1st Grade

First off, let me just add that I found this awesome sign here while doing a Google search.  It's free and doesn't need to be downloaded.  Genius.  I wish I would have seen this last year when my son was starting kindergarten.  Of course, taking pictures on the first day of every year is what most of us proud mothers do, right?  This adds a little something to it.

After what seemed like an extremely fast summer vacation my oldest child is back at school for another year of growing, learning and exploring.  He had learned so much last year in kindergarten and I can't wait to see what first grade teaches him.  I have contemplated home schooling my children since the moment I found out I was pregnant but so far we've decided to stick with sending them to public school. My son seems to be doing well and that very shy personality he's had since toddlerhood seems to be improving.  He also seems to learn better from someone else and likes being around kids his age.  So, at least for now, we'll continue to send him on the bus and off to a school that seems to have a great reputation and has already done wonders for my child.  He's already reading.  When I was in kindergarten I remember painting pictures and taking naps ... now they read?  Amazing!

He was so full of energy after his first day of school and had so many things to say.  It seems he likes his teacher and the students he will be sharing the classroom with.  I believe he wore himself out with all the energy he possessed because this morning it was tough getting him out of bed and moving.  But he had his breakfast, got dressed and made it to the bus stop without a fuss.

As for me and my little one, we are enjoying our "girl time" as we call it.  I will be doing more educational stuff for her here at home and next year, hopefully, we will send her to preschool.  These years are going by so fast and I'm doing everything I can do to enjoy the time I have with them.  It won't be long before that "I'm a 1st Grader" sign will be replaced with "I'm a 12th Grader."  Ugh. 

Our "Princess" Turns 3

I remember finding out we were expecting our second child as if it happened yesterday.  Then I blinked.  Now she's 3.  No longer a baby.  No longer a toddler.  But a little girl.  A "princess" as she seems to think she is.

At age 3 our little girl has grown and learned so much.  She can say her A, B, C's and recognizes the letter B and says, "Be for me" since that is the first letter in her name.  She also recognizes M as the first letter in her brother's name and G is for Grandpa and Grandma.  She also speaks very well and that has always been her strong point, even at age one.  She knows the colors and her favorite is pink.  Her favorite show is The Fresh Beat Band and has also taken a recent interest in watching Sam and Cat, Victorious and iCarly.  She seems to be outgrowing her obsession for Yo Gabba Gabba, thankfully.  She's loves Disney Princesses, wearing dresses and everything girly ... but she also doesn't mind getting dirty and playing superheros (it comes from having a big brother).  She loves to dance and is always spinning and twirling and kicking her feet up in the air.  She keeps saying, "I wanna do ballet," but we decided against it this year and will hope to sign her up next year due to financial reasons and also since she still refuses to potty train.  Yes, getting her to use the potty has been the biggest challenge with her.  The underwear method and reward system just doesn't cut it.  She doesn't care.  I feel a three year old in diapers is unnecessary but I also know it will happen when she's ready (just hope it's long before she starts preschool next year). 

She can be very stubborn and knows what she wants and insists on having what she wants (which brings on a big challenge when it comes to disciplining).  However, most of the time, she is a real joy and always seems to care if we're happy.  Constantly throughout the day, especially when I seem down or frustrated she will ask, "Mom are you happy?"  If she knows someone is hurt she will repeatedly ask if they are feeling better, like after my husband's hip surgery or after my dad's shoulder surgery.  She already seems to care for others.  It's great.  She also loves to laugh and if she does something that makes us laugh she'll keep doing it over and over again so we can keep laughing. 

On the day of her birthday she requested we go to her favorite place, an amusement park nearby where we go to quite often.  We rode some rides and allowed both kids to ride ponies.  This was her first pony ride and she LOVED it.  I was anticipating some tears and fear but she smiled and laughed the entire time.  Then we went home so she could open her presents from us.

The following day we had a small party in the backyard with family.  We also included both grandfathers since their birthdays are close to the date as well.  My sister and her family came all the way from NY to attend and we appreciated that so much.

She definitely lived up to the title "Terrible Twos" and showed us that term DOES exist.  However, it's been great so far.  We love our little girl so much and can't wait to see what age 3 brings us. 

Big Girl Bed!

I'm not quite sure what my daughter is doing in this picture but she put her hands on her face and said, "Mommy take a picture of me!"  Silly girl.

