{merry Christmas}

Merry Christmas!

I trust that all of you bloggers out there had a very MeRRy Christmas? I know
I did. *smiles* We did all of the 'new traditions' that I wanted to start for our little family - and we all loved them & had a fabulous holiday! I will post more pictures when my internet connection isn't on the fritz. lol.

*****

{Merry Christmas - long time no blog}

Well I am still alive. Ha. It seems like forever since I've blogged. I was soooo sick and tired of being sick and tired. Seriously. Our entire household had been sick since Thanksgiving up until yesterday. My hubby feels better today. First week: sore throat. Second Week: cough & congestion. Third week: a couple days of thinking we were over it and then Mr. Mucus comes for a visit. uggh. Fourth and final week: stomach flu. Yeah. Tell. Me. About. It.

*****

We are feeling much better. I still have a little bit of mucus - but hoping it is just 'lingering' and not gonna blow up into a full Upper Respiratory Infection like before. *sigh* Me and the boys are staying home today from services while daddy goes ahead - I didn't want to risk picking up something. Again. He has to go though, he is a greeter. Anywho - today we are watching Christmas cartoons and finishing up laundry and little chores around the house. Getting ready for this week - gonna have my best friend and her girls over on Tuesday probably - along with E.J.'s 2 month check-up. So, that gives me Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday to work on baking cookies, watching movies, and sorting gifts to be wrapped on Christmas Eve.

Friday - some of my family are visiting during the day - gotta work on their treat bags. Picked up scarfs at Old Navy for my 2 nieces for $1 each!! Then popping in some oranges filled with cloves, chocolates, and other little goodies in their bags for their gift.

*****

Christmas Eve - will include baking cookies, stringing popcorn & cranberries, making peppermint bark, wrapping presents, and watching old Christmas movies. Which of course, will include my favorite, "It's a Wonderful Life". *smiles*

CHRISTMAS DAY - gonna sleep in as long as the kids will allow us. Ha. Let them stay in their pj's and get us dressed in our 'holiday outfits' - get all 'dolled up' for the day - go downstairs and open presents, get a picture of all four of us beside the tree for our Holiday/New Years photo greeting cards, and enjoy the day with our gifts, sing Happy Birthday Jesus, eat our ham dinner and all the trimmings, and relax the rest of the day with family. *smiles BIG* I love the holidays!

*****

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL - AND GOD BLESS YOU!!

{happy Tuesday}

I hope everyone's day is going well. Our little family is finally feeling better. We have been feeling under the weather all week long - E.J. still has a little runny nose, but is much better. R.A. is completely over his cold. I still have a little cough, but am doing much better - indeed. I fixed some Holiday fettuccini for dinner last night, and to top it off, for dessert we enjoyed fresh pomegranate. My favorite. *smiles* Followed by watching "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer" on ABC family.

My friend from church - over at 'mylifeiswrittenonanetchasketch' (think that is how it is spelled. lol.) told me how to fix up this cute sweet treat. *winks* Me and my 3 year old enjoyed these yesterday. *winks*

Snowflake Tortilla's

*****

2 flour tortillas

cinnamon

sugar OR (*splenda*)

melted butter

Heat flour tortilla's in microwave for 10 seconds to get soft. Fold over in half, then in half again - making an almost triangle shape. Use scissors to cut 'snowflake' patterns throughout your tortilla. Open up the tortilla after making all of your 'cuts'. Brush on melted butter (to both sides - front and back), sprinkle on cinnamon and sugar. Bake in oven at 400* for 5 minutes. (My oven is old, so it took 10 minutes.) *winks* Enjoy!

*****

Aah. Nothing like a good cup of Joe in the morning. *smiles* I hope everyone is having a great Tuesday. I know I am. Other than having my 9 week old scream out his lungs this morning for whatever reason. *sigh* Gotta run. Have a great day!

*****


{oatmeal + apples + cinnamon}

This is what I had for breakfast today - YumO!

*****

{pears & honey}

This is a b-e-a-utiful Sunday morning here in OH. We woke up to a fresh blanket of white snow. I just love the holidays. It just feels like Christmas time. *smiles* I got up, came downstairs, and fixed me a nice hot cup of Starbucks, and a good bowl of whole-grain oatmeal with fresh pears and honey. Mmm. It is delicious. (with a dash of splenda too.) *winks* We won't be venturing out to services today - we are still under the weather. I am still sick, especially with the whole cough thing now. R. A. seems to be doing alot better, and R. L. is better too - now it is just me and E.J. *sigh* Praying for the Lord to heal us all of this sickness before the actual holiday comes around. Last year, my 3 year old was sick with the flu Christmas morning. Yeah. That was no fun at all. Believe me. He didn't even feel like opening any of his gifts. *frowns* I hope everyone has a blessed Sunday today. May God bless you all.

