Birthday dinner

Last night hubby took me out to dinner for my birthday. :) My birthday isn't for another week but next weekend is a drill weekend for us so he planned it early. He took me to a place niether of us have ever been to before called Cool River. And the best surprise was it's 5280 week here in Denver and we didn't even know it!

If you aren't familiar with what 5280 week is allow me to explain! It's actually a 14 day event that lots of different restaurants in the Denver area participate in. Each resturant offers a multi course meal and we each get an appetizer, salad, entree and dessert and it's only $52.80 for a couple {$26.40 for a single}. most of the restaurants that participate {including Cool River} would easily cost twice that much for have the amount of food!!

The idea behind it is to encourage people to try the different restaurants that they might not otherwise try and at an affordable cost. I love that they do that and we are making plans to try a different place every year!

So about our meal. It was so good! We started out with a Southwestern Crabcake and it was so tasty! Next we had their III Fork Salad that was apple slices, candied pecans, and blue cheese crumbles on a bed of greens and a light dressing mixed in. It was good, but not my favorite. For our entree we both chose the Coffee Ribye. I know it sounds weird with the coffee but I can assure you it had no coffee flavor at all! Our server explained to us that it's actually the rub they use and it's mixed with brown sugar to cut the bitterness. It locks in the moisture and makes the steak really juicy! Yum! It came with a delicious serving of garlic mashed potatoes and fried onion strings. The steak also came with a tangy BBQ sauce over the top of it. And for dessert I got the cheesecake and hubby got the chocolate cake!

It was a wonderful birthday dinner and a most enjoyable evening out with my man! And when we got home I got to open my birthday present...

It's a Nikon Coolpix S4000! And It's a pretty plum color!!

Just what I asked for... and more! I just wanted a small digital camera I could carry around and get good pictures of the littles. And he got one wthat has video too! I am so spoiled blessed!!!

All that matters.

My sewing machine is 'sick' and I'm having it repaired at the moment. And it would be perfect timing... But not really. It's never perfect timing to be without my machine for two weeks. :( I have some fabric that I'm so excited to turn in to cute sting and summer dresses. For Little lady, of course, and also for my shop! My Etsy shop that is.

You can find it here. There is also a link in the sidebar to the left.

I love to sew and I love to crochet. I find that both are a great creative outlet for me and I have fun making things that I or my family can use and then some! So I figure I can sell them.

I'm still learning and have a long way to go to be any kind of expert, but I love learning! I really hope that Little lady will want to learn to sew. {I won't throw a tantrum, beg her to give a try, make her if she doesn't want to.} But I hope she'll want to learn. It's kind of a lost art. But it's coming back!

And I can't wait to get my machine back. God probably knew that I needed a break, to keep my priorities straight, which is time in the Word before time on my hobbies. Although, I do enjoy listening to podcasts of messages given by Calvary pastors while I'm working on crafts. But the precept study I'm doing requires a lot of actual study time. That can be difficult with littles and my only opportunity most days is 5 min here or 5 min there. But that too is a 'God thing'. It keeps me from building my head knowledge and gives me extra time to let the Holy Spirit transform my heart. And I need my heart transformed.

Not only is this Bible study pulling more of my free time {thank you Jesus!} but I'm excited to be in the last month count down of my 'little sister' and best friend's wedding!! I can't believe it's less than 5 weeks away!! Needless to say, the days are getting busier as we approach the big day! And I'm having a blast doing all the matron of honor task {not to mention the 'big sister' duties!}

So while my project list grows, as does my must-read book list... and my wedding prep to do list, my prayer is that God will interrupt 'my plans' and keep me focused on what really matters. That He is on the throne, He is worthy of all praise, and our time left on this earth is short. And my main purpose is for His Kingdom. And nothing else on this earth matters.

These days

I love my kids. And I'm loving these days.

I'm tired. I haven't gotten more than 3 consecutive hours of sleep in at least 4 months.

