I am a little behind in week two of giving thanks. I went to my grandparents for the weekend, where get this!!!! They have NO Internet at all or decent cell service. It was so nice to spend the time with them and disconnect.
That is why they again get the spot for day 9. I love being able to go back to their house and stay in my old bed, in my old room, and feel like I'm 6 all over again.
Day 10. I am so thankful for mine and my family's health, gram has had plenty of health issues and always will but she is a trooper. My son has never been sick (knock on wood) and the rest of my family, myself included are doing well in the health department.
Day 11. I can not express how thankful I truly am to be a stay at home mom. It brings myself and my child such joy to spend that time together.
Day 12. I am thankful that my wonderful spouse finally got the opportunity to deploy to Antarctica, I am also thankful it is only a month and it has flown by.(he'll be home in less than a week)
Day 13. I am thankful for the 3 years I was a caregiver at a nursing home. It has taught me so many wonderful things and I enjoyed helping those who need it.
Day 14. I am thankful for books, they have a book on just about any topic or interest, they open up so many windows for the imagination and can completely transport you to another world.
Day 15. I am thankful my almost 2 year old is just about potty trained, big boy undies...here we come!!
Day 16. I am thankful for my son's god parents and their families, such wonderful people to have in his life.
Day 17. I am thankful for pictures, memories and stories that people can share (my greatgrandparent's love story for example)
Day 18.I am thankful for my OB and the hospital I chose to have my son, they gave great care and helped out a lot when I started having issues.
Day 19. I am thankful for having the ability to exercise and keep in shape.
Day 20.I am thankful for being chosen to be a Godmother in just a few short months.
Wednesday, November 20, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Story Hour A Learning Experience For The Both Of Us
Every Thursday Prince and I head down to the local library for story hour, which involves a few books and a craft at the end. I knew this was going to be a great learning experience for my toddler, but I never thought it would be such a big learning experience for myself.
Obviously it is great for him children ranging in ages from newborn to 5 (sometimes older if school is off), this gives him tons of social interaction with plenty of different children. He is home with me all day and it was about time he got around some other kids. Thankfully my child loves books so getting him there is never an issue, getting him to sit still is something totally different. His favorite part is craft time, he tries to emulate his older peers and does 3/4 of his craft independently. He is thriving from going I see such a difference in his social behavior and how much he is learning and picking up from the other kids, especially after the craft is over and they play in the toy corner.
What I didn't realize is how much I needed this experience when we first started about 4 weeks ago. Story hour has been teaching me patience like crazzyyyy. I see myself getting frazzled sometimes when he just won't sit still and insists on running all over, I've learned (for the most part) LET IT GO!! He is fine, let him be, just keep an eye on him, the whole point of this was for learning and fun....and that's exactly what he's doing. And the other moms, THEY ARE FANTASTIC....so encouraging and reassuring during those frazzled, anxiety filled moments where he just simply doesn't want to listen (normal for his age), asserting independence ( again, whole point of going) These moms and sometimes grandmothers are simply wonderful, I can't say it enough. The Librarian is amazing with the children and has never asked me to not have my child come back because of throwing a tantrum,she actually encourages us to keep coming, which I never would have expected.
I have a great time just being around so many different moms, different ages, lifestyles, number of kids, stay at home, working in the home, working outside the home, strict parents, lax parents, even keel parents.
To us it doesn't matter about who breastfed or who didn't or what we let our kids do and eat and watch, it is about having a great outing with our sweet children and giving them the gift of early learning, making friendships, and hanging with other moms.
I can honestly say we will continue going to story hour until it is time for preschool and maybe even pop in from time to time then as well. And I am so thankful for this wonderful experience with my child every Thursday as he makes his way to the car, joyfully talking about how much he loves his buddies, crafts, and books, at the library.
Obviously it is great for him children ranging in ages from newborn to 5 (sometimes older if school is off), this gives him tons of social interaction with plenty of different children. He is home with me all day and it was about time he got around some other kids. Thankfully my child loves books so getting him there is never an issue, getting him to sit still is something totally different. His favorite part is craft time, he tries to emulate his older peers and does 3/4 of his craft independently. He is thriving from going I see such a difference in his social behavior and how much he is learning and picking up from the other kids, especially after the craft is over and they play in the toy corner.
