We Are One Body

I first heard this song at our church when I was pregnant with Landen and every single time it makes me cry. It starts before any of the words and I get tears in my eyes. I wanted to share it because I really like it. This choir does a good job with it, but I like the more upbeat version our church sings a bit better.

And it's back . . .

The dreaded thrush is back along with colds from the stupidest weather ever. Luckily I caught the thrush early on Amelia and we got to the Doctor the next day and things are looking better. I've now caught it though and we're both taking Nystatin again (because they won't give me Diflucan) in 1 1/2 months. I really hope this isn't going to be a regular occurring thing we catch.

I also bought Poly-vi-sol for Amelia to start taking. When I asked the Doctor what her thoughts were, she agreed that putting her on something would be a good idea since she does seem to catch anything and everything, unlike her brother. I put Landen on those Fl intones vitamins when he quit nursing and was planning on doing the same with Amelia but I guess she'll just get mommy milk and a vitamin to help her out. I hope it makes a difference.

Another note about the thrush, Amelia face broke out again (all over her left cheek) right when the thrush came back. The Doctors keep telling me that it's not thrush, just dry skin... but seriously the Nystatin took care of it last time and the cream seems to be taking care of it again. Plus I really don't think it's a coincidence. Last time it was HORRIBLE and the thrush was really bad, but now both aren't that bad cause we caught it earily. So anyway, she has to be getting thrush on her cheek, it's almost moist there because she favors that side with eating... mom's definitely know best when it comes to their kids, so I guess I'll just have to do what I thinks best for it. Anyone's kid ever get thrush on their face?

Me, A Reality Star

Today I was told I'd be cute for this "Mom Reality" show trying to launch on Bravo. Ha ha ha!

Am I supposed to take this as a compliment? The conversation was a compliment but I'm not sure what kind of Reality Star I'd be. I surely wouldn't want to be considered the same as some of those crazy loons. lol!

Anyway... if I ever get the erge to be on a reality series I know I might have a better chance than I thought I would have had before. Just don't ask me to meet Flavor Flav (however you spell it.) Ha ha ha!!

Awards

Thanks to Cassie at A Blessed Life for this award - I would give this award to you if you hadn't already recieved it!

This awards meaning: "this blog makes us close."

I have definitely made some great friends from blogs and the rules state to give this to eight people that you think are deserving. However, I hate when these awards state a certain amount of people that you have to give them too because you shouldn't have to give an award to a certain amount of people, so I'm breaking the rules and giving it to however many people I want.

I'd like to give this award to three people I feel very close to just because of blogging!

Jen - The Pfaffl House - Hasn't been able to post much because of her illness but she's been in our prayers always.

Sharon - The Birds Nest

Kate - Blessed Cathlic Life

Just One Word

Just because I really don't want to do those dishes. Thanks Crystal. Play along if you'd like!

You can only type ONE Word! Not as easy as you might think. It's really hard to only use one-word answers.

1. Where is your cell phone? Bag
2. Where is your significant other? Work
3. Your hair? Fabulous
4. Your mother? Loving
5. Your father? Helping
6. Your favorite thing? Family
7. Your dream last night? Weird
8. Your dream/goal? Faithful
9 The room you're in? Den
10. Your hobby? Reviewing
11. Your fear? Nothing
12. What do you want to be in 6 years? Family
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. What you're not? Lonely
16. One of your wish list items? Laptop
17. Where you grew up? Country
18. The last thing you did? Vaccuum
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
21. Your TV? Dirty
22. Your pet? Fish
23. Your computer? Dell
24. Your mood? Happy
25. Missing someone? No
26. Your car? Alero
27. Something you're not wearing? Socks
28. Favorite store? NewYork
29. Your summer? Great
30. Love someone? Yes
31. Your favorite color? Pink
32. When is the last time you laughed? Today
33. Last time you cried? Didn't
34. Who will resend this? Someone

WW: My Little Chefs

The Orchard

Yesterday Kurt took 1/2 day and we drove (for what seemed like forever) to the orchard. It was some fun times, as always!
Highlights..

Landen and I enjoy picking up food off the ground to feed to the goats!

Kurt is a lot better at miniature golf than me, but I'll never admit it (to his face anyway.. haha).

Apple Cider Floats are to die for.

