Babysitter Mario
After keeping them outside until they ALL were begging to come in (I just couldn’t pass up the nice weather 
), Mario took over and gave us adults a chance to chit chat!! I was kid sitting for Jenny – ha ha! Do you think they were close enough to the t.v.?
Thanks Mario for the little extra help this evening, because after running after kids All. Day. LONG! I needed you tonight and you pulled through!
Celebration: Preschool Style
Just a warning, this is one of those sappy posts about my kids!! Wednesday was Evan’s last day of preschool. And I *may* have cried more than one time! I guess I was emotional for several reasons:
- Another realization that my baby boy is growing up.
- Miss Margaret is moving!
Evan LOVES her and I do too. She has worked wonders with him. And now I have to find someone as good! - Did I mention that my baby is growing up??
Oh anyway, so to celebrate I asked Evan what he wanted to do?
Any guesses?
Putt-Putt!
So after a long and kinda boring story, we decided to head down to Young’s Dairy for putt-putt, dinner and of course ice cream.
All things Pink
*Warning: Welcome to my Wordful Wednesday Post. And YES, today will be very wordy, but oh so worth the story that goes with the picture at the end!! *
I was never a “pinky” type of girl growing up. Actually I ran from it as much as possible. But something happened around my 18th birthday. I began a fondness of pink. I found myself buying more and more pink clothes, pink accented running shoes, pink accessories.
And now, with 3 guys in the house, I need it more than ever – HA! Any opportunity that I can have something pink – even if it doesn’t match my decor – I must have it. Just like this basket I got to make at Longaberger last fall. Some of my friends made fun of me that I was making a basket that matched NOTHING in my home. But I need some sort of “girly” things amongst the blues and sport paraphernalia in the house!!
The funny thing is, Evan and Carter have now started to realized that pink must be a “mommy color”. If you ask Evan what Mommy’s favorite color is, he will not hesitate to say pink. Even in his Mother’s Day gift:
But the best story so far is one that involves my lil’ C Man! God has blessed me with such a sensitive little boy and I hope he never outgrows the caringness he has for others. Even at 22 months of age, he is so aware of others around him. He makes sure everyone who is playing with him, has a toy. If he is playing with his Hot Wheels, he finds me to give me a car. If we are playing trains at the bookstore, he gets upset if he sees another kid not sharing with others, even if he has the trains he wants. He offers his own toys to Evan if Evan seems upset.
My mom and I took Carter to Toys R Us Monday night. It was bribery, I admit. He was upset that Evan and Daddy left without him, so us ladies tried to make it up to him by taking him to the toy store. As he walked and played through out the store, we waited for him to find something he really wanted. He walked and played and walked and played, but not really wanting anything in particular.
Until he found a bin of baseballs. He picked up one for himself and then found a few pink baseballs. He squealed with delight, “Mommy baseball, mommy baseball.”
“Yes, Carter, that is a pink baseball.”
“Mommy!”
I took it and he was happy! I held onto it for several minutes. All the while, he kept checking to see if I still had it. Occasionally, he would ask me if I still had my “mommy baseball”
When he was occupied with another toy, I strategically placed the ball away so that he wouldn’t see me.
A couple moments passed and he looked at me and asked, “Mommy’s baseball?”
Darn it!
I followed him back to the bin, where he again, picked me out a pink baseball.
I thanked him and continued to walk around with him, waiting for a moment to again discard the baseball.
Because, come on, I can’t be bringing a PINK baseball home to 3 guys! Especially since I don’t play!!
Again, I found a moment to “lose” the ball.
And once again, Carter noticed and asked me where my baseball was.
Fine!
Again I followed him back to the baseball bin and again allowed him to pick out a pink baseball for me.
At this point I knew that I would be purchasing 2 baseballs during this trip. A white one for him and a pink one for me. He wanted to get me a pink baseball, what else could I do.
We got to the check out lane and he double checked that I STILL had my ball. He placed both balls on the register, while saying “mommy’s baseball”.
I handed him his new baseball and kept mine. We headed out to the truck where again he doubled checked to make sure I still had my new baseball.
My mom and I laughed about bringing home a pink ball for the boys to play with, when my mom had a great idea. She encouraged me to put the ball away in my keep sake box. Because one of these days I will need to remember how sweet my little boy was! One day when he is all grown, I will bring the ball back out and retell the story, and reminisce about how he needed to take care of me that day!
Thank you Carter, for taking such good care of me! I pray you always stay this sensitive to those around you! You are my precious little boy!
This post is part of Wordful Wednesday, for more like it, visit 7 Clown Circus.
To view a list of my Wordful Wednesday posts, click HERE.
Top Ten Tuesday: My Birthday Date
Jeremy took me out for an early Birthday date. My birthday isn’t until this Friday,
but he thought it would be fun to celebrate last week because the Goo Goo Dolls came to town. Yes, you can now try to figure out how old I am based on that last statement ! So I though it would be fun to recap the night by linking up to Oh Amandas Top Ten Tuesday. So here we go:
The Top Ten things I loved about my Birthday Date 2010:
10. Dropping the kids off at Grandma’s and Grandpa’s house for a sleep over!
9. Having Jeremy all to myself for 12 hours.
8. Enjoying a bottle of my favorite Riesling, Schmitt Sohne, at one of my favorite restaurants (see if you can figure it out by the picture).
7. Did I mention, a date with my husband, without my kids?? I don’t know how to slow down and enjoy a dinner. So we put it in the hands of one of my favorite restaurants, who pride themselves in the relaxing experience not only the wonderful food!!
6. The Melting Pot, Lover’s Lane. And if the private booth, the bottle of wine and the amazing food wasn’t enough, Steve, our waiter, brought me out some extra Oreo covered marshmallows because I mentioned those were my favorite dipping item!
5. Jeremy organizing the whole evening, IN ADVANCE!! Let’s just say that Jeremy kinda *cough cough* waits until the VERY last minute to make plans for special celebrations (as in runs out the morning of my birthday and picks up a card, signs it in the car and then brings it in to me ) and tends to be a little indecisive when making decisions. Don’t fret, I am not talking down about him, he is well aware of this and we joke about it all the time. So the fact that he took charge and made a wonderful birthday celebration for me is an amazing gift in and of itself!
4. My new t-shirts. Jeremy can be a little *picky* about t-shirts. You know, since he is a graphic designer and all. I was in desperate need for some new t-shirts. So I put Jeremy in charge of finding me some “cool” ones and ones that when I wore them he wouldn’t make snide remarks about. He picked me out 2 tees from Threadless.
Not that I’m complaining, but the t-shirt I REALLY wanted:
was sold out!! But Jeremy did email them so hopefully if they get enough requests, they’ll reprint it and I can get one…
3. The Goo Goo Dolls came to town! They have a sorta special place in our relationship. Their first #1, “Name”, came out when Jeremy and I first started dating. And many of their hits were in the years of our dating relationship. Before college degrees, wedding bands and kids! The Goo Goo Dolls, without sounding goofy, were one of those bands that we listened too when we were “growing up”. So hearing “Iris”, “Black Balloon”, “Slide” sends us back to those carefree days of high school and college. When we thought we would be young forever, blaring the radio, with the windows down.