What I didn't realize is how much I needed this experience when we first started about 4 weeks ago. Story hour has been teaching me patience like crazzyyyy. I see myself getting frazzled sometimes when he just won't sit still and insists on running all over, I've learned (for the most part) LET IT GO!! He is fine, let him be, just keep an eye on him, the whole point of this was for learning and fun....and that's exactly what he's doing. And the other moms, THEY ARE FANTASTIC....so encouraging and reassuring during those frazzled, anxiety filled moments where he just simply doesn't want to listen (normal for his age), asserting independence ( again, whole point of going) These moms and sometimes grandmothers are simply wonderful, I can't say it enough. The Librarian is amazing with the children and has never asked me to not have my child come back because of throwing a tantrum,she actually encourages us to keep coming, which I never would have expected.
I have a great time just being around so many different moms, different ages, lifestyles, number of kids, stay at home, working in the home, working outside the home, strict parents, lax parents, even keel parents.
To us it doesn't matter about who breastfed or who didn't or what we let our kids do and eat and watch, it is about having a great outing with our sweet children and giving them the gift of early learning, making friendships, and hanging with other moms.
I can honestly say we will continue going to story hour until it is time for preschool and maybe even pop in from time to time then as well. And I am so thankful for this wonderful experience with my child every Thursday as he makes his way to the car, joyfully talking about how much he loves his buddies, crafts, and books, at the library.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Christmas Time TO DO
This year I have a list of things I simply MUST (want) to do. Every year I make this list and it never seems to get done. I think the only thing that got crossed off in the last 2 years were Greeting Cards for the family.
TO DO:
1. make a gingerbread house
2. Bake as many Christmas cookies and treats as physically possible
3. Make Christmas decorations (felt ornaments, wreath, felt ginger people....things like that)
4. hand and footprint salt dough decorations of my sweet prince's hands and footsies.
5. Take tot to see Santa
6. Christmas Eve Mass
7. Make a delectable Christmas Brunch.
8. Get all of the shopping done before Christmas Eve ( I plan to internet shop this year)
9. Teach the kiddo the REAL story of Christmas ( lucky for me he's obsessed with the story of baby Jesus)
10. String cranberries
11. Drink tons of hot chocolate (marshmallows, peppermint sticks)
12. Get a TREE!!!!
13. Family photo (me, handsome, and tiny)
14. Photos of all of us with my grandparents and great grandmothers (baby's great grandparents and great great grandmothers)
15. Advent calendar
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST 16!!!!! RELAX AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS.
Aside from gift buying/giving, most of my plans consist of wonderful (in my opinion) memory making activities to look back on years from now. Family, memories, celebrating the birth of Jesus,spreading joy and cheer, is what the holiday spirit is all about. I refuse to let the commercialism and hustle and bustle prevent me from having a fantastic holiday season. What is on everyone else's to do list this year?
TO DO:
1. make a gingerbread house
2. Bake as many Christmas cookies and treats as physically possible
3. Make Christmas decorations (felt ornaments, wreath, felt ginger people....things like that)
4. hand and footprint salt dough decorations of my sweet prince's hands and footsies.
5. Take tot to see Santa
6. Christmas Eve Mass
7. Make a delectable Christmas Brunch.
8. Get all of the shopping done before Christmas Eve ( I plan to internet shop this year)
9. Teach the kiddo the REAL story of Christmas ( lucky for me he's obsessed with the story of baby Jesus)
10. String cranberries
11. Drink tons of hot chocolate (marshmallows, peppermint sticks)
12. Get a TREE!!!!
13. Family photo (me, handsome, and tiny)
14. Photos of all of us with my grandparents and great grandmothers (baby's great grandparents and great great grandmothers)
15. Advent calendar
AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST 16!!!!! RELAX AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS.
Aside from gift buying/giving, most of my plans consist of wonderful (in my opinion) memory making activities to look back on years from now. Family, memories, celebrating the birth of Jesus,spreading joy and cheer, is what the holiday spirit is all about. I refuse to let the commercialism and hustle and bustle prevent me from having a fantastic holiday season. What is on everyone else's to do list this year?
Friday, November 8, 2013
Week One Of Thankfulness
I don't normally do the whole whatever days of being thankful stuff, since I am thankful every day of the year, but with my other half not coming home until a couple days before Thanksgiving I thought it might be nice to remind myself in written form,and to keep me positive on the days I don't want to be.
