Reality check

Last night, I had a bad attitude and slightly fell into what some might call scrooge. I don't know what came over me. It could have been the fact the my sweet baby girl was so very demanding last night. It couldve been that I felt like my house was so cluttered and seems to be shrinking daily. I am running out of spaces to "be creative" in organzing. It could've been I was so very tired. Whatever it was, I found myself making the comment to my sister (who quickly put me in check), "I can't wait to take down this Christmas tree and re-organize everything!"
What? Did I say that? That is totally out of character for me. I was losing my patience with Natalie, all she wanted was to play kerplunk, when I told her I had too much to do. She helped me stuff Christmas cards when it hit me. As she was stuffing away, she said "I wish everything was done and we could just cuddle on the couch" (Heart melting) What was I doing? Someday she won't want to cuddle on the couch. So I calmed myself down in a hot bubble bath and we cozied on the couch. I feel much better this morning! I'm ready to enjoy life again! We are going to meet my friend Nicole for coffee this morning and tomorrow, Melissa arrives! We always have a great time! I'm ready to enjoy this winter break with Natalie and celebrate the season!

*SOMETHING FUNNY FROM THE MOUTH OF NAT* when I put her to bed last night, she says "Can you shut my door all the way?" I said sure, why? "well Charlie is a bed hog". I had to laugh. This girl begged and pleaded with Charlie to sleep with her the first few days. Not to mention, she is the biggest bed hog. I just smiled and said "ok, now you know how mama feels when you sleep with me." She just laughed! 

 

Welcome Charlie

Natalie has been wanting a dog for quite some time now. I've attempted to find a puppy or dog before, but never found the right fit for us. I responded to a few craigslist ads and none worked out. So last Saturday night I decided I would post an ad on craigslist and say a prayer that if it was to be, it would come to me. I simply said i was looking for a hypoallergenic medium sized dog.

Sunday afternoon, I received an email from Carol telling me she and her husband found a dog and she came across my posting when she was posting to lost and found. She sent this picture.

He melted my heart instantly! We exchanged a few emails and talked on the phone. She was convinced that he was dumped near her home in Newark. No one claimed him and I arranged to pick him up on Tuesday. Ashley and I drove to John and Carol's beautiful home and farm in Newark. We immediately fell in love with this little guy. We loaded him up and took him to the vet to get checked out and catch up on shots.

  While at the vet, they scanned him for a microchip and he had one. Who knew this little gitch would be yet another blessing. He was not registered to anyone, so we are able to register him to us. He had a clean bill of health. The vet and the microchip told us that he is about 1-1 1/2 years old and he is a pure bred soft coated wheaton terrier. Another blessing...it's rare to come across this kinda dog for free! 

The plan was for him to stay with Ash, Andy and Ralph, and I would surprise Nat with him on Christmas morning. He and Ralph were not really compatible temporary roomies, so I changed plans and brought him home to Natalie that night.

PURE EXCITEMENT!!

She too fell in love with him! He is such a good dog. He is somewhat trained with basic commands, house broken, crate trained and for good with children and families. I've updated Carol and her family about him and she expressed the kindest words. She prayed about what do do with this dog she found. She felt that he was meant to be a part of our lives. I agree! He just fits with us. We now share this bond of a Christmas blessing with a beautiful family. My only prayer now is that if by some chance someone lost this precious dog, that God will give them peace that Charlie is safe and taken care of and take away the hurt they may be feeling.  

Thanks John and Carol for taking this little guy in and reaching out to me!

Merry Christmas!

Charlie loves the snow

This is how he sleeps

 

Update 2

Well, I made made Thanksgiving goal and set a new one. I want to lose 20 pounds by Christmas. I am currently down 17.8 pounds! It's getting tough with holiday parties and get togethers. If I make this goal, my new one wil be 30 pounds by Valentines day!  

update

7.4 pounds down!! My short term goal is 10 pounds by Thanksgiving! I'm well on my way and have never felt better!

After getting bored with the treadmill and ellipitical workout and inspiration from the Smith's, I have decided to dive in to the kettlebell workout.

