happy? Sure. So glad to be done? You bet. But it's like it still hasn't all sunk in yet.

I'm done. No more courses. No more clinical. No more weekends where I have to pawn the kid off on Geoff to sneak in some much needed, but dreaded, study time. No more papers. Done. There's not a break and I have to return after a few weeks. It's over.

It is such a relief, yet it has been such a huge part of my life for the past 2 years that I feel kind of lost (in a very loose sense of the word). Granted- I know that in about...oh...umm....5 seconds I will have no problem 'figuring out' what it is that I need to do next (i.e. finish begin the nursery, do more activities with Parker, actually cook dinner, do the crafty projects that I have been 'meaning' to do for the past few months, spend more time with my husband, etc).....but for now, I am just going to try to process all of this. All of this hard work. Something that I can honestly say..... is the hardest thing I've ever done. And that's saying a lot. And it all means that much more to me because of it.

_______________________________

As I stated earlier...we had our pinning ceremony last night. I had to get dressed up...


It was a nice, personal ceremony where we were able to go up on stage, be pinned by a person of our choice,


and one of our instructors read out our personal note of thank you. I decided to include it here one the blog mostly for memories sake, but also to thank all of you that have somewhat been on this journey right along with me (us)....from watching Parker....to listening to me rant and rave about how hard it was....and how I wanted to quit! So here it is....my little thank you....

"I would like to thank God for giving me the strength and courage to survive nursing school. I would like to thank my family and friends who have supported me through this long journey. To my daughter—thank you for being the blessing that you are and making me smile each day. To my husband—thank you for your unwavering support of me. Thank you for putting up with me when I was difficult (which was very often). Thank you for being such a great father. Thank you for keeping the house clean so that it would be one less thing for me to worry about. Thank you for turning your life upside down to make this possible. Thank you for being you."

___________________________

And here are a few of my dear friends from school...we went through this together every step of the way....laughed and cried together...ranted and raved together. Survived this little thing called nursing school.




And with all of that being said....I can officially say I am no longer in nursing school, but rather....a graduate nurse. I plan to take the NCLEX-RN examination (for my license) within the next month to hopefully pass and officially become a registered nurse!!


And so begins another chapter.....

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Christmas Card Past.



I think it's fun to look back over the years at how our family has changed. One good way to do this, in my opinion, is by looking at our Christmas cards (or at least the pictures that we used on the cards). I did this last year, and so I am doing it again this year!

Here's how our family has changed....

2006- Our first Christmas that we were married. These were our girls...Lola and Lily.

2007- Our second Christmas together.... we added our baby girl to the mix (Parker at 3 months).

2008- We decided to do a family photo along with some individual photos of Parker (15 months old).



2009

I'm not 100% sure this will be our Christmas card. I made it this afternoon during nap time. Still trying to figure out where to get them printed and then the whole envelop situation. But you get the idea! :) (this card was made using elements by Rhonna Farrer)

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Hop on over to walk with me by faith where she is hosting a Christmas Card Carousal!


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