The Photog Nazi {blog}

GJR 7 Months Old

2012-01-30T22:32:00.002-05:00

Grayson James,

You were officially 7 months old at 7:47 this morning! Or was it 7:48? {You and Leah's time of birth are a minute apart and I'm beginning to confuse them.}

Time is flying too quickly for comfort. I thought 6 months was a huge month of firsts. But I think you have it beat.

This past month you have:
CRAWLED, for REAL crawled! We're talking up on all fours, professional crawler here!
STOOD UP. Yes you read that right. You're STANDING. As soon as you could crawl up to things you were pulling up on things and therefore standing. In your brilliant mind crawling=standing and they went hand in hand. I get your point though. What's the point in crawling up to things if you can't pull up on them?

GOT YOUR FIRST TOOTH! Your first little tooth popped up this month! This is BIGNESS. Your second tooth followed closely behind popping up a couple of weeks later. You now have two matching and adorable bottom teeth!
SIGNED! You signed "more" for the first time! I've also seen you do "milk" and I'm pretty sure "all done". My brilliant boy!
CRUISED!! For some reason you think you're older than you actually are. You've begun cruising here and there which blew everyone's mind that saw you. You were going back and forth from the couch to the recliner from daddy to Kay Kay. We couldn't believe our eyes! You do know you're a baby right????? Not 9 or 10 months, SEVEN MONTHS. Just so we're clear...
DRANK FROM A CUP! You FINALLY drink something other than milk from the tap! You for real are drinking juice {1/3 100% juice to 2/3 water} from a sippy cup! You only take sips here and there and completely prefer mama's milk though. I'm okay with that. :)
ATE REAL FOOD! You're not feeling the whole baby food thing, but you are finally eating here and there!

FIRST CART RIDE! You're sitting up well enough to officially sit in the shopping carts like a big boy!

FIRST 'BIG BOY' CAR SEAT! You have graduated from your infant carrier to a real big boy car seat. You're okay with it so far. I hope so anyway because you're in that sucker for a few more years!

I think that's all...boy has it been a month or what?!

You're quite the character. Very serious at times but very laid back and even silly at home. Your stranger anxiety is full-fledged is seems and your separation anxiety has made alone time for mommy and daddy pretty impossible.

You'll eat a bite of oatmeal or sweet potatoes here and there, but it MUST be heated up. You even prefer your fruit to be warmed. You have a very picky palatte. You really prefer 'real' food over anything. We're not really following the "Food before one is just for fun." but you seem to think it's a good idea. We let you eat when you want to eat. But we don't have "meals" for you. I'm your meals 100%. But we are letting you explore different foods, textures, and flavors.

You've rarely slept in your crib recently. You fall asleep in daddy's arms in our bed and sometimes I can get you in your crib for a few hours, but you seem to be spending most of your time in our bed. We're okay with that. I will feel better when we're in our new bed and not our dangerous platform bed though.

You don't take a paci or have a blankie, you don't really have any "favorite" toys, but you really enjoy chewing on Joshua's Nerf bullets. I think those are probably your favorite thing in the house. Either that or you just accept them as a teething toy because they're so readily available?

You've been really sick the past month. :( You were sick around Christmas Eve and it lasted a couple of weeks. It started to get better and I think you were sniffle and cough free for a week maybe a little more. But it has hit again with vengeance. Yucky, yucky sniffles, and the most terrible cough! It's not fun. :( Especially since you LOATHE having your nose wiped. Even though I try and only use Boogie Wipes {oh my gosh those things are an awesomely amazing gift from the gods!} or a tissue with lotion I still think it hurts your little raw red nose. {As I type these I'm contemplating a doctors visit in the morning...}

Well little one that's the past month in a nutshell! What big month it as been! I can only imagine what things this next month will bring. Hopefully a healthy snot and cough free baby! But let's slow down on the "firsts". You're my last you know and it's just going by too fast for me. :(

All my love Grayson James! Happy 7 months baby boy! xo ♥

I've got to of course share a couple of shots from your ADORABLE 6 month photo session! ^_^ {By the amazing Dimples & Curls Photography.}

This is going to blow your mind...

2012-01-27T15:24:00.000-05:00

I want 6 kids.

That blows people's minds for some reason.

Actually, if I could REALLY have it my way it would be 8.

I think kids are fan-freaking-tastic and that if you're lucky enough to be blessed with children you should accept those blessings.