Wow! It's hard, but it's awesome!

More to come!

The Middle Finger?

Who made the middle finger, a part of our beautifully, God created bodies, such a bad thing? I mean, just by holding it up alone and directing at someone can send such a horrible message. To me it is so unclassy and really kinda stupid to use your finger to show your frustration or in most case anger towards another person. This isn't something I think about often, until Wednesday when Natalie said to me "mama, this your middle finger...and it the bad finger" My response to her triggered the thoughts I am writing about today. I said "Yes, it is sweetie. And now that you know that, don't ever use it as a way to show someone you are upset with them". Under my breath I said,"why at 5 years old are you learning such a hateful, ignorant expression?" Why on earth does a 5 year old know about something such as the middle finger, enough to teach it to my "baby"? I have positive thoughts about her public school education so far, and I know I can't shelter her from evil and hatred forever, but does it have to begin so early? All I can do is pray that my influence and what I teach her is stronger than what comes to her at school. I pray over her every morning  that God will keep his hands on her and his angels around her. That she is a positive influence on her friends and teachers and that she makes the right choices.

"Train up a child in the way he should go,Even when he is old he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6 

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Lose it

It is time.

It is time to really buckle down and get healthy...and lose it. Weight that is.

After inspiration from my sister, I am on track. I'm using this helpful little app on my Iphone called "Lose it". You input all your info like weight, goal weight, how much to lose per week,etc. It calculates how many calories per day you can have. You input your daily activities and excercise, and it calculates what you are burning. It's really helpful.

So, I'm on day 4. Really wanting to munch on something not so healthy. I've done well today, so I'm headed to get a 140 calorie treat to help me out. Grande nonfat pumpkin spice latte...no whip. Progress will be posted.

The real truth

Sunday was a "sick day" for us girls.

 Before bed on Saturday, Natalie told me that her throat was hurting. I kinda felt a little less than well myself, but gave her some water, said a prayer over her and told her she would feel better in the morning. The middle of night, i was awakened by more painful throat complaints. Again, a drink of cold water and tucked back into bed.

Sunday morning, I woke early to shower and get ready for church. I wanted to attend a new church. They have 2 services, so I was opting for the early because I intended on taking nat to Boo at the zoo.

When Nat woke up, she was still saying her throat hurt and thought she needed to take medicine. I don't like to give medicine as the first option, so I gave her a popsicle and fixed her breakfast. She told me she was still feeling yucky even after the popsicle. I explained that I really wanted to go to this church and thought we could go to boo at the zoo. She said she only felt like laying around and resting.

This went on all day. She would get up and play then go lay back down. As she always does when sick. She even talked me into giving her medicine.

I tucked her in bed Sunday evening and settled myself to watch a little t.v. She calls for me to come back to her room. I went in to check on her. The conversation goes like this

N: "I need to tell you the real truth, please turn on the light".

ME: What is it baby?

N: Well, I lied. I wasn't really sick all day.

Silence (trying not to crack a smile at the guilt oozing out of her)

N: When you asked me if the popsicle helped, I said no but it really did. You didn't really need to give me medicine. We could have gone to church this morning.

Me: I'm very glad you told me the truth, but why did you lie?

N: I just wanted to stay home in my jammies all day. Do you forgive me?

Me: YES! I forgive you. I love you! Thank you for telling me. Now I think you need to ask Jesus to forgive you.

N: Well, I know this is really the real truth... God says if you do whatever you want to do, you will live happily ever after.

The rest of the discussion is just me trying to straighten out that little myth and re-tucking her into bed.

I suppose tonight I will read her the story of the boy who cried wolf...

Interesting book

Natalie and I read a book at the doctor's office called "Moose with the loose poops". An interesting way to bring bathroom humor to little ones. The jury is still out on this one, however we did get quite a chuckle while reading it.

CHECK IT

www.drhippo.com/books/the-moose-with-loose-poops/index.shtml

Funny story

I was reminded of this story that I forgot to blog about. I will set it up by saying that Natalie is so into boyfriends and crushes at the moment. I know she's 5 right?

