Girl's Night

Last night was our much anticipated "Girl's Night". This started a few months ago when Jeremy had to go out of town. I remember my mom always doing something special when my dad was out of town so we had something to look forward to that was out of the ordinary. I wanted to do something like that with Nicole (and Hannah one day...and even baby boy). So...Nicole and I started "Girls Night".

Here is our series of events....
Hannah goes to bed a bit earlier than normal (next year, she can participate)
We watch....

Mary Poppins



One of our favorite scenes. We both like the chimney sweep scene, the chalk drawing scene, and the laughing room.

While watching Mary Poppins, we do the following...


First Nicole paints her own toenails



Then she paints her fingernails


Then she paints MY toe nails and fingernails. She was very tired and very into the movie last night, so she only painted 3 of my toenails, I had to finish them off.


Then, we eat our popcorn and cookies


A lovely picture of the two of us.


She was pretty sleepy last night, so we just laid and watched the movie for most of the time. She was determined to make it through. And She did!


Before going to bed, she found a pair of panty hose. Since I almost never wear such things, she didn't know what they were. She thought she'd try them on for size.


We ended the night by reading some of the Bible together and falling asleep in bed. I enjoyed every moment of it. It was fun to listen to her get excited all day in anticipating of our "Girls Night". I hope this is always a special tradition when daddy is gone.

Discretion

Do you ever do something and later see the error in it? I just did

I like to blog for several reasons.

1. There are some grandparents and relatives who check regularly and they get to see a glimpse of our lives even though they are far away. If not for this blog, they would know very little about Nicole and Hannah, and whatever else I choose to share. So, primarily, I blog for them.

2. I also blog to keep a record of our family: events, stories, pictures, special occasions, every day fun, etc.

3. I like to blog for my friends who also read it. Sometimes I share more personal struggles because I think it helps them see that when they have a bad day, they aren't the only ones. I am encouraged when I see that others I look up to and respect also struggle with disciple or eating or whatever. It helps me to continue to persevere when I read their stories...sometimes in the heat of the moment, and others in retrospect.

4. Sometimes however, I use this blog as a outlet for myself...this is where I go wrong. I get frustrated with people who always act like their life is perfect with no problems, worries or issues, because I'm pretty sure NO ONE'S life is like that. As much as we try to put our full hope, trust and reliance in the Lord, we are still human and struggle through our days. Sometimes I share more of the story than is needed.

This is where I went wrong the other day. I could have shared a perfectly nice time at Rookery Bay with my girls and no one would have known any more than that. Yet...I chose to share about my difficulties with Nicole and Hannah in the past few days and I fear I shared to much. I have received numerous e-mails and phone calls, some just wanting to encourage me, others wanting to offer me advice, and I'm sure there are a few of you who shook their head in shame at me for not being able to "handle" two and here I am having a third soon. No one seemed to remember the cute pictures or good times we had that day. I thought I was writing a bit tongue and cheek and a bit real to show that life is not always perfect. I hoped to also be somewhat of an encouragement to a friend who may have had a rough week too...but this was not the case.

What I regret the most however, is that I shared to much about Nicole's rebellion in a way that, if she were older, may bring her shame. If you ask my mom, I'm pretty sure she would tell you that I have never once gone to her and poured out any anger or frustration I may have had with Jeremy (ok...honestly, I'm very rarely ever frustrated with him...he's simply the BEST!). But, from the day we got married, I made it a point to never defame his name to my parents, my friends or others. I want to always say uplifting and encouraging words about him to others.

However, I have not had this philosophy with my children, and quite honestly, I think this is shameful. Especially when I share specifics on the Internet, on a blog that really anyone could find if they wanted. My greatest regret about yesterday's post is not that some people think I'm either incapable of raising my kids or that they pity me or that they think I'm foolish, because none is true....but that I defamed Nicole's name and gave specific information in public about her rebellious heart.

We are all sinners. We all have rebellious hearts. One of the most difficult things about being a parent is seeing that rebellion so early in our small children, and then going after that with the Word of God. Often times as parents we try to make our kids "act right" but deal not with their rebellious hearts and nature...it's far more difficult to do that. It's much easier to each them to behave than it is to help them see the sin that causes that bad behavior. However, Jeremy and I have set out not to have "good kids" because that's how they are "suppose to be". But, to help them see their sin and their great need for a Savior, Jesus Christ. Without the hope of the cross in our discipline, there is no hope at all. But, this is so hard to teach and so hard to learn. I have grown more spiritually since becoming a mother than at any other time in my life because my own sin nature quickly comes out in the forms of anger, greed, selfishness, and pride.