This particular orchard has the BEST cider on earth and I'm not kidding.

I found out I really like corn salsa, who would've thought.

Kids grow so fast; Landen could do everything this year (unlike last year). Amelia was in the Moby wrap and slept the entire time last year and this year wanted to be doing everything her big brother did.

Have you ever noticed things at orchards and such that are like decor are really expensive?

Some people are really, really nice - like when they don't make you pay to get in - just because!

Landen is a free sampling/testing junky - can't blame him, I love it!

And... both my kids love the BIG pumpkins.

Flash back Tuesday and a half! The pictures are of Amelia this year loving the big pumpkin and Landen when he was just over a year loving the big pumpkin. Note; Landen was walking EVERYWHERE and climbing, jumping, running when he was that age. Amelia is still getting started! She rode in the Beco Baby Carrier a lot of the time yesterday. =)

Go Cubbies Go!!

Cubs Clinch the Division for the second straight year! Woo hoo!!!

Eddie Veddar -Someday We'll Go All The Way

It's baby time...

... GOTCHA!!!! HA HA HA HA HA!!

Me and My First Baby MEME

Why not? I haven't been tagged in awhile, this one is a bit different and Stacey tagged me! =)

1. Were you married at the time? Absolutely!!

2. What were your reactions when you found out you were pregnant? I was excited, surprised and nervous all at the same time!

3. How old were you? 23

4. How did you find out you were pregnant? One of those home pregnancy tests - I actually knew from looking at my NFP chart though so I'm not sure why I was surprised.

5. Who did you tell first? Well Kurt and I knew very first; he was there when I took it. Then we didn't tell anyone for a little while. Then my mom was the first to know and the rest of our families after.

6. Did you want to find out the sex? No and yes. Part of me really didn't want to and part of me thought it would be cool. We didn't find out though.

7. Due due: July 25th, 2005

8. Did you deliver early or late? I delivered five days late but had it set in my mind that was due between the 25 and the end of July so I wouldn't get crazy when my due date past!

9. Did you have morning sickness? Oh my gosh ... Yep, I was sicker than a dogg with him. I knew the hospital toilet all too well as well as our walls, floors, toilets and even in the truck once. Yep, I was a puker. LOL!

10. What did you crave? Anything and everything in my path. Ha ha ha.. I remember loving hotdogs for awhile.

11. Who irritated you the most? Slow people that wouldn't be quiet.

12. What was your first child's sex? Male.

13. How many pounds did you gain throughout the pregnancy? I was as big as a cow, yep... I'm pretty sure I gained close to 50. Luckily a lot of it was water weight, but Woooiiiieeee!

14. Did you have any complications during your pregnancy? Nadda

15. Where did you give birth? In my living room on the floor!

16. How many hours were you in labor? Entirely too many... yuck.

17. Who drove you to the hospital? I never went to the hospital. I walked myself to my living room!!!

18. Who watched? Kurt, mom, and Bernice like hawks. Hee,hee!

19. Was it vaginal or c-section? I'm pretty sure c-sections aren't allowed in your living room!!!

20. Did you take medicine to ease the pain? Nope!!

21. How much did your child weigh? 8 lb. 12 oz

22. What did you name him/her? Landen Joseph

23. How old is your first born today? 3 years old.

Tag five mommies:

Cassie
Sharon
Stacey
Chantel
Mandy

Can you help and making me laugh

I have a quick question for anyone reading this that uses cloth diapers. We have the fake Fuzzi Bunz and today I think but I'm not sure if Amelia actually leaked through the PUL. Is that possible? Does it wear out after time, do I have a cheap diaper that wore out, is it my imagination? Just wondering.. I have to mess around with it a bit, but I thought I'd post a quick question asking!

PS. Hilarious comments you all had about my babies wanting a baby - "getting to work on a baby, when are we going to give them what they want, the gifts to start looking for, ect." Every time I read one I laughed! No, we're not expecting . . . . right now! I don't plan on keeping it a secret when it does happen though. =)

PPS. Ha ha ha.. who does PS anymore? I don't know.. anyway.. does anyone have a cool idea for my sister Rebecca to call her blog? She's 17, we like to call her Ruby on occasion, she's beautiful (hee, hee.. had to add that twinky) and I thought I'd just pop a question here real quick, see if any of you had a cool name for her. Something catchy and cute, nothing that has to do with her being a teen, a college student, ect. Thanks!

