S Club Mama

Bible Study: I have nothing going on right now for a Bible Study. I need to start reading 2 Corinthians though. I just finished "I Am Hutterite" by Mary-Ann Kirkby (review soon). Memory Verse: Phil. 2:14 'Do everything without complaining or arguing.' I need to learn this as well as my children. I have a song from VBS many years ago that goes along with it. Husband Encouragement: I need to keep my mouth shut.  For instance, I really hate my hair. Really, really hate it. It's changed since I got pregnant and I don't know what to do with it. It's not curly or straight and it's not pretty when I leave it down. It's frizzy (even with frizz control stuff). So I put it up in a ponytail. Well, my hair doesn't all fit in a pony tail so I have to have a little pouf up top - I'm sick of it. Over my little sister's graduation, my older sister let me use her flat iron - omg it was amazing. Unfortunately, it's also around $200 (not that ...

For the past week, I have been hyping up potty training. Moose & I bought him some big boy underwear - Cars (of course) and some that look like Big A's (so cute) and we had some whitey tighties at home already. When I would get him dressed in the morning or ready for bed, I would get out a pair of underwear. I held it up and tell him that 'soon you get to wear big boy underwear....but not today...but soon.' I'd put them back in his drawer. After awhile, he started to get a little mad when I put them away. I picked him up some M&Ms and stickers, printed off a sticker chart. I put all of that up in the bathroom last night and told him that "tomorrow you get to wear big boy underwear and use the potty!" I explained that when he peed he'd get an M&M and sticker for his chart. He seemed very excited (and angry I wouldn't let him have an M&M). We started off the day lucky - he pooped in his overnight diaper. Hey, I was a little concerne...

As far back as I remember, my family has celebrated Memorial Day by visiting graveyards. Placing flowers on loved ones that have passed on was what we did. Maybe your family does that, too. However, many also take this day to remember those veterans who have given their lives in the line of duty. Many may go to memorials or services specifically for this reason. I wanted to share a few websites I found with the history of Memorial Day. Wikipedia Memorial Day History History .com However you celebrate, take some time out of your day to learn the history behind this holiday (it is more than just another day for banks to be closed).

My pal Summer & my other friend Jen have been nominated for a way FAB mommy blog award,  and while there are lots of other AMAZING mommy bloggers up for the win,  either of these women deserves to get the swag. Vote for Summer or Jen! {it's easy, visit the blog and click the button next to Le Musings of Moi - Summer or Buried with Children - Jen!}

After our first sort of unsuccessful doctor's appointment two days ago, we headed back up to our own doctor yesterday afternoon. We had saved a few...a lot...of dirty diapers that were stored in our fridge until we left (in baggies, of course) so that we could show her the blood in Squirt's stools. We spent probably over an hour there, getting x-rays and blood drawn (only a finger prick but still). And the joys of all joys that I don't think most parents get to enjoy, I got to scoop poop from his diapers into little cups for samples. Poor guy cried and cried. He cried when she pushed on his tummy. He cried when we held him down for blood. He cried when I sat him down for x-rays. But he finally ate. Formula (he did not like Gatorade or Pedialyte or water that I'd been trying to give him for a day). Downed 8oz. Our doctor wanted to observe him overnight, so we ended up in the hospital. They tried to draw blood, couldn't find a vein, then realized they didn't...

I contacted David, owner of the Pinecone Crafts Etsy shop, about hosting a review & giveaway for his adorable crafted signs. He was very prompt in his response to allow me to do so. I received two beautiful signs that would make a sweet little addition to any decor. First I wanted to share with you about David's shop. On his shop home page, he says, " Welcome to Pinecone Crafts. My wife and I have been in the craft business since 1986 and have decided to sell some of our most popular items on Etsy. These are some of our best sellers and make great conversation pieces. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do. " MY THOUGHTS: David was really quick at getting the signs in the mail for me. I greatly appreciate not having to spend much time waiting for things (I've had some experience with wondering if something got sent in the mail properly)! When I got the signs, they were just well-crafted and beautiful. The designs and sayings are simple but powerful. Th...

