Thankful Thirty: Day 30

I am thankful for my messy home and the pure exhaustion I feel every day. It means my life is surrounded by the love of children and that I am really living.


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Thankful Thirty: Day 29

I am thankful for Christmas trees and Christmas lights. There is something so peaceful about sitting in a darkened room with the lights glowing around you. I love this time of year!

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Thankful Thirty: Day 28

I am thankful for financial stability and that we don't have to struggle to pay our bills and can buy things we like here and there without worrying too much.


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What a Pinteresting Idea

I've been on Pinterest for awhile now, gathering ideas of things to do and make. One of the first pins I had was for this button wreath and I knew immediately that I wanted to make one of my own. I finally finished mine today - it's my first pinterest inspired crafting. What do you think?

Original:

From MathaStewart.com

Mine: 

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Thankful Thirty: Day 27

I am thankful for my cousin Amanda Rose who I love and miss dearly. I wish we lived closer to each other!

Amanda and LITTLE Jakey. Isn't she just gorgeous!!

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Thankful Thirty: Day 26

I am thankful for surprise 0530 phone calls asking if I want the day off from work. I am also thankful that I was able to use my surprise day off to put up Christmas decorations!

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Silly Saturday 11/26

This is totally inappropriate but funny all the same. I had the boys in the shower with me, as usual, and Jordan peed. I said something to Jacob about Jordan peeing and Jacob said he was going to pee on me.
Me: "Don't pee on me or I'll pee on you!"
Jacob: "Can you pee?"
Me: "Yes, I can pee."
Jacob: "Oh, you pee out your butt and I pee out my pee-pee"


Then just today, we put up our Christmas tree. When Matt turned the lights on both the boys were excited. But Jordan said, clear as day, "Yay!!" He has never said that before. SO cute!

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Five Question Friday 11/25/11

1. Is there a special dish you prepare that you are famous for?
No, not really. My husband does most of the preparing these days. We do like to do horseradish dip and dog food dip though! And pumpkin dip in the fall! I guess we like dips...

2. Are you (did you) go Black Friday shopping?
I woke up randomly at 4am and decided to do a little Black Friday shopping from the comfort of my bed. Matt was out at the stores. Later in the morning (around 10.30ish) we went back to the mall and it was crowded and annoying. We got the towels we are in love with, though, at a good price. So I guess it was okay :-)

3. What are your strangest holiday traditions?
I honestly can't think of any. When I was younger I used to dress up as a pilgrim or an Indian every Thanksgiving. That's a little strange, lol.

4. Pecan or pumpkin pie? 
PUMPKIN!!!!! For sure!!

5. When will you put up your Christmas tree?
That's a very good question. I would have liked to put it up this weekend but that darn job of mine got in the way. Next weekend we're pretty busy with Jacob's birthday party. So I'm not sure. Possibly sometime this week. Possibly even after I get out of work tomorrow or Sunday. I'm ready to Christmas-fy this place. I just need some energy! And a babysitter!




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Thankful Thirty: Day 25

I am thankful for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For His unconditional love and the sacrifices He made for me and everyone else. I am thankful that I grew up in a family that knows and loves Jesus and that some day I will walk with him in the Kingdom of Heaven.

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Happy Thanksgiving

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Thankful Thirty: Day 24

I am thankful for the little things in life -- baby giggles, sleeping in, pumpkin pie, good music stuck in my head...

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FREE 8x10 Collage Print From Walgreens

Just a heads up for anyone who wants to have a collage printed, Walgreens has a coupon code out right now for a FREE 8x10 collage. Simply enter code "RGIFT2U" at checkout and select pick up in store for a completely free print. I have done this before and I just ordered a collage of Halloween.

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Wordless Wednesday: Gone, But Never Ever Forgotten

I love this man.

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Thankful Thirty: Day 23

I am thankful for the time I had.
I am thankful for the time I had with the most amazing man I've ever been blessed to know. Who was taken from us way too soon, fifteen years ago today. What a lucky girl I was to have him for a Papa. For a best friend.

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Thankful Thirty: Day 22

Today I am thankful for my coworker Nikki C. who sat on the bathroom floor with me this morning while I had an emotional breakdown. I didn't think I would ever be able to stop crying and if she hadn't come in there, I'm not sure if I would.

