Happy Birthday K3!

Spoiled milk and a sign from God

Yesterday I went to town. I went to get a gallon of milk, we were completely out.

While I was driving home I started praying to God. I was praying about something that has been weighing heavily on my heart and mind lately.  I was asking God whether or not I was doing the right thing. I was asking for a sign (not directly), but that's what I was looking for.

Then all of a sudden right in front of my eyes was the brightest falling star I'd ever seen. My mouth fell open and my lips quivered, I was brought to tears.

I mean I've seen falling stars before, but usually I just catch a glimpse of one out of the corner eye. I'm usually unsure if it was really a falling star or if could have been something else.

This time was different. It was an undeniably bright light, right there in front of me. It lasted a long time too. It was probably like 5 seconds, but it seemed like forever. It seemed to span 100 yards or more.  It went straight down, right in my path.

I was so moved by this falling star, this sign, and just couldn't wait to come inside to share my experience with Mr. Wonderful, which I did. I was so moved that I forgot about the milk I had in my car. The milk that K1 would have loved to have  had for his cereal this morning. The milk that I had gone to town to get.

I remembered the milk... around 10 this morning. Long after K1 and Mr. Wonderful had gone to school/work. It was now hot and spoiled milk.

Oh well, I'll take a sign from God over fresh milk any day!

Have you ever had a sign from God?

Is it Fall y'all?

Well according to the calendar it's Fall. But, we're still hot as Hades here in Texas. I am so ready for some cooler weather. 

Since my mind is already into Fall, I decided to make some caramel apples. I love them!  I'm also going to fire up my Fall scents in my scentsy burner... bring on the spice!

The recipe was supposed to make 5 apples... but I ate too many caramels beforehand... so we got 4.

Super easy. Super delicious!

Are you ready for Fall?

We will never forget...

I took these photos at Ground Zero - 2 1/2 years after the attacks. It was still somber. It always will be. No one will ever forget where they were when they heard the news...

Nope I didn't drop it in the toilet...

Tropical Store Hermine was in full effect in Texas on Tuesday.  Along with thousands of other folks, our power went out.  This is where it gets interesting. Before the power went out I planned on boiling some water to make iced tea. I had the burner on high. I kept wondering why the kettle wasn't whistling... so I moved it to a different burner. Then it dawned on me... duh, no power!

Well a couple of hours later it came back on! Woo hoo!

After a few minutes I smelled something burning and then I saw a bit of smoke.

What the....

Then I saw that large burner glowing in bright orange, with my Blackberry smack dab in the middle of it. Here is the end result.

The strange thing is that it still works!

Sunday reflection

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear ... "
1 John 4:18

Epic Fail!

K1 loves cheesecake (okay honestly we ALL love it!). So we decided to make one a Back To School Cheesecake.  

It started out great. 

K1 used the rolling pin to crush the graham crackers. 

We worked together to get all the ingredients mixed up. 

Lookin' good, right?! 

We popped in the oven to bake for one hour.  And per the instructions we left in the oven for a few hours to cool, you know, so it won't crack... Well...

The sucker cracked, like the Grand Canyon! 

Oh well, it was delish any way! 

We ate every. single. bite. 

(We've made this same recipe several times... sometimes it cracks, sometimes it doesn't.) Hmpf.

Hot Yogurt?!

I've noticed these things in the baby food isle lately. Not in the refrigerated section. There's just something about yogurt which is still edible even if it's gotten hot that freaks me out. What is in this stuff? It just ain't right.

My 2-year-old cusses... and I am so proud!

Yep, it's true. K2 says "ass", a lot. Well, he means "yes", but it sounds like "ass". It cracks us up. The reason we're so proud is because up until about 3 months ago, he didn't say much at all.  He was 22 months old before he said mama. So hearing "ass" is like music to my ears!  He also says "caca", which is a term of endearment for his little brother.

He's had pretty intense speech therapy for the last year or so. We'll take him saying "ass" is progress!!! Go K2! Who knows what will come out of his mouth next!

