Traditions

Since the holidays are here, I started thinking about family traditions. Of course there are birthdays throughout the year, and some family get togethers on Patrick's side of the family. My side does not really get together. I am not really sure if we have traditions really, but I can think of just a few things we do each year:

January: ?
February: Destin's birthday
March: ?
April: Easter egg hunt, Birthdays
May: ?
June: ?
July: Arwen's birthday (next year) & other birthdays (Patricks & mine too!)
August: ?
September: We always go to the Fall festivals
October: Pick out/carve pumpkins, Watch Charlie Brown's The Great Pumpkin, go trick or treating (we started that this year) for Halloween
November: Eat turkey, Watch Charlie Brown's Thanksgiving, Put up Christmas decorations
December: Watch Charlie Brown's Christmas, Go see the lights at Christmas in the Park, Visit Santa at Bass Pro

So what are your traditions? It seems to me that as a family of four...we need to start our own! We just don't have that many, and I would love to start some new ones ~ especially as our girls get older :)

Arwen is 4 months old today!

Arwen Kinsley is 4 months old today! I can't believe how fast time is going since this summer...we just celebrated Arwen's second holiday of the year (Thanksgiving). We got to see all of Pat's mother's side of the family - which was wonderful! You just wouldn't believe how big she is getting ~ she is trying to sit up on her own, working on rolling over, talking, cooing, laughing out loud, smiling all the time. I know pretty soon we will be feeding her cereal & food in the next couple of months. I just can't get over how much she is changing. She is still a phenomenal sleeper and eats really well about every 2 hours or more. She sleeps all night, sometimes more than 10 hours! She loves to play, listen/look at books, and is very ticklish! She goes for her checkup this Wednesday..so I can update this later with her weight/height.

We are so in love with our baby girl Arwen...Destin just loves being a big sister. She likes to help me change her, and gets her toys. She even went and got a blanket today for her, when she fell asleep. It was so sweet!! I am really looking forward to Christmas this year, as a family of four (well, technically six, since we have Daisy & Duke). I know Arwen won't remember...but I know I always will! This will be Arwen's 1st Christmas & Destin's 2nd :) Check out the videos I posted of this weekend - I got Arwen laughing & smiling in some.

It's Christmas in Kansas City!

Well, I posted that we went to see Christmas in the Sky last Wed, Nov 24 (the night before Thanksgiving)...which went okay. We got there way too early..and Destin got very restless and didn't want to sit still - she was climbing all over the car and not really watching the fireworks so we left in hopes that she would fall asleep on the way home - she did not...so we stayed up for a while until she finally was out. The next day was Turkey Day (which I already wrote a post about). Friday night...Pat met up with his class of 2000 buddies in Belton/Raymore and got drunk as a skunk! Oh my! He never ever drinks, so it was funny to see him all liquored up :P

Saturday...we went to visit Santa Claus at Bass Pro (I think I have another post about this) and then that evening we finally went to see the lights at Christmas in the Park (at Longview in Lee's Summit). We got there about 7:30 ish, and waited in line over two hours before we drove thru the lights, which took about ten minutes. We got home late, and decided to check out the light show on Willow (up the street from us in Greenwood). It was very cool! They had lights playing synchronized with music via the radio. Every weekend the light show is supposed to be different - it was very neat to watch! They are raising money for a very good cause (although I can't remember what it is at the moment). So, if you are in Greenwood or in Lee's Summit area check out this great light show! Its free and changes every few minutes :)


So in the next couple of weeks, I hope to see all kinds of Christmas lights (mostly on the neighborhood houses) and we will probably check out 10th Street in Blue Springs, as we do every year.

Here are some more light shows that are posted on KC Parent's site:
http://www.kcparent.com/KCParent/09-11-01/Kansas_City_Christmas_Light_Displays.aspx

Here are other links to all the happenings in KC for Christmas...

Old Fashioned Christmas:
http://www.kcparent.com/KCParent/10-11-08/Old-Fashioned_Christmas_in_Kansas_City_2010.aspx

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies:
http://www.kcparent.com/KCParent/10-11-08/Kansas_City_Christmas_Lighting_Ceremonies_2010.aspx

Christmas Shows:
http://www.kcparent.com/KCParent/10-11-08/Christmas_Shows_in_Kansas_City_2010.aspx

Christmas Trains:
http://www.kcparent.com/KCParent/10-11-08/Christmas_Trains_in_Kansas_City.aspx

Nativity Scenes:
http://www.kcparent.com/KCParent/10-11-08/Nativities_in_Kansas_City_2010.aspx

Our visit with Santa

Our family tradition of visiting with Santa Claus started last year when Destin was 9 months old. And of course she cried, even with mommy holding her. So now with our two under two girls...we had to go visit Santa Claus this year too! We decided that going to Bass Pro is the best place ~ here is why:

1. Seeing Santa Claus is FREE (it is everywhere!)
2. There are plenty of things to look at, play with (including toys, fish, stuffed animals, etc.)
3. You get a FREE pic of your child & Santa Claus
4. You also get a FREE kids meal to their restaurant at Bass Pro
5. Santa gives your child a candy cane :)
6. Someday Destin & Arwen won't be scared & will get to share what they want for Christmas :)

So, in case you were wondering...Destin did cry :( even with me holding her - lets hope next year goes better. Arwen was just in amazement of Santa's beard - we even got a pic of just her & Santa :) It was so cute! So here are the links for thier pics:

http://images.pictureu.com/Photos/BW39/01/highresFB/BW39016718.jpg (Destin, Arwen & I with Santa)
http://images.pictureu.com/Photos/BW39/01/highresFB/BW39016712.jpg (Arwen & Santa)

Here are some more Santa events in the area:
http://www.kcparent.com/KCParent/10-11-08/Santa_in_Kansas_City_2010.aspx
This link shares where you can get letters, phone calls from Santa, visit Santa, eat with Santa, etc.