As you can see she's sitting on a bed in her room.  I have been thinking of making the switch from crib to bed for quite some time but we haven't been ones to rush on getting either of our children into a bed for a few reasons:

1. Our kids are both small for their age and still fit comfortably in the crib passed the age of 2.  
2. Neither of them had ever tried climbing out.
3. They were happy in the crib.  There were never any issues with getting them to sleep.
4. I don't believe in rushing to get my kids started on anything they are not ready for just because they turn a certain age.

However, yes, I knew with her third birthday quickly approaching it was time.  I was apprehensive and scared to say the least but so far she's been doing well. 

The transition really wasn't so bad.  In the days leading up to this big moment I had kept telling her we were getting rid of the crib and giving her a "big girl" bed so she would be prepared.  At first she said no.  Then I allowed her to pick out her own sheets and blanket and of course she picked out Disney Princesses.  Her favorite!  You should have seen the excitement when they arrived.  Then we decided it would be best to make the switch on the weekend when my husband wouldn't have to get up early for work (in case the first night was disastrous).  We picked the date and my husband took the crib apart and set up the bed.  We decided to go with a toddler bed.  It's small and she can get in and out very easily.  In a year or two we'll make the switch to a normal size twin bed but for now this helps her to get used to having a bed.

She loves it ... and oh my ... seeing her in a bed instead of a crib has instantly made her look so much older.  Shortly after laying her down on the first night she got up and walked into the living room.  Then I put her back to bed.  This happened 4 times but once I gave her the little pink blanket she had slept with in her crib she was out like a light and stayed that way until the morning.  Whew!  Most nights have been going well, except the one night we had rain.  She HATES sleeping when it's raining.  I don't know why.  She woke up about 3am and didn't go back to sleep until 5am.  So the next night, again fighting that sleep, we had to put a gate by her door.  She shouted, screamed and cried but eventually she crawled into bed and fell asleep.  So far we've only had to use that gate once ... I guess she learned her mommy and daddy mean business.  I also feared her naps would stop once she made the transfer but so far that's remained the same as well, in fact she's napping right now.

 It's another one of those bittersweet moments as a parent!

A New Kitchen (In Progress)

Our house has been in need of some cosmetic work and we are finally working on the kitchen.  I am so happy and I can't wait until it's all done.  We have already replaced all the new appliances with nice black ones and at some point in the next few months or so we'll be painting the walls, painting the cabinets, getting a new countertop and new flooring.  Oh it's exciting!  We have waited many years for this.  I'm glad it's finally happening and I love my husband so much for wanting to make my dream come true. 

The kitchen was closed in with only one small entryway that led into the dining room.  It was okay but I wanted it to be opened up more; making it look spacious and being able to see into the living room while I was in the kitchen.  When I was in the kitchen cooking I couldn't see what the kids were doing.  So we came up with some ideas of what would work best and my husband drew an idea on a piece of paper.  His father offered to help and we are so appreciative of that.  The men worked hard for two consecutive days and then my husband put some finishing touches to it on the third day.  I'm so happy with how it turned out. 

Here is a before and after picture:

Doesn't it look so much better?  They expanded the doorway and then added a window on the other side.  Eventually we will add a slab of countertop to the window.  The second picture was taken right after they finished so please excuse the mess inside the kitchen.  It is now clean and everything has been put back into place.  What a difference!

I already have a color picked out for the walls.



Actually, the sample I took from the store was a little darker than what is shown here.  It will add a little pop to the tan color we have in our dining room/living room area.  It's called Cedar Chest C28-6 at Lowe's. 

My husband and I are still deciding on which flooring and countertop to get but we seem to have the same idea on what we are looking for.  The cabinets will be painting a creamy/off white color. 

Oh my, I'm getting excited just writing about it! 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 8/4/14

Linking up with Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom for another week of Happy Homemaker Monday.  I wish I had the time to do this every week but I do it every chance I can.  Here we go ...

Breakfast time ... what is was on the plate this morning:
Pancakes for me, my son and hubby.  Scrambled eggs for my daughter. 

On today's to-do list:
- Laundry
- Dishes
- Sweet/mop floor
- Vaccuum
-Figure out ideas for daughter's birthday party next weekend
- Entertain kids!!

Currently reading:
I just finished The Resolution For Women and now it's time to find a new book. 

On the TV today:
Kids shows mostly.  I'm trying to cut back on TV viewing and spend more time doing activities and enjoying the outdoors with the kids. 