I see that I have gone off and talked about something a bit far from the origin of my topic. My point is this...I am going to try to not use this blog to publicly defame anyone in my family. I will continue to share funny stories, sad stories, pictures and outings. But, I will try to show more discretion in my posts because, just as I don't want to ever speak negatively of Jeremy to anyone, I also do not want to speak negatively of my children either. There may be private conversations when I'm seeking advice or encouragement that I may share, but I will not do it on the blog again, Lord Willing.

Nicole, one day when you look at these blogs, know that I ask for your forgiveness and I'm thankful God gave you to me as my very special and sweet daughter.

I am turning off comments to this post. If you have something to say, then you can e-mail me on this one. If not, that's fine...I just wanted to get this off my chest and move on.

Stay tuned tomorrow for pictures of our "Girl's Night". The greatly anticipated event all day today.

Rookery Bay

I decided to take the girls on a whim to Rookery Bay...and it was a SUPER decision. They have a fairly small learning center, but it was perfect for the girls. And....even better...we were the only ones there for the first hour! I was expecting some day camps to be there or something, but nope...just us...no other kids to stress me out. So, I took Hannah out of the stroller, and both girls got to walk around and explore. They have a large fish tank on the floor that was the highlight of day for both girls. At the end, Nicole even got to help feed the fish shrimp. I was impressed, she took the first shrimp and threw it in the water, no problem...but she freaked out about the second shrimp and dropped it on the floor! haha. Hannah would run up to the tank and yell at the fish, the turn away and squeal.

These pictures were taken from my phone, so I apologize they aren't great quality. It also explains why I didn't get Nicole feeding the fish, my camera wouldn't turn on fast enough.


Hannah checking out the fish tank on the floor. She really liked this (and the stairs, but that's besides the point)


They had another small aquarium. Nicole is looking at a flounder. It was cool to take her because she's very inquisitive and asks all kinds of questions. We are hoping to go to the Atlanta Aquarium sometime soon, so I think that will be lots of fun and excitement for her.

Nicole was looking at a display about the birds on the beach. I forget...are these sandpipers?

Upstairs was a history exhibit. They had a lookout station with rocking chairs and binoculars. Nicole knew exactly what to do (although in this picture she's looking inside, not outside). But, I got in trouble from her when I used the binoculars without first putting the strap around my neck. She was adorable! and loved using those things!


We packed a lunch and ate outside. Today was perfect. A storm was brewing so it was not hot and a bit windy. No bugs, no sun...good quick picnic weather. Nicole is "helping" Hannah drink her juice.

We ended our lunch with a walk through the butterfly garden. Nicole even found a butterfly (and didn't freak out). It was a beautiful monarch. Of course, I didn't get a picture of it because my phone was to slow. Oh well.

For my local friends with kids...this was a nice change of pace. It was not busy (at least not today) It was not to big so the little kids get lost. It was CHEAP! $5.00 but print this coupon and get in for $4.00. Children under 6 are free. (The conservancy is $9.00/adult in comparison). We watched a little 10 minute video on Rookery Bay and Nicole was very interested, asking all sorts of questions about the wildlife. Fridays are kids days (kids over 6 get in free with a paying adult) and they said they have a lot of kids activities. The touch tank is open, fish feeding, and crafts I believe. Only a couple more weeks of this though. Tomorrow their emphasis is on oysters. I won't go tomorrow...but I may think about it next week, we'll see. It was a fun little morning trip with a picnic lunch. A much needed "happy time" for our little group of girls. We all had fun, no one got in trouble, and momma was not frustrated. YAY!

Busted!! and Backpacks of love

For the past couple days, we have caught Nicole hanging out somewhere, she's not suppose to be anymore




The first time Nicole climbed into Hannah's crib was during nap time. It was a difficult moment not to laugh at, and especially difficult not to photograph. However, she had already been in a lot of trouble that day for playing (read....Destroying her room) during nap time. So, she ended up getting in trouble for climbing in the crib.

