I'm sick . . .

. . . but that did not hold me back from going to the Chocolate Wine Festival this weekend.  I have wanted to go for the past three years, but have not had the chance to attend.  So today, after Kaydance's nap, I had planned to go.  Of course, this meant I needed to actually get out of my p.j.s, take a shower and do my hair.  All three relatively menial tasks that should not be such an issue.  However, this mama is sick.  I have some sort of crazy cold that has me coughing up a lung, a headache that could rival any migraine I have had in years and some SERIOUS sinus pressure.  All make accomplishing previous mentioned tasks, difficult to say the least.

But there was wine AND chocolate.  So, Kaydance went down for her nap and this mama got in the shower.  I even did my hair.  It is amazing what a little wine and chocolate will do for motivation.  Kaydance had a blast.  She got to spend a good portion of the day on the playground and enjoyed her share of swings.  Mommy and Gama enjoyed some quality chocolate and partook in some local wines.  I highly recommend the dark chocolate covered cake batter truffle. Yum!

Enjoy our afternoon . . . I sure did . . . sick and all.

 

Besties

I can't help it . . . 

We all need friends like this.

Someone to listen, someone to hold

Someone to give you support in times of need.

Or just someone to lean on when at the end of the day, you are just plain wiped out.  

Giving Emmy some loves . . . 

A leave of absence . . .

Over the past two months, I have taken a close look at how I spend my days.  One blaring truth was quite apparent.  The ratio to computer time to chore time was in no way even.  The time I spent on the computer greatly out weighed the time I spent doing chores.  Now, you might think this to not be such a big deal, but when the chores pile up and my stress level reaches a boiling point, something has got to give.  So,  I took a slight leave of absence from the computer for the past month.  I have found that rationing my computer time is the key.  Chores were finished, quality time was spent with my family and most of all, my sanity was left intact for the month.

Of course because of my break, some very important blogs were left unwritten.  For instance, we went on our annual trip to Mammoth.  The baby turned 11 months.  Oh and she also turned 1 year!!!!  What in the world???!?!?!?  So I will catch you up over the next few days.  But for now I will leave you with a few pics from our trip to Mammoth.

Kaydance was a rockstar.  She took to camping like a pro and had a blast.  Unfortunately my family was not able to come with us this year.  So it was different and new.  I found myself kinda lost for the first couple of days.  However, with some nice hikes, some much anticipated Looney Bean Coffee and some great runs around the town, I found my stride and enjoyed myself throughly.

Am I crazy?????

So I know I am not alone.  But in 10 days, my family of three will spend 11 days camping.  One of the three is 10 months old.  I am nervous for many reasons.  One, that the noise from the campground will hinder her sleep.  She has such a great schedule right now, I do not want to mess with that.  Two, that she will start having night wakings again, she has slept through the night since 8 months.  Three, that said night wakings will wake people in our campground, thus labeling us as "that family."  Four, that all three of these things will happen and I will go insane.  All this to say, I am nervous . . . BUT I know how great it will be for her to experience a past time that her mommy and daddy love so much.  We got a little baby tent and plan on putting it in the truck, while Michel and I sleep with the dog in the tent.  I think that this will help a bit with my reservations.  

So, anyone out there have any tips????  If so, please please please share!!!!

2011?

So I will be honest . . . I detest "A year and review," posts.  You can only read so many of those before they all start to sound the same.  However, they did cause me to stop and take a glance at my past year and decide what this coming year might look like.

The past year has been so eventful.  There were a lot of firsts.  A few . . . first baby, first loss of a job that I really loved, sister's wedding and sister in law's wedding.  What will this year hold, I am not sure, but my prayer is that I am able to fully embrace it for all that God created it to be.

 I start my new job on Tuesday and although I am so happy that God has blessed our family with this opportunity,  a part of me is very apprehensive.  I know that this is what God wants for us . . . that has been made clear.  I also know that where I can't be, due to my job, He will fill with capable people.  But, that said, it is so much easier to write those words than believe them.

Believing this, is the start of accepting God's plan for my life. This year I believe is a year of renewal, peace and prosperity.  I believe that I will be able to look back next year and see what I wrote and see truth in it.

TLC is my drug of choice . . . .

I have a good friend who wrote this blog. It had me questioning my parenting skills when all was said and typed out. You will find my post to her blog below. Read . . . tell me what you think.

Seriously, I watch that and Food Network ALL day long. I am a new mother and my 5 month old knows when Paula Dean is on the t.v. and LOVES "Say Yes to the Dress." At first I found myself wondering if I should turn the t.v. off. In the end, I realized that my cabin fever was about to get the best of me. My sanity required some form of outside connection and TLC and Food Network was just that. So daily I wake, watch the Today Show followed by a collaboration of my two favs. I know that my child is better off because of my addiction. So judge me if you want, but at the end of the day, I have a very happy child and I have not gone insane.