My house is chaotic. Most of the time at least. And the laundry. I can't keep up with it.

I have high hopes for an in-depth precepts bible study. But I know I won't have the time that I want to give it.

And my sweet hubby. It seems that at the end of the day, he gets what's left of me. And usually it isn't much.

But these days, they are so worth it.

It's worth it to hear my daughter tell me first thing in the morning that she wants to go to church and she asks me to pray with her several times through out the day. She may not understand fully yet, but it blesses me to know that she sees these things as everyday, natural things.

And when she asks for hugs or just wants me to pick her up because she wants to be near me. To be with me while I'm doing things around the house. I love those days.

And that baby boy. He has captured my heart faster than any boy ever has. I love making him belly laugh just by talking to him. He always has a smile on his face. His joy is contagious. I am so loving these days.

And my man puts up with a lot. And he does it with out complaining. If I have a request, he ready to act and ready to please me. All I have to do is ask. Which in itself can be a struggle for me. He loves to help me, simply because he loves to see me happy and at ease. And he even leaves me love notes using the bath tub crayons. He is a good husband. Not perfect, but neither am I.

These days are long, hard, draining, and trying. But they are also surprising and filled with little joys that make it all worth it in the end. And I'm loving every minute of it.

These days...

Little Lady {19 Months}

Sorry, no pictures this time... :( This month has just crept up on me! I plan on shooting some photos this next week so stay tuned!

Sizes

Clothes: You are wearing mostly size 24 months or even 2t, depending on the brand.

Shoes: You are right between 5 & 6. You LOVE to wear boots. You have two pair!

Diapers: You are still wearing a size 4. We've been talking about going on the potty more but I don't think we are quite there yet.

Favorites

Books: 

You just LOVE books! You love to "read" them and pretend to spell the words! We have started reading 3 book before bed time and nap time. You get to pick them out and you often chose to read your Bible! I love that you already have a desire for God's word.

Words/ phrases:

• Lately you love to say 'Mmm, tats good, mamas!' when ever you are eating something. It's so cute! 
• And you like to identify everything by who it belongs to, ie 'Mamas towel', 'Dadas cup', or 'Bubbas bib'. And because of that I think you are thinking our names are all plural because when you want me you call me 'Mamas' and daddy is 'Dadas', as in 'Hi Mamas!'
• You always tell your brother 'Uh oh Bubbas' when he spits up or is drooling and then proceed to wipe his mouth with what ever you can find the quickest: his burp rag, his blanket, a sock, etc.
• 'It's at?' {What's that?}
• You are saying so many words now and are usually able to communicate verbally what you want or need. Even though your words aren't always really clear and most people who aren't around you all the time might not recognize what you are saying. But I do ; D

Food:

Everyday is a new challenge. Somedays you aren't hardly interested in eating anything, just drinking water or juice. But then every couple days or so we can hardly keep food in front of you all day! I'm still working on getting you a variety of foods but that is hard because you still don't eat veggies or much meat of any kind. I heard from another mama to try offering food at your meal times and if you don't eat what you are offered then I take it away, with out re-acting in any way, and then you have to wait until snack time to eat again. Snack time has to be healthy food though, like fruits or veggies! I have had some success with getting you to eat more than just cheese by only giving you cheese once you have had something else.

Activity:

You are really into coloring and you love your bath tub colors. You decorate our bath tub in a beautiful array of colors every night!

Song:

You love to 'sing' the ABC song with me!

Sleep:

You still take a nap once a day, usually around 10:30 or 11a and sleep for about 2 hours.

You have come to be more cooperative at nap and bed time again. We let you CIO for several nights and that was hard! But I know you are old enough to understand that it's time for bed and maybe you had figured out that crying kept mama and dada coming in. But now our bed time routine involves us telling you with each step that bed time is coming. And I think that helps you. 

