Today was the final day of the Nez Perce County Fair. I made it three out of the four days and loved it! It is right around the corner from our house so I was able to just load the boys up in the double stroller and take a little walk to the fair. I still get so excited for it. We didn't do any carnival rides this year, maybe next, but we did go to the petting zoo today.
Isaac came along today, for an hour, dragging his feet, but he did come. He stood outside the petting zoo with Wyatt (asleep in the stroller) and videoed while I chased after Levi and attempted to take pictures. Unfortunately our camera was on the wrong setting so most my pictures are blurry - plus they were action shots anyways because Levi was running around like a little chicken! When we first came in he ran up to a goat and grabbed him by both horns and laughed, then ran over to the watering trough and put his arm up to his armpit soaking his sleeve, and then started picking up sawdust throwing it like confetti - laughing the entire time. LOL! I tried to stop the confetti but ended up getting showered with it all over my hair and down my shirt. He cracks me up! I also tried to show him how we feed the goats carrot chunks and handed him one to feed the goat but he put it directly in his mouth. hahaha =) That's my boy!
After that we walked around a little more and by around the half hour mark of being there, both Isaac and Levi were about done. So we decided to grab a couple philly cheese's to eat before we left. But Levi refused to sit quietly in the stroller so Isaac was chasing after him when along came my sister and her family! Great timing! So my niece Jenny chased after Levi, Mindy fed Wyatt a bottle, and Isaac and I actually got to eat our sandwiches! There were a couple cowboy (a man & his wife I guess) singing in the grass walkway. Levi ran right up to them mesmerized! He LOVES music! He actually made them forget the words! They thought he was pretty cute! I have to agree!
I got to see my niece Jenny & nephew Tyson show their pigs on Thur & Fri and they both got blues for quality and fitting/showing. It was fun showing Levi the animals up close that I read to him about. He calls the cows "moos" of course but also called the pigs "moos." (I think it's based on one of our favorite books "Moo, Baa, La La La" in which it starts out - and I can recite by heart - "A Cow Says Moo." "A Sheep Says Baa." "And Three Singing Pigs Say La, La, La." It's a wonder he didn't say lalala I guess, haha.) Too cute! And he called the chickens "cheep-cheeps."
Well, think it's time once again for me to say Goodnight from a Mini Van Mom!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
I Love My Boys
Got the boys both in bed and asleep, phew! I love the peace and quiet in the house. Wyatt keeps waking up a couple times a night so I'm looking forward to when he sleeps through the night again. Lots of adjustments to get used to from sleeping in a different room - in a crib, deciding he doesn't want to be swaddeled anymore and insisting he is going to sleep on his tummy.
So life right now is all about my boys: My Husband, My Son Levi & My Son Wyatt. When I shop in stores, it's for the boys, when I shop online it's about my boys, when I update my facebook status it is typically about my boys. =) I would much rather buy clothes and toys for them than anything for myself! I love my little family.
Wyatt's therapist came this morning. She is super nice. The last couple times she's come both boys have been asleep so we've just talked about how Wyatt is doing. But this time she was able to see him and he is doing really good. I was bummed, but already knew, that he is delayed in a couple areas - he can't sit unsupported by himself yet (until tonight!) and isn't starting to crawl, bring legs up to that position, etc yet. But he is rolling and has great support when he is on his tummy, able to grab toys in front and off to the side and transfer. She gave me a couple pointers to work on and was pleased with how he's doing. I'm not too worried because Levi didn't sit by himself without any support until 9 months! And it was actually quite funny tonight because Wyatt was sitting unsupported for 4 or 5 minutes at a time before he'd lose balance and tip over. He just needed a little more practice throughout today I guess! And he's getting closer to crawling. He kinda scoots.
I am looking forward to Thursday night which is a Ladies get together at our church. Which reminds me that I need to do my homework! I accidentally left my binder on top of our mini van last Sunday and of course it flew off and landed on busy Thain Rd. Thank goodness my cousin rescued it and left me a msg asking if it was mine. Silly Me! Lucky it didn't get run over! Then Friday night is another date night with my hubby! Yay!
I am also looking forward to the Nez Perce County Fair this weekend. We are just around the corner from it so we can walk there. My niece and nephew take pigs and I am hoping to see them show them this year. Levi loved the petting zoo last year so I am excited to take him and Wyatt again this year. Thinking I'm going to have to have Isaac along though cuz Levi is probably going to try to chase the goats and geese around. Might be feathers and poop flying all over! =)
A sermon a couple weeks ago was a good reminder - so basic, yet so impacting in my life. In order to have a good marriage/life I have to have my primary focus on Jesus. It's amazing because since I've been doing that these last couple weeks, I have an even greater love for my husband and children, a greater measure of patience and forgiveness too. It's amazing when you have your priorities in the right order how life seems to fall into place. Not to say it is without moments of frustration and chaos, but I seem to be able to handle things a little easier and feel more calm when the boys are screaming and when everyone needs something "Right Now!" =) Something I read once, JOY = Jesus, Others, You. Take Care & Goodnight from the Mini Van Mom!