We returned home from the grocery store one Friday evening (exciting, right?), when I saw this guy standing in the middle of the road. I slowed down, he moved and on my way I went. I saw him stop a couple people for a second and then they would both keep walking. We parked and I began carrying in the groceries. He approached me to tell me he had rented the clubhouse and seemed to have left his resident key card inside the building. You can't get in without it. I was skeptical, but I said just one minute, let me grab my daughter and I will walk over with you to let you in. (He was rather attractive, so I thought I could be nice) I ran in to get Nat and had to answer 50 questions about the situation. She runs out looks at him and runs back to me as I was locking the door and says "Is it that handsome guy mama?" GASP! I didn't answer, but anyone with a 5 year old knows, that doesn't help your situation. She kept asking. Yes, he heard her and it made for an awkward moment.

I have a feeling this is only the begining of theses moments .

Apple picking, pumpkin picking...

...and a day with 26 kindergartners. It was perfect weather for a day in the fields and a lovely time was had by all. Natalie was beyond excited about riding the bus. In fact, that was the highlight of her field trip. I had 5 children I was responsible for, one being my very own. These were very well behaved kiddos (thank Jesus), however we had a couple wanderers...one being my own :) I did not lose any of the children byut I think I said all their names in my sleep that night. We picked Rome apples. These are pretty tasty apples to eat and also to use for baking . (Just made an apple crisp with a few) We tasted cider and learned a little about the farm and the process of producing apples. Every one ate lunch together so I was able to watch Natalie interact with her friends. That was pretty cool! We moved on for a lesson on pumpkins, indian corn and gourds. At the end of our hayride, we could pick a selection of the above.

It was a great day and I am so thankful I get to be a part of things like this with my girl!

Headed out to the orchard

Picking apples

They were permitted to pick one to eat in the orchard...big stuff for these little people

Lunch with friends

In the pumpkin patch

Our group

 

Apple Pie

One of my favorite things about autumn is baking. I love to bake comfort foods and goodies to fill the air with a sweet aroma. I made a peach pie a couple weeks ago and yesterday, I made an apple pie. I never realized how easy it is. Here is the recipefor this oh so tasty treat.

2 Pie crust

(pilsbury is the best, unless you want to tackle homemade- let me know how that works out for ya)
3lbs. of apples

 (granny smith and courtland are a good mix)

2 tablespoons of lemon juice

3/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

1 egg yolk 1 tablespoon milk

butter

Slice and peel your apples

Toss them in the lemon juice

Mix dry ingredients

mix into apples until coated and syrupy

Line pie plate with bottom crust

Fill with apples

Spot butter on top (1-2 TBS)

Place top crust on and pinch sides

Mix egg yolk and milk and brush on top

Bake at 425 for 15 mins, then reduce heat to 350 for 40- 45 mins.

This was delish!!

 

Kissing Hands

From the book, Kissing Hands comes this picture. Natalie and I love this book, as we find a small similarity with it. Its about a child raccoon named Chester. Chester must go to school and leave his mother, toys, books, friends and all the comforts of home for a child's life before school. Mama raccoon, comforts him by kissing the palm of his hand and assuring him that whenever he misses her, all he has to do is hold that hand against his cheek and he will feel the warnth and love of his mama. He finds happiness and strength in her idea. As he leaves for school, he returns the love by kissing her hand. As he runs off, she immediately holds her hand to her cheek.  

We first read this book in preschool, but it sure plays a part in many things we go through.

Hair Barrettes

I began making hair barrettes for Natalie and my nieces about 2 years ago for 2 reasons, one I could never find any that I really loved and two, it's something crafty and theraputic for me to do. Last year, I began selling them. I sold them in the salon, my mom took them to work, and I did some not so successful craft shows. I am at it again. I have started to make my supply in which I will try to sell in other areas. If any readers know of any outlets to sell these, please let me know. For now, I will try etsy and the salon. Who knows maybe I'll find a good craft show to get in. Here are a few.

