Thursday, May 28, 2009

So You Think Your A Ghetto Mom......



Think again!

Look What We Did For Fun



Thanks to my friend Lisa, the kids were able to enjoy some "water time" today. After nap time this afternoon, I booted them outside to work on some counting, pouring, and measuring skills. Thanks to Lisa and her innovative ideas, a little food coloring went a long way. Keep the good ideas coming ladies.

Happiness Is....



Can you see the smile on this sweet girl's face? She is in heaven right now over the new bike that her daddy bought her this past weekend. She wants to ride it daily - sometimes on multiple occasions. I love seeing her face when she walks outside and says "lets ride bikes together mama!"

Last night I had the pleasure of doing just that. David took Paloma to Lowes to finish picking up some landscape goods which left me with my sweet little Mattea all to myself. What were we going to do I asked - ride bikes of course. Mattea jumped all over it and had her helmet on before I had a chance to say GO.

Let me just preface this paragraph by saying part of this bike ride was absolutely agonizing since I coasted the entire way BUT the time we spent together was absolutely priceless. You see, Mattea has quickly developed a fear of curbs and when it comes time to cross a street she gets off her bike to walk claiming the bumps "hurt her privates." Yes, you can see how time consuming that gets. We are constantly crossing streets but I certainly wouldn't want my little M's privates to hurt so I go along with it. She talked about nothing in particular and commented on how she liked every ones flowers. As we circled around to head home, she protested by shouting "I want to go longer. I'm a big girl, I want to ride more."

Next time sweet girl.

I loved the time Mattea and I got to spend together. I so crave that one on one time with my kids that I seem to have lost in the past year or so. As hard as I try, I just don't get that coveted time with them. They are currently inseparable and where one goes, the other will follow. That's not a bad thing but sometimes it is nice having concentrated one on one time. It's my goal this summer. But in the meantime, I'm going to simply relish this most beautiful smile.

We're Planted





I meant to do this post a couple of weeks back but low and behold - I've been a bit busy. Story of my life. But, I'm finally getting around to it.
Spring is here - in fact summer is now officially here(I think) which means it is time to get the garden planted. Dave worked so hard in putting in our new garden last year. We were so blessed to have it. We had a blast last year planting, watering, watching vegetables grow - yes that's what we do for entertainment here in the west - ha! The kids were excited when Dave started the rototiller (is that how you spell rototiller?) and drug out the shovel.
In the D's family garden this year - we're growin' up some
1. corn
2. tomatoes
3. potatoes
4. green peppers
5. red peppers
6. strawberries
7. cantaloupe
8. butternut squash
9. onions
10. chilies
11. cucumbers
12. Mattea's sunflower she started at preschool.

Stay tuned to see the results

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Too Cute Tuesday

Clear The Road



There's a new rider on the road. Mattea is now the proud owner of a "big girl bike." Finally, we graduated from the trike to a bike. Daddy stopped by George's Bike Shop today on his way home from the zoo only to find this great deal. Mattea, from all accounts, took to it immediately - pedaling faster and faster with each turnaround. Problem - ummmm, she can't quite use the breaks. I guess that will come. And, Franklin the cow rides with her which she is happy about. I can't wait to see her in action since I missed the days events because of work.

Hanging With My Homies



Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Using Your Cuteness


It's a good thing you are cute as pie Paloma because right now you are driving your momma nuts. Really, if you think your 2 year old tantrums are going to shock me - think again. Remember, you have an older sister.

Gaduation Day

The day had come - I knew it would but was in denial about how fast it would arrive. Tonight marked Mattea's graduation from preschool.
What an amazing year it has been. Mattea has made some great friends, memorized some great scripture, learned some fun songs, and learned some good life lessons. She attended a Christian Preschool than not only instilled in her the ability to write her own name, but to learn more about Jesus and the relationship that she can have with Him. She was blessed to be in a class with some friends that she had already known which made the year even better. Her teachers did a fantastic job and can't be thanked enough for the hard work and dedication that went into educating our children.



