Posts Tagged ‘Top Ten Tuesday’
Leaving Behind the Grumbling
Posted on: October 18, 2011
- In: Life
- 18 Comments
As I round out the end of this pregnancy {just over 2 weeks till EDD}, I’m finding myself grumbling a lot more. Joseph is determined to already prove he is different from his sisters, and as such, has brought on some random, highly uncomfortable, end of pregnancy issues I never dealt with during my previous pregnancies. But really, I have so much to be grateful for, that grumbling just doesn’t seem right. I loved Alicia’s gratitude post and thought I’d do my own.
1. Cooler weather {specifically cooler nights} and being able to leave our windows open.
2. Good friends who threw a Dr. Seuss themed baby shower for us.
3. Jonathan’s new job – Oh yeah, did I forget to mention Jonathan got a new job? Well, he did. And now he’s working two days from home {score!!}.
4. My daughters – Their lives, their laughter, their overwhelming love for each other.
5. Starting my Bible Study Fellowship class last week.
6. Having the energy to make homemade bread {I highly recommend this recipe}
7. My mom and her mothering {even when you’re nearly 30, it’s still nice having a mom who looks after you}.
8. Getting all the finishing touches taken care of in Joseph’s room.
9. Listening to the girls sing.
10. Julia’s constant request to hear David Crowder Band How He Loves Us – and the reminder of just how much He really does love us.
What are you grateful for this week?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
- In: Life
- 23 Comments
Remember last week, that stupid comment I received from a lady at Chick-fil-A? After reading my post, my dear friend Leah, from A Momma on a Mission, had a brilliant idea :: What you should say to a pregnant mama.
A few things to keep in mind when dealing with a pregnant mama – she’s tired, she’s emotional, and most likely, she’s dreaming of a day when her belly fits into a shirt. And while I absolutely adore being pregnant {and have come to terms with all one billion stretch marks my children have given me}, a little tact while talking with people is much appreciated – especially from other mamas.
1. If you’ve asked a mama when she’s due {and please do this with care}, when she gives you her answer say “Wow! You look great for being X weeks along!” Please refrain from saying she looks bigger {or smaller} for how far along she is.
2. Don’t point out that she looks tired. She knows she looks tired, because she is tired. Instead, focus on something else. I recently had a friend say “Your hair looks amazing.” It was random, but it made me feel really pretty.
3. Always, always compliment a pregnant mama. Even if you don’t know her, stop her and tell her she looks nice. Go ahead and say “You look glowing.” Chances are good that one little comment will make her day.
4. If a pregnant mama already has kiddos running around her, it’s pretty likely she’s running even lower on energy than others. Don’t point out that fact {it’s like an oxy moron}. Try saying “Your children are beautiful!” or “Your children are delightful!” It might not be a compliment specifically about her, but really, it is.
5. Kindly offer a pregnant mama a sweet treat. But, please, don’t assume that all pregnant mamas eat chocolate all day and toss their nutritional sense out the window when those two pink lines appear. Yet, do realize that a salted caramel truffle can go a long way.
6. Sometimes {just sometimes} pregnant mamas might complain about how horrible they sleep. Don’t tell them it’ll just get worse when the baby comes. If they are veteran mamas, they already know that. If they are first time mamas, it’ll just discourage them. Instead, say these sweet, sweet words – “Go lay down while I clean/help with the kids.”
7. If you know a pregnant mama like me, she doesn’t like to feel like she’s a delicate being that should just sit around while others do all the work. Please ask her for help and make her feel useful. Just maybe don’t let her move furniture, or she’ll be dealing with some crazy Braxton Hicks contractions for days {uh, not that I’d know anything about that…}.
8. Tell her she’s blessed. Most mamas know just how blessed they are to have their babies to care for. But there are times that lack of sleep, aches and pains, along with tantrums, can make us forget just how great mamahood is. A friendly, meaningful “You are one blessed mama!” can make our days brighter.
9. “You’re doing a great job.” Oh, how I love those words. Whether it’s about my pregnancy, or my parenting, knowing that I’m doing my best, even when it doesn’t seem like it, makes me keep pushing through the tough times.