*****

.look-a-like? no.

okay. so this is me. ^^ pictured above. I am a huge "Twilight" fan. *squees* My son (3 1/2 years old) is watching it with me today as I bought the new and highly anticipated release of "Eclipse" on Blu-Ray + DVD special edition. He points to Bella (aka: Kristen Stewart) and says, "Mommy, it's you! It's you! Look look!" ha ha. I must say - he rocked my entire day. I was so flattered. Even though he is only 3. Still...kids know who their mommy is. And for him to straight up point to her on the screen and think that she was me. Wow. No words. lol. I almost cried I was so full of happiness. Not that I think I look horrible or anything, but to know that my kid thinks I look like her...is a pretty cool compliment. Let's just say it raised my spirits today. *smiles*

yeah. she pretty much rocks too. *winks*

*****

.poppin popcorn.

Okay. So today wasn't so fabulous but I made lemonade out of lemons. I woke up sicker than a dog. My two boys were both sick. R woke up feeling a little better...still snotty and mucus-y, but better all the same. E. J. woke up not being able to breathe around 3 a.m. so I had my hubby run out and get Vicks Vapo Steam and we ran the vaporizer all night. Plus, I had to use a bulb syringe to suck out the snot out of his little nosey. *dislike* Using the saline spray/drops too. It seems to be helping. He is 8 weeks old - so we have to pretty much let this thing run its course. He is drinking 3 oz. of water a day too - doctor's orders. I pray that our little family feels much better soon. Especially in time for the Holidays. We are already missing out on tomorrow's church festivities. :( However, there is a + side to that. I will venture out around 10 a.m. to pick up my already pre-ordered Blu-ray - dvd - Special Edition of "Eclipse" tomorrow. *winks* I will lounge on the couch all day with my boys watching the movie and eating pizza on the Eclipse party plates I purchased a couple of weeks ago. (yes I intended on having an actual party. but that will have to wait till another day...when we aren't all snotting all over the place. uggh.) Either way - tomorrow will be a good day. *smiles*

In the mean time - I am enjoying a Brisk Lemon Tea with some Orville Redenbacher (not sure of spelling. LOL) lime + salt popcorn. If you haven't tried it - do so. It is amazing! I love it. I bet it would be great with the Diet Coke Lime too...hmm...just thought about that part. *makes yummy noises* Nighty night blogging world.

*****

{homemade yummies}

Aah. The stunning smell of fresh tortilla's in the oven. Mmm. Nothing like it. I have started to 'try' to make my meals from scratch. As much as possible. So I bought flour tortilla shells at my local market and came home, cut them into pieces, splashed on some olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper. Oh my goodness! They were delicious! Last night I made eggplant parmesan too - from scratch. I even made home-made marinara. *winks and pats self on back* If you knew me - you would know I am a t.v. dinner kind of gal - and this stuff for me is a miracle in the making. Ha ha. So, I do feel pretty proud of myself these days. lol. Tonight I am making home-made Gnocci. I will be using fresh ingredients, of course... I have also been shopping alot in the 'specialty' section of my local market. Which is where the imported foods are. I picked up some things from the 'British Isles', 'German', 'France', and 'Italy' sections. I have noticed that these foods are WAY lower in fat than our foods here in America, AND they are only a few cents more than what I usually buy anyway. And here all along, I thought this stuff was a fortune! Boy - was I wrong! I even thought that buying fresh produce was more expensive...well it isn't. Now 'adays it is about the same...and you get FRESH product - without all of the preservatives, corn syrup, and junk that goes in it! Tomorrow's menu? Split Pea Soup. I'm excited. *smiles*

******

{dear santa}

'Tis that time of year again. It is officially December. And what a day it was. I woke up to the snow pouring down outside - and of course I couldn't sit at home and enjoy it from my warm living room - I had to venture out and go grocery shopping & go to the doctor for my 8 week check-up. Of course. lol. Well - my entire household is sick. Well - I am better, a little. My husband is doing better...a little. ha. Our kiddos are still sick though. So I had to get vapo-steam, nasal spray, tissues, etc...at the pharmacy.