 Flowers come in pink, green and yellow $5 each

Candy Corn and 2 varieties of pumkins $5 each

$5 each

Headbands $8

$5 each

$5 each

Hello Autumn

Yes it's here again...my most favorite season. Its such a feel good time of year for me. We kicked of our season the past weekend, by visiting the Country Living Festival with some of our favorite people. Thanks you Ashley for finding this super fun event! Many vendors come from all over to sell their unique handmade crafts, and antiques of plenty! So many things to browse and want to buy. My favorite line of the day came from my niece, Gracie. " Natalie, don't you wish we were grown ups, so we could buy whatever we want?" This was sparked by my veto of a purchase for a ridiculously over priced birdcage that was even more ridiculous looking. We all found goodies and made purchases. I believe Ashley was the most successful. She found some hot items! Including the custest bright blue bird house. The best was the time spent with these amazing people, the memories made and hopefully a new tradition.

{Nat, Gracie, Shiloh and Rylee}

Who knew??!!

Natalie had her 5 year old check-up scheduled on Wednesday. We had to mentally prepare for this day for about 2 weeks as vaccines were to be administered during this visit.

Last year for her flu shot, it took myself holding her restrain style and a nurse holding her arms down. The child freaks out over this. During the physical part of the exam, Dr. Kirkby discovered that Natalie has strep throat. I never would have known...she never acted sick or complained! The difference in this child when she found out she wouldn't be getting shots was amazing. Now I must go prepare for 10 days from now, when indeed she will get the shots.

Do you just wanna be 16?

Natalie and I have been discussing my birthday this week, since it...well it's today and birthdays are so exciting to five year olds.  One conversation that stands out went like this:

N: Momma, how old will you be on your birthday?

me: 33

N: wow 33?! (she begins counting and stops at 16) whoa! that's a lot of counting, don't you just want to be 16?

me: huge smile from this priceless conversation

Oh to be 16 again! Even though the perks of knowing what lies ahead would make for an easy life, I just dont think it would be worth what I have learned and who I have become.

So, as difficult as it is to be graceful about aging, I will enjoy MY day! Who could not enjoy celebrating when you have these three beauties squeeze your neck and say

"Happy Birthday!"

{These lovely ladies sat across from me, making me laugh during my brithday dinner}

 

Its the weekend!!

Never in my life have I ever been more excited for a weekend, than last week.

Oh. My. Word.

 The only person more excited was Natalie. It was her second week of school...yes I said second. And Kindergarten at that.

It all began Monday night , which happen to be labor day, no school and a swimming party at Aunt Pammy's. Nat fell and skinned up her little leg pretty bad. This was after we discovered her recently pierced ears had become infected. She immediately opted that not going to school Tuesday would be the best option.

And. so , it. begins......
Tuesday morning after complaints of her leg, ears and now belly, a little crying and begging, I dropped her off at school. She came home with bug bites from school that day, that she scratched so hard they resembled poison ivy. Wednesday morning, I doctored her up dismissed all the reasons why she should not be present at school and dropped her off. Wednesday evening, after bath, it was time to do the dreadful removal of the 6 bandaids. Not sure if any other child acts like you are cutting off each limb during this process, but mine does. I would not have been surprised if the police had shown up at my door, because of the shrilling screams. Thursday I felt like the most unsympathetic mom in the world as I dropped her off at school. This leaves us with one more day of school...FRIDAY!!!

This photo sums it up! It was Friday and it was the weekend and we couldn't be more happy! We had a great weekend and a fabulous week. Thank. you. God!!

Bandaids are no longer an option for Natalie :)



Where has the time gone?

In my last post, I was preparing for a vacation...I feel like that was yesterday! Indeed it was not yesterday, more like 3 1/2 months ago. Here's a run down of the summer! I so wanted to stay on top of blogging!

