making money, saving money

I like this statement and I like the resources available on Mr. Ramsey's website (be bold and brave- check it out).

From what I've read and heard from lots of peeps so far, the principles are pretty simple; the follow-thru is NOT (insert cliche here).

I could jump on many soap boxes at this point but will leave it at this: you will probably see several...no NUMEROUS, posts about our efforts as a family in our quest to "be weird."

And if you want instant gratification on reading about one families' extreme (and extremely rewarding) quest in weirdness- start HERE.

A wrap-up of our weekend:
over wayyyy too quickly. Husband didn't get home from out of town work until Friday night and left Sunday afternoon to return to said out of town work. Bleh--continuing to pray for patience and more work in his field closer to home.

Upside: this week he will be home Thursday afternoon. And the out of town job is projected to be over at the end of August. This is both a good and bad thing---good for obvious reasons and bad because...will there be work here, at home? We could completely stress ourselves out about this OR pray. I'll try to save some pimples from being on my face and pray to the One who will never forsake us.

Check this blog out. Chrissy is someone I had the pleasure of meeting through an amazing thing called "new mother's luncheon" when G was a newborn at the hospital he was delivered. I admire her for her humbleness (is that a word??) and am excited about her families' quest towards adoption.

Happy Mun-day ;)

Great news and "5QF"

Another week with the husband working out of town---bleh. I do enjoy being the boss of the household schedule when it's just me and little G, but come on already- this working out of town is for the toilet! (Um, I think that was supposed to be "for the birds" but I feel more strongly about it than just saying birds---seems wimpy). If you pray- please add us to your prayer list, we're all three tired of this out of town work but continuing in the quest to trust God and being thankful because the hubby is still making money!

On to the "great news;" I previously worked a job that I was very passionate about and didn't even consider a "job." The ultimate reason I did not return to that position after maternity leave was due to the person who ran the place. Saying the term pathological liar only scratches the surface for who this person revealed day after day of who she is. Working for 4 years under this person, odds are I can give an accurate description of who she presented herself as at least in the workplace. MANY, MANY quality coworkers left due to Ms. Liar. On more than NUMEROUS occasions, complaints were voiced about her to the head office- which fell on deaf ears---UNTIL recently. Apparently enough attrition of employees finally raised a red flag and Ms. Liar has been asked to resign---I like to call it FIRED. The best part of this is that the purpose of this program where I used to work will be MUCH better off and those who it serves will reap the benefits. Prayers answered--not in the time I asked/begged for them to be--but in God's plan and perfect timing- cheers!

On to the fun stuff (leave it to something from someone else's blog to be the fun stuff- check their blog out HERE). 5QF (5 Question Friday) y'all...

1. If you knew your best friend's spouse was cheating on her or him, would you tell her (him)?YES- is there any alternative?? I would certainly make sure I had my facts straight and deliver the information in a way that would hopefully be as gentle as possible without damaging our relationship- but, yes- I look out for my best friends' best interests.

2. Soda in a can or a bottle? NEITHER- in a cup with crushed ice (picky picky).

3. What do you wash first, hair or body? Funny question: but my hair- always, for some reason.

4. What advice would you give to any new mama? Oooh, how do I prioritize this answer...the most important for me above all else that I could say- TRUST IN GOD. Aside from that most important information, the following in no particular order:

1. for the first SEVERAL weeks- throw "schedule" out the window or at least forgive yourself when things don't go as scheduled- because schedule is a pretty useless word/concept in the beginning. (no, you're not a failure if your baby doesn't sleep like the next Mom's baby or start reading at the age of 2 weeks)

2. ROLL WITH IT (not like down a hill with the baby): because baby will have plans of his/her own and this is all NEW to you and your family, so just let it be what it is (and FEEL FREE to call your pediatrician for WHATEVER questions you have about baby---that is what you've chosen them for, utilize the resource.) Note: why did I not say ask family/friends?? Because sometimes it's just more reassuring to get it from the "expert" and sometimes family/friends don't give good advice.

