Karter 4.5

Happy 1/2 birthday Karter!

What are you doing at 4.5?

• You are still a very picky eater, You love pb&j, bologna and cheese, pizza and hotdogs. You hate veggies and anything that mixes more than one food group. You love chinese food.
• You are such a people person, you love watching people and how they interact. You seem to know when people need an extra hug.
• You love preschool. You have lots of friends, and enjoy learning
• Your speech has taken off, everyone told me it would but everyday I am so impressed with where you have come from!
• You love to read. You read me and your dad Green Eggs and Ham from start to finish, You have most of the book memorized.
• You are almost 4 whole years of being siezure free. Praise God!
• You love Jesus, and tell me about it all the time.
• you love babies. you always want to hold them
• 

From Last year when you were 3 and 1/2!

Gav 2.5

You are 2 and 1/2!

• You have tons of questions, you always want to know who what when where and why
• You have quite the temper. I often joke with my friends that you look like a pissed off snapping turtle when you are angry. You yell, shake, and sometimes I swear I even see smoke coming out of your ears. We laugh that you act like jackjack from the movie the Incredibles
• Like the little girl who had a little curl, when you are good, you are VERY VERY good! You are fun to take places because you are interested in things and are very well behaved.
• You still take about an hour nap every day. You go to bed around 8-9pm
• You are totally potty trained. You have been since late summer.
• You cant wait to go to preschool, you love all of karters friends and i think you think they are your friends too
• You have an amazing imagination, you can pretend to be anything and everything and you always have a story to tell.
• You love tools, and pretend to fix anything. This Christmas we got you a power wheels gator and we unplugged the battery so you wouldn't drive it in the house. You figured out how to plug it back in while karter was in it, and he accidentally ran you over.
• You love your chewie. You have quite the entourage for your bedtime company. You have to sleep your chewie (your rocket ship blankie) and Geoffry, and a t rex
• You know most of the names of dinosaurs. Stegosaurus, t rex, teradactyll, triceratops just to name a few.
  

Some pics of when you were 1 and 1/2!

While the laundry cycles...

I am trying today to catch up on the HUGE pile of laundry that I have let go due to a laundry list(lol) of excuses. So I am listening to my mom and setting a timer. I have folded and put away the last load of laundry and I am treating myself to a blog.

First of all, My friend, whos shower I was suppose to throw saturday had her beautiful baby boy that day instead. Everyone is doing well, and I am so happy for her.

Second. The weather is nasty today. I called K into school today because it was an early out (due to weather) and I didnt want to mess with driving in for 2 hours...

Third, My house needs some attention from me. My undecorated christmas tree is still sitting in the middle of my living room and my bedroom floor is carpeted with dirty clothes.

I need to do the boys 1/2birthday posts. I will post them later.

quote from a friends page...

"at the end of the day,

what you choose to focus on,

can either tear you down or keep you going"

I love this song...

I've been listening to a lot of Christian Radio these days. I love that station, even though usually my radio is tuned to country. Lately this song has been on the radio. I found the lyrics to the chorus today.

Sidewalk Prophets - The Words I Would Say lyrics

Be strong in the Lord and,
Never give up hope,
You're going to do great things,
I already know,
God's got His hand on you so,
Don't live life in fear,
Forgive and forget,
But don't forget why you're here,
Take your time and pray,
Thank God for each day,
His love will find a way,
These are the words I would say

I feel like I have been looking for something recently. God is really trying to speak to my heart and I am trying to find a way to make more time for him in my life.

waiting....

Today I am waiting. I was suppose to host a baby shower for a close friend today but instead I am waiting. The building is decorated, the food is still frozen in my deep freeze, and it too, is waiting.

Today instead of throwing a baby shower, I was suppose to be holding a hand of a close friend as she has her first child. But her blood pressure is rocket high, the hospital said no visitors and I am at home...waiting.



We have no power at my house, since 11am yesterday, i have been... waiting.



God is really working on me with my waiting, and my worrying. He is showing me that as I wait and worry, I should be praying and waiting to see what HE has in his plan. Because after all, it is His plan, not mine. I can worry and worry and worry and it does no good, I need to trust that God has this. He has everything.



So many people in my life are spending their days waiting. Waiting for a job, waiting for a raise, waiting for love, waiting for a cure for cancer, waiting for clear bloodwork, waiting for a positive pregnancy test. The majority of them are waiting for things far bigger than I have ever had to wait on. Maybe thats what I should do while I wait for my often trivial and insignificant things... maybe I should spend more time in prayer for those who are waiting for those major things. I am blessed, that Scott has a job, and that we found each other, and we have 2 amazing kids that are healthy. God has held my life in his hands and guided me where I need to be.

luv B

http://theredkitchen.wordpress.com/2009/08/04/mexican-monkey-bread-pizza/

i cant wait to try this!