Vacation to Duck North Carolina was such a fun vacation! My whole family  went and stayed in a beach house just a few blocks from the beach. Mom and I rented tandum bicycles for us and the big girls for a day. We really enjoyed that and will do it for longer next year. We discovered "crabbing"...that is a definate MUST for next year. It was so fun for all of us, even the kiddos! Weather was great, a few hot days and a couple cooler ones...a great blend! I so enjoy these family trips and look forward to new traditions!


We spent most days at the pool and made some new friends! Clara, Aviana and their mom, Winnie became or pool playmates. The girls really enjoyed playing together and I enjoyed some adult conversation and have a developed a new friend! We miss hanging out with them and plan to have some play dates and fun outings with them now that pool season is over!

We have welcomed little Rylee into our extended family! She is so precious and we are so blessed that God has chosen our family to be a part of her little life!

Ashley and I pulled of not only a smashing party for my sister's 30th b-day, but we surprised her!! It was not easy, but we did it!!

We enjoyed a trip to Kings Island with visiting family from Florida!

Natalie decided it was time for her ears to be pierced, and so it was! She did great!

We  celebrated our Independance Day with my sister's family at her annual firework party!

I watched my sister throughout the enitre summer carry her third baby. Getting more and more miserable almost daily, but it all came to an end on August 13th , when baby Cooper Isaac blessed our lives. He was born after a long day at 8:46 pm. This little guy is so amazing! I can't wait to watch him grow up...and deal with the three girls who have paved the way before him. Little man, you are in for a rea treat!

I took Natalie to Chicago for a little get-a-way and pre birthday celebration. We had an amazing time. American Girl place was first on our stop. We shopped, had her doll's ears pierced, and had a nice lunch at the cafe! This is such a fun thing to do with little girls! We visited Navy pier 2 times...way fun! Natalie convinced me to ride the ferris wheel. I never would have done it, if she didn't talk me into it, but it was really cool. Lincoln park zoo was really neat, despite the extreme heat. It was a fabulous time!!

I owe a birthday post to my baby! She turned 5 on August 30th and started school he same day! It has been quite the adjustment for both of us, but she is enjoying school and the fact that she is a kindergartener. 

So here we are. Septemeber 16th. It is just 2 days until my 33rd birthday. I'm ready to make some changes. I have already made a few, and I have a confidence I am making a turn on to new and fun things in my life!

In hopes that I will re-gain committment to my blog!!
Check out my shutterfly in a few days for all the latest pics!

Vacation Preparation

AHHHHHH! I am leaving for vacation in about 13 hours! I am so ready mentally for some fun in the sun, but I have been so busy tying up loose ends to go this trip to the beach, that I have yet to pack! This has been such a busy week, starting with Nat's last day if school on Tuesday. I went in her class to help with the pizza party, then took Nat and Gracie (and Shiloh too) to the cupcake place to celebrate. My sister and I transferred children and off to work I went. Wednesday was Nat's class field trip to the zoo follwed by a few hours at work getting a few clients in. Thursday (today) I ran errands for things needed at the salon while I was gone, beautified a few clients, came home to get us ready for PRESCHOOL graduation!!! That was so sweet and very entertaining. I'll blog on that later- this is just a run down of where my week has gone and what a hot mess I am at 11:28pm Thursday evening. So here I sit with clothes and essentials spread out, lists made, laundry in the process, piles of things to decide "take or leave behind?", still a few errands to run and my eyelids so very heavy.
I am really looking forward to my vacation, but I must finish preparing now...13 hours and I can relax.

Soccer kinda girl

Nat has been asking to play soccer for about 5 months or so. Actually since the day we watched little Grant play while visiting one of my very best friends in San Diego. We went to American Girl Place on that trip and she just had to get her doll the soccer outfit. One of her Christmas gifts was a soccer ball and goal set. I wanted to be sure this wasn't a fly by night choice she was making, so I held her off and had her continue gymnastics through the spring. When it came time to sign up for the next gymnastics session, I gave her the choice. Gymnastics? Soccer? There was about a three week gap between the end of one and beginning of the other, so we have been playing at the park to prepare her. We bought shin guards and soccer socks, running shoes (they don't wear cleats this young at Soccer First), soccer shorts and last but not least, we went last week to enroll in soccer class. The next day, I mean the very next day after signing her up and paying her fees, she tells aunt Ne Ne, "I'm just not a soocer kinda girl". GASP!!! WHAAAATT!? She talked of wearing a "cute outfit", but not really playing. My sister had a talk with her as did I, about how she talked about this and made a choice to do it...blah blah blah...

