Sometimes She Just Brings The Crazy…
November 30, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 7 Comments
Eliza had made a mess out of her face today with her lunch, so I bathed her before her nap this afternoon. When I laid her down to sleep, her hair was almost but not completely dry.
Apparently there was just the right amount of dampness in her hair to bring the crazies out. Eliza woke up with quite the ‘do. It made me laugh to see her crazy hair.
Eliza reminds me of a little bird; she cocks her head to the side and looks so curiously about. She was lovin’ sitting in the laundry basket! However, when she tried to stand up…. that didn’t work out quite like she had planned.
Tonight I am having my spectacular haircolorist… the one, the only, Daniel, color my hair. We cleaned the house earlier today, to include mopping (Yay!! I love having shiny floors) so we are good to go tonight. Color my hair and then relax.
On another, more sad note… NaBloPoMo is over today. I was having fun being told I had to post every day; I loved the challenge of it. There were defintely days when I wouldn’t have posted if I hadn’t committed to NaBloPoMo.
Did I clog up the internet with needless words… yes. I’m sure I did. But, oh well. I don’t know how some people (bloggers) do it… they crank out wonderful, amazing posts day after day after day. Me… I’m writing about life stuff, like coloring my hair. And discovering something about myself. And birthday chocolate. And having Judah take pictures of me. And writing about all the fabulous and not so fabulous things I learned while 27 years old.
But, my favorite post from this month was Daniel’s annual birthday letter to me. He loves me. A lot.
Can you believe tomorrow is December 1st? I can not even fathom it. How busy is your December? Mine… busy, BUSY! And I can hardly wait for it!
*Post from 1 year ago today: Too Much Birthday?
*Post from 1 year ago yesterday: Baking Day (These pictures made me miss baking in my little kitchen in Vermont)
V-Blogging… Hangin’ out in the van
November 29, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 14 Comments
Beware of the excitement from this V-Blog… I tell ya, I know how to bring it.
We were hanging out in the van while Daniel pumped gas. I know.
Gotta love life.
I’ll have more exciting material tonight. Maybe.
Let me clarify the whole non-talking thing: Eve had been disrespectful to Judah so she had to have some moments of silence… enforced by Daddy. They’re learning, it’s a process. Actually, we’re all learning. Right?
Priceless Plus A Dollar Ninety-Nine
November 28, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 21 Comments
I love vintage. Love, love, love it. If I could stock my life with vintage everything I would. One of my favorite vintage items is the suitcase. I found some amazing suitcases at a garage sale a couple of weekends ago; I discovered mold on the inside, so the two gorgeous and perfectly vintage suitcases had to continue to sit sadly on the cold driveway. I was bummed because both suitcases were lovely and so me.
Today Eve and I were out running a couple of errands, we stopped by the Goodwill to peruse the wares, looking for some glass jars to hold my homemade yogurt (V-Blog tutorial to come!). Unfortunately we found nada. I did however find a green suitcase for a dollar ninety-nine. Score!
It’s perfect for a beautiful five year old to sit on, while eating an apple, of course.
And to carry around. This was simply practice for when we travel home at Christmas time, you know.
It is also the perfect seat to sit on and contemplate the meaning of life.
Yay for bright green vintage suitcases! And beautiful five year olds.
Yes, defintely the beautiful five year olds.
*Posts from 1 year ago: What A Difference A Month Makes and Calling All Pregnant Women
*Post from 2 years ago: Popularity vs. Competence
It was a THREE kind of day…
November 27, 2008 | Filed Under Birthday, Judah | 19 Comments
Judah’s BIG day! He has been so excited for months and months to have his birthday. I loved seeing his excitement and anticipation! We all had a really fantastic day – we played, opened LOTS of presents, ate yummy “Judah” food, and took naps. The strawberry cake that Judah has been looking forward to didn’t disappoint; he loved it. And I loved being able to make him happy and to fulfill his wishes. He’s so easy to please. The simplest things, like the scads of balloons we decorated with, make him glow with excitement.