So life right now is all about my boys: My Husband, My Son Levi & My Son Wyatt. When I shop in stores, it's for the boys, when I shop online it's about my boys, when I update my facebook status it is typically about my boys. =) I would much rather buy clothes and toys for them than anything for myself! I love my little family.
Wyatt's therapist came this morning. She is super nice. The last couple times she's come both boys have been asleep so we've just talked about how Wyatt is doing. But this time she was able to see him and he is doing really good. I was bummed, but already knew, that he is delayed in a couple areas - he can't sit unsupported by himself yet (until tonight!) and isn't starting to crawl, bring legs up to that position, etc yet. But he is rolling and has great support when he is on his tummy, able to grab toys in front and off to the side and transfer. She gave me a couple pointers to work on and was pleased with how he's doing. I'm not too worried because Levi didn't sit by himself without any support until 9 months! And it was actually quite funny tonight because Wyatt was sitting unsupported for 4 or 5 minutes at a time before he'd lose balance and tip over. He just needed a little more practice throughout today I guess! And he's getting closer to crawling. He kinda scoots.
I am looking forward to Thursday night which is a Ladies get together at our church. Which reminds me that I need to do my homework! I accidentally left my binder on top of our mini van last Sunday and of course it flew off and landed on busy Thain Rd. Thank goodness my cousin rescued it and left me a msg asking if it was mine. Silly Me! Lucky it didn't get run over! Then Friday night is another date night with my hubby! Yay!
I am also looking forward to the Nez Perce County Fair this weekend. We are just around the corner from it so we can walk there. My niece and nephew take pigs and I am hoping to see them show them this year. Levi loved the petting zoo last year so I am excited to take him and Wyatt again this year. Thinking I'm going to have to have Isaac along though cuz Levi is probably going to try to chase the goats and geese around. Might be feathers and poop flying all over! =)
A sermon a couple weeks ago was a good reminder - so basic, yet so impacting in my life. In order to have a good marriage/life I have to have my primary focus on Jesus. It's amazing because since I've been doing that these last couple weeks, I have an even greater love for my husband and children, a greater measure of patience and forgiveness too. It's amazing when you have your priorities in the right order how life seems to fall into place. Not to say it is without moments of frustration and chaos, but I seem to be able to handle things a little easier and feel more calm when the boys are screaming and when everyone needs something "Right Now!" =) Something I read once, JOY = Jesus, Others, You. Take Care & Goodnight from the Mini Van Mom!
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Walk Barefoot in My House at Your Own Risk!
Between sticky floors in the kitchen from freshly squeezed pear juice thanks to Levi in addition to apple juice and various other sticky and crumby particulates I am warning you that you might not want to walk barefoot in my house at the moment - I know! I am a flip flop and barefoot kind of gal and it drives me crazy when I walk across stickiness and crumbs.
I really debated on whether to just relax and sit down at the computer or vaccuum and mop the floors. Guess you know which one won! =) There's always tomorrow. Another long, but good day. I am so tired...as usual....But the noises from the boy's room have become quiet, the toys have been picked up in the living room, Isaac is downstairs playing the new Halo Reach video game and I have my thoughts all to myself.
I admit, when I started this blog over a month ago, I had high hopes of sitting down every night, or at least a couple times a week, after I put the boys to bed and entering a quick blurp about the adventures of the day. But no, a month later and I am finally picking it up again. I don't even have the excuse of having a broken computer. In fact, we have 3 working computers not including the two non-working computers. You might call that a bit excessive but one is specifically our "tv" computer. We no longer have cable as of more than a year ago and use it to watch Netflix streaming & Hulu on our tv. The second which I am using now is our laptop, missing a few keys and redecorated with seven, I just counted, pink vertical lines across the screen - all thanks to Levi. The third is my "work" computer but I don't use it much as it sits in the basement and it easier to do my work from this laptop that is portable and I do most of my advertising work from here in the living room. So as you can see, they all have their own purposes. No we don't have any plans to get rid of any of them. The other two, one our old home computer, the other my old work computer that I need to return to our office.