10. What is/was yours favorite thing to hear while you were pregnant?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
A Random Top Ten
Posted on: September 27, 2011
- In: Life
- 13 Comments
My creative juices are starting to slow down these days. Perhaps because I’m full on nesting {and being more creative in that arena}, I’m left with very little writing creativity. Top that off with my overwhelming need to sleep every single minute I can, I’m pretty much useless when it comes to thinking beyond the next three minutes – let alone a whole blog post. Thus, today, you’re going to learn more random factoids about me.
1. I’m really obsessed with pigtails right now – On the girls, on me, on Pinterest. Where ever. I am just really into pigtails. They look super adorable on the girls and frankly, they are an easy alternative to my every day ponytail.
2. I’m getting obsessed with running – I’ve been dreaming about it. Mapping out future runs. Downloading my playlist. In addition to my internal countdown to Joseph’s arrival, I’ve now started counting down to running. Seriously, I think I must be crazy.
3. I love chocolate milkshakes after delivering – Not sure if that’s TMI, but after I delivered both girls, I had chocolate milkshakes with every meal while I was in the hospital. I don’t know what it is with a good chocolate shake, but man I craved them. Thankfully, Culver’s is on our drive home from the birthing center, so I already have my milkshake hook up for post-delivery.
4. I almost bought the girls a cat – We went to Pet Smart for a “field trip” last week. They have an adoption center with several cats ready for adoption. There was one cat the girls really liked and my mama instinct / nurturing feeling was to get them one. Then my logical / Jonathan-would-trip-out instinct kicked in. No cat was adopted. At least not yet…
5. I am the worst roadie tag along – I will fall asleep in the car driving to the grocery store a mile away. I’m not sure if it’s a blessing or a curse. Well, it’s a blessing when I need to sleep and a curse when Jonathan needs company on long drives.
6. I am the best roadie tag along at 3 in the morning – Along with not being able to stay awake in the car, I have this weird ability to drive through the middle of the night. Like that cruel 1am-5am shift. Seems counter intuitive, but for some reason I am most alert to drive during those times.
7. I cried during a Google commercial – It’s a really sweet commercial about a dad writing emails to his daughter as she gets older. Even thinking about it makes me teary eyed {watch it here :: Dear Sophie}
8. I drink out of the same Texas cup day after day – I got some plastic Texas Longhorn tumbler cups. I refuse to drink out of anything else right now. I just keep filling it with water and then rotate to a new cup every couple of days.
9. I packed Joseph’s diaper bag yesterday – Sure, I still have 5ish more weeks before it’s “go time”, but the diaper bag is packed. And my bag may or may not be partially packed too {don’t judge, I’m a planner}.
10. This blog post took way too much brain power – And now I need a nap.
What’s one random fact about yourself?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Top Ten Needed Baby Items
Posted on: September 6, 2011
- In: Life
- 10 Comments
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.
Top Ten Unneeded Baby Items
Posted on: August 30, 2011
- In: Life
- 30 Comments
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.
- In: Life
- 16 Comments
Pregnancy and cravings go hand in hand. It’s like peanut butter and jelly. Or peanut butter and chocolate. Or peanut butter and bananas. Or peanut butter and well, anything.
With all of my kids I have some crazy strong craving at some point in my pregnancy. A couple of months ago, all I wanted was eggs. Eggs. Eggs. Eggs. The weird part? I’m not a big fan of eggs {though all this egg talk does make me want an egg and cheese muffin}. Currently, I’m going through a fun rotation of cravings.
1. Cereal – Any cereal really. Cheerios. Raisin Bran. Rice Chex. But mostly, Lucky Charms. What is it about dried marshmallows soaked in milk that makes me fight the urge to eat an entire box in one sitting?
2. Tuna fish – Tuna fish sandwiches, tuna fish on my salad. Tuna fish straight from the can with a little salt and pepper. Strange, but oh so good {and hello protein!}.
3. Pasta – There’s not much better than pasta and pasta sauce. And when paired with some buttery garlic bread? Big time score.
4. Green smoothies – I’ve continued perfecting my green smoothie. Added some broccoli and carrots. Talk about goodness in a cup. Seriously.
5. Pita chips and hummus – Specifically spicy hummus. And multigran pita chips.
6. Hamburgers – From anywhere. With anything. Major bonus points if smothered in a fatty dressing, topped with bacon and avocado.