On a happier note - we all sat down as a family this evening - and our oldest (3 1/2 yrs) wrote a letter to Santa telling him exactly what he wants for Christmas. :) I absolutely love this tradition. I will scrapbook a copy for his baby book - and take the other one to the post office where they will send it off to 'Santa' for him. I love the holidays!

I am also proud of my new 'meal plan' that I have already started - didn't even wait for the new year. I am going to attempt to make more 'home-made' meals. Tonight was 'Eggplant Parmesan'. And it was wonderful - my hubby loved it too! Tomorrow is Italian Gnocci with homemade marinara. Sounds delish, if you ask me. *winks*

I have to go - my 8 week old is fussing up a storm - he has the cold bug too. Poor little guy. Watching "Scrooged" on AMC. Nighty night blogging world.

******

{giving & receiving}

Isn't giving just way better than receiving? I think so. The morning church service/message was based on just that. Exactly. I am so happy that my hubby and I have decided this year to only get our kiddo's a couple of gifts. (a toy from Santa and something from mommy and daddy) We have decided to help out a client of ours who is about to have his family's utilities shut off due to him being cut from his job. (all because the company wanted a younger person in his place) So sad. Anyway - we felt called to help - and we are. I just love the holidays.

Lord - I thank you for blessing us so that we may help others.

Amen.

*****

.Thanksgiving.

Wow. I somehow find it hard to believe that Thanksgiving will be here in less than a week! Luckily this year we don't have to travel far away to visit relatives. Not that I mind visiting relatives and enjoying their wonderful feast - but having a newborn and a 3 year old in the car for more than an hour is very interesting. ha ha. I sort of like...okay, I love the idea of just being home with my little family. Our plans are to make dinner the day of, watch the Macy's Parade, holiday movies, and after dinner we plan to decorate our townhouse for Christmas. I am so excited! We have a fake Christmas tree - but we are thinking about going to town and picking a real one up. Since it is only $20 dollars for a 6-7' tree. We just need to find a base somewhere.

My sweet little E.J. officially turned 6 weeks old on Wednesday. I can't believe it. Gosh - they grow up fast, don't they? Before I know it my boys will be coming home to tell me they have a girlfriend - then they will graduate college (or whatever the pursue in life) - they will come home and tell me they want to introduce me to the women they want to share the rest of their life with - okay - I need to stop. I am sooooo gonna be in tears here in a second. *sigh* I am savoring every waking hour with these boys. I have realized in the past I took alot of things for granted - including family. With my best friend losing her husband to a car accident almost 2 months ago - I have truly put some things into perspective. I have been digging more and more into the word of God - daily devotions have turned from 10 minutes into hours of reading and studying, and taking notes. I truly want to be more spiritual and have a better, and closer walk with God. I have been a Christian since 1999. I have come in and out of 'peaks' with my spiritual walk. I have never felt more closer to God than I have now - at this stage in my life.

I feel so blessed to have what I have. A loving family, a roof over my head, a car to drive, clothes on my back, and food on my table. What more could I honestly ask of God? Absolutely nothing.

This year - for us - we are celebrating the TRUE meaning of Christmas. That Jesus Christ our Lord was born on Christmas day. We celebrate HIS birthday. We are still decorating for Christmas and truly celebrating like usual - but with more enthusiasm - because now I feel like I'm not a kid anymore. I don't have to have a ton of gifts...not even one for that matter, to make me feel like it is Christmas. Because that is NOT why we celebrate. We aren't getting anyone in our family gifts this year, except for our children, and my best friend and her 2 girls (the one that lost her husband). We will however, give every family member a 'treat bag'. It will include a candy cane, an orange with cloves popped in, and some homemade cookies, and a lovely card. We will be getting our boys 3 or 4 gifts. Our 3 year old will be getting one gift from Santa (which is going to be Olivia's play house set (he reminds us that he wants Santa to bring it to him each time the commercial comes on. ha ha.) My hubby and I plan on getting him a few books from the local bookstore (Richard Scarry, Dr. Seuss, and Olivia...and maybe an Eric Carle). We will fill his stocking with a peppermint stick, an orange, and some little sweeties. Edward, however, is still very young. So we plan to get him a plush toy and a couple of outfits.