The second time it happened, was the same night (Monday) just after we put the girls down to bed for the night. I had left for my clipper chicks meeting and Jeremy heard the girls laughing. He again, found Nicole with her blanket, pillow and doggie, all lying in Hanah's bed. Again...she got in trouble.

However, this morning, she climbed in after everyone had woke up from sleeping all night. I finally could resist no longer and took the pictures. They were having fun. I don't mind so much if this happens, as long as it's not during naps or during the night. After naps and night night time is ok. I'm glad Nicole is learning to enjoy Hannah more.

Backpacks filled with love (and school supplies)

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I just haven't been able to resist amazing back to school deals. However, since my kids are not yet in school and I don't have a need for endless supplies of spiral notebooks, I decided I would have a blast "buying" all sorts of free and almost free items and donate them. I decided to donate two well stocked backpacks to Sunlight Homes, a Christian organization in town that takes in at risk pregnant teens and young women. They make them continue their education, do chores, go to church and counseling session as well as prepare them for their new life as a young mom. They provided prenatal support and a safe place for these young ladies. I'm always happy to help an organization that supports life.

So...Monday morning, Nicole and I dumped all the schools supplies onto the floor and began pairing up all the matching pieces (most everything I bought two of)



Then we stocked the backpacks full of items like....(this is from memory)
*3 ring binder
*filler paper
*4 book covers
* a zillion (ok, maybe a little less) of pens and pencils)
*highlighters
*spiral notebooks
*white erase board and markers
*erasers, crayons, scissors, glue
*composition notebook
*protractor
*toothbrush and makeup remover
*and much more



We also filled a bag with "feminine products", band aids, blood glucose meters (for any girls with gestational diabetes), hygiene products, dishwasher soap, and a large box with outgrown clothes (btw...they need boys 18month and larger clothes right now if you have any).

It was a fun activity to do with Nicole because I got to tell her a little about the girls. She was so excited she "drew" a picture for them, "cooked" them some food (in her kitchen), and asked about them throughout the day. She would occasioanlly bring me items and ask me if "the girls with the backpacks" need them. I loved her help and I hope I can do things like this with her more often (especially with my coupons) and teach her to help others.

Nicole's "House"

Self Portraits




Enjoy this video of Nicole's little play area. You MUST watch at least the first few seconds for a classic answer from a three year to a very dumb question asked by mom:-)

popsicles, grandma, and M&Ms

This morning, while Hannah napped, Nicole and I headed outside. She played (for an hour and half...all by herself) while I worked on a little surprise for Jeremy. Nicole painted and played in water, and painted and played in water and painted and played in water. Let's just say she had a blast. Her hair was blue, her bathing suite was covered in every color, her toes here pink, and the water in her little pool was indescribable. I was sweaty, tired, and exhausted. About halfway through my task, grandma came over and kept me company. I even got to talk to my Aunt Paula on the phone.

Needless to say though, after nearly 2 hours in the Florida summer heat, we were ready to head back inside and cool off. Although Hannah was enjoying the A.C. the whole time, even she got to have a cool little snack.




Popsicles!!!!

Then, it was play time. We enjoyed spending the whole morning at home! Nicole had fun hiding behind furniture and building a sort of fort. And Hannah had fun bringing books to Mimi to read. I know she doesn't look happy in the picture, but she was. I had just missed a huge grin from her. She loved sitting on Mimi's lap looking at the pictures.

And, I finished the afternoon off with my favorite snack. I sure hope my midwife doesn't see this, because she does NOT approve. But, I LOVE Cheerios with M & Ms on top:-) Where did I ever come up with this concoction? When I was growing up, I would often spend the night at my grandma's house and she ALWAYS had M&Ms, plain and peanut. I blame her specifically for my addiction to the little colored chocoalte candies. However, sometimes she wouldn't have the "real cheerios". One thing I never buy as a store brand is cereal. The only company that make edible "Os" are cheerios. Anyway...sometimes she would have store brand (of course not knowing my preference for the real deal, or else I'm SURE she would have bought those for me). But, to be a polite little girl and not offend, I would cover my store brand O shaped cereal with the delicious and unending supply of M&Ms. This helped me swallow the yucky, soggy immitation without hurting anyone's feelings. Now, as a grown up, this is truly my comfort food. I love to sit down with a nice bowl of (real) cheerios with M&Ms on top. Yummy!