Wow, that was really, really boring. Sorry! I don't know why I went off on a tangent about our computers. I think I am really tired! LOL! So the boys, what are they doing these day?.... Levi is 19 months, Wyatt is 7 months. Both are adorable and I am their biggest fan! They bring me so much joy. I am so thankful to be their mom! I just about go crazy sometimes when they are both crying and demanding food or attention at the same time. A lady told me before I had Wyatt to treat them in a lot of ways as twins and that was good advice. I try to keep them on the same schedule. Diapers, feeding, naps, baths, bed time, even down to their nail clippings. Most days they both take a 2.5-3 hour nap in the afternoon. It is awesome! That is when I get a lot of my advertising work done and fit in my other hours when they are playing or watching a Veggie Tales. Thank God for Veggie Tales!! =)
The one change over this last month is that both boys are sleeping in the same room, most nights. I almost gave up tonight because they were both having a hard time settling down. But I stuck to my guns and let them both fuss for about 10 minutes, and then quiet....ahhhh......! The sweet victories of mommyhood! Wyatt keeps me guessing on whether he is going to sleep through the night or not. He sleeps until 6 some nights but typical is 4 am or 5 like this morning. But the good thing is he usually, hoping I'm not going to jynx myself here, he usually will go back to sleep for another couple hours after that.
Levi is like a little copy cat. He will repeat, in his own little language, what I or Isaac says. He loves the word "ball" and uses it for of course a ball, lights, and pretty much anything round including buttons, beads on jewelry, etc. He says "Good Job!" after he's done something right or made a toy work right. I say that to him a lot and I love that he has picked it up. He says "Thank You" but you have to listen close to that one. I can understand some of his words because they sound the same every time. One of his very favorite words, and people, is Dada! And he loves his brother "De-dah" which is very close to dada but there is a distinct difference. The other night it was so sweet because I was cuddling with both of them. They were talking and cooing back and forth at each other, holding hands. I was soaking up the moment. Then all of a sudden I look down and Levi was biting Wyatt's finger. So our sweet moment quickly turned to chaos as Wyatt shrieked and screamed cries of betrayal and pain and Levi cried because I had to scold him. Already acting like brothers! Levi really is sweet to his brother though. He will come up and give him a hug, put the pacifier back in his mouth when it falls out, bring him a toy and then also take it away. And the other day I caught him bringing a book over to Wyatt and "reading" it to him. =)
Levi is always watching and observing what we are doing. It makes me stay on alert! I've heard it said that little children are like sponges soaking up everything around them. I pray I can be the best parent I can be! Both my boys are so sweet and even at such a young age seem to have such tender little hearts. The precious smiles that Wyatt gives me. And I love Levi coming up and giving me a hug.
Wyatt is rolling now and getting closer to crawling. With a very active toddler running around, I didn't have Wyatt on a blanket for tummy or blanket time nearly enough. It's really only been in the last little over a month that I've had him on the ground. Levi is getting better about not just running up and pouncing on him. So Wyatt's catching up. As far as development he is right on track. No worries there which is awesome! Wouldn't guess he had such a rough start!
Isaac and I got to go on a date night last night to Red Lobster. It was fun! We both had shrimp & lobster tail. I'm so glad he's decided he doesn't mind eating seafood. I've always liked it, except for when I got food poisoning from shrimp about 6 years ago. Took me a while to eat it again but glad I've got my taste for it back.
Our church, Confluence Community Church (check us out at http://www.confluencechurch.com/ - Side Note: We'd love to have you come visit!! Casual Dress, Friendly People! 651 Thain Rd, Lewiston - 9 AM) is doing a marriage series which I am really excited about. One of the neat things is they are providing childcare at the church for 4 Friday nights so the couples can go on a date night. Yay! It is amazing how disconnected you can become just with life in general but especially when you are caring for wee ones. Energy is low and what energy you have is used up on caring for little cutie pies that need your attention A LOT! =)
It was nice to have an hour and half out on the town with my Zacky (sorry a term of endearment reserved just for me) ;) to laugh and talk. I am so thankful for my husband. I know we don't always get along but life is always interesting with him around. Life would get pretty boring if we always agreed on everything. Marriage is hard work let me tell ya! Next month we'll have been married 8 years. Can't say they've all been "bliss" but they've all been worth it. And Zacky if you ever read this, which I highly doubt you will, but if you do, I LOVE YOU! SHMILY! (see how much I love you - something we used to write to each other on the mirror or little scraps of paper when were first dating/married and still do occassionally)
(Oh, just had to run in and pop Wyatt's pacifier back before he woke his brother up from his crying! Keeping my fingers crossed that he goes back to sleep!!)
In conclusion, haha, I just thought it'd be funny to say that. I also thought it would be funny to title this blog entry "IT'S ABOUT BLOGGIN' TIME!" ya know cuz it's been over a month since I last blogged but then I though, maybe that is offensive...So now by the time I am wrapping this one up I've decided I'm too tired to worry about whether it is or not. =) Cuz if you're still actually reading this you're probably just about to fall asleep too! Good Night from the Mini Van Mom!