Free samples ~ Week 5

This is my 5th week of getting free samples via mail...and this is what I got this week:

• Tom's Wicked Fresh Toothpaste (sample size) x 2 (for some reason they sent me 2)
• Vaseline Intensive Reparing Moisture (sample size - it came in a miniature bottle - so cute!)
• Udder Covers Udder Cover (I only had to pay S & H for this great breastfeeding find!)
• Wisk laundry detergent sample & coupon (from Target)
• Pampers coupon
• Emergen C samples (with 4 sample packets)
• Emergen C samples (from Walmart ~ with 2 sample packets inside)
• Prilosec OTC sample (came with 2 tablets)
• Rachael Ray Nutrish Dog Food sample
• Snapfish catalog (anyone can get this...but I have never used them before)
• Max Pro condoms (set of 6 and a BOGO coupon)
• Bokers 2011 8x11 calendar & washer sample (for a guy I guess)
• Womanity perfume sample (on a postcard)
• "Outta the Zoo" sticker (its a band that was giving away stickers on Facebook)
• Seven Slings baby sling (I got this for free via Udder Covers - only had to pay S & H..I will post a pic of this)
  
  
  I am still trying to figure this thing out - I can't tell if the sling is too small for me, or if I have it on wrong..If only I had sewing skills I could learn how to make one & an another Udder Cover :) Maybe I can show it to my Gma's who like to sew!
  
• 2011 Bone Health Pocker Calendar
• 'Milk Matters with Buddy Brush' coloring book from US Dept of Health & Human Services
• "The Truth of the Matter" novel from BookSneeze.com (look for book review soon!)

Deals of the week: I also got 30% off my order at Oldnavy.com when I bought some cute outfits for the girls :) And some deals on Amazon.com where I bought almost all of the girls' Christmas gifts for a great price! They started some of their Black Friday deals early, and I got 15% off some books I bought.

Date Night

I thought this was a neat article on KC Parent's site...about taking your child on a date:
http://kcparent.com/KCParent/10-11-16/Take_Your_Child_on_a_Date.aspx

How many of you take your children on dates? I love spending time one on one with my girls...it helps me to get to know them better, and I know that it makes them feel special :) I also don't want to think that I am short changing one or the other.

I know that sometime in the future, Patrick & I need to have a date night. Just the two of us. We haven't done this since last October...when Destin was about seven or eight months old. The first time we both left her for the first time at night...we went to Worlds of Fun with some friends to ride the rides and go to the Haunted Houses. We were both so worried about her..plus I was breastfeeding still - so we didn't stay gone very long. I know it would be nice to go somewhere with just us, and not have to worry about the girls. Even for a walk in the park, or out to get icecream...it would be nice to spend time with each other. I love Patrick with all my heart, and I don't want to ever hurt what we have together.

Our Thanksgiving & other tidbits

If you read my Shutterfly site, then yes, I did copy & paste this...no sense in reading in twice!

Well I have both the girls asleep at the same time at night! Can you believe it?! And I thought I would catch up on my blog/site here for the family...since Pat is out with friends & I have some quiet time here at the house :)

Speaking of sleep...Destin is still being such a stinker when it comes to bedtime. She doesn't want to have anything to do with naps, unless its accidental when going for a car ride or watching tv. She is just on the go all the time (as everyone got to see at Thanksgiving). Arwen is for the most part, still sleeping wonderful...all night, every night :) Yay! Bedtime for Destin means having to sleep with us (which is NOT what I want, I would love for her to sleep in her bed). Then we transfer her to her own bed after falling asleep in ours - she wakes up a few hours later screaming/crying for us to come get her. :( This has been the new trend for the past two weeks - it is soooo not fun! Of course, I have to mention - tonite is the first time in a long time (I don't even remember when??) Destin went to her bed, and fell asleep with me sitting next to her without crying/playing/talking and was alseep within twenty five minutes or so! I cannot believe it! And to make it even better of a night, Arwen fell asleep - and I put her in the crib to sleep for the first time at night :) She has napped there before, but never at night...My babies are growing up!

So now they are both sound asleep in their bedroom together :) Its so sweet! Oh, and this week, we have been trying to give them both a bath at the same time! Destin loves it! Arwen loves bath time - she smiles, and kicks her legs in the water. And to save on time, water & my sanity I thought I would try it. Tonight was the third time they took a bath together, and it is going pretty well. Granted, Arwen cannot sit up yet - so she lays on her bath mat thing that holds her up & I am able to wash them both, let them play a little bit. Then take turns drying, getting dressed, lotion, brush hair, etc. Maybe this can be the start of a beautiful schedule - I can only hope! I would love love love to have both the girls in bed by 8:30 every night. But for now, I will settle for 9ish.

Destin just never wants to sleep...I mentioned earlier that she does not like naps. Starting last weekend, she just flat out refused to take them. And I thought maybe it would help her fall asleep sooner & faster at night. The first night it did (which was last Saturday). But then the next couple nights, she stayed up just as late 9, 10, 11 PM! HOLY MOLY! She has so much energy all the time day or night! So...I am still trying to figure her out with this whole sleep thing. I have been reading books, looking online, asking other mommies out there...and I have no idea what is going on with her. And in case you were wondering - it was just like this before Arwen came too - so I know that is not it! If you are reading this & have any ideas - please share them with me ASAP!

For Thanksgiving, we went to Tammie's apartment in Hermitage, MO this year. It was Destin's 2nd Thanksgiving & Arwen's 1st :) I had the girls dress up in matching red dresses & pink tights from Old Navy. I got them in the mail, along with the other goodies I bought online (I received them the day before Thanksgiving - Yay!). Oh - just a small tidbit here - I bought almost all of the girls gifts online this year. I think I will keep doing this too, since it saves me time, hassle, and the craziness of going out with both the girls. Destin just runs all over the place any time we go anywhere. Anyways..back to Turkey Day :) We had a great time seeing all of Patrick's family - there were quite a few people there: Tammie & Mick; Vicki, Tink & Jared; Shannon, Rob, Ally, Macy & Sierra (sorry if I'm not spelling that right!); Rick, Debbie, Dalton, Daniel, Amber, Jake, Jaiden & Meghan; Shane, Tammy & Tony; Mike, Darcy, Clara & Abby; and of course us!

There was so much food to eat - turkey, steak, porkloin, mashed potatoes & gravy, mac n cheese, corn, rolls, sweet potatoes (2 kinds), corn casserole thing, green bean casserole (I made this), and more! Then for dessert...there were cookies, butter cake, pumpkin & pecan pie, chocolate pie & mini cheesecake bites with cherries (I made these too!). Yummy, yummy!