Mattea was shy in front of the crowd during her first program which occurred at Christmas time. I didn't think this would go over any better since dad wasn't able to be in the audience. But to my surprise, she did great - even nailing down her all important one liner in the program "O - Oh I like playing in the sand." I couldn't be more proud.



The kids sang songs, told nursery rhymes and recited scripture for us.



And finally the program was complete, the certificates handed out and the goodbyes said. Then it was time to move on to fellowship hour - where cake and punch were promised. I made Mattea take a few pictures before she moved on to cake - full well knowing that her dress wouldn't withstand the chocolate icing.
Good Job Mattea
We are proud of you!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Mother's Day

Just a few photos from Mother's Day this past weekend. Here is hoping all you mother's had a glorious and wonderful day of celebration.
I'm a big fan of Mother's Day. For me it far surpasses my birthday as far as importance goes. I think what we do as women goes completely unnoticed sometimes. Carrying a baby for 9 months may not seem like a big deal because hundreds and thousands of people do it every day. But, it is a big deal. It is a very big deal. Labor & delivery - big deal! Sleepless nights - big deal. Breastfeeding - big deal. Thousands of loads of laundry - big deal. Potty training - for heaven's sake - big deal. Do you get my point?
I'm not here to put down men and the role that they do or don't do. Father's Day is equally as important in my book because I think father's have extremely difficult and selfless role as well. I'm just here to simply call attention to the little things that mom's do day in and day out.
Who refills the soap dispenser when it is empty -mom. Who has an endless amount of band aids in the cupboard for those unexpected booboo's - mom. Who washes laundry and makes sure there are cleans socks and underpants for school the next day - mom. Who packs the backpack makes sure you have a "share" to bring on Thursday - mom. Who vacuums neurotically every day to make sure your house doesn't stink like a farm due to two unruly dogs - mom. Who takes you to soccer, swimming, gymnastics, etc. - mom. Who combs your hair every morning when you scream bloody murder over the endless amount of tangles - mom. Who always makes sure your nails are cut and not long enough to collect dirt under them - mom. Who tries to teach you right from wrong, steering you toward Jesus and away from earthly desires - mom. Who buys you carrots when you ask for them for a week straight - mom.
Overkill? maybe. I don't expect a medal, a big reward, a trophy, or even a massage for the big and little things that I do daily. It all goes into being a mother. We all do it. But, it is nice that one day out of the year, attention gets called to us and all that we do day in and day out. Celebrate motherhood - as exhausting as it is. No other job you do is as important as raising children.
So.... here is a rundown on my Mother's Day.



Dave and I taught Sunday School in the morning, so the family and I quickly gathered for a few pictures before tromping out to the car and making our way to church.



Quick pose with the girls in front of my hanging baskets I received. I think it is becoming a tradition to give me hanging baskets for Mother's Day. I've always wanted a porch to hang hanging baskets. Pink, my favorite color.



After church we headed out to a local winery and had brunch. Spent the afternoon outside listening to live music, enjoying brunch along with chocolate fondue, and a jump house for the kids.



Couldn't resist splashing in the water. Then it was home for relaxation and naps - for the kids not the adults of course.

Here is hoping you all had a wonderful, relaxing, stress free day. Happy Mother's Day.

Mattea Moment

Right this very moment, the girls and I are upstairs checking email, checking blog, etc. The girls are pretending to be "painters" and "fisherman." I finished my email and turned around in the chair to remind the girls of our nightly routine.

Me: Paloma, you need to do your flashcards and Mattea you need to practice your letters. You guys just let me know when you are ready to start.

Mattea: Ok your majesty!

(In my head) - this girl is smarter than I give her credit for!

Wordless Wednesday

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Daddy - Me Do It!





Gotta love the independent, want to tackle the world, I don't wan't help, please help me, me do it all by myself stage! Yep, we're right in the heart of it.

Who Got The Best Mother's Day Present In The Whole Entire World?



I did of course! Look at the beautiful frame my daughter Mattea made at preschool. Who in the world would ask for diamonds when you can have this?? I'm a lucky mommy!

My Beautiful Blue Eyed Girl



Zoom in on this photo to truly appreciate what I'm talking about.