2. Heading into the concert and the ID checker actually thinking I should be carded! Woot! I, of course, didn’t realize that they were carding and were giving out 2 different color wristbands. I, being completely oblivious of how these things work now a-days since having kids, asked what the different bands meant. I didn’t even bring my ID with me. She said “I don’t know, I think you need to be carded.” I started to laugh and she said, “no seriously”. I informed her that she made my night since I was celebrating my 32nd birthday. She was shocked to hear I would be 32!! Not that I think she thought I was 21, but that I was in my twenties made my night even better!!
1. Okay so I am going to combine several in this last one because they all kinda fit together.
Watching all the teeny-boppers leave after hearing the opening act: The Rocket Summer which a.) I have never heard of because I live in my own little kid bubble and b.) They weren’t half bad. c.) The Goo Goo Dolls? Leaving before hearing the Goo Goo Dolls?
Watching 40 year old drunk people dancing in the isles and looking like IDIOTS. Some of them even getting escorted out of the concert. Not really what I would call a “fun” evening…for them! Geesh people!
Singing “Iris” at the top of my lungs along with the rest of the crowd, with Jeremy’s arm around me, and getting thrown back in time for a few moments.
What a great birthday! Thank you Jeremy! It was too much fun!
Things I Love Thursday: Trader Joes
I love Trader Joes!
I truly fell deeply in love with TJs when Carter started eating solid foods and I began to make purees for him. I found that TJs had the cheapest organic fruits and veggies around my area ( check out a couple of those cost comparison posts: HERE and HERE). And very fortunate for me, it is less than a mile from my house – which is super convenient.
Our relationship ebbs and flows. Obviously due to having a grocery budget, I can’t buy all my groceries there, even though I would LOVE to. So I have to pick and choose wisely. Buying the kids snacks is usually at the top of the list along with Jeremy’s ALL TIME FAVORITE cereal (you’ll have to wait on what that cereal is until next week’s post ).
As I mentioned yesterday, my mom-guilt got the best of me and I have made it a priority to find easy, HEALTHY, on the go snacks for the boys, especially now that the weather is nice and pool season is around the corner.
So today’s post is dedicated to some of my kids’ favorite on-the-go snacks from Trader Joes!!
1. Fruity Flakes
These have taken the place of regular fruit snacks. Because as I mentioned yesterday, Evan LOVES fruit snacks and he loves these just as much! Here is a little comparison of ingredients in both but the very most important comparison is that the Fruity Flakes are 97% real fruit!!
Fruity Flakes:
Fruit (concentrated apple puree, apple juice concentrate, raspberry puree), wheat fiber, pectin, fruit and vegetable juice extracts, natural flavor
Fruit Snacks:
Fruit Juice blend from concentrate (apple and pear), Corn Syrup, Sugar, Modified Corn Starch, contains 2% or less of: pectin, citric acid, dextrose, sodium citrate, color (red40, blue1, yellow5 and other color addded) MailicAcid, Potassium Citrate, Vitamin C, Mineral Oil, Natural and Artifical Flavor, Camauba Wax, Sulfing Agents, Beeswax
Flavors include Apple Raspberry and Apple Watermelon
Cost: $3.49 (for 10 packs, I think)
2. Fruit Bars
Both boys love Nutri-grain bars (or the store brand equivalents). Right now, Carter would eat one for every meal and snack if I let me – ha! Not that these are bad. But here are a few things about the Trader Joe’s brand that stood out to me that makes them healthier.
Made with organic grains
No hydrogenated Oils
Good source of 6 B Vitamins
Contains Selenium
Flavors include: Apple, Blueberry, Strawberry and Fig
Cost:$1.69 (for 8 )
3. Apple Sauce
The one BIG thing that I love about these, and it isn’t even nutrition based I admit, is how portable these are!! Hello, the kids LOVE apple sauce but I can barely remember my keys let along to bring spoons for the applesauce. And since it is squeezable and no spoons required that means less sticky drippy mess to think about! Which makes it completely worth the cost for me! Because as much as I love the boys being able to feed themselves, I really don’t like the applesauce down the shirt look and especially if we are away from the house and I don’t have extra clothes and a bath with me
Flavors: Apple, Apple Carrot
Cost: $2.99 (for 4)
4. Whole Grain Chocolate Chip Cookies
Of course my kids love chocolate chip cookies and if I am going to let them have some without feeling guilt and without me having to make them homemade every time, these are perfect. These are made with whole wheat flour and only natural ingredients.
Cost: $2.99
5. Freeze dried fruit
These are great! They are easy to snack on when we are out and about and they don’t make the kids hands sticky the way fresh fruit does. So they are the perfect fruit snack options when we are running around at the park or soaking up the sun at the pool.Not that I am against cutting fruit up and taking it on the go, but someone *cough cough Carter* has decided he doesn’t like to pick up fruit with his hands. He has gotten really picky about how things feel and if they feel slimy or sticky, he won’t pick them up and he won’t eat them. And once again, I have a hard time remembering utensils.
These come in Strawberries and blueberries.
TJs has a wide variety of dried fruits also, but most that we have tried are too chewy for toddlers to chew. So I have tried to buy things that both boys can eat. Once they get a little older, I will try them again.
So that’s the first installment of Trader Joe finds. Come back next week, when I finish my first set of Trader Joe finds.
So…those are a few of my Trader Joe faves! Now it’s your turn…what are a few of your favorite things?
For more favorites, check out Things I Love Thursday at the Diaper Diaries.
** Disclosure: All views are my own personal opinion. I was not compensated for any of these reviews**
Control Shift
Who knew that your little, sweet, innocent baby will one day have a mind of there own! Man! And it is hitting hard in our household lately. Let’s just say that Evan has recently realized this power and it hasn’t been *too pleasant*. I don’t know who coined the phrase “The terrible twos”. Obviously someone who hadn’t waited until that child hit the 3 year mark. Because, I will just say it, Evan was an amazing 2 year old. I didn’t have any problems with him. But the threes have been a challenge.
One of the lighter issues recently, is what he will be wearing to bed. Now, let me just go ahead and say it, because most everyone who knows me, knows that I am a little obsessed picky with what the boys wear to bed (just as picky as what underwear Evan wears ) Most moms that I talk too who have multiple children say that they are just lucky if the kids have pajamas on and matching is unheard of. But not in my household. I make it a point every night – even if Jeremy is putting their jammies on-to make sure tops and bottoms match. Not just match color-wise but what the original set was as I purchased it.. And if Jeremy, heaven forbid, puts them in jammies that don’t match, I sorta have to go find a mate and change them. I told you! It’s just a weird thing I have going on.
A few weeks ago, Evan rocked my little perfect matching world. He informed me that he would no longer be wearing pajama bottoms to bed. But instead he would be wearing his “basketball shorts just like Daddy.”