SAHM, among other things.

"Sometimes I look at other people and their lives and everything they've accomplished- And I haven't- And then I look at one of my kids and know that not a single day has been wasted. And what's important are all the days still to come." Sally Fields as Nora from Brothers and Sisters

I stay at home (kinda) with my kids. I am constantly annoyed by the people (most without kids) who assume that by staying at home with the boys, i also nap with the boys, watch tv with the boys and just generally lounge with the boys. I don't. I am trying to do what Scott and I decided was the best thing for "our" family. I understand it just doesn't work for everyone, and that's fine, but don't say things to me like "well then you should just get a job if your kids drive you crazy" guess what!?!? everyones kids drive them crazy, its part of being-- well, kids. I do have a job. Raising my kids is my job, just like a police officer goes to work, or a teacher teaches school. I am a taxi driver, a mediator, a shrink, a cook. I have no real degree, i don't spend my day climbing any corporate ladders, instead, I spend it, wiping butts, and cleaning up miss-aimed pee, and helping my 4 year old get to the next level in mario world, and making completely separate meals for a kid that cries if ketchup touches his plate. Just because I don't necessarily LIKE my kids some days, (i always love them tho)doesn't mean I am going to throw in the towel and send them packing to daycare.

Granted, not all days are as productive as some. And there are some days I would like to send everyone back to bed for the morning and start over. I get back-sassed by my almost3 year old. My almost 5 year old, tells me to "just ignore it" There are days when nothing gets done, because nothing was attempted. But there are other days where nothing gets done, and i tried and tried to get things done. But I am here, sitting with someone with a fever, giving a breathing treatment, holding a whiny toddler because he didn't sleep well the night before, folding laundry, folding more laundry, refolding laundry. I know that I have lots of room for improvement, I am learning to be a housewife, and striving to be a better mom and wife.


"Sometimes I look at other people and their lives and everything they've accomplished- And I haven't- And then I look at one of my kids and know that not a single day has been wasted. And what's important are all the days still to come."

When I watched this episode, I actually got up out of bed and wrote this down and taped it to my fridge. Everyone has their own priorities, and more often then not, I spend time worrying if those should be mine as well, Should i be going to school too? Should I not have more kids so we can buy everything K & G want? And then, I look at my kids, heads spinning around as they scream "ME NOT GROUCHY" with their dirty faces and mismatched clothes (don't worry we didn't go in public that day) and I think that I am right where I am suppose to be.

Blessed...

I am blessed.
I have an amazing husband and 2 beautiful, and healthy kids. Our house is coming together. I have an Amazing God, who shows me everyday how much he loves me, and who teaches me to step out of my comfort zone to help others. Who is showing me that with prayer and faith, things are possible.

Karter and I have been hanging out a lot together. He seems to be changing again. I notice he is taller than he was a month ago. He is talking more and more everyday. Everytime I see him, I thank God. People often comment about how he has a "wise-ness" about him. He can tell when people are having a bad day or need a little extra cuddle. He finds hidden humor in situations that are beyond his years. Whenever we are in the driveup at mcdonalds he insists on putting our change in the bucket. I smile, and I drop in our extra change. Whenever i read a story about a child with cancer, it knocks the air out of my chest. We were so close to that being us. When K was diagnosed with his seizures an early MRI showed a "mass" on his brain. We didnt know, and were faced with so much uncertainty. Looking back, I dont really even remember being relieved that it wasnt cancer because I was so overwhelmed with the concept of seizures. I just have to close my eyes and that feeling of the air being knocked out of my chest, is just as close as it was all those years ago. In about 2 months, we will be celebrating 4 whole years since K's last seizure. Isnt God amazing!?!?!

kellys coffee punch

I am trying this for brookes shower!
http://kellyskornerrecipes.blogspot.com/2008/03/coffee-punch.html

mints!

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon butter, softened
3 cups confectioners' sugar
2 drops peppermint oil
any color food coloring paste (optional)
Directions
1.In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, butter, and confectioner's sugar. Mix in peppermint oil. Color as desired with food coloring paste, or leave white.
2.Roll mixture into small balls, and place on waxed paper. Flatten with a fork dipped in confectioners' sugar. Let dry for about 2 hours on waxed paper, then freeze or refrigerate

maybe too much nintendo??

"You and me mommy, were like mario and luigi!" -Karter age 4 1/2

Brrr i'm cold.