However, I will never have 8 kids or 6 or even 5 for that matter. And I'm okay with that. But in a perfect world, I would be thinking of 4 more names for the 4 more children I wished for.

Unfortunately it's not a perfect world. And I'm so far from perfect I can't even see it on the horizon. {No matter how hard I squint my eyes.} I'm so far from perfect I would need a hubble telescope to see it and even then I probably couldn't make it out.

But that's neither here nor there.

We're already busting at the seams in our 1700 square foot home with our 4 kids. I can't imagine stuffing in 2 more.

This is where I begin to feel selfish and untrusting of my faith. We already have enough mouths to feed! Have you no trust that your Father God will provide? We can barely afford to put clothes on their backs as it is! Do they need brand new clothes and shoes all of the time?

But on the other hand I worry if there were more children that they would be jipped. How could I spread myself that thin and be a good mom to all of them? Wouldn't at least one be left out in the bunch?

I go back and forth often.

But when it comes down to it? I'm happy where we are.

I am completely satisfied and content with only having 4 children. I thought we were "done" after Leah. But I still had a longing that I knew would nag me forever, even when she was a little baby the thought of her being my last killed me. This time? That nagging is gone. While I look at Grayson's milestones with bittersweet sadness, it certainly doesn't kill me.

I look forward to the step after the baby years. I look forward to giving my time to the kid's schools more. I want to volunteer and be an active school mom. Will I miss the baby years? DUH! But one day I will have grandbabys to love on.

I'm happy with where we are. We're meant to be a family of 6. I've got two angel babies from miscarriages so one day we'll be a family of 8 and I WIILL have 6 babies. :)

Menu Monday

2012-01-23T07:00:00.000-05:00

Ooo! Look! A new "theme"!

I've done "Moaning Monday" and "Musical Monday", now I bring you "Menu Monday"!

I won't promise to do this every Monday, but I will do it here and there. I have a lot of friends on Facebook as for recipes to meals I'm cooking, so this will put many all in one place for the week.

This weeks Menu looks like this:

Shepards Pie
Nothing special, I make mine like this:
1 lb. ground beef, 1 can of beef gravy, 1 can of corn {drained}, 6 servings of mashed potatoes, 2-4 cups of cheese. {Depending on cheesy preference.} Just brown your ground beef and drain, stir in gravy and put in bottom of dish, spread corn over meat, spread potatoes over corn, sprinkle cheese over potatoes. Bake at 350° for 15-20 minutes.

Cheese Ravioli & Garlic Bread

Beef Stroganoff
A crock pot meal made from stew meat, golden mushroom soup, cream cheese, and a few other ingredients, served over egg noodles.
Click {HERE} for recipe.

"Priest" Chicken
Another crock pot meal, this is made with chicken, cream cheese, and Italian dressing seasoning.
Click {HERE} for recipe.

Taco Bake
This is a yummy layered casserole made with taco meat, sour cream, cheese, and the fun part? DORITOES!
Click {HERE} for recipe.

French Dip Crescents w/ Au Jus
These looked SO yummy. Super quick and easy too. In a nutshell it's roast beef and cheese rolled up into crescent rolls.
Click {HERE} for recipe.

All meals will be served with a veggies of some sort. I'm not sure what we'll be eating which day, but this is the menu wrap up.

What is your family eating this week?

Bohemian Baby Couture Custom Cloth Diaper REVIEW and GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-22T10:33:00.002-05:00

With the yeast monster and all Grayson was out of cloth diapers for a couple of months almost which meant no review. So this post has been a LONG time coming.

Back at the end of October I was given the AMAZING opportunity to review a custom cloth diaper from the awesome Bohemian Baby Couture. Tiffany is a work at home mom out of Arizona and the creative master behind BBC. This mama stays BUSY making diaper after diaper! With the quality and cuteness factor it's easy to see why she's so busy! Bohemian Baby Couture has honestly the best selection in prints and patterns I've ever seen. She makes one size pocket diapers, one size all-in-two's, sized diapers, and even matching appliqued shirts to match! She embroiders names, and can applique just about anything you can think of onto the diapers too. She's pretty dang fabulous and her dipes speak for themselves.