Move Over Miss Cleaver

Prayers Needed



Hey Everyone,

Please take a moment to stop over to Kayleigh's blog. An adorable little girl was called home by her Heavenly Father. Prayers are needed for this poor family. I can't begin to imagine the pain and hurt they are feeling - lift them up and pray for healing and closure.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

Paloma's Plug

Paloma: Jejus wives(lives) in my hart (heart)

Me: Yes, baby he lives in your heart.

Paloma: Yeah, he sweeps (sleeps) in my bed and plays with my toys toooooo

Me: Ummmm, I guess so!

I know imaginary friends are normal - creeps me out a bit, but I know they are normal. What happens when Jesus is your imaginary friend???? Or is it imaginary at that point?????

Pondering thought

Friday, May 8, 2009

So You Think You Know Me....

Hey Everyone,
Just in case you thought you knew me, I thought I would really fill you in on any blanks. If you have the time and the energy, play along. Comment and let me know if you decide to join in the fun - I'd love to get to know you beter as well.
Happy Reading!

1) Are your parents married or divorced? Married

2) Are you a vegetarian? No - but I only eat the meat my husband now kills.

3) Do you believe in Heaven? Of course - I have to believe there is a better place than this.

4) Have you ever come close to dying? I swear I was going to die during childbirth - does that count?

5) What jewelry do you wear? My wedding ring.

6) Favorite time of day? Anytime that includes rest.

7) Do you eat the stems of broccoli? Yes(weird question)

8) Do you wear makeup? Yes - looky pretty scary without it.

9) Ever had plastic surgery? No

10) Do you color your hair? Absolutely - haven't seen my natural hair color in years.

11) What do you wear to bed? Ask my husband.....

12) Have you ever done anything illegal? Yes - many things, none of which I am proud and none of which I have ever been caught.

13) Can you roll your tongue? No - but my daughter can.

14) Do you tweeze your eyebrows? Yes

15) What kind of sneakers? New Balance

16) Do you believe in abortions? No

17) What is your hair color? Told you - haven't seen it in years.

18) Future child's name? Ugh - not thinking about that right now.

19) Do you snore? I did when I was pregnant.

20) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? To bed.

21) Do you sleep with stuffed animals? Do children count?

22) If you won the lottery? Don't play

23) Gold or silver? Gold

24) Hamburger or hot dog? Elk burger

25) If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be? Chocolate

26) City, beach or country? Beach - but only with a prebaby body

27) What was the last thing you touched? A patient

28) Where did you eat last? Work

29) When was the last time you cried? It's been awhile - I try not to do this very often.

30) Do you read blogs? YES! Daily - hint, hint all my lovely friends who don't yet have one.

31) Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex? Ummm, another weird question

32) Ever been involved with the police? Not personally but my husband has - and those are funnier stories than anything I've ever dreamed of being involved in.

33) What's your favorite shampoo, conditioner and soap? Aveda

34) Do you talk in your sleep? I used to

35) Ocean or pool? Ocean

36) What's your favorite song at the moment? Divine Romance

37) What is your favorite color(s)? Pink

39) Ever met anyone famous? No

40) Do you feel that you've had a truly successful life? Yes, i have a lot to be proud of - and of course success is relative.

41) Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it? Twirl

42) Ricki Lake or Oprah? Neither

43)Basketball or Football? I hate sports

44) How long do your showers last? Depends on if it is a day that I have to shave.

45) Automatic or do you drive a stick? Automatic

46) Cake or ice cream? Brownies

47) Are you self-conscious? Very

48) Have you ever drank so much you threw up? Yes, At my nursing cerermony in college.

49) Have you ever given money to a tramp? What????

50) Have you been in love? Yes!!!

51) Where do you wish you were? Hot tub

52) Are you wearing socks? Yes, but not for long

53) Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? Yes - transporting patients

54) Can you tango? In my own little way....

55) Last gift you received? Just today Mattea presented me with a frame with her picture in it that she made at preschool. Has her hand print on it and is absolutely beautiful. Early mother's day gift. I love it.