One of my favorite parts of the day was watching Judah run down the hall in his new sneakers. He was checking to see if they helped him run faster. It was an awesome moment. But, honestly, the whole day was spectacular – seeing Judah feel special was amazing. There’s nothing like the love I have for my little boy.
All day long it was three, three, three…. I love how Judah makes his threes.
Three…
Three…
Three…
Happy Birthday Judah-man. We love you thiiiiiiiiiiis much.
*Posts from 1 year ago today: A Birthday Morning
*Post from 2 years ago today: Judah
Long Days, Short Nights
November 26, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 7 Comments
Anybody else feel this way?
Of course, the short nights would be longer if I went to bed earlier but that’s sensible. And no fun.
Today I did a photoshoot; a fun photoshoot! Still not charging and even if I was I wouldn’t have charged her a penny. No way, no how. The kids did awesome, even Eliza who was napless. Eliza aka Miss Thing Number TWO did, however, fall immediatly to sleep when I put her in the carseat. That was nothing short of amazing and miraculous because my children are most decidedly not car sleepers. Not one of them has ever been, and believe me, we have traveled a lot during the span their meager little lifetimes.
Anyways… good day. Tiring day. I ate nothing for dinner because I was too lazy (tired sounds so much better) to make anything. Daniel made some healthy food for the kids so I felt guilt free for not making A DINNER.
You know how it goes… Mother guilt.
Bought Judah some sneakers for his birthday. Fingers crossed he’s going to like them.
I was surprised I was able to find something, anything in this town. But, I did! And for very little money. Which, as you know how two… breathing down three… year olds are on their shoes. They beat them into the ground.
So, good shoes… little money… big sigh of relief. Mama is happy.
Shoes are what Judah requested as a birthday present. Again, blessedly easy to please.
Thanksgiving will be on Friday for us. Tomorrow…. it’s all about Judah-man. Love him. And the fact that at this moment I am NOT experiencing immense labor pain. The hard work has been done and now I get to love on my little man.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and the ones you love best.
Voice Over
November 24, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 15 Comments
Do you ever wish that your own voice sounded like someone else’s? ‘Cause I do.
I know, I know. This blog is turning into a forum to make Andrea not feel so crazy. Have you noticed?
Anyways, moving on with the crazy…
…my kids were watching Lady and the Tramp in the car last weekend. Daniel had gotten a stand-by electric “emergency” phone call while were out running errands. Soooo, the kids and I ended up at the base shoppette stuck in the car waiting for him to fix the problem. Fun times. An in-car movie was just the ticket.
I was sitting in my seat listening to Peggy Lee’s voice as she acted out Lady… I decided then and there that if I could somehow switch voices with anyone, it would be her.
That’s not too entirely crazy, right? Fine. It is but whatever.
Tell me if you have ever wished for a voice switch, and if so whose voice do you wish you could thieve.
Gingerbread Pancakes Perfected!
November 23, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 5 Comments
I made a lot of gingerbread pancakes this weekend…. Yum! My kids love them and I have to say, they aren’t too shabby. I’m kind of a pancake purist but even I’ll admit that a change is nice every now and again.
The problem I ran into with the gingerbread pancakes, when I first (made them a month or so ago, is that they are dry. Drrrryyy. Maybe I am just use to my pancakes which are perfectly moist and simply delightful… sorry about the over-use of adjectives, I’m in kind of a silly mood. Eating these gingerbread pancakes made me feel like gulping a whole mug of coffee in between bites.
So, what was I going to do about this problem?
I was warming up some applesauce to put on top of the pancakes along with our maple syrup when it occurred to me… put some applesauce in the pancakes! Applesauce is notorious for making baked goods moist.
The addition of just a touch of applesauce to the pancake batter was perfect!
Now I can eat my pancakes without feeling like I’m eating very nicely flavored sawdust. Victory!