It is again time for Mama Kat's (pretty much world famous) Writer's Workshop! The prompt I chose from this week's list: 2.) If you could do your wedding over, how would you do it? (Inspired by this tweet “I am watching TLC’s wedding shows and this makes me want to get married again. Same groom but a totally different ceremony.” by Jen @BuriedWithKids ) Oh if I could do my wedding over again! Let me tell you that quite a bit would change. Let's just pretend that we wanted to renew our vows and throw a big bash again (oh for the money or desire to throw a big bash again)! My bridesmaids would be: My older sister, my baby sister, my bestie Laura, and my friends Tessie & Mandy. My husband's groomsmen would be his brother, our friends Kurt and Cale, and his boss Seth. Yes, the sides would be uneven; I'm cool with that. My sisters would walk down with his brother.  Our ring bearers would be our boys, of course!  The color scheme would be fuschia ...

{gotcha}

I'm pretty sure we said, "go rock with Grandma."  Oh well!  This Wordful Wednesday has been brought to you by the S Club Family via Angie's Seven Clown Circus . Go join in the fun with your own Wordful Wednesday entry!

I ran in the Rock Your Socks Half Marathon & 10K Virtual Race yesterday (found here ). I meant to run Saturday but my husband worked all day, so I didn't get the chance. After staying up way too late watching Return of the King, I set out just after 6am for my 10K. It was hard! Lots of hills to contend with (no dogs, surprisingly). I ended up walking parts of it so that time really isn't that bad! I ate a banana right before my run; probably not the best idea (although I didn't throw it up so that was good). I almost passed out awhile after I got home, but some water and PB&J rejuvenated me. I found a nice riding place for my water bottle in the back of my sports bra (haha). Anyway, let's just say I'm glad it's done. My first 10K! Sorry no pictures. I didn't Rock My Socks...I barely have any plain white socks let alone fun ones.

Bible Study It's not a Bible study but I think it's applicable to my marriage. I'm reading "The Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands" by Dr. Laura. Really good so far. Memory Verse Phil 2:14 Do everything without complaining or arguing. Definitely a good reminder for myself AND my kids. :D Husband Encouragement * don't complain about him working extra hours. I know it's good for us. * be thankful that he's willing to work another part-time job (sort of) for us. Train Them Up * Moose - getting him to NOT yell (which means watching myself, too) & potty training next week!! * Squirt - working on him with signs (more, eat, drink) and saying something (mama, dada, whatever) Personal Goals * figure out something fun to do with Moose while Squirt naps (finger painting, playdoh, coloring) * read my book instead of blogs! * run and on my "off" days, do yoga MUST Do * figure out when my boys' birthday parties will be ...

Since I began telling everyone about running a marathon, so many have told me I "should" run a half before I run a full. It's probably true. It's probably smart. And it's most definitely true for me. Today I decided that a half marathon is much more do-able for me right now. There are various reasons. The price of the marathon vs. the price of a half marathon. It's not much of a difference but when you are just getting by (and you have two kids in diapers), that difference makes a difference. I'm also hoping that if we decide to do a full marathon, we can set some money aside easier if we wait awhile. The time commitment to getting the long runs in. I know that some women (and men) can work full-time jobs and train for a marathon (or longer runs). Not me. I don't necessarily want to take THAT much time away from my husband when I don't see him very much the way it is. I also have been thinking about Squirt's first birthday coming up soon;...

Today I am supposed to run 6.2 miles. My first virtual race. My first run over an hour. My first run in 90 degrees (yes, two days ago it was 55 here and today it's supposed to be 90- thanks Mother Nature for that one). My first run where I'll need water (and will be carrying Moose's Lightening McQueen waterbottle because I'm cool like that). The first run where I just don't feel like it. But some time today I will get my butt into gear and do it. However, Big A has to work at his full-time job this morning and is planning on working at his new part-time job (helping out some farmers) this afternoon. So when I will run is beyond me. I hate not knowing when I can run. This isn't a run I can get in on a treadmill during naptime. And it's one I'd rather not do on a treadmill at all but I'll do it if I need to.