Its cold here today, this week, this month. Iowa is experienceing record snow totals for the year (its only the 8th day of 2010 mind you) Its cold, like take your breath away, hurt your teeth, makes so crunch cold. I have been trying for 4 days to get something done. Something noticeable. But Im cold and everything is at a frozen standstill. When we first moved here, things were almost always neat and clean. now, the boxes (well the ones we can find) are unpacked and as it turns out, all of our crap moved with us! The boys tipped over a basket of folded socks tuesday, they are still all over my living room! I have tried to clean them up, but they dont stay that way. I try to clean my toliets, but they get dirty faster than I can walk out of the room, it never fails the minute i put the cleaner in the toliet (you know the kind that has to sit for 5-10 minutes) SOMEBODY has to pee. I tell my mom I want one of those irobot rumba vaccums, she just laughs at me. She's right really, a robot sweeper would just get lost under a pile of clothes, or eat a stray sock, or continue to just run back and forth into the power wheels gator we have sitting in our living room until the artic iowa tundra thaws out. Its no use, I will just have to vaccum my own floors, pick up the boys toys, and continue about my day, but right now I really just want to wrap up in my snuggie (yes i have one) and hibernate.

love,
B

Wise words from Mother Theresa

From MckMamas Blog today, thought i would share, I am printing this off to put on my fridge!

love, B

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered;
forgive them anyway.


If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, alterior motives;
be kind anyway.



If you are successful you will win some false friends and true enemies;
succeed anyway.



If you are honest people may cheat you;
be honest anyway.




What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;
build anyway.




If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;
be happy anyway.




The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;
do good anyway.




Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you've got anyway.




You see, in the end, it is between you and God;
it was never between you and them anyway

White Chocolate Raspberry Cheesecake!

2 cup oreps
3 tablespoons white sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
1 jar of seedless red raspberry jelly
2 cups white chocolate chips
1/2 cup half-and-half cream
3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup white sugar
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract


Directions
1.In a medium bowl, mix together cookie crumbs (i use my food processor), 3 tablespoons sugar, and melted butter. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan.

2.In a saucepan, melt jelly until runny, then let cool.

3.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Melt Chocolate chips with 1/2 & 1/2 in microwave.

4.In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time. Blend in vanilla and melted white chocolate. Pour half of batter over crust. Spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over batter. Pour remaining cheesecake batter into pan, and again spoon 3 tablespoons raspberry sauce over the top. Swirl batter with the tip of a knife to create a marbled effect.

5.Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until filling is set. Cool, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 8 hours before removing from pan. Serve with remaining raspberry sauce.

How you know your a new homeowner

1.) you would much rather go to menards, homedepot, lowes than oldnavy, childrens place, target and kohls.

2.) When you do go to kohls or target, all you are looking for are pieces for your new home.

3.) Spending little amounts of money on things like gas, groceries, etc,

Happy Late anniversary!

4 years and 5 days ago i married this hottie!

So in keeping with my last few top 5 posts, here are the top 5 reasons i love my husband- in no perticular order:

1.) The way he tries to "swallow his dimples" when he is lying or trying to pull one over on me!

2.) He is an amazing dad. He loves the kids and they love him. Watching as they trudge behind him on the way to the shop, or when they are wrestling in bed, or sleeping on the couch, or even playing trucks on the floor makes me swell with pride and love for him (and them)

3.) He is a hard worker. Even though i complain about how much he works, he is a hard worker. Who else would put in 95 hours a week for his family.

4.) He is a good friend. He is always there when people need him and will go out of his way to help someone. No matter where we go, he can make friends. He is easy to get along with, and can fit in anywhere.

5.) He loves me. Like really loves me, even when i am most unloveable. He takes care of me when i am sick, holds me when im cranky and supports me when i feel like i can break at any moment. He really is my rock.

My new years resolutions

Sabrina, This year we are making new years eve resolutions, YOU CAN KEEP!



1.) Start and continue to make our bedroom a "kids free" zone! You are tired of sleeping with lost rescue heroes, and steping on legos when getting up to the go to the bathroom, the kids each have their own room, there is plenty of space for their toys. You have a family room, where you can do family things, so move the family things out of your bedroom and into the family room. To do this, you will need to:

-fix the antenna so the family tv gets all channels, even channel 5.

- get out of bed, first thing in the morning so you arent tempted to lay in there and watch cartoons,

- finish your bedroom, so it looks more adult, and less contruction

-make a no toy policy for your bedroom.



2.) Slowly and when we can afford it, finish our basement



3.) Try to make it to the gym to work out at least once a week, move to twice a week when this becomes an easy task. 1 year goal- 3 times a week! Its time to start taking care of YOU. When you are healthy, you can raise healthy kids, and be a better mom and wife.



4.) Call & email my grandparents more.



5.) Be a better, more patient mother. Remember to have 2 and 4 year old expectations.



4.) Find a church family, I love going to church but need to find somewhere where we feel like we fit in.

5.) learn to sew.