Regular Ol' Days

I thought I'd give y'all a little update on our new routine, just for accountability purposes.  I've made some pretty drastic changes that have helped my sanity a lot.  Don't worry, it won't be minute by minute or anything.


1.  I started showering at night.  It is wonderful showering without someone screaming at you.  It is wonderful being able to get ready in 10 minutes each morning.  It is wonderful having time to do something with my hair since it's already clean and dry.  Why didn't I think of this sooner?


2.  Each morning (around 10:30 AM or so) I spend one hour of quality time with Millie.  I usually try and do a planned out activity, which makes me feel like Super Mom, but sometimes we just play with toys and read books.  During this one hour I cut us off from technology, unless it has to do with our activity.  So don't try calling me then :)  Of course if we have a friend over or go to play group that counts as our one-on-one time.  The above picture is one of our activities.  Coloring a box while sitting inside it.  It was a huge hit.


3.  I plan out a month's worth of dinners at a time.  This sounds like a huge thing, but it really was pretty simple.  One Sunday evening I just sat down with our calendar and a few cook books and planned it out.  This way I could space out the nights we have pancakes (hehe) better.  I could also look at "cook once, eat twice" strategies (like making a pot roast then using leftover shredded beef for tacos the next night).  It has been great having a plan in place for those weeks I only have a second in the grocery store so I pick up the bare minimum.  I saw something much cuter at my friend Jessica's house a few years ago, it just took a while for me to try it out.


4.  I bought a treadmill off of Craig List for $25.  It isn't in the best shape, but now I have no excuse to at least walk each night.  I figured out how to hang the ipad on the top so I can watch Drop Dead Diva on Netflix.  I don't (usually) allow myself to watch it without walking, so it motivates me to see if Jane had told Grayson yet...


There you have it.  I feel like Millie is learning and growing, and I'm helping.  I feel like I'm still taking care of myself.  I feel like I'm feeding my family well.  For now, everything else seems to fall into place on its own.  Of course we still get more than our fair share of screaming, throwing, crayon eating, messes, and endless amounts of untamed laundry.

You Win Some, You Lose Some

I recently (within the past few months) joined Pinterest.  It is a website that allows you to "pin" ideas you've seen from anywhere online (crafts, food, places to visit, fashion, home decoration, etc).  It makes it easy to keep track of everything you like.  You also have a social circle within Pinterest (if you'd like) that allows you to see what they are pinning and share your pins.

I have a love/hate relationship with the concept.  I love seeing great ideas, but it's easy to get discouraged and overwhelmed with everything.  Why didn't I think of that?  I did think of that, and now everyone will think I found it on Pinterest!  I never do anything like that with Millie!  Wow, I need to decorate.  Millie will look so cute in this.  Those are just a few things I think to myself frequently.

With the start of my new "strict" schedule, I was able to fit in a few of these "pins" to see if they were as great as I thought they would be.  Like the title implies, you win some, you lose some.

Winners first?  Okay.

1.  Play mat turned "rug."  You can find the inspiration here.

I actually love this one so much, I'm working on two!  This first one was already white on the back, which saves me hours of painting.  I'm planning a chevron striped mat for the kitchen.  Comfortable, simple.  Oh, and I bought this mat at a tag sale for $1.

This other one is for Millie's room.  Poor girl really needs a rug in her room.  I'm doing a stencil but haven't finished/perfected the method so just white pictures for now.  It will be mostly green when all is said and done.

My only complaint about the play mats themselves is that Millie is obsessed with pulling them apart.  I'm just hoping that when they are finished the design on the front will convince her it isn't a play mat anymore.  She's so smart though.

2.  Halloween Decorations

Pinterest is full of Holiday decoration ideas, and the black & white color scheme was showing up everywhere.  I made and bought our Halloween Decorations for literally less than $5 this year.  I'm not completely finished, but here are a few of the decorations.

These stuffed pumpkins are my favorite.  I used scraps of fabric and bought a pillow from Goodwill for $1 (to supply the stuffing).  The tutorial and inspiration can be found here.

3.  Reading Nook in Millie's Room

The inspiration can be found here.

Although this might not look like a winner, it is.  After reading that the original creator just used things from around the house I decided to do the same.  I used old curtains, a shower curtain rod, a big piece of ribbon, a command hook, and some pillows.  The whole thing took a few seconds to put together.  Of course with the items I just listed, it's pretty obvious it isn't durable or permanent.  I hope to make it so, but for now it's perfect.

I'd say Millie approves.

 4.  Artwork by Millie

Inspiration can be found here.

Love this so much.  I opted for watercolor since that is what we had and what I trusted Millie with using.  She didn't mind.  Basically you use painters tape to cover an area on a paper, have the child finger paint, remove the tape and you're done.  The best part is, I felt like Super Mom just for planning ahead and doing this simple little activity.

The Losers:

1.  Sleeping with socks in your hair to try and wake up with curly hair.  Terrible idea.  I slept horribly and it didn't work for me.  I would consider trying it again, maybe.  I would definitely place the sock curlers more strategically next time.