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Thankful Thirty: Day 20 & 21

Day 20: I am thankful to have an awesome sister in law, Melissa. I always wanted to have a sister ♥

Day 21: I am thankful that I got to see my two beautiful and amazing cousins, Tracy and Kelly. I am so proud of who they have become. But seriously, we have GOT to stop meeting like this! Next time that I see them, I hope it is for a fun and happy get together!


I am also thankful that my grandpa's funeral was as nice as a funeral can be. I am glad that I got to be there.


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Thankful Thirty: Day 19

I am thankful that I have been able to nurse for 13.5 months and counting. And that I was able to produce enough milk to not have to worry about running out and to be able to donate to two other moms!

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Thankful Thirty: Day 18

I am thankful that I am able to work only part time so I can spend the rest of my days at home with my kids. Even though they drive me absolutely crazy.

story of my life

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Puppies Vs. Babies: The Ultimate Showdown

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Puppies vs. Babies. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you heard of Puppies vs. Babies? It's an online photo contest that has been taking place, where the cutest puppies are battling against the cutest babies. So who do you think is cuter?

My first thought is that of course babies are cuter! I mean, they are babies!! They are squishy and fresh and oh so lovable! With their perfect faces and sweet little lips and noses. But... have you ever seen a puppy that wasn't cute? Didn't think so! And I have seen some not so cute babies! Puppies have those big eyes that they haven't quite grown into yet and those little noses and ears. Of course, my cute babies would beat out any slobbery ol' dog out there! I mean, Charlie was an adorable puppy {which is how he ended up a member of our family when I was very adamant about NO DOGS!} but my boys were definitely more adorable than him. Maybe I'm biased though! Either way, it's really a tough choice! I'm still not sure who I am going to vote for! What about you? Head over to the Puppies vs. Babies online contest and check out the finalists and put in your vote. 

 

Who are you voting for?? Let me know in a comment! 

 

 

Please note that the submission period for this contest is over and it is in the voting phase only. 

Thankful Thirty: Day 17

Today I am thankful for my husband's biological mother for the selfless decision to carry the pregnancy and then give that precious baby to his loving parents. She blessed so many lives with her decision and we are all very grateful for her. Plus she's a totally amazing woman and I am so glad that we got to meet her.

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Banana Boy

There is no way I can possibly do this story any justice. But I have to try anyway. Because I know anytime my mom and I read this post, we are going to laugh at the memories of today.

Today we went shopping at the mall and let the kids play in the play area when we were finished. Jacob, who seems to think being annoying is a good way to make friends {last time we were there he kept screaming at a girl he wanted to play with}, tried to fit in with this group of girls. There were about five of them and they were all probably around 4 years old. They really didn't want him to be a part of their group {although at one point I saw them all sitting under the tree lined up, funny!} The girls were standing in a group next to the tree and Jacob tried to join them. When they said no, he put out his hands and growled at them like a dinosaur. Then chased them around the tree several times. One of the little girls started crying and went to her mom to tattle on Jake. She then was apparently scared of him. She would run away any time he was even near her. She started calling him "Banana Boy" because he was wearing his yellow monkey shirt {or at least, I assume that's why!} and anytime she'd see him she'd shriek "Ahh! Hurry! Hurry! Banana Boy is coming!!" and run away. It was pretty hysterical. Jake, who won't take no for an answer, kept chasing these girls around growling at them the whole time. It really was a sight to see! So Jacob has earned himself a new nickname. Banana Boy sticks!

Help me out Mom, any details I missed?

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Wordless Wednesday: First Snow

Thankfully it has all melted!! 

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Thankful Thirty: Day 14, 15, & 16

Day 14: I am thankful for one of the doctor's who Matt works with who is always willing to help us out. He wrote for xrays and physical therapy for me so I can find out what's wrong and get better, when my own doctor wouldn't even call me back.

Day 15: I am thankful that I woke up with my back feeling a lot better and for physical therapy so I can keep it feeling better.

Day 16: I am thankful for Nexavar and Adriamycin, the chemo meds that my mom takes/took. They may have wrecked havoc on her body but at least they are also wrecking more havoc on that nasty cancer!