Prime-Time Musts (Kaydance is asleep when I watch all of these):

Grey's Anatomy
Private Practice
Lie to Me
Bones
House

Pumping Sucks!

I went away this weekend with some girls, leaving Kaydance at home with daddy. I have pumped before, but not as the ONLY way that we are getting any milk out. I did it all weekend and I don't think I ever completely emptied myself. Seriously, nothing is as good as the real deal. I love my daughter, but leaving made me love her even more and I think a LOT of that had to do with being able to finally get some relief when I got home. Just wanted to share . . . for those of you who exclusively pump, you are my hero, cause pumping sucks!

. . . Tis the Season . . .

. . . Where beanies and snow boots are dawned with care . . .

. . . for Festive Holiday appropriate night wear . . .

. . For snow-filled play dates paired with laughter and jest . .

. . . Where cuddles with mama are the very best . . .

Marcella and Johnny get married!!!

Marcella and Johnny got married this past weekend. It was a beautiful San Diego day that felt more like summer, less like fall. From the champagne in the bridal sweet to the moss on the dessert table, the day was perfection. Marcella did a beautifully classy job of making her big day, elegant, chic and a little bit country.

Kaydance made her first trip to San Diego this past Wednesday. Other than a brief stint . . . she slept the entire way and did not utter a peep. I was so proud to be her mommy. So many compliments were given and she allowed mommy and daddy to have a good time too. What a wonderful weekend it turned out to be!

4th of July Happiness . . .

Grizzley's Game on the 4th . . .

Michel not too Happy with picture taking time . . . "It is baseball time, Talitha, not picture time . . . "

Let's hear it for cooperation!

39 weeks pregnant at the Grizzley's Game . . . man it was HOT!

Stick a fork in me, I am DONE!

Here are some sausage toes to prove it . . .

Life Changes . . . We Move Forward

Olmstead Point, Yosemite National Park . . . 9 months pregnant

WOW! It has been a while. With school ending and major changes occurring, it left little room for blogging. The first of many changes and probably the largest, is as of May 29th, I was no longer employed. The school I had been working for had to make some major changes financially in order to survive the current economic conditions. We knew that unless some major changes had occurred, the lay-offs would begin. As a staff, we decided to wait until the very end of school to find out rather or not lay-offs would be needed. Many donations were given to the school, but in the end, it was not enough to save some from being let go. I was one of those that were chosen and it has been nothing short of a roller-coaster of emotions since.

I know that God has a plan for our lives. It is hard to understand why it will not include being a teacher at a school that I love and believe in. I know that in January, when I need to have found another job, God is going to give us a job that meets these three things. The first, it will be a job that I believe in, not something that will just bring in money. The second, a job that is close, as Kaydance will be 6 months old by then and I would like to be close to her. The third, a job that provides insurance for our daughter and ourselves. I know that our God loves to answer the cries of our hearts and that this is nothing new for Him. Trusting, believing and having FAITH, is our job and daily, I find myself checking my heart, making sure that I am not wavering.

The other "large" life changing event, is I am currently nine months pregnant and we eagerly await our daughter, Kaydance's, arrival. We pass her room every morning and find ourselves imagining what a month of time will bring. I believe that things that seemed so large, will dwindle in comparison to our new roles as parents. Many have said that loosing my job, could very well be a blessing in disguise. Through the loss of my job, I have already received one precious gift. I will be able to stay home three months longer than we had originally planned. Instead of having to return to work in October, I now am able to stay at home until January. What a blessing it will be to have those three extra months.

9 months pregnant in Mammoth Lakes, California

I ask that those of you that read this, be in prayer and agreement that the right job will come at precisely the right time. Also, pray for both Michel and I as we step into this new phase of our lives, trusting and applying the principles of Faith, will be essential in this process.

Unexpected Blessings . . .

I think that it must be common for soon to be, first-time parents to stress about, "Where it all is gonna come from?!?!?" This feeling of doubt, I have had to combat with who I know my God is and what He is capable of doing, my entire 31 years. I am blessed to be a product of a home that truly lived by faith in that VERY capable God. On a daily basis, my parents reminded me of what faith is and how we ought to live "in it." This life-lesson is one that I WILL teach my daughter. I hope to do so in the same way that my parents did, through their actions and not by words alone.

I believe that God not only wants to give us the necessities in life, but also bless us with the "I really don't need that item, but how cool would it be if we got it," type of item. I usually fight these blessings with the "are you sure?" and "really?" feelings and comments.