Wait a minute! When did Evan get a mind of his own. And when did Evan have enough nerve to so matter-of-factly tell me what he would or would not be wearing. I tried to convince him that pajama bottoms (especially ones that matched their intended tops) are so much more comfortable. But he didn’t buy it.
After all, one of us (Jeremy or I) still have to help him get dressed, so I still should have a say in what he wears right? Even though, he picks out his daily outfits, but for some strange (yes I admitted that already) reason, I am having a hard time giving up jammie control.
So what is a mom to do?
Well, go out and buy him some basketball shorts, obviously. Because the other thing I didn’t mention is that the boys don’t wear anything 2 nights in a row, even if they stay immaculately clean. So only having one pair of basketball shorts still fit from last year is completely inexcusable. Fortunately The Carter’s Store was having an AMAZING sale and all the basketball shorts were $5.00 so I scooped up many pairs! He insisted on having a black pair and a red pair but didn’t care what other colors I got him. I ended up getting him a pair in each color that had his size.
See, I am not unreasonable ! He gets to wear basketball shorts to bed but I STILL insist he match – ha! Over bearing? Not so much! I at least make sure the pajama top matches in color with the basketball shorts he chooses every evening. It’s a compromise, right?
Now it’s your turn…what are some things you are having (or had) a hard time giving up control on? (I want to hear the silly ones! Just so I know I’m not the only one – ha ha)
China Teacups
Our house church has been studying Acts. A few weeks ago, we were discussing what types of things hold us back from giving fully of ourselves, with these verses in mind:
Acts 20:33 – 35:
I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine have supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
The question that we were discussing and kinda veered off from was. “Some are motivated by fame or power, such as the seven sons of Sceva (19:13-20). Some, like Demetrius (19:23-31), are motivated by financial gain. What motivated Paul? What motivates you?”
We discussed this question in great length and veered slightly from the original question. Most of us there, that evening, agreed that fame and power did not motivate us. But along the journey of the discussion, we did discuss items such a material possessions (ex. cars, houses etc). I have to admit and I admitted that evening that I was unhappy with our home. I have been known to complain about it on many occasions. Okay fine, if you ask me anything about my house, it will turn into a big whine fest. I admitted this to the group and told them that I have pittied ourselves and longed for a better home, one like “so-and-so’s”. And this evening I was reminded that I sinned. I guess in a way I have coveted some of my friends’ possessions.
It isn’t about what we own or possess. It is how we are using what God has given us now to further His Kingdom. How has this obsession with wanting a new home, hindered my ability to serve others? to serve God? It has in great ways!
j.caron - Flickr
And if that discussion that night wasn’t enough…I opened up my devotional book the following day to read a confirmation that yes indeed I was focusing more on what I didn’t have and not on what gifts I do have to serve God.
It was a devotional titled “China Teacups”. The beginning example that Grace Fox gave was of a tea party that the host uses different teacups and saucers. No two matching, but yet pulls it together so beautifully that all who attend those special tea parties are blessed.
Here is some of the devotional:
We women often compare ourselves to others. We admire our neighbor’s intelligence. I wish I could think quickly the way she does. We envy another’s musical inclinations. It’s not fair – she can play four musical instruments and sing. We covet someone’s physical appearance. Silky skin, flawless figure – just like Barbie…Or we wish our life’s journey was a little more exciting – like that new woman in town whose manner and clothes and car ooze glamor. Sometimes we adopt the attitude that says, if only I could be like so-and-so.
We forget that God’s hand has shaped us, and is continuing to shape us, into who He wants us to be for a reason. He has ordained a purpose for our lives and that purpose carries eternal importance.
Rather than wishing we were just like someone else, we can give thanks for our individuality. Rather than being jealous or envious, we can thank God for the design He’s stamped withing others’ lives, encourage them to use and develop their gifts and cheer them on when they succeed.
AND if that wasn’t enough to keep me thinking about this for over a week, I read today from Kristen, (We are THAT family) writing for (In)Courage. The title: When Her Life is Better than Mine. Thanks Kristen for such a great post today!! Here is just a quick quote (because I really think you should go read it for yourself because it’s a good one!) the one that really got me in the gut:
As believers, we’re all in a race. But in our mindset, a race signifies a competition, one against another. But we aren’t competing against other believers for the prize. We are running towards the prize of Jesus. There isn’t a trophy podium for first, second and third place. We are all first place winners by finishing the race.
I’m never going to have a house like my friend. And no matter how much I try, I’ll never have her body (insert another cupcake here). But that’s okay. I’m not supposed to.
These are a Few of My Favorite Things
A few weeks ago my good friend Jenny did a favorite things list. Which got me thinking: I tend to be *cough cough* a little brand loyal. So I thought it would be fun to do my own. If I find something that I like, I continue buying it even if it’s not the most cost effective. I thought I would jot a few of my very favorite things down, not any any particular order.
Starbuck's
I LOVE coffee! Any one who knows me knows that I can’t start my day without it’s wonderful gloriousness! So much so that I wrote about it last week. Ever since kids, I really miss my morning cup of piping hot brew. When it comes to coffee, I don’t skimp on just any brand or flavor. I must have my Starbucks French Roast every morning or my day just doesn’t start off right. I try to be as frugal as possible and drink my Starbucks at home, but you know sometimes having my Vanilla Latte at a Starbucks is just plain necessary. Is it bad that Carter will now see the Starbucks logo and yell out “Starbucks” – Hmmmm – don’t judge
Coffee-Mate
Along with my morning cup o’ joe, I must have with it French Vanilla Coffee-Mate. I like my coffee extra dark and with a little bit more creamer than most people. But the boldness of the coffee with the sweetness of the creamer is a perfect mix and makes my mouth happy.
I have had many friends and acquaintances comment on how great my boys smell when they pick them up. I don’t really have a secret. I am totally loyal to Tide – and since Tide came out with the Febreeze Spring and Renewal Scent, I have been hooked. And speaking of Febreeze Spring and Renewal I also will only buy Downy with Febreeze.
Tide and Downy with Febreeze
If you are a runner, you probably already know about my next favorite thing: Balega socks. I was a little skeptical when the owner of the running store suggested I get some. I really didn’t realized that you shouldn’t wear cotton socks when you run. I have never worn anything but cotton in all my years of sports and working out. And besides, I lost my breath a little bit when I saw the price tag. But OH.MY.GOODNESS. They are heaven for my feet! After having to wash my first and only pair 4 or more times a week, I bit the bullet and bought 3 more pairs. Afterall, I *may or may not* have been wearing them around the house when I wasn’t working out because they felt sooooo good on my feet.
As many of my closest friends and family know, I really should own stock in The Gap. Seriously!! Since having children, most of my Gap money goes toward them, but there is one thing that I will absolutely not compromise on! I am in LOVE with the Gap Long n’ Lean jeans. They fit perfectly! They fit perfectly when I was a larger size won’t tell you what size that was, they fit perfectly when I was pregnant (yes, I splurged and bought a pair of Gap pregnancy jeans (no show Long n’ Lean), and they fit when I am at my skinniest. They just always fit perfectly and make me feel great about myself in them. So, although I will RARELY buy something not on sale, these jeans are the one thing that I will purchase no matter what. Since I do LIVE in jeans, I have worn out a few pairs of Long n’ Leans!
