Excited

I am loving that I am so much more excited and "in to" the Christmas spirit this year.  That sounds weird--I am always thankful for what Christmas means for us and the most perfect gift ever given- but I am thankful for the child-like excitement that I have gotten glimpses of in myself this year.

I am a bit more tired today.  Stayed up until 10:30 (yeah- not a night owl; I enjoy my sleep) last night making and packaging cookies for our first ever- neighbor gift-giving.  This is part of trying to instill in Gavin the true meaning of Christmas is about giving.  I plan (let's see how it goes) on him helping me deliver the cookies after I get off of work (ick- at work) today.

Speaking of work---hasta luego until Wednesday of next week and then off again Thurs, Fri, and the following Monday.  Whooohoooo!

Reluctantly speaking of half-marathon training--wha?? Yeah, I know- that's how I feel about it.  7 @ 7 (am) tomorrow morning.  That is 7 (s.e.v.e.n.) miles at 7am (before normal people get up on Saturdays) tomorrow morning (Christmas Eve!).  As much as I want to procrastinate myself out of doing it--it really is the only good chance to get in that mileage this weekend.  I have also strategically planned it so I can take a nap when G does tomorrow afternoon.

Christmas EVE- yay! We will be over at the In-Laws for cookie decorating and early dinner (like we have done for about 4 years now). Once again--excited; more than normal- for this tradition this year.

Lots of pictures will be taken.
Lots of noise and laughter will be heard.
Lots of food/cookies will be consumed.
Wine will be drunk  (hahahah)--drank/consumed??  My mother in law got some new local wine- yippee. (another reason to get running out of the way BEFORE wine, food and cookies.)
Kiddies will get presents.
Me and the husband will put together G's "big" present before going to bed (so not too much wine can be drunk/drank/consumed).

I'd like to say I will blog over the weekend or that I will prepare ahead and schedule blog posts--eh eh--not happening.  The importance of spending time with my family over the next couple of days astronomically outweighs blogging in the midst of it all.

I am thankful for these blessings that God has abundantly placed in to my life and am thankful for the child-like giddiness that has resulted from His blessings. :)

p.s. I got to hold a newborn baby girl last night---awwww!!

So- Merry Christmas Eve Eve, Merry Christmas Eve, and MERRY CHRISTMAS blogosphere!

soap box

Today- I'm on a soap box...not the cleansing, good smelling kind.  This issue makes me a bit sick to my stomach.  Social Security benefits being paid to non-U.S. citizens and EVEN illegal workers in the U.S. (AKA- no green card, not registered, etc.).

Scared??? Leave now and come back tomorrow---back to the warm and fuzzies then :)  Substantive, thoughtful blogging will occasionally occur here in My Path in Mommyhood.

{Disclaimer:
These are the opinions of ME, MYSELF AND I- and just like the saying goes- opinions are like ....., everyone has one.  So- take my opinion as you will but respect that I am entitled to having one.  No need to agree- I respect that you have the right and ability to disagree.  Do I dislike non- U.S. citizens--not true, so don't get all harried. }

I have heard about or really- paid attention to- this issue only infrequently as it is sometimes highlighted in the mainstream media--usually during presidential elections.  I haven't heard too much about it during the current GOP debates, though- yet.

I recently came in to contact with a person from a foreign country who plainly stated that they are here in the U.S. to work (since the late 1990s- early 2000s), they have a green card, they have NO intention of becoming a U.S. citizen, and they have full intention of returning to their home country after they reach the required number of years to draw Social Security benefits based on their work history (10 years).  Ok- positive aspect is that this person obtained a green card and is working legally--hooray.

Here's my soap box (aka opinion): The U.S. is the greatest country in the world.  We freely enjoy many, many rights and benefits that other countries only wish they were cool enough to offer (that is not a very professional way of putting it- oh well).  While I am fine with foreign persons entering the U.S. to work LEGALLY- I draw the line at foreign persons who never become a U.S. Citizen from drawing Social Security benefits. You like the benefits our country offers and you received while being here?? Then become a citizen.  It's pretty plain and simple for me.

Social Security is an ENTITLEMENT benefit; however, why is there no law stating that those entitled must be U.S. Citizens?

Take a look at this LINK for more information on existing Social Security law specific to this issue.

Lastly- this quote comes from this LINK of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services web page:

"The Value of Citizenship

The United States has a long history of welcoming immigrants from all parts of the world.  America values the contributions of immigrants who continue to enrich this country and preserve its legacy as a land of freedom and opportunity.
Deciding to become a U.S. citizen is one of the most important decisions in an individual’s life.  If you decide to apply to become a U.S. citizen, you will be showing your commitment to the United States and your loyalty to its Constitution.  In return, you are rewarded with all the rights and privileges that are part of U.S. citizenship. "


What is in red is complete bologna--non-citizens are already rewarded with almost every right and privilege that I am currently aware of that U.S. citizens "enjoy."  That is the whole purpose of this soap box.  Let's make some incentive for those non-citizens to become citizens in this awesome country that they at least temporarily wanted to be a part of to enjoy those "rights and privileges."  No Social Security benefits until and if you are a) legally here and legally working here and paying Social Security taxes and b) become a citizen to draw SS retirement and SSI (disability) benefits.