Is it where I belong

It was the first day back at FAMILIA this morning, and yet a part of me wants to be there another part of me really doesn't want to be there. I keep trudging along because it really does me a lot of good, but I dread going. Today all I could think about was - "Landen is the only boy and the oldest in the so called "babysitting room", I'm not going to make Amelia cry no matter what anyone says or looks like, I feel so distracted with my own thoughts, I never have the same answers and I do not feel like I belong anymore.' I don't know - it's not all about fitting in either, it's about growing closer to Christ. Oh, I don't have long until I have to decide to go on with year 3 either. I need this to keep me on track right now, I tend to fall away very easily - but I'm not sure if this is really what I need? How can you love and dislike something at the same time?

When did my babies, not become babies?

Our friends came over today and I had to snap this picture of Landen and Amelia going crazy over 'the baby!'

"When can we get a baby like that?" - Landen

"Baby" - Amelia

"She's so soft. She likes me mom." - Landen

"baby, baby" - Amelia

"Mom, do we get a baby? I want a baby" - Landen

Turning over a new leaf

I've been feeling very sorry for myself lately and doing some serious complaining, even if it hasn't been verbally spoken to anyone that's how I've been feeling. Maybe because I'm not that great at change or maybe it's just me being overwhelmed with things. I don't know exactly what all the problems are.. but they've been here and I'm mostly finding myself feeling sorry for myself when it comes to Kurt being back in school and all that comes along with it. I hate that he has to work longer hours, I hate that he's tired, I hate that there is such thing as homework, I hate less time for the kids, less time for me, it seems like the list could go on. I find myself being a serious mope and down about the entire situation, I can't couldn't get past any of the negative and look at the positive.

Then I realized something last night.. why it took me so long to figure it out I don't know... how selfish I've been about it. We knew it would be hard but it's not really all that hard on me as it is Kurt. I thought to myself how God doesn't give us things we can't handle and that I've been approaching this in the worst way. So for myself I'm writing this out, to help me remember what God has already given me and this is just another path he wants us to follow right now. It's going to be hard but I need to be thankful for what I have, and for some reason it's easy for me to forget that...
I thank God that Kurt is even able to go back to school, that we aren't financially burdened because of it. I'm thankful that I'm able to live the best life I can even imagine, staying home with my beautiful, very healthy children and have an incredibly loving husband who wants the same. That we have no profound medical problems and lead healthy lives. The support system I have when I do get down about things, our great families that would do anything for us. Everything I take for granted everyday I need to be thankful and thank God for.

I'm mostly writing this post today for myself - I honestly felt like I ran into a wall with what came over me and I need to remember it. I'm not going to be a mope about what's going on right now, but try to find the positive. Not that I won't be upset occasionally, but I'm going to start over and really try to make the best out of it. I need to remember the people that really have problems, minor or major that I know right now... going through things I can't even imagine. It makes me feel rotten complaining about these sorts of things. I need to offer it up for them.

I love my husband and know we made the right decision with this! I'm turning a new leaf over, working harder at being more thankful. Prayer really helps you see things more clearly.

WW: The Escapee

So the other day I'm trying to get a picture of Amelia in her Tobie's Trouser diaper that Tobie asked me to get for the gallery. Let me tell you, this is not an easy task. We have the fastest girl ever on our hands and she had no desire in posing for some picture. She'd rather take it off!! Anyway, I turn around to do something while trying to get her to pose and here she is in this basket. She was more than happy to pose in it. I don't think it does the diaper much justice but she sure has fun it in.

A Beautiful Gift

Saturday Amelia and I helped out at the booth our La Leche League group had at a baby fair. I liked it and it seemed like we got a lot of information out to a lot of moms who were interested as well as some that weren't so interested. I really like doing things with La Leche League, I feel like it's something I love, and want mothers to know that it's a beautiful gift to breastfeed your child. Breastfeeding is so not portrayed as beautiful to so many, and two comments at the fair were rather interesting that I must share. One would be the girl/lady that actually said 'disgusting' to breastfeeding. I don't know how anyone could think breastfeeding was disgusting. I honestly wanted to say "you're disgusting" but I would never ever do that. You know those immediate thoughts that go in your head? The second was at the very beginning when a couple asked what LLL was and when told the husband goes "that's not what those are for" completely serious and they both walked away. Plleeeaaaseee... that made me want to gag. Other than that it was good and I really hope we are able to do it again next year. I'd love for our LLL to be a bit more known. I too had fun getting some cool freebies and signing up for some great prizes (none of which I won). I also entered Amelia into the diaper derby which she lost big time.. she didn't even want to move. I think we had an unfair advantage as pretty much every other person had someone at the starting line and the finish line. Oh well, it was fun!