Gap Long n' Lean
I have super-sensitive skin, especially my face. I have tried all kinds of lotions and moisturizers, some have worked, some have caused my face and body to become like sand paper – seriously! When I was a teenager – looooong time ago – my dermatologist recommended I use Lubriderm Sensitive for my facial moisturizer. I used it for my moisturizer for years – 17 to be exact! Until, you know, I started to notice “fine lines and wrinkles” and thought I should move up in the world and buy a moisturizer that will miraculously fix those “trouble spots”. Although I don’t use it for a moisturizer any more, I am still loyal! Especially since Lubriderm now has an Intense Skin Repair formula! This was a God-send last year during the winter months when my oh-so-sensitive skin was so dry it burned constantly! I tried several different brands and finally felt relief when I tried Lubriderm. I still use Lubriderm Sensitive during the non-winter months because it gives just enough moisture with out feeling greasy and sweaty, especially in the summer months.
Lubriderm
Although I have sensitive skin, I also am prone to break-outs in my T-zone. I have tried many soaps, but most facial cleansers will again, cause my face to become like sand-paper (tiny bumps all over my face and it itches like crazy and does feel like sandpaper on your finger tips) whether it is a “sensitive” formula or an acne formula. I found my next favorite by accident. I actually got it for Jeremy and I tried it and fell in love with it!! I didn’t get one acne bump or pimple when I was using it. It is Neutrogena Acne Stress Control Power Foam Wash. Unfortunately, I can’t find it any where any longer. I have looked at every major store around where I live, and I can’t find it. But since it is still on their website, I am hoping I will be able to find it somewhere and when I do, I am buying enough to last forever! Okay maybe not that much, but for real I will be scooping up several bottles! Or you know, if you find some, you can go ahead and send me a case !
Neutrogena
Because I have such sensitive skin, shaving was such a hit or miss chore. Many razors will just down right hurt my legs. I will have a burning sensation for 24 hours after I shave. No matter if I shave every day or once a month week. And of course, the unsightly razor burn that comes along with shaving, that us women detest. Many of my loved ones will laugh at me, for HAVING to buy this next favorite, because they have been blessed with skin that could care less what is being used to shave with. But I have found the Venus Razors are the best thing in the world for my legs. I rarely have any sensitivity issues or razor burn when I use Venus. And if you play your cards right and do the CVS thing – you can get them pretty cheap.
Venus
So…those are a few of my faves! Now it’s your turn…what are a few of your favorite things?
** Disclosure: All views are my own personal opinion. I was not compensated for any of these reviews**
Anatomy 101
Okay, so I have shied away from “embarrassing” or “too much info” types of stories, but I really couldn’t pass this one up.
Let’s face it – moms have to – how should I say it – multitask!! So most of the time I don’t get private moments in the bathroom. I mean come on, when a mom’s got to pee, a mom’s got to pee! A few days ago, I was “multitasking” in the bathroom by doing my thing and getting Evan’s pants put back on him since he took his completely off when he used the bathroom.
All of a sudden he yells, and I mean yells, “Mom your not pushing down your pee-pee, while your pulling my pants up, pee is going to go EVERYWHERE.”
“Well Evan, ummmmm, Mommy doesn’t have a ‘pee pee’….”
{Evan interupts me PANICKED} “But Mom, How can you go pee-pee if you don’t HAVE a pee-pee?”
“Well, ummmm, Evan. Mommy has a pee-pee just not like the one that you and daddy have.”
Evan thought about it for a moment and then responded, “well then I need to see it!!”
By now I am frantically pulling up my pants, trying to cover up any views, so that we wouldn’t have to deal with his request (Awww the innocence).
“Mom, but I wanted to see yours!!”
Fortunately at that moment, Carter threw a ball at him and they went tumbling through the house. Thanks Carter, I owe you one!!
Deer or Elephant?
You all know by now that I am desperately trying to become a runner. You know, I’m not! And I am not sure if I ever will become one. And that’s okay with me. I just keep lacing up my shoes and going for it, hoping that one day, if I continue to persevere that I will be transformed from the awkward, clumsy, heavy footed wanna-be runner to the graceful, strong, beautiful runner that I am so envious of.
Last week, while hanging out in the Word, I came across some verses that really spoke to me. You know, sometimes we don’t think that God cares about our “silly” desires – you know the ones like “Lord, please let me be able to run gracefully and for long distances someday” or “God, I would really love to wake up in the morning and be able to jump out of bed without my feet hurting and my toes going numb when shoes are worn”. But then out of the blue God let’s you know that yes indeed he does care about ALL aspects of our lives, including the sillies.
I have been revisiting 1 and 2 Samuel the past few weeks. Evan loves to hear about stories of David, so I thought it might be a good idea to brush up on the details of David’s life from an “adult Bible” – ha ha – you know instead of a rhyming preschool Bible.
I came across these verses and I felt God saying, “I have heard you and I do care about your well being” because really as much as I would love to look like a Deer while running, I am more like an elephant. I can get the job done but don’t look very pretty doing it, you know what I mean?
2 Samuel 22: 33-34 (NIV) says:
It is God who arms me with strength
and makes my way perfect.
He makes my feet like the feet of the deer,
he enables me to stand on the heights.
You know, when was the last time I really prayed about my aching feet or my allergy problems or my inability to be a strong runner? He cares about them all and He is the one who gives me my strength. I can try to work out as much as I can and yes, I would get stronger but come on, He is ultimately the one that I gain my strength from. He will make me or break me (I am hoping for the “make” one ).
So I am still hopeful that one of these days I will transform from the elephant to the deer. And yes, these verses stay in my mind as I painfully work on becoming the runner that I want to be! When my feet ache and my lungs hurt, I remember that God will give me the strength to persevere!
Lucky Dog!
Last week the fam went to a local park. Evan saw this sign:
My very analytical son (which I don’t know where he gets that from *cough cough*) views the sign. He understood most of them but him and Jeremy needed to discuss it a little further.
The wheels began to turn and when he got back to the truck he informed me:
We can hike and have a picnic but we MUST throw our trash away. We CAN NOT hunt or shoot any guns. We CAN NOT ride our bikes. And we can walk our dog. Wait a second we didn’t bring Victor. We HAVE to bring Victor since we have a dog to walk and the sign says we need to walk him.
So……
The very next day, guess what we had to do. Yep we had such a *great* time. I just love hauling a stroller with a toddler, a preschooler and an out of control, barking, pulling on the leash dog! It was so much fun! {insert very thick sarcasm} Okay fine, I didn’t have the greatest time but the boys did bond with the dog and had a great time. And isn’t that all that’s important.
Traumatized: A Stroller Story
The morning started out as it has for the last couple of weeks. I picked up the house and got the boys ready for a run – I have been doing The Couch-to-5K Running Plan with the boys in the double running stroller since it has been so beautiful outside. My MIL texted me to let me know her and Jeremy’s Babci were heading to the park, which turned out to be perfect because me and the boys run around that park on our morning runs before heading to the playground.