2.  Crockpot French Toast casserole.  We like our French Toast crispy on the outside.  I should have thought about that.  Basically I cooked it only to have to fry each piece of bread again to get the crispiness.  For us, it was a loser.

3.  Chocolate Peppermint Crinkle Cookies.  These were labor intensive (for a darn cookie) and tolerable at best.  I threw most of them away.  Definitely the biggest disappointment of my weekend.

For my Pinterest Followers, I'm planning on creating a pin board of the things I've actually done with a brief review.  I'd hate for someone to make those cookies and dis-like them without me warning them!

If you're interested in joining Pinterest and need an invite (you can join on your own, it just can take a few days) I'd be happy to invite you.  Just make sure you know it's great, time consuming, and might make you feel like a loser occasionally.  But we know you're really a winner.

The Brave Little Soul

I've been thinking of an old friend today who lost her little two year old boy last night.  I don't know the details of his passing, but I know surviving to the age of two was a miracle.  When Millie was born this sweet friend reached out to me to lend support.  She also shared her "Carepages" with me.  In reading her son's story I found this story she quoted.  It warmed my heart as I thought of my experience with the hundreds of strangers and loved ones praying and thinking of our sweet little Millie.  I hope you will say a little prayer for his family.

'The Brave Little Soul'

By John Alessi

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, 'Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?'

God paused for a moment and replied, 'Little Soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people's hearts.' The little soul was confused. 'What do you mean,' he asked. 'God replied, 'Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer... All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.'

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, 'The suffering soul unlocks the love in people's hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love - to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity.'

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, 'I am brave; let me go!! I would love to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people's hearts! I want to create that miracle!!'

God smiled and said, 'You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.'

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, 'Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.'

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God's strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people's hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys - some regained lost faith - many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. People checked a website and sent notes of encouragement. People made and brought meals to the family of the suffering. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened.  God was pleased.

Hi!

This is not Millie's actual Halloween costume, this girl just loves to play dress-up.  It was a back-up costume from last year.  This post needed a picture, and she just so cute (even if she does look a little sad, I promise she insisted on wearing it).

I don't know if its that I've finally faced the fact that summer is over or that Millie is getting so busy but I have nearly lost all sense of motivation.  I say nearly because I still try a little.

Sure my idea of scripture study is reading my quote of the day calendar.  Perhaps my idea of exercise is researching gyms and making low offers on treadmills on Craig's List.  Maybe Millie and I eat breakfast (again) for dinner when Buck has a work thing.  And yes, Millie learns a lot from Clifford, Sesame Street, and Curious George but so what?

The good news is that while I feel at a stand-still, Millie is still moving forward.  She still eats a lot, but her likes and dis-likes are becoming more apparent (darn it).  She is still gaining weight and getting taller, but a lot of her clothes from last fall still fit.  I don't mind though, since we haven't bought her anything new yet.  The big one, though, is that Millie is finally catching on to the whole language thing.

She had what I like to call a "language explosion" a couple of days ago.  I pulled out family pictures to teach her a few names, which she repeated for the first time.  I also finally got her to repeat a few different animal sounds and names (poor girl has been stuck on dog forever).  She's still dog obsessed, and insists on wearing her dog P-jams all the time.  Even in the day over her outfit.  It's unfortunate that Papi (Buck's Dad) sounds a lot like puppy, so he gets a bark after his name is repeated.  Yes, language is great.  It's only a matter of time before I can threaten to spank her bottom and she'll get it.

I'm really proud of her and all her hard work.  It just melts my heart anytime I see her "studying" her little books or sneaking into her room to point at our picture and say "mama" and "dada" just to practice.  That reminds me that I should probably put up some pictures of other people.

My goal to get out of this rut is to get back on a schedule.  We are strict with nap time and bed time but that is it.  I need to carve out some learning/activity time, alone time, snack time, etc so she and I have more consistent days.  I was pretty good at that when she was a baby-baby, but seriously she never stops moving anymore.  Maybe now that I put it out there, I'll actually do it.

Hope y'all are having a beautiful Fall day!

Warms My Heart

These sweet girls spent a good portion of the day holding hands while their Dad's strolled them around New York City.  We went on a little trip on Monday with some of our BYU friends and had a great time.  That was cute, but do you want to know what really warms my heart?


The other night Millie took her appetizer (ok dinner was running late so it was a bowl full of graham crackers) into the living room, set the bowl on the carpet, kneeled beside it and blessed her food.  I seriously almost cried.


I'm so glad she's catching onto good habits for now.  And she knows even graham crackers are a blessing.

Twenty One Months

I haven't written about how well Millie is doing recently, so I thought I'd catch you up.  It is hard for me to believe my little Millie is almost two.

Millie is quite independent.  She even opted for the bigger rocker in her room.

Don't worry, I didn't squeeze into the little one.

Pondering.

She swears up and down she's ready for high-heels,

but when I pull out these beauties there is no denying her hillbilly bone.

Oh, and until we find a children's table and chairs she'll be taking her snacks on the floor.  It's just too hard to dance to Wonder Pets in her high chair.