Did you know that you can make store bought applesauce taste almost, close to, sorta kinda, like homemade?
I wasn’t able to put any applesauce up this year which was a huge bummer to me. What I do is take my store bought, plain jane, unsweetened applesauce and pour it into a small sauce pan. I slowly warm it up. While it’s warming, I add a pat of butter (depending on the amount of applesauce I might use up to a tablespoon of butter), add in a tablespoon or so of honey, along with a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon. (I prefer more cinnamon but for some reason it inflames my kid’s skin, wherever it touches)
Stir all that up, taste test, adjust if needed, and then serve to the ones you love.
*Post from 1 year ago today: A Love/Hate Relationship
Breaking Out the Christmas…
November 22, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 16 Comments
It’s like my arm had a mind of it’s own. And because of that, this may be the earliest I have ever played Christmas music before in my entire life.
It’s hard to resist the call of Christmas, especially when you have three super cute kids, two of whom adore Christmas anything.
I remember a point in my life when the Christmas magic was gone. Totally gone. Christmas was nice, but magical? No. I remember thinking how I couldn’t wait to have Christmas with my own children so I could feel the joy of the season again.
Well, I have ‘em and the magic is back, baby! I enjoy the season like never before. I vividly remember my own childhood Christmas days and I now see every twinkling light, every snowman, every mysterious present through my children’s eyes. I love creating fun traditions for my family to do year after year, and I look forward to every moment of the Christmas season because once again… It’s awesome!
Pulling out the Christmas records tonight was a bit strange, what with it being so early, but I’m okay with early. I’m hoping it might help get me into the Christmas spirit. It’s been a little hard to remember that the big day is just over a month away. In Vermont the ground would be snowy and Christmas would naturally be felt in the air. Today in New Mexico it was in the high 60’s with leaves still on the trees. So, in an effort to combat Christmas unawareness I turned on Santa, Baby and Alvin and the Chipmunk’s The Christmas Song and All I want for Christmas. My little family danced around the livingroom and sang our hearts out.… It was fun! I also had the priviledge of discovering that Judah is an outstanding dancer. In fact, so outstanding that I nearly peed my pants from laughing.
We made a special point to listen to Eve’s favorite Christmas song evah… Hark The Herald Angels Sing. I think our girl would be thrilled with that song getting stuck on repeat. If record players had a repeat button, that is.
Speaking of record players… Daniel was talking about the crackle tonight. The crackle that comes with playing a record. What a fantastic sound! We are so glad our kids are able to experience the greatness of listening to records.
And, just because I need to know… Does anyone else sing the title to the song, in their head, as they type it out. Because I so do. And I need to know if I am the only crazy one…
C’mon, admit to being crazy like me! It’s very freeing.
*Posts from 1 year ago today: My Husband and Say Hello to Tony
What to do… What to do?
November 21, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 11 Comments
Poor Judah. He was sick this week. He tossed his cookies Tuesday morning and basically felt like crap all day. He had no appetite, he was tired, kind of cranky, you know…. sick.
Wednesday was much better but then Thursday he tossed his cookies again. Same thing… sick, tired, no appetite, and cranky. And then, last night, Eliza was tossing her cookies. Neither Daniel or I got any sleep to speak of. I am thankful for God’s help today; I never would have made it but for His grace.
Eve went to bed with a bowl next to her bed, if that tells you anything.
I had forgotten to give the kid’s their kefir smoothies for the last week or so. Dumb thing to do during flu season. But, I can only remember so much before stuff starts getting deleted in my brain!
Can we talk about this picture of my sweet, sick boy? Because there is so much to it! The sentimental part of me is off the charts right now…
Okay, the couch is the most obvious. I was laying on that couch within minutes of delivering Judah.
It was covered, of course.
We have had that couch since we first moved to North Dakota. I rue the day I have to get rid of it! It’s so bright and colorful, I will miss the pop of color it gives my livingroom.