It was a beautiful morning, although a *bit* windy (there was a wind advisory for the day). I ran half of my run before heading to the pond hoping Jan (Babci) and Big Babci were already there so I could drop the kiddos off and finish my run sans wind sail stroller. I was in luck, they had just pulled in. I literally ran up to them pushed the stroller their way and kept running. Ha, but Jan had motioned that she could take the kids, so for those of you who thought I was just dumping them off !
I finished my run and circled back to where they were at. They were sitting at a bench finishing up feeding the ducks and beginning their own snack. I had brought some yogurt for myself and had eaten a bite before Jan screams, “The Stroller…”
The stroller had picked up the wind and started rolling down the hill, straight toward the pond. It was one of those slow motion moments. I calculated the chance of being able to catch it in time, but knew it was hopeless.
I may or may not have screamed also, because as Jan and I both will attest, neither one of us handles *emergencies* very well! With both Jan and myself screaming set off a domino effect. Evan started screaming and crying insanely which in turn scared Carter into the same panicked state his older brother was in.
I took off running to the pond. Debating whether or not I should jump in. I looked down at the murky water, then looked at the (thankfully) floating stroller, then back to the murky water. I yelled up at Jan for her to see if there was anything in the car I could use to pull the stroller in, because remember that little tidbit about the wind advisory. The sun shade on the stroller acted like a sail on a boat and slowly the stroller starting sailing away from the rocks which I was standing on.
Fortunately, Jan had a long umbrella and ran it down to me. But it was about an inch too short. Darn it, I was going to have to jump in. Until I realized that there were city workers across the pond mowing the lawn. In desperation, I shouted to Jan to run over and see if they had a rake or ANYTHING that I could pull the stroller back.
Jan took off running, the kids were still screaming and Big Babci was still sitting on the bench expressionless with 2 screaming children sitting with her, and many people going about there business without acknowledging our *emergency* or offering to help. Geeze people this was a very expensive stroller I was trying to rescue!!
Just when I thought it was hopeless, the wind shifted just enough for me to barely poke the stroller with the umbrella and of course shifted again just enough to making pulling it back toward me almost impossible. It took every ounce of energy I had to keep the stroller from sailing away and to keep myself from slipping off the rock into the pond.
I screamed back to Jan that I had the stroller. She ran back to me and tried to hold onto me so that I wouldn’t fall in. I held onto it for several minutes without no avail but at least the stroller wasn’t floating farther away from me. The wind finally slowed enough for me to pull in the stroller slowly. It was terribly difficult to pull it in because the water resistance on the sun shade. Jan now is on her knees too trying to hold onto me while I was teetering on the side of the rock.
We finally got it enough where I could pull it in with the umbrella and Jan was able to reach out for the sun shade. We pulled and pulled and finally were able to pull the stroller to the side of the pond. It then took extra muscle to pull it out of the water. Who knew that a semi- floating stroller could hold so much water.
We pulled the stroller out. The kids were STILL screaming hysterically and the people around the pond were still ignoring us.
Shaking and sweating at this point, I rolled the stroller back up to it’s original parking spot and dumped all the water out of it. We all tried to comfort the boys which neither one of them would go for. Evan kept screaming over and over again that “the stroller is wet, the stroller is wet. We won’t be able to use it”. Carter was just screaming!
I rolled the soaking stroller back to the house and Jan and Big Babci walked the boys over to the playground. Some of the city workers stopped me and asked if everything was okay and that they saw the tail end of the experience. One of them actually asked Jan if there were any kids in the stroller when it happened. Yeah man, I would just be standing there watching my stroller float away with my kids in it, face down in the water??? Men !
So, I am placing bets on if the boys will let me run with them tomorrow!!
If It Can’t Be Audible, Lord…
I have often joked with those closest to me, that sometimes I really wish that God would speak to me audibly. You know, when you have an important decision to make or need to be comforted, that all of a sudden you hear His booming voice talking straight at you. Yeah, I know, that that may never happen in my lifetime and most likely I won’t hear it for myself until I meet Him in Heaven. But, as always, He answers in His due time.
Let me start from the beginning, so you can get a better understanding where I am going with this one.
A few weeks ago, God laid it on my heart to focus more on Him, my husband and my kids. For some reason, my heart was heavy towards these things. I have spent these last few weeks in His Word and in prayer, trying to figure out what exactly He wanted from me. I was feeling lead, but not quite sure where and why.
Specifically, two things have been continuously on my heart and on my mind.
- Focus on honoring my husband and my kids
- Use my time more wisely, especially in the technology aspect (computer and iPhone).
Several weeks ago I wrote a blog post explaining how I couldn’t find enough time in my day to get things done around the house. One morning I woke up and realized that that was because I was spending way too much time on the computer and my phone. I know, shocker! (you know when you have an iPhone it pretty much is a computer that is with you all. the. time)!
I decided right then and there that I would make it my mission to make my computer time less of� a priority. I would only get on the computer AFTER my kids were taken care of, I spent time in daily devotions and in His Word, and the kitchen cleaned and coupons done (hey it’s a start, if the kitchen and dining room is cleaned up I feel I have really accomplished something ).
I again, blogged about why I wasn’t on the computer as much. I have to admit, I felt kinda silly writing about it, because come on, I have so many friends who seem to make their computer time work amongst the other things. But for me, this was a step I definitely needed to take. I even threw around the idea of taking all my apps off my phone so I wouldn’t be tempted to Tweet and check facebook while away from the computer. But I hadn’t gone that far yet, I did limit my time on my phone.
All right, so back to God speaking to me audibly . He didn’t but he did give me a few clear, direct tidbits of what He is doing. Which is so exciting to see. Because, come on, we all need a little bit of God’s insight once in awhile and some encouragement that comes along with it.
So let me tell you 3 specific situations that were a reinforcement and encouragement to me that I must be doing something right !:
#1 As I said earlier, I have been focusing on trying to figure out how I can honor Jeremy, Evan and Carter. I even asked for prayer last week in Home Church during out girls time for this specific need. Which that in and of itself is a pretty big deal, since I don’t like to share my deepest thoughts to anyone!
On Saturday, I went running with my friend and in the midst of our run, I mentioned to her that I was focusing a lot of time on learning how to honor my family more. I came home from my run and all three of my guys were resting so I decided that that would be a good time to sit and do my devotions for the day. I have been doing a rotation between strictly reading my Bible and reading some of my devotional books.
For some reason, I decided to read out of my devotional book that day (I love saying that phrase “for some reason” because obviously it wasn’t my doing, it was God’s way of gently nudging me to do it). I don’t read out of the devotional very often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. I just place a book mark in it and pick up where I leave off.
Don’t you know, I flipped open to my book mark which was still at the end of the previous devotional and I had to turn the page to the next one and you know what I found:
How cool was that? Seriously! What a great encouragement that yes, I was on the right track. You know, since most of the time God doesn’t speak to us through voice, it is hard to know if we hear him right and are doing what we “think” He is telling us to do.
