Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Great Giveaway!
Here's another great giveaway going on at my other favorite blog site Money Saving Mom. Today she's giving away 5 $100 gift cards to the, drum roll please, store of your choice! Isn't that amazing and generous?!? If you'd like a chance to win too just head over here.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Pick Me! Pick Me!
I don't win things - ever. Okay, so maybe not "ever," but it's not very often. So when some of my favorite blogs offer contests, I enter them with the hopes of winning fun, fantastic prizes. And, today, while at MckMama's website, I saw that she was giving away an HP TouchSmart computer!!!!! Oy vey - that would be a great contest to win! So, in an effort to get as many entries into said contest as possible, I'm blogging about it. And, I suppose, you can enter too (even though it will reduce my chances of winning, but I'll still rejoice with you if you win the contest knowing you heard about it from me).
Friday, December 4, 2009
Friday, October 16, 2009
Proof
Thank goodness for modern technology. Because if I didn't have video capabilities on my phone, then Alan probably wouldn't have believed me that this happened. Shoot, I probably wouldn't have believed that this had happened!
Here's the story behind the video - After breakfast, I decided to clip Landon's fingernails while I had him confined in his chair. I easily did the right hand and was moving to the left when he decided to get all squirmy. I said, "I have just 5 more fingers to do," and Landon said, "Five, six, seven." Ohhhhh-kaaaaay. That is most definitely a "new" thing. He knows "1, 2, 3," because of the warnings we've given him, but never "5, 6, 7." I pursued a little further and he counted to nine! Of course, when I called my Grandma for Landon to share his new-found talent, he only got up to "2" because he was too preoccupied with the phone and it's lit up buttons. Fortunately, I was able to catch this moment later in the morning and he was, surprisingly, very focused on the task.
Here's the story behind the video - After breakfast, I decided to clip Landon's fingernails while I had him confined in his chair. I easily did the right hand and was moving to the left when he decided to get all squirmy. I said, "I have just 5 more fingers to do," and Landon said, "Five, six, seven." Ohhhhh-kaaaaay. That is most definitely a "new" thing. He knows "1, 2, 3," because of the warnings we've given him, but never "5, 6, 7." I pursued a little further and he counted to nine! Of course, when I called my Grandma for Landon to share his new-found talent, he only got up to "2" because he was too preoccupied with the phone and it's lit up buttons. Fortunately, I was able to catch this moment later in the morning and he was, surprisingly, very focused on the task.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Like Gazelles
Several weeks ago, I finished reading Dave Ramsey's The Total Money Make-over. I know several people who just rave about Mr. Ramsey and felt the need to check him out myself. His money make-over emphasizes the need to get out of debt with "gazelle-like intensity." Although, I wouldn't consider us to be drowning in debt (besides our mortgage, we have my school loan, which has a fabulous interest rate, and a car loan), the debts we do have still loom over our heads and inhibit us from doing more things that we enjoy.
So we have decided to implement some of Mr. Ramsey's strategies. While I thoroughly enjoyed coupon-clipping and feeling the rush when I would see that I saved 50% on the bottom of my grocery receipt, we decided to step it up a notch. One of Mr. Ramsey's suggestions is to set a budget and stick to it. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! We've always had budgets, but not complete budgets and would dip into our savings account when life insurance or car insurance was due. We decided to implement the envelope system, in which we put cash for some of our monthly expenses and also for those expenses that come up once or twice a year. For example, rather than transferring money from our savings account to pay Bentley's $300 yearly vet bill, we're stashing a set amount of cash aside in an envelope labelled "Bentley" to cover her yearly vet expenses, including meds, and dog food. Although we haven't been on the envelope system very long, I love it!!! Especially when it comes to grocery shopping. I know that I have $200 to spend on groceries in a month (this doesn't include diapers - we have a separate envelope for that) and once it's gone, it's gone. It forces me to hunt out the best deals, like the one below:
This was from the new and beautiful Rainbow somwhat near our house on Double Coupon Wednesdays. I paid $6.65 for all the groceries above (7 boxes of cereal, 1 box of Pop Tarts, 3 cans of beans, 2 deodorants, 2 boxes of Tornadoes, 4 cans of cream of mushroom soup, and a little over 2 1/2 pounds of bananas). How did I do it? Well, Double Coupon Wednesdays makes it fairly easy. At Rainbow, you must purchase $25 worth of items to be eligible for coupon doubling. They will only double up to 5 coupons per $25 transaction, and coupons will be doubled up to a face value of $1. They will also double coupons that say, "Do Not Double" on them. And, then I also have help from http://www.pocketyourdollars.com.
Carrie is local and she matches up store ads with coupons that are available and posts shopping lists for Rainbow, Cub, and Lund's/Byerly's. It has made my scouring the Sunday ads for deals 10 times easier!
So, hopefully, with this new and improved budget system worked out and "gazelle-like intensity", we will be debt-free, with the exception of our mortgage, by the end of next year. It's quite exciting, but a little nerve-wrecking at the same time. I'm hoping to use the blog as a platform to share how things are going and you, as well, are encouraged to hold us accountable to this task. Well, it's off to bed for this Little Gazelle (10:45 pm on 10/15). Happy saving money, friends!
So we have decided to implement some of Mr. Ramsey's strategies. While I thoroughly enjoyed coupon-clipping and feeling the rush when I would see that I saved 50% on the bottom of my grocery receipt, we decided to step it up a notch. One of Mr. Ramsey's suggestions is to set a budget and stick to it. Sounds simple enough, right? Wrong! We've always had budgets, but not complete budgets and would dip into our savings account when life insurance or car insurance was due. We decided to implement the envelope system, in which we put cash for some of our monthly expenses and also for those expenses that come up once or twice a year. For example, rather than transferring money from our savings account to pay Bentley's $300 yearly vet bill, we're stashing a set amount of cash aside in an envelope labelled "Bentley" to cover her yearly vet expenses, including meds, and dog food. Although we haven't been on the envelope system very long, I love it!!! Especially when it comes to grocery shopping. I know that I have $200 to spend on groceries in a month (this doesn't include diapers - we have a separate envelope for that) and once it's gone, it's gone. It forces me to hunt out the best deals, like the one below:
This was from the new and beautiful Rainbow somwhat near our house on Double Coupon Wednesdays. I paid $6.65 for all the groceries above (7 boxes of cereal, 1 box of Pop Tarts, 3 cans of beans, 2 deodorants, 2 boxes of Tornadoes, 4 cans of cream of mushroom soup, and a little over 2 1/2 pounds of bananas). How did I do it? Well, Double Coupon Wednesdays makes it fairly easy. At Rainbow, you must purchase $25 worth of items to be eligible for coupon doubling. They will only double up to 5 coupons per $25 transaction, and coupons will be doubled up to a face value of $1. They will also double coupons that say, "Do Not Double" on them. And, then I also have help from http://www.pocketyourdollars.com.
Carrie is local and she matches up store ads with coupons that are available and posts shopping lists for Rainbow, Cub, and Lund's/Byerly's. It has made my scouring the Sunday ads for deals 10 times easier!
So, hopefully, with this new and improved budget system worked out and "gazelle-like intensity", we will be debt-free, with the exception of our mortgage, by the end of next year. It's quite exciting, but a little nerve-wrecking at the same time. I'm hoping to use the blog as a platform to share how things are going and you, as well, are encouraged to hold us accountable to this task. Well, it's off to bed for this Little Gazelle (10:45 pm on 10/15). Happy saving money, friends!
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Orlando - A Review
Here's the short version - There is no better place on Earth to celebrate a brithday than in Walt Disney World!
Here's the long version with pictures - About a year ago, Nicole and I decided that we should plan our birthday vacation. We've done vacations for our 21st (Orlando, with a focus on Universal Studios) and 24th (Vegas) birthdays and it seemed we should do something for turning the big 3-0. Disney was at the top of the list for 2 reasons - 1. Our families would be coming with us and Disney is a very family-friendly place and 2. Disney has been running a promotion in which you get admission on your birthday at the park of your choice.
Disney did not disappoint!!!! The parks are huge; the rides are experiences (you know, Splash Mountain? It's not just around, up, and splash down. The ride seemed like it was 10 minutes long!); and Disney goes out of there way to make guests feel special. Our first night, we went to Epcot and we kept seeing people with buttons on that said things like, "First Time," "I'm Celebrating," or "Happy Birthday." While waiting somewhere, a woman asked about the buttons and another person said that they are free and you can get them at Guest Relations. No need for us to buy souvenirs! We got "First Time" buttons for myself, Nicole, Charlotte, Eli, and Landon and "Happy Birthday" buttons for Nicole and I to wear the next day, on our birthday. I think it's mandated that if a cast member (Disney employee) sees someone wearing a "Happy Birthday" button, they are required to say "Happy Birthday" to the person celebrating. We had so many people wish us a "happy birthday" - even Mary Poppins wished Nicole a "Happy Birthday" during the SpectroMagic parade. Although our character breakfast with Pooh and Friends was not on our birthday, when I booked our reservations (a loose term - reservations only hold your table, they do not guarantee your admission to the restaurant at your reserved time. Our reserved time was 9:30 but we didn't get seated until 10:15ish. Not fun with hungry kids, but Disney made up for it by giving us a VIP Fast Pass to use on one of the rides), they asked if we were celebrating anything. I said that we were celebrating our 30th birthday. At our table, we had confetti and streamers and during breakfast our waiter brought over two cupcakes with candles and a birthday card for each of us signed by Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. So fun!!!!
But, let me back up a bit. Planning for the vacation took quite a bit of work - arranging flights for 3 groups of people; deciding to stay on the property or off; what should we plan on doing while down there; and, of course, how much did we want to spend. My Costco membership, thankfully, answered most of those questions because we booked a package deal through them. I found that Disney's website was extremely hard to navigate in determining hotel options and features. I did learn through the research, though, that staying on Disney property with a group of 8 is expensive! Instead, we stayed at the lovely Sheraton Vistana Villages in a 2-bedroom/bathroom suite, complete with kitchen, dining area, patio, and washer/dryer located about 10 minutes from the Disney World entrance. Our package included 5 days of Disney Park-hopper passes and a 1 day 2 park pass to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure for each of the 6 people that needed paid admissions (those 3 and over) and a $140 resort credit to be used in their store or for activities (think cruise ship with all the activities they offer). I was so pleased with the Costco package that they will be my first choice the next time we are looking to book a vacation.