Honestly, children these days (in my opinion - no offense to any parents out there, seriously) get too much. Especially at Christmas. The past two years my first born has received enough gifts at Christmas to give 20+ children who are in need a gift of their own. So that is just something we are doing this year. I plan to give my husband one gift - a new coffee maker. He needs one bad. I plan to get him that Keurig one - it is on sale at our local department store. ;) I believe I will be getting bath towels - that is a definite necessity around here! ha ha.

What are some of your favorite traditions? What are you doing different this year? Any NEW traditions being implemented?

{relaxation}

*****

Today has perhaps, been the best day I have had in a long time. My children didn't wake me up until 8 a.m. . I am usually up around 6:30 or 7 all on my own. So this was a treat. *smiles* I started to do my daily/normal routine when all of a sudden I thought - "Why don't I do something different today. Be crazy and lazy. Don't worry about FB, email, or my blog. Forget the chores for a while. Why not?"

So - first things first. Shower. (literally a 3 minute shower considering my newborn was crying his eyes out because he was hungry and I still had to sanitize all of his bottles. *sigh*) Dry hair. Change E.J.'s diaper, clothes, and sanitize/fix bottle. Get R.A. changed and breakfast. Bring it upstairs so we can chill up there for a while. Finish watching "The Duchess" while feeding E.J. . Fold 2 baskets of laundry. Put folded laundry away. Clean out t.v. stand. (what a mess. uggh.) Sort through all Gerber Graduate items and stock 'em away in closet. (all were on sale at my Market this past week. Puffs, Crunchies, Teething biscuits, and Arrowroot cookies each only $1.00!!) If you are a mom of a sitting baby/toddler you know how much these cost regular price!! Figured I'd get a jump on things since they are good till 2013!! *winks*) Mopped bathroom floor. Took out bathroom trash. Straightened hair. (did all of these while E.J. was napping after his bottle. *wink*) Popped in "Toy Story III" and "Veggie Tales Jonah" for R.A. while mommy did all of this. Sorted dirty clothes. Made the beds. Played with E.J. and his baby toys, it is amazing how responsive he is already! He loves looking at each item I pull out and he really acts like he is listening. *grins*

{moves downstairs}

Wash bottles. Sanitize bottles. Clean countertops. (E.J. is in his bouncer at this point. R.A. is listening to Christmas music in the LR.) Fix lunch. Today was lean cuisine lasagna and salad for mommy - a ham and cheese lunchable for R.A.. Pop laundry in the washer. Check FB. Check email. Pop laundry in the dryer - put another in the wash. Take out trash to dumpster. Check blog. Oh wait - here we are at this very second! ;) I just love my days with my boys. I have found that if I simply put them first at all times - I get soooo much more done that way. *winks* I think now my days are going to be upstairs first half - and downstairs second half. It makes it easier on mommy at night - that way when I head upstairs at bedtime, I'm not stuck with folding, sorting, and putting away a ton of launry, cleaning, and showering. *whew*

What a relaxing day. Today truly is a great day. Thank you Lord for your many blessings.

Amen.

*****

drip drip drop

Normally, I don't like the rain. However, today seemed like the perfect day for rain. Not that I was having a bad morning or anything. I woke up in a great mood and the kids were and are behaving wonderfully. It just seems like a 'rainy' sort of day - ya know? First thing on the agenda today was get to the hospital for E.J.'s one month appointment.

{E.J.}

5 weeks 5 days old

10 lbs 5 oz

Appointment went well - doc says E.J. is a perfect, healthy, happy baby boy. *smiles big* Now we are home, listening to Christmas music and enjoying our day. Indoors. Soaking up the toasty heat. I love cuddling with my boys on the couch - with the throw pillows and a nice fuzzy blanket. Or a big handmade quilt from Grandma's collection. It may be tattered and worn...but it serves its purpose quite well, thank you. *giggles* Getting ready to make us some lunch and watch our 1 1/2 hours of television. We are on week 2 of only watching 1 - 1 1/2 hours of television per day. It has been the best thing I've done for me and my family. My husband has even taken all his shows off of the DVR and no longer watches t.v. at night. Instead - he spends quality time with me and the boys. We read, do devotions, color, play with blocks, puzzles, and toys, and just enjoy our family. It has opened my eyes so much. Taking time away from our cell phones, laptops, and iPods. It is just amazing. I would recommend anyone doing it if you have a famiily - try it out just for a day even. It makes a HUGE difference. *winks*

Happy Monday everyone!