I finally picked out a pediatrician for Millie last night.  I called today to set up an appointment, but the line was busy.  Isn't that strange?  Oh well.  I'm not in a rush, and to be honest I'm always nervous to go to the doctor and take those little quizzes on what your child can do.  I know she isn't caught up yet, but she's doing fantastic.

Millie screamed her little heart out on vacation with my family.  I am happy to say her screaming has decreased significantly.  I think it is because she learned a few more words and ways to communicate with me.  She, bless her heart, figured out how to pull on my clothes.  Isn't she an angel for just learning that?  She also uses "cracker" like its going out of style.   And whenever she hears the fridge open, she makes a mad dash to the kitchen so she can grab what she wants out of there.  I promise we aren't starving her, it just sounds like it.

This little girl is shoe obsessed.  Actually dress-up obsessed.  After a bath, she insists we put shoes on her before her diaper.  We sometimes comply.  I think she just knows her shoes are too cute to not be used all of the time.  She also insist on putting any clothing on she can.  I was a big fan of dress-up myself, so this makes my heart smile.  I think her love of jewelry goes without saying.

She weighs about 22 lbs (on our scale, diaper on) which I am okay with.  I know it sounds like we starve her, but she actually eats almost what I eat in a day so I know she's gaining what she can.  She's tall enough to touch the door handles, but not tall enough to turn them yet.

I've had the chance to sub in nursery twice, so I've gotten to see her interact with others.  I love to watch her play little games with other kids, or let them give her hugs.  She's not the hugging type for some reason.  She will occasionally carry a baby and give it kisses though.  She still chews on crayons, but what can you do in nursery?

She's doing great.  I really am proud of all her accomplishments.  I would be genuinely surprised if she was "caught up" by her 2nd birthday (Thanksgiving Day this year!), but I'm betting she isn't far from it.

And We're Back!

Did you miss us?  Cramming two weeks of exotic family vacation into one post is probably a bad idea.  Here it goes:

Millie and I spent a few glorious days in Siesta Key, Florida with my family before all 20+ of us loaded up for a cruise.

Millie still loves the ocean

and Ruby loves Milie

 Millie and Nora loved Ruby's play kitchen.  Maybe Santa will bring Millie one soon?  She's already picked one out and everything.

Playing at Aunt Molly's before the cruise

 On the ship, I loved watching Millie get reacquainted with my family.

My beautiful Aunt Katie

Sweet Nora

 Since Buck couldn't come, Millie and I had a whole room to ourselves.  I just love that just-woke-up look on her.

Off the ship for a bit...

Cozumel maybe?

Back onboard we slept, 

ooh'd and ahh'd over our towel animals,

(Or tore them apart.  However you want to look at it)

Made messes for the steward to clean up,

(Which he did so well)

learned to play dress-up,

Swam,
(Who can resist a hungry bum on a baby?)

Nora by the pool 

Danced,

(even though we were the only ones)

Sang Dancing Queen to our heart's content,

Dressed up for a formal dinner,

Suzy sporting fake eyelashes not-so-expertly applied by me

 and enjoyed spending more time together.

We got off in Grand Cayman to snorkel and swim with the sting rays.

This included a bus ride and boat ride to the sandbar.

My camera isn't waterproof, so I didn't get any pictures with sing rays.  That's okay though.  It turns out I'm not a fan of swimming with animals.  I certainly didn't want to kiss the thing after it spit water all in my sisters face.  Yuck.

On the ride to another area to snorkel we saw this beauty:

It disappeared and we survived.  That's the last picture on the ship, too.

Back in Florida we headed over to Lido Key one day for some paddle boarding and canoeing through mangrove tree tunnels.  It was awesome.

Millie is really just happy with a pile of sand though.

Since I could write a (small) book about our vacation, I think I'll just give you a few more highlights and details.

My Mom's siblings got together and organized a cruise to surprise my grandpa for his 75th birthday.  He loves cruises and has always wanted to go on another one (they took us all on one 9 years ago) as a big family.  With the exception of Buck, my cousin Ella on a mission, and my cousin Tara plus her husband and new baby, everyone was there.  Not bad for him having five children, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

One afternoon on the cruise we had a little birthday party for him.  Each person came prepared with a story to share about Rara.  We were only supposed to share one, which was so hard because of the kind of person he is.  He is fun, thoughtful, loving, and involved.  Since I lived with him for a number of years , I especially had a hard time.  I really would have liked to hear Buck tell a story about him, too.

My little cousins loved Millie to pieces, but unfortunately she hasn't figured how just how to show her love back yet.  She screamed from being overwhelmed a lot (and tired, hungry, and bored), but I promise she loves you girls!  Millie really loved all the men in my family, especially Riley and Beau.  Maybe I have a tom boy on my hands?

Oh and even though the cruise was only a week long, it only took a day or two for guests to start recognizing Nora and Millie all around the ship.  I was often asked in the elevator if that was the baby with the leash or the squeaky shoes.  I'm not sure if that's a good thing, but oh well.  The showgirls took to Nora after we sat on the front row of a show.  I had no idea they could really look at each person.  I feel so bad for snickering at some of the cheesiness.

Fun was had by all, but I sure wish Buck could have been there.  And Tara, Ian, Liko, and Ella.