P.S. You gotta watch this video!! LOL!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4
I really debated on whether to just relax and sit down at the computer or vaccuum and mop the floors. Guess you know which one won! =) There's always tomorrow. Another long, but good day. I am so tired...as usual....But the noises from the boy's room have become quiet, the toys have been picked up in the living room, Isaac is downstairs playing the new Halo Reach video game and I have my thoughts all to myself.
I admit, when I started this blog over a month ago, I had high hopes of sitting down every night, or at least a couple times a week, after I put the boys to bed and entering a quick blurp about the adventures of the day. But no, a month later and I am finally picking it up again. I don't even have the excuse of having a broken computer. In fact, we have 3 working computers not including the two non-working computers. You might call that a bit excessive but one is specifically our "tv" computer. We no longer have cable as of more than a year ago and use it to watch Netflix streaming & Hulu on our tv. The second which I am using now is our laptop, missing a few keys and redecorated with seven, I just counted, pink vertical lines across the screen - all thanks to Levi. The third is my "work" computer but I don't use it much as it sits in the basement and it easier to do my work from this laptop that is portable and I do most of my advertising work from here in the living room. So as you can see, they all have their own purposes. No we don't have any plans to get rid of any of them. The other two, one our old home computer, the other my old work computer that I need to return to our office.
Wow, that was really, really boring. Sorry! I don't know why I went off on a tangent about our computers. I think I am really tired! LOL! So the boys, what are they doing these day?.... Levi is 19 months, Wyatt is 7 months. Both are adorable and I am their biggest fan! They bring me so much joy. I am so thankful to be their mom! I just about go crazy sometimes when they are both crying and demanding food or attention at the same time. A lady told me before I had Wyatt to treat them in a lot of ways as twins and that was good advice. I try to keep them on the same schedule. Diapers, feeding, naps, baths, bed time, even down to their nail clippings. Most days they both take a 2.5-3 hour nap in the afternoon. It is awesome! That is when I get a lot of my advertising work done and fit in my other hours when they are playing or watching a Veggie Tales. Thank God for Veggie Tales!! =)
The one change over this last month is that both boys are sleeping in the same room, most nights. I almost gave up tonight because they were both having a hard time settling down. But I stuck to my guns and let them both fuss for about 10 minutes, and then quiet....ahhhh......! The sweet victories of mommyhood! Wyatt keeps me guessing on whether he is going to sleep through the night or not. He sleeps until 6 some nights but typical is 4 am or 5 like this morning. But the good thing is he usually, hoping I'm not going to jynx myself here, he usually will go back to sleep for another couple hours after that.
Levi is like a little copy cat. He will repeat, in his own little language, what I or Isaac says. He loves the word "ball" and uses it for of course a ball, lights, and pretty much anything round including buttons, beads on jewelry, etc. He says "Good Job!" after he's done something right or made a toy work right. I say that to him a lot and I love that he has picked it up. He says "Thank You" but you have to listen close to that one. I can understand some of his words because they sound the same every time. One of his very favorite words, and people, is Dada! And he loves his brother "De-dah" which is very close to dada but there is a distinct difference. The other night it was so sweet because I was cuddling with both of them. They were talking and cooing back and forth at each other, holding hands. I was soaking up the moment. Then all of a sudden I look down and Levi was biting Wyatt's finger. So our sweet moment quickly turned to chaos as Wyatt shrieked and screamed cries of betrayal and pain and Levi cried because I had to scold him. Already acting like brothers! Levi really is sweet to his brother though. He will come up and give him a hug, put the pacifier back in his mouth when it falls out, bring him a toy and then also take it away. And the other day I caught him bringing a book over to Wyatt and "reading" it to him. =)
Levi is always watching and observing what we are doing. It makes me stay on alert! I've heard it said that little children are like sponges soaking up everything around them. I pray I can be the best parent I can be! Both my boys are so sweet and even at such a young age seem to have such tender little hearts. The precious smiles that Wyatt gives me. And I love Levi coming up and giving me a hug.
Wyatt is rolling now and getting closer to crawling. With a very active toddler running around, I didn't have Wyatt on a blanket for tummy or blanket time nearly enough. It's really only been in the last little over a month that I've had him on the ground. Levi is getting better about not just running up and pouncing on him. So Wyatt's catching up. As far as development he is right on track. No worries there which is awesome! Wouldn't guess he had such a rough start!
Isaac and I got to go on a date night last night to Red Lobster. It was fun! We both had shrimp & lobster tail. I'm so glad he's decided he doesn't mind eating seafood. I've always liked it, except for when I got food poisoning from shrimp about 6 years ago. Took me a while to eat it again but glad I've got my taste for it back.