I loved all the pics that I got on this wonderful holiday - be sure to check them out in the November photo album on my Shutterfly site (http://destinpaisleyroach.shutterfly.com/)! Thank you to everyone for being so loving and caring ~ and of course, talkative! It was nice to have a Thanksgiving with everyone down there! I wish we would get together more often!! I know Destin had so much fun playing with all the girls - Meghan, Jaiden, Macy, Sierra, Ally, Clara & Abby.

Other stuff...

Potty training: We started at the end of September, and Destin did great for about one weekend. She went poop & pee pee in the potty (that Gpa Todd bought her in the beginning of August). But then she kept having accidents (even with her cute Dora undies) and so we stopped. We kept trying all month of October & November. She would sit & try, but never really go. I think she may have went once or twice in October...but only if we caught her at the right time. Last Sunday, she went twice (not a lot but sat, tried & went). Then today, at the end of November (almost two months later) she went pee pee in the potty again (a whole bunch)! Yay! Daddy even gave her some M&Ms for going :) So we put her in her undies again, but I am sorry to report she had an accident on the floor after bath time (about an hour after) and she didn't really care. I even had her in a new nightgown from Old Navy (her first one ever, since she was a baby). I would love to get more nightgowns for her, if she starts going potty again. I told Pat maybe we could start a treasure box, or a sticker chart - or both to encourage her to go potty! So...we will see what happens. My goal was to have her trained by Christmas...but now I would like to change that goal to her birthday. I would love to say she is going potty by the time she was 2 years old! Lord knows, she is smart enough to do it! She is soo smart!

How do I know she is smart, you ask? She is learning to say her ABCs, count to 10 in English & Spanish, learning Spanish words like Gracias, DeNada (from Dora the Explorer - her second fav show), recognizing & trying to draw shapes, colors, dressing herself and more!

Arwen is learning so many new things too...she is starting to push up on her hands & knees during tummy time. She blows bubbles/raspberries with her mouth. She cries "mama" (although I am not going to count this is as her first word). We are still working on rolling over, and learning how to sit up on her own. She loves to stand up too (in her bouncy seat - it was Destin's old one). We also have her sitting up in Destin's old blue seat too. She just loves looking around and seeing what everyone is doing.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! Take care & keep in touch!

Oh, I almost forgot...Arwen will be 4 months old on Monday :) Her checkup will be December 1st! So look for an update about her visit/shots/weight/height!

What I am thankful for...

Since Thanksgiving is almost here I wanted to share what I am thankful for...there is a lot:

1. My incredible family ~ my amazing husband, two beautiful daughters & two big dogs :)


2. My husband, Patrick, who works everyday, all day in all kinds of weather/conditions. I love you!


3. Our house/home - even though it never can manage to stay clean!


4. My parents ~ who love, support, offer advice & would do anything for me
   
5. My family & I are all healthy & happy
   
6. I am in love with a wonderful man...and he loves me more than anything too :)
   
7. That Destin just loves to learn, smile, laugh, sing & is always on the go - she wears me out, but I know that its worth it. Every sleepless night is definitely worth it for her.
   
8. Arwen's smile & laughter - it just melts my heart everyday.
   
9. My ability to multitask - I can breastfeed, eat, drink, entertain Destin, read a book/magazine, talk on the phone, watch a tv show, share a great conversation with a loved one, and more - all at the same time :) Well, maybe not all of those things - but I am learning that I can do more than 1 thing at a time and its okay to do so.
   
10. Reading a great book - I wish I had more time to do this...I usually read at night after everyone is asleep or during the occasional naptime. I miss reading and I hope to read more as Destin gets older. Maybe her & I could read to each other someday :)
    
11. Being able to stay home with the girls everyday...its probably the greatest gift Patrick gives me everyday. I love knowing that I can see them meet every milestone in front of me.
    
12. I am thankful for all of Destin's favorite shows...because not only are they helping me educate her, but they also give me that ten or fifteen minutes of 'me' time :)

I am sure there are many many more things that I am thankful for, but I just wanted to share these. I hope you all have as many things to be thankful for in your life. Don't be afraid to share what you are thankful for - especially to your loved ones. Take care!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you & your family! I hope it is wonderful! We are going to Patrick's mothers house near Hermitage, MO...his whole mom's side should be there I think! Our second big get together as a family of four :)

I hope to actually get pics of this Thanksgiving celebration!

Christmas in the sky & park

I almost forgot, tonight is Christmas in the Sky! Where they have free fireworks over Longview Lake, then they open Christmas in the park...over 700 Christmas lights for FREE :) I can't wait to take the girls tonight! Hope to see you there! Click on this link for more info:

http://www.jacksongov.org/content/3279/5215/5230/5638.aspx

Our Family's Likes & Dislikes

So we all have likes & dislikes, and as I watch my girls grow I am learning what theirs are. So I thought I would share our family's likes & dislikes in my lovely blog :) In no particular order here we go...

First up is Destin. At 21 months, she is learning and taking in all new things everyday.
Likes: All fruit, cheese, dogs, Dora the Explorer, Elmo & Abby (and almost all the characters) from Sesame Street, CAKE!, dancing, singing, coloring, helping mommy/daddy, giving hugs/kisses to Arwen, playing with Daisy & Duke, cookies, spending time with daddy, bubble baths, reading books, going bye-bye :)
Dislikes: Spicy food, Getting her hair washed, the Vaccuum or extremely loud things, Sleep (nap or bedtime is the enemy!)...