Since being pregnant, I have really had to "turn my receiver on." My mother uses that phrase all the time and I find it applicable to our lives more and more often these days. I have learned that the receiver is not the only one being blessed. The giver is also blessed by Him because of their obedience. To ask the "are you sure" and "really?" questions, only cheapens those blessings and I would be so bold to say that by doing so, you are not walking in faith and obedience with Him.

Today, I have been dealing with my own inner-struggles with finances, life, future and all that comes with being 33 weeks pregnant. Questions like, "Where are we going to get that money," "What kind of parent will I be" and "I barely have time to spend with my husband now, how are we going to do so when our child is born," have been swilling in my head all day long. I find that my husband has been struggling with the same questions today and we are in the middle of talking about these very questions, when a good friend pulls up. Out of his truck he brings a gift. This is not just any gift . . . you receive all kinds of wonderful items when you are expecting, but there are some that you register for and HOPE and PRAY that you are able to purchase them some day. As Michel opens his eyes, he sees this:

Our Kelty back pack!

There really was no way that we would of ever been able to purchase this. I registered for it out of faith, beliveing that this very "it is not needed but would be so cool if we had it" gift, would be given to us when the time was right. Seriously, his timing could not of been more perfect. Just as we were questioning where money was going to come from, He blesses us with a truly OUTSTANDING gift. It was almost as if I could actually here Him saying, "see if I can give you this, just you wait and see what I have up my sleeve for the next blessing."

A future fashionista?

The local skate-shop was having a sale and DADDY gave in and bought Lil' Darlin' her very first pair of shoes.

I will say that I was surprised, I figured that I would be the first to "crack" and make the first spontaneous, un-budgeted purchase for our sweet girl. Daddy, I have to say, you keep going like this, you are gonna buy a "kitty" some day.

The next day at school, at colleague told me of a sale that Babies-r-Us was having. The LAST thing I need for Lil' Darlin' is more clothes. A seasoned mommy has already given me a TON of clothes, with promises that there will be more throughout Lil' Darlin's first few months. All that said, the deal was too enticing and this mommy loves to buy clothes. So with coupon in hand, I met a good friend and went a shoppin . . . .

Seriously, how adorable are these?!? Lil' Darlin' is gonna be one stylin little chic!

Admit it . . .

You have done it . . . You are in a hurry. There is no time at all to stop to look at the fun $1 section of Target. You have a mission, find gift, card and random kitchen item and get out. There is no time for anything else! Then it hits you . . . being pregnant makes this just that much worse . . . you have to pee!

So, you run into the bathroom, breaking the cardinal Target Rule, with non-purchased merchandise in hand to get the job done and get out. You find the closest stall, ignoring that "small voice" telling you to spend the time to find the stall that was used the fewest amounts of time in-between cleanings.

Hold on one moment . . . back up . . . on a regular visit to the Target bathroom, one is careful about which stall they choose. I tend to use the one that is furthest from the door and always check to make sure that there is toilet paper and toilet seat covers. I also do a quick spot check around the toilet to check for shady looking water puddles and will usually wipe the seat with toilet paper before applying the toilet seat cover.

Now back to the earlier conversation . . . so despite my better judgment, I ran into the closest stall, did not do my usual routine, went to grab the toilet seat cover and was faced with a choice. There were no toilet seat covers. The CHOICE became, do I leave this stall, get into the now-forming line and wait for one with toilet seat covers? Or do I choose door number two, which is grab toilet paper and make it be a substitute for the missing cover?

It took me all of two seconds to make that decision. I know you know what I chose, otherwise there would not be a blog about it. I begin putting toilet paper on the seat. Now, when one uses this method, they have to make sure they use enough that it stays put, but not so much that it becomes too heavy and slips into the toilet before you can actually sit on it. In this case I was a bit stingy and . . . well . .. .

I sat and miraculously, it stayed put, BUT this was the part I left out. If you do not put enough, it does not create the proper seal, thus becoming useless and unsatisfactory. Whatever was left by the last user, will seep through and you will find yourself in a very soggy situation. I found myself wishing I had just sucked it up and gotten back in line!

Needless to say, I learned a lesson this day . . . ALWAYS listen to that "small voice" when using the public restroom. Otherwise, you might find yourself in desperate need of a bidet.

because I CAN!!!!

I think that every pregnant woman gets some sort of flack from people. I have heard, "are you actually eating?" "Your really going to go for a run?" The latest that I have received is "You're wearing heels? Are you crazy?! Is that ok for the baby?" All I can say is, "Seriously, you are asking that question?"