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Thankful Thirty: Day 13

Today I am thankful that my sweet Isabelle was adopted from Reuben's Room Cat Rescue. I am selfishly sad that I can't ever see her again {I've been meaning to go visit her but life always gets in the way, don't you hate it when that happens?} but I am so happy that she has a new forever home! <3 <3 <3

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Silly Saturday

I'm going to start implementing a new "themed" post on Saturdays called "Silly Saturday." My kids say and do funny things all the time and I need to start documenting it. So any week that I have something funny from them, I will post it in here.

Last Sunday when we went grocery shopping we brought Jordan along. We were walking through the produce section and as we passed the tomatoes Jordan excitedly exclaimed "BALL!!!"


Jacob was eating breakfast at the table. I was nursing Jordan on the couch. For those who don't know my house, the kitchen table is right behind the couch.
Jacob: "Fee Fi Fo Fummy. I smell a Mommy and she smells good. I will eat you. But I won't eat you because you are sitting on the couch."

Jacob calls the book "Alexander and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day" "Eric Carle and the Terrible Horrible No Good Very Bad Day"




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Thankful Thirty: Day 12

I am thankful for my brother Sean. We didn't always get along but he's my best friend now. And I'm missing him like CRAZY!!!!! He's the best brother ever. He's sweet and funny and very smart. Love him!

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Thankful Thirty: Day 10 & 11

I missed yesterday {it was a busy day!} so here are two for today!

1 - I am thankful for diaper liners! Without which, I may have lost a diaper today... :-P

2 - I am thankful for all those who serve and have served our beautiful country and allowed us all the freedoms we so often take for granted.

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Swagbucks Wants To Pay For Your Holidays

No, I'm not talking about the fact that it's so easy to earn points on Swagbucks just for doing the things you are already doing online {like searching, answering polls, watching videos} and those points can be redeemed for many items or gift cards. And I'm not talking about the fact that I paid for a lot of Christmas gifts, as well as my husband's birthday gifts, with amazon gift cards I won from Swagbucks. What I'm talking about is the new Swagbucks Pays For Your Holidays sweepstakes that is going on now! So if you haven't joined Swagbucks yet {what are you waiting for?} now is the time to do it!

To enter the sweepstakes you simply create a wishlist through Swagbucks. The wishlist has a few criteria to follow (must have at least 5 items from at least 3 different categories. Total must equal a certain amount of swagpoints) and it's all laid out for you to see what you need to do to finish it. SO easy! You just earned yourself an entry for making a wishlist. Now, share your wishlist on twitter or facebook and earn another entry. You can do this every day for an additional chance to win,.

If you refer friends through your wishlist, you will earn another entry. If your referred friend creates their own wishlist and shares it, you'll earn an additional 4 entries from that friend. And your friend will earn entries for themselves as well.

On Monday, November 28, Swagbucks will pick one lucky winner to receive a $2500 amazon giftcard! There will also be weekly prizes given out during this contest.

If you are new to Swagbucks, enter the code "SBPAYSFORME" to earn an extra 80 swagbucks!! The code is good through November 18th for new members.

So what are you waiting for??


See the Swagbucks Blog Post for more information.



Disclaimer: If you sign up for swagbucks by clicking any of the swagbucks links in this post, I will get credit for referring you

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Five Question Friday 11/11/11

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?
Oh, that would be the Caillou doll that we bought for Jacob last night at Toys R Us. $32.99 for a doll seems a little ridiculous to me! BUT the look on his face when he sees his very own Caillou is going to make it all worth it! Is it Christmas yet?????

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?
I'm going to say Rachel Ray because she's the only one I can think of. But besides that, I love her smile and her happy personality and I think she'd be fun to hang out with. Plus she's an animal lover.

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?
Mostly they get to see the real deal. But unfortunately, our closet is a dumping ground too. Tackling that is on my to-do list.

4. Who is your oldest living family member?
That would be my grandma, Grammy, my mom's mom. She just turned 92 in October.

Here she is on her 90th birthday. Isn't she adorable?

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper)?
Well a Cherry Vanilla Dr. Pepper sounds delicious!!! But my favorite SONIC specialty drink is a Strawberry Limeade, hold the lime. Yeah..... I know...




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Thankful Thirty: Day 9

I am thankful for the amazing girls {and guys} that I work with, who make the awful days bearable and the good days a little more fun!

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Wordless Wednesday: Fall Leaves

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Thankful Thirty: Day 8

I am thankful that we live so close to an amazing Children's Hospital.