#2 We have a radio in our living room that is very finicky. Even though it is a nice radio it will only play the strongest of radio signals. And as have mentioned before, the boys and I love to sing and especially love to have background music on. So a few weeks ago, I tried to get some of our favorite stations to come in, but nothing. So I put it on a Christian station, that I don’t necessarily enjoy listening to because they don’t play a lot of music, mostly sermons are played during the day.
I decided that that was better then nothing. So I started turning on the radio while we were at home, just for the background “noise”. I found that during rest time for the boys, it was nice to sit on the couch and listen to the radio. During rest time for the past few weeks there have been a variety of wonderful sermons that I have listened too. Guess what the majority of them of been on?
Yep, you guessed it (well maybe not but I will give you the benefit of the doubt): Marriage and how to keep a healthy Christian marriage. So during the afternoons recently, I have sat down and have worked on coupons etc. while listening to a sermon.
Yesterday, I had the radio on but not listening to it.� I would not be able to tell you what the message was about or even who was speaking, but I walked into the room for some reason and at that exact moment that I walked into the room, the speaker says, “…well maybe God is telling you to put away the computer and build a relationship with Him…” OH MY WORD! Are you serious, God? How awesome! He encouraged me with my #1 goal and now He just encouraged me with my #2 goal!
WOW!
#3 Right before I sat down to right this post, I decided to plug my phone in to the computer to sync it up, since I NEVER do and Jeremy likes to remind me that when I put things on my calendar on my phone that he can’t seem them unless I sync my phone to my computer. Oops! So lately we have had some schedule conflicts . I also needed to get some pictures off of the phone for a post I am writing later this week.
After the two of them swapped info and my pictures were put on my computer. The phone CRASHED.� I had to restore it to factory settings. Do you know what that means?? All my apps and pictures – GONE!! Well temporarily until I realized that they can be restored. Oh the magic of technology
So I guess when I was throwing the idea around of taking off all my social media apps until I worked on my priorities, that God thought that was a very good idea. He did show me His sense of humor too. So maybe I will take off those social media apps for a little while after all.
So you see, I am feeling very amazed at what God is allowing me to see in His little plan for me! I do not know what He is up to and may not know for some time, but He has allowed me to see just a few glimpses into His plan and has encouraged me that I am doing something right!
How awesome!! You know, as much as I would love to hear an audible booming voice telling me exactly what I should be doing, I will take these little signs any day! God knows my heart and knows that I need some affirmation when making decisions. He has given me more than what I asked for and I can’t wait to share with you what I have learned from this whole experience. So stayed tuned !
Your turn! Any “God moments” with you this week? I would love to hear about them!
Dear Morning Cup of Coffee,
I love you so! You know how I long for you every morning: steaming hot Starbucks french roast extra dark with french vanilla creamer. We have had a very long and enjoyable relationship. I miss you! Ever since those kids came into the picture, I have been left with a half drank cup of goodness and find myself returning to the microwave to reheat often. If only those kids just didn’t need me when they see me drinking your liquid heavenliness! Maybe one day soon, we will reconnect for a full cup every morning, like the good ol’ days, until then know that I think of you often.
xoxo,
Cortney
This post is part of Wordless Wednesday, for more like it, visit 5 Minutes for Mom, Wordless Wednesday and 7 Clown Circus (Wordful Wednesday)
To view a list of my Wordless Wednesday posts, click HERE.
In a Moment: Still and Quiet
I sat in the rocker, holding Carter, a familiar scene from the past many days. My sick little boy, sat straddling me as I rocked and sang to him. He is still, breathing slowly and deeply, every muscle relaxed, hands and feet dangling, his blankie cuddled under his head.
In this moment, I sat singing and humming and rocking. I traced his protruding backbone with my index finger and outlined his shoulder blades. He had lost weight!
I am helpless. The worst feeling a mother can have.
I sat there, singing and humming and rocking. I am praying that whatever is ailing him, be quickly lifted from him. That the sooner he bounces back to my vibrant, joyful, funny little boy the better.
I sat there, singing and humming and rocking. I begin to weep. Not so much for my own little boy, but for those moms who were at that moment singing, humming, rocking with the feeling of helplessness.
I feel guilty for being so worried about my own son. You see, my son was suffering from a virus. A virus that most likely will be gone in a few hours or at the most a few more days. My son will bounce back.
I realize in this moment that mothers around the world are wishing that their children be sick with only a common virus, not from the cancer that is eating away or from an another life-threatening disease.
In this moment of praying for my sick child, I begin to praise God for allowing my children to be healthy. I then begin to pray for all the children I know, by name. Those that are sick, those that are well.
I begin praying a generic prayer for those parents and children that I can’t name by name but for those who I know must be out there at that given moment, grieving. It doesn’t feel like enough. I feel helpless again.
I sat humbled by the presence of God. I sat blessed, knowing of the responsibility that God has given me, and the blessing of healthy children. I sat a little more empathetic for moms who struggle more than I do.
I sat in the rocker, holding Carter, in the stillness and quietness of that moment.
Juggling Act
I don’t know how so many moms juggle everything! I just CAN’T seem to get my act together. I admit it! I feel like I am in a hamster wheel and I just keep running and not really getting much accomplished. And I know that I don’t even have it nearly as hard as some moms!
I have decided the problem is the “house wife” aspect of this whole SAHM gig is what is killing me. I can be a great mom OR a great housekeeper. But I can’t do both. I know that sounds silly or sounds like I am throwing my hands up and taking the easy way out. Judge if you like, it doesn’t bother me!
So I need your help, because obviously I know in reality that I can’t just stop cleaning and cooking and laundry and…sorry I digress… I need some pointers on how moms do it with multiple small children in the house. How do you find a balance without feeling guilty that the children need more or the house needs more.
I have read books and blogs but none of them really seem to have an impact on me. I need to know how to juggle happy, healthy kids with the other demands of being a wife! If you are a mom of multiple small children (or were one ) and have come pointers, I would LOVE to hear them. Because this mom is just about to lose her mind!
Survey Sunday – March 14
Just a reminder that I am giving away a Dick’s Sporting Goods $50 Gift Card! Come get entered to win!
Workout Plan:
- Monday: Ran 3+ miles outdoors (very very slowly , I guess I can’t complain since it is my weekly outdoor run) But let me just be honest – it killed me! No weights today. My mom needed me to stay at her house for the day because she was receiving a package in the mail that needed signed for and they didn’t give her a time. So I took off and let my dad watch the boys during my run.
- Wednesday: Ran 3 miles on treadmill. No weights today since Jeremy came home for lunch to let me get in a run. Thanks hon!
- Friday: I took the day off sorta. We were traveling for a Weekend to Remember. So I decided to take the weekend off of running and enjoy spending time alone with Jeremy.
Diet Plan:
- Well, not to be sounding like a broken record – ha! I watched what I ate but not religiously! I didn’t count every calorie but enjoyed eating in moderation.