SOOOO here we go......
First I have to start with my grandparents, for without them I wouldn't have my wonderful mom and I would not be. They are my biggest fans, supporters, critics, and all around two of the most wonderful people I think this world has to offer. They have taught me so many wonderful things in life and have helped me through too many hard times to keep track of. They will always be my second home, always. They showed me that real love is possible and that I do deserve it. They have given me values and morals that we are now instilling in our own child. They are amazing.
Next, My lovely Mother who brought me into this world and has been such a strong and loving mother to my brother and I. She is truly a selfless being, and gives her time and energy to everyone. A woman who at times has wanted to cry but kept a cheerful personality and a warm smile upon her face. She has Been my best friend, my worst enemy (teenage years), the perfect grandparent to my wonderful son, and a great family member and friend to everyone that she knows. She is smart, resilient,forgiving, beautiful, tenderhearted, strong willed,and I am so thankful and grateful for her.
My super awesome brother, has the kindest most gentle soul of anybody I know, he loves his family and would do anything to make them feel safe. There was a time I wouldn't sleep in my own home (just couldn't do it), he helped me move out every single piece of furniture and helped paint so that I would feel more comfortable....he's that guy. I will always see him that way warm, gentle and protective.
Now onto my darling Christopher, who I could write a whole book on how thankful I am to have him in my life. He is the most amazing man in the world (I will always stand by that) The most perfect partner a woman could ask for and the most amazing father to our wonderful little boy. Did I mention he works his butt off so I can be a stay at home mom....super awesome points for that. He loves me unconditionally doesn't matter if I"m in a bad mood, look a mess, out of shape, or I have it all together and am dressed to the nines, hair and makeup done. I can't really say that I've had that in someone before, to love me so much for just being me.
My perfect, amazing, wonderful, fun smart, loving, super totally awesome cool son. You have changed my life in so many ways for the better. Everyday I am learning from you just as much if not more than you are from me. You and your daddy make me want to be a better woman every single day. You have given my life so much light and purpose. I love the little boy you are becoming and can't wait to see the man you will be someday. You completed my life the day I found out you were in my tummy. You have given me the greatest love in the world and I am thankful for you always.
My family and friends (who are like family) and all the wonderful new friends that Chris has introduced me too. What a splendid group of people who love to get together and do things.Who are there to help you in a bind. who treat our kid like he was their own. for laughter and fun. For watching good things happen in each other's lives. For the two fantastic people who are the prince's godparents and their families who are such a nice addition to ours. I am thankful for you everyday.
My Inlaws,are probably the best someone could wish for. They love me as if I were their own, and are so involved with our son. From meeting me in the hospital to hang out (false labor) to being their the day he was born and every day since then you rock...honestly you do.For letting us stay with you when Chris had to train for four months, thank you for being patient with your house being taken over by the two of us,we are so grateful to you for allowing us to stay. To the aunts and uncles our son has on that side of the family, they are great and are so good with our little one.
so there you have it week one.....all of the wonderful people that I have in my life
SOOOO here we go......
First I have to start with my grandparents, for without them I wouldn't have my wonderful mom and I would not be. They are my biggest fans, supporters, critics, and all around two of the most wonderful people I think this world has to offer. They have taught me so many wonderful things in life and have helped me through too many hard times to keep track of. They will always be my second home, always. They showed me that real love is possible and that I do deserve it. They have given me values and morals that we are now instilling in our own child. They are amazing.
Next, My lovely Mother who brought me into this world and has been such a strong and loving mother to my brother and I. She is truly a selfless being, and gives her time and energy to everyone. A woman who at times has wanted to cry but kept a cheerful personality and a warm smile upon her face. She has Been my best friend, my worst enemy (teenage years), the perfect grandparent to my wonderful son, and a great family member and friend to everyone that she knows. She is smart, resilient,forgiving, beautiful, tenderhearted, strong willed,and I am so thankful and grateful for her.
My super awesome brother, has the kindest most gentle soul of anybody I know, he loves his family and would do anything to make them feel safe. There was a time I wouldn't sleep in my own home (just couldn't do it), he helped me move out every single piece of furniture and helped paint so that I would feel more comfortable....he's that guy. I will always see him that way warm, gentle and protective.