I'm excited that we are actually working at getting enrichment night meetings started for our LLL. I think they will be good for those moms that can't make it to the day meetings for whatever reason. I have so many ideas that I'd love to get going for the enrichments. I'm still in the hunt for a coffee shop type place, yet there is nothing in our town or in the near towns it seems like. Argh! I have actually been staying on top of it and called a few places today. The one I'm really excited to try would be a baby carrier enrichment, where moms bring their carriers and then you can try on different kinds to see what suits you best. Or for mom's that would like to baby wear but don't know where to begin. I have five different kinds and between my friends that I know we would have a great selection. Does anyone do this? Do you have any ideas for enrichment we could add to the list?

My flaws.. I got them!

A couple of weeks ago I found a disgusting flaw about myself.. well I always find things that I should work on and things but this one really struck my nerve. I've been teaching Landen to do little chores that he can actually do himself (we've always done this to a certain extent, but actual chores that he can participate in and I don't have to do anything) and making his bed is one. He does really well with it, but I found myself remaking his bed. Is this sick or what? I stopped myself in my tracks and was like - what is wrong with me? The good little guy makes his bed but it's not good enough, for pity sakes he's 3 and I remake it. I just stood there feeling like the worst mom, how would that make me feel... exactly a loser. Argh! So now I no longer remake is bed and it looks all messy but he did it himself so it looks great! I seriously need to work on not being a perfectionist, I certainly didn't think I was, but I guess I might have a little bit of that in me. Yuck!

Kurt and I have both been telling Landen how proud we are for the great things he does... and because of this we've been hearing a lot of "moommmm, dddaaadddd... you're soooo proud of me" in this loving little way. It's so sweet! He's getting to be such a big boy.

Along those lines, how do your teach your children when they say sorry to actually mean it? Landen is very good about saying sorry, excuse me, etc. but a lot of times I know he just says sorry because he thinks that's what you're supposed to say, but then goes right on doing what he was doing. I realize a lot of this might be his age, but how do you actually teach him what sorry means? Does it just come with time and just continue to teach him good manners? I also told him that certain things hurt God and that we need to be sorry to him... I think he understood that for the most part. Then the next thing I hear him doing is "sorry God" so I'm just wondering, thinking, and praying about how to go about this next step. There is always something new happening while raising kids. =)

Just because I'm up & should be sleeping

ABC's Of Homemaking!

Aprons - Y/N? If yes, what does your favorite look like?
I don't own an apron but I've seen some really cute ones that I would totally wear if I had it.

Baking- Favorite thing to bake? If I'm in the mood. Lately I've been in the mood for angel food cake. Yummy!

Clothes line - Y/N ? I wish I had a clothesline! I do put clothing that can't be dryed outside on the clothing rack.

Donuts - Have you ever made them? Nope and I don't plan on it.

Everyday - One homemaking thing you do everyday. Dishes.. did I mention I hate to empty the dishwasher, I think that's my most disliked chore.

Freezer - Do you use a deep freeze? No. We had a little extra freezer in the basement and it either quit working or Kurt turned it to low in July and all the deer meat rotted along with a gallon of ice cream. It leaked all over the floor and smelled SO bad.

Garbage Disposer Y/N? Don't have one, never used one. They sound dangerous.

Handbook - What's your favorite homemaking resource? My mom, friends and blogs.

Ironing - Love it or Hate it? Hate it, hate it, hate it. I do it at least once a week too.

Junk Drawer - Y/N? If yes, where is it? Unfortunately yes and it's in the kitchen. Yes I have a 'special box' too.

Kitchen - color & decorating scheme. Well it's a tan color, with lots of cabinets. It's one of those long kitchens, not very wide. I have olive green curtains.. I don't really go for decorating themes, I just get what I like.