Are U.S. citizens going to other countries and working, paying taxes, etc. only to gain benefits of the foreign country and coming back to the U.S. once those have been secured (in the same numbers as those non-citizens doing this in the U.S.)?? My uneducated but best guess is NO.

An even more important issue is that U.S. citizens should not (solely) rely on our own Social Security system for the benefits it was designed to extend- namely- retirement benefits.  When I look to my future financial security- S.S. retirement benefits are no where on my radar or my list of resources; one cannot and should not rely on that system.  Plan ahead as best as possible- rid the debts you owe and be accountable for your own future.  I don't want to pay higher and higher federal taxes to then have to rely more heavily on my government- I'd rather keep taxes low and take some financial responsibility for myself and my family.

Whatcha think??

WordLESS Wednesday

Mad skillz

This boy loves trains

Happy Humpday! Link up.

Christmas spirit and Tasty Tuesday

It's Tuesday- that means 5 days until Christmas!  I am happy to report I am DONE shopping and have only a couple things to wrap.

This past weekend was a lot of fun with Mom's night out on Friday, a birthday party on Saturday and time with family on Sunday.

Here is what I'm currently craving- SUSHI! Have you ever made any sushi rolls?  It is surprisingly pretty easy, not a cheap meal when you buy good/fresh fish and um, also kind of messy with the rice but YUM and a fun experience.

Lookie here:

a favorite- salmon bowl- just add some wakame salad

P.S. I'm having sushi for lunch- duh :)

So, I'm trying to stifle the idea that I should start planning G's 2nd birthday- it's in early February.  Last year for his 1st we had it at a covered but outdoor location and-surprise, surprise- it was wet and cold.  My kid and a think a couple others ended up getting a cold.  Nice party favor, huh?

Pinterest is, of course, an addicting website to get all kinds of great ideas so I will resign to just pinning some ideas for now over there.  Other than where to have the party, the next dilemma is what theme?  G loves the following: Thomas the Train, Cars movie, airplanes.  We should just do planes, trains and automobiles....no way-that's too much!  Now- if I could only sell my current small house for the amount I want for it and purchase a larger house for the price I want before early February??? Hahah--no I am not an insane person...just my inner thoughts and grandiose wishes shared here with the blog world.

If you celebrate Christmas as Jesus' birthday- what do you "give" or do in honor of Jesus?

Friday...I missed Wednesday

So- I missed Wordless Wednesday...oops. Busy, busy week with some really big happenings. ( NO- I am not pregnant.)  I will wait to disclose the happenings for a future blog post.

Anywho- clearly I am taking advantage of being wordy since this is not Wednesday, but- I do have some pics to share (skip below if you are already tired of me typing).

This week has included: excitement for the future (see above--no I am not pregnant); putting outside Christmas lights up (not so easy when you don't have a power outlet out front); mall trip with friends; not a lotta running for the schmarathon training- well not as much as should be happening; night time walks to see Christmas lights; G has started to say three word sentences!

Without further ado--here are some pictures:

He loves to "wash" dishes.

Sharing the new dog bed.

Crack of dawn jog--this is at the END of my jog.

Happy Friday! Mom's night out for me tonight with a couple other ladies/Mom's-----yyyyeeeaaaahhh!! So needed.

Tasty Tuesday

Last night we had picadillo (check out my post from last week)--YUM!  The only complaint- the husband did not make the plantains (which I could eat as a snack any day). I was happy to hear him say that he really liked this recipe; it was his first time having it.  Score!

Also- remember the whole wheat banana chocolate chip mini muffins I showed you?? UM- yum! I'm already being asked to make another batch :)

Still left to make this week: honey walnut shrimp and slow cooker chicken parm.

I will TRY to be a good blogger and take pictures of these master pieces before they are devoured.

In the meantime and in Mommyhood tradition (well- for just the 3rd time now); here are some pics of what will be in our rotation in the coming weeks.  Thank you Pinterest and I've given credit to the pics posted.

Doritos casserole- my husband will die over this! Credit: http://pearls-handcuffs-happyhour.blogspot.com/

Quinoa black bean casserole Credit: http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=1239857

tomato soup and grilled cheese- no specific recipe to credit

Twice baked cauliflower (G actually eats cauliflower). credit:  http://www.kalynskitchen.com/2006/09/twice-baked-cauliflower-recipe.html

One of my all-time favorites! Credit: http://www.intimateweddings.com/blog/peanut-butter-cookies-with-peanut-butter-cups/

When ribs are on a good sale- oh yeah! Credit: http://www.mmmisformommy.com/2011/09/easy-barbecued-ribs.html