Is it legal to duct tape your kid?

Seriously is it? My 10 month old (K3) is such a wiggle worm! It's a challenge just to get his diaper changed. And putting on his pajamas?! Forget about it. It takes two of us. Well I'm exaggerating a tad, but seriously it's tough. He flips and rolls like no body's business. You have to change him with ninja-like quickness. It would be so much easier if I could just duct tape him to the changing table.

Of course I'd never really duct tape this little nugget, but the thought has crossed my mind!

Mr. Wonderful bought himself a purse!

Okay, okay before he kills me... he bought it for me!
He did it all on his own, just for me! I was so surprised and impressed!  I love it! Thanks babe.
I don't call him Mr. Wonderful for nothing. {grin}

Sunday reflection

Jesus told him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.

~ John 14:6, NLT

Potty Training Rocks Sucks!

K2 & K1 think it's pretty fun/funny though! This is the second time that my 2 year old has TRIED to pee on my 9 year old. Little punk. Now if he'd just pee in the toilet. Arggghhhh, BOYS!

Okay so he does actually make it in the potty... sometimes!

Deal of the year!

I've been drooling over these Learning Towers for 9 years! I wanted one for K1... then for K2... and of course now for K3. They run about two hundred bucks... yep that's 200 big ones. Yikes! We've got much better ways to spend our money than on one of these suckers.

BUT...I love Goodwill hunting. I love the challenge and excitement of the search, the thrill of a great find. I love making up stories about where the objects have been... where they came from, why they're at Goodwill. I just love it all. The best part is that you NEVER know what you'll find. I get excited just thinking about shopping at one. It's not everyone's cup of tea, but it is mine. Case in point, I found a brand spankin' new Learning Tower for $19.99.  Still in the box, no parts missing! I was so pumped! K2 is totally loving it too. Now he can safely help me cook/bake any time he wants!

I wonder where all of my Goodwill donations end up!?

Blizzards in Texas

Yesterday my oldest son (K1) who is 9, got his cast off of his leg. Woo hoo! Well he still has to wear a boot, but it's removable, so that's HUGE! I decided that I would get him a celebratory Blizzard from Dairy Queen. We very rarely go to any fast food joints for meals, much less just for an ice cream treat, so it's a big deal around here! 

I ordered him a small cheesecake Blizzard and the cashier said, "that'll be $3.02 please drive forward." WHAT?! Three bucks for a small milkshake thingy? WOAH. I was floored. I mean they are good, but DQ must be REALLY proud of their blizzards!

I guess I don't get out much, but man, I could totally buy at least a quart of ice cream at the grocery store for that price. Of course I paid for it and it made K1 super happy, so it was totally worth it. But geez! 

To top it off, the DQ worker is supposed to turn it upside down right before serving it to you, and they didn't even do that!  Oh well.

Is it just me, or is that one high-priced treat?? 

Anyone?

Bueller?

Join the Boob-olution!

August is National Breastfeeding month. I cannot begin to tell you all of the benefits of this womanly art. Okay I will begin... it lowers the risk of childhood CANCERS!!! That right there is enough for me! But I'll let "The Bump" (a fantastic website) explain it for you... keep in mind this is just a sampling of the benefits!  Extended breastfeeding may not always be the easiest commitment, but it is the most rewarding and the least selfish thing that a mom can do for her baby.

10 reasons why
breastfeeding doesn't suck...

1. You'll feel far less crazy (we promise!)
A study of postpartum mamas found that those who breastfed their babies showed far less anxiety and more mutuality at one month postpartum than those who didn't.

2. It lowers the risk of childhood cancers
One study found the risk of childhood cancer in formula-fed children was 2-8 times that of long-term breastfed children. The risk for short-term formula feeders was 1-9 times that of long-term breast feeders.

3. ...And breast cancer in mamas!
Get this: If women who breast fed for less than 3 months were to stick it out for 4 to 12 months, breast cancer among parous premenopausal women could be reduce by 11%. And if they stayed with it for 24 months or longer, those risks could be reduced by nearly 25%.