This is a seriously awesome video. I was told about his Miley Cyrus video via my friend Erin and now she's shown me this Fireflies video too. My husband loves this song; I appreciate it more after this. EDIT TO ADD: this is not Owl City who actually sings Fireflies on the radio. This is a friend's friend's brother (did that make sense) doing a cover of the song his way. I think I have a few of you confused on that front :D sorry

are weird... but oh, so cute, too! I'm a sucker for those baby blues (in all three of my boys)!! And check out the yummy cupcakes I made (oh and they were yummy)!! this post brought you to you by: Angie's Wordful Wednesday hosted by Seven Clown Circus

My apologies for the lack of posts so far this week. I feel like it's been forever since I posted (although I do realize that it was only last Thursday). Sunday was my first 5 mile run. I even ran it on the treadmill (only stopping once for a potty break)! I've been busy helping Big A enter the world of loving Lord of the Rings. We're all the way through the first and partway into the second. He likes them. He is just very hesitant to watch new (very very long) movies. He's weird. I had my book party last Saturday. A few wonderful ladies showed up and I think we had a good time. Next time though, I need to shove cupcakes in their faces because only one ate one! tsk tsk who passes up a good cupcake? LOL I will post pictures whenever I stop being too lazy to upload pictures onto the computer. They turned out darling and I finally got to use my cupcake stand. Prayers are needed for my family. I don't think I ever got back with you about my mom's test - ever...

 Move over Brad Pitt (you and your scraggly beard). Sorry Edward Cullen (NOT Robert Pattinson, I never climbed on board that boat). So long JTT (oh yeah Jonathan Taylor Thomas....I remember you from 5th grade). Here is the new love of my Hollywood fantasies. I love Glee - more importantly, Finn. I love a man who can do a mean Morrison! You had me at Hello!

Tonight while watching Biggest Loser (last week's episode via hulu so please don't think I've seen this week's episode & ruin it for me, thanks lol), I told Big A my overall weight loss goal (to hit 129 lbs). I think he about pooped his pants. haha I don't think he expected me to want to lose a lot more than I already have. I know that I feel better than I did even months ago. I know that I look better than I did even months ago. I know that I'm healthier than I was even months ago. But I have more to do. I have more weight to lose. I have a healthier me waiting for me yet. I haven't told anyone my goal yet. I didn't really have a goal until I dug deeper into my head. I want to lose 37 more pounds (or 40 to even it out). The Wii Fit Plus told me a long time ago (and keeps reminding me) that 129 would be an ideal weight for me. When I started using that, I thought that was impossible to reach. But I started out this journey (not to sound too B...

Bible Study - finish "Plan B" by Pete Wilson & I am going to look up something to better help me understand the second to last chapter in 1 Corinthians. I've read it twice and I can't seem to grasp it all. Memory Verse - (Sarah you always pick good verses) Ephesians 5:15-17 "Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is." Husband Encouragement - Big A is picking up some extra work with a local farmer so making sure the house is clean and meals are prepared. Also not being grumpy when he gets home, but letting him have some "breaths" when he walks in the door before I throw the baby and/or toddler at him. Train Them Up - Moose: I need to start looking at an on-line curriculum for preschool for next year since we are not sending him to school. I don't really want to purchase anyt...

These kids definitely got their looks from their Daddy! But I couldn't ask for more handsome boys -  or bigger blessings in my life.  Father,   Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of being a mama today, yesterday, and tomorrow. I know sometimes they drive me to the brink of insanity, but I love them with everything I have. No one could ask for sweeter boys or a better husband to father them.  Amen my hanging basket of flowers from my boys Happy Mother's Day to all of you mamas out there: biological, adoptive, foster, metaphorical, even those of fur babies.  If you nurture, you are a mom .

The day has arrived although it seems like it shouldn't. Only yesterday we were torturing you  with Polly Pockets and rainbow jump ropes. Now you're growing up, a young woman with dreams and hopes and a very big mouth  (some things never change). I am so proud of you! I can't wait to see what the future brings. Happy graduation day, baby sister!

I greatly apologize because this book review was due on Monday, so I am behind schedule. However, I still wanted to share with you about "Plan B" by Pete Wilson because it is a fantastic book. Powered by Ingram Digital "Do you remember the day you discovered your life wasn’t going to turn out quite the way you thought? It happens to everyone sooner or later. All of us have had dreams, wishes, goals, and expectations that, for a variety of reasons, have not come to fruition. Plans fizzle. Expectations come to nothing. Trusted people let us down—or we let ourselves down. Dreams shatter or slip away. Has it happened to you? Plan A comes to an abrupt stop, and you’re not sure if there even is a Plan B. Maybe the realization hits you in the form of illness or even death— a terrifying diagnosis, a sudden descent into the world of hospital beds and IVs, the sudden loss of a close friend or family member....

