A much needed vacation

The trip started out with a few kinks--a four hour delay in GR forced us to spend one night in Cincinnati and trek the rest of the way to Charlotte the next day. Greg missed half of his business meetings as a result, and it shortened our time spent with his parents. But, we were just happy we made it. The weather wasn't much different than home. Icy, cold...we pretty much packed the same wardrobe that we wear here in MI during the winter.

BUT...I cannot tell you how great it was to have five whole days with the three of us. Kensie proved her ability to be flexible...eating, sleeping and traveling at all odd hours. Seeing her contentment in all situations was a good reminder to me that it's OK to be "off schedule" too.

dressed up for a fancy dinner compliments of Captive Insurance

If you know me at all, I am a stickler when it comes to nap times, bed times and eating schedules at home. I was a little worried how the adjustment would go once we got down there. But, it was a good lesson in "letting go a bit" and just going with the flow. I still plan on resuming our scheduled life, but it's nice to know you can make exceptions now and then.

pool time late at night with Dada...

I felt so relaxed knowing she would be fine regardless of what our schedules held for the day. Some nights she went to bed as late as 10:30. Some days she only took one 45 minute nap. Sometimes she ate just fries and cheese for dinner. But in the end she seemed happy with whatever.

No vacation is perfect ALL the time. There were little things that bothered me...like sleeping without the steady hum of our humidifier and fan. And the best place for the pack n' play was in the bathroom, making midnight trips to the toilet a bit tricky. As well as the total access to 72 channels on a huge flat screen placed right in front of the bed (I know sounds good right?)--but it leaves the temptation to watch WAY too much TV late into the night (one more reminder to only keep our local channels..and another reminder to NEVER put a TV in our bedroom!).

Oh yeah, and the fact that I had to step out into the hallway at 1am Friday night in my PJ's to politely....no nicely.....no.....ok basically tell-off a group of "not-so-nice-looking-men" to quiet down because some people have small children trying to sleep and some people are seven months pregnant trying to get any amount of sleep possible. Oiy. I think Greg was cringing under the covers out of embarrassment. This pregnancy has removed all my filters lately, and I'm not afraid to let anything fly.



I was also surprised at how much we were able to actually DO for very little money. Traveling with a 16 month old can be difficult in some ways but, it makes a "family" trip really pretty cheap. She was young enough to get into most places for free but, old enough to thoroughly enjoy the attractions---->

Discovery Place--$24 total (kids under 2 free)

 this awesome water table was a favorite...they even had little aprons the kids could wear!

ImaginOn Library--FREE

NASCAR Hall of Fame--FREE (during their open house hours 4-6pm)

NBA Charlotte Bobcats game--$32 total (kids under 2 free)

first NBA game for all three of us!

Mall carousel ride--$2

Billy Graham Library/Museum--FREE

If you are in Charlotte and have the time, GO SEE THIS! Very cool inside.



Our trip home was much smoother. Made all our connections without a hiccup and made it home by 8:30 last night. And despite all the laundry I'm STILL doing today, it was a rejuvenating trip that will have lasting memories for our family.

One last post before we leave

I know....we already said "adios" in the last post, but I wanted to sneak one more in before we leave today.

Here is a quick video of Kensie from yesterday afternoon. Besides the fact that she took an unusually long nap, and was therefore exceptionally perky--she was just plain funny. It started when she wanted nothing on but a diaper and her snow boots. Then she tried balancing random objects on her head as she marched around the house bumping into things on purpose.

Then she discovered this new game in the entryway, and that's when I pulled out the camera. Such a goof.

Ok this time for real....peace out until next week!

Family vacay!

We are busy over here packing up for a five day vacation! Yes, I'm 31 weeks pregnant. Yes, we are flying with a 16 month old. And yes, I'm sure we will be exhausted when we get back....

But, I CAN.NOT.WAIT.

This is only the second time flying with Kensie. The first experience was not so bad. And I'm proud to say I did it alone. But, I was also not this pregnant. Thankfully I will not be alone this time. My better half will be there to share in the lap-sitting, the song-singing, the book-flipping, and all the other creative ways to keep a 1 year old happy on a plane. THANK GOODNESS. Did I mention hauling the luggage and dragging carrying a child through the airport? Oh yeah, that too.

We will also have a chance to spend some one-on-one time with Greg's parents, which I am so looking forward to. All of us together, away from our routines and duties--just able to spend some quality time together. (Well, between the business meetings the men must endure...). Yes, this is a business trip that we are calling a vacation. We are staying a few extra days to make the most out of it. No big plans...just flying by the seat of our pants once we get down there.