Love - what is your favorite part of homemaking? Hmm.. I liked Sharon's answer of "my family that fills my home." I'm not a lover of cleaning, cooking or chores that go along those lines.

Mop - Y/N? Nope, I only swiffer.

Nylons, machine or hand wash?I couldn't even tell you the last time I wore them... I correct myself, maybe Easter. I machine wash them, but my mom said that the elastic ruins so I won't bed doing that anymore.

Oven - Do you use the window or open the oven to check? Open the oven.

Pizza - what do you put on yours? Pizza sauce, mushrooms, onions, green peppers, pepperoni, tomato, cheese... I like the works! We have to get 1/2 and 1/2 here becaue Kurt doesn't like all that stuff.

Quiet - what do you do during the day when you get a quiet moment? I've been trying really hard to get back into having my quiet prayer time, blogging/reviewing, things that need to get done while the kids are asleep, a nice bath, phone calls.

Recipe Card Box - Y/N? You know it!

Style of house - what style is your house? I don't know what style house we have. It's a two story, white house with a wrap around porch. It's an older/updated home.

Tablecloths and napkins? I actually just bought a tablecloth. Before that we just had a pretty runner. We always use napkins.

Under the kitchen sink - organized or toxic wasteland? I wouldn't go as far to say it's organized but it's definitely not a toxic wasteland, it's just there.

Vacuum - how many times per week? At least once a day.

Wash - how many loads of laundry do you do per week? Lets see... I do at least 3 loads of diapers a week, 6 regular loads and if I do sheets and things add one or two more. So 9-12 a week.

Do you keep a daily list of things to do that you cross off? I keep a cleaning one when I have a lot of different cleaning jobs to do. I have a dry erase board on the refrigerator that we write things on that have to be done. If I don't do these things I don't remember. Right now I'm looking at two sticky notes on the computer desk so I remember what I need to get done tomorrow just for reviewing. Ha ha ha. I'm kind of like a list junky... for everything.

Yard - Who does what? Well Kurt does all the mowing and trimming. To be honest I've never mowed a yard in my life. I would though! I take care of all the gardening with the flowers and stuff.. I love that. We all pick up sticks and things... pull weeds. You know. I like to do stuff and so does Kurt.

What is your last homemaking task for the day before going to bed? It depends on the day.

Thanks to Sharon for this little bit of fun! If you play along let me know.

There were elephants!

Last night we went to the circus! It was a lot of fun even though Landen was cranky from not taking a nap. It was small but I couldn't believe it actually lasted two hours and kept our attention the entire time. I actually forgot what the circus was like it's been so long since I've actually been to one. I'm so glad we took the kids though! Landen is still talking about the elephants today and googling over the pictures every chance he gets. Both the kids got their first taste of cotton candy too... oh it was so yummy!

On another note... I have so many posts in my head but when it comes time to write them out it's just a bunch of mumbled words. Lots of things I've been thinking about and hopefully I'll get a chance to share them. I finished part of Amelia's Halloween costume yesterday! Ooohh...it's so cute! I've been getting crafty around here - Landen and I have been doing crafts almost everyday & I made this adorable hair clip holder for Amelia too!

Here's the sneak peak... more to come!

WW: Sweet Kisses

Are they going to hate me when they get older for taking a picture of this? They're just so sweet!

A Little Troll

My lovely reliable car broke down this weekend, I guess cars don't last forever without something happening to them, right? We tried to jump it from a families car that was so nice. I wish I would have gotten there name so I could send them a card they were that nice. Unlike the man that actually told us NO. It still irritates me... he had no good reason other than "my vehicle has too many electronics." So you leave a family sitting there because your car has to many electronics's to help them out? I'm pretty sure that if your car can't help someone out it's a sin to have that car. Whatever! So, we ended up having to get towed and my sister came and rescued us. Now I'm car less until we figure out what the problem is. No biggie!

On brighter notes I got new hardware for my kitchen cupboards and I have to say it looks amazing! Last week when the handles grabbed my new skirt and ripped it I said enough was enough. I hated those things anyway and if they were going to rip my clothes, bruise my legs, hurt my kids heads then they had to go. Plus it really updated the kitchen, which is great!