{praise & worship}

Isn't it amazing how you can feel so down and out and then your friends, church family, and even your fellow bloggers pull together and save the day? I also enjoyed today's praise and worship/message. It was just the right thing I needed to hear today. *smiles* I am so blessed to have you all in my life. God's grace is enough for me - I am learning that. For sure. Thank you all for your kindness and prayers.

*****

This week:

E.J.'s 1 month check-up.

Women's devotional night.

Family night.

pretty good week I'd say.

{Pomegranates}

{mmm...yummy.}

I just love pomegranates. Yum-O. I enjoyed one of these babies last night as a mid-night snack. Well...a 10:00 p.m. snack. lol. I love FALL. Autumn brings us such wonderful fruits and goodies. *smiles* Well I am happy to say that I am a member of a family of 4 now. My husband and sons R.A. and E.J. Life is good. I absolutely love my family. I am proud to be a stay-at-home mommy too. *smiles big* This year we are finally starting some new Holiday 'traditions'.

• 
  
  Put up and decorate our Christmas tree on Thanksgiving night.


• 
  
  Play Christmas music every day from Thanksgiving night through Christmas day.


• 
  
  String popcorn on the tree Christmas Eve.


• 
  
  Bake all sorts of homemade sweeties Christmas Eve.

Aah. The holidays. I just love them - don't you?

{1 month}

{1 month}

Wow. How time flies, huh? It seems just like yesterday I was sitting in the labor and delivery room waiting for our sweet baby E to arrive. *tear* He is doing great! He sleeps at night very well, aside from 2 feedings. One around 2:30 a.m. and another around 6 a.m. Life is good. *wink* Breastfeeding didn't go as planned. It was going soooo well, then all of a sudden he started getting super fussy...and gassy. *frowns* So, his pediatrician put him on Similac Isomil Soy. He is doing much better now, thank the good Lord. *smiles* Perfect timing too - because my milk production has been low. Very low. Dislike. Overall, he is a healthy, happy, baby boy. That makes me one happy momma.

R.A. is doing well. He is adjusting alot better now. He is even helping out. I guess he just had to get past the one month mark. Ha ha. He loves to give E 'pats' on the head, and soft kisses. *smiles* He helps me get diapers and things when needed as well. He still wants all of the attention, but is managing and coping alot better with the attention time we give him. Overall, he is doing fabulous with new baby brother. Life is good. *smiles big*

{urbanfarmgirl has an awesome giveaway sweeps right now - check it out for a chance to win a $50 pottery barn gift card!!}

{mommy must-haves}

{mommie's must-haves}

[idea from: shannanigans]

.boppy pillow.

I use this to breastfeed, bottle feed, and just to have my little E.J. lounge.

.Dr. Brown's bottles.

I absolutely love these! They don't make bubbles - and it really helps reduce colic and gas. I actually stir my formula in the water with a spoon, then let it sit with the lid and cap on for just a minute to let it all settle (to reduce air/bubbles). (if I do see bubbles, I open up lid, then replace it...and let it sit for a minute then feed E.J.)

.Boppy Bouncer.

I love this! Couldn't do without it. (well I probably could, but wouldn't want to.) It has vibrations and music. E.J. loves sitting in it during the day. :)

.Lansinoh Nursing Pads.

I will only buy the lansinoh brand. I have tried a few others, and they just soak through too quickly, or they stick to my nipples. Let me tell you - that is NO picnic. Uggh.

.Avent bottle sterilizer.

I also have Avent bottles, so I use this sterilizer for those bottles. All I do is rinse them out after a feeding (using my bottle brush of course), then pop them in the sterilizer with 7 oz. of water in the bottom, pop it in the microwave for 2 minutes and VOILA. Sterilzed bottles. ;)

.Avent Bottle/Food Warmer.

I love this product! Plug it in. Turn knob to #3. Have water no higher than milk in bottle, and in about 2 minutes I have a warm bottle of milk! :) One happy momma.

.Avent Pacifiers.

These are great - and they are 'simply cute'. :) I also think they are the best because they come with plastic cover caps. ;) I have many other 'must-haves', but for some reason I am unable to load the pictures on my page properly and it takes me forever to get them aligned properly. But the items include:

Vera Bradley 'purple punch' diaper bag.

Carter's sleepers.

Carter's two piece clothing sets.