The suite worked really well. We ate breakfast there in the morning and generally returned for lunch and nap time. Travelling with 2 1 year olds and a 3 year old pretty much forced us to return to the hotel in the afternoon for naps. By then, most of the adults were ready for naps, too! In the evening, either the whole group or part of the group returned to the parks for more play-time and we usually ended up eating dinner there. Surprisingly, the food at the parks wasn't terribly expensive considering we were in Disney. More expensive than McDonald's but a little better quality and larger portions (for quick-service restaurants). The youngest kids would either share a kids meal or eat off of the adults' plates. We learned from a woman that I was sitting next to while waiting for the ferry one night that at places where you can order a double cheeseburger you can purchase an extra bun for 89 cents. So you buy the bun and split the burger between 2 people. The restaurants have a build-your-own-burger bar with cheese sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, etc. so you could really load up a burger. Excellent money saving tip!!!
As I mentioned earlier, on some evenings some of our group would return to the parks. Some of the group being: me, Alan, Nicole, and her husband Greg. We travelled with my mom, AKA Baby-sitter Extraordinaire, who was more than willing to watch the kids some evenings so we could hang out without them. I highly, highly recommend this!!! This enabled us to move through the park much more quickly than when pushing a stroller and all the paraphanelia that goes with it. We got to ride rides that we knew the kids couldn't go on, got to test some rides to see if they were okay for the kids to go on (Snow White's Scary Adventures we determined was too scary for our kids even though it's an "all ages" ride), and got an idea of what to cover when we returned to Magic Kingdom later in the week (FYI - our group spent portions of 3 days at Magic Kingdom. The park is HUGE and it took that much time to get through it all).
During the planning process, my mom insisted that we have a beach day. "The kids need to see the ocean! We can't be that close to the ocean and not take the kids," she exclaimed. Nicole and I weren't big fans of this idea. We knew we had lots of parks to cover and limited time, but mom won out...and we are glad she did! We spent Wednesday morning of our trip at Cocoa Beach and had soooo.... much fun. It was great to frolick in the water, play in the sand, relax, and goof off. Cocoa Beach was perfect - about an hour's drive away, hardly anyone was there, bathroom and showers, picnic areas (we brought a picnic lunch) and a playground for the kids.
Our package also included tickets to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure. When Nicole and I went there for our 21st birthday, we had a blast and couldn't wait to bring our husbands there. Mostly because they have more roller coasters/thrill rides than Disney and we love riding those types of rides. I also preferred Universal/IOA for the kids. Unlike Disney, that has kid stuff scattered throughout their parks, Universal has their kids attractions in one central location. This included: water play areas, play areas, kiddie rides (although we could have taken Landon on Jaws if we wanted to), shows, and story-times. One of the shows was Barney, which was so great. Landon was engaged, we were in air-conditioning, and after the show, he got to have his picture taken with his Purple Pal - what more could a 20 month-old want?
All-in-all, a great trip and one that Alan and I will do again. Early on in this trip, he said that we should go back for our 5 year anniversary and not bring Landon with! I think we'll stay on the property then to see how it differs (I have more thoughts on property/non-property, but I think this post is long enough) and see how it differs without Landon - should be interesting, without a doubt!!
Here's the long version with pictures - About a year ago, Nicole and I decided that we should plan our birthday vacation. We've done vacations for our 21st (Orlando, with a focus on Universal Studios) and 24th (Vegas) birthdays and it seemed we should do something for turning the big 3-0. Disney was at the top of the list for 2 reasons - 1. Our families would be coming with us and Disney is a very family-friendly place and 2. Disney has been running a promotion in which you get admission on your birthday at the park of your choice.
Disney did not disappoint!!!! The parks are huge; the rides are experiences (you know, Splash Mountain? It's not just around, up, and splash down. The ride seemed like it was 10 minutes long!); and Disney goes out of there way to make guests feel special. Our first night, we went to Epcot and we kept seeing people with buttons on that said things like, "First Time," "I'm Celebrating," or "Happy Birthday." While waiting somewhere, a woman asked about the buttons and another person said that they are free and you can get them at Guest Relations. No need for us to buy souvenirs! We got "First Time" buttons for myself, Nicole, Charlotte, Eli, and Landon and "Happy Birthday" buttons for Nicole and I to wear the next day, on our birthday. I think it's mandated that if a cast member (Disney employee) sees someone wearing a "Happy Birthday" button, they are required to say "Happy Birthday" to the person celebrating. We had so many people wish us a "happy birthday" - even Mary Poppins wished Nicole a "Happy Birthday" during the SpectroMagic parade. Although our character breakfast with Pooh and Friends was not on our birthday, when I booked our reservations (a loose term - reservations only hold your table, they do not guarantee your admission to the restaurant at your reserved time. Our reserved time was 9:30 but we didn't get seated until 10:15ish. Not fun with hungry kids, but Disney made up for it by giving us a VIP Fast Pass to use on one of the rides), they asked if we were celebrating anything. I said that we were celebrating our 30th birthday. At our table, we had confetti and streamers and during breakfast our waiter brought over two cupcakes with candles and a birthday card for each of us signed by Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger. So fun!!!!
But, let me back up a bit. Planning for the vacation took quite a bit of work - arranging flights for 3 groups of people; deciding to stay on the property or off; what should we plan on doing while down there; and, of course, how much did we want to spend. My Costco membership, thankfully, answered most of those questions because we booked a package deal through them. I found that Disney's website was extremely hard to navigate in determining hotel options and features. I did learn through the research, though, that staying on Disney property with a group of 8 is expensive! Instead, we stayed at the lovely Sheraton Vistana Villages in a 2-bedroom/bathroom suite, complete with kitchen, dining area, patio, and washer/dryer located about 10 minutes from the Disney World entrance. Our package included 5 days of Disney Park-hopper passes and a 1 day 2 park pass to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure for each of the 6 people that needed paid admissions (those 3 and over) and a $140 resort credit to be used in their store or for activities (think cruise ship with all the activities they offer). I was so pleased with the Costco package that they will be my first choice the next time we are looking to book a vacation.
The suite worked really well. We ate breakfast there in the morning and generally returned for lunch and nap time. Travelling with 2 1 year olds and a 3 year old pretty much forced us to return to the hotel in the afternoon for naps. By then, most of the adults were ready for naps, too! In the evening, either the whole group or part of the group returned to the parks for more play-time and we usually ended up eating dinner there. Surprisingly, the food at the parks wasn't terribly expensive considering we were in Disney. More expensive than McDonald's but a little better quality and larger portions (for quick-service restaurants). The youngest kids would either share a kids meal or eat off of the adults' plates. We learned from a woman that I was sitting next to while waiting for the ferry one night that at places where you can order a double cheeseburger you can purchase an extra bun for 89 cents. So you buy the bun and split the burger between 2 people. The restaurants have a build-your-own-burger bar with cheese sauce, grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, etc. so you could really load up a burger. Excellent money saving tip!!!
As I mentioned earlier, on some evenings some of our group would return to the parks. Some of the group being: me, Alan, Nicole, and her husband Greg. We travelled with my mom, AKA Baby-sitter Extraordinaire, who was more than willing to watch the kids some evenings so we could hang out without them. I highly, highly recommend this!!! This enabled us to move through the park much more quickly than when pushing a stroller and all the paraphanelia that goes with it. We got to ride rides that we knew the kids couldn't go on, got to test some rides to see if they were okay for the kids to go on (Snow White's Scary Adventures we determined was too scary for our kids even though it's an "all ages" ride), and got an idea of what to cover when we returned to Magic Kingdom later in the week (FYI - our group spent portions of 3 days at Magic Kingdom. The park is HUGE and it took that much time to get through it all).
During the planning process, my mom insisted that we have a beach day. "The kids need to see the ocean! We can't be that close to the ocean and not take the kids," she exclaimed. Nicole and I weren't big fans of this idea. We knew we had lots of parks to cover and limited time, but mom won out...and we are glad she did! We spent Wednesday morning of our trip at Cocoa Beach and had soooo.... much fun. It was great to frolick in the water, play in the sand, relax, and goof off. Cocoa Beach was perfect - about an hour's drive away, hardly anyone was there, bathroom and showers, picnic areas (we brought a picnic lunch) and a playground for the kids.
Our package also included tickets to Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure. When Nicole and I went there for our 21st birthday, we had a blast and couldn't wait to bring our husbands there. Mostly because they have more roller coasters/thrill rides than Disney and we love riding those types of rides. I also preferred Universal/IOA for the kids. Unlike Disney, that has kid stuff scattered throughout their parks, Universal has their kids attractions in one central location. This included: water play areas, play areas, kiddie rides (although we could have taken Landon on Jaws if we wanted to), shows, and story-times. One of the shows was Barney, which was so great. Landon was engaged, we were in air-conditioning, and after the show, he got to have his picture taken with his Purple Pal - what more could a 20 month-old want?
All-in-all, a great trip and one that Alan and I will do again. Early on in this trip, he said that we should go back for our 5 year anniversary and not bring Landon with! I think we'll stay on the property then to see how it differs (I have more thoughts on property/non-property, but I think this post is long enough) and see how it differs without Landon - should be interesting, without a doubt!!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
New Financial Goal
Based upon this picture from Landon's recent hospital stay, it appears as if we should start saving for medical school!!!
For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about when I say "hospital stay," Landon was admitted into Children's Hospital on September 6th for what we learned to be an infection of his hip joint. He was having difficulty walking earlier in the week, which we attributed to a tumble down the stairs. We don't know what caused the bacterial infection - it could have been from the tumble down the stairs or the tumble down the stairs could have happened because of the infection (at that point, though, I hadn't noticed Landon having trouble walking).
He is out of the hospital now and is doing great! He's walking and moving normally. He got discharged with a PICC line, which is an IV that we give him his antibiotics through three times a day. The PICC line will be coming out tomorrow (!!!!) and he will be on oral antibiotics at least until this coming Saturday.
For those of you that have no idea what I'm talking about when I say "hospital stay," Landon was admitted into Children's Hospital on September 6th for what we learned to be an infection of his hip joint. He was having difficulty walking earlier in the week, which we attributed to a tumble down the stairs. We don't know what caused the bacterial infection - it could have been from the tumble down the stairs or the tumble down the stairs could have happened because of the infection (at that point, though, I hadn't noticed Landon having trouble walking).