Second is Arwen. At almost 4 months, she is growing so fast and wanting to do everything her big sister does.
Her likes: Mommy's milk, sleeping, sitting up (with help of course), standing up (again with help), her new bouncy seat (Destin's old one), bath time, laughing out loud at mommy...
Her dislikes: tummy aches, when Destin cries...(I am sure there are more)

Third is Patrick. My incredible, wonderful, amazing husband who works so hard for our family.
His likes: MU, the Chiefs, the Royals, Steak, Mexican food, being a great daddy, hugs/kisses from our girls, watching football & baseball, MONEY, & spending time with his family :)
His dislikes: Vegetables (except for carrots & brocolli), Chinese, Seafood, really cold weather,

Fourth are Daisy & Duke. My big dalmation/great dane pups who drive me crazy!
Their likes: Food (any kind!), chewies, dog biscuits, stuffed animals, sleeping in our bed,
belly rubs & butt scratches :)
Their dislikes: The vacuum, Destin's play mower/ball popper, birds/squirrels (I guess this could be a like - since they want to chase them out of our yard),

Fifth & last is ME! Even as an adult I am learning my new likes/dislikes on a day to day basis...but here are just a few I can think of.
My likes: being a mom (I love this!), taking hot showers, German food (I miss this), trying new things all the time, a clean house (doesn't last for long), getting free stuff, writing, taking pics of the girls & our family, & spending time with my family - they are my everything :)
My dislikes: Peppers & Onions, watching football/baseball for a long time (thanks Patrick!), cleaning/laundry!

Black Friday

So there are a lot of Black Friday sales coming up this week...actually a lot have already started or will start at Midnight on Thanksgiving!

I have only gone 1 time...and that was before I was married (about four of five years ago), we were living in Lee's Summit in our 1 bedroom apartment at The Oaks, and my sister n' law,Darcy picked me up with her mom. I don't remember what time we left, but I know it was early :P And I don't even remember what I bought - I know it wasn't much, since we didn't have that much money in the first place. But it was crazy! People standing in line all the way around the store, standing in line for the best deals...

I WAS planning on buying 1 thing this Thanksgiving..and it is the $88 Jeep from Walmart for Destin. I I know she would love this & it is such a great price! But I will be buying online...not roughing the crowds and craziness..

But after a little more research on the product, Patrick & I decided to spend a little more for the real deal. The one on sale was only for 1 seat, we wanted 2. So the girls could ride it together when Arwen was older :) And it doesn't have a radio, and pretty much its cheap. The one we got was on sale last night at Walmart for $199, usually selling for over $250. So I think we got a good deal. I know Destin will love this!

Here is Walmart's site, they already have their ad posted:
http://www.walmart.com/cp/black-friday-deals/1076614?adid=77777777914700000684&wmlspartner=PSBlackFriday

So I am curious, where do you go? I remember we went to Kohls & Target. But other people go to Walmart, Best Buy & more. Do you have a plan? Or where are planning to go? What time do you go? Some start at Midnight, some at 4 AM. Good luck if you are going! Let me know if you find any good buys :)

Thank You Dora!

For the past few months Destin has started to watch the show on Nick Jr called "Dora the Explorer". If you watch any kind of children's television shows you would probably recognize her...

She speaks English & Spanish, goes on adventures with Boots the monkey, her purple backpack & map and teaches kids along the way.

We have done a great job of teaching Destin how to use her manners, by saying please and thankyou. Her latest saying is, "Excuse me..." and then asks for something. Its so cute (and polite)! Well, this week I thought it was so neat to see Destin use her skills learned from Dora by saying, "Gracias" and "De Nada" (not sure if I spelled those right). She even has been counting in Spanish too! Its so cool to know the power of education has on your children - even if it coming from the television.

I know there are a lot of critics in the medical field that say television is really not okay for children under the age of 2, but I have to say that I disagree. Destin learns so much from Sesame Street, Dora the Explorer and other educational television shows. So what that most of the stuff is fiction?! I love that she can imagine, and create ideas of her own based from what she sees on these shows. So I have to say - Thank You to Dora & Rosita (from Sesame Street) who are teaching my daughter Spanish. She definitely will know more than I do :)

Do you have talent?

Do you talent? There are so many television shows, contests, websites etc. that want to see if you do...so I have been trying to figure what my talent is? I have several FB friends and family that have so much talent, from making amazing Scrapbooks, taking phenomenal photos, baking/cooking, creating jewelry, designing clothing - tutus, hats, shirts, shoes, etc., singers, dancers, models, acting, and more! I just wonder what my talent is? Is it that I can find great freebies? I just started...but I have found quite a few :) I am not a very good singer; art is nothing I have ever been great at; I have started photography - but thats just a hobby I love to do with the girls. I don't think any of my found talents will land me a job or help me make money for our family. I wish I could do something online (such as teaching) to make money, but alas I have not found that dream job yet.

What is your talent?? What could you do, can you do that could possibly make you a fortune one day? I wish I could start my own business - baking/photography/freebies/? to share with the world...maybe someday :)

Bras...wire or no wire?

Okay, so as many of you may know I am endowed with rather large...well, you know! And I have a lot of trouble finding the right bra that fits, and lasts for a long time. I need support, but not a una-boob! I like wires, but not when they dig into my side/chest. Without wires, I feel that I have no support hardly at all. I used to love shopping at The Jones Store (aka Macy's now). But it just seems like they are overpriced, and not friendly there. Kohls sometimes has good deals. Maybe I haven't found the right brand yet. I love Bali, or at least I used to a long time ago. Its been a couple years since I found a bra that I love. So, what brand do you like? Do you use a wire? How much do you typically spend when you buy a bra? I just don't know if spending $20+ on each bra is really worth it!

My mom says that it depends on how you wash/dry them that make them last longer. She doesn't machine dry them, instead she hang dries them. But I don't think I could hang my bras around the house - since Destin likes to wear them as a necklace/hat/headband/belt (I told you I was big - ha!).

So, I am wondering - where do you get your bras? What kind do you get? Wire or no wire?

My weekend...

We had a pretty good weekend...other than Pat having to work 10 hours on Friday & Saturday :( It just sucks that he has to work so much - I know he wants a break & so do I! We miss him and I know Destin would love to spend more time with him...he is such a great man working so much for us!

Sunday, I went to Walmart & bought some stocking stuffers & survived the crowded aisles in Lee's Summit! Oh my goodness was it packed! I am hoping to get most of my Christmas shopping done online this year - we will just have to see what happens though...I need to write down exactly what I want, look for deals/coupons/discounts/etc. and go from there. I am planning on buying 1 Black Friday deal - the $88 Power Wheels Jeep for Destin. I know she would love it and its such a great price! Hopefully they aren't all gone when I go to buy online at Midnight this Thurs evening (yes, Thanksgiving!). Can you believe they are starting Black Friday deals at Midnight now? Wow! I can't imagine going out to get all those deals - but some people will do just about anything to find a deal.