56) Last sport you played? Karate

57) Things you spend a lot of money on? Food

58) Where do you live? Private Info

59) Where were you born? LaCrosse

60) Last wedding attended? My sister's - a couple planned for this summer though

61) Favorite Alcoholic Drink? Wine

62) What'd you do last weekend? Traveled home from Disney

63) Most hated food(s)? Bananas and anything mushy

64) What's your least fav chore? Garbage - I never take out the trash

65) Can you sing? yes, but I stink

66) Last person you instant messaged? David

67) Last place you went on holiday? Nowhere - we stay home

68) Favorite regular drink? Nonfat caramel Latte, extra shot, no foam

69) Current crush? OOOhhh, I kind of like the sportscaster on our local news -Ha! Don't worry, Dave knows all about it.!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Baby Announcement!!!!!!

Dave and I have some very exciting news to share with everyone. We didn't really want to share this kind of news on our blog but decided that it was soooo big and sooo exciting, we couldn't wait to tell everyone in person.
We are expecting - aaaahhhh! That's right everyone, we are expecting -a new nephew.

Ha! Had you fooled. For anyone who doesn't know me, my uterus is done. But that doesn't stop me from getting all giggled up over the upcoming news of my new nephew. My sister is about 20 weeks along and found out today that she is having another boy.

Everything looks great! Heart working good, kidneys functioning, growing like a weed BUT they did find two cysts on his brain. Could be indicative of complications but more than likely they will result in nothing. If you could so graciously pop over to my sister's blog and let her know you are at this very moment thinking about her and her sweet little boy that would be great. Also, prayers are always welcome.

Let's bring this little guy into the world in style.

Apparently God really knew how much I couldn't handle a boy and sent all the boy genes her way. What are the chances?

Monday, May 4, 2009

Quote of the Night

As Mattea was turning around to walk back up the stairs to bed for quite possibly the 6th time tonight, she started giggling and then stated
"Mom, your stinkin cute"

That girl is too much. And off to bed she marched.

Not Me Monday is Back



Hey Everyone,
For some pretty darn good reasons, MckMama took a break from hosting Not Me Mondays. But, today I discovered it is back. Stop on over and see what others are not up to this week. So without further ado....

1) I most certainly did not come in from picking up a few weeds in the yard today to have my two precious sweet little children announce to me "Kody is in time out." I obviously didn't become alarmed (being the calm, collected mother that I am) but rather asked, "what do you mean he is in timeout?" My sweet little Mattea did not quickly respond "he was being bad so we put him in the closet for timeout." And sure enough, I most certainly did not find my big stinky dalmatian in the pantry eating garbage and food. He did not mind a bit. I, for the life of me, can't seem to figure out where they would ever get the idea that timeout=closet???? I would never do that or teach my children that. Nope - not me.

2) I absolutely did not have some explaining to do to my two children this week when they met Princess Jasmine at Disneyland. They of course were not confused as to why she only had her "nipples" on and not a shirt. And of course, there is no way I'd pass the situation off to my sister for her to explain. Not me.

3) I did not under any circumstances take a big bite of Paloma's chocolate chip cookie right in front of her and then try to explain that "mommy was just checking to make sure it was absolutely perfect for you" when she began throwing a fit over it. Ha - not me.

4) I, along with my husband, did not have to clean vomit off of the airplane windows and seat after our two year old daughter did not spew all over during our flight home this weekend. We always have good luck traveling and NEVER run into problems. And, while not attempting to clean up the mess, my husband, and my daughter, I most certainly did not secretly say a prayer that it was my husband sitting next to her and not me. No way - not me.

Have a great week everybody - I can't wait to hear what y'all have been up to.

Last Batch - I Promise!

Ok - this will be the last batch of photos from out trip. I just had so many cute pics that I was dying to share. But, I will get these last few out of my system and move on to blogging about everyday life. Enjoy and have a great Monday morning!