The little man of the house is becoming more difficult independent each day.  He is learning to put together two-three word sentences/phrases and say neat things like "awesome!" He also gave me a run for my money after bath time last night putting on his diaper.  Apparently I was at the bucking bronco show and didn't know it.
Emotions during wonderful parenting experiences like this range from being on the verge of tears, to laughter at the absurdity of it all, to making sure I don't let go and just yell at him.  How did it get resolved you ask?  A mixture of letting him writhe about and trying to restrain him long enough to just get the diaper on.  Then kiddo wriggles free and runs to the corner of his room before I can get jammies on.  I'm all like (in semi-calm voice): "Gavin, please obey me and come here now."  Gavin: "No..."  Then I wait and give him the evil eye...he comes over after he understands he is not escaping his bedroom and willingly gets his pajamas on.  Win for Mommy- nah nah! :)

Half-marathon training--ehh, it's happening.  My feet are blistering on the instep for runs over 3 miles so I need to stop procrastinating and either get new shoes (it's past time to do so) or get new soles.

Less than two weeks until Christmas!

Happy Monday--bleh, the weather here is rain, rain, rain.  78 degrees coming later this week.  We do live in Florida after all.

Weekend wrap-up:
Friday night took my little G on a night time scavenger hunt with our flashlights! This was fun.  We live on a cul-de-sac so this was easy enough.  Everything is so much more interesting, intriguing, etc. when it's nighttime. We carried our finds in a ziploc bag for safe- keeping.  Gavin had fun carrying the flashlight and shining it in windows--haha.  Then we hopped in the blue push car and took a look at some neighborhood Christmas lights and returned home for bath and bed.  Then I crashed on the couch.

Saturday started with running (aka torture).  6:45am long run in an area of the half-marathon course that covers the majority of the hills in the race.  It was RAINING and COLD.  The only thing that kept me from taking a short cut was listening to my mp3 player and telling myself how much of a loser I'd be if I took that short cut!  The good news? I got a 2nd wind around mile 4---is this the ever-coveted "runner's high?"  Nah-still felt like it took a lot of effort.

Saturday was date night.  G was slated to spend some time with his Mimi and Papa and enjoy some grandparent-spoiling.  In the past I have waited until the afternoon to take him over; this time? I took him over by 11:30am.  Whoohoo- some free time to get stuff done that I needed to and had been neglecting.  I stifled the mommy guilt and felt good about getting some errands done.  I also got to visit with a friend who just had her 2nd child (cutie pie!) three weeks ago; her son is 3 days older than G.  While I look forward to (hopefully) being pregnant again one day, I have to say that I am more happy than not- about not having two under 2 right now.  Prayers and kudos to all those who do this effortlessly :)
The husband and I enjoyed a nice, low-key date night- went out to dinner and watched a movie at home. Great night.

Sunday: picked the G up and took him home.  We all three went to a Christmas church service at a friends' church and ended up leaving early.  I never leave events early--but G was not having it.  Too loud and too many people he did not know packed in to a room and it was not going well.  So, we left.  Oh well-always next year.   Then we just chilled the rest of the day and attempted to put up outside lights= fail.  Every year we do this.  We don't have the right extension cords and we don't have an outlet at the front of the house.  So- the lights are strung, along with some awkwardly hanging cords--lovely.  It's the thought that counts, right? ;)

No pics today- just words.  Come back Wednesday if you don't like words :)

Congratulations to our friends who just had their baby girl in the wee hours this Monday morning.  Excited for you guys! New life--so amazing.

5QF

Happy Friday! What are your plans for the weekend as we inch closer to Christmas?

Ours include: family time tonight and bribing the husband to put outside lights up; long run at the crack of dawn Saturday (ughh!); DATE NIGHT Saturday night- yay! G will get some spoiling at his Mimi and Papa's. Christmas program at our friends' church Sunday.  A great weekend is ahead.

On to Five Question Friday or 5QF from THIS blog- go take a look.

1. What is your favorite Christmas cookie?

Anything with chocolate??

2. What's your favorite holiday movie & why?

I can't pick just one.  I really like Polar Express- the design of the movie, the narration, etc. ELF!!! Hilarious- it is actually one of the very few movies I could watch over and over.  You also can't go wrong with the old animated ones like Rudolf, Santa..

3. Is there a gift that you bought for your kid(s) that you wish you hadn't after they opened it?

Not so far, but loud and obnoxious toys always have a place outside :)

4. What is the messiest room in your house right at this moment?

My bedroom: clean clothes hanging out everywhere.  I can't stand it! G is going to his Mimi and Papa's early on Saturday so I can take care of the clothing situation and some other chores.

5. What is the furthest you have driven for the holidays?

Alabama

Leave me a comment with your answers and/or link up to 5QF blog HERE.


Have a great weekend!

Why so many C-sections?