Our church, Confluence Community Church (check us out at http://www.confluencechurch.com/ - Side Note: We'd love to have you come visit!! Casual Dress, Friendly People! 651 Thain Rd, Lewiston - 9 AM) is doing a marriage series which I am really excited about. One of the neat things is they are providing childcare at the church for 4 Friday nights so the couples can go on a date night. Yay! It is amazing how disconnected you can become just with life in general but especially when you are caring for wee ones. Energy is low and what energy you have is used up on caring for little cutie pies that need your attention A LOT! =)
It was nice to have an hour and half out on the town with my Zacky (sorry a term of endearment reserved just for me) ;) to laugh and talk. I am so thankful for my husband. I know we don't always get along but life is always interesting with him around. Life would get pretty boring if we always agreed on everything. Marriage is hard work let me tell ya! Next month we'll have been married 8 years. Can't say they've all been "bliss" but they've all been worth it. And Zacky if you ever read this, which I highly doubt you will, but if you do, I LOVE YOU! SHMILY! (see how much I love you - something we used to write to each other on the mirror or little scraps of paper when were first dating/married and still do occassionally)
(Oh, just had to run in and pop Wyatt's pacifier back before he woke his brother up from his crying! Keeping my fingers crossed that he goes back to sleep!!)
In conclusion, haha, I just thought it'd be funny to say that. I also thought it would be funny to title this blog entry "IT'S ABOUT BLOGGIN' TIME!" ya know cuz it's been over a month since I last blogged but then I though, maybe that is offensive...So now by the time I am wrapping this one up I've decided I'm too tired to worry about whether it is or not. =) Cuz if you're still actually reading this you're probably just about to fall asleep too! Good Night from the Mini Van Mom!
P.S. You gotta watch this video!! LOL!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ql-N3F1FhW4
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Busy But Good
Some of you may not know this about me, but I am a recovering shop-o-holic. I actually really don't enjoy shopping for clothes for myself at the current moment so I guess I just had to have a couple kids to solve my problem. =) It's not nearly as much fun when there are extra "wrinkles" to try to cover up. I find myself grabbing too small of sizes because I still think of my body as the old skinny version of me 20 or 30 pounds lighter.
In the fall of 2006 I lost close to 30 pounds, then unfortunately over the course of the next two years gained it all back. AND then I got pregnant with Levi, AND then I got pregnant with Wyatt three months later. So here I am. Almost 30 years old, not going to say how much I weigh, but let's just say I really don't want to stay here! And my feet have grown a half to full size - and they were big to begin with! Wish you could lose weight on your feet but unfortunately I don't think these poor footsies of mine are going to cooperate.
But you know, I have come to the place where I am ok with how I look. I would love to shed these extra pounds overnight and fit back into my adorable skinny jeans that made my husband drool, but my comfy jeans and sneakers are fine by me now. My two kids are worth it. If the flip side to having two adorable sons is having a new outward version of me, I think I can handle it. I've been trying to lose weight and was on a great excercise routine for a while until it got too hot to take the boys for walks every day and then it just kinda spiralled downward until now, it's been close to a month since I've had a good workout. I got so frustrated that even after working my tale off on the eliptical for 45 minutes every day I wasn't more than 1/2 a pound to a pound lighter by the end of the week. I did shed a few inches though. I try to eat healthy. But I also try to cook, inexpensive sensible meals and the two don't always go hand in hand with losing weight.
So today I brought in SIX 18-gallon totes, one box, and one basket full of clothes and shoes to a local consignment shop that has misses clothes & shoes and children's clothes and gear. It was so cleansing!!!! As I stated earlier, I used to be a shop-o-holic. Back before I was mature (inside LOL!), Isaac had to work weekends when he was going to college, so that left me to my own devises which pretty much meant shopping at the mall and a few other various stores I went to frequently. I had an office job so I felt justified by buying "work" clothes. Literally the clerks pretty much knew me by name. I guess I could have said I was visiting friends if Isaac had asked but he didn't. So, no kids yet at that time, living in a one bedroom apartment so no mortgage, no savings, and too many credit cards equaled stashes of clothes which a huge majority of them never left the hangers or bags stuffed under the bed or in the closet. Yes, I was one of "those" women. But I am happy to say, not any more! I rarely get to even go clothes shopping now. And I really don't even enjoy it that much. I didn't get rid of everything in those smaller sizes today. I have my favorites all stowed away and labeled in totes in our furnace room in the basement.
Today was a good day. Clearing out clothes that I can't wear and hopefully turning them into cash & credit to buy my boys clothes & toys. I had a very nice lunch with my dear friend Mandy and her Grandma Tweedy. And I had a play date and lovely salmon dinner at my new friend Becky's house tonight.
I even squeezed in a couple yard sales this morning before my sister Mindy got here to watch my boys while I was out on my ventures. I had scoped out this yard sale last night because I wasn't quite sure where it was. I did a quick drive by so I knew exactly where I was going. I was also checking to see if they had any outdoor play gyms - been on the lookout for one of those for a couple months now!!