The weather outside is:
Yesterday it was cloudy and rainy but today it seems to be clearing up with only a few clouds, a chance of rain possibly and the air is warm with a breeze.  It's actually really nice out.  We've had quite a mild summer this year.  I took the kids for a walk around the neighborhood today and my son said, "I would be happy if the weather stayed like this all year."  I have to agree. 

On the menu this week:
Monday - ham, mashed potatoes and veggies
Tuesday - tacos and rice
Wednesday - slow cooker chicken stroganoff

That's all I have figured out for now.  On Thursday my husband and father-in-law will be knocking down part of the kitchen walls to open it up a bit and I'm not sure how long that will take and if my kitchen will be easily accessible until it's done.  So I'm going to have to figure something out. 

If I have a few minutes to myself, I will:
Ha ha ... it's summer and my son is out of school.  A few minutes to myself hardly exists this time of year but if I do catch a break I'm sure I'll find a new book to read or browse Pinterest. 

New recipe I tried, or want to try this week:
Chicken stroganoff in the slow cooker.  I'll be doing that on Wednesday. 

In the garden:
Having a garden is just a dream right now.  Maybe next year. 

Favorite photo from the camera:

My almost 3 year old -- always dancing ... even when there's no music. 

Homemaking tip:
I can't stand a messy house so teaching the kids to play with one thing and then put it away before getting something else has really worked well at keeping the house clean.  It seems like such a simple task, and one rule most households go by, but for us it's easier said than done.  Yet when the kids do follow this rule it makes housework so much easier. 

Praying for:
- My dad's continued healing after shoulder surgery
- My mother's continued progress after her stroke a few years ago
-Safety for my husband and father-in-law while they demo the kitchen. 
-Mental strength and wisdom for myself.  I can use it these days!

Bible verse/Devotional:

Leaving Facebook (...sort of)

Ahh ... good ol' Facebook, which started back in 2004 by a few college buddies, has now turned into the world's biggest social media website.  The page had started by only allowing certain college students to join but had eventually made it open to anyone over the age of 13.

I was always big into blogging since 2002 when I discovered a site called Xanga.  I always enjoyed journaling and writing and it was a great place for it.  I wrote my feelings and experiences, joined some groups, met some people from all over the country and it became a great outlet for me.  Then I noticed some of those people were writing about joining Myspace so I gave that a try.  With Myspace I only added people I knew personally (and in real life, not the blogging life).  I was amazed that so many family members were on there and it became such an easy way of keeping in touch with them.  Most of my family are from out of state so being able to see them often or even talk on the phone isn't always practical so this was an easy solution ... and I could hear from them every day.  I also got back in touch with some friends from high school and even elementary school.  How cool was that?  I loved it!  A free, easy and fun way to keep in touch with everyone.  That was my number 1 reason for being on Myspace.  Then everyone started moving over to Facebook and so I did too and I closed my Myspace account when I noticed no one was using it anymore.  Does anyone still do?

Facebook is okay.  It's made many changes since I first joined but it's not so bad.  I like being able to see udpates from others on the newsfeed.  Some post pictures of their growing children, some will write a status on something their kids are doing.  I like those!  Some post quotes that are inspirational or funny.  Sometimes I need the reminder of God's love or simply just a good laugh.  Then there are those who post a status filled with complaints and a lot of whining ... constantly.  I know Facebook offers an unfriend button and I've used it a few times but I don't want to be rude.  I have learned to just ignore the bad and focus on the good.  I love reading updates and seeing pictures that my nieces and nephews post, especially since two of my nieces recently had babies.  I can't see them since they are in another state so this has become my option in staying in touch.  However, it seems all anyone ever posts is complaining ... and let's face it ... it brings me down.

There isn't much good going on in the world of Facebook anymore.  Not a lot of updating from others and when there is it's not something I really care to read.  So with a lot of thought I decided it is time to step away to some degree.  I know if my husband reads this or hears of my news he will be excited.  He hates social media and sees no point in it.  He tells me all the time I shouldn't be on Facebook.  I respect his feelings and understand them but no one is going to keep me away from staying in touch with my family that I miss.  That is why I've ignored his request.  However, these days Facebook is only being used as a place to whine and complain more than it is to post fun and happy things ... so I'm making the decision to spend less time on the site.  No I have no plan to deactivate it, at least not yet.  I've decided to visit the site less often than I do now.  It's become too much of a distraction and my family notices.  Even I have come to notice.

Sometimes I wish Facebook would develop a DISLIKE button.