The youtube video I will embed in this post was posted on a friend's facebook status recently.  I have often wondered about the numbers of cesarean births I hear about (including my own).  My own child was born C-section at 39wks 1 day gestation.  I received prenatal care from a midwife group at my local private hospital.  At my 39 week appt, G was found to be in frank breech position after ultrasounds were done (after midwife was like...I don't think that is his head down there anymore.  Me: wth?? tears, tears, tears...)  After u/s were done by an OBGYN my options were given to me: try external version with chance of having emergency c-section; be referred to chiropractor for some adjustments but still possibly face emergency section if I went in to labor and he was still breech OR--- schedule for the next day for planned c-section.  Truth be told---I didn't like ANY of those options.  I was scared, crying and helpless sitting there on that damn examination table.  I chose the option that did not involve the word "emergency."  Sounded like common sense to a scared first-time  mother.

***PUH-LEASE do not think that I don't respect other women's choices to have planned c-sections; I am only speaking from my own experience and what I'd preferred, which was vaginal birth.

I initially started out saying I wanted to give birth completely natural with no drug interventions.  I then took the time to open my mind to the options of using intervention if it meant allowing for more chance of vaginal birth versus c-section; however, I did not plan for a cesarean anywhere in my mind.  It just wasn't something I wanted.  But YES- what I did want in the grand scheme of things was a healthy baby.

Now--on to the video.  While we have heard opinions that the rising number of c-sections in the U.S. may be from upper-class white females desiring "easy" births (um, who says major surgery recovery is easy??)
and scheduling their cesareans- the numbers show that the steep rise in C-sections is not primary influenced by that group of women.

I invite you to watch the entire video and leave a comment for me on your thoughts.

I am happy to say that while I am unable to return to the midwife group due to having had a c-section (when/if I get pregnant again)- I have a wonderful OB/GYN who fully supports a desire for VBAC and has had BOTH of her children vaginally.

I think this issue needs attending to in order to allow for women who do not pre-plan for C-Sections to have  a greater chance at vaginal birth.  Looks like it will take huge persuasion for practice change.

Here it is:

Wordless Wednesday

Precious memories

kissy face :)

Happy humpday!

facelift and learning curve

So- take a look around; this blog has officially been undergoing a FACELIFT.  I'm very greeeen when it comes to blog design so it is a "learn as you go" process.  Check back tomorrow and there may be a few more changes.  Is there a blogging for dummies book?! Someone buy it for me :)

Other updates:

• Half-marathon torture training- Treadmill mondays-ewww, dislike treadmill running but definitely LIKE time spent with my friend Katie who also is torturing herself training for the same half-marathon (her 3rd).  We talk on the car ride to the gym, the first several minutes on the treadmill- then....huffing and puffing our way through the next 30mins or so--and back to some talking.  Which training plan am I (loosely) following?  Go HERE to one of Hal Higdon's sites to check it out. 
• Saving money/aka ridding debt: my greatest mentors are my Dad and Stepmom, they set such a great example for our family and are very encouraging.  They answered some practical questions for us when we visited them this past weekend. We are still struggling with putting away the debit cards and going to cash flow budgeting--it DEFINITELY takes a lot of thoughtful planning and real commitment.  Want to check out Dave Ramsey's site for Financial Peace helpful info and documents? Go HERE.
• Gavin updates: the child will attempt to say almost anything you ask him to say...exciting and scary at the same time.  He has also started to (more) willingly sit on the toilet before bath time each night.  He is very interested when Daddy goes pee--hazardous (and hilarious)! I taught him to say I love you (three separate words) last night and we are working on putting together the whole sentence.  He is still sleeping in his crib- JUST THE WAY I LIKE IT!  No more night scaries (thankyouJesus!) after that week of waking almost every 3 hours.

Tasty Tuesday!  Here are some pics of what is on our dinner list for the next two weeks with credit where credit is due for the recipes:

Picadillo- will also have plantains.  Recipe: http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/03/picadillo-6-ww-pts.html

Slow cooker chicken parmesan. Recipe: http://fullbellies.blogspot.com/2011/03/slow-cooker-chicken-parmesan.html

Whole wheat banana chocolate chip mini muffins! Recipe: http://willingcook.com/recipe-whole-wheat-banana-chocolate-chip-muffins/  

As G's Winnie the Pooh toy says, "TTFN!"  (did you know that meant ta ta for now??!)

COMMENT ME: What are you most looking forward to giving this Christmas?

Holiday fun

We scooted out of town this weekend to go visit with family a couple hours away.  It was great to get together in between Thanksgiving and Christmas; seems to just naturally take some of the chaos out of holiday get togethers.  We are officially done traveling for this season and it feels GOOD.  Stay local and enjoy relaxed time together making memories.

After we got back home Sunday, we started putting up Christmas decorations. 

Here are some pics of the weekend, enjoy!

Beautiful sky on our ride to our destination



The King joined us for our ride :)




Playing with Uncle John




"Helping" with the Christmas tree.



Wonder of lights.



awkward picture positioning- but wonderful invention to keep toddler occupied for 20 mins in car :)

Excuse the last picture- didn't correct the orientation before posting (oops).  G got an early Christmas gift that reads him books and lets him color and play games.  It was GREAT for an extended car ride.

Lastly, I found a pin linking to THIS blog last night.  Take a look at the idea for giving back (the true meaning) of this season.  I think it is GREAT- simple and great!

Happy Monday!