He is out of the hospital now and is doing great! He's walking and moving normally. He got discharged with a PICC line, which is an IV that we give him his antibiotics through three times a day. The PICC line will be coming out tomorrow (!!!!) and he will be on oral antibiotics at least until this coming Saturday.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Comfortable on the Couch
Landon's going to be quite comfortable on the couch these next few days. Really comfortable.
The poor guy hurt his leg. We aren't quite sure
how (he did take a tumble down the stairs on Tuesday), but we do know that it's not broken or fractured. Yesterday morning he was very content to sit on my lap and do nothing. This didn't bother me because 1. He had a runny nose and a slight temp and 2. It was nice to cuddle with my 19 month old because those days are few and far between. When he did get up, I noticed he was walking funny but I attributed it to his foot falling asleep. It wasn't until later that evening that Alan and I noticed he really wasn't walking at all and when we encouraged him to he was putting all his weight on his left leg (Sidebar 1: If I were to say, "He was favoring his right leg," would that mean he was walking on his right leg or avoiding it? We debated that last night and are seeking your input! Sidebar 2: It would have been really ironic if Landon did fracture his leg, because right before my first birthday, I fractured my leg and the injury went unknown to my mom until later in the evening when she noticed I was having trouble walking. I've given her plenty of grief for it over the years and had to call her to apologize because I now know that it's possible for your child to have an injury and not be completely aware of it for some time). I called the doctor on-call and she said to bring him in to the office if he was having trouble in the morning.
We took him in this morning and learned that yes indeed, he was having trouble with his right leg (yup, the doctor - not his regular pediatrician, whom I love - confirmed what we had been telling him). He said it was likely a crack in the tibia, which is a fairly common injury for busy babes. Landon had a couple of x-rays taken and no crack could be found. It doesn't mean that a crack is not there; it just means the x-ray didn't pick it up or it's not a crack at all - just a bruised bone.
So for now, we've been spending lots of time on the couch. Landon has no interest in walking and we are not to force him to. We've been reading lots of books and watching Elmo's World. If Landon is not improving by early next week, then we'll take him in to be re-evaluated (hopefully, with our regular pediatrician)!
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And, although Landon is feeling icky right now, he went poo on the potty for the first time today!!!! When he said "potty" to me, I thought he had already gone in his diaper (which is usually how it happens), but we still take him to sit on the potty when he says "potty" (most of the time, like when I'm not too lazy to take him). Anyway, when I took him to the bathroom, there wasn't anything in the diaper. I sat him on the toilet, we sang our songs, and he went!!! Yay for potty progress, when I'm not really trying : )
The poor guy hurt his leg. We aren't quite sure
how (he did take a tumble down the stairs on Tuesday), but we do know that it's not broken or fractured. Yesterday morning he was very content to sit on my lap and do nothing. This didn't bother me because 1. He had a runny nose and a slight temp and 2. It was nice to cuddle with my 19 month old because those days are few and far between. When he did get up, I noticed he was walking funny but I attributed it to his foot falling asleep. It wasn't until later that evening that Alan and I noticed he really wasn't walking at all and when we encouraged him to he was putting all his weight on his left leg (Sidebar 1: If I were to say, "He was favoring his right leg," would that mean he was walking on his right leg or avoiding it? We debated that last night and are seeking your input! Sidebar 2: It would have been really ironic if Landon did fracture his leg, because right before my first birthday, I fractured my leg and the injury went unknown to my mom until later in the evening when she noticed I was having trouble walking. I've given her plenty of grief for it over the years and had to call her to apologize because I now know that it's possible for your child to have an injury and not be completely aware of it for some time). I called the doctor on-call and she said to bring him in to the office if he was having trouble in the morning.
We took him in this morning and learned that yes indeed, he was having trouble with his right leg (yup, the doctor - not his regular pediatrician, whom I love - confirmed what we had been telling him). He said it was likely a crack in the tibia, which is a fairly common injury for busy babes. Landon had a couple of x-rays taken and no crack could be found. It doesn't mean that a crack is not there; it just means the x-ray didn't pick it up or it's not a crack at all - just a bruised bone.
So for now, we've been spending lots of time on the couch. Landon has no interest in walking and we are not to force him to. We've been reading lots of books and watching Elmo's World. If Landon is not improving by early next week, then we'll take him in to be re-evaluated (hopefully, with our regular pediatrician)!
---------------------------------------------------------
And, although Landon is feeling icky right now, he went poo on the potty for the first time today!!!! When he said "potty" to me, I thought he had already gone in his diaper (which is usually how it happens), but we still take him to sit on the potty when he says "potty" (most of the time, like when I'm not too lazy to take him). Anyway, when I took him to the bathroom, there wasn't anything in the diaper. I sat him on the toilet, we sang our songs, and he went!!! Yay for potty progress, when I'm not really trying : )
Friday, August 28, 2009
This One's for You, Katie!
My dear, sweet, wonderful husband painted our kitchen cabinets white while Landon and I were in Iowa.
And, I absolutely love them!!!
And, I started getting visions of how my kitchen would look with bright color on the walls, funky new cabinet hardware, and new ceramic flooring to replace the cheap, worn vinyl. My friend, Katie, is going through similar things at her house and has been documenting it on her blog.
I knew that I wanted to paint the walls some shade of green, but wasn't sure if I wanted celery, apple, or sage. I decided to take a visit to Fat Quarter Quilting, which was also recommended on Katie's blog to pick out fabric for the valances.
Fat Quarter's did not disappoint! I walked around the store about three times, eyeing all the different fabrics. I found this one, which I immediately got excited about, but wasn't quite sure how Alan would feel about the retro-chic look and the fun colors.
But, then I found this apron and it pretty much sealed the deal!
Seriously, how cute is this an apron?!? The halter-neck, the pink accent fabric, the towel holder on the side - I couldn't resist! I have visions of it hanging from one of the hooks on this shelf against a green wall, with my yet-to-purchase-or-receive-as-a-gift pink Kitchen Aid mixer .
A kitchen like that would make cooking/baking so much fun! And, then maybe I would be inspired to create cute little cupcake hamburgers like these, made by none other than - Katie!!!
And, I absolutely love them!!!
And, I started getting visions of how my kitchen would look with bright color on the walls, funky new cabinet hardware, and new ceramic flooring to replace the cheap, worn vinyl. My friend, Katie, is going through similar things at her house and has been documenting it on her blog.
I knew that I wanted to paint the walls some shade of green, but wasn't sure if I wanted celery, apple, or sage. I decided to take a visit to Fat Quarter Quilting, which was also recommended on Katie's blog to pick out fabric for the valances.
Fat Quarter's did not disappoint! I walked around the store about three times, eyeing all the different fabrics. I found this one, which I immediately got excited about, but wasn't quite sure how Alan would feel about the retro-chic look and the fun colors.
But, then I found this apron and it pretty much sealed the deal!
Seriously, how cute is this an apron?!? The halter-neck, the pink accent fabric, the towel holder on the side - I couldn't resist! I have visions of it hanging from one of the hooks on this shelf against a green wall, with my yet-to-purchase-or-receive-as-a-gift pink Kitchen Aid mixer .
A kitchen like that would make cooking/baking so much fun! And, then maybe I would be inspired to create cute little cupcake hamburgers like these, made by none other than - Katie!!!
Thursday, August 20, 2009
75+
The title of this post is in reference to how many words Landon can say. I know this because I felt really unprepared at Landon's 15 month doctor appointment when his physician asked, "How many words does Landon know?" and I kind of guessed, "A dozen." After that appointment, I went home and put a sheet of paper on the fridge for me and Alan to add to every time we heard Landon say a new word. I think the doctor was highly impressed at Landon's 18 month appointment when I whipped out my list when he asked, "How many words does Landon know?"
Here are some snippets of how Landon is using his verbal skills:
Although Landon has been saying "hi" for quite some time, he has now figured out that when you say "hi" to someone it warrants a response. Here at camp, Landon sees lots and lots of people on a daily basis and he will say "hi" to each and every one. If you are walking past us and questioning to yourself, "Is that little curly haired kid talking to me?" and keep on walking without responding - yes, Landon is talking to you. He will continue to say "hi" until you say "hi" back. Landon's very social like that.
At Grandma's cabin, she has a step-stool for Landon to use while brushing his teeth. If he sees that I am brushing my teeth and wants to brush his, he will grab his stool and come right up behind me and say, "Beep, beep." Perhaps I should say "Excuse me" more often to Landon instead of "beep, beep" when I would like for him to move...
Landon also knows how to say "Giddy up." I don't know when he picked this up or in what context. He doesn't have any books that reference the aforementioned term; nor does he have a rocking horse that we have him sit on and prod him to say "Giddy up!" We first heard this when he grabbed Bentley's tail and gave it a little shake - similar to what one would do with the reins of a horse. "Giddy up," he said. I'm pretty sure I went and grabbed the Q-tips to clean out my ears to make sure I had heard him correctly. Recently, he has said it while carrying him in the Kelty backpack, but do you think he's said it while on the 4 pony rides he's been on while here at camp? Nope!
Isn't language acquisition fun?!? I definitely think so! Each and every day I am amazed at what Landon is learning to say - a definite testimony to reading to your kids early in their young lives and often.
Here are some snippets of how Landon is using his verbal skills:
Although Landon has been saying "hi" for quite some time, he has now figured out that when you say "hi" to someone it warrants a response. Here at camp, Landon sees lots and lots of people on a daily basis and he will say "hi" to each and every one. If you are walking past us and questioning to yourself, "Is that little curly haired kid talking to me?" and keep on walking without responding - yes, Landon is talking to you. He will continue to say "hi" until you say "hi" back. Landon's very social like that.
At Grandma's cabin, she has a step-stool for Landon to use while brushing his teeth. If he sees that I am brushing my teeth and wants to brush his, he will grab his stool and come right up behind me and say, "Beep, beep." Perhaps I should say "Excuse me" more often to Landon instead of "beep, beep" when I would like for him to move...