Character traits:

You are one passionate girl! I am choosing to call it that {as opposed to dramatic} because I think that will help us encourage that trait in a more positive way. And I think that is a trait that God has gifted you with! Passion is a great thing when it's directed towards God and in line with His will. My prayer is that you will use it to please Him all the days of your life. I love reminding myself of the beautiful things that passion can be used for to further God's kingdom, especially when that drama passion is showing itself in a very strong and testing way! Even the littlest things become the end of the world... But we love you!

Challenges:

Discipline is still an issue as your daddy and I are learning how and what it means. After recently starting to read "Shepherding a Child's Heart" by Ted Tripp I have come to the realization that every thing we do when it comes to leading, teaching and directing you that the heart of the matter is pointing you to your need for Christ. That has really helped me focus my objectives when it comes to handling your behavior. At the end of the day, no matter what choices you or I make, I want to know that you know clearly who you are, who God is and that you and I both need a Savior. And that Jesus is that Savior.

Verse:

This is the verse we will be praying for you specifically this month.

"Look to Me, and be saved, All you ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other."

Isaiah 45:22

Little Dude {4 Months}

HAPPY 4 MONTHS {AND 1 DAY}, LITTLE DUDE!!

Weight: 13 lbs 6 oz {25% - gain of 2 lbs 1 oz in 2 months} 

Height: 25 in {50% - gain of 2.5 in. in 2 months}

Head: 16 in {12% - gain of .75 in. in 2 months}

Sizes

Clothes:
You are wearing some 3-6 months but most are too short for you! So I've started putting you in your 6 months clothes this last week.

Diapers:
Cloth, but size 2 in disposable.

Sleep:
You are still waking up at least 2 times a night, sometimes 3 times a night. Right now I'm just trying to convince myself that you won't always wake up to eat and I'll miss our time together. But I am getting a little anxious for a full nights sleep!

Activity:
You are becoming more interactive with your toys now. You will reach for them or swing at them. You aren't really interested in holding anything right now. But you chew on your hands all the time! You're also sitting up in your Bumbo seat and love to look around and watch me make dinner or watch big sissy play around you. 

Character traits:
Laid back and easy going: So far I have seen your ability to adapt to most situations. You don't get to fussy, you just go along for the ride. It makes it easier to just do what ever we have planned and you just come along. :) 

Challenges:

Right now the challenge is figuring out a nap routine for you through out the day. Right now you sleep off and on in your swing but I know that it won't  be long that the noise will interrupt your sleep. And also transitioning you to your crib at night.

Verse:
This is a verse that we will specifically pray over our son for the next month.
"For a bishop must be blameless, as a steward of God, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to wine, not violent, not greedy for money, but hospitable, a lover of what is good, sober-minded, just, holy, self-controlled, holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict." Titus 1:7-9

Comparison

{Little Lady, 4 months}

{Little Dude, 4 months}

Happy 4 months {and 1 year}, Little dude

It was 1 year ago today that we learned of your life and your future with us!
Happy 4 months, Little dude.
We love you!

Drill weekends.

As much as I might dread or complain about drill weekends**, they do have their positive moments.

I only say dread because I hate being away from my babies that long and it is extra work getting things ready for a sitter and what not. But I take privilege in my duty to serve my country and I enjoy working with the men and women who serve also. I'm grateful for everything that serving as done for me as well, like building my confidence, giving me a sense of fulfillment in doing something to serve others and my God. Not to mention I met my hubby while serving!!

But there is a certain anxiety involved with drill weekends. I'm with my kids pretty much 24/7 and these weekends interrupt our routine and therefore puts the kids in weird moods for us to come home to after a full day of working. In summary, it's good but it's stressful.

But I am thankful for several things besides the privilege to serve:

1. My lunch break is usually spent with hubby and we get to have a mini date two days in a row usually!
2. I get some adult interaction, an opportunity to be productive outside of the home and make some extra $$.
3. My hubby and I get to enjoy and get a laugh out of the hilarious things our daughter says and does. For example, we'll imitate her and say words the way she says them, the toddler version, if you will. And it helps us appreciate and just miss her and her brother like crazy!!