Just Fun

A few fun pictures to share


Hannah crawled in the basket this morning and the moment screamed "Photo Op"

We played outside for a while yesterday. Nicole is totally into filling, emptying and refilling containers. Today, it was mulch in a spray bottle.

I don't know...but she's cute

What on Earth was she thinking about here? What do you think? I'd love to know!


Taking silly pictures with the camera, one of my favorite things to do.

Baby Registry List

I have had some friends and family ask me what I need for baby boy who is coming in a few months. I really don't feel like I "need" much, but there are a few things that may be helpful and definitely useful. My friend Teri likes to use a site called "The things I want". It's sort of an online registry that doesn't restrict you to a certain store, which is nice. A lot of the "things I want" can't be purchased a Babies R Us or Target. So...I'm working on piling some items together. I'm reluctantly putting this up, because I don't want people to think I'm greedy or want a lot...I'm just giving ideas to those who are interested in buying something. Some things are expensive, some aren't. I'll do a little registry at BRU and Target for some basic things (like extra sheets, wipes, etc) also.

Also....there are some (most) things that are totally fine used. Like, I put a Baby Bjorn on the list. Please don't buy a new one. There are great consignment stores around town that sell them at a much lower price ($25 instead of $100!!!!). So...used is fine. Ok...here it goes...here's the link.

Things I want

Oh...I just figured out how to put the list on my blog, so you can check it out on here if you want.

My Frugal Day Off:-)

The girls got to spend the night at Grammy and Gramp's house AND...they stayed most of today. When Grammy called to see if she could have the girls (I love when they ask because then I don't feel like I'm taking advantage of them...they want to....they of course meaning either set of grandparents). So....where was I? Oh....when I found out she also wanted to keep the girls all morning and put them down for naps, I began planning my frugal shopping extravaganza.

One thing I've been wanting to do, but just simply refuse to do with the girls in tow, is hit a bunch of thrift stores and consignment shops. It's been years (read highschool-never) that I've visited a thrift store except to donate items. So...that was big item on the agenda. I wanted to find maternity clothes and some picture frames (failed at both). BUT....I found something even better (Amanda....you're gonna love this!)


I bought 8 NEVER BEEN USED CLOTH DIAPERS for $.99 each. These are fuzzibunz and cost $17.95 EACH...I got 8 for $8.00!!!!! I'm super duper Psyched!!!!That's a $135 savings!!!!

My other main goal was to hit Staples and CVS and get some cheap/free school supplies. Why do I need school supplies when my kids aren't even close (ok...Nicole's getting close) to school age? Well...because it's fun to buy things for free...and I can donate them to someone who needs it. My goal is to stock 2 backpacks full of great, high quality school supplies, and I am well on my way. This is what I got today...


...paired with what I got earlier this week at CVS.
And there are more great freebie sales to come. Let me explain what I did.

CVS...get $5ecb for any backpack (limit 2)
Purchased each backpack at a different store. Used only ecb (save for $.30 in tax). Ended up with 5 ecb in the end. So...two free backpacks and 5 ecb.

Staples
Staples had some great rebates and in -store rebate items this week.
My total was $57.36
- $10 Office Depot Q
Spent $47.36 oop
Rebates I'm getting back $38.93
So....all of my school supplies have cost me $8.43!!! I'm totally cool with spending that much money to donate 2 backpacks....woohoo!!!!!!

Stock pile test

In Honor of what I see as a pretty crummy sales week at Publix (we don't eat tuna, and that seems to be the best deal this week), I have decided to do something drastic....for me. I will only be purchasing staple items NEEDED for the week and using whatever I have stocked up in the fridge, freezer and pantry for my meals. I will still be purchasing items for a fresh lunch daily for both Jeremy and the girls....and several Arnold whole wheat bread loaves which are the only BOGO item I want. The real test begins....is my stock pile really that good? I probably will not use a single coupon (wait...I have a few produce coupons I can sneak in) what do you think? Can I go under $25 for the ENTIRE Week? Wouldn't that be nice for once:-)

My list will look something like this....
1 gallon Whole Milk (Hannah)
1 gallon 1% milk
1 lb fresh deli meat
1 block of cheese
1 tomato
3 peaches
1 head of broccoli
1 or 2 cans of green beans
4 loaves of whole wheat bread