Landon also knows how to say "Giddy up." I don't know when he picked this up or in what context. He doesn't have any books that reference the aforementioned term; nor does he have a rocking horse that we have him sit on and prod him to say "Giddy up!" We first heard this when he grabbed Bentley's tail and gave it a little shake - similar to what one would do with the reins of a horse. "Giddy up," he said. I'm pretty sure I went and grabbed the Q-tips to clean out my ears to make sure I had heard him correctly. Recently, he has said it while carrying him in the Kelty backpack, but do you think he's said it while on the 4 pony rides he's been on while here at camp? Nope!
Isn't language acquisition fun?!? I definitely think so! Each and every day I am amazed at what Landon is learning to say - a definite testimony to reading to your kids early in their young lives and often.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Tear
The other night my mom was in charge of putting Landon to bed and I was assigned to snack duty for the campers. (For those of you that don't know - Landon and I have been in Iowa for the past three weeks visiting my mom and volunteering at Village Creek Bible Camp).
I had some free time so I ran up to my mom's cabin to help with bedtime. Upon arriving, I saw that mom had Landon in his jammies and had started an Elmo's World DVD on the computer.
After chatting with my mom for a bit, I turned to Landon.
"Landon, I have to go back to work. Grandma's going to put you to bed tonight. Can you come say 'Good night' and give me a kiss?" Landon looked at me and then back to the computer and exclaimed, "Elmo!"
I looked to my mom for assistance. "Landon, I'm going to pause Elmo so you can say 'Good night' to Mommy," she said.
Landon pondered this for a moment. When he saw that Elmo was sufficiently paused, he turned to me and said, "Night night. Bye, bye. Elmo! Elmo! Bye, bye," and promptly turned back to the computer.
As I turned to go out the door, with a tear in my eye, mom tried to make me feel better by saying Landon was "well adjusted."
I wasn't buying that. At that moment in time, Landon chose Elmo over me.
I had some free time so I ran up to my mom's cabin to help with bedtime. Upon arriving, I saw that mom had Landon in his jammies and had started an Elmo's World DVD on the computer.
After chatting with my mom for a bit, I turned to Landon.
"Landon, I have to go back to work. Grandma's going to put you to bed tonight. Can you come say 'Good night' and give me a kiss?" Landon looked at me and then back to the computer and exclaimed, "Elmo!"
I looked to my mom for assistance. "Landon, I'm going to pause Elmo so you can say 'Good night' to Mommy," she said.
Landon pondered this for a moment. When he saw that Elmo was sufficiently paused, he turned to me and said, "Night night. Bye, bye. Elmo! Elmo! Bye, bye," and promptly turned back to the computer.
As I turned to go out the door, with a tear in my eye, mom tried to make me feel better by saying Landon was "well adjusted."
I wasn't buying that. At that moment in time, Landon chose Elmo over me.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Sweet Tooth
Today, while Landon and I were making cupcakes he dipped his finger into the batter and promptly licked it. And then he did it again, and again, and again despite my "No, nos."
"Where did he get that from?," I pondered.
Oh, yeah, that's right - me.
(Although, when I lick the batter, I try to do it when he's not actually looking)
"Where did he get that from?," I pondered.
Oh, yeah, that's right - me.
(Although, when I lick the batter, I try to do it when he's not actually looking)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Potty Training = Piece of Cake
Although we haven't formally started potty training Landon, we are getting him acclimated to the process. I'll allow him into the bathroom while I'm in there and I'll usually put him on the toilet before putting him in the bathtub. Sometimes, he'll express an interest in sitting on the toilet on his own, even though he won't actually go.
However, today, I saw definite progress. I went into Landon's room to get his sandals so we could run to Target. He followed me into his room and said "stinky" and pointed to his bottom. Sure enough, when I peeked in his diaper I saw what he was referring to. Hopefully, this revelation of his will make the formal potty training process a piece of cake!
However, today, I saw definite progress. I went into Landon's room to get his sandals so we could run to Target. He followed me into his room and said "stinky" and pointed to his bottom. Sure enough, when I peeked in his diaper I saw what he was referring to. Hopefully, this revelation of his will make the formal potty training process a piece of cake!
SYTYCD* - Toddler Style
* - So You Think You Can Dance, a dance competition on Fox.
Remember when I was trying to get a video of Landon dancing and I ended up recording his first steps? Well, I finally have a video of Landon dancing - notice that "So You Think You Can Dance" is on in the background. And, yes, I'm asking Landon to do "The Robot." Alan's trying to teach him that in refernce to my Threadless tee.
In another nod to "So You Think You Can Dance," here is a video of Landon doing his Mary Murphy (one of the judges on the show) impersonation.
Remember when I was trying to get a video of Landon dancing and I ended up recording his first steps? Well, I finally have a video of Landon dancing - notice that "So You Think You Can Dance" is on in the background. And, yes, I'm asking Landon to do "The Robot." Alan's trying to teach him that in refernce to my Threadless tee.
In another nod to "So You Think You Can Dance," here is a video of Landon doing his Mary Murphy (one of the judges on the show) impersonation.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Stealing from the Grocery Store
For those of you that thought I actually stole from the grocery store, you are mistaken. But, it sure did feel like stealing when I bought the following groceries for $2.97!!!
4 boxes of Raisin Bran, 4 packages of Keebler Fudge Sticks, 1 Twix bar, 1 bottle of Hunt's Ketchup, 2 cans of Bush's baked beans, and 1 can of Dole pineapple chunks.
Here's how I did it:
Wednesdays is double coupon days at Rainbow Foods. In order to get your coupons doubled, you need to spend $25. They will only double up to 5 coupons in a transaction and the coupons can't have a face value of more than $1.00.
The cereal and cookies were on special - 4 packages for $10 and when your purchased $20 worth of selected Keebler/Kellogg's products, you automatically got $10 off your order. I was worried because this came off right away and brought my total at the register to $15.31. I didn't think it would work to double my coupons because it only showed my subtotal as $15.31 (with tax), but it did work!
Now to get up to the $25 level, I used several coupons for free items - the candy bar and the ketchup; I got 75 cents and $1.59 off, respectively, for those items (bringing total down to $12.97). I had a $1.00 of two coupon for the baked beans, which were 99 cents a piece. Coupon doubled to $2.00 so I got those for free, plus overage ($10.97). The pineapple was also 99 cents and I had a 50 cents off coupon for that, so I got $1.00 of my purchase($9.97). In addition, I had 2 $1.00 off coupons for the purchase of two Keebler Fudge Shoppe cookies. I got $4 off total for the 4 packages of cookies ($5.97). I then had two coupons for $1.50 off two packages of Raisin Bran. The woman at the register implied that I would get the $1.50 off and then $1.00 off for one of them (it would have been my 5th coupon), but it didn't work that way. So, I got $3 off the 4 boxes of cereal, bringing my total to $2.97.
I would have done even better had I found my other 3 Kellogg's coupons ($1.00 off 1 box, which would have been doubled to $2.00) and we would have had more variety in our cereal choices, but cereal is pretty shelf stable so I'm not too worried about that. : )
4 boxes of Raisin Bran, 4 packages of Keebler Fudge Sticks, 1 Twix bar, 1 bottle of Hunt's Ketchup, 2 cans of Bush's baked beans, and 1 can of Dole pineapple chunks.
Here's how I did it:
Wednesdays is double coupon days at Rainbow Foods. In order to get your coupons doubled, you need to spend $25. They will only double up to 5 coupons in a transaction and the coupons can't have a face value of more than $1.00.
The cereal and cookies were on special - 4 packages for $10 and when your purchased $20 worth of selected Keebler/Kellogg's products, you automatically got $10 off your order. I was worried because this came off right away and brought my total at the register to $15.31. I didn't think it would work to double my coupons because it only showed my subtotal as $15.31 (with tax), but it did work!
Now to get up to the $25 level, I used several coupons for free items - the candy bar and the ketchup; I got 75 cents and $1.59 off, respectively, for those items (bringing total down to $12.97). I had a $1.00 of two coupon for the baked beans, which were 99 cents a piece. Coupon doubled to $2.00 so I got those for free, plus overage ($10.97). The pineapple was also 99 cents and I had a 50 cents off coupon for that, so I got $1.00 of my purchase($9.97). In addition, I had 2 $1.00 off coupons for the purchase of two Keebler Fudge Shoppe cookies. I got $4 off total for the 4 packages of cookies ($5.97). I then had two coupons for $1.50 off two packages of Raisin Bran. The woman at the register implied that I would get the $1.50 off and then $1.00 off for one of them (it would have been my 5th coupon), but it didn't work that way. So, I got $3 off the 4 boxes of cereal, bringing my total to $2.97.
I would have done even better had I found my other 3 Kellogg's coupons ($1.00 off 1 box, which would have been doubled to $2.00) and we would have had more variety in our cereal choices, but cereal is pretty shelf stable so I'm not too worried about that. : )
Friday, June 19, 2009
Minnesota Children's Museum
Well, Landon's 17 months old and we finally made it to the Children's Museum! I'm surprised we didn't make it there sooner, considering I've been there about 5 times sans child (as part of my former job working with teen parents in the St. Paul Public Schools). Landon loved it - as I knew he would. There was so much to see, touch, and play with I'm surprised that he didn't have a tantrum when we left. I'm guessing he must have just been too tired - he was yawning while waiting for lunch at McDonald's and conked out before we even got on the freeway on our way home. Enjoy the pics!
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On a different note: Yay for me for posting 3 new blog entries in less than a week, and they all included photos!
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On a different note: Yay for me for posting 3 new blog entries in less than a week, and they all included photos!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
I'd Like a Table by the Window, Please
Landon has lately become fascinated with cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, and bikes. Perhaps it is because our house is on the corner of a busy street and we've used our picture window as a good distraction.
Landon, at 3 months, with Daddy
I've come to find out, though, that distracting a 3 month old is not nearly as necessary as distracting a 17 month old who is grabbing at your legs, insisting "up, up" while you are trying to make lunch, do dishes, or get dressed. Such was the case yesterday while I was trying to make breakfast. Fortunately, the garbage truck was coming so I pointed it out to Landon. He perched his feet on the cover to our baseboard heat and watched excitedly as the garbage truck, then the recycling truck came.