3. It's OK to NOT ENJOY everything about motherhood and it's ok to wonder--what the heck have I gotten myself in to?? In my own experience- I can't say I fully enjoyed motherhood until baby G was about 3 months old. Those first 2-3 months were a bit tough--then the kid decided to finally throw me a bone and smile (even if it was just a reflex and not meaningful at first!).

4. If breastfeeding: you WILL lose your mind time and again throughout the duration of breastfeeding---I have resolved to say that this wonderful opportunity is 90% psychological because you'll constantly wonder: "is baby getting enough food," "is my production low," "do i SPOIL my child too much by feeding him "too" often?" "if i have a glass of wine, milk, coffee (etc.), will it screw the whole thing up??"

Lastly- accept help when help is offered and remember that YOU are worthy and important and deserve to have a few minutes each day sans baby--I remember savoring hot showers as my escape.

5. What is your best hangover remedy?
GREASE (wha you say??)- get urself some bacon on an egg sandwich or a greasy burger- grab a gatorade or smart water and take a multivitamin (possibly with extra vitamin C).

Last thing I'd like to add to this blog post is related to question number 4 about advice to new Moms. In my experience thus far what is lacking is genuine support from one Mom to the next. Instead what is often times imparted is a sense of competition or feelings that can leave one feeling "less than" or "shamed."

Just embracing the awesome blessing of being a parent (whether with a biological child or adopted) should be the point. It's already so easy to compare yourself to another and when it comes to parenting, this can be really destructive. Moms need support and other Moms can offer a kind of support that a husband/boyfriend, etc. cannot. So kumbaya together everyone and happy Friday! ;)

I'm making THESE this weekend as practice for holiday gifts.

HEY--YOU, you person reading my blog: post a comment- maybe answer one of the 5QF questions above or tell me how lovely I am :)

Whoohoo for FRIIIIIDAY!

Extra excited about today because the husband and I are going to have a date night! Get your mind out of the gutta--we're going to hear some live music and hang out with some friends (and maybe if we're both not too tired afterwards he'll get some action--haha).

Let me just say how important having a date night on a regular basis is for a marriage. Especially when there is a lot of stress- don't skip it! I remember my Mom highlighting a verse in her Bible that says something to the effect of putting the marriage relationship FIRST- above all other relationships. It definitely takes conscious effort to do this! It's easier to love my child and nurture that relationship more so than my relationship with my husband--there, I said it. It's true- love for my son comes so easily and naturally. Love for my husband takes work and like I said- conscious effort, to make sure I'm cultivating our relationship in a way that keeps our bond strong and primary in my life. The understanding of HOW to do this does not come all at once- I'm a student daily.

OK, on to more fun things- 5QF (Five Question Friday)- from THIS blog. Want to participate? Repost your answers as a comment to this blog post.

1. Do you think cursive writing is overrated? (Schools in Indiana have now voted to take teaching cursive writing out of their curriculum.) Well, to tell you the truth- I'm not sure of the importance of learning cursive writing. How about we take the time spent on cursive writing and put it in to recess or the arts (music, art, etc.)?
2. Do you still use a pocket calendar or notepad or do you keep your info on your smart phone? I use both a paper calendar and my phone. I like the alerts/alarm that my phone can give me.
3. What 3 things would you save if your house was burning down? (family & pets are already safe) I'd try to grab some photos (specifically one of my Mom); maybe Gavin's baby book which has other items from along the way in it--nothing else in particular is really sticking out. My safe with important papers is supposed to be fire retardent so I don't think I'd worry about that. If my family and my pets are safe--I can make do.
4. Country Mouse or City Mouse, err Person? A bit of both. How about suburb mouse (err Person). Lived in Orlando (yuck) for the first 9 years of my life; moved to a very small town north of Gainesville out in "the sticks" and then moved back in to "city life" after high school and have lived here since. I enjoy the conveniences of living in the city but also miss the quiet and nature of more open spaces that the country affords.
5. If you could pick ANY reality show to go on, which would you pick? Vacation home search (this would mean I'd have enough money to afford a vacation home so other things would presumably be different in my life---like my current home would be different.)