Five Question Friday (5QF)

I used to do 5QF and somehow went astray- it's baaack today!  Thanks to THIS blogger goddess- go check out her blog.

Here are the questions and my answers:
1. What is your favorite Christmas decoration in your house?

Would have to be the tree ornaments my Mom passed on to me which hold memories from childhood and special memories of my Mom. 

2. Do you finish your Christmas shopping early or are you a last minute type?
95% of it is DONE but I can see myself getting some stocking stuffers last minute.

3. When do you turn on your heat?
It has already been on--haha!  No higher than 69 degrees though but we have old windows that do not do a great job at insulating.  I am sure this sounds hilarious since we live in FLORIDA.

4. Do you ever wish your blog was private?
This is an oxymoron- I don't put ANYTHING on the internet that I want to be kept private. Privacy settings only get you so far.
5. Do you put your deodorant on before of after you put on your shirt?
After: and, want to know a little secret about me (oooohhh)?? I only wear men's deodorant- huh?! Yeah, I can't stand the smell of women's deodorants on my body- men's seems to last longer and smell cleaner.  No- my pits don't smell like a man- just clean and fresh.
 
Today- I want you to check THIS blog out and consider the "Helping Hooker" experiment.  Say whaaat?? Just go look at her blog- it is so hilarious and that experiment really has a good cause.
 
Headed out of town for the weekend to visit with family.  Excited to get out of town but wish this stupid cold would leave me alone!
 
Lastly- post me a comment with your 5QF answers.
 
Friiiiiday- yeehaw!

joy

Last night I found myself doing a community teeth brushing of all of G's stuffed animals.  I laugh thinking how this may have looked if I could have watched it on video.  It serves purposes though: participating in pretend play with my little guy AND hopefully enticing him to not act like it is torture when I brush his teeth.  Because duck, sheep, puppy, sock monkey and baby doll don't cry and writhe about when they have their teeth brushed.  Absurd at times--this motherhood thing :)

Great news: I beat 100 other people in the 10k Turkey Trot I finished on Thanksgiving.  I guess it is true that there will always be someone slower than you.  (Um...357 people were faster than moi.)  6.2 miles in a little over an hour--I'll take it.  15k race coming up at the end of January--yikes!

Running this week has been a fail due to a lovely cold that has left me feeling out of sorts.  I will attempt a jog during my lunch hour today taking plenty of tissue paper to catch the inevitable drip from my nose.

Last night I tortured the husband and MADE him spend 15 minutes at a park right down the road taking a few snapshots (thank you Katie!!) to (photoshop) in to family Christmas photos.  Nothing professional about our little photo shoot but a wonderful friend who helped us out in a pinch.  Our scheduled photo session back in November- that did not occur- is a WHOLE other story.  (God help me love my husband in spite of the ways he drives me c.r.a.z.y!)

Lastly- I recently found THIS blog.  Not too many moms out there willingly talk about PPD (Post partum depression) and she does this with honesty and grace; not to mention her lovely family and all-around neat blog.

And one more wonderful site I just found lets you click on food/drink items you have in your home and voila- spits out recipes for you; could you ask for more??! Find it HERE.

Last week I showed you some tantalizingly scrumptious pictures of foods/drink I was drooling over AND here are some more:




Autumn salad- yum! Link: http://www.espressoandcream.com/2010/11/autumn-chopped-salad.html



Can't go wrong with a breakfast casserole

Grinch cookies! Mint chocolate chip Link: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bettycrockerrecipes/4595758178/

Hawaiian Lava Flow! Had this when we were IN Hawaii--o.m.g! Link: http://www.thecoterieblog.com/2010/02/lava-flow-recipe.html 

christmas crack! Saltine toffee/chocolate--ahhmazing! Link: http://asoutherngrace.blogspot.com/2008/12/saltines-have-never-had-it-so-good.html

Wordless Wednesday

Love this puddin' face! :)

Happy Humpday- where did 2011 go?

Thankful for "no's"

Saw this today on that website I've mentioned countless times (Pinterest) and am "marinating" on it today:

GOD'S "no" is not a rejection.
It's a REDIRECTION.

Truth be told I've been (somewhat) desperately searching for a different job over the past 4-5 months or so (probably longer).  I've gotten several call backs for interviews and even been one of two for the final decision on a couple positions and ended up being told "no."  This has been a different experience for me because for every position I've held in my working life thus far- I've always applied, been interviewed and been told "yes."

Humbling experience to say the least.  And God is showing me that in his "no's" he has redirected me to what's right and good about my current position.  I don't want to will something that He does not want for me and end up in the wrong job position with regrets.  I am first and foremost THANKFUL to have a job and a pretty good paying one at that, where I am considered an "expert" in my role and appreciated for what I do (most days).

So, today- I am thankful for God's "no's" which have been redirecting and revealing in my life.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving!  (Annnnnd...I am getting up early and jogging 6.2 miles---what am I thinking?!!)

Happy Humpday y'all!