4. Smart kids rule
Studies show that breastfed babies have significantly higher IQs by 8 years old than babies who didn't breastfeed -- even after adjusting the stats for differences between groups and Mom's educational and social class.

5. You could save on braces
The longer you breastfeed, the lower the liklihood that baby will suffer from malocclusion -- aka a fancy word for misalignment of the teeth and dental arches.

6. It cuts down on childhood obesity
Breastfeeding has long been tied with reducing the rate of childhood obesity, regardless of Mom's diabetes or weight status.

7. Allergies and ailments are no biggie
Respiratory wheezing, influenza, diarrhea, allergies, and eczema are way less common in breastfed babies -- think about all those trips to the doc you won't have to make!

8. It saves lives -- and government money!
If just 90% of US mamas breastfed exclusively for 6 months, not only would an estimated 900 babies live, but the United States would save $13 billion per year. (Yep, $13 BILLION.)

9. Oh, and it'll save you a ton of cash, too
Believe it or not, formula supplies for just six months can cost upwards of $1,000.

10. You'll fit into your skinny jeans faster!
Breastfeeding burns an average of 500 calories a day. Yes, really. Need we say more?

Source: The Bump
(I do realize that some moms aren't able to BF for various reasons and they can still be great moms!)

Baby Carrier Reviews!

My first ever baby carrier was a Baby Bjorn. Oh did that leave a bad taste in my mouth! Those suckers are SO uncomfortable! While they're pretty simple to put on, my back hurt within 10 minutes (even with a newborn!). (To their defense I'm sure their carriers have evolved over the years.)Anyway, I've been super skeptical of other carriers since then, but I totally shouldn't have been! I've actually had GREAT luck with some carriers and I would love to share some reviews with you. So, without further ado here is some insight from my IRL friend and myself.

(This post is duplicated with permission from my beautiful IRL friend Chelsea over at "From My Front Porch")

I adore baby wearing.

I started because I was obsessed with my precious baby and didn’t want to put her down. Oh, and for the bonding. I still do it because it makes her happy, it allows me some freedom, it’s cute, and it beats pushing a stroller. It is handy when you don’t want a hundred people to ask to hold your baby, or when being close to you is the only thing that soothes your babe. There are many, many benefits and I plan to do it as long as she’ll let me. {and then I’ll start in on her brother(s)/sister(s)} But like most anything in the baby product industry, the selection out there is overwhelming. I’m certainly no seasoned expert, but I AM opinionated. So I’ve reviewed every carrier I’ve tried.

Furthermore, I’ve asked my real life friend Kristin over at iDocument, who is a mama to three handsome boys to review her carriers.

Hope our babywearin’ can give you some useful guidance...

Carrier- Moby Wrap

Approximate Cost- $40

One Place to Buy- Full Circle Baby (New Braunfels!)

Weight Limits- preemie-35 pounds (even twins!)

Carry Options-8 holds including front, back, and hip

Pros- This wrap is extremely soft and customizable. It comes in a bunch of great colors and is affordable. It seems to be the most comfortable for baby since you can adjust so many different aspects of it. The instruction book shows countless tying/positioning options. Feels very secure while moving about.

Cons- It is a lot of fabric and takes a little practice to get good at tying it. In the summer, it is just too hot for Texas. The Baby Daddy won’t wear it. (even though I got burnt orange!)

My Take- Great for winter as it keeps both of you warm. It never hurts my back because the weight is evenly spread and can be adjusted. Also, you can spread the fabric to cover up post-baby blubber. When I wear it at church I tie it on the side so the knot doesn’t dig into my back while sitting. You can put the baby on your back alone, but it is much easier with help. I adored the breastfeeding hold when Kherington was younger because I could walk around buying groceries while she discreetly nursed and then nodded off. I can still breastfeed in it, but it isn’t hands-free. A-

Carrier- Balboa Baby Adjustable Sling by Dr. Sears

Approximate Cost- $60

One Place to Buy- Target.com

Weight Limits- 6-25 pounds

Carry Options- 4 holds including front and hip

Pros- Adorable patterns. Well padded shoulder strap, adjustable ring. Comfortable to sit, stand, or move while wearing. There is a pocket on the outside for keys, phone, etc. The Baby Daddy doesn’t mind wearing it. No spare fabric in the way, like some ring slings.