Cloth diapers (I use these tucked inside my maternity bra while I am bf-ing. It eleminates leakage onto my clothes.)

Desitin.

Gerber cloth burp cloths. (just like the cloth diapers - love them.)

Huggies Little Snugglers size NB.

Purell Hand Sanitizer.

What are some of your 'must-haves' for your kiddos?

{saturday fun & cinnamon swirl bread}

{cinnamon swirl bread}

Today is perhaps one of my favorite days. Ever. Aahh. Saturdays are simply the best.

• 
  
  Husband is home all weekend.


• 
  
  He helps take care of my 3 year old while I am on newborn duty. ;)


• 
  
  We pick up the 5 for $20 from Blockbuster.


• 
  
  Eat pizza.


• 
  
  Cuddle on the couch all day.


• 
  
  Sort through the many loads of laundry.


• 
  
  Never look at the clock.

Tomorrow I will make my cinnamon swirl loaf.

{on to another subject}

- baby food diet -

Alot of you have probably heard of the 'baby food diet' that Jennifer Aniston supposedly went on to 'cleanse' her body of all the junk and nasties. Well, I even read in a baby magazine that I recently received in the mail, that a Daddy (one of the editors in the magazine) decided to try it out for a week. Here is the gist:

• 
  
  Eat 14 jars of Gerber baby food each day for 7 days.


• 
  
  Eat a regular size dinner - drink your normal 6-8 glasses (8 oz.) of fluids/day.

At the end of 48 hours this guy lost 5 lbs. After the last day, day seven, he had lost a total of 6-8 lbs.

I am personally trying this out for 3 days just to see if I feel better. Cleansed, so to speak. We will see what happens. Good thing is, the baby food tastes great! I love the fruits and oatmeals they now provide. ;) I would never dream of doing this as a 'lifestyle', however, as a monthly cleanse...I think it is a wise thing to do...and it gets your digestive system working properly if not already. (works pretty much like eating Activia once a day.)

Here we go!

trick or treat

{Me and my little giraffe}

- - Well Halloween was fun this year. Probably because we were able to spend it with my best friend and her two adorable little girls. (who just lost her husband in September) Hubs and I took our oldest over to their subdivision to trick or treat. They had a blast! I confess...so did I. ;) Our little munchkin is growing up so fast. He got soooo much candy. He'll be hopped up for a while. lol. How was everyone's Halloween? What did your kid (s) dress up like? - -

{E - too cute to SPOOK}

A friend of mine got this onesie and bib for my baby shower. I absolutely love it! He enjoyed his time at mamaw's while daddy and I took big brother trick or treating. It was just too cold to take this lil guy out and about. I adore these shoes from Old Navy too...I love owls!

Tomorrow is the big day...E will be 1 month old! I can't believe it!

{3 weeks}

{E J S}

{3 weeks old}

okay - so I admit. I haven't officially uploaded any 'new' pictures of my sweet little E. However, this pic was taken a few days ago - so it is close enough. ha ha. Today consisted of mommy taking big brother to our mommies group at church. He was able to Trick or Treat throughout the church offices. He absolutely loved it! He desperately needed some play time. He is still adjusting to life with a new little brother in the house. lol. He made a pumpkin craft (well - mommy made it...he 'supervised' [aka: played with play-doh while mommy did everything.] ). We ate some Chick-fil-a for lunch and then worked some puzzles and played with toys while little brother slept pretty much ALL day. (mommy will pay for that one tonight. uggh.) I worked on my devilled eggs for my Fall Party tomorrow night. Tomorrow will consist of making the Anti-pasti pull apart pizza, iced pumpkin muffins, cheddar cheese ball, and putting together my apple cider and caramel apples. Hoot hoot! I am excited! Even though a couple of my friends aren't going to be able to be there...I am sure we will all have a good time. I wish I could invite ALL of my friends...every last one. But...a 2 bedroom apartment won't allow me to do that. LOL.

currently: watching my sweet baby sleep in his bouncer...

{nighty night blogging world}

{precious gems}

E.J.