So, I'm sure there will be lots of pics and stories to share upon our return!

Adios!

525,600 minutes

I love the random resources that help us to remember certain facts. Like how many minutes are in a year. Recognize it? Yes, from the musical RENT. Classic. But, it's really the only way I can ever remember it. And it kind of makes you think, doesn't it? Where DO all those minutes go??? Ok, other than peeing, pooping, and doing the "dirty"...you sickos!

Now, you are all waiting for me to tell you how I want to spend those minutes this year, right?

Well here's a few:

~ Patience: Other than getting this baby out of me! a significant amount of time will go towards caring for a new baby and...uh...well...an "older" baby. Trust me, I have already started praying for patience. Everyone loves to scare you with horror stories of the transition from 1 to 2 kids....the tantrums, the jealousy from the oldest, the lack of time with your husband, the feelings of loneliness, the fatigue...I've heard it all. So, Lord give me patience.

~ Save more $$$: I want to be a more frugal grocery shopper for starters. I need to be more diligent about planning meals and really put my creative skills at work using what we already have. I can do it when it comes to decorating. But, in the kitchen I can be kind of a spender. We are saving up to buy a car come spring (or whenever we can afford it). I've been driving the same car since my junior year of high school! It will be sad to finally see it go, but a Ford Focus is not ideal for a family car, let's be honest.

~ Get back into shape: Currently I'm sporting the "round" shape...but once this baby comes out, I don't want to be sporting the flabby balloon either. It's hard to imagine running right now, but I would love to do a 5k by the end of next summer.

~ Let go a bit: It's hard for me to admit it, but I can tend to be kind of a control freak. What happens in the end? I wind up feeling exhausted because I have to do everything myself. I want to feel like there's a plan in place, but that it's ok to be flexible sometimes. I've seen progress in the year's past, but I feel like it's flared up again recently. I just want to feel more freedom knowing that things don't always have to be perfect.

~ Love my husband more: Knowing this year is going to bring new challenges, I want to love Greg in ways that he needs. I'm good at loving people the way I want to be loved. But, it's harder when it doesn't come naturally. I pray I can build him up this year through more words of affirmation and acts of service.

A very wise mentor of mine said this to me recently, "when your life gets squeezed, what comes out? Is it ugly? Or is it Jesus?"  I haven't been able to stop thinking about that. I have seen some ugliness in 2010, and I pray there will be more Jesus in 2011.

So, let the accountability begin!

Oh dear, what have I gotten myself into....

The snow is gone, the TV is on, and the sickies keep comin...

Yes, over the weekend ALL of our fluffy white snow melted into the earth. Gone. I'm ok with it only because I know it will be back. Ohhhhhh, will it ever be back....But, it was a nice way to wrap up the holidays and switch gears a bit. We took the tree down and decided to invest in a fake one for the years to come. I never thought I would give in, but after all the needles this year....we were both done with the tradition. And with all the after-Christmas sales, we found a very nice tree for half the price! Can't wait to put it up next year!

We've also been watching our share of TV. Well, I should say Kensie is watching a lot of PBS these days while I plop on the couch with my laptop. 

Ever since this third trimester set in, I've resumed my perpetually tired state. With 10 weeks left, I wish I could zap myself with extra energy...but it seems impossible. I look forward to her afternoon naps just so I can get some shut-eye myself. I have little energy left and the remote calls my name--even if it's only 10 local channels. She is old enough now that she will actually sit through a whole show without moving. The above picture is a pretty accurate shot of her "zoned out" look. At least they are educational shows right?? Ok ok...she looks like she's losing brain cells, I know. We'll play pretend kitchen after this one I promise.

And, remember those molars that were coming in last week?? They are here!! But, she simultaneously caught a nasty cold on New Year's Eve that's been taking a different toll on the poor girl. Yay for winter.

After hearing/ reading a number New Year's resolutions the last few days, I've made a few "vague" ones of my own. But, we'll save that for another day.

Happy New Year!

Rough morning

Thank goodness for naps!! I can't say it enough. Today has been one of THOSE days.

This morning we headed over to a friends house. Kensie was prepped and excited to play with their new puppy, while I was planning to help my friend make one of those frames I made over the holidays here. It was a win-win in my book. I could get some craft/adult time with a dear friend, and Kensie could play to her heart's content in a different environment with an adorable little dog named Toby Mac.

WRONG.