Thankfully, IKEA has a fabulous funky couch selection! When I need a new couch, I am going there. Too bad the closest one is in Dallas.
Next, the Elmo cup! Judah is totally and completely potty trained – both daytime and nighttime. I am so glad that ordeal is over with. Two down, one to go!
The blue blanket was a baby gift from our neighbor in VT. She knew I didn’t know whether I was having a boy or a girl, so as soon as Judah was born she brought that right over. It was so fun to have something BLUE to wrap around my baby boy.
The frog blanket… that is part of (baby) Judah’s crib bedding. I love those frogs!
Do you see that cut on Judah’s forehead? He was chasing his ball down the hallway when he slid into the metal hinge on the closed door. I got to him within three seconds and when I turned him around to look at the damage, his face was totally covered in blood. It was gushing from the cut on his head and from a bloody nose. It was pretty scary.
And then… there’s the thumb. What’s not to love about my little thumbsucker?
And last, but certainly not least, is Judah’s “potato bug.” In actuality, that is “Ben” the lady bug. But, shhhhhh. Judah doesn’t want to hear that. It’s his potato bug and that’s all there is to it.
Did you know Judah’s birthday falls on Thanksgiving this year? It does. And I am so conflicted! I love Thanksgiving! It’s pretty much my favorite holiday. But, I really think Judah’s birthday should take precedence… I just don’t know how to accomplish that. Do we postpone our Thanksgiving to the next day. Or should we combine the two somehow? I want him to have a really special day – it’s his first year of being totally excited about his birthday. Like I said… conflicted!
Any good suggestions on the birthday/Thanksgiving situation?
Happy Weekend!
P.S. I totally fell asleep twice while writing this! Good night, friends.
*Post from 1 year ago today: My Children
My Not So Fabulous Weight Loss Non-Secrets
November 20, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 17 Comments
So, a lot of you wanted to know my secret for losing the baby weight, huh?
Well… forget to eat.
Simple enough, right?
Just kidding. Except I have a real problem with that. Must be the intense thing I’ve got going on. When I do something I do something. I’m the kind of girl that doesn’t eat the strawberries when she’s picking them in the field. One in the basket, two in the mouth… Nope, not me. My mom could count on me to bring in the berries… all the berries.
Probably a big part of the weight loss is that I’m not a snacker, though I love snack food. I eat my breakfast, my lunch, and my dinner. Once in awhile Daniel and I will make popcorn to eat while we watch a movie but not very often.
So, I don’t nibble while baking or cooking, I don’t snack, and I generally don’t eat after dinner. Though, none of those are hard and fast rules.
A definite extra factor is the fact that we don’t eat any, and I mean any, refined sugar. No sodas, no chips, no “junky” food. And you know, I’m so not tooting my own horn, because… pah-lease, that would be super lame. I’m just letting you know that cutting out that one little (but pervasive) ingredient is a big deal.
And really, I’ve seen some mothers look absolutely amazing a couple months after they have their baby. I don’t know how they do that! As far as my body is concerned that whole you lose tons of weight by nursing thing is a load of crap. My metabolism shuts down once the nursing shifts into high gear. It’s enough to make a woman go batty. Or cry. Which I totally did.
When I was determined to lose the weight after I had Judah, I had to do a major shift in my eating habits. But, I had to do something simple enough that I could stick with it. So… I cut out all snacks. All of them. I ate breakfast – pancakes, waffles, eggs, whatever I was feeding the kids, but in a small portion. For lunch and dinner I made a salad. A real salad: barbecued chicken – shredded – sunflower seeds, croutons, lettuce, spinach, carrots, cranberries, and cucumbers with a homemade Italian dressing. After I put the kids to bed I would take two almond cookies and crumble them into a bowl of fat free vanilla yogurt.
I ate that same food every day for months! I ended up losing 50 pounds in 4 months. And kept it off even over the winter months. I was walking fast (pushing the double jogging stroller) for about 3-5 miles a day, on a hilly route. I did that every day. I had some serious willpower because I was sick of being fat.