Now onto my darling Christopher, who I could write a whole book on how thankful I am to have him in my life. He is the most amazing man in the world (I will always stand by that) The most perfect partner a woman could ask for and the most amazing father to our wonderful little boy. Did I mention he works his butt off so I can be a stay at home mom....super awesome points for that. He loves me unconditionally doesn't matter if I"m in a bad mood, look a mess, out of shape, or I have it all together and am dressed to the nines, hair and makeup done. I can't really say that I've had that in someone before, to love me so much for just being me.
My perfect, amazing, wonderful, fun smart, loving, super totally awesome cool son. You have changed my life in so many ways for the better. Everyday I am learning from you just as much if not more than you are from me. You and your daddy make me want to be a better woman every single day. You have given my life so much light and purpose. I love the little boy you are becoming and can't wait to see the man you will be someday. You completed my life the day I found out you were in my tummy. You have given me the greatest love in the world and I am thankful for you always.
My family and friends (who are like family) and all the wonderful new friends that Chris has introduced me too. What a splendid group of people who love to get together and do things.Who are there to help you in a bind. who treat our kid like he was their own. for laughter and fun. For watching good things happen in each other's lives. For the two fantastic people who are the prince's godparents and their families who are such a nice addition to ours. I am thankful for you everyday.
My Inlaws,are probably the best someone could wish for. They love me as if I were their own, and are so involved with our son. From meeting me in the hospital to hang out (false labor) to being their the day he was born and every day since then you rock...honestly you do.For letting us stay with you when Chris had to train for four months, thank you for being patient with your house being taken over by the two of us,we are so grateful to you for allowing us to stay. To the aunts and uncles our son has on that side of the family, they are great and are so good with our little one.
so there you have it week one.....all of the wonderful people that I have in my life
Monday, November 4, 2013
2 Ingredient Cookies
If you are looking for an easy baking project for you and your tot....I HAVE FOUND IT!!
If you are health conscious about the sweet treats you give your kids.....I HAVE FOUND AN ANSWER!!
2 INGREDIENT COOKIES!!!!
Seriously, just 2 super ripe bananas and 1 cup oatmeal
Tools needed, a bowl and a fork
Time needed? less than a half hour, including bake time.
My kiddo is obsessed with watching mommy cook, but being less than 2 years old really limits what we can do in the kitchen together.
I saw this recipe floating around pinterest on a health and fitness board and decided to give it a whirl.
So here is exactly what to do, put the 2 ripe bananas and 1 cup oats in a bowl while you preheat the oven to 350.
Next, mash the ingredients together until it is a cookie dough consistency (add in anything else you like, if you so choose)
Lastly, spoon onto a sprayed cookie sheet and bake for about 15 mins.
ENJOY!!!
This was such a great activity with the little one he got to help all the way through until it was time to use the oven, and we had a BLAST!!!
Plus these cookies are GUILT FREE!! I do not feel bad eating them or having the kiddo eat them either.
OH!!! and how wonderful are these for mornings on the go, or snacks to pack for trips.....so perfect in every way...... 2 THUMBS WAYYYY UP PINTEREST!!! You've once again rocked my mommy world.
If you are health conscious about the sweet treats you give your kids.....I HAVE FOUND AN ANSWER!!
2 INGREDIENT COOKIES!!!!
Seriously, just 2 super ripe bananas and 1 cup oatmeal
Tools needed, a bowl and a fork
Time needed? less than a half hour, including bake time.
I saw this recipe floating around pinterest on a health and fitness board and decided to give it a whirl.
So here is exactly what to do, put the 2 ripe bananas and 1 cup oats in a bowl while you preheat the oven to 350.
Next, mash the ingredients together until it is a cookie dough consistency (add in anything else you like, if you so choose)
Lastly, spoon onto a sprayed cookie sheet and bake for about 15 mins.
ENJOY!!!
This was such a great activity with the little one he got to help all the way through until it was time to use the oven, and we had a BLAST!!!
Plus these cookies are GUILT FREE!! I do not feel bad eating them or having the kiddo eat them either.
OH!!! and how wonderful are these for mornings on the go, or snacks to pack for trips.....so perfect in every way...... 2 THUMBS WAYYYY UP PINTEREST!!! You've once again rocked my mommy world.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)