So even though there are dreaded things about drill weekends, they have their pluses too!

I honestly don't know how you working {outside of the home, that is} mamas do it....

** Drill weekends are the one weekend a month duty hubby and I do to fulfill our commitment of being enlisted in the Air National Guard.

This week, better then the last

So far this week is going much better than last week. Although it wouldn't take much to make that happen. Sick kids are no fun :( 


I think we are all pretty much over it now. Except for Little dude's stuffy nose at night time... that makes it hard for both he and i to sleep.

We hubby finally was able to get the blinds put up in Little dude's room! So now I'm comfortable putting him in there to sleep. Except I'm not. He's been in our room for almost four months now {really hard to believe, seriously. time is going by too fast!!} and I've rather gotten used to it.

I don't remember the transition for Little Lady being this difficult, but she was also sleeping {10 hours straight} through the night by 6 weeks old!! Nope, not Little dude. He loves to eat in the night still. It doesn't appear that he'll be giving that up any time soon either... {He has recently bumped it up from 2x to 3x now}. Yeah, thats been fun.

Back to our week though, it's been busy. Which is a good thing. Hubby took Tuesday off and we spent some time together as a family {to make up for the week he had been gone.} This included 'adopting' fish for our tank :D, which Little Lady throughly enjoys and has befriended them nicely. {I love easy pets!}


Yesterday was back to work for hubby :( but we had friends over to play and to discuss a book I'm reading with a couple of other mamas! It's going to be a great time and I'm looking forward to all the growing as a parent and as a child of God I'll be doing in the next few months while we digest it all.

The rest of the week holds activities too, and then drill weekend... So off to get showered & dressed!

Hope your week is going great so far. Keep warm, where ever you are!

Scribbles in the night

We've had an interesting week... Yeah we'll go with that.

Slightly last minute hubby had an opportunity to go on a beneficial trip for work. And I decided to make the 7 hour drive to visit my mama while he was gone.

It gets overwhelming taking care of the littles by myself for that long, especially without a break or hubby's help!

Unfortunately it was less of a vacation type trip and more of a survival type trip. Not only was Little lady sick with a fever, cough and congestion but so was Nana. And with the winter storm that struck a lot of the country we were left with no choice but to hole up for most of the week. 

That was difficult for me because I like to get out of the house, at the very least, once every other day. And so does my daughter. As soon as any one mentions going somewhere the girl is putting on her shoes and headed for the door saying "I go!"

It doesn't have to be any where special, even a little ride in the car has served it's purpose from time to time. 

But it is winter time and we do live in a cold climate. Since sickies and cold air don't mix, I'm afraid we'll be finding ourselves cooped up often. Such is life.

Besides the restless day times, Little Lady has been getting a little better at night time and with naps. Far less screaming and pleading to stay up. But two nights ago she woke up hysterically bawling at 2:30 am. She wouldn't even remotely settle down until we left the room she had been sleeping in and she wouldn't let me put her down for anything.

At my moms, she slept in one room and Little Dude slept with me in another room. Since he still wakes in the night to eat and the three of us in the bed would have been a mess, my mom took her and slept with her in the lazy boy in the living room.

I'm not sure what is was, a nightmare or a shadow. Since she won't/can't tell us what it is, it makes it difficult to figure out how to handle it.

Except pray. I can't help but believe it is spiritual warfare. And I hate it. I hate seeing my baby afraid and not know what to do about it. I know God has us in His hands and He can and will protect us. He loves us, much more than I could ever love my children!

He gives me peace when I am unsettled and He gives me strength when I am oh so very weak. But it's His strength, not my own and it's for His glory. For which I am so grateful.

Flashback Friday!

{Bringing little dude home}

October 15, 2010