Fast forward about 4 hours as it was nearing lunchtime. I heard some trucks out our front door and saw several trucks repaving our street. This had to be my lucky day! I opened the front door and Landon ran excitedly to get a good view. As I finished making lunch, I knew pulling him away from the door to eat was not going to work, so I just moved his chair to face the storm door. Granted he might have been too distracted, as he didn't finish his turkey dog (and this boy loves his turkey dogs!), but he certainly enjoyed the show!
Landon, at 3 months, with Daddy
I've come to find out, though, that distracting a 3 month old is not nearly as necessary as distracting a 17 month old who is grabbing at your legs, insisting "up, up" while you are trying to make lunch, do dishes, or get dressed. Such was the case yesterday while I was trying to make breakfast. Fortunately, the garbage truck was coming so I pointed it out to Landon. He perched his feet on the cover to our baseboard heat and watched excitedly as the garbage truck, then the recycling truck came.
Fast forward about 4 hours as it was nearing lunchtime. I heard some trucks out our front door and saw several trucks repaving our street. This had to be my lucky day! I opened the front door and Landon ran excitedly to get a good view. As I finished making lunch, I knew pulling him away from the door to eat was not going to work, so I just moved his chair to face the storm door. Granted he might have been too distracted, as he didn't finish his turkey dog (and this boy loves his turkey dogs!), but he certainly enjoyed the show!
Monday, June 15, 2009
A Spelunking We Will Go
Team W is spending this Monday recuperating from an adventure-filled weekend. As a combined birthday/Father's Day gift for Alan, I had arranged for us to spend the weekend in Preston, MN. Preston is home to two bike trails, one of which goes through Lanesboro - a quaint town on the Root River that I've always wanted to visit. Selfish, I know.
Anyway, we arrived to Preston on Saturday, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch and then took our first bike ride. We opted to do the Preston-Harmony State Trail (over 26 miles round trip from our hotel). The map warned that about a third of the trail is a series of steep hills that may not suitable for all riders. We figured we'd get the most difficult trail out of the way first. We didn't realize how difficult it was until talking with two seasoned riders (they biked 63 miles on Saturday in honor of their 63rd birthdays) that Preston to Harmony was the most difficult part of the trails in the area. This made us feel really good, but also explained why we were the only riders headed towards Harmony and why people going from Harmony to Preston gave us looks of shock, awe, and amazement (particularly Alan who was pulling Landon in the Burley Bee).
Landon getting ready to ride on Saturday. Poor guy had a fever, but did really well!
Day two we took a much flatter route and biked Preston to Lanesboro (a little over 20 miles round trip). Before making our way back to the Cities, we headed back to Harmony (in our car this time) to go to the Niagra Cave. It was Landon's first spelunking experience (spelunking is just a fancy word for the practice of exploring caves). Alan argues that we weren't really spelunking - we just paid to take a tour of the cave. It was very cool (literally and figuratively). Niagra Cave is home to a 60 foot waterfall and at the furthest we could go, we were 200 feet below surface level and 1/2 mile from the Minnesota/Iowa border. But, you won't see pictures here. Not because we couldn't take them, but because our camera battery died on Saturday and Alan (not to point any fingers) didn't pack the charger. Just click on the link above to Niagra Cave and you'll get a slight glimpse of what we experienced.
Anyway, we arrived to Preston on Saturday, where we enjoyed a picnic lunch and then took our first bike ride. We opted to do the Preston-Harmony State Trail (over 26 miles round trip from our hotel). The map warned that about a third of the trail is a series of steep hills that may not suitable for all riders. We figured we'd get the most difficult trail out of the way first. We didn't realize how difficult it was until talking with two seasoned riders (they biked 63 miles on Saturday in honor of their 63rd birthdays) that Preston to Harmony was the most difficult part of the trails in the area. This made us feel really good, but also explained why we were the only riders headed towards Harmony and why people going from Harmony to Preston gave us looks of shock, awe, and amazement (particularly Alan who was pulling Landon in the Burley Bee).
Landon getting ready to ride on Saturday. Poor guy had a fever, but did really well!
Day two we took a much flatter route and biked Preston to Lanesboro (a little over 20 miles round trip). Before making our way back to the Cities, we headed back to Harmony (in our car this time) to go to the Niagra Cave. It was Landon's first spelunking experience (spelunking is just a fancy word for the practice of exploring caves). Alan argues that we weren't really spelunking - we just paid to take a tour of the cave. It was very cool (literally and figuratively). Niagra Cave is home to a 60 foot waterfall and at the furthest we could go, we were 200 feet below surface level and 1/2 mile from the Minnesota/Iowa border. But, you won't see pictures here. Not because we couldn't take them, but because our camera battery died on Saturday and Alan (not to point any fingers) didn't pack the charger. Just click on the link above to Niagra Cave and you'll get a slight glimpse of what we experienced.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
To Eat or Not to Eat?
Landon has acquired a taste for a new food - and I use the term "food" loosely. Listed below is the ingredients in the aforementioned food:
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups water
These ingredients make up the best homemade play-dough recipe you will ever find.
As we were playing with play-dough yesterday, which I made several weeks ago and still was soft, he grabbed a small piece and put it in in his mouth.
"No, no Landon. Icky," I said.
He put a little more in his mouth.
"No, no Landon. Icky," and I took it away for a little while.
I gave it back and he put more into his mouth. I repeat, "No, no Landon. Icky," as I made an icky looking face and shook my head no. I took it away again.
Now, I know it's not harmful to him, but I still don't want my kid to be the one labelled "The One Who Eats Play-dough." Or perhaps, he will now be labelled that as a result of this blog - oh well. I sat there wondering, "How much play-dough could he really eat (or could I consciously let him eat), before he decides he doesn't like it?" I made a Baby Bop out of play-dough (not by hand, I had a mold) and plopped her on his tray.
He bit her head off.
Sigh. Play-dough goes away again. It's about a half-hour before lunch and I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie and gave that to him.
"Oooh, a cookie. Yummy Landon! Play-dough: icky. Cookie: good," I relayed while nodding my head as he stuffed the cookie in his mouth. I gave him milk to wash the cookie down and considered giving him back the play-dough to see if my point got across. I opted not to since I think his tummy gave him the message - he spit up milky play-dough with a few chocolate chips in there. I guess I'll have to wait until next time to see if he retained my "Play-dough: icky" rants.
Here's the instructions for making the play-dough. I hope your children like it enough to play with it and not enough to eat it.
Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it forms a ball (about 2-3 minutes). Knead in food coloring (I mix my food coloring in with the water, because it can get a little messy if you knead it in at the end.) Store in a plastic bag (zipper sealed) or in an airtight container. It keeps for a looooooong time.
2 cups flour
1 cup salt
4 teaspoons cream of tartar
2 tablespoons oil
2 cups water
These ingredients make up the best homemade play-dough recipe you will ever find.
As we were playing with play-dough yesterday, which I made several weeks ago and still was soft, he grabbed a small piece and put it in in his mouth.
"No, no Landon. Icky," I said.
He put a little more in his mouth.
"No, no Landon. Icky," and I took it away for a little while.
I gave it back and he put more into his mouth. I repeat, "No, no Landon. Icky," as I made an icky looking face and shook my head no. I took it away again.
Now, I know it's not harmful to him, but I still don't want my kid to be the one labelled "The One Who Eats Play-dough." Or perhaps, he will now be labelled that as a result of this blog - oh well. I sat there wondering, "How much play-dough could he really eat (or could I consciously let him eat), before he decides he doesn't like it?" I made a Baby Bop out of play-dough (not by hand, I had a mold) and plopped her on his tray.
He bit her head off.
Sigh. Play-dough goes away again. It's about a half-hour before lunch and I grabbed a chocolate chip cookie and gave that to him.
"Oooh, a cookie. Yummy Landon! Play-dough: icky. Cookie: good," I relayed while nodding my head as he stuffed the cookie in his mouth. I gave him milk to wash the cookie down and considered giving him back the play-dough to see if my point got across. I opted not to since I think his tummy gave him the message - he spit up milky play-dough with a few chocolate chips in there. I guess I'll have to wait until next time to see if he retained my "Play-dough: icky" rants.
Here's the instructions for making the play-dough. I hope your children like it enough to play with it and not enough to eat it.
Combine all the ingredients in a large saucepan over medium heat, stirring until it forms a ball (about 2-3 minutes). Knead in food coloring (I mix my food coloring in with the water, because it can get a little messy if you knead it in at the end.) Store in a plastic bag (zipper sealed) or in an airtight container. It keeps for a looooooong time.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
I Thessalonians 5:17
This verse simply states, "Pray continually," and Landon has been giving us a lesson into what this means and it is such a joy to experience as his mother!
We, as a family, pray before our meals. Not just, "Bless this food to our body," but prayers for our family and friends; things going on in our world; our requests, needs, desires; etc. When Landon was younger, I would extend my hand to him, but he would usually be more engaged with his spoon or cup. Alan and I would then hold hands, keeping our eyes open to make sure Landon wouldn't topple his plate to the floor (we learned that one the hard way!). As Landon has gotten older, he's become more proficient at knowing the drill - we tell Landon that we are going to pray, I hold out my hand, Alan holds out his hand, and Landon grabs each of our hands as we bow our heads. When we say our "Amen," Landon nods his head satisfyingly and utters his own version of "Amen." We begin eating and as I'm shoveling the food in, Landon will look at me and hold out his hand. "Do you want to pray again?," I ask, as Landon thrusts his hand into mine. He then extends his hand to Alan while we are giving each other a look over Landon's head as if to say, "It's your turn this time." We say our "Amens" and begin eating. I get about 3 bites in before a chubby, little hand reaches out to mine. Landon is, once again, declaring that it is time to pray. At each meal, we pray no less than 3 times at Landon's prompting.
As I stated earlier, it is such a joy to see his enthusiasm for this conversation that we have with our Heavenly Father. But, it's also a challenge because sometimes I'll sit there and have no idea what to say. Or I'll shorten my earlier prayer knowing that Landon will ask us to pray again and 'save' what I was going to say for when that time comes. But mostly it's humbling that my 16 month-old son is teaching me what it means to "pray continually." I know that as I make it more of a habit - to pray for the person in the ambulance rushing to the hospital down the street; to pray as I'm watching the news or reading the newspaper; to pray for the people whose houses I pass by; to thank the Lord for the blessings (and struggles!) in my life - that the words will become easier and flow from my lips as the Lord has intended. One thing that I know I will "pray continually" for will be Landon - it's my prayer that his desire to pray will not wane, that he will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and that he will be a man of God who honors the Lord in his thoughts, words, and actions.