I went from about 170 pounds (Ouch!)
To maintaining my normal weight of 120-125 pounds. (I’m 5′ 8″)
This weight loss time (after having Liza-Lu)… not so much determination. Or time. What I could do, I did. I was purposeful with what I ate. But, if I wanted a brownie I ate it. If I wanted seconds of a meal, I ate them. I ate chocolate, chex mix, caramel popcorn… I just didn’t go out of control with any of it. Being able to eat what I wanted kept me happy. And we all know how important that is.
I exercised (again, walking with the stroller) over the summer like a crazy woman. But I haven’t been so crazy lately. I do go up and down my stairs twelve hundred times a day with a twenty plus pound baby on my hip. Does that count? Or running after a two year old? Kneading bread?
I need to get my butt in gear and exercise. My husband has a rockin’ body and he deserves a wife who cares as much about hers.
Sorry for not having a great weight loss secret. I think my way is good though, because the weight stays off.
Eat purposefully and exercise regularly.
*Post from 1 year ago today: Panic Attacks and The Gap
*Post from 2 years ago today: First Round Draft
(These two year ago posts have all been Daniel’s writing. You knew that, right?)
Photos From Class, Yo.
November 19, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 27 Comments
The assignment was to bring in photos taken with the theme of “Vintage.” My wedding rings (in the above picture) aren’t true vintage; they are of the filigree style and look vintage but were purchased new. I would have loved to have had true antique filigree rings but holy cow are they expensive! At least the ones I loved were. Apparently, I have very expensive taste.
I bought this platter at the Salvation Army and paid practically nothing for it. I know I should polish it but I am rather partial to the beauty of the tarnish. I’m going to leave the silver just the way it is.
Today was a happy day here at my house! Today I bought two tickets for a long stay at home for Christmas! My parents very generously bought us two more tickets with their hard earned air miles. I am so thankful for my thoughtful, generous Mom and Dad. Though, I’m positive they didn’t do it for any other reason than so they could see their grandchildren. I’m no fool.
Man, I sure do miss home. More than I had anticipated. I love New Mexico – I think I’ve established that fairly well – but it’s not home.
I know, I know… home is where the heart is. Home is where your family is. And in Vermont, though it took a few years, our little red house and our little town felt like home to Daniel and I.
In actuality, it became a home away from home. Way down deep I will always feel that home is where I grew up.
I need to sit and let my ears hear my Grandma Chips’ sweet, low, husky voice. I need to get a kiss from my Poppie and smell his beloved coffee breath and feel his whiskers tickle my cheeks. I need to know that I can get a hug from my Dad and eat my mom’s wonderful food. I want to hear my children’s happy voices mingled with the sound of my family all around me.
I feel safe when I am at home.
Because of today I am excited for Christmas, knowing that my little family will be home, in a place as familiar to me as my own hands. Wouldn’t you agree that we all need those times where we can let ourselves be comforted by the sounds, the smells, the touches, and the tastes of home?
Any big (or little) Christmas plans?
*Post from 1 year ago today: Amazed and Holiday Airmen
*Post from 2 years ago today: The Box Store Children
Two Tea Bags Kind Of Girl.
November 18, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 22 Comments
I realized something about myself today.
Wanna know?
Okay…
I am kind of intense.
Like, a lot.
Didn’t realize that until today.
I am sure that those of you who know me already knew that.
You could have told me.
It’s good for a girl to know this.
Wanna know what clued me in?
The two tea bags.
I can’t hack weak tea. I need robust flavor. And a dark, rich color. And sweet.
And then I started thinking… thinking about my red hair. And the Green and Blacks chocolate bar that I loved and could live on… it’s 85 percent cocoa. And the way I make coffee way strong, like grow hair on places that shouldn’t have hair, kind of strong. Because why would you want it normal?
