Halloween 2012

Halloween was so much fun for us this year...both girls went Trick or Treating, we carved pumpkins, celebrated my lil' brothers 13th birthday, and went to Boo at the Zoo with Grandma Melanie (like we do every year). Enjoy all the pics everyone! 

Happy 13th Birthday to my lil' brother Joseph!

Boo at the Zoo

Going to Trunk or Treat at Aldersgate

Going Trick or Treating at Grandma and Grandpa Roach's house

Happy September/October/November!

Wow! I cannot believe its November already...where did September and October go? I really have been slacking on my blogging skills lately (at least, for my own that is). So without further ado...here are some pics/memories/etc. to keep everyone up to date.

In August/September, Destin started preschool. And she absolutely LOVES it!! If she had a choice, she would go everyday if she could. I can already tell that she is going to love school as much as I do! She has made so many new friends, and I just love seeing her light up when she tells me about her day.

Since starting school, she has had class visitors (from the local firefighters, and a dentist), gone a field trip (nature walk) and celebrated Halloween with a very fun party! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for my sweet girl. She is so incredibly smart, and beyond her 3 years that is amazes me everyday. 

About the same time (as Destin starting school), Arwen and I began to have more one on one time, and began our big adventure into potty training. As of now, we are about 80% done. She still has an accident or two each day, but can go for a few days with none at all. We are working on her "using her words" to ask for help and tell someone that she has to go. She does really well communicating with us, otherwise, so I think its just something we have to work on. Right now, its (potty time) more of a game for her - and at times, catching her at the perfect moment. Overall though, I am super proud of her...and can say that is wearing undies FULL TIME during the day now. 

Another adventure (sadly), that Arwen has decided to take...NO NAPS! I knew it was coming, and I actually got very lucky with her, since big sister stopped napping at 18 months (when Arwen was born). So at 2.5 years old, she is done with napping - even though, she REALLY NEEDS them. Its kind of a hit or miss thing for her. 

Other news...

Some other happenings that took place over the past few months, included Patrick working nights for about 3 weeks. That was quite the adjustment! He would from 3 PM to 4 AM, and attempt to sleep during the day. I am so glad that is was only a few weeks.

Now, Patrick is back to work during days (YAY!) and our schedule is not as hectic. Most days we stay home, play, clean (UGH!), and schedule playdates with friends.

The girls and I started going to church in September, as I mentioned in my last post (months ago). And so far, I really enjoy it. I am learning about myself spiritually, and hoping to make new friends over time. We have attended about four events thru the church since joining (Back 2 School night, 2 Family Fun Nights, and the Trunk or Treat night). Over the next couple weeks, I hope to join a small group and would like for the girls to start attending Sunday school.

Halloween was SO much fun this year...and I have lots of great pics to share (which I will in my next post). 

Right now, we are currently counting down the days til we visit Grandpa Todd and Grandma Julie in Florida at Thanksgiving. We cannot wait! The girls are so excited about going to the beach, and flying on an airplane for the first time. And I am really looking forward to taking Destin to Destin, Florida (where she is named after - where Patrick and I got married). 

I have really missed seeing my step mom...its been over a year since we last saw her in Colorado. And I know the girls have really missed seeing her too! After a year (being diagnosed with breast cancer) and dealing with treatments, chemo, radiation, and all the horrible crap you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy...I am so thankful to say, that she is now...CANCER FREE! Yay!

I cannot wait to get more great pics of my girls with them again! Until next time, have a wonderful day everyone! Be sure to get out and VOTE today!! And look for more posts to come!!

Happy Halloween 2011!

Happy Halloween 2011!

The girls both dressed up as pirates this year - and they were so cute :) Just see for yourself...

We all ventured out across the street as a family...Arwen lasted about two houses and she was done. She had candy and did not want to be held all night. So Daddy & Arwen went home to pass out/eat candy ~ while Destin and I went to about 20 houses or so (until it got dark outside).

I was really surprised by the number of houses that DID NOT pass out candy. Our neighborhood just isn't really that friendly with one another - in fact, we have lived here for 5 years, and have yet to really have a "real" conversation with any of our neighbors :( Its pretty sad...

But on a happy note, the girls had a lot of fun, and we probably had about 50+ Trick or Treaters. Not sure what the plan is for next year. I am thinking we might go somewhere else that is more kid friendly for our girls. It just seems like the kids were very pushy, not very thankful and really not considerate for little ones.

AND we also went to Boo at the Zoo with Gma Melanie and Joe over the weekend. I forgot my camera :( so the only ones I got were on my phone...oh well! I will try to post some here soon!

Besides Halloween...I don't really have a whole lot to report. The girls are finally getting over their colds that we got last week. And I have lost my voice off/on the last few days - which is not fun. Patrick says he has a sore throat too. I am not sure if its the weather being so up/down, or if we really did just catch a cold.

Oh, we also got a new fish! And then he died 2 days later..so now we are on to "Nemo 8" (or 9). I have lost count...but at least this new one has lasted more than 2 days. Yay!

Last week, I attended a FREE parenting class called Love & Logic. I recall bits and pieces of it from my student teaching and while I was teaching using some of it...but now I am a parent, I want to learn it again. It was nice to get away by myself for a little bit. As selfish as that sounds, it is just what I need. Even if it was just for a couple hours. I hope to take more classes in the future...maybe it will put my stress and anxiety at ease.