Well the rest of my Sunday (and well Saturday) I cleaned the entire house - floors (sweep, mop, vaccuum), dust, rugs, all the laundry, dishes, organized the playroom, and more! Even though it doesn't look like it now, I felt accomplished when I finished. My mom, Jeff & Joe came by to have dinner & play with the girls. It was nice to have them over for a little while. I know Destin loves when they visit :) And then after they left, Patrick found my earring that I thought I lost in the shower drain last week - YAY! It was a gift from him for Mothers Day this year - so I was very very upset when I thought I lost it - but yay we found it! Woo hoo!

This week, I am getting prepared for Thanksgiving - getting my recipes, cooking, baking stuff ready. I am planning on making Green Bean Casserole, Mini Cheesecakes (my mom's recipe), cookies & possibly pumpkin bread. We are going to Patrick's mom's house for Thanksgiving - so it should be fun to see all of his family. The last time we saw everyone it was April! And no one has met Arwen yet, except for Pat's mom (last month!). She will be 4 months old soon and she is growing so fast!

Its still pretty hard to believe that I am a mommy of two under two. A mommy to two beautiful, adorable little girls that I love with all of my heart and soul! I am so lucky to have such an amazing family :) I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend & has a wonderful week ahead of them :)

Feed it Forward with Restaurant.com

Hopefully this link will work, if not let me know...

You click on the link below & email/facebook/etc your friends (up to 40 per day)...$10 Gift certificates to Restaurant.com...Its free & you can really use them to vouch at participating restaurants anywhere in the USA! You have to print them off at the restaurant of your choosing...just do a search with your zipcode. I sent to my 40 today, but you can continue to send them everyday to 40 people until 12/31/10! There's no catch - just join, be a free member, choose your fav restaurant (if its listed - there aren't a lot right now...but I think its worth it). Check it out and send one to me too!

http://feeditforward.restaurant.com/Home/Finished/3d1d0994-9f09-4be6-99de-ac3713816361

Free samples ~ Week 4

This is my 4th week of getting free samples via mail...and this is what I got this week:

• Hugo Boss sample (on a postcard)
  
• Garnier Moisture Rescue (on a postcard from Target)
  
• Oriental Trading Co. Calendar for 2011
  
• Vitamin sample for women (I didn't keep this...since I am breast feeding - you never know!)
  
• John Frieda "Root Awakening" sample & coupon (2 of them!)
  
• Wisconsin Milk Marketing - "Give the Gift of Goodness" recipe book - stuff with REAL butter
  
• Tide Actilift sample & coupon (from Target)


• Henry Rifles Catalog (I got this for Patrick's brother)
  
• P & G Sampler pack: Tampax sample of 3 tampons, Always sample of 4 pads, Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner (separate - for my type of hair ~ medium thick), Head & Shoulders sample & several coupons for Tide, Febreeze, Power Fusion Razor, & Pantene Shampoos -- You can only request a sample pack from them every season/quarter


• MegaRed (5 softgels) vitamins from Sams Club


• Huggies coupons


• Purina One Dog Food Sample (from Walmart)


• Food Should Taste Good Coupon for 1 free bag of chips


• Gucci Guilty perfume sample


• USPS Boxes - a set of 5 boxes & 1 envelope to mail stuff in

Again - all of this stuff listed above I got for FREE! All you have to do is sign up...I can't wait to see what I get next week! I am supposed to be getting flip flops, candy, tshirts & more soon!

Birthday cards

Birthday Lime Birthday 5x7 folded card

Birthday party invitations and cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Destins 2nd Birthday Invite

Party On Collage Birthday 5x7 folded card

Birthday party invitations and cards by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Christmas 2010 card

Family Story Christmas Card

Make a statement with custom Christmas cards at Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Its a conspiracy...

Okay, so I have officially discovered that my girls are conspiring against me! Ha! They both cry at the same time, poop at the same time & want my attention at the same time (conspiracy - I think so!)...if only I could get them to sleep at the same time! Granted, Arwen sleeps alot...so I will rephrase what I just said - if only they would sleep at nap/night time - wouldn't that be great?

The whole everyday same schedule doesn't always work out the way I would like for it to...and the same goes for sleeping at night. Yep - you guessed it! Destin is still not sleeping in her bed - its different every night/week & this week all she wants is daddy. She will scream, cry and throw the biggest fit until he comes in there. Its awful - and it will last hours before she stops! AHH!

I am slacking on picture taking this week...so I am hoping to get some type of pics taken soon. I have been busy working on Christmas gifts for the girls (ordering them online) and making gifts on Shutterfly. I can't believe Christmas will be here soon...we are in the works of making our lists of what to get, where to get it, how much we have to spend, etc. Until next time, I'm off to go spend more money - woo hoo!

Losing weight/Biggest Loser...

So, last week on The Biggest Loser...Bob (one of trainers from the show) said that he has had many people come up to him and say they eat icecream, cookies, chips, & pretty much any junk food while watching. I have to make a horrible confession - I am one of those people! It doesn't matter what time I watch it - I always eat horrible awful unhealthy food(s) when watching this show!

I know that I am overweight, but I guess my logic is that I am happy the way I am. I don't have any large motivation to lose weight as of right now. I am breast feeding - which has helped me get to my prepregnancy weight (both times!). But I don't work out - I clean the house, do the laundry/dishes, mop/sweep/vacuum, change diapers, play with both my girls, etc, etc. I do alot of stuff & I don't have to time to worry about losing weight. Or maybe I am losing without really thinking about it - and taking in all the guilty treats like cookies & cake! I have a major sweet tooth - and I really don't think I could devote myself to eating healthy forever.

I have several friends & family members who have tried numerous diets over the years - and yes, I have to admit I tried them too! But now, I want to live my life to the fullest & eat what I want (and eat healthy too!). I hope I don't sound like a fat pig - but I am happy being who I am..and if that means being a little heavy, then so be it. At least for now!

Daylight savings...yay or nay?