Goals:
- If you recall from last week, I gave myself some new goals to work on, since I felt as though I was in a rut. Those goals were:
- Drink at least 64 oz. of water each day
- Be in bed no later than 10:00 – without any t.v. or computer. My real goal is to be in bed by 9:30 and asleep by 10:00. I read a very interesting article that I saw in a tweet, that was pretty convincing about sleep. To be honest, I don’t know how “scientific” it really is, but nonetheless it convicted me. And since I am having some serious sleeping issues, I thought I would try to focus on getting better sleep
- Up until Friday, I drank my 64 oz. of water everyday. Unfortunately I slacked on Friday when we were traveling, then I was very unfortunate to get a stomach bug while away. So most of Saturday and all of Sunday, I didn’t eat !
- I was able to get more sleep this week also. Sunday – Wednesday I was in bed asleep by 9:30. But again, since the traveling I didn’t get to go to bed at my goal time.
- These will continue to be my goals this week also.
Final stats:
- I lost 2.5 pounds before the stomach bug hit. The stomach bug caused me to lose another pound, which most likely I will gain back as soon as I start eating again.
- Not quite sure what happened with the weight loss. I think it probably had something to do with my lovely birth control and maybe my body just gave up some of the water I retain because of the b.c. Which was a lovely and pleasant surprise. Hoping my body doesn’t decide to retain it again.
- I am able to start getting into some more of my size 6s!
Your turn! Let me know how you are doing on your “healthy” goals! I want to know what things are working well with you and what things aren’t! Let’s do this together!
Watch out LeBron!
Evan came home from Dick’s Sporting Goods with a new basketball – that is a SHOCKER {thick sarcasm}!! But he did go with his Babci and Poppi this time and who can deny those big blue eyes when he says “but I NEEEEEEED a new basketball, pweeze”. Because you know we only have 142 different types of balls in our house hold! Seriously! And the funny thing is, they went to Dick’s to get a new golf club. So he was able to finagle a basketball out of the deal too!
Spring has sprung! And even though the snow hasn’t fully melted in some spots, we have had beautiful spring weather with temperatures in the 60s! So of course that can only mean one thing with Evan – MUST. PLAY. BASKETBALL. OUTSIDE!
I have mentioned a few times that the kid has some ridiculous sport skills for such a young age! Once again, I was able to capture this, just in case he makes it big time and ESPN comes knocking at my door for some “before he was famous” pictures for the documentary they are doing on him!
Look at the form, folks!!
And the Michael Jordan tongue!
And in case you missed it! I am giving away a $50 Gift Card to Dick’s Sports. So click here to get entered to win. And by getting entered you will help me get that much closer to grabbing a spot on the Dick’s Starting Lineup Panel! Because come on, I see many, many, many years of purchasing sports equipment at Dick’s !
Counting my Blessings
So after a hard few weeks, I sat down at my computer to write a post to complain. I still may finish that post. But I was convicted, I have to admit.
So instead of complaining today, I wanted to just spend a few minutes – 5 to be exact and write down everything that I am blessed with and thankful for. Yep the teacher in me is giving me the 5 minute timer. I used to do this with the kids when they were brainstorming. It always seemed to work much better – giving them a set time instead of giving them as “much time as they needed” to brainstorm. And having them know it was a short amount of time really pushed them to write down anything and everything they thought of, even if they thought it was silly, or stupid, or not important.
So here it goes, in 5 minutes, I will write down everything that comes to mind that I am thankful for:
- My amazing, wonderful, patient, kind-hearted husband. Yes I could keep going with the adjectives but you get my drift and I only have 5 minutes!
- Forge – I am thankful that my husband works hard and is able to take care of us. And that he is able to follow his dreams!
- My boys! As much as they wear me down and stress me out. I am thankful that I have two healthy, happy, amazingly smart and funny boys!
- Our home! At least we have a home, that we own, in this economy. There are many things that need fixed and cleaned and organized but we have a place to call ours!
- That both sets of parents (mine and Jeremy) are still healthy and active. And that they live near us. My boys love their Grandparents.
- That I can almost run 3 miles outdoors without dying of a heart attack!
- 2 running vehicles.
- Pizza and cookies!
- A king sized bed to spread out in or big enough to have little boys snuggling with us in!
- Running water!
- A dish washer!
- A washer and dryer.
- A huge window in my living room that lets in the sun in the mornings
- Money to buy groceries – even though I hate couponing and making the food.
- Coffee! (French Roast especially)
- Springtime – daffodils and tulips peaking through the snow.
- The sunshine
- Naps
- A husband that gets up with the kids in the middle of the night. Without complaining – most of the time!
- Heat/Air Conditioning
Okay, five minutes are up. I know that through out the day, I will think of more and that I will want to come back and revise. But I won’t! I will maybe do another post some day soon, when I am bitter toward the world .
Because just in these past 5 minutes, I was reminded that even though I may be upset, bitter, tired, stressed, worn down, high strung, etc. that I need to remember that I am blessed!
Thanks for letting me rant!
Survey Sunday – March 7
Just a reminder that I am giving away a Dick’s Sporting Goods $50 Gift Card! Come get entered to win!
Workout Plan:
- Monday: Ran 1.25 miles on the track, ran 1.75 miles on treadmill, ran stairs, 10 minutes on elliptical and weights. This definitely was an ADD type of workout as you can see!
- Wednesday: No workout today. My dad couldn’t make it so instead I issued an all house nap! So I did get a 2 hour nap in
- Friday: 3 mile run on the track, half mile run/walk after the 3 miles, 10 minutes on elliptical, weights
With the weather improving and becoming more spring-like, I am hoping to get a few runs in outdoors this week!
Diet Plan:
I am definitely going to sound like a broken record, but with both kids still being sick all week long, I didn’t focus on what I ate. I just ate when I wanted too and what I wanted too!
Goals:
This week I thought I would give myself some definite goals to work on! Since I am kinda in a rut.
- Drink at least 64 oz. of water each day
- Be in bed no later than 10:00 – without any t.v. or computer. My real goal is to be in bed by 9:30 and asleep by 10:00. I read a very interesting article that I saw in a tweet, that was pretty convincing about sleep. To be honest, I don’t know how “scientific” it really is, but nonetheless it convicted me. And since I am having some serious sleeping issues, I thought I would try to focus on getting better sleep.
Final stats:
I lost .6 lb! Not bad for not really “watching” what I was eating. I did try on a pair of my bigger size 6 jeans and they fit! Woot! So hopefully I am only a few pounds away from my goal! I am assuming about 4 pounds to go!
Your turn! Let me know how you are doing on your “healthy” goals! I want to know what things are working well with you and what things aren’t! Let’s do this together!
The Quiet
Browsing antique stores
Leisurely dinner at Bravo: great conversation, excellent food
Awkward silence at home
No humming (or glowing) of the monitors while we slept
Sleeping uninterrupted
Hearing the birds chirping outside of our window
Sleeping in without a little body in between us, asking for breakfast
Coffee in bed while enjoying the CBS Sunday Morning
Although the last 24 hours have been heavenly (A HUGE thank you to my mom and dad), our lives are just not complete without our little men. The life we had before just doesn’t compare to the joys we have now – even though those 2 “joys” wear us down sometimes!