I was very nervous how this would all go down on the first day of class, but my worries have been put to rest! She did awesome! She looks like a natural at this sport. She ran hard and played the game. She had a blast!

...and she does have on a cute outfit. 

A Jewel

All your sons will be taught be the Lord, and great will be your children's peace. Isaiah 54:13

After my divorce (ugh, I hate saying that word), I had two choices to make. I could either be hateful, bitter and miserable, allowing others to take care of my daughter and let everything I had worked for drift away, OR I could ask God to heal me emotionally, restore me and guide me to make the right decisions for my daughter and myself. When many times I wanted to choose the easy way, I chose the best way. I have always known that Natalie is a blessing, but this period in her life and mine is where this little jewel shined. I wanted my daughter to remember a fun, loving, childhood with me there (physically,mentally and emotionally) every step of the way. I wanted her to see me as a strong, peaceful, loving, determined and reliable mother. Most of the choices I have made have been for the sake of her and what she needs. Some might find it odd, that her dad and I can be a part of her life together. We can take her to the zoo, go to dinner or just play a game all together. I find it odd to deprive her of her family unit. She is happiest when we are all three together.  I believe one of the reasons God placed this child with me to help me make the right choices and see the differences between what I could've chosen and what I did choose. I believe there are awesome things to come of our lives because of the calling on Natalie's life.

We welcome you summer

After church on Sunday, Nat and I headed to the pool! We had a great day, she was in the pool nearly all day! We even ate our dinner there thanks to the provided grills. She made some friends, hopefully playmates throughout the summer. It was a wonderful day, and we are so excited to enjoy the rest of the summer! As I write this, Nats is still sleeping- I must go wake her for her first day of soccer. After her coversation with aunt Ne Ne about soccer, my next post could be interesting.

P.S. Either I am getting old or the sun is getting stronger. My skin is a shade of red and it's a little tender.

Selah

Selah: "pause", stop, rest and reflect.

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. Selah  Psalm 3:8

This is just what I needed today. I do take moments to read my devotional book and I do look up the scriptures in the bible and sometimes I journal about them, but I don't ever really stop and reflect on it, and I don't do it as often as I should. I want to know what God wants for me and what choices He wants me to make, but if I don't ever Selah, or center myself in His prescence, I'll miss what He wants for me. "Things like deliverance and blessing are no quick fix- these good things take time. With time comes patience, With Patience comes understanding. with understanding come wisdom. And with wisdom comes freedom. Selah."

 

Sweet Day with my sweet girl

Yesterday afternoon, Natalie and I enjoyed an afternoon of "sweets". First stop, Our cupcakery, a unique little bakery in old Dublin. It's tiny coziness, and girly flair, made this a fun little spot. The concept of this boutique of treats, is really cool.

Step One: Cleanse with provided hand sanitizer

Step Two: Choose a bowl to place your creation

Step Three: Pick out the flavor of cupcake (or in a 4yr old mind, pick a color of cupcake)

Step Four: Select a flavor of icing from 8 different choices (again...pick a color)

Step Five: Top it or decorate the cupcake with as little or as many goodies you'd like

*hint* you do pay by weight

Nat's creation was Strawberry Cake, Bubblegum Icing, Gumball Toppings

My creation was Chocolate cake, Raspberry Icing, Chocolate Sprinkles

Our next stop was MJ Candy Bar. It was cool in the way they offered old school candy and the current sweet treats. They offer ice cream as well, but we passed. Nat tends to shy away from candies that she isn't sure of because of her peanut allergy. I built it up in my head to be way cooler than it was. I tend to do that.

We had a great day despite the gloomy rain, but I could sit in a closet with my girl and have a great time!