Tasty Tuesday

Not sure if anyone else has coined the phrase, but my theme for today is Tasty Tuesday.  Thanksgiving conjures up all sorts of ideas of great food so I guess that's the source for this post.  What are your favorite Thanksgiving dishes or just yummy recipes that you've seen lately?

 Here are just a few I have found stuck in my head today (um- interestingly none of which are Thanksgiving staples):

Banana bread pancakes- what? (Credit: www.howsweeteats.com)

Excuse me?? Birthday cake jello shots! (credit: www.ericasweettooth.com)

I could eat this any time of the day. (Credit: realmomkitchen.com/7765/quick-chicken-salad/)

Heaven- eggplant and goat cheese! (credit: whatdidyoueat.typepad.com)

Let's give thanks! Counting these blessings today:
~Three day work week--woot woot!
~Out of town family visiting this weekend.
~God's unmerited mercy = GRACE.  Without it- I'm toast.
~My little guy koala bear hugging me with his feet and arms at night before laying him down to sleep; and exceptionally sweet is when he pats my back while I'm holding him.

Anything in particular you are thankful for today? Care to share? Leave me a comment.

Off to do some Thanksgiving prep cooking.  Ohhh yeah--running a 10k Thanksgiving morning, at least I won't feel too bad if I go for second helpings!

Weekend wrap-up and SLEEP regression?!

Friday I was off work due to thinking I had pink eye--thankfully did not end up being the case.  I have had more weird stuff health-wise take place post baby than ever before.  Apparently another lovely side effect of being a Mom more than just myself has experienced. (Raised eyebrow to childbirth and hormones and mommyhood!).

Our weekend included the following:
- mall play area (germ central--whoohoo)
-fall get-together with John's friends' family= rain invaded the party this year, which equaled headache trying to keep G entertained and not too soaked by the weather. Great food- though!
- 5.5 mile jog. Nothing exciting about that but definitely need to buy new soles for my shoes; my toes are burning 3/4 of the way through- ouch!  Also need to download a new GPS app for my phone; the current one is pretty fickle with when it decides to map my distance now-a-days.
- Park fun with G- he gained the confidence this time to venture out on his own and really use the playground equipment; minus me showing him how.  It was a lot of fun!

Tell me why is it that my toddler will eat green bell peppers but not mac n cheese or casseroles?  He also had his first taste of dill pickle this weekend- he kept putting it in his mouth but making a sour (ick) face--then doing it again.  Hilarious.

Sleep regression--what the heck, no way?! I thought this was over or maybe I just tried to pretend all sleep issues were over.  Gaving was sleeping 13+ hours per night with NO issues before the recent time change.  He now will not sleep past 7am again- kick me. Within the past week he has begun to have the "scaries."  I was thinking maybe it was some sickness because he would wake whining/crying- but that is not the case (that would have been a quick fix). 
I do not want to get in to the habit of bringing him in to our bed: that would be a headache to put a stop to AND I don't sleep well at all with him in our bed (I try to only allow him to sleep there when he's sick).  So, in the meantime- I am also not sleeping that well while trying to do the "shuffle" and keep him out of our bed. You can read more about it at http://www.sleeplady.com/.  The author is an LCSW (some bias there- go Social Workers!) and it is the only sleep book I've decided to stick to since he was born.  It has a pretty balanced approach that works for us.  The shuffle has worked in the past within just a few days--I just wasn't seeing the need for it again--surprise, surprise! The kid has gotten smarter so the shuffle is taking longer this go-round.  Please, please, please God let my kid get back to sleeping well VERY.SOON.

It is messing with my sanity to not have those precious couple hours at the end of the day to myself. :)  Let's not mention what waking in the middle of the night is doing to my sanity!

Oh- I made THIS for last week's work Thanksgiving meal (sweet potato casserole):

The wine was an added bonus--this was like a night before the current downward spiral that is sleep regression/scared of the dark for Gavin.  When I could actually DO something and enjoy a glass of wine at the end of the night.  I have confidence this will soon return--please please please!
Thanks to Stephanie for my pimped out (birthday) wine glass. :)

Next project on my current to do list: inventory and purge toys G no longer plays with.  If I had the storage space for if/when we have a 2nd child- I would keep them (most of them); but we just don't so it is what it is.  Going to take pics and post on Craigstlist; make some extra money.

I found THIS website today- has great ideas for learning and busy activities for toddlers and preschoolers.  What a great site and smart Mama!

And lastly- thankful today for these blessings:
- Watching my dear son venture out and try new activities with confidence.  I found myself "outside" of the moment watching it all happen this weekend.  Exciting and bittersweet all at that same time.  I LOVED how he would look back for me and smile when he we met eyes--still wants to know his Mommy is there!
- Time spent at home where it is just us three; all on the floor or outside playing together. 
- Kind words of encouragement from family.  Even as an adult it is so nice to hear "I am proud of you."

Not very happy about---getting gum tissue cut out of my dang mouth today..like in an hour...ooooouch! But, hopefully this will all relieve the pain that has been the right side of my mouth and face for the past month or so.