I hope everyone had a wonderful and safe Halloween! Take care, Melissa

P.S. Is anyone counting down to Christmas yet? They already have all the decorations, music and YES, even Santa coming to KC soon! Yikes! I am planning on going through my totes later on this week!

October is here!

Time just seems to be flying by lately, and I have been having a hard time staying updated with my blog and shutterfly share site. So since I woke up in the middle of the night, and could not go back to sleep, I figured now is as good a time as any!
For the past month or so, I have been leaving mini updates on my weekly mail call posts. Which seems to picking up quite a bit! Between watching the girls, cleaning the house, cooking three times/day and more...its really hard to find a time to do all the product reviews and giveaways that I would like to. I still am loving every minute of it though! In fact, over the past few weeks I have received some really neat products to review - including leggings for the girls, a Halloween costume for Arwen, hair stuff, books, an entire box full of burritos (YUM!) and more! I will update this week's mail call probably on Sunday night or Monday :)

Destin and Arwen are doing wonderful! I have been slacking on some good updates, but I wanted to share the Destin is now 31 months old! She never ceases to amaze me how incredibly smart she is! She knows all of her ABCs - the sounds, the uppercase letters and words that are associated with each. We are currently working on recognizing lowercase letters, numbers 1 - 20 (which she can already count, I would just like her to see the number and say it aloud), and writing the letters of her name. Some may think that she may be too young to start learning how to write, but she is definitely ready. Destin absolutely loves to draw, paint, color and more...so it seems just right to get her started on learning how to write her name.

Sadly, it seems like Destin is still as strong headed as ever - and does not want to sleep in her own bed. It has been several months (if not longer) since she has slept in her bed all night; and that is after we transfer her from our bed. I just wish there was some type of magic way of encouraging her to sleep in her bed/in her room. I have tried talking to her about why she should sleep in her bed, and that if she does I would give her a "special treat" or a visit to her new favorite place "Chuck E. Cheese". But...she thinks that she should get the special treat/visit whether she sleeps in her bed or not. Now, when I talk to her about it, she says there are monsters in her room :( Does anyone have any suggestions?

Arwen is now 14 months old. She is such an explorer! Climbing, hiding, running, and laughing all the while. Arwen is such a happy girl, but is still very much a "mama's girl". She loves to play with her big sister, but also really enjoys playing by herself sometimes too. Her new love for the past couple months has been "Elmo" and she talks about him all the time. I just love to listen to Arwen talk. She is learning new words, and sounds everyday. Currently, she can make the sounds for the following animals: a duck, cow, dog, cat, monkey, owl, sheep and more! We are still working on recognizing body parts - she likes to stick her finger up her nose, every time I ask her where her nose is! Too funny!

Arwen is still such an amazing sleeper! I am so incredibly thankful for that! I know I have said it before, and I will say it again - I don't think I could handle both girls having sleep issues. Arwen still goes to bed around 8 PM and wakes up about 7:30 AM or so. She has been doing this since she was 6 weeks old! How did we get so lucky?!

Her eating habits haven't been so great though. I noticed that since the pediatrician told me to switch from 2% to whole, that neither one of the girls eats hardly anything. I am wondering if I need to switch back? They both drink milk constantly, and I really think that is what fills them up all day long. No matter what the meal is, or what is being served, they just don't seem to eat a lot. I know my cooking isn't that bad! Ha!

Patrick is doing good...he got hurt last week on the job, and cut his face. From the middle of his forehead, down the bridge of his nose, and under his right eye. Very scary, and very big noticeable mark which will probably leave a scar. We are just very thankful that it did not cause any major damage. He is still playing softball twice a week now, but I am not sure how much longer he can last. After every game he comes home being sore, and with new injuries. I think they are supposed to play until the end of October.

As far as my update goes...my eyes are still doing wonderful since my Lasik. I have my one month appt on Monday. And, I got my check from the insurance this week - which paid for 90%! Woo hoo! It is so amazing to wake up everyday and NOT need my glasses/contacts! My allergies are still drivin me crazy, and I hope that they go away forver and ever. And last but not least, I have been thinking about running/walking a 5K at the end of this month to benefit breast cancer. Someone I love very much was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, and I would like to do it for her. I am wondering how much time and healthy eating/preparing it would take for me to do this though. Does anyone have experience with running or walking a 5K?

Tomorrow night, Patrick and I are going on a much needed date night to World's of Fun. I am so excited to check out all the haunted houses they have! Halloween is one of my favorite holidays! If I had more more I would definitely have every decoration out there! We were supposed to go with our good friends, but since they couldn't find a sitter, and the entire month of October is getting booked up like crazy for both of us...we had to find someone else to go with :( I am so sad that we couldn't go with them, but we have already made plans to go next year in the Spring! We are making plans a year ahead of time!

Well, I think I have "talked" your ear off enough for tonight! I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! And a good start to your October :D Take care, Melissa

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 :)

Happy (almost) Halloween!

Happy Halloween! Well, tomorrow that is! I am so excited to be taking Destin trick or treating this year, and then next year we will be able to take both girls :)

Today I took some cute pics of the girls in their Halloween outfits & just thought I would share a couple...

Tomorrow we our planning to visit Boo at the Zoo with Gma Melanie & Uncle Joe, then that evening go trick or treating with daddy around our neighborhood. Destin is going to be Abby Cadabby from Sesame Street & Arwen is going to wear her Halloween one-piece outfit :)