Anyways, the yard sale started at 8:30 this morning so I pull up at 8:22. I load the boys in their double stroller. I walk up and there before me were a few sets of Fisher Price Little People including the carnival and a ferris wheel, school house and a couple other related items. Now, you must understand, my husband would say that I have an "obsession" with these Little People. I guess I might just have traded one obsession for another...But Levi and I have so much fun with them! And if my husband was at home all day, every day with the boys, he would want something to play with that he actually "enjoyed" too!! I loved dolls and barbies when I was a girl and I can't very well let Levi play with those. So Fisher Price Little People are kinda like the acceptable boy-doll/toy, right?! Anyways, back to my story - I quickly ask the lady "How much?" And to my delight she answers "Eight dollars for all of it." Oh, Happy Day!! I take a deep breath so as not to squeal with delight and calmly reply, "Ok, I'll take it." I scooped everything up and loaded it into the tote she had sitting there for whoever bought them. I literally caught myself do a little skip as I walked after purchasing my new treasures. I wanted to skip all the way back to my mini-van but left it at just one skip and skipped the rest of the way in my head.
So that about sums up my day. Ramblings from a mini van mom....Good night.
In the fall of 2006 I lost close to 30 pounds, then unfortunately over the course of the next two years gained it all back. AND then I got pregnant with Levi, AND then I got pregnant with Wyatt three months later. So here I am. Almost 30 years old, not going to say how much I weigh, but let's just say I really don't want to stay here! And my feet have grown a half to full size - and they were big to begin with! Wish you could lose weight on your feet but unfortunately I don't think these poor footsies of mine are going to cooperate.
But you know, I have come to the place where I am ok with how I look. I would love to shed these extra pounds overnight and fit back into my adorable skinny jeans that made my husband drool, but my comfy jeans and sneakers are fine by me now. My two kids are worth it. If the flip side to having two adorable sons is having a new outward version of me, I think I can handle it. I've been trying to lose weight and was on a great excercise routine for a while until it got too hot to take the boys for walks every day and then it just kinda spiralled downward until now, it's been close to a month since I've had a good workout. I got so frustrated that even after working my tale off on the eliptical for 45 minutes every day I wasn't more than 1/2 a pound to a pound lighter by the end of the week. I did shed a few inches though. I try to eat healthy. But I also try to cook, inexpensive sensible meals and the two don't always go hand in hand with losing weight.
So today I brought in SIX 18-gallon totes, one box, and one basket full of clothes and shoes to a local consignment shop that has misses clothes & shoes and children's clothes and gear. It was so cleansing!!!! As I stated earlier, I used to be a shop-o-holic. Back before I was mature (inside LOL!), Isaac had to work weekends when he was going to college, so that left me to my own devises which pretty much meant shopping at the mall and a few other various stores I went to frequently. I had an office job so I felt justified by buying "work" clothes. Literally the clerks pretty much knew me by name. I guess I could have said I was visiting friends if Isaac had asked but he didn't. So, no kids yet at that time, living in a one bedroom apartment so no mortgage, no savings, and too many credit cards equaled stashes of clothes which a huge majority of them never left the hangers or bags stuffed under the bed or in the closet. Yes, I was one of "those" women. But I am happy to say, not any more! I rarely get to even go clothes shopping now. And I really don't even enjoy it that much. I didn't get rid of everything in those smaller sizes today. I have my favorites all stowed away and labeled in totes in our furnace room in the basement.
Today was a good day. Clearing out clothes that I can't wear and hopefully turning them into cash & credit to buy my boys clothes & toys. I had a very nice lunch with my dear friend Mandy and her Grandma Tweedy. And I had a play date and lovely salmon dinner at my new friend Becky's house tonight.
I even squeezed in a couple yard sales this morning before my sister Mindy got here to watch my boys while I was out on my ventures. I had scoped out this yard sale last night because I wasn't quite sure where it was. I did a quick drive by so I knew exactly where I was going. I was also checking to see if they had any outdoor play gyms - been on the lookout for one of those for a couple months now!!
Anyways, the yard sale started at 8:30 this morning so I pull up at 8:22. I load the boys in their double stroller. I walk up and there before me were a few sets of Fisher Price Little People including the carnival and a ferris wheel, school house and a couple other related items. Now, you must understand, my husband would say that I have an "obsession" with these Little People. I guess I might just have traded one obsession for another...But Levi and I have so much fun with them! And if my husband was at home all day, every day with the boys, he would want something to play with that he actually "enjoyed" too!! I loved dolls and barbies when I was a girl and I can't very well let Levi play with those. So Fisher Price Little People are kinda like the acceptable boy-doll/toy, right?! Anyways, back to my story - I quickly ask the lady "How much?" And to my delight she answers "Eight dollars for all of it." Oh, Happy Day!! I take a deep breath so as not to squeal with delight and calmly reply, "Ok, I'll take it." I scooped everything up and loaded it into the tote she had sitting there for whoever bought them. I literally caught myself do a little skip as I walked after purchasing my new treasures. I wanted to skip all the way back to my mini-van but left it at just one skip and skipped the rest of the way in my head.