Daylight savings - where we spring forward & fall back is definitely a very very difficult time for most parents..especially with little ones. I am not sure if I really enjoy this bi annual custom that we do each year...our semi-schedule consists of waking up, eat breakfast, play, eat lunch around 11ish (it was 10:45 after DLS, but I am holding off until at least 11 now), nap around 1 (now its 12...but naps are a sometimes thing now), wake up, snack, play, dinner at 6ish (now at 5:30 ish or later depending on when Pat gets home from his 10 hour day job), play, bath, bedtime at 9ish (now 8:30ish, or later depending on nap or not). Its just really thrown our schedule aloop & as I have read on Facebook - a lot of people feel this way too. It really affected Destin, but not Arwen so much..she sleeps sporatically without any schedule as of right now. Sometimes its the same, sometimes not..I just don't think I can get this schedule thing working for me. I wish I had some Super Nanny advice - especially when it comes to getting the girls to sleep when I want.

The Fitzwater/Iser Gathering

Yesterday, on Sunday, November 14th...was the first time my mother's side of the family has gathered together in one place in over 28 years! We were invited by mail (and by my mom thru the phone) to meet at The Ranch Cafe in Raymore, MO, which is owned by my Aunt Michelle. Each family needed to bring two dishes, and the main course of Ham, Turkey, Stuffing, etc. would be provided.

Supposedly everyone and thier mother (literally) was invited...so here is who came:

• My Grandma Anne (the host - my mom's mom)
• My family (me, Patrick & the girls)
• My mom, Jeff & Joseph
• My Aunt Michelle, her boyfriend Mike - her three kids & their children (a total of 12 people)
• My Uncle Mike, Aunt Deb & daughter Stephanie
• My Uncle Damon (he is one year younger than me) & his dad, Bob
• My Great Uncle Bud & his wife, Lori
• My Great Aunt Janet (her husband, Dick, stayed home to hunt) and her granddaughter (Waylens daughter?)
• My 2nd cousin, Ricky (Uncle Dick's son) & his wife Kelly, plus their two daughters (one is married with a daughter)

So surprisingly, there were alot of people that did come! But, there were a lot that did not...like my Uncle Scott (his wife & their kids), my other Great Aunts/Uncles, thier children & their children and so on. For the most part, I think everyone got along...and I think my Gma Anne was happy that everyone who did come - came, brought food, & had a good time talking. The weird part was, noone really talked a whole lot - at least not to me & my family. I introduced myself & my family to some family members that I had never met (Uncle Bud) and to some who I haven't seen in years...but there were no announcements/speeches or anything like that. Everyone ate, talked briefly small talk - and then left.

Sadly, I did not take any pictures (crazy, right? I love taking pictures!)...due to time, my daughter running around & the pure craziness of it all. There were kids running around everywhere. I had to feed Arwen at some point. I was incredibly nervous having anyone hold her..and I didn't want Destin getting in trouble/hurt/etc.

I am glad that I went & that I got to see everyone...but I personally believe that this will probably never happen again for several reasons...our family is broken, and since it took almost 30 years for all of us to be in the same room at the same time - I don't think it will ever happen again. I know that my Gma would like for us to get together again, and grow up together sharing stories & having our kids play - but its just not going to happen. I don't want to seem witchy or stuck up - I just don't see that anyone would make an effort to get together again. Why would we? Noone sends Christmas cards, noone sends out a family letter, there is no family site...its just very sad. Noone really cares about one another like a family should.

I'm not sure how the rest of my family feels about this issue...but thats just the way it is I guess. When it comes to my father's side of the family - I think they still get together a couple of times a year. At Christmas was the only time I would see anyone from that side of the family, which would include my Grandma Reta (my dad's mom), his sister & her family, and then my Great Grandma Mary (my Gma Reta's mom) and then her children, their children and so on. Sadly, I don't really know them very well either. Each year we would gather at my Gma's house and have a guy/girl gift exchange - but noone really would make conversations (with me anyways) other than small talk. And to be honest, I know this sounds bad, but I can't even remember everyone's names & who belongs to who?! There are a lot of family members there & I guess everyone just thinks - we are family somehow or another.

Then, Patrick's family. His parents are also divorced & remarried, just as mine are. And both his parents come from big families - but again, we don't get together that often. When it comes to his family - I don't think its lack of anything, but time, distance, etc. Everyone is so busy with thier own lives, thier own families - that we don't just stop & take the time to see one another.

I would hate to think that as you get older, the love, time & devotion that you have to your extended family doesn't just go away, or does it? Every family is indeed very different - and mine is something that I am still learning about, learning who is in it, etc. I joined Ancestry.com a couple of years ago, and started doing some research...because someday I'm sure Destin & Arwen will want to know who they are related to on both of our sides.

Free samples ~ Week 3

This is my 3rd week receiving FREE samples/gifts by simply signing up online & I have received several things (see previous post from last week).

Here is what I got this week:

• Pikimal ball (Its a bouncy ball that I recieved already blown up in the mail!)
  






• Powersox socks (one pair)
  


• 101 Free Shutterfly 4x6 prints
  


• Elmo USB/Video drive (I won this from a giveaway on Freebie Spot)
  
  
  

Quotes in a magazine

I just wanted to share...that last month in October I got a quote published in KC Parent Magazine & American Baby magazine :) Pretty cool!

A year ago...

A year ago today something horrible happened. On Tuesday, November 10th, 2009, a fellow Ironworker who worked with my husband, Patrick, his two older brothers and his father, was killed in a crane accident. There were two men in the bucket of the crane, when it fell over, injuring one very badly, and killing the other at the Performing Arts Center in Kansas City, MO. http://www.kmbc.com/news/21575371/detail.html

The man who was killed had a wife and two young daughters. I still remember going to his funeral, and seeing his family. His little girls were so beautiful, and they even had the strength to share some of their favorite memories with thier father. Every person there could not stop crying...I could not stop crying; even now, it brings me to tears.

I cannot possibly imagine what it would be like to lose someone that you love so dearly, a friend, a husband, a father...maybe that is why Patrick and I always make sure we do certain things everyday. We always give each other a kiss good morning, and a kiss goodnight. We always say that we love each other by saying "I love you" - and not adding the "too". We always make sure we spend as much quality time with our girls that we can. And I am sure there are other things that we do, but don't even think about...