Kensie DID love the dog at first. She's always been a dog lover--any shape, any size. It doesn't matter. But, today she began crying every time that cute little pup yipped or would get too close to her. She would run to my heals and beg to be picked up. After enough times we tried moving to the living room where Kensie could play with Lego's. The dog was separated by a gate in the dining room at this point. But, as soon as I left the room she would come running and beg to be picked up. I was sure if she got distracted enough she would play independently like she always does.

Anyway, to make a long story short....

I realized after feeling her gums 2 hours later she has 2 huge molars squeezing through those puffy red gums! Poor girl!! No wonder she has been so clingy the last few days. And the funny thing is, I've been PRAYING this would happen. I know, crazy right? She's just had quite the slowwww teething process. Only getting one measly tooth at a time. I joke with Greg that by the time she's done teething, baby Mason will just be starting! Ugh. The joys of motherhood. Anyway, I know she will be miserable for another day or two, but it will be so worth it in the end.

Why can't they just get them ALL at the same time??

I will say, I do enjoy feeling so needed by her. Nobody can console her these days, not even Dada (which is sad for him)...but hopefully she'll be back to her happy self soon. In the meantime, I will take all the cuddles I can get.

A berry quiet Christmas Eve...

After a busy week, and expecting another busy day tomorrow...I'm definitely enjoying today. A restful Christmas Eve. No plans. No schedule. Just some light cleaning and prep work, waiting for the hubby to get off work tonight and ready to enjoy some much needed family time. Just the three of us.

And even though this year the tree is not by the fireplace, I found a way to still make it just as festive.

Do you see a berry theme going??

I love the pops of red next to my favorite color green.

Hope you are all finding time to rest in the midst of the holidays! Merry Christmas!

Feelin' it...

...the stress of the holidays that is.

I love Christmas. Really, I do. Decorating. Shopping. Christmas music. Celebrating our Savior's birth. The one day I know for sure my hubby doesn't have to work. I could sit at home all month with my husband and daughter with the tree lit, the fire a blazin' and a yummy homemade meal and watch in excitement as they open their presents. I also love having great friends for get togethers with no expectations other than enjoying good company.

But, unfortunately....it's the family parties that have been stressing me out. You've been there right? Good. Didn't think I was the only one. Well, am I ever there.



It started last year when Kensie was only 3 months old. As a new mom with the "first" grandkid, it was a BIT overwhelming. I couldn't have my baby sleep when I wanted or where I wanted. There was nowhere comfortable to nurse at any of the parties. And I felt so alone. Greg's schedule was absolutely nuts last year. And it just got to be too much too soon. (That's the short version). This year, I'm 6 months pregnant with a 15 month old....feeling like all I want to do is stay home in my candy cane PJ's, wrestle with my 1 year old and watch Christmas movies with my hubby.

When it comes to parties, Greg and I have very different views. Not bad, not wrong, just different. If there were 5 family parties on five different days in a row, he would go. He would be excited to go. For me...not so much. I look at the holiday season as a whole. One too many parties scheduled on the calender and I start to flip out a little -- namely extended family parties.

Anyway.....last night I think I cried for 30 minutes after going to bed. So bad in fact, that I came out into the living room and just sat there in the dark. Pitiful I know. Maybe pregnancy. Maybe stress. Maybe both. Or, maybe I just need to suck it up...

But, I would love to hear what your families do for the holidays. Do you go to BOTH extended sides? Do you reserve Christmas Day only for you and your kids? Do you rotate every other year? What has worked well, and what hasn't??? Any comments are welcome.

Christmas cookie cutters!

Yesterday, I spent the morning baking 2 dozen classic sugar cookies {with frosting and sprinkles of course} for my first ever Christmas cookie exchange!

Yes, there's a first time for everything.

I would rather cook than bake--any day of the week. It's not my best skill.

Anyhoooo....this morning I came home with two plastic containers packed with all kinds of yummy treats ready to offer guests between now and the big day. Well worth it.

So, what did I do with the $5 bucket of cookie cutters from Aldi?

The same thing any "anti-baker who wants to look like she's Susie homemaker" would do....

I hung them in my kitchen!

These jumbo-sized guys are with the rest of the cookie cutter clan but, they made their debute on the side of the cupboard instead of the garland. It was getting a bit heavy.

So, even though it appears as though I unclip those darling cut-outs from that silky ribbon and bake all day and night throughout the holidays....

Really, I just think they are cute and festive...and why not appreciate them everyday instead of them lurking in the back of my cupbaord all season next to that ugly vase I can't seem to get rid of?

Do you like to bake during the holidays? If so, come over anytime.

Please and Thank you.

Cheese please...