So that about sums up my day. Ramblings from a mini van mom....Good night.
Friday, August 13, 2010
My First of Many
Hi, My name is Megan. I own a mini van.
Never in my life would I have thought "I" would own a mini van. But it is true. Now a mother of two sons under the age of two, my identity has transitioned from sports car, to mom car, and now the notorious "mini van!" The funny thing is I'm really excited about it. For a girl who once wore shoes that wore blisters and sores by the end of the day, all in the name of fashion, I think I've come a long way. It's all about comfort and convenience now. I don't have time to worry about being "fashionable." I barely have time to use the bathroom by myself!
So a little background. The sweet and condensed version-ish. I met and married the love of my life, Isaac, after we dated for just under a year after meeting at Ecola Bible School in Cannon Beach, OR. They call it Ecola "Bridal" School. Which is really quite funny because A LOT of our classmates did meet and marry their spouses from there. I am originally from Idaho and I bet my husband would say I sweet talked him into moving to Idaho and used my negotiating skills by saying if we were married, he would automatically become an in-state resident and cut the cost of college tuition at Lewis Clark State College significantly. =)
Fast forward a few years as I worked various office jobs and finally ended up with a real estate office (that I still work for from home doing advertising part time) while Isaac worked on getting his bachelors degree. We lived comfy cozy in our one bedroom apartment for 5 1/2 years when we decided it was time to buy a house.
Then after being a house, what comes next, baby carriage, or at least baby talk. I'd been ready, or at least thought I was ready, for a baby from the time we got married. It has been my dream ever since I was a little girl. I would say I wanted to be a house wife and mom like my mom was. My little friend in grade school even drew a picture of me and said something about "Megan, future mom." As sentimental as I am, that artwork is probably stowed away in some box buried in dust at my parents house.
So back to my story, we decide it's time to have a baby, get pregnant in just a few months, nine months (or 40 weeks which to me seemed like 2 years) Levi Owen is born. After 26 long, grueling hours of labor I might add. I even told my husband right after he was born something about being ok with just one child! Then three months later we found out we were expecting AGAIN! What?!! Yep, one year and one day later Wyatt Oliver was born.
And I will probably shock some of you that don't know Wyatt's story (visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ourlittlewyatt and go back to the beginning of my journal) by saying that that was the worst day of my life, but I will save that story for another day. I'll just say quickly: not breathing when born, recestated, seizures, lifeflighted to Spokane, didn't get to hold him or touch him, NICU for 3 1/2 weeks, finally home for a week, got sick with RSV, life-flighted again to Spokane, in quarantine, can't touch or hold, have to wear mask and suit up, there for 1 1/2 weeks - Levi in ER at same time, then finally back home, get flu, lock everyone up for the next month or so.
So now half a year later, Levi is almost 18 months and Wyatt is almost 6 months old. Having two boys under two is a challenge. One friend gave me good advice and said to raise them (in a lot of ways) as if they are twins. I try to keep them on a similar feeding, napping, diapering, bathtime and bedtime routine. Makes my life a little less chaotic! I LOVE MY BOYS!!! They are AMAZING!!! They make me laugh and smile every day (and scream and want to pull my hair out). I am so thankful God entrusted me these two precious little angels to love and care for. They mean the world to me.
I will wrap this first initial post up with my funny story for today. I took the boys on their first trip together to Walmart (I've taken them each separately). First time out w/ my new wheels too. =) Long story short, I load up the boys in the cart and forget to shut one of the van doors. The manager happened to see me and tried to be a good Samaritan by shutting my door which caused the panic to go off. By this time I am inside happily on my merry way. He chased in after me and told me what happened. I run outside, streaking down the lot, hitting the panic button over and over, turning it on and off... What a sight I must have been...LOL! Got it turned off finally. I thanked the guy and told him about how my family calls those "Megan Moments" and I said I think it's a combination of lack of sleep and "Mom Brain."
Wyatt fussed, Levi made new friends in the checkout line, and I had to have two carts and help out because I bought some totes to get organized, because heaven help me I need that, cuz I didn't have enough room with two kids in one cart and everything else I bought. But we survived and the mini van was amazing. Have the back seat folded down and fit a little tikes slide I bought off of craigslist, plus all my totes, and kids with a little bit of room to spare. But I don't think I will be visiting Walmart again for a while. Bonus, on the way out, I saw a guy wearing a blue mesh shirt. It was sweat streaked and you could see right through to his very furry-ness. Pretty sure he was wearing cut off shorts too. LOL! I wish I'd had a camera because he would have been perfect on that site dedicated to Walmart's customer's attire. =) Goodnight.