I have yet to make this myself, I will be honest. However, my wonderful husband made a double batch last week so that we could have some and I could take some to a MOPS potluck/playdate. While at said playdate, I was told it was yummy so I wanted to share the recipe. Chicken Mac N Cheese 1 lb. pasta (we used spirally stuff)                1 qt. milk 1 1/2 T unsalted butter (we used salted) 1/3 c. parsley 1 c. bread crumbs (we used 2 pieces of white bread toasted) 1/3 c. flour 1/2 c. parmesan cheese 2 tsp minced garlic (garlic powder anyone?)  2 c. shredded cheese 1 lb. chicken breasts (about 4 cups) 2 tsp. dijon mustard (we used yellow) 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. pepper Cook pasta al dente & drain (for those of you who have no idea what al dente means, it means almost cooked but not quite. The pasta will finish cooking in the oven). Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 3 qt. baking dish....

Q & M (the mom) & their kids, L & B, have been such good friends to us since our move to Humboldt. She's watched the kids while I get to sit in the dentist chair (which is a God send) and gone walking with me (although she walks FAST). She's how I heard about the aerobics class I took when we first moved, too. So yeah basically she's been awesome. Mid-last week we met her and the kids at the park because it was so nice out (jacket weather). Q brought the kids push-pops; Moose had never had one. I used to love these when I was little (my cousin would get them)! I think the kids had a grand ol' time eating away before they melted. Moose cried when his was gone...all good things come to an end, kiddo. But it's been great getting to know this family and we appreciate their friendship so much! Join in the fun at Seven Clown Circus with Wordful Wednesday (for those of us with a lot to say about our pictures).

Last week I finally got to the Nick Jr. website to print some paw prints off so we could play Blue's Clues. I did have to just find a picture of the Thinking Chair online for the Handy Dandy notebook, however. Any ideas what Blue wanted to do in the morning? This activity was a success...until the meltdown before nap time when I set up Blue's Clues to find a blanket, a book, and our comfy recliner. It was supposed to be for a bedtime story so we could read and then Moose could take a nap. He didn't want to read a story and take a nap; he wanted to keep playing Blue's Clues. He did take a nap (not a long one because the baby kept waking him up). I'm thinking this will be the theme for Moose's 3rd birthday party in July. I want to make the kids who come (anywhere from 1-5 other kids who would get favors) their own Handy Dandy notebook s. I need a better idea for how to "bind" them (I used sewing thread - doesn't work well and breaks easily). B...

so my wedding dress may not fit exactly like it did on August 5, 2006 but it does fit. Can I just say I don't mind (and my hubby doesn't either) that it fits...more snugly in *ahem* certain top areas? Although I am glad the full skirt helps cover up some tummy parts that will be the last jiggly area to go (if ever). And just wait until I try it on again, it'll look even better!

I wasn't going to post this weekend but today was my first "run" - the quotes are due to it not being a race. But I haven't ran with anyone else (except Big A) yet, so I was excited. However, my excitement was dampened (slightly) because the only runners in the Breast Cancer Run/Walk were the leader (a lady from aerobics), 15-20 little boys (under age 10), and myself (pushing my boys). Big A had to work this morning and was busy so couldn't run with us, so I had to push the boys. Let's just say it was about 70 lbs I would guess. 45 for Moose, 19-20 for Squirt, and 5 or so for all of our crap and the stroller itself. Whew! We ran around town; it was approximately 2.3 miles. I only walked a few times (up some hills and when I just needed to) and I finished it in 25 minutes 9 seconds. My pace was just under 11 minutes - that's pretty good for me alone, let alone pushing them! I was proud of myself. I wasn't even the last runner to finish; I sprinte...

Tricia over at Endurance Isn't Only Physical is giving away a Gym in a Bag. What a great Mother's Day idea for a mom who likes working out but A) can't afford a gym, B) is intimidated by the gym, C) doesn't have time for the gym, or D) doesn't live anywhere near a gym.