And homebirthing three children. And not just bringing you – to the tiniest detail – homemade chicken soup for dinner but homemade rolls and homemade cookies and salad.
And deep relationships with a few friends because I don’t want to spread my affections thin.
This could go on. But I’ll spare you.
Is this intense personality I have bad? I’m not sure. But it’s me. And most times, I like me.
The two tea bags kind of me.
A Weighty Issue
November 17, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 22 Comments
I have finally reached my goal weight of one-hundred and twenty-five pounds.
Yeah, baby.
I know, it’s not kosher for a woman to be proclaiming her weight all over the internet but I don’t care. It’s me, it’s who I am, and I’m not embarrassed. What I am embarrassed about is that fact that I am totally out of shape. But, and I’m ashamed to admit this, I am apparently not embarrassed enough to do anything about it. I’m getting there though.
So, yes, I’m back to my pre-marriage, pre-babies weight. It’s been a true struggle – emotionally, physically, and mentally – for me. Please tell me I’m not alone in this.
I still believe it’s not terribly important to see a certain number on the scale. But it sure does feel good. I can’t lie to you. I wish that I could be where I am right now weight-wise because of my determined commitment to an exercise regiment.
But, it’s not.
The weight loss came at a greater price than sweat… the nursing has ended. Not by conscious choice. I can’t actually talk about it because if I do I will start crying. And I’m too tired to cry right now.
Instead I will focus on being happy that the pile of jeans has been dwindled down to one lonely non-fitting pair.
High five, anyone??
I talk about my struggle a bit more here and here, if you are interested!
P.S. I haven’t tried my “back to normal weight” pair of pants on yet. They are taunting me from the closet. I’m a wimp. I’m afraid they won’t fit, so they’ll just stay on the stinkin’ hanger ’til I’m good and ready.
Obviously I’ve lost my big girl panties.
*Post from 1 year ago today: See ya! And… we’re back!
A Southwest Sunset
November 16, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 16 Comments
I don’t know if it’s the wide open spaces, something in the air, or if it’s simply a Southwest thing but we have the most spectacular sunsets. They very often take my breath away with their utter beauty.
This picture was taken right before a magnificent rainstorm. The rain came down so hard and so fast you could not see two feet in front of your face. It was amazing to watch from my doorstep but you can bet I was thanking God I wasn’t driving in it.
The last time we drove out to Albuquerque we saw the beginnings of a tornado. That was intense! And frightening. I do love living in the state of New Mexico and I love that the Air Force affords me the opportunity to do so.
What is one or two of your favorite attributes from the place you call home?
For me, in New York, it was the winding roads. I loved driving on those roads! And I loved the big maple trees. And the gorgeous, grand, Victorian style homes that are everywhere.
My favorite attribute of Alaska was the wildness. It is truly wild up there; a wild stunning beauty. That is what that state is. I do miss it at times. A lot.
North Dakota… hmmmm. There wasn’t much I liked about North Dakota. But, upon greater thought I would say, the thunderstorms. They were absolutely amazing! They were super intense and very aggressive. Just the way thunderstorms should be. And I was okay with that as long as Daniel was holding me. Have I ever mentioned I am terrified of thunderstorms?
My favorite thing about Vermont was how green it is during the Spring and Summer months. It is like eye candy! The mountains and the grasses and the trees! Gorgeous! And I loved the natural bent that was very present in that state. Sometimes it strayed into the ridiculous category, like the time someone posted signs along some highway construction, quoting The Lorax. But, overall, they were very supportive of the little guy and living healthfully. And I loved that.
So, your turn!
*Posts from 1 year ago today: Eve’s Novembers and SNOW!
Just because she’s beautiful.
November 15, 2008 | Filed Under Uncategorized | 12 Comments
And I love her.
She makes me laugh, she delights me, she deafens my ears with her protests, she loves me like crazy, she thrills me with her dimple, she makes me feel needed, she makes my heart dance, she loves the food I make for her, she plays games with me…
But, above all, just because she is.