7. Tomatoes – Beefsteak. Big Boy. Early girl. You name it. If I can slice it up and eat it, I will.
8. Pancakes – Preferably with blueberries. Or chocolate chips. Ohh… or slices of banana. Dipped in pure maple syrup. With a cup of coffee. *drool*
9. Eggs – Like I mentioned already, I’ve had some crazy strong cravings for eggs. Especially our at home recreation of McDonald’s Egg McMuffin.
10. Cake – Chocolate. With chocolate frosting. And sprinkles. With a mint chocolate ice cream. Though, I’ve been pretty good and haven’t had any cake since Hannah’s birthday party and have taken to making my own low-fat ice cream. But boy, could I go for a slice of cake…
Anyone else starving now? No? Just Me? Ok, I guess it’s time to whip up another batch of pancakes.
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
A Top Ten To-Do List
Posted on: August 2, 2011
- In: Life
- 11 Comments
{Be sure to enter my giveaway for a copy of The Help}
I’m a planner. If I thought that it was at all reasonable, I’d have the next 5 years of my life planned out. I’ve tried that before. Trust me, it doesn’t work. But, I can plan out certain projects that I want to get done before the end of summer.
1. Paint Baby Boy’s Changing Table – We have the same changing table we used with the girls. It’s a little brown, three tier table. It’s nice, but because of Baby Boy’s new-to-us white crib, the table doesn’t match his room. So I’m setting out to paint the table white. Maybe, just maybe, I might add some blues and greens to it. Maybe.
2. Get a Purse Hook – My purse ends up either on the floor or kitchen counter. Neither place is very good, because it’s either in danger of little hands or taking up space. I’d love to find one like this at a repurpose store ::
3. Add Art/Color to the House – Thanks to pinterest, I’ve got a lot of wonderful ideas. However, I don’t have tons of time or money to see them all through. But, this is one idea that I really love
4. Finish Julia’s Dress – I’m in the process of making a dress for Julia {as part of my 30 before 30}. I’ve stepped away from it for the last several weeks, but I think it’s time to come back to it.
5. Paint Baby Boy’s Room – Currently, one of the walls in Baby Boy’s room is hunter green. And the window valence is a green/red/khaki combo. Not my favorite, as it looks super office-y. We are planning to tone down the green and get new curtains.
6. Plan Julia’s 4th Birthday Party – In my I’m-a-planner nature, I realize that I’m most likely not going to be up for planning Julia’s 4th birthday weeks after Baby Boy makes his arrival. Slowly I’ve been setting aside ideas for her party {going with a princess and knight theme}, so that when the time comes everything is ready to go.
7. Take a mini-vacation – Our family is in need of a little vacation. Nothing major, just a few days away. We are currently looking at visit South Padre at the end of August. Fingers crossed all goes well and we can enjoy beach time together.
8. Plan Julia and Hannah’s Spring School Schedule – We started preschool yesterday. Nothing major, just learning numbers, basic math, ABC’s and introduction to writing/reading. {I do need to brag for a second. Julia totally wrote her own name yesterday!} We started school so early, because I plan to take off November and December. But, before Baby Boy arrives, I want to have the spring planned out, as to not have any excuses for not finishing the school year off strong.
9. Start Christmas/St. Nick Shopping – After last year, we decided to go forward with not exchanging gifts on Christmas. We are celebrating St. Nicholas Day and using that as our gift giving holiday. I am planning to make gifts for our neighbors and have some pretty great ideas going. This one I thought was really cute ::
10. Read More – That seems a bit vague, but I’m really wanting to read a few more good books as the summer ends and fall begins. I’ve gone through two in the last month, so I’m hoping to going through two or three more. Just a little mama time when the girls sleep.
Do you have an end of summer to do list? If so, what’s on it?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
- In: Life
- 14 Comments
Every once in a while, I think about putting my blog on hold. Sometimes, forever. Sometimes, just for a few days. The reasons vary from real life coming first, to not having much to write about. But for the last several days, my blog {and anything internet related} has been pretty far from my mind. Why? Well, I’ve got a list for ya:
1. I’m reading The Help. And by golly, it is a good book. Makes me want to say things like “Law, she done gotten herself prettied up”. Or “I swanee, if I done told you once, I told you a thousand times”.
