Archive for the ‘Life’ Category
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We’ve been doing a lot of home projects and rearranging the last couple of weeks. We switched the playroom to another location, so that Jonathan could have an actual office with doors.
After we moved the girls’ playroom, we decided to was time to get them their own desks. We’ve been doing school work at the dining room table, but I’ve been really wanting them to have personal desks where they know that they can always go to to do color, “study”, and read. We found some really great side tables at IKEA that are the perfect height for the girls.
Jonathan and I assembled the tables as soon as we got home, because we were so excited for the girls. Not ten minutes later, the entire table was covered in crayon.
Awesome.
I was slightly frustrated, seeing as we had just bought them. But, like Jonathan pointed out, when I told the girls to sit at their tables and color, I didn’t clarify not to color on the table. Sigh. Bad mommy communication.
A quick Google search showed me that I could clean the tables off by making a paste from baking soda and water. I tried it, and sure enough, it worked.
But, the table certainly didn’t look quite as nice as it had before. And it took a lot of work to scrub it clean, so I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of scrubbing it every time a crayon ran off paper. Instead, I instituted a new rule – It’s your desk, color it if you want to. After all, I remember writing on my desk when I was a schoolgirl.
Do you have any furniture cleaning tips? Or are you like me and just let it go?
Visit Kristen at We Are THAT Family for more Works for Me Wednesday.
Contentment in All Things
Posted on: September 19, 2011
- In: Life
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I might have mentioned a time or two that Texas is experiencing the hottest weather in recorded history. Perhaps, I haven’t mentioned that we are also going through the worst drought since the late 1800’s. The heat and drought have led to rampant fires throughout Central Texas. The town of Bastrop {30 miles east of Austin} caught ablaze Labor Day weekend, burning 40,000 acres and destroying 2,000+ homes. Sadly, the fire still hasn’t been fully contained.
Texas needs rain. Badly.
This last Saturday it rained. For 30 minutes, it poured. It was glorious. It was wonderful. It was refreshing. In her excitement, Julia asked me to dance with her in the rain. I gladly accepted. We danced, we puddle jumped, we laughed as we got soaked.
{The rain while driving}
During the rain, our family ran an errand to Target. As we were leaving {and it was still raining}, I overheard two young ladies complaining about the rain. Having to walk in it. Having to get wet on their way to the car. People standing around us, grumbled in agreement. The rain, so badly needed, was an inconvenience.
To say I was irritated, is an understatement. In a state faced with drought, why aren’t we rejoicing at the rain? Why aren’t we seeing it through the eyes of a three year old, whose only wish was to dance in the rain. My initial thought was how selfish these people were. How dissatisfied can they be? Bemoan the drought, then bemoan the rain.
And in my judgement, I realized :: I am always complaining.
Too hot.
Too cold.
Too dry.
Too wet.
My kids are too hyper.
My kids are too shy.
I don’t get enough alone time.
I don’t get enough time with others.
The list could go on. Contentment isn’t exactly my strong suit. Yet, I am called to be content in all things {Philippians 4:11}. Trusting that God is in control, that I have no need to worry.
I want to rejoice in all the moments in my life. Even the ones that seem to inconvenience me. I want to see life as purely as a 3 year old. I want to dance in the rain with my daughters.
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Countless times, I’ve started a post this week, only to erase it. You see, I tend not to write {or twitter or facebook} in the midst of challenge. And well, our A/C gave out this weekend. So in my little world, this week has been a real challenge. Being 8 months pregnant, in Texas, during the hottest recorded summer, is not the time to have your A/C go kaput. And while most of America is getting ready for fall, we had 4 record high days out of 5 during our A/C fiasco. Oh, that crazy Texas.
The house temp right after the repairman left. Awe-some.
But you know what? Our family is blessed beyond blessed. After the A/C died on Saturday, we stayed with some friends that live on our street. Because the repairs to the A/C required speciality parts, the repairman wasn’t able to fix the unit until last night. For 5 nights and 4 days, our friends graciously housed us. It was a really wonderful time. Our kids are all close in age, so they thought our stay was a constant party. The adults got a chance to learn even more about each other and grow in our friendship. And if you don’t think our friends are awesome just for letting us stay with them, they actually still like us by the end of it {which just goes to show how great they really are!}.
By 5pm on Wednesday, our A/C was back up and running. It took through the night before the house completely cooled off. But, Jonathan and I were laughing before bed about how 82* seems cool compared to 90*+, especially when there’s air blowing in the house. Though, part of me is a little temped to turn the air down to the low 60’s just because I can.