Well here we are and it is almost Wednesday. Again. Tomorrow my sweet little bundle of joy will be 2 weeks old. I can't believe it! This week has been alot better. The more I get into a routine the better it is for everyone. lol. Daddy is helping with big brother as much as he possibly can - which includes spending an hour with him in the evenings to just play around and 'wrestle' (what can I say, they are boys after all), give him a bath, and put him to bed. So that is very nice. That gives mommy time to nurse E and get him to bed so that I can get a shower. Oh what sweet bliss. A shower. Mmmm. Lately I am just relaxing around the house, doing up whatever chores I possibly can with a 3 year old and a newborn. lol. I love this life that God has blessed me with - I wouldn't change it for anything.

R.A.

Big brother is still adjusting. He doesn't try to beat up his little brother or anything, but he definitely doesn't help him sleep. ha. He runs rampant around the living room all day and wakes him up atleast once a day. *sigh* He craves attention sooo much. I give him as much as is humanly possible, and daddy definitely gives him lots of love and attention. However - to a 3 year old 23 hours of attention in a 24 hour period of time just isn't enough. He is going to want that last hour too! No sharing for this little munchkin. ha ha. He also loves taking things away from little brother...already. Poor E can't even defend himself yet. lol. But overall, I can't complain too much. He is taking it alot better than some kids would. My only thing is that he still can't be quiet. But, I guess I can't complain too much about that either. He is a kid afterall, and you are only a kid once. I love him so much and I know he will be a great big brother.

This week:

• 
  
  Relax.


• 
  
  Take atleast one nap a day. {even if it is just for 30 minutes}


• 
  
  Bake some Halloween/Fall cookies.


• 
  
  Break in my new pair of 'post-pregnancy' jeans. =)


• 
  
  Attend a Chick-fil-a benefit lunch for a friend.


• 
  
  Clean out and organize the toy cabinet. {too many toys for my 3 year old}


• 
  
  Start Christmas shopping online.


• 
  
  Prepare for my Fall Party I am having next week.

P.S. Does anyone have any good ideas for treat bags, or anything 'crafty' to use in my Fall Party? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks! =)

{baby update}

{E.J.} My sweet baby boy turned a week old on Wednesday. It is hard for me to believe that he will be two weeks old this Wednesday. *tear* He is doing so well. He is doing great at breast feeding, latches on and everything. He sleeps well through the night, waking up only twice for a feeding. (usually a 2:30 and a 6:30) He only fusses when he is hungry, and doesn't even fuss when he is wet or dirty. He is a very sweet boy with a cute little personality already. He makes the cutest facial expressions. I just love him so much. I adore every minute of being with him. Big brother is doing very well adjusting to our new routine and life with little brother. I am very proud of him. He could have taken this much worse. ha ha. The only thing that really irritates me is something that is to be expected...which is him being very loud when he shouldn't be. ha ha. Other than that he is doing beautifully. I have been staying busy chaning diapers, doing feedings, doing up loads and loads of laundry, folding loads and loads of laundry, washing dishes, cleaning, and trying to take care of myself at the same time. ha ha. It is definitely a challenge - but I am totally up for it. ;) This week I have a couple of appointments, so that will get me out of the apartment for a little while. But no other plans than to just love on my kiddos and spend time with my husband. Whom I love and adore so very much. He is helping out with everything more than I could have imagined. I am truly blessed. {thanks to everyone (including Jessie T.) for delivering meals to us this week, we have truly, truly appreciated it soooo much. I have loved not having to cook this past week.;)}

{the gift of life} E.J.S.

E.J.

October 6, 2010

7lbs. 8oz.

20 1/2 in.

.................................................

I am in heaven. =) I love being a mother of two great little boys. My days are spent taking care of them and I wouldn't have it any other way. I get 2-4 hours of sleep a night, sometimes more, sometimes less. I barely have time to eat, pee, or do any chores around the house. But ya know what? I am the happiest I have ever been in my entire life. Thank you God for your many blessings, and thank you hubby for giving me two stunningly handsome boys. I love you more than you will ever know. Thank you for taking my hand in marriage and enjoying this amazing journey called life...with ME.

{one more day}

well, it is official. my sweet little E will be here on Wednesday. I am scheduled to be induced that morning. I am soooo ready too. I already feel like he is going to just 'fall out'. ha ha. I may not be posting for a while - but I sure hope I can. I would love to post some pictures soon.

Happy Fall everyone!