One morning months ago I was sitting on my couch with my laptop, watching the morning news on TV while sipping on coffee and a segment came on about how many people are addicted to Facebook.  They go on it first thing in the morning and find themselves checking it many times throughout the day.  I found it humorous because at that moment I was on my Facebook page.  I thought to myself uh oh.  At the time my husband had already left for work, I had put my son on the school bus and my daughter was still sleeping.  If they were present they would have said this particular news segment was about ME. 

I have known for a long time that the many times I log into Facebook has become too much and too often.  I have even prayed and talked to God about knowing I should cut my time off there.  Even He has revealed it to me many times in those prayers.  I've tried stepping away ... for hours at a time ... or even a day here and there.  Then I'm sucked right back into it.  Always afraid I'd miss an important update about someone in my family, or a new pictures of my cute little great-nephew or something.  Then I go on and I may see one or two ... but not much.  Nothing worth missing out on moments with my family for.

I'm still not convinced to deactivate and completely leave.  Facebook is good for some things and I intend on sticking around.  If I completely shut down I'd lose that connection with my family in New York and it would be hard for me.  I miss those people so much and I'm lucky if I get to see them at least once a year (since traveling to and from NY is soooooooo expensive it's hard for us and also for them).  I also enjoy seeing updates from friends who I don't get to see often either.  I even post pictures of my own kids from time to time so they can see how much they are growing.  But I believe I'll be done with that unless it's something of importance.

I've lost interest for the most part.  Facebook is no longer fun.  My time needs to be devoted off the computer and with my family.  I also need to focus more on housework.  We're getting ready to do a full kitchen makeover so that's going to consume me.  Hey, maybe less time on Facebook means more time for blogging?  I'm not giving this up.

How much time do you spend on Facebook? 

Date Night

One evening this week my husband and I went on a date.  A night out with just the two of us has been rare since becoming parents.  I will admittedly say that it's probably been about 4 years since we went on a formal date.  I'm sure you're wondering how we could have gone that long.  Well, we just did.

Since becoming parents our focus has been on the kids and I'm not someone who could easily trust just anyone with them.  We don't have a lot of family close by nor do we have many friends who are always available.  Plus it's hard for me to ask if anyone would be willing to watch my children just so we could go out on a date.  But I did ask our friend across the street if she wouldn't mind watching them so we could go out and she seemed more than happy to do it.  She felt she owed me for always getting her son off the bus every day during the school year and keeping him until she got home from work.  They have a son my son's age and a daughter a little older than my daughter so it worked out well.  Our kids had a blast and, of course, we enjoyed the evening together.

I even wore a dress.  Yes that's right.  I wore a dress.  If you know me personally you'll know that wearing a dress is something I don't do often.  It actually felt good to dress up.  It also felt good to see my husband unable to keep his eyes off of me the entire evening.  We ate at a pub located at a hotel, on a patio that overlooked a golf course.  The food was delicious and afterwards we walked across the parking lot for some ice cream.  Then took a little walk to check out the beautiful scenery before heading home.  It was a lovely night and one I'm thankful for.

I'm aware of the fact that keeping the marriage alive even after kids is so important.  He was my husband before we became parents.  We made a decision to wait at least five years before having children so we could have plenty of time to focus on ourselves and each other.  Then we brought our son into the world and then our daughter almost four years later and life became all about them and their needs.  Of course my husband and I still make sure we take moments to focus on each other as often as we can; constantly saying "I love you," giving hugs and kisses to each other throughout the day and making sure we have a little snuggle time while watching television after the kids are in bed.  Since going out on dates isn't something that can be done easily for us we've dedicated every Friday night as our indoor "date night."  We watch a movie while I enjoy a glass of wine or something a little stronger (hey, after a long week it helps to wind down) and we'll end the night ... well, do I really have to say?  It's been great having our own special reserved indoor date nights and I'm thinking of different ways to keep it interesting and fun.  However, leaving the house and having a romantic dinner and time alone was definitely needed and enjoyed.  We will have to try to do it more often, rather than once every four years.

Our marriage started out being just the two of us and once the kids are grown and out of the house it will again be just the two of us.  We need to make sure we focus on our marriage, even during the busyness of raising our wonderful children.  It's so important to keep the marriage strong and put each other first. 

"Above all things have intense and unfailing love for one another" -- Romans 12:10

Thank you to my husband for our amazing date and thanks to our friends for keeping an eye on our children.  I'm blessed!