I’m ever so happy to have a cool house again. What “fun” adventures have you had this week?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
Simple Friday Joys
Posted on: September 9, 2011
- In: Life
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It’s been an emotionally draining week for me. I wish I had a reason, other than being 8 months pregnant, but I don’t. I told Jonathan yesterday my tank is empty, especially with being around other people. Jonathan took the girls on his own to our church small group, while I stayed home to recharge. I read through Luke, and meditated on Christ’s words. It was healing and good for my soul. I was reminded of all the little blessings that make up my life.
Wearing a cardigan in the morning, because it’s only 62 degrees.
Sleeping with the windows open.
Spending the morning at the park.
Receiving hilarious emails from Jonathan that lighten my mood.
Text messaging with friends who don’t live nearby.
Having quiet time under the stars.
When I step back, there are so many things I have to be grateful for. Sadly, I often over look them, because I’m too busy focusing on the things that aren’t going right. But, it’s the simple joys that make up a really good day. And a really good life.
What is your Friday Joy?
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The temperatures in Austin have dropped, and I’m already bringing out my fall clothes!
Ok, not really. The temperatures have dropped, giving us low 90’s instead of 110’s. But, with the exception of two mornings this week {when I went outside and it was still in the low 60’s}, I have not brought out any cold weather clothes. However, for the last few weeks I have been working on making a crocheted scarf.
As part of my 30 before 30, I wanted to learn to crochet. While I specified making a pot holder, I decided to go all out and make a scarf after I found some cute yarn at Hobby Lobby. Here is the end product ::
It’s about 50″ long and 8″ wide. Here’s a better picture to show you the length::
Other than to take these pictures, I haven’t worn the scarf. Which gives me even more reason to want the weather to cool off. I’m super excited to actually wear something that I’ve made. And in public no less!
I got some more fun yarn to make the girls each a scarf for Saint Nicholas Day gifts. So far, those are proving to be even faster projects, since they are quite a bit smaller than mine.
What crafty new adventures have you been up to?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Top Ten Needed Baby Items
Posted on: September 6, 2011
- In: Life
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While there are some pretty crazy, ridiculous things out there for babies that we mamas so don’t need {here’s my top ten unneeded items}, there are some that in my book are a must.
1. Baby Carrier – I highly, highly recommend baby wearing. Practically, it frees up your hands {a must when you have other kiddos to mother}, but there is no better feeling than having your baby snuggled up against you. Not to mention, babies love being held. Julia took her best naps in our carrier. Which was a huge blessing since she hated to nap. It’s like a win-win-win. Carriers can get expensive, so ask your mama friends what worked for them. Also, check out Katie’s review of different baby carriers she has tried out.
2. Swaddling Blankets – Show me a swaddled baby, and I’ll show you one happy camper. And while so many blankets call themselves “swaddle” blankets, the best are thin blankets about 42″ x 42″ {many in stores are only 36″ x 36″}. Also, I never found the swaddlers to be any better than just a blanket.
3. Sound Machine – While I did knock the soothing sound dolls, I have to say sound machines are a life saver. Especially if your husband likes to do construction on your house at 11pm.
4. Baby Swing – The best thing about a swing is that they mimic the swaying motion that babies are so use to while in the womb. It comforts them to be rocked back and forth. And if you’re really fortunate, you’ll get a baby swing sleeper like Hannah. That girl lived in her swing for the first 2 months.
5. Rocking Chair/Glider – I love having a rocking chair. It makes for comfy nursing sessions {you can rock or prop your feet up}, plus the swaying will help sleepy ones sleep just a little longer.
6. Sleep Sacks / Sleep Sack Gowns – When we had Julia, I wanted her to always be in these really cute outfits. Then I realized just what a pain it was to change all those really cute outfits. With a sleep sack, you can get right to the goods {aka, dirty diaper} without having to undo much of anything, and some time baby will sleep right through it {you know, if they like sleep like Hannah does}. My personal favorites are the sleep sack gowns {open at the bottom}.
7. Sippy Grip – By the 15th million time that your sweet little toddler throws their sippy cup on the floor of the car, you’ll be glad you to have a sippy grip. Then the sippy is always within reach.
8. Wet Bag – While we got our wet bag for cloth diapers, I still use it for potty training and dealing with wet clothes. Blocks out the smell and keeps the wetness in {so you can toss it in your purse without getting everything else soaked}.
9. Bumbo Seat/Bebe Pod – My girls loved the Bebe Pod. It’s great for that almost-ready-to-sit-up-but-can’t-yet stage. However, never, ever put it on the counter. Ever.
10. Nursing Tank – Having a nursing tank changed my nursing life. A tank keeps you from showing everyone your tummy/back while you’re nursing in public. And then there’s always the Yummie Tummie Skinny Nursing tank for those of you who wanna splurge on a skinny tank.