I'm not sure if this is why...but I have been feeling sad the last few days. Patrick has to work six days a week, ten hours a day...and I can't help but miss him, worry about him and want him to be home with us. I love him with all of my heart, and I just don't think I would be able to live without him by my side. I don't want to dwell on it any longer - and I know that I need to think positive...but I guess, since this is the one year anniversary since the accident, I can't help being upset.

I can only hope & pray that something like this never happens again...to anyone. Noone deserves to lose someone that they love and care for. My thoughts & prayers go out to Ryan's family.

"The American Patriot's Almanac: Daily Readings on America"

"The American Patriot's Almanac" by William J. Bennett & John T.E. Cribb

"The American Patriot's Almanac" is a very impressive treasure of a book. If you are proud to be an American, and you love reading/learning/loving History, then I would highly recommend reading this great find! The outside of the book is beautifully bound in hardback and the pages are intentionally given an antique/rustic look.
I loved reading the Preface of the book, which shared the authors opinions, and some quotes from several famous Americans, including Barack Obama and Abraham Lincoln about our great country. I loved how the authors said, "The American solider is the greatest friend of freedom the world has known" (Page xii). My father is currently serving in the military in the Army Special Forces, and I couldn't be more proud of him. Every time I read a piece of American history I think of him - and this book is such an inspiration to our armed forces. We owe everything to them - without them we would not have a country to call our own! This book does such a remarkable job of embracing thier (the military's) gift to the American people.

The content of the book is set up sort of like a calendar...starting with January 1st and ending with December 31st. Each page focuses on one event in American history, and then at the bottom of each page there are between 4 and 6 other events that took place on that day throughout time. Also throughout the dated event pages, there are excerpts that focus on the flags in the USA, famous quotes, important holidays, the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, American poetry, and more.

I have to say one of my favorite parts of the books was the list of the Fifty All-American Movies (pages 103 -114). I would love to say that I have seen them all, but that will be added on my list of things to do :) Here are just a few that are listed that I have seen: "Driving Miss Daisy", "Field of Dreams", "Forrest Gump", "Independence Day", "Miracle on 34th Street", "The Music Man", "Rocky", "The Princess & the Frog" & "Saving Private Ryan".

The back of the book, lists facts about all of the 50 states in our country (in alphabetical order), including the state flag, motto, & symbols. Of course I was curious about my home state, Missouri...its the 17th most populous state & our state musical instrument is the fiddle! Very neat! Once you finish the state facts, the authors listed their aknowledgements & then lastly an index for the reader.

This book is such a remarkable treasure that any, and every proud American should have in thier library. I learned so much about famous quotes, inventors, events, movies, our government, poetry, women, men & more! I could see this book in every classroom, for all ages & every home, young and old. You will learn something new, and embrace what you may or may not know about the country you have citizenship in. I can't wait to share this book with my family and friends - for I know they will love it just as much as I did!

Thank You so much Book Sneeze for letting me be apart of your program! I am looking forward to reading more books in the future!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the http://www.booksneeze.com/ book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Week 4: What's for dinner?

In order to save time and money, I always make a weekly dinner menu/grocery list...this will be week 4 of me posting our weekly menu.

I always serve at least 1 fruit & 1 veggie at each meal (in case they are not listed) & other sides. So here is this week's menu:

Sun: Happy Birthday Anakin! We went to his party in the afternoon, came home & made Tacos with rice :)
M: Pork Cutlets
T: Pork Tenderloin
W: Chicken Grillers, Twice baked potato & veggie
T: Frozen Pizza
F: Tortellini/Fettucine & salad
Sat: Fried Chicken

So what's for dinner at your house? As far as dessert goes, I am not sure this week...either cookies, pumpkin bread and/or icecream :)

Its beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

We are in the second week of November, and I have to say that I am guilty of getting out the Christmas tree & decorations out already! I wanted to just put the tree up last week, and then Pat just had to bring up the decorations & because Destin wanted to help put ornaments on the tree. Here is the finished product below:

We have soo many ornaments, but no tree topper!

Destin had so much fun helping mommy & daddy decorate the tree. Its so hard to believe that this will be her 2nd Christmas...last year I remember she was just learning how to walk & now she is just all over the place! She is growing up so fast...this year will also be Arwen's 1st Christmas! We have so many Baby's 1st Christmas ornaments (from last year for Destin), so I am sure writing Arwen's name on at least one or two won't hurt.

Speaking of ornaments...its so fun to look at each one on our tree. Each one has a story to tell, a memory that was made, a Christmas it was received. I remember when Patrick & I first moved in with one another in Lee's Summit, in our small one-bedroom apartment in 2003 (almost eight years ago). And we bought our first tree, and ornaments - I still hang those up. Then when we were married in 2007. Christmas brings such great memories...we were engaged December 13, 2003 :)

Well, since I had the tree out & we in the process of getting the rest of our Christmas decorations out...I decided to have a mini Christmas photo shoot. I will be getting 50 free holiday cards soon, and I need to get some great pics for them :) So here a few (below) that I really liked. Arwen is smiling all the time. She is starting to laugh out loud now, at Destin, Daddy & me :) It is so cute! Every time she smiles, my heart just melts...

Arwen smiling at mommy - her hat is soo big!

Arwen & Destin in their Santa hats

I am still working on trying to get them both to smile at the same time...
I think this might be the first time they both looked & smiled at me though :)
It turned out really well (besides Destin's baby doll being in the shot!).

I am sure there will be more Christmas photo shoots to come - I wish I had access to a nice snowy white backdrop...I am sure we will get snow before we know it :) Until next time, take care!

SNL Baby Spanx

My chubby baby girl, Arwen :)

Did anyone see this SNL skit? I thought it was hilarious...but I love my baby's rolls & chubbiness!

Free samples from the past two weeks

So, I posted a couple weeks ago that I was signing up for free stuff & samples via online....and I am now starting to get some of those freebies. So here is my up to date list of what I have received so far for free via mail in the last two weeks:

• Night food granola bars x 2 (and a brochure about their company)
• Dove deoderant (a mini size)
• Extra gum (Strawberry Shortcake)
• Bionic band (patches - these are like temporary tattos, I haven't tried them yet!)
• Glory cooking seasoning (a mini sample)
• Picaboo photo book (I had to pay s & h, but it was definitely worth it)
• 10 Shutterfly cards (see post below - the Thanksgiving ones)
• Breathe Right strips & coupon
• Free Advil coupon
• Free Cottonelle wipes coupon
• "The American Patriot's Almanac" (a book from booksneeze.com where you read/review books for free)
• Coffee, coffee mug & sticker from Green Mountain Coffee

And I will be getting lots more in the upcoming weeks...if you are interested in finding freebies let me know! I also have sent out a few packs of free gum, kleenex & tea to some friends & family.