The BAD NEWS is...

I am having a CHEESE fetish lately.

Sliced cheese

Mac 'n Cheese

Cheddar flavored chips

Melted cheese on tortillas, eggs, soups, sandwiches, pretty much anything

and...

Cheezits

Notice how the last one ends in "zits"...also happening these days. Awesome.

The GOOD NEWS is...

I am a few days away from officially being in the third trimester! YES!!

This second trimester has gone by much faster than the first. Praise.the.Lord.

I am so thankful for the ability to carry another healthy baby, but I have to be honest:

I don't love the pregnancy stage.

My legs hurt. My back hurts. My brain is...uh...gone. I can't remember yesterday, what I just ate, where my phone is, if I shut the garage door, how old my daughter is or where she is......ugh!

3 more months....3 more months....3 more months....

A fun way to display your Christmas cards!

Here's a creative way to redo a frame and turn it into a fun way to display cards, pictures and your kids artwork...

1) I took the frame OFF this painting. This snapshot was taken last fall, and the painting has been moved to a new wall space since then. It's amazing how much a frame (or lack there of) can change the look of a piece of artwork. I love the painting so much more now without the frame.

Ok, moving on....

2) Paint the frame however you like!


I used my trusty crackle spray paint from Hobby Lobby. After each coat, I sanded it around the edges a bit to get the antique look I wanted.




3) I used tacks and pushed them gently into the backside of the frame. 5 tacks on one side of the frame and 6 tacks on the other evenly spaced. This creates the zig-zag look I was going for.

4) Next, I used my (seemingly endless) twine to create the zig-zag.
I tied off the first one securely and simply strung it back and forth around each tack until I reached the end--then, tied it off securely at the end.

(Make sure it's pulled fairly tight, so it doesn't sag when you add the clips and paper at the finish)


5) I bought some miniature wood clothespins (Hobby Lobby) to hang Christmas cards and some homemade snowflakes with.

6) Stand back and admire.....

I can't remember what blog I saw these snowflakes but, they are SUPER easy to make. All you need are pipe cleaners, pretty paper, a glue on jewel or button (whatever your taste), and some super glue! I made a ton to hang on the tree as well. These would be cute to put on a present too, don't you think?

I hope you find a fun way to display your Christmas cards! I can't wait to get more in the mail....it's always so fun!

Fabric Christmas trees

I found this really easy tutorial to make these darling Christmas trees...

Check out Shanty to Chic for directions.

I improvised a little, but all my supplies were from Hobby Lobby.

Minus the fabric--leftovers I already had.

My friend Megan had the idea to just glue the fabric to make it "look" ruffled, instead of using a machine to actually ruffle the edges. Thanks for the help Megan! I love them.

It's going to be hard to take them down after the holidays.

I may have to leave them up year round, cuz they are stinking cute!

Front porch and a snow munchkin

A neighbor down the street sold me this awesome cottage style bench for $60 last summer....love.

Red star stuffed with greenery from Hobby Lobby.

Some large branches I shoved in a tin bucket and filled with some bush clippings I picked up on a walk one day. I just wanted something to hang lights on, and this was the perfect spot.



I usually use this garland indoors, but I really like it outside (again with lights).

Vintage sled found at an antique store for $25. The red broom was a white elephant gift several years ago...random to put it on the sled, I know, but it's the right color, so......

After knocking down the icilces. Now, I can walk out of my house without fearing for my life (or Kensie's)...those things were scary.

Now, for some utter cuteness:

I think playtime in the snow was a success...look at those red cheeks!

She took the BEST nap after this.

Stay warm friends!

Four things...

{1} Some seriously pretty (but deadly) icicles that need to be knocked down...

{2} I got myself an early Christmas present. Not something I would normally wear, but I love it! It was from a Premier Jewelery party, and I've had SO many compliments on this beauty.

{3} I FINALLY got my hair done. It's been 6 months. I had been looking for a new hair stylist that is close and affordable....harder than you think. But, thanks to FB--I found one and booked an appointment 4 days later! How much? $55 for all over highlights and cut/ style. I was so pleased, and only wish I could style it like this again...

{4} My Mom, sister Lauren, and I were able to enjoy a girls night in downtown GR that same night! It felt so good to dress up, have a fresh hairstyle, go to a fancy place for dinner and just enjoy some good girl talk. I love you beautiful ladies!

Stay tuned for front porch decorations and a little snow munchkin with some VERY red cheeks! We've been playing in the snow all morning...I think it's time to warm up with some hot chai tea.

Happy Thursday!