This is THANKSGIVING week! Great food, time with family and time OFF from work- all things to be thankful for.

Peace out. :)

thankful humpday and taking some of Santa out of CHRISTmas

Thankful today for:
The colors of fall outdoors.  Ability to jog and workout.  Being abundantly blessed with a home and other conveniences.  My son's kisses and hugs and seeking me out (preferring Mommy) when he is tired, scared, excited, hurt, etc.  He's growing fast but I still get glimpses of my baby in those moments.  The differences between my husband and I that (for the most part; more days than not) make a pretty strong partnership.  Especially thankful for a man who loves to cook and is effortlessly good with numbers.

On to Santa and a decision to trim up the amount of the old round and red man from CHRISTmas in our home.  I will be honest and say that I never put much thought at all in to the implications of recognizing Santa before having a child.  And last year when G was only 10 months around Christmas I had only put some passive thought towards how I'd like to present what the real reason for this holiday is- for our family. 

What is right for our family is not right for everyone and I hope you will not take anything in this blog to be expert advice.  The husband and I have talked on several occasions this year about what does it mean to un-acknowledge (not a word--see not an expert!) some of the commercialized portions to shine light on what is most important to us.

Some thoughts we've considered:

1. The commercialized version of Christmas is all about what you GET and the Christian view of Christmas is based upon the recognition of Christ's birth (true- Christ most likely not born at this point in our modern calendar year--you can google more on that if you'd like I'm not going to get in to a history lesson today).  Christ gave his life for us;  we want our families' view of Christmas to be more about giving.

2. It would appear at times that Santa is an idol; the Bible tells us not to place any other before God.

3. Then there's this whole issue of what could implications be if- when the time comes, a child discovers Santa is not real?  Do they also question God's existence that you have talked about and they have learned about and possibly (hopefully) become to love and trust?

While this doesn't mean we will take the festive nature and fun out of Christmas we want to raise our son with a greater understanding, emphasis and meaning of the very first Christmas.  Simply put- we want a vision of Christ's manger to come to mind before getting presents and a man in a red suit.  We do plan to talk about the real man, Saint Nicholas and his spirit of giving but do not plan to give gifts "from Santa" but from us, Mommy and Daddy. 

This poses a question: how will we try to ensure our child doesn't "ruin it" for other kids?  Well- by letting him know that other children may believe or pretend that Santa is real and to respect that and allow them to have their beliefs.  No- my kid will not be Scrooge, thank you very much. :)

I found a post in another Mom's blog that puts all of this in to very simple terms and definitely highlights the fact that she apparently has felt some sense of being "different," whether good or bad from deciding to be Un-Santa'd.  Check it out HERE.

So- Thanksgiving hasn't even arrived yet- no more talk will be done here about the following holiday until after Thanksgiving :)

Want to share your thoughts? Comment me (see that link below that says comment--click on it.)

"mun" day ;)

Good morning Monday; I have a slight head cold-yippee.  Being at work is actually more rest than I would get at home with a toddler--any other working Moms agree?

Popped some daytime cold relief, got a coffee, have a huge thing of water to drink and off we go.

Thankfulness- I've missed a few days (oops):
Thankful for:

1. Veterans (and those actively serving)- the quality of life that we enjoy today here in the U.S. of A. would not be afforded had those who have served for our country not been so selfless. 
2. Crisp- and by crisp I mean high 60's- low 70's here in Florida (and 40's at night) weather.  I love to be outdoors even more with this weather.
3. Prayer- this weekend brought a day of unrest in our household and I am thankful for prayer and the afforded relationship with God that Christ's sacrifice on the cross brought.  I am also thankful for a husband who is a Believer; we both continue to grow in our relationship with God (and each other) and have lots to learn and stumble along the way a LOT.
4. chick flicks--I watched Bridesmaids movie this weekend and cracked up. 

So- I've made it to the big time!! My blog was accepted on the Top Mommy Blogs website---whoohoo, we're famous!! :)  My ramblings are worthy of those who are bored or just as bored as me.

When I figure out how to put one of their banners on my blog- you'll see it and you can do what it says to do.  I'm apparently not supposed to solicit what it says to do so I am not saying the key words. shhhhhh..

Anywho- happy Monday cyber world.  What are you thankful for today? Leave me a comment....puhpuhpuhleaseeee! :)

Thanks givings

Being thoughtfully thankful should never be restricted to one month much less one day of the year.  Not sure how or when I decided to give thanks for various people/things, etc. in my daily prayer(s) but it is a habit now and I hope that by saying prayers with Gavin at meals and at the end of the day, it will rub off on him. (Side note: our little guy folds his hands- most times- when we pray---so cute and heart warming).

In the spirit of being unoriginal--check out almost any other blog- but grateful for the opportunity to count my blessings publicly; I will blog about what I am thankful for throughout the month of November (yeah so what I missed the first 8 days of the month).   I hope YOU WILL participate---leave me a comment with what you are thankful for today.