Happy Friday everyone!

picture time

This is my boy being silly first thing in the morning. Naked jay bird! He LOVES to be disrobed.

So the story goes that our other bathroom with a tub is being redone (LONG overdue and the flood two weeks ago prompted quick action). For now he's having fun in this bucket!

Just a swingin'!

Not sure why I hadn't transitioned him out of the high chair yet; hmm..may have something to do with having been able to contain the mess a little better?? He's getting pretty good with utensils. I think he actually enjoys meals better out of the high chair- ahhh, my baby is growing up!

Our bathroom was being gutted this past weekend (read previous post for what prompted this long overdue remodel) so we got to hang out with cousin Cammil and Mimi (my mother-in-law) on Saturday and Sunday. One of the days we went to the mall for some air conditioned fun in the play area.

Another day we went to the Museum of Natural History. Two cuties! This was another great option for fun in air conditioning. There was a separate area set up for kids a "discovery" room and then the majority of the museum was free to peruse and a lot of fun for the kiddos.

Another very precious moment took place last night just as I was about to lay Gavin down to sleep. I usually say a prayer and sing a song while holding him right before I put him in the crib. He was trying to "share" his lovey with me and put the blanket in my mouth (yuck- no thanks) and I gave him Eskimo kisses instead- he LOVED this and we Eskimo kissed for a few minutes with giggling before it was clear he was ready to pass out. I am SO thankful to God for these precious moments with my little boy. They erase and far outweigh any whininess or mischief that may have tested my patience earlier in the day. Parenthood- whether your own biological child or an adopted child is such a blessing.

Peace. out. ;)

summa-time

We enjoyed a less-eventful week last week thank goodness. No plumbing explosions and no boddler (baby toddler) explosions (aka stomach virus). He does have painful pointy canine teeth breaking the gums, so some extra whineyness at times has ensued. He's rediscovered the teething ring and that expensive teething toy named Sophie--yay money well spent!

The most eventful thing was that our bathroom has been gutted and looks 100000 times better already with just new dry wall! G and I were displaced from the house Saturday and Sunday but got to hang out with Mimi and cousin Cammille.

I have completely slacked at doing 5QF (5 question Friday) from THIS blog; so here was last week's. A bit of spice and excitement for our Tuesday, late is how we like it (pictures of our weekend's happenings next post).

1. If you had the opportunity to bungee jump, would you? nooo, but I'd rather skydive in my pre-baby G days. Not so sure I'd put extra effort in to putting my life in danger these days.
2. Would you rather go to the movie theater or to the drive-in? Ohh, I remember going to drive-ins. That would be neat- if it wasn't so dang hot in Florida for 13 out of the 12 months of the year. Much more economical though; so yeah- I guess if I could still find one I'd like to give my husband and child the experience.
3. Do you have your groceries delivered? hahahaha...um, no. Where would that extra money come from? We do have our diapers and wipes delivered though- we actually DO save money doing it that way. The husband has found a great site to buy them in bulk.
4. Eyebrows: Do you wax, thread, pluck, or stay au naturel? Currently au naturel, I'm lucky enough to not have a lot of eye brow hair to get out of control. I try to pluck the obvious strays. I do like the way a fresh waxing looks but just haven't taken the time or spent the extra money on it in several months.
5. Would the people you went to high school with be surprised by your life today? I don't think so. I also still see a good number of people I went to high school with on a semi-regular basis. They may be surprised that me and hubby are still together. We discovered each other our senior year and dated off/on for a couple years after high school before getting married in 2004 (engaged in 2002- two years after graduating). 7 years married and counting....(prayer, lots of prayer and some imbibement has kept us together--not to mention the amazing gift of a me and husband combo called Gavin).