{mmm...pumpkin butter}

well here we are on Sunday morning, the 3rd of October. I will be 39 weeks pregnant as of Wednesday morning. I go to the doctor tomorrow to see if she will admit me then or wait until Wednesday. I have had a rough night's sleep the past few nights. wide awake with contractions. blah. so ready for my sweet baby E to arrive. =)

in the mean time, I have been baking pumpkin bread, pumpkin butter cookies, double fudge brownies, and more... I have been nesting too. it has been a little hard this week however because my best friend lost her husband to a car accident. it was a very emotional time for all of us around here. considering he was my husbands really good friend, and his wife is my best friend. since birth. I have helped watch her girls (3 yrs. and 3 mths. old) alongside of taking care of my own 3 year old. so that has been intersting. but I wouldn't change any of it. I would do anything for her.

this week I am looking forward to going to the hospital and delivering the newest member of our family. =) ya know what? let's just make a list of the things I am excited about this month.

• 
  
  Bringing E into this world.


• 
  
  Coming home with E, big brother, and hubby.


• 
  
  Having visits from friends and family to our apartment.


• 
  
  Getting myself and E into a nice routine.


• 
  
  Wearing NON maternity clothes - AMEN!


• 
  
  Fall Pampered Chef party with friends from church.


• 
  
  Halloween - my oldes will be a Giraffe and E will wear an adorable onesie with owls, and ghosties on it, alongised a bib that says "Too Cute To Spook". lol.


• 
  
  Carving pumpkings with my children and husband.


• 
  
  Breathing in the crisp Autumn air. nuff said.

{prayer request}

.okay. so I know this is really random, however I felt the need to share it. My best friend Melanie D. lost her brother to a car accident on August 8th. She lost her grandfather 2 weeks later to a heart attack. Early Friday morning, she lost her husband due to a car accident. She has 2 little girls. Zoe 3 months old. Keira 3 years old. She has literally lost everything...please keep her and her girls in your thoughts and prayers.

.pumpkin butter.

.okay - so I want to make my own Pumpkin Butter. does anyone out there have any good recipes for it? I have been looking on line and have found a couple. unfortunately I won't be able to use 'real' pumpkin. I will use the pureed kind already in a can. I have no time to carve out a pumpkin and all of that with baby due here in a week or so... any suggestions? I would appreciate it.

.update time - indeed.

.baby E is on his way.

{35 weeks}

(as of September 5th)

I am now 37 weeks pregnant and I am finally ready to be done with it all. ha ha. I am feeling fine, other than the usual swollen feet and hands, crampy body, back aches, and some small contractions. Finally over the migraines - THANK GOD! I had my baby shower - it was thrown on the 4th of September, and here in OH, it was a VERY windy day. So it was crazy and hilarious to see us all trying to keep our food on our plates, and tablecloths on the tables, and decorations from going everywhere. ha ha. Hope all of you are doing well out there in the blogging world.

Due: October 13th.

Last Doctor Appointment (last monday): dilated 3cm.

This should be interesting. hmm.

crisp. fresh. fall. leaves.

It is hard to believe I am 34 weeks preggo! I couldn't be more ready for FALL. =) I am already getting my fall decor organized and ready to put up this weekend. This is going to be one busy week for me. Today was chore day. Tomorrow is my one relaxation day. Wednesday is mommies group with my munchkin at our church & errands/grocery shopping. Thursday is my GIRLS NIGHT & a devotional with my lady friends from church. (which is awesome because we have dinner and stay up super late and talk with no kiddos and no hubbies. *wink*) Friday I will be preparing for my baby shower on Saturday. And of course, Saturday is my baby shower! *whew*

On another note - I went through a month where I hardly cleaned at all. August being that month. Now, I am back in action - cleaning every knick and cranny trying my darndest to get this apartment spotless for fall and for new baby! =) I am so excited to get to wear my new post-baby wardrobe! Hope everyone has a great week - I know I am going to LOVE mine! No matter what!

.long time no see.

ok. so I am sorry for being gone so long. but I have been super busy lately AND super tired, crampy, and moody as heck. lol. I am now 33 weeks preggo and this was the last picture I took. I know I need to take another. *sigh* my baby shower is coming up next weekend. I still need a few things...hoping I get them from the shower. thank GOD it is starting to cool down around here - I can't wait for FALL. afterall, it is my favorite season. :) okay - so I will try to post more later - baby is fine - mommy is fine - I will update when I take a new picture - and probably after my shower. everyone have a GREAT day.

white. white. white.

{Before AND After}

So - this is what I have been doing the past 2 days. :)

I love the new look. My LR seems alot bigger now. Crisp, fresh, clean, and WHITE.