What are your essential baby items? Are there any on my list that you could live without?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Are You a Flirt?
Posted on: September 5, 2011
- In: Life
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When I met Jonathan, he was a big flirt. He’s just such an open, welcoming guy that flirting comes pretty naturally to him. Though, once we started dating, his flirting around ended and he just focused it on me.
I, on the other hand, should have had flirt lessons. Cause when it comes to flirting, I just don’t have the skills. Which is why this quote fits me perfectly ::
Over our six years of marriage, I’ve slowly learned how to flirt with Jonathan. I can say something flirtatious and not feel quite so incredibly awkward. Though, it does help knowing that he’s going to love me despite my random flirt gone bad. And truth be known, I’m really glad Jonathan loves me for my awkwardness. Makes me feel loved even deeper.
Are you a good flirt? Do you flirt with your spouse?
Sleepy Kids – Friday Joy
Posted on: September 2, 2011
- In: Life
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It’s 7:30 and both my girls are still asleep. Both. This never happens. I’m taking the extra quiet this morning to have a little time to myself. Let’s see how long this lasts.
{Shhhhh…. Don’t wake the kids}
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Maybe it’s because I had just had a really good workout. Or maybe it’s because I really, really miss running. Or perhaps the crazy heat and pregnancy hormones have finally done me in. Whatever the case may be, last night I signed up for the Austin Half Marathon in mid-February. It’s the same race I ran last year ::
{I was pregnant with Baby Boy and didn’t even know it}
I’ve been debating for a while as to whether or not I should do the race this year. If Baby Boy comes when he is suppose to, it gives me just under 3.5 months before the race to get ready. If he shows up later than expected, that just limits my time.
However, I will say that I’ve been reading up on racing after delivery and will be pacing myself. Unless my body is ready, I don’t plan to run the entire race. My goal is to run 6.5 miles. Anything I can do over that is gravy. The rest of the race I will be walking. I haven’t set out my exact running plan yet, but it will look something like this :: 1 mile walk, 2 mile run, 1 mile walk, etc.
As I’m staring down the final weeks of my pregnancy, I’m realizing I’m going to need some motivation to exercise once Baby Boy arrives. Now that I’ve paid the runner’s registration fee, I can’t back out. Jonathan won’t let me.
Do you have any races you want to run? What’s your motivation for working out?
Visit Alicia at Alicia’s Homemaking for more Try New Adventures Thursday.
Visit Jill at Diaper Diaries for more Things I Love Thursday.
Top Ten Unneeded Baby Items
Posted on: August 30, 2011
- In: Life
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When I had Julia in 2007, I was blessed to have a group of moms to help me navigate the baby registry. They saved my pocketbook, and the pocketbook of a lot of family/friends, from buying ridiculous unneeded baby items. But even with my friends to help me, I still made some only-used-once purchases. I figured I’d pass along my top ten most unneeded baby items.
1. Boppy Pillow – While good in theory, the Boppy pillow did nothing for me. I had to sit in a armless, backless chair in order for it to ever work they way I think it was intended.
2. Diaper Genie – I don’t dislike the Genie just because we cloth diaper. Before we started cloth diapering, we used it and for the life of me the thing never worked. The diapers would get stuck at the top and the bags were ridiculous to take out. Maybe I’m just baby item challenged.
3. Dreft Laundry Soap – What’s the point in special baby soap? I figure a good free and clear laundry soap does the job just fine.
4. Wipe Warmers – This was an item we debated on adding to our registry. But then a good friend asked what we’d do to wipe little Julia’s bottom when we don’t have a warmer. Hmmm….
5. Shopping Cart Seats – I’m a minimalist. I can easily forget to take my purse to the store, let alone a cart cover.
6. Too Hot Ducky – Can’t you just tell the water is too hot from feeling it?
7. Doorway Jumper – We got a hand-me-down jumper for Julia. She used it all of 2 times.
8. Sectioned Plates – Perhaps we don’t eat out much. Or perhaps I just always fed the girls from my own plate. But I can’t recall using our sectional plates for either girls. Even now, at 3 and 2, they don’t use them.
9 . Soothing Sound Dolls – I do love the soothing bear that we got while pregnant with Julia. It’s really adorable. But the soothing sounds did nothing for Julia or Hannah. If you want real soothing sounds, get a good sound machine. You will use it. All. The. Time.
10. Gender Specific Nursery – Not only am I a minimalist, I’m not a fan of nurseries in the traditional sense. Sure, I love me some cute pictures and stuffed animals. But I just don’t get an entire theme for an infant. Top that off with a gender theme and you’ve lost me.
What do you think are unneeded baby items? Were any items on my list a “must have” for you?
Next week I’ll be sharing my Top Ten Needed Baby Items.
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
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