We, as a family, pray before our meals. Not just, "Bless this food to our body," but prayers for our family and friends; things going on in our world; our requests, needs, desires; etc. When Landon was younger, I would extend my hand to him, but he would usually be more engaged with his spoon or cup. Alan and I would then hold hands, keeping our eyes open to make sure Landon wouldn't topple his plate to the floor (we learned that one the hard way!). As Landon has gotten older, he's become more proficient at knowing the drill - we tell Landon that we are going to pray, I hold out my hand, Alan holds out his hand, and Landon grabs each of our hands as we bow our heads. When we say our "Amen," Landon nods his head satisfyingly and utters his own version of "Amen." We begin eating and as I'm shoveling the food in, Landon will look at me and hold out his hand. "Do you want to pray again?," I ask, as Landon thrusts his hand into mine. He then extends his hand to Alan while we are giving each other a look over Landon's head as if to say, "It's your turn this time." We say our "Amens" and begin eating. I get about 3 bites in before a chubby, little hand reaches out to mine. Landon is, once again, declaring that it is time to pray. At each meal, we pray no less than 3 times at Landon's prompting.
As I stated earlier, it is such a joy to see his enthusiasm for this conversation that we have with our Heavenly Father. But, it's also a challenge because sometimes I'll sit there and have no idea what to say. Or I'll shorten my earlier prayer knowing that Landon will ask us to pray again and 'save' what I was going to say for when that time comes. But mostly it's humbling that my 16 month-old son is teaching me what it means to "pray continually." I know that as I make it more of a habit - to pray for the person in the ambulance rushing to the hospital down the street; to pray as I'm watching the news or reading the newspaper; to pray for the people whose houses I pass by; to thank the Lord for the blessings (and struggles!) in my life - that the words will become easier and flow from my lips as the Lord has intended. One thing that I know I will "pray continually" for will be Landon - it's my prayer that his desire to pray will not wane, that he will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ, and that he will be a man of God who honors the Lord in his thoughts, words, and actions.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
I am a Curly Girl
And do I like being a Curly Girl? No, not at all. Today I went to get my hair cut by a curly hair specialist and while I like that my curls are under more control (i.e. not frizzy) and I got some great tips on styling them, I still don't like the fact that my hair is a mass of boisterous curls.
My hair issues are nothing new. I used to think it was because I had black/white hair. But then I met Amanda in high-school, who was also bi-racial, and she had the most beautiful hair. Her hair laid flat against her head and at the bottom she had wide, bouncy ringlets - not my tiny kinks that covered my whole head. I've had my hair chemically straightened; straightened with a hot iron; styled curly with gobs of gel holding it down (stiff, crunchy hair); in braids with extensions; in braids without extensions; and in other various styles. I had even thought about shaving it all off and starting over, but that thought quickly vanished when I heared that your hair grows back thicker. Straight has been, by far, my style of choice. However, there are a few issues with my type of straight hair:
*When I straighten my hair it never looks as good as when I get it done at the salon (and I know I'm not the only one that this happens to, no matter what your hair style is).
*It also takes me a long time to straighten my hair. When doing it myself, it takes about 2 hours. As the mother of a 15 month old, I don't have that time to spare.
*Getting my hair straightened at the salon would cost a significant amount of money. This is not something that I could just get done at a neighborhood hair care place to cut down on costs.
After leaving the salon today, I tried to embrace the curls. I wore my hair down (and out, since my hair will never lay flat while curled) for the drive home. I scrutinized it in the bathroom mirror without having the watchful eyes of the stylist on me and I promptly pulled it back. I couldn't even get it straightened at this point because it would look like I got a really bad haircut. A curly cut has no rhyme or reason to it to the untrained eye (it's cut curl by curl - dry - so the curls fall in their natural state).
So I guess I'm going to have to embrace a modified curly girl look. I'll take care of the curls as my stylist today did ("slow and deliberate," was her motto), but still fall back on the 'usual' - pulled up or back for the time being.
So, how about you? What would you change if you could?
My hair issues are nothing new. I used to think it was because I had black/white hair. But then I met Amanda in high-school, who was also bi-racial, and she had the most beautiful hair. Her hair laid flat against her head and at the bottom she had wide, bouncy ringlets - not my tiny kinks that covered my whole head. I've had my hair chemically straightened; straightened with a hot iron; styled curly with gobs of gel holding it down (stiff, crunchy hair); in braids with extensions; in braids without extensions; and in other various styles. I had even thought about shaving it all off and starting over, but that thought quickly vanished when I heared that your hair grows back thicker. Straight has been, by far, my style of choice. However, there are a few issues with my type of straight hair:
*When I straighten my hair it never looks as good as when I get it done at the salon (and I know I'm not the only one that this happens to, no matter what your hair style is).
*It also takes me a long time to straighten my hair. When doing it myself, it takes about 2 hours. As the mother of a 15 month old, I don't have that time to spare.
*Getting my hair straightened at the salon would cost a significant amount of money. This is not something that I could just get done at a neighborhood hair care place to cut down on costs.
After leaving the salon today, I tried to embrace the curls. I wore my hair down (and out, since my hair will never lay flat while curled) for the drive home. I scrutinized it in the bathroom mirror without having the watchful eyes of the stylist on me and I promptly pulled it back. I couldn't even get it straightened at this point because it would look like I got a really bad haircut. A curly cut has no rhyme or reason to it to the untrained eye (it's cut curl by curl - dry - so the curls fall in their natural state).
So I guess I'm going to have to embrace a modified curly girl look. I'll take care of the curls as my stylist today did ("slow and deliberate," was her motto), but still fall back on the 'usual' - pulled up or back for the time being.
So, how about you? What would you change if you could?
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Easter, Easter, Easter!
We hope you all had a blessed Easter celebrating the Risen Savior! Please click on the link for Praying for Stellan. MckMama wrote, in far better words than I ever could, a post about the true meaning of Easter.
Landon loved the child-sized Elmo plate, cup, and silverware we got him. He carried them around with him most of the morning!
I believe Landon's looking quite dapper in his new outfit and 'do. We decided to put gel in his hair so his locks would remain curly. I think it might have to be a regular occurrence since so many people commented on the curls at church today. Not to mention that I think the curls make Landon look a lot more like me than Alan ; )
Landon loved the child-sized Elmo plate, cup, and silverware we got him. He carried them around with him most of the morning!
I believe Landon's looking quite dapper in his new outfit and 'do. We decided to put gel in his hair so his locks would remain curly. I think it might have to be a regular occurrence since so many people commented on the curls at church today. Not to mention that I think the curls make Landon look a lot more like me than Alan ; )
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Extreme Makeover: Blog Edition
Well it appears as if I might need to change my "About Me" section. I didn't think I'd be posting that much in the way of photos and videos on the blog and this week alone I posted two videos! I also didn't think I'd waiver from the trusty Blogger templates, but I've done that as well! I've also added some direct links to some of my favorite blogs - My Charming Kids (you'll find it if you click onto "Praying for Stellan") and Money Saving Mom. What do you think of the makeover?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Old McDonald Has a Cow, Sheep, and Pig
Well, I have been trying for days to get this on video and have finally succeeded! It appears that Landon has 'picked up' animal sounds. Really. We don't sit around the dinner table teaching him the various animal sounds or drill it into his head during long car trips. I would say it's mostly due to the reading of Sandra Boynton's Moo, Baa, La La La, which I don't even think we read that often (definitely not as much as Mercer Mayer's Just a Snowy Day - his current favorite). I'm just so amazed at all that he is picking up!
Friday, April 3, 2009
Of Blueberries and Bathtime
Tonight we had blueberries with our dinner. This picture does not show his blueberry stained hands and the remnants of blueberries in his hair. Circumstances necessitated that Landon take a bath - his fourth one in three days (1. Wednesday he was due for a bath; 2. yesterday he had a blowout so I quickly washed him in the sink. I didn't have his diaper with me and ready so when he peed on himself, 3. I gave him a bath in the bathtub; and 4. tonight).
Landon and I have a new game we play in the bathtub thanks to the the new bath toy Alan got for being a good patient at the dentist : ). I fill the fish with water and then slap my hand on top of it to get water to squirt out. Landon responds by splashing with great gusto. Here's a little video of our new game (Mom, I'm in it! Just for you!). And, although we had fun in the bath and got the blueberries off of his face and out of his hair, he went to bed tonight with blue stained fingers. Gotta love blueberries!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Week in Review
We have had a very busy week - here is the review in photos:
On Friday, my mom, Landon and I travelled to Chicago to spend time with my sister and her family, my grandparents, and my aunts, uncles and cousins. I was a little worried about flying with Landon but he was a champ. Our flight even boarded late leaving the Cities, but Landon occupied himself by walking back and forth on the moving walkway in front of our gate several times.
On Sunday, we joined Greg, Nicole, Charlotte and extended family at church for Eli's dedication. I should have kept Landon in the nursery during the actual dedication because he was very squirmy and was not content just being held, but still not as bad as what Charlotte did (I'll let my sister explain in her blog!).Sunday after church we had a baby shower for my cousin, Sarah (sorry, no pictures here).
Monday and Tuesday was filled with lots of play time with Eli, Charlotte, and Abby as I tried to work on Landon's scrapbook. One of the most popular activities was jumping on the air matresses and then climbing up them like Spiderman. Weather was even nice enough that we walked for ice cream. Landon thoroughly enjoyed his first ice cream cone!
Before leaving Chicago on Wednesday, we got to meet new baby, Lila Belle. Isn't she adorable? 
Thursday was Landon's first swim class. He loved it! Well worth the money!
And now, apparently, our week was filled with too much activity. Picture above could be titled, "This is What Sick Looks Like." Landon woke up an hour later than usual with a slight fever (101.8) this morning and a runny nose. After giving him Motrin, the fever went up to 102.2. Went to the doctor only to be told it wasn't an ear infection or anything viral or bacterial. After Landon got up from his 3 hour nap (skipped lunch), his fever was at 104. Called the nurse line and dispensed another dose of Motrin. Ninety minutes later the temp only dropped 3/10 of a degree. Through in a couple of diapers of the very loose kind, shallow breathing, and an overall lethargic kid, I was to the point where we were going to drive to the ER. I called the nurse line again and was able to talk to the on-call doctor. After giving Landon a dose of Tylenol and watching him devour 4 chicken nuggets, he is now sleeping and his fever dropped back to 101.8.