That's all- pictures to come in the next post.

WTH?! kind of week

Yep- it was that kind of a week; actually the month of June has been kinda crappy if I think about it too hard and I even had a long-awaited vacation! Hmm..maybe I should re-evaluate and put my big girl panties on. ;)

Big girl panties would NOT have been enough for this week though; here's a run down:
1. Monday very early morning- husband leaves for week in Lake Okachobee for work
2. Monday evening- G has rapid shallow breathing despite three aerochamber treatments (albuterol)----off to pediatric after hours we (me and him) go at 6:30pm (note: bed time is usually between 7 and 7:30pm).
3. Leave peds after hours around 8:45pm after duoneb treatment and breathing issues almost all resolved; continue albuterol treatments for the next 2-3 days and take prednisone if he gets bad again in 24 hours (yeah right- prednisone= non-sleeping toddler----lots of prayer we don't have to use this).
4. TUESDAY around 8pm- notice smell in guest bathroom= sewage coming up from drain in shower stall----**&^; go to other bathroom- floor flooding from base of that toilet---#$#^^*(!!!
Drano 'aint going to fix this. Plumber called who arrives a little after 9pm and informs me he'll have to run the loud snaking machine from the roof plumbing access area---better not wake my kid up dude!
Outcome: problem solved within an hour and G remained asleep---of course, it's only when a smaller less significant sound occurs that he wakes up :) Even though Brandon does NOT read this blog- I need to send out multiple internet thank you's because he came and helped me through this Sh**!! situation (yes, there is cursing in this post).
5. WEDNESDAY right before 1pm- get a return text from Stephanie, daycare provider that Gavin has had a good day but has only drank his sippies- not eaten anything. Seconds later- another text goes something like this: "now I know why he hasn't eaten anything- he just threw up." (insert explicative) Tell boss I must leave and drive over the speed limit to go pick up my poor sick boy. He's never thrown up before and all I can think is that I wasn't there for him when he wasn't feeling well. Confession: tears on my way there for what a crappy week this has been so far and WHAT ELSE, please nothing else. Then- put my big girl panties back on and tears dry up.
Long story short: poor G throws up a total of 6 times; is limp and very dehydrated and we go to pediatrician's office. Thankfully don't need to go to ER but start very small, frequent amounts of pedialyte. NEEDS pee diaper before 9m---feels like he's a newborn again. (small flashback to the crazy OCD new mom I was on charting pee/poop and breastfeeding for the first few weeks-ahhh!). Success- we got pee diaper around 7:30pm; little guy got a bit more energy back. In bed with me- needless to say I don't sleep much because I'm waking to every move he makes and giving him fluids every 2 hours or so.
6. THURSDAY, stay home with G who is almost 100% back to my silly little energy packed boy; minus the three diahhrea diapers early in the day. Poor little guy KNEW those farts were different--he said "oohhhh" for each of those diapers. (Eww I know, but that's the type of thing that gets discussed around here- this is about "mommyhood.") By afternoon- he's all good to go; takes a good afternoon nap and things are looking much better than yesterday. Mommy= so.dang.exhausted!! Can I please step out of my body and go sleep for a day? Scout and Molly- you're in charge.
7.And, today's Friday: husband got home very late last night and scared the buh-jee-zus out of me; he'd tried to call me so I didn't get startled but all phones go on silent in my bedroom at night--especially since G was in bed with me. (No, that will not become a habit---can't sleep well with toddler flipping 360 degrees all night and I'm guessing the husband would like his spot in the bed back).

So, I wish I could say that I have that "whoohoo, it's Friday" feeling like I used to have pre-motherhood. It just isn't being felt today because my head is still whirling from the events of the week.

So, apologies for the cursing- it just needed to happen; don't judge. ;) Next week will be better- right?!

It's been a while....

Pictures first!

Lots seems to have been going on since I last posted at Easter. The most significant being the loss of a family member. I won't get in to details to protect the privacy of those closest to him. Continued prayers for his close family and friends. He will be greatly missed.