And since I've been thinking about this and I have a second right now - being just a stay at home mom doesn't make me or anyone else for that matter any less of a person in society... so there. Kurt and I made this decision together, I could go to work everyday and let someone else watch my children but I don't. I'm not lazy, I don't sit around doing nothing and I do have a life. Maybe I don't get up and go somewhere to put in my time for x amount of hours during the day but I don't get a break, it's non-stop and yes I get sick of it at times but I wouldn't give it up, I love it! It may seem all fun and games and a lot of times I hope that's how my kids feel, but it's not. I have my things I like to do (blogging and my reviews) and I fit them in when it fits in. Just because I stay at home with my kids doesn't mean I do nothing. My rant for the day! =)

Before & After - Computer/TV Room

I have been so slow lately on things - what is wrong with me? Argh! Anyway, remember way back in the day when Kurt and I painted our computer room? Well it's painted and the old couch is in here, and the awesome entertainment stand is built (thanks to Kurt's Grandpa who is amazing at woodcraft & to Kurt's amazing ability to design things just by seeing it on -- Pottery Barns website.. yes we stole the design *shhh*) and it's slowly coming together with decor. That takes awhile because I don't just buy things to make it look good, I have to find things I actually like. So without further adue... here's the before and after!

The Before - you can't really tell but it was like pink/tan and totally blah.

The After - still more to do, but it's coming along! I love the blue. Notice the blue blanket cover the CD shelf, a little girl loves to get into daddies CD's! Also the shelf... the stereo system is not going to stay on there and I want to get those wicker baskets to go in the two side cubbies - I've been looking for just the perfect size! Note - small little girl doing acrobats on couch, I ended up with so many pictures because she was tyring to do somersaults.. crazy girl! =)

Best Years Of My Life

Okay, I won't get all sappy on ya right now - I'm not in the mood for sappy, I'll save that for another time! The old man and I have been married 4 years today!! Best decision he ever made marryin' this fox.... Ha ha ha... he knows it's true!! Really though best decision WE ever made!!!!! Happy Anniversary honey, I love ya sooo much and you know it. We'll get to celebrate eventually. My hard workin' man is off to work today and then off to school, only to come home late with us homebodies half asleep I'm sure. I wouldn't trade ya for the world!!!

It doesn't get any better than this! We know we're weird. =)

He's a college student and so much more

I'm pretty sure I'm not liking Kurt being in school. It's taking up too much time and I don't like it. Okay, I'm just complaining a bit - and I'll get used to it eventually. He had his first class last Wednesday (all day) and found out that particular class will be meeting on Wednesdays all day until the class is over.. so that means he has to use vacation or work 10 hour days. Ahh! That's not even talking the Thursday class at night.. I don't know anything about that one because his first class it tomorrow. I'm so proud of him for doing this, but I like when he gets home from work we don't have anything that has to be done but have family time. Last night he was up until midnight doing homework (why do we have to have homework.. more on that another day). You girls that deal with your hubby's being gone a lot, I applaud you - I could never do it. We just got to get these next couple of years behind us. Until then, you will have to deal with my complaining.

WW: She's Got Attitude

She definitely gets this look from her Aunt Savannah!

Amazing Wins!

I've been wanting to post some pictures of two things I won to share! I just haven't taken the time to take pictures, even though we've been using them like crazy!

I finally got a pouch sling from Rockin' Baby Slings and can someone please tell me why I didn't get one of these sooner? Amelia and I love it and we use it all the time. It's so easy to just slide on my hip and away we go. Not to mention I LOVE the fabric, it's reversible and it zips at the shoulder depending on what size you want it to be at. I actually won this from entering a blogging contest. Kurt took this picture of Amelia and I - don't mind my ugly hair. Bad hair day. Ugh!

This is old news because it's been like a month, but you know when you sign up for those giveaways of a car that are in the mall, or some place like that. I honestly always think nobody ever wins (no I didn't win a car).. well I just happened to be looking at car seats on line (I think) and entered the raffle at Recaro to win a toddler seat. Well I was gone and when I came home there was a message on my answering machine saying I won something. I was like "yeah right... stupid telemarketers" but since the lady actually had my mailing info I thought I better call it back. Sure enough I won a car seat for Landen. Now we have one in the truck and he uses it gets used all the time. Landen loves going places with his dad. I was supier excited!!