Jordan is home now and sleeping, whew. He was completely not himself and a high fever came out of nowhere. He got some meds and a chest xray which looked normal. Like a typical male patient, after talk of a catheter {and IV fluids and blood cultures} he turned himself around and perked right up, as if he knew what a catheter was! So we declined the tests {aka torture} and are keeping watch on him at home. Continued prayers for his recovery are appreciated!

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Jacob Michael, 35 Months (2 years 11 months)

In less than a month my {big} little man is going to be 3 years old. That just doesn't seem possible.

Weight: 34.2 lbs
Height: 37 inches
Favorite Food: He was in an anti-eating phase for a long time. He likes junk food though. And there's always room for a "gummy snack" (fruit snacks). He also loves cheese sticks, yogurt, granola bars, and apples. And McDonald's.
Favorite Toy: dinosaurs, blocks, Spiderman (he's spiderman, I'm a variety of bad guys), reading
Frequent Phrases: "mmmmhmmm" (at the beginning of the month), "What?", "Can I watch a movie?", "I want...", "I don't want....", "Can I do this?" (while doing something he knows he's not supposed to do), "Don't go without me!"
New Accomplishments: nothing new this month
What We Did This Month: celebrated Jordan's first birthday, went to the apple orchard, celebrated Halloween - he dressed up as Spiderman, he got sick again with pneumonia :-(
Likes: Spiderman, candy, Monsters Inc, The Little Mermaid, gummy snacks, dancing and singing, reading books, going to his Grandparents' houses,  blocks, cars and trucks, dinosaurs, looking at catalogs, his medicine, collecting pine cones
Dislikes: taking naps, going to bed at night, trying new food, not getting his way, sharing

To Remember: His doctor's name is Dr. Wynalda. Jake calls him Dr. Wynola Bar. So funny!

Pictures:

jumping off the chair

helping with dishes

helping to rake

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Proud Mama Monday 11/7/11

I'm posting late so no link up today.

This past Wednesday I took the boys to the library, like I do almost every week. I was filled with such pride watching them both at Toddler Time.

When the bubbles came out, both kids were right out there trying to pop the bubbles. Jordan had his little fingers out ready to pop. Jacob was singing along. Then when we sang "What Can We Do Today?" Jacob was also singing along and doing all the motions. Jordan was doing his best to do the motions as well, clapping and then swinging his hands near his legs (we clap and then clap on our legs) It was SO adorable! I wish I would have brought the video camera!


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Thankful Thirty: Day 7

I am thankful to have a loving husband who supports me in what I do. Who helps with dishes and bathing the kids. Who cooks dinner and makes yummy treats. Who lets me take naps on the weekend. And who loves me unconditionally even when I don't deserve it. Especially when I don't deserve it!

please ignore my fat face, I was pregnant in this picture :-)

PS - Feel free to stop by his blog, Mr. This and That, and say hello!

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Thankful Thirty: Day 6

I am thankful for afternoon naps. I don't get them often but they are so refreshing!

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Thankful Thirty: Day 5

I am thankful for my in laws. I couldn't have married into a better family!


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Jordan at 13 Months

Weight: Okay I win the "Bad Mom Award" because not only have I not been weighing Jacob at his months but I also forgot to weigh Jordan at his. And his weight is actually still changing!!
Height: see above
Favorite Food: anything and everything!! He is SUCH a good eater. The only thing we have found so far that he doesn't like is anything spicy
Words: "ball" "mama" "woof" "bubble" "eat" He also says "thh" anything he's pointing to something
New Accomplishments: he gives kisses and makes kiss sounds (so cute!), he can blow kisses, he's walking really well now even in shoes, he can climb on anything, he can climb out of his high chair (grr), he brushes his hair, he can flush the toilet, he can point to things, got tooth #6
What We Did This Month: We had Jordan's 1st birthday party, we went to Klackle's apple orchard, Jordan had his 1 year doctor appointment, we went to the Zoo Goes Boo, we celebrated Halloween (though technically that was after his month-birthday)
Likes: eating, copying his brother, his mom, balls, climbing, being held, nursing, his sensory block, eating paper, magnets, looking at the tree in our front yard, books, blocks, "flying" (being swung in the air), playing with the dog's dishes, water, baths/showers, bubbles, going to the library, his rocking horse
Dislikes: having his diaper changed, spicy food, brushing his teeth, being set down, being held on his back like a baby, bottles

Pictures:

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