It will be interesting to see what this upcoming week is like as Landon and I go back to work. I'm sure he will be out of sorts on Monday (as will I), but will be raring to go by Tuesday - or at least that's what I'm hoping for.
On Friday, my mom, Landon and I travelled to Chicago to spend time with my sister and her family, my grandparents, and my aunts, uncles and cousins. I was a little worried about flying with Landon but he was a champ. Our flight even boarded late leaving the Cities, but Landon occupied himself by walking back and forth on the moving walkway in front of our gate several times.
On Sunday, we joined Greg, Nicole, Charlotte and extended family at church for Eli's dedication. I should have kept Landon in the nursery during the actual dedication because he was very squirmy and was not content just being held, but still not as bad as what Charlotte did (I'll let my sister explain in her blog!).Sunday after church we had a baby shower for my cousin, Sarah (sorry, no pictures here).
Monday and Tuesday was filled with lots of play time with Eli, Charlotte, and Abby as I tried to work on Landon's scrapbook. One of the most popular activities was jumping on the air matresses and then climbing up them like Spiderman. Weather was even nice enough that we walked for ice cream. Landon thoroughly enjoyed his first ice cream cone!
Before leaving Chicago on Wednesday, we got to meet new baby, Lila Belle. Isn't she adorable? 
Thursday was Landon's first swim class. He loved it! Well worth the money!
And now, apparently, our week was filled with too much activity. Picture above could be titled, "This is What Sick Looks Like." Landon woke up an hour later than usual with a slight fever (101.8) this morning and a runny nose. After giving him Motrin, the fever went up to 102.2. Went to the doctor only to be told it wasn't an ear infection or anything viral or bacterial. After Landon got up from his 3 hour nap (skipped lunch), his fever was at 104. Called the nurse line and dispensed another dose of Motrin. Ninety minutes later the temp only dropped 3/10 of a degree. Through in a couple of diapers of the very loose kind, shallow breathing, and an overall lethargic kid, I was to the point where we were going to drive to the ER. I called the nurse line again and was able to talk to the on-call doctor. After giving Landon a dose of Tylenol and watching him devour 4 chicken nuggets, he is now sleeping and his fever dropped back to 101.8.
It will be interesting to see what this upcoming week is like as Landon and I go back to work. I'm sure he will be out of sorts on Monday (as will I), but will be raring to go by Tuesday - or at least that's what I'm hoping for.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Better Than a Blue-Light Special
Every Sunday when the newspaper comes, I sort. Comics, Target ad, coupons, Metro, Money and Business, Travel - these I pay attention to. Other sections and ads get tossed into the "to be recycled pile." This includes the K-Mart ad. I don't shop at K-Mart for a variety of reasons, so there is no need for me to pay attention to their ad. However, my sister Nicole is a money-saving rock-star and she led me to http://www.moneysavingmom.com/. It was there that a post entitled "K-Mart: Super Doubles at many stores this week," caught my attention.
I like saving money and I especially like when coupons get doubled. I went to K-Mart's website to confirm whether the post was true for our area and the ad came up stating that manufacture coupons are doubled up to and including those with a value of $2. "Whoa, this is huge," I thought to myself because: 1. Not too many places do double coupons and 2. Those that do certainly don't do it for coupons with a value of $2. After e-mailing Nicole asking how I had not known that K-Mart does double coupons, I ran upstairs to dig in my recycling bag for the K-Mart ad so I could read the fine print. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that you could bring in up to 25 coupons and that you could bring in up to 4 of the same coupons. The link in Money Saving Mom also led to a coupon for $5 off a $50 purchase or more. I needed diapers for Landon and I figured with those kinds of savings it would be worth the trip.
I headed to K-Mart tonight with my coupon file in hand. Apparently, I was quite the amateur as someone I saw actually had a 3 ring binder with her coupons inserted into plastic page protectors. I was quite excited to see Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cups on clearance for $1.49 a bag as I had a coupon for $1.50 off 3 bags. Final cost - $1.47 for 3 bags or 49 cents each! Yummy! Don't worry - I'll share : ) Here's a quick breakdown of some other deals:
Suave Body Wash - FREE!
Head and Shoulders Shampoo - $2.50 (was on sale for $4.50)
Secret Flawless Deodorant - $0.29
Windex Wipes - FREE!
Bottle of Windex - $0.79
Pack of 2 Oral-B toothbrushes - $0.99
All in all, I ended up saving 46% and will now start paying more attention to the K-Mart ads.
I like saving money and I especially like when coupons get doubled. I went to K-Mart's website to confirm whether the post was true for our area and the ad came up stating that manufacture coupons are doubled up to and including those with a value of $2. "Whoa, this is huge," I thought to myself because: 1. Not too many places do double coupons and 2. Those that do certainly don't do it for coupons with a value of $2. After e-mailing Nicole asking how I had not known that K-Mart does double coupons, I ran upstairs to dig in my recycling bag for the K-Mart ad so I could read the fine print. I was pleasantly surprised when I saw that you could bring in up to 25 coupons and that you could bring in up to 4 of the same coupons. The link in Money Saving Mom also led to a coupon for $5 off a $50 purchase or more. I needed diapers for Landon and I figured with those kinds of savings it would be worth the trip.
I headed to K-Mart tonight with my coupon file in hand. Apparently, I was quite the amateur as someone I saw actually had a 3 ring binder with her coupons inserted into plastic page protectors. I was quite excited to see Reese's Miniature Peanut Butter Cups on clearance for $1.49 a bag as I had a coupon for $1.50 off 3 bags. Final cost - $1.47 for 3 bags or 49 cents each! Yummy! Don't worry - I'll share : ) Here's a quick breakdown of some other deals:
Suave Body Wash - FREE!
Head and Shoulders Shampoo - $2.50 (was on sale for $4.50)
Secret Flawless Deodorant - $0.29
Windex Wipes - FREE!
Bottle of Windex - $0.79
Pack of 2 Oral-B toothbrushes - $0.99
All in all, I ended up saving 46% and will now start paying more attention to the K-Mart ads.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Photographic Evidence of Landon's Engineering Aptitude
I've said it before and I will say it again, "Landon will be an engineer just like his daddy." Today, I have photographic proof, but first some background information:
I've shared with people how curious Landon is, particularly with regards to the way things work and how things fit together. As a kid, Alan told me that he would take things apart just to be able to put them back together (Oh who am I kidding? He still does this!). When our sweeper was broken, I actually took it apart, but Landon was right there watching me. He will still occasionally flip over the sweeper just to inspect it(not when it's running, of course.) Alan was also big into Legos growing up (don't get him started about the time his dad threw away his Legos, though)and creating all sorts of cool Lego inventions - not like the kits today where you only get enough pieces to create what is actually pictured on the box. Fortunately for us, we don't need to buy Legos. Landon has discovered that he can just use canned food to create.
As we were putting away the groceries, Landon found the cans and just started stacking them.
After he mastered stacking 4 cans, Alan decided to throw some more in the mix.
He was totally content playing and stacking these cans for no less than 15 minutes!
I've shared with people how curious Landon is, particularly with regards to the way things work and how things fit together. As a kid, Alan told me that he would take things apart just to be able to put them back together (Oh who am I kidding? He still does this!). When our sweeper was broken, I actually took it apart, but Landon was right there watching me. He will still occasionally flip over the sweeper just to inspect it(not when it's running, of course.) Alan was also big into Legos growing up (don't get him started about the time his dad threw away his Legos, though)and creating all sorts of cool Lego inventions - not like the kits today where you only get enough pieces to create what is actually pictured on the box. Fortunately for us, we don't need to buy Legos. Landon has discovered that he can just use canned food to create.
As we were putting away the groceries, Landon found the cans and just started stacking them.
After he mastered stacking 4 cans, Alan decided to throw some more in the mix.
He was totally content playing and stacking these cans for no less than 15 minutes!
Friday, February 20, 2009
The More You Know
When Landon was younger, people would comment about how much he must be changing each day and all the new things he must have been learning. I would politely nod my head, all the while thinking, "I know that he must be learning new stuff, but I'm not seeing it." Of course there were the big milestones, that had me calling everyone in my phone book - "Landon rolled over today from his back to his tummy!," "Landon started pulling himself up on furniture!," etc, but day-to-day it seemed to be the same old stuff. He'd eat, he'd sleep, he'd need his diaper changed.
Today, I can unequivocally say that Landon is changing each and every day. There isn't a day that goes by that Alan and I shake our heads in amazement and wonder. The observations and conversations that Landon has heard for the past 13 months are coming out of the file cabinets in his brain. Case in point: from the time Landon was about 2 months old, we started doing sign language with him. As he got older, he would actually laugh at us as we did a sign. Now, he knows how to do the sign for "please" and no longer laughs at us.
Some other stuff that he knows:
He knows that when he gets to the stairs, he needs to turn around and go down on his tummy. I think he also knows that he can sometimes give me a panic attack because he'll barrel towards the stairs and not even crouch down until his feet are at the edge of the stairs.
He knows where to put his diaper when I'm done changing him.
He knows how to feed Bentley, although were still working on the fact that Bentley's dry dog food doesn't need to be mixed up.
He knows to go to the bathroom when Alan and I say "It's time to brush your teeth. Where's your toothbrush?" It's funny that he actually does go to the bathroom considering he no longer likes having his teeth brushed. We can wait a few more months before he figures out that he could just bypass the bathroom and lead us on a wild goose chase.
Landon isn't the only one that has acquired new knowledge. I now know:
That laundry and dishes are never-ending.
That a later bedtime for baby does not mean a later wake-up time.
That it is okay to let Landon watch a video in the exersaucer and not feel guilty about it.
That being a parent is the most rewarding job ever.
Today, I can unequivocally say that Landon is changing each and every day. There isn't a day that goes by that Alan and I shake our heads in amazement and wonder. The observations and conversations that Landon has heard for the past 13 months are coming out of the file cabinets in his brain. Case in point: from the time Landon was about 2 months old, we started doing sign language with him. As he got older, he would actually laugh at us as we did a sign. Now, he knows how to do the sign for "please" and no longer laughs at us.