Cons- You only wear it on one shoulder at a time, putting more strain on your back. Only goes to 25 pounds.

My Take- This is my “go-to” sling because it is so easy to throw on. Kherington loves the hip hold, and it allows me to use both hands and get things done. I wear her in this sling for hours and get loads of compliments. I breastfeed in it, too. A

Carrier- Infantino Wrap & Tie

Approximate Cost- $30

One Place to Buy- Amazon.com

Weight Limits- 8-35 pounds

Carry Options- 3 holds, front and back

Pros- Shows tying instructions on the inside, so even Baby Daddies can figure it out. No adjustments, clips, or rings to worry about.

Cons- It says babies can face outwards, but I have found it too uncomfortable for Kherington because the fabric is so wide that she is doing the splits. Only two color/pattern options. Knot can only be tied in the back, which hurts if you sit down. Also, the straps make back fat and love handles more noticeable.

My Take- This is fairly comfortable and ideal for 3-4 month olds (front) and then for 8-10 month olds (back). I got this as a free replacement for the recalled Infantino Sling (which I loved). I’ll use it since I have it, but probably wouldn’t buy it again. B-

Carrier- Hotslings Pouch-Style Baby Carrier

Approximate Cost- $40

One Place to Buy- All Modern Baby

Weight Limits- 8-35 pounds

Carry Options- 3 holds including front and hip

Pros- Simple. Instructional DVD and demonstration card.

Cons- Fabric feels cheap. It is not soft or stretchy. The padding is minimal.

My Take- I hated this sling and returned it right away. To be fair, mine was too large, even though I used the sizing chart on the back of the box. Still, this sling was not comfortable for me. C

Carrier- Ergobaby

Approximate Cost- $100 - $150

One Place to Buy- Ergobaby.com

Weight Limits- birth (with insert) to 40 lbs.

Carry Options- 3 holds including front, back, and hip

Pros- Very comfortable and can be worn for an extended amount of time. Easy to get on and off (very!). Child is very secure while in the carrier. It has a hood for sleeping baby, or to shade the baby. Can be worn by moms or dads without purchasing 2 carriers. Babies can comfortably sleep in this carrier. Truly handsfree.

Cons- Hard to sit while wearing the carrier/baby. It gets a bit hot when wearing your baby in the summer for long periods of time. Baby cannot face out while being worn in the front. The waist strap accentuates back fat. It's a bit pricey, but honestly you can get this carrier and purchase no stroller!

Kristin’s Take- This carrier is a lifesaver! I wear my 9 month old daily and on occassion my 2 year old and it is so comfortable . I highly recommend the Ergobaby. It is simple to use (with no help from others) and is very comfortable. To me this carrier has been priceless. A++

Carrier- Zolowear (ring sling) Solstice

Approximate Cost- $90

One Place to Buy- Zolowear.com

Weight Limits- birth (with caution) to 35 lbs.

Carry Options- 4 holds, including front and hip

Pros- It's great for sitting or standing. It's easy to use (once you get the hang of it). It is stylish and looks good with most outfits. It has a handy pocket for a pacifier, wipes or even a diaper. It's flattering (no back fat being squished!). It comes with an instructional DVD for ease of use. It's made in Texas! This carrier allows you to discreetly breastfeed.

Cons- Not so cute on men. It hurts your shoulders if worn for long periods of time. It's tough for older babies to sleep in this carrier.

Kristin’s Take- I love my sling, but I wear it only when I know it won't be an extended period of time. I usually wear this one when I'm more dressed up and when I know I'll be both sitting and standing. B

Others I would like to try: Babyhawk, Kozy Karrier, Karma Baby, Ergobaby (maybe I should just try Kristin’s on!)