Friday, May 1, 2009

Random Photos

Are y'all sick of Disney pictures yet? If so, check back in a few days when I get some new material. For the time being, I am totally content reliving our great family experience here at Disneyland. Although it has been a challenge keeping up with the two toddlers (did I forget to mention we added an additional 16 month old on top of it as well), we have had a marvelous time and can't wait to start working on the vaca photo album.
The following pictures are just an assortment of randomness. Notice my cutie pututie (is that really a word) nephew Bennett and my sister Kim who also joined as for our spring adventure.
Enjoy. I'm really not in the mood to load all 5 million pictures into a slide show, so instead I decided on just posting random photos. Again, if you are bored, check back in a week or so.









My Little Paloma

I meant to do this post last week - but have decided that since I have much cuter pictures this week - I'll post now.
So my little Paloma happens to be in the heart of terrible two's. She is so sweet and adorable, yet sassy, conniving, and downright mean sometimes. Through it all, we love her to pieces. And as a mother on her second round, none of this behavior is surprising me - nonetheless, I don't like one bit of it. Here is an example of what little Polly Rae has been up to.



The other day after supper, Paloma excused herself down from the supper table and went into the bathroom to pee. Mattea followed her in - the concerned mother hen that she is. Suddenly after a couple of minutes Mattea runs out of the bathroom screaming, followed by Paloma with an article waving in her hand. At first there were shrieks, giggle, laughter, but it quickly turned into anger as Mattea got bored with running circles around the dining room table.
Finally, I stopped the nonsense to figure out what was going on. Not sure that was the best thing to do since I quickly discovered that Paloma was chasing her big sister around waving the toilet paper at her that she had used to wipe herself after going potty. Ummmm - gross! What a turkey.



Then, the other day while Dave was away on travel, I was making the girls there afternoon lunch. Cutting up the last of the strawberries, I served them on a plate with whip topping. They looked so good that I decided right then and there that I would place the leftovers in my yogurt/granola. Yep, that was what mom was having for lunch. And as much as I really wanted the girls to finish the strawberries, I did make a point to tell them that whatever they didn't eat, mom would finish.
After stepping away for 1.35 min to use the bathroom, I come out to find Paloma throwing strawberries (the strawberries that I made a point of noting would be used in my lunch) all over my kitchen. Yep, strawberry stain everywhere. Pretty much felt like choking her at the time. All she did was turn to me and smile.



Even though Paloma has been potty trained since 22 months, we have had some regression issues. Neither Dave or myself are pleased about it but we're dealing with it. Lately, if we are out and about I'll put a pull up on because she simply doesn't even try on some days. If she is around the house - she is butt naked. Her latest thing has been pooping her pants and then turning to us and giggling - all while telling us "I poop my pants, i poop my pants."



And finally, the latest two year old story I have to share from just this past week involves teeth, tears, and tantrums.
Paloma has recently discovered that she is full of frustration. I believe that her mind is one step ahead of her body. And, having a big sister around who is able to do things she isn't able to do doesn't necessarily help the situation. Well, Mattea and Paloma have recently had some issues with sharing, playing nice, etc. Paloma has kind of become a tyrant and a bossy little thing. Mattea has kind of had it and is refusing to be the caring, loving big sister that she knows she is supposed to be. They fight - basically what I'm trying to say.
Just the other day, Mattea apparently did or didn't do something Paloma didn't like so to vent that built up frustration, Paloma bit her. She has been doing this for awhile and clearly knows biting is not allowed. At that point I had had it and finally said to Mattea "bite her back."
Didn't take more than a few seconds for Mattea to process the command and then follow through. Paloma stopped for a moment, grabbed her arm and uttered "me no like that!"
Maybe now you'll learn your lesson.

Don't get me wrong, my little P is cute as pie and on most days has a terrific heart - but lets just get honest - we are in the heart of "terrible two's." Times they are a challenging. I had a mom try and tell me once that she didn't believe in the terrible two's - she just thought it all had to do with the parenting style. Poop on you sister, I'm living proof that no matter how you parent, the terrible two's are real. They are nothing to be messed with. They are emotionally draining and downright exhausting. Too bad for her I've already been down this road and have a few tricks up my sleeve on how to survive them. Been there done that honey love!