Never in my life would I have thought "I" would own a mini van. But it is true. Now a mother of two sons under the age of two, my identity has transitioned from sports car, to mom car, and now the notorious "mini van!" The funny thing is I'm really excited about it. For a girl who once wore shoes that wore blisters and sores by the end of the day, all in the name of fashion, I think I've come a long way. It's all about comfort and convenience now. I don't have time to worry about being "fashionable." I barely have time to use the bathroom by myself!
So a little background. The sweet and condensed version-ish. I met and married the love of my life, Isaac, after we dated for just under a year after meeting at Ecola Bible School in Cannon Beach, OR. They call it Ecola "Bridal" School. Which is really quite funny because A LOT of our classmates did meet and marry their spouses from there. I am originally from Idaho and I bet my husband would say I sweet talked him into moving to Idaho and used my negotiating skills by saying if we were married, he would automatically become an in-state resident and cut the cost of college tuition at Lewis Clark State College significantly. =)
Fast forward a few years as I worked various office jobs and finally ended up with a real estate office (that I still work for from home doing advertising part time) while Isaac worked on getting his bachelors degree. We lived comfy cozy in our one bedroom apartment for 5 1/2 years when we decided it was time to buy a house.
Then after being a house, what comes next, baby carriage, or at least baby talk. I'd been ready, or at least thought I was ready, for a baby from the time we got married. It has been my dream ever since I was a little girl. I would say I wanted to be a house wife and mom like my mom was. My little friend in grade school even drew a picture of me and said something about "Megan, future mom." As sentimental as I am, that artwork is probably stowed away in some box buried in dust at my parents house.
So back to my story, we decide it's time to have a baby, get pregnant in just a few months, nine months (or 40 weeks which to me seemed like 2 years) Levi Owen is born. After 26 long, grueling hours of labor I might add. I even told my husband right after he was born something about being ok with just one child! Then three months later we found out we were expecting AGAIN! What?!! Yep, one year and one day later Wyatt Oliver was born.
And I will probably shock some of you that don't know Wyatt's story (visit http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/ourlittlewyatt and go back to the beginning of my journal) by saying that that was the worst day of my life, but I will save that story for another day. I'll just say quickly: not breathing when born, recestated, seizures, lifeflighted to Spokane, didn't get to hold him or touch him, NICU for 3 1/2 weeks, finally home for a week, got sick with RSV, life-flighted again to Spokane, in quarantine, can't touch or hold, have to wear mask and suit up, there for 1 1/2 weeks - Levi in ER at same time, then finally back home, get flu, lock everyone up for the next month or so.
So now half a year later, Levi is almost 18 months and Wyatt is almost 6 months old. Having two boys under two is a challenge. One friend gave me good advice and said to raise them (in a lot of ways) as if they are twins. I try to keep them on a similar feeding, napping, diapering, bathtime and bedtime routine. Makes my life a little less chaotic! I LOVE MY BOYS!!! They are AMAZING!!! They make me laugh and smile every day (and scream and want to pull my hair out). I am so thankful God entrusted me these two precious little angels to love and care for. They mean the world to me.
I will wrap this first initial post up with my funny story for today. I took the boys on their first trip together to Walmart (I've taken them each separately). First time out w/ my new wheels too. =) Long story short, I load up the boys in the cart and forget to shut one of the van doors. The manager happened to see me and tried to be a good Samaritan by shutting my door which caused the panic to go off. By this time I am inside happily on my merry way. He chased in after me and told me what happened. I run outside, streaking down the lot, hitting the panic button over and over, turning it on and off... What a sight I must have been...LOL! Got it turned off finally. I thanked the guy and told him about how my family calls those "Megan Moments" and I said I think it's a combination of lack of sleep and "Mom Brain."
Wyatt fussed, Levi made new friends in the checkout line, and I had to have two carts and help out because I bought some totes to get organized, because heaven help me I need that, cuz I didn't have enough room with two kids in one cart and everything else I bought. But we survived and the mini van was amazing. Have the back seat folded down and fit a little tikes slide I bought off of craigslist, plus all my totes, and kids with a little bit of room to spare. But I don't think I will be visiting Walmart again for a while. Bonus, on the way out, I saw a guy wearing a blue mesh shirt. It was sweat streaked and you could see right through to his very furry-ness. Pretty sure he was wearing cut off shorts too. LOL! I wish I'd had a camera because he would have been perfect on that site dedicated to Walmart's customer's attire. =) Goodnight.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)