I’m A Juicy Insider!
A month or so ago, I came across The Tropicana Juicy Rewards Program after purchasing my 2 cartons of Tropicana orange juice for the week. This program excited me!
Why? You ask. Because Evan has refused to drink milk, since you know, his father doesn’t drink milk (cough, cough Jeremy). Any way, after Evan decided that milk was no longer cool to drink and orange juice was the drink of choice, I was happy to find that Tropicana had a Calcium + Vitamin D fortified orange juice with NO pulp! This was wonderful since #1 I needed to find a new Calcium source that would replace Evan’s milk consumption and #2 I needed to find an orange juice without pulp since he still uses a sippy cup and the pulp gets stuck in the spout.
So between the 2 of them (and I cut Evan’s juice with water), they drink 2 cartons of orange juice a week easily. When I saw the Juicy Rewards program, I was pretty excited to try it out, since I was already buying Tropicana religiously.
I was even more excited when Mom Central contacted me about being a Tropicana Juicy Insider, because I was already purchasing Tropicana and was very pleased with the product. I had already racked up some 25 points (Kroger will also add points to your bank for each Tropicana product you purchase if you have and use your Kroger Plus Card) and couldn’t wait to start using them.
So being a Tropicana Juicy Insider means that I will be bringing you some great information from Tropicana over the next few months, especially in the area of their Juicy Rewards Program.
So here are the basics: You earn points when purchasing Tropicana products which you then can enter into their system and purchase items, tickets, coupons, etc. from their many choices.
Saving money is easier and more fun than ever with Tropicana Juicy Rewards. Explore 20,000 ways to save on everything from golf and workout gear to waterpark and zoo admissions.
Jeremy is super excited because there are some GREAT deals on golf course admissions to courses he loves to go to! I’m excited because there are some great deals on activities that the boys will enjoy when the weather gets warmer!
So getting started is pretty easy and for being one of my loyal readers, Mom Cental has a bonus point for you:
To set up your account and get your bonus point:
1. Go to www.tropicana.com
2. Set-up your Tropicana Juicy Rewards account (just take a minute!)?
3. Visit the “Enter Codes” page within the site and get started with MOMCE-NTRAL
*This one-time use code is valid for new accounts ONLY. Must be entered within 6 hours of creating your account.
It’s that simple! Now go start earning your rewards!
**I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review. However, the opinions sited are my own and were not provided to me by the sponsor.
The Reading Light Bulb Has Come On
Evan has realized that letters string together into words. It is a pretty cool thing to watch (especially when you are a teacher) to watch that light bulb go off and the world open up. Being able to see the exact moment that the switch was turned on is super exciting!
Since beginning preschool a few weeks ago, Evan has been really interested in letters and what sounds they make, but this week, the connection between those sounds making actual words has been made.
As an example, this weekend I was wearing one of my favorite t-shirts 
around the house. My New Balance “Run” t-shirt pictured here. Now give me a break, the following picture was taken right after I ran, so I am looking a little rough around the edges. But the point I am trying to make involves actually seeing this shirt. As you can see, the design would be slightly difficult to read to a beginner reader. And you can’t really see the lighter lines, but there is a distinct “r u n”.
Evan jumped up on my lap, pointed to the “r” and said, “That’s an ‘r’, an ‘r’ sounds like ‘rrrrrr’. And next is a ‘u’ then ‘n’. Mommy was does ‘run’ say.
So together, we sounded out the letters and he was sooooo excited that he could “read” my shirt. He kept repeating “rrruuuunnnn”.
Now it is all he wants to do. “Mommy what does this say?”, “Mommy what does that say?”, “Mommy can you spell…”
Today, he read “Knuffle Bunny”, cover to cover to Carter. He has the book memorized so I pointed to the words and he “read” them to Carter. But when he read the word “daddy” the first time, he flipped through the pages and pointed out every single “daddy” in the book.
“Mom, ‘daddy’ is spelled ‘d-a-d-d-y’”
He also has picked up on the fact that Jeremy and I will spell things out when we don’t want him knowing what we are talking about.
“What you sayin, Mom? You just said ‘b’, ball starts with ‘b’ and baby and basketball.”
So I guess, we will only be able to use that technique for just a little longer !!
My First Cake Fail
Well, it happened this week! My first cake fail!
Evan was sick Monday and Tuesday. I didn’t do anything in preparing for Jenny’s cake (Josh wanted a Super Mario Cake) those two days. I planned on starting on Thursday, which is very unlike me. Because I truly believe in Murphy’s law and I am little bit of a perfectionist, I always have a cake ready by Thursday night. Just in case something happens that I need that extra day and a half. So starting it on Thursday, I knew that I wouldn’t be finished with the cake until Friday evening. But under the circumstances, I didn’t have a choice. Can’t control illnesses, although I wish I could.
Thursday morning, Evan woke up with a horrible cough. I didn’t think too much about it, just hoping he could fight off ANOTHER illness. We went about our business as usual, ice skating lessons, hanging out at Babci’s house.
I was able to make the cake Thursday night. It came out beautiful!! My first sheet cake and I was super impressed how nice it came out and knock on wood, it only took one try! It was perfectly baked and level!
But then, it went down hill from there. Evan woke up with a 102 temperature Friday morning and was quite ill. Carter seemed to be catching the bug also, but didn’t have a temperature just green goobies coming out of his eyes and nose. Nice, huh?
So I was bleaching non-stop all day long, I waited to ice the cake until both boys were napping so that I didn’t have any little boys coughing all over the cake. I iced it and it wasn’t the best icing job, but I knew I was covering the cake with Super Mario characters, so I wasn’t too concerned.
I covered the cake up and put it away safely until after the boys bed time.
When Jeremy came home Friday evening, I used that time to mix all of the icings for the characters.
When the boys finally went down, I picked up the cake and the WHOLE thing started cracking. The icing just started coming off the cake and following apart. It looked like a slab of marble.
Okay, now I am freaking out! Because it is already 10 o’clock on Friday night, I don’t have any ingredients, I don’t have time to bake another cake and allow it to cool, unless I wanted to stay up until 3 am which Evan was up all night long anyway, so really I probably could have.
I had to make a stressful decision. I texted Jenny and warned her that there might be a cake tragedy but I was going to try to scrape off all the icing and try icing it one more time. But I new that if this didn’t work I would have to text her back and admit failure. I just couldn’t pull an all nighter with 2 sick kids and myself fighting off the same bug.
I scraped off all the icing and chunks of cake come off with it, which I have never experienced before. The cake itself started to crumble and some of the icing was glued on the cake and wouldn’t come off. It was horrible. I tried to crumb coat it again and then re-ice it. Needless to say, it didn’t work. Pieces of cake mixed in with the icing. The icing was hardening again like it did the first time.
So I made the difficult decision to cancel the cake with Jenny. She was a gem! At least she let me think she wasn’t stressed about it. She already knew of the stress of the kids being sick all week and we had even discussed me not doing the cake at all. But thankfully she didn’t disown me as a friend, because really I don’t know what I would do without my Jenny !