Some other stuff that he knows:
He knows that when he gets to the stairs, he needs to turn around and go down on his tummy. I think he also knows that he can sometimes give me a panic attack because he'll barrel towards the stairs and not even crouch down until his feet are at the edge of the stairs.
He knows where to put his diaper when I'm done changing him.
He knows how to feed Bentley, although were still working on the fact that Bentley's dry dog food doesn't need to be mixed up.
He knows to go to the bathroom when Alan and I say "It's time to brush your teeth. Where's your toothbrush?" It's funny that he actually does go to the bathroom considering he no longer likes having his teeth brushed. We can wait a few more months before he figures out that he could just bypass the bathroom and lead us on a wild goose chase.
Landon isn't the only one that has acquired new knowledge. I now know:
That laundry and dishes are never-ending.
That a later bedtime for baby does not mean a later wake-up time.
That it is okay to let Landon watch a video in the exersaucer and not feel guilty about it.
That being a parent is the most rewarding job ever.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Landon and Bentley: BFFs
With an active 13 month old and a 70+ pound black lab, the question often comes up as to how Landon and Bentley get along. The answer: amazingly well as you can tell from the title of this blog. Prior to having Landon, we were very intentional with our training of Bentley of what she might face with having an infant/toddler around. We'd pull her tail and ears, we'd take her food away while she was eating it, we'd carry around a baby doll, etc. When I was in the hospital after delivering Landon, Alan brought home blankets with Landon's scent on it to give to Bentley so she could get more accustomed to the idea of a new little being in the house.
As Landon's getting older, he's definitely paying more attention to Bentley. Bentley absolutely loved breakfast, lunch, or dinner because Landon was more than generous with sharing his food - even food that he absolutely loves, like pancakes. As his fat, little fingers dangled over his chair, Bentley would oh so gently reach for the pancake without trying to nibble Landon in the process. Unfortunately for Bentley, we didn't want to encourage this behavior so we've had to put her in the basement during meal times.
Landon's new game with Bentley is catch. Although his throwing arm isn't the greatest yet, he still takes great joy in dropping the ball in front of Bentley. Here's a video for your viewing pleasure. My favorite part is when Landon is laughing hysterically but stops as soon as he realizes that I'm videotaping him.
As Landon's getting older, he's definitely paying more attention to Bentley. Bentley absolutely loved breakfast, lunch, or dinner because Landon was more than generous with sharing his food - even food that he absolutely loves, like pancakes. As his fat, little fingers dangled over his chair, Bentley would oh so gently reach for the pancake without trying to nibble Landon in the process. Unfortunately for Bentley, we didn't want to encourage this behavior so we've had to put her in the basement during meal times.
Landon's new game with Bentley is catch. Although his throwing arm isn't the greatest yet, he still takes great joy in dropping the ball in front of Bentley. Here's a video for your viewing pleasure. My favorite part is when Landon is laughing hysterically but stops as soon as he realizes that I'm videotaping him.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Long Awaited...
Remodeled bathroom photos!!!
But first...I opened up my blog today and didn't find anything there. I could click back and see my old posts, but my posts didn't pop up on the home page. Just the title, Landon's picture, and our profile. Anybody else ever have that happen to them? Is it just a glitch with Blogger? Weird!
Now I know that it looks as if it is done, but I still need to paint the door trim and putty the nail holes in the trim. I was hoping to do that during Landon's afternoon nap, but alas, it took him a long time to go down and I need to make dinner for us and dinner to take over to a friend's house. Maybe tomorrow?!?
But first...I opened up my blog today and didn't find anything there. I could click back and see my old posts, but my posts didn't pop up on the home page. Just the title, Landon's picture, and our profile. Anybody else ever have that happen to them? Is it just a glitch with Blogger? Weird!
Now I know that it looks as if it is done, but I still need to paint the door trim and putty the nail holes in the trim. I was hoping to do that during Landon's afternoon nap, but alas, it took him a long time to go down and I need to make dinner for us and dinner to take over to a friend's house. Maybe tomorrow?!?
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day!
Roses are red
Violets are blue
Here's a Valentine's Day
Blog just for you!
Landon opening up his Valentine's Day gift from us. "They Might Be Giants" now does kids music and we got him their CD with songs all about numbers.
Violets are blue
Here's a Valentine's Day
Blog just for you!
Landon opening up his Valentine's Day gift from us. "They Might Be Giants" now does kids music and we got him their CD with songs all about numbers.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
The Wakhaneza Project
I first heard of The Wakhaneza Project through my work as a social worker. Wakhaneza is the Dakota word for "child" and is translated to English as "sacred being." The Wakhaneza Project and their trainings are designed to equip people and communities to create positive, welcoming environments for parents and their children, but to also give guidance and tips should a challenging situation arise. You can learn more at: http://www.co.ramsey.mn.us/ph/hb/wakanheza.htm.
It was while I was at the post office yesterday with Landon that I wished someone, anyone in line had taken that training and offered me a hand. I arrived at the post office with several bags of stuff to ship and letters to be mailed off. I put Landon is his stroller and headed inside. I hemmed and hawed about bringing his Nuk in but decided against it since it wasn't nap time and he's at the point where he only gets it at bed (mistake #1). We seemed to get there in the nick of time because a line of people started forming just as we were getting to the counter. I bought my stamps, but still had to tape up the box and load it up. Here, I debated just bringing the box home, but then that would have required a second trip to the post office to ship it off (mistake #2). Upon looking at the line of people that had formed, then at Landon, the woman behind the desk said I could load up the box and then just bring it right back up to her without getting in line again. Landon was fine at that point, so I pushed the stroller off to the side while juggling two bags of stuff, a box, my wallet, and the tape dispenser.
I got the box taped and was attempting to solve the puzzle of fitting all the stuff into the box, when Landon started to melt down. I turned to him and took of his mittens to play with. He promptly threw them. I turned back to the box and was feverishly trying to get stuff inside. I dropped a sock in the process (I was mailing some of Landon's outgrown clothes to my sister). The next woman in line let me know that I had dropped the sock. Landon continued to cry and kicked off his shoe in the process. I tried to console him, let him know that I'll be done soon, and I gave him my cell phone to play with. He threw that too. I worked for a few more seconds on the box and turned to him and smiled, rubbed his cheek and gave him a kiss. One of the other people at the counter made a comment to the worker behind the counter about, "the poor, little guy." It certainly seemed that the faster I tried to get my stuff done, the slower the process seemed to go. Although I was smiling on the outside, trying to convince myself that everything was okay and telling Landon that everything was okay and was talking Landon through everything I was doing, on the inside I was seething with frustration. "C'mon," I thought to myself, "there isn't anyone in line who can come and ask me if I need help? There isn't anyone who's been in a position like I'm in who can offer to pack the box, or hold Landon, or.....?"
I finally made it to the car and just wanted to cry. Although, I wasn't frustrated at Landon and wouldn't have lashed out at him, I wondered what it would have taken for someone to acknowledge that I could have used a hand. This experience was a good reminder to me that if I ever saw anyone in a similar situation, I should do what I could to help him/her out.
It was also a reminder, that no matter how quick my errands might be or how fine Landon might seem at the get-go, I should carry in his Nuk/cup/snack.
It was while I was at the post office yesterday with Landon that I wished someone, anyone in line had taken that training and offered me a hand. I arrived at the post office with several bags of stuff to ship and letters to be mailed off. I put Landon is his stroller and headed inside. I hemmed and hawed about bringing his Nuk in but decided against it since it wasn't nap time and he's at the point where he only gets it at bed (mistake #1). We seemed to get there in the nick of time because a line of people started forming just as we were getting to the counter. I bought my stamps, but still had to tape up the box and load it up. Here, I debated just bringing the box home, but then that would have required a second trip to the post office to ship it off (mistake #2). Upon looking at the line of people that had formed, then at Landon, the woman behind the desk said I could load up the box and then just bring it right back up to her without getting in line again. Landon was fine at that point, so I pushed the stroller off to the side while juggling two bags of stuff, a box, my wallet, and the tape dispenser.
I got the box taped and was attempting to solve the puzzle of fitting all the stuff into the box, when Landon started to melt down. I turned to him and took of his mittens to play with. He promptly threw them. I turned back to the box and was feverishly trying to get stuff inside. I dropped a sock in the process (I was mailing some of Landon's outgrown clothes to my sister). The next woman in line let me know that I had dropped the sock. Landon continued to cry and kicked off his shoe in the process. I tried to console him, let him know that I'll be done soon, and I gave him my cell phone to play with. He threw that too. I worked for a few more seconds on the box and turned to him and smiled, rubbed his cheek and gave him a kiss. One of the other people at the counter made a comment to the worker behind the counter about, "the poor, little guy." It certainly seemed that the faster I tried to get my stuff done, the slower the process seemed to go. Although I was smiling on the outside, trying to convince myself that everything was okay and telling Landon that everything was okay and was talking Landon through everything I was doing, on the inside I was seething with frustration. "C'mon," I thought to myself, "there isn't anyone in line who can come and ask me if I need help? There isn't anyone who's been in a position like I'm in who can offer to pack the box, or hold Landon, or.....?"
I finally made it to the car and just wanted to cry. Although, I wasn't frustrated at Landon and wouldn't have lashed out at him, I wondered what it would have taken for someone to acknowledge that I could have used a hand. This experience was a good reminder to me that if I ever saw anyone in a similar situation, I should do what I could to help him/her out.
It was also a reminder, that no matter how quick my errands might be or how fine Landon might seem at the get-go, I should carry in his Nuk/cup/snack.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Mommy Brain Strikes Again
This is what happens to chocolate chip cookies when you don't add enough flour.
I thought I had been doing really well in keeping my "mommy brain" under control (for a definition in the form of a poem, see http://myteacher.net/uplifting/mommybrain.txt). But, last night, out of a desire to bake chocolate chip cookies, I seemed to have neglected 1 1/4 cups of flour. Aside from attributing it to "mommy brain," I believe what happened is that the ingredient right below the flour was 1 teaspoon of baking soda and I must have seen the 1 and registered it as the quantity of flour required. I should have known considering the dough tasted much more buttery than normal.
Now, I know that I can't be the only one to have had "mommy brain" moments. Please feel free to share yours in the comments section!
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