Why does everyone believe that if you are doing something, looking a certain way or acting in a non-pregnant norm sort of way, you are OBVIOUSLY hurting the baby, or not being a good "host?" If I were one to be sensitive towards these type of comments, I would definitely be suffering from some sort of emotional trauma by now.

In the past, women covered their bellies, didn't do any unnecessary exercise, wear any inappropriate footwear and ate whatever they wanted. I am here to say, Yes I will run as long as I can, I will NOT eat whatever my heart desires and by God, YES, I will wear heels! These would be preferred of course . . . ;)

Bathroom Hang-Ups

Being at the bottom of a massive list of those that went before me, I thought that I knew just about all the pros and cons to pregnancy. I have heard the stories of happiness and the stories that make the most confident and capable person, tremble in their boots. I have seen DVD's that would make the most seasoned midwife blush and turn away from. I have cried with friends when they experienced loss and rejoiced with friends when miraculous blessings were handed to them by the gracious hand of God. However . . . there was one thing that I was not prepared for that hit me like a ton of bricks this morning . . .

Being a teacher, you have small windows of blessed opportunities to "rush" to the bathroom, quickly do your business, hopefully remember to wash your hands and practically sprint back to the classroom before chaos ensues. There is no time for lines, blunders, obstacles or hang-ups. To allow any of those to occur, would be utterly detrimental. So, this morning as I took care of "business" before the school day began, a blaring red flag waved victoriously in front of my eyes. What used to take me 2 and 1/2 minutes flat, will take me now, somewhere close to a very unacceptable 10 minutes to accomplish.

I count myself lucky to be 6 months pregnant and still able to fit in all of my pre-pregnancy pants. With the help of the trusty rubber band and loyal Bella Band, I can pretty much wear whatever I want. However, buttoning a button and pulling up a pair of pants, is a LOT quicker than fastening a rubber band into place through a series of loops and smoothing a Bella Band into place. Let me run you through both processes so that you may fully understand.
First, non-pregnancy pants for the non-pregnant individual, requires a total of 6 steps. #1 - pull up pants, #2 - button and zip pants, #3 - smooth shirt, #4 - walk out of stall, #5 - wash hands, #6 - leave bathroom and go back to class.Now, non-pregnancy pants with the Bella Band takes far more steps than a simple six. #1 - pull up pants, #2 - adjust pants, #3 - zip pants up as far as you can, #4 - fold left over zipper and button down so that the Bella Band can be put into place #5 - adjust pants, #6 - pull Bella Band into place, #7 - adjust pants, #8 - adjust the folded flap, #9 - fold top portion of Bella Band down, #10 - adjust pants, #11 - pull undershirt down so that it covers said Bella Band, #12 - adjust shirt, #13 - adjust pants, #14 - pull top shirt down, #15 - walk out of stall, #16 - wash hands, #17 - adjust pants, #18 - pray that the Bella Band works and does not leave you in a compromising position with a classroom full of 6th grade students, #19 - adjust pants, #20 - go back to class

I am tired thinking about it all . . . .

The 2:45 a.m. Terrorist

. . . I wake to the sound of what I believe to be someone tearing a whole in our wall. I look at the clock and see that it is 2:45 in the morning. I also realize at that point that my husband is on the ground next to the bed, loading his gun. I ask him what is wrong and he says, "Don't worry, it is probably nothing, but I am going out prepared." Paulie, wakes enough to realize that she has to go out, I grab her and say, "Sorry dear, you will have to wait." What I didn't say was, "Sorry dear, you will have to wait, daddy has to go shoot whoever it is who is trying to break into our house." I decided that regardless of Paulie's lack of intellect, her keen sense of poodle intuition is astute and she would of probably picked up the slight fear in my voice. So to not alarm her, I grabbed her and did what any good mother of a furry animal would do, I shoved her under the covers. Because, of course, as long as you are under the covers, no harm will come to you.

My husband leaves the bedroom with his .40 caliber and maglight in hand, and I wait, listen and try not to imagine the worst. I hear the front door open, I am imagining that Michel is going to use the element of surprise and round the side of the house to catch the perpetrator in the act. It was obvious that the terrorist was in the back. I see the maglight shine into the backyard and scoot further down in the covers and squeeze Paulie just a bit tighter. I lay in wait of any sound that might give clue to what is going on outside. I hear nothing . . . I decide that all must be well outside and begin to breathe again . . . but not too much, just in case. At this point I begin to imagine that at any moment someone was going to bust into our room while Michel is outside. It is at that point that I hear the front door open. I lay in wait, hoping, praying that it is Michel.

Michel quietly comes into the room, I wait for him to let me know what had happened. He does not say a thing. I ask, "So, what was it?" He says, "Well, we have one less raccoon for a neighbor."