2. It’s hot. I know, I know, unless you live in the Pacific Northwest, it’s hot. But seriously, I’m breaking a sweat as I type. At ten o’clock at night. In the a/c. With the fan going. Law, help me. That’s pregnancy in Texas. In the summer.
3. I’m being more intentional with Julia. I hate to admit this, but I haven’t been the best mama lately. When Hannah naps, I have Julia have her quiet time. But I know more than anything, she just really wants mama-time. Because of whatever reason, I’ve been holding on to that me-time a little too much. But last week, I started spending half the time with her, then half the time alone {cause we both still need our quiet times}. It’s been really good.
4. I’m reading The Help. Really, you’ve got to read it. And if you grew up in the South, I consider it mandatory.
5. I’m being more intentional with my house. I don’t really like spending an entire day cleaning. For the last two weeks, I’ve been cleaning just a little every day. Sure, things still get overlooked or not cleaned well enough, but surprisingly, my house has stayed in pretty good shape for pretty in such little work. Mama likes.
6. It’s hot. And I don’t like to do anything when I’m hot.
7. I’m getting the girls’ school work in order for the fall. I’m planning out their weeks from now until the end of October. Hoping to start school on August 1. Planning out 12 weeks of schoolwork {with printing out projects and assignments for Julia} is harder than I expected.
8. I’m getting more and more forgetful. And I come up with these fantastic post ideas but them forget them before I can even write them down. Don’t even ask how I’m doing with remembering what we need at the grocery store… oy vey.
9. I’m reading the Help. Ok, ok, I know I’ve mentioned this already. But seriously. So. Good. I haven’t read through a book this fast in a while. Just got it on Saturday and already over halfway finished.
10. Life just gets like this. And I find myself having too much fun making the girls homemade playdough, taking them to the dollar movie and enjoying just being a mama, to think about life outside of that.
What keeps you from blogging?
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Movie Quotes – My Top Ten Favorite
Posted on: July 19, 2011
- In: Life
- 19 Comments
I love movies. Lots and lots. And once I fall in love with a movie, I tend to watch it several times {ok, probably more than that}. With that comes memorizing scenes and favorite quotes. Typically, my favorite quotes are random, and, depending on who you ask, I might over use them.
1. Not a finger! {A Christmas Story}
2. Matchy-matchy green squared! {Return to Me}
3. Miss you already! {The Bachelor – the movie not the show}
4. That’s shocking. {Elf}
5. Think, McFly. Think. {Back to the Future}
6. Just call me Joe. {You’ve Got Mail}
7. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. {Seinfeld – ok, so not a movie, but still a favorite quote}
8. Marriage is what brings us together today. {The Princess Bride}
9. I want to go to there. {30 Rock – again, not a movie, but again a favorite all the same}
10. So far, this is not blowing up my skirt. {True Lies}
What are your favorite movie quotes? I’m sure I have a slew more, but these are what came to me first.
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday.
Top Ten Things I Love on Pinterest
Posted on: July 12, 2011
- In: Life
- 18 Comments
Have you heard of Pinterest? Pinterest’s tagline is “a place to catalog the things you love”. And that, my friends, is exactly what it is.
Pinterest is set up so that you have different boards, where you pin things you love. Think of it as a cork board, where you “pin up” ideas, recipes, crafts, whatever you fancy, so you can refer to it later. It’s purely ingenious. Oh how I love Pinterest so. Especially the recipes… I could drool for hours.
Here are my top ten favorite pins:
1. S’more Nachos
2. The Babe with the Power Onesie – a great throwback to Labyrinth and totally something Baby Boy needs.
3. Not By Coffee Alone – my personal mantra
4. Pillowcase storage – I so need to do this to my linen closet
5. Wrap made from one square yard – Talk about easy and adorable
6. Easy eggs for Egg McMuffins
7. Melting Snowman Cookies – Ok, I know we are no where near Christmas, but c’mon, this is fantastic
8. Homemade Liquid Soap from Bar Soap
9. Head Scarf Tie – I did this yesterday and it was really adorable!
10. Nutella Cookies – ‘Nuf said
Are you on Pinterest? If so, do you love it or what?! If not, join. Now!
Visit Amanda at Oh Amanda for more Top Ten Tuesday
Will be linked to Jill at Diaper Diaries for Things I Love Thursday
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