1. I will start by saying I am thankful for my immediate family- husband and child.  These people know my truest nature and still love me.  We are all healthy (minus occasional runny noses, etc.) and happy.
2. I am thankful for the rest of my family and close friends who have become family.  Without this support, life would not be the same.
3. I am thankful to be employed, making a salary that sustains our family and not being miserable (bored at times- but not miserable).

That's a good start. 

Time changed this past weekend, we set our clocks back an hour.  Last year I didn't really feel any effects from this; however, this year- it only left me more tired.  I don't feel like I've gained an hour whatsoever.  I do not like that it is dark by 6pm but I do like that I no longer need my flashlight when I do morning jogs. (That was not a very thankful bunch of sentences but ended on a positive; haha.)

Review of last weekend:
Friday= off from work! homecoming parade<---Gavin LOVED it, no melt downs when the naptime hour rolled around and we were still there.  He slept most of the drive to visit our friends for the weekend.
(note: said friend and family are giving us what is known as "side eye" because we left a cold with them compliments of Gavin)  Good thing they love us!

Saturday= visiting out of town with friends; went to the mall, played and ate lunch.  The funniest thing happened in the play area: G normally takes a bit of time to scope out situations before he feels comfortable going out on his own.  Once he felt comfortable he walked out in the play area with a toy of his over to this space ship thing.  He was approached by another toddler who looked a bit older than him and this "conversation" took place.  The other boy clearly wanted to play with Gavin's car toy- Gavin neither surrendered the toy nor acted meanly- it was this funny reasoning type of interaction.  I can imagine Gavin being like (in calm demeanor), "um- yes this is a nice toy; my Mommy gave it to me- I'd rather you not play with it and my mom is right over there."  I still laugh at the memory of how this interaction looked and took place.  Proud of my little guy for not just handing over what was his but also not throwing a fit or acting out. I'm sure he probably threw in a "mine" in their little convo.

Saturday night also held a very special and well-deserved night out with two other wonderful Mommies.  Almost everything about hanging out with girlfriends is different after becoming a Mom and it is wonderful to have the company of other Mom-friends. Alcoholic beverages, some food, a rude waiter, a jazz band and a tamborine were all part of the night, ended with some hot tub soaking.  A hilarious situation at a McDonald's drive thru took place on our way home from dinner/drinks.  That still has me laughing, too.  Love you amazing ladies and I look forward to our next adventure.

(Half) marathon-schmarathon update: can you feel my excitement??  Running 5 times/week--it's what I'm doing (going to add a day of weights and leave the 7th day for NOTHING).  Loathing the long runs on the weekends--but i love to see the # on the scale drop and my clothes fitting looser.

Ok- remember when I asked you to post a comment about what you are thankful for...do it- don't just lurk on my blog! I will guilt you in to posting about what you are thankful for or you will feel like a shmuck, haha.

Happy humpday all!

It's November??

Where has the year gone; we are in the l1th month? Time to play catch up:

Gavin had roseola this past week (rash almost all gone now); he looked like this on Halloween--poor boy:

Recovering little Gator football player (daycare costume--aka: mommy didn't go purchase one) with rashy/puffy face :(

Note: once the very scary fevers go away and rash appears child is no longer contagious (those fevers were no joke).  I did not send a contagious child to daycare.

He was better after his nap that afternoon so it was a "go" for some trick-or-treating with the cousins at Mimi and Papa's house.  He changed costume like any cool toddler would do and Batman and his Robin had some fun:

Cool, culinary Goddess/ Mom that I am, I also made these for daycare treat (easiest thing ever):
Mummy dogs

 

Half marathon training update:
So TWO Saturdays ago- I increased long run to 5 miles.  My friend Katie joined me- THANK YOU! I was regretting having ran two miles the day before; just noticed some added fatigue and we all know I don't need any ADDED slowness. We didn't do too bad- finished approx 5.3 miles in under an hour- sounds good to me.

And then--last week, all bets were off because G got sick and I was out a day and half with him and..and...just didn't train (ran like once on Tuesday).  Didn't do a long run this past weekend either---gahh, oh well. 

Fast forward to today:
Monday-did not run (see a theme)
Tuesday- 2 quick miles and some core at lunch time
today- 2.4 miles before the crack of dawn--I feel like that should count for at least 2 more miles since I was jogging in the dark with a flashlight for protection and got to marvel at all the constellations.

We are going out of town this weekend (yay- hello Hoch's!!), so it is likely I could miss another long run if I don't make myself do it Sunday afternoon/evening after we are home.  That is me on very good behavior/serious runner--so we'll shoot for that outcome and see what happens.  I'll try doing 5 miles again since I missed last weekend.

Saving money project:
I've been invited to join a coupon club--thanks Kathy!!  I'm excited to learn more and get started.
Ooh- and I got 40 F.R.E.E. photos from Walgreens yesterday.  Saw a coupon code from someone I follow on Facebook and- it worked!  I needed to print out updated pics of G and us to put in his book- it stops at like 7 months of age, so this was perfect.

My husband is a sexy college boy again---niiiice (who thinks he gets to "go to Spring Break"--hahaha!) 

That's the family update.