Changes to "my path in mommyhood" include the recent development of the husband being given first dibs on job opportunities out of town. The work in our local area is slowing down and he was chosen to go do these other jobs. Pro's= he still has a job; a bit more income for working out of town; lastly- a bit less mess in my house Monday-Friday morning (haha). The con's= i don't know how good I'll be at being single mommy to G; who knows what the poor little boy will end up eating! I also know it will affect G and he'll be wondering where his Daddy is and why he gets to see him for a couple days and then he's gone again. This will occur for approximately two months.

Which brings me to something else that I cannot- NOT- mention: the loss of the family member I mentioned above resulted in a single mother of three. My situation cannot even begin to compare and so I slap myself each time I think about whining about my husband being out of town Mon.-Fri. for a couple months (I'm slapped again).

On to little Mr. G's happenings:

The kid continues to stretch his independence muscles; making it a lot of fun for my ever stretching reserve of patience. Somehow, each day God equips me with a new queue (what a weird word) of patience. I do enjoy watching my little guy test limits at times; it's hard not to smile or laugh but stick to teaching him some healthy limits.

Language development: we THINK he's added a new sentence to his repertoire: "I want that," sounds more like "ah ahnt dat." Certainly he is always asking "wasss dat?" So far most of my efforts to teach sign language is NOT paying off :( I'm the only one trying to consistently reinforce it, so it makes sense.

Little G loves to tell our dogs what to do. Apparently our disdain and, more often than not, annoyance with the dogs has rubbed off on him and he usually addresses them with a stern voice. Sorry to say the dogs are definitely animals now and dethroned from their previous higher status.

Most recent check-up for G was right at his 16 month birthday, stats: 70% weight and 80% height with an average noggin. No real concerns or issues to be too excited about so it was a great visit. He did have to get booster shots---ouch! He takes a chewable flinstones vitamin with added iron because his iron was still a bit low. He thinks this is his morning treat and I'm just happy he doesn't protest.

I've found a no-cry way to brush his teeth! After letting him "brush" (aka suck the training toothpaste) off it for a minute in front of the bathroom mirror, we move on to the changing table and it becomes a game. I "tickle" his mouth and teeth with it and it's an all out giggle fest--WORKS FOR ME! :)

Potty training is on the horizon- or at least the first attempts at potty training. He now usually grabs his crotch when he pees (or has peed) and is less ok with being in a dirty diaper for any period of time (I can empathize with that). I have not yet bought a portable potty for him but probably will just so he becomes familiar with it over time. What am I in for?? I can imagine a huge poopy mess---gahh!! Wrangling the child while changing a diaper, while also trying to keep poop off my hands is already crazy!

Lastly, we took a vacation to the beach last week. We were there for my Godson (yay- I'm a God mother) George's baptism this past Sunday but was fortunate enough to make a trip out of it because his parents rented a condo for the week before. Ahhhh....I love the beach and time off from work! Gavin didn't mind the beach and was waving the water towards him; he wasn't too keen at first on the sand all over him. He definitely enjoyed all of the helicopters, planes, birds and people and dogs to watch. Another precious, priceless moment of mommyhood: sitting in my chair at the water with Gavin in my lap having a snack; he's laid back on me and we're just sharing a quiet moment enjoying the view----LOVE IT and I'll cherish it forever. I will let him cuddle with me as long as he wants to; soon the day will come when cuddling isn't cool. (I may then hold him down and give him embarrassing kisses just to prove a point.)

Oh---I have to give props to other blogs that I find and stalk; here are a couple:

The Pioneer Woman this woman is awesome- four kids, cooking up yummy stuff, lives off the ranch--wow!

MODG This blog is absofreakinlutely hilarious (with some profanity). I only wish I could be as humorous as this Momma; however, I do not envy her placenta pill adventure-----ewww. Just read the blog.

That's all for now- come back to visit!