Running away, potty training & more...

Wow! What a day/week it has been! We went to Music with Mar today (we met Holly, Karly & Kynly at Great Beginnings Early Childhood Center - thanks for coming by the way!), and the whole time we were there Destin decided to run away, down the hall and laugh the whole time. You would think, she would want to play, sing & dance with her friends, but NO! She stayed with me, only when I was holding her in my lap (and not just holding her, with my arms around hers so that she wouldn't run away).

Sadly, this is not something that is new. Since bringing home Arwen (and possibly even a couple months before hand), every time we go somewhere she stays with me for a little while, then she decides to run away. It doesn't seem to matter what we are doing, or where we are (Walmart, Target, the grocery store, a parking lot, a park, a school, etc.) she thinks its funny/sneaky/attention getting to run away as fast as she can from mommy.

I have to tell you, I absolutely hate it! It scares me to death knowing that she is this brave little girl wanting to go anywhere she wants, no matter what faces her...she could get stolen, hurt, lost, scared, etc. Ahhh! I have had a couple family members & friends say to invest in a wristband/backpack that ties to her..I just feel that I am being a bad parent b/c she won't stay with me...and I am basically restricting where she can go. I mean, could you imagine me holding on to her like that at a park? I just don't know what to do...I knew that the terrible twos were approaching, but I think she hit them about six months ago (which is way too soon!). Destin will be 2 in less than four months...so who knows what will happen when we hit that milestone?!?!

Then to top it off, we have been letting Daisy & Duke stay out whenever we leave the house...and they make it a point to find something that I forgot to put up & tear it up to shreds. Whether it be a wrapper (not a big deal), a toy, plastic bags, the trash, etc. Today it was a extra large plastic bag that holds an electronic toy & accessories (which now we are missing two pieces) & Destin's plastic pumpkin that we got for 50 cents at Target the other night. Grrr...

Destin has decided that each time she goes potty, that she has to take off her pants & her diaper...no matter what or where we are! Or what she has done (whether it be poop or pee)...very gross, and absolutely not okay, by any means! I would say this is very good sign that she is ready to start potty training again :) She loves to be naked, and sometimes she will go hide & take off all her clothes & diaper....but I would really like to try doing the potty thing again. We took a break for a little while, just because she had no interest, didn't really care when she went (unless it was a BM), and would scream & run away anytime I would mention the potty chair. But now, she tells me when she goes & immediately starts to strip off her diaper.

I'm thinking about starting a sticker & schedule chart with pictures for her. This might help motivate some potty time & could possibly help me (and daddy) put her on a good schedule for sleeping. These would be two separate, different things.

Sleeping is still not going well either...I'm not sure what week we are on since I started our so-called routine, but it went out the window & we are back to her going to sleep/falling asleep in our bed - then we transfer her to her own bed. For the most part, she sleeps all night, every night. But she still won't go to sleep on her own, in her own room or bed. I just don't understand why she wants to be with us so badly. We really aren't that exciting, and all we do is either watch tv, or go to bed ourselves.

In all honesty, I would like to have more "alone" time with Patrick too. We hardly see each other as it is, with him working 10 hours, 6 days a week...then we eat dinner, play, bathtime & then its time for bed. Our nights go by pretty fast...which I just don't see how making her go to sleep any earlier would help. It would be nice, but she has so much energy it would almost be silly to start any earlier than 9 pm. I am hoping that daylight savings this Sunday will help us out...but we will see how that goes!

Naptime is hit & miss, or so I think. This week, with the exception of one day, Destin has been going to sleep about fifteen minutes or less after I put her in bed. I tell her Iove her, give her a kiss, and after one trip to see me (or sometimes she will stay in there), she goes to sleep. The other day I found her buried underneath all of her stuffed animals in her bed (see pic below). Then she will sleep for usually an hour & a half or longer. Usually, she fights me for two or more hours until 3 pm (starting at 1 ish or so). I tried having her nap earlier, but it made it worse...so 1 pm is the magical time for now. I don't think she is ready to give up naps just yet, and I am not ready for her to either.

Arwen is sleeping great! She sleeps through the night, every night...and goes to sleep after about ten or fifteen minutes after I lay her down (as long as she isn't hungry, wet/dirty, or has an upset tummy). She is such a sweet girl! I just hope that Arwen stays this way for a very very long time(and believe it or not, Destin was too at this age! She slept through the night, every night from 6 weeks old til about 5 mos old). I am not sure what we are going to do, if both girls won't go to sleep when we want them to. Lets just hope we only have 1 to worry about for now!

Until next time, take care & have a great weekend! We are going to a friend's birthday party on Sunday :) Happy Birthday Anakin! I can't believe he is 2 already! Here are some pics I found from his birthday last year (its so hard to believe how much they have changed in a year!):

I remember Anakin was just learning how to walk & Destin loved playing with him for the first time :)

Week 3: Whats for dinner?

Its Thursday, and I almost forgot to post my weekly "What's for dinner?" post! I guess all my days are blending closer together...anyways...I always serve at least 1 fruit & 1 veggie at each meal (in case they are not listed). So here is this week's menu:

S: Happy Halloween! We ordered Pizza Hut - yummy!
M: Cheeseburgers, fries, mac n' cheese & oranges
T: Bacon/Turkey club sandwiches, fries & pineapple
W: Ranch pork chops, scalloped potatoes, carrots & pears
T: Homemade Lasagna, salad & veggie (see pic below)

F: Breakfast for dinner - pancakes, sausage & fresh fruit
S: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy & veggie

I am always on the lookout for something new...so, whats for dinner at your house? Also, I am thinking about adding/trying a weekly dessert - our family loves desserts :) Today I made 10 dozen chocolate chip & peanut butter/choc. chip cookies with Destin's help...don't worry though, I am sending more than half with Patrick to work!