When I opened my package I literally squealed in delight at my diaper! It was a Jack Skellington diaper for Pete's Sake! It doesn't get cooler than that. I was blown away at the quality of this WAHM diaper! I expected something more "homemade"'ish. You know, with flaws that create "character". There was not a flaw to be seen. The stitching was as good as any big company diaper I've purchased.

{Seriously, look how cute this diaper is!!}

One thing I love about Tiff's diapers are their versatility when it comes to size. The one size diaper can fit a newborn through potty training. It has 3 rows of sizing snaps making for 4 rises, from 14" all the way to an 18" rise. More than any other diaper I've come across. This thing goes from tiny to huge without hardly any bulk and is surprisingly trim for a pocket diaper. Every pocket diaper comes with cotton print outer, hidden PUL, stay-dry inner layer(white-minky, colors-Panne or velvet) and 1 microfiber insert.

One of my favorite things about Bohemian Baby Couture diapers are the double gussets. These gussets can HOLD and hold they have! I've had no leaks, even with pretty explosive situations if you know what I mean...Grayson was even able to go overnight without any leaks which is pretty impressive. {I did add an insert to the one that comes with the diaper.}

The minky lining is stupid soft. Like, CRAZY soft and I can't help but think Grayson prefers it over the other fleece and suedecloth diapers we own.

The pocket is easy to stuff, and more importantly makes for easy insert removal, keeping your hand out of the mess.

I honestly cannot say enough good things about this diaper!

He likes it!! ^_^

So now, of course, the BEST part?! SOMEONE GETS TO WIN a one size pocket diaper in a boy, girl, or gender neutral print!!!

Woo-hoo!!

First, head over to Bohemian Baby Couture's Facebook page, "Like" the page and leave a comment thanking Tiffany for the giveaway! Come back here and tell me which BBC product or print is your favorite. Then fill out the Rafflecopter form below. :)

I will chose a lucky winner Sunday, February 5th and will announce the winner that evening! GOOD LUCK! ^_^

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Fave Pic Today

2012-01-19T17:55:00.000-05:00

I love this pic of Hailey and her baby brother. It's one of my faves I've uploaded this week!

Love the pic bling? Jess over at IROCKSOWHAT has tons of these amazing designs and they're FREE!! I downloaded the ones I used in this pic HERE. {Check them out! ^_^}

A Story By Joshua

2012-01-10T08:03:00.002-05:00

My kid's a comedic genius. I laughed until I cried when I read this. This is only a rough draft, he's got a much longer version complete with details.

Gah, I love him...and his crooked smile...

Such a Big Boy!

2012-01-06T13:38:00.001-05:00

Grayson has gone from scooting, lunging, worming, and everything he could do to get around, to actual CRAWLING! Check it out!

Not only that, but my sweet baby is now beginning to sip water from a sippy cup!

(I love how you can hear Leah cheering him on in both videos!)

He's growing WAY too fast. :(

Upcoming Giveaway!

2012-01-04T15:57:00.002-05:00

So way back in October I was given an amazing opportunity to do a review and giveaway by an AWESOME WAHM. It was for a custom cloth diaper and I was really, really stoked to have the opportunity. Unfortunately, it was at the exact time that Grayson's rash popped up. :/ I didn't want to put his infected bum in a new diaper just to have to disinfect it later on. Soon he was out of cloth all together while we did all we could to clear him up.

Well, FINALLY my little boy's bum is rash free and I am MORE THAN HAPPY to announce that I will be posting the review and details on the giveaway in the next few days! So make sure to check back!

If you want to check out some of the SUPER cute diapers from the sponsor in the meantime, hightail it on over to Bohemian Baby Couture and give Tiffany a quick thanks!

Yeast Monster Update

2012-01-02T00:38:00.001-05:00

Grayson has been back in cloth for a week now! He's still in disposables at night and as needed for ointment use but it's mostly CD's.

I will tell you what that rash was a BEAST. It's still not 100% gone. We've won the war but there's still a battle. It's sooo much better though! My treatment worked for the most part!

Since there is still lingering rash, we are using only our BG's and adding a little bleach to each wash. I'm using less and less bleach each time and do far so good!

Right now it's mostly just a poo issue. He will be FINE then he poops and it pops back up. We go back and forth between nystatin cream, nystatin powder, and Butt Paste and it's done well clearing it up. The awesome thing about the powder is that I can use the cloth and it treats both him and the dipe! if I use creme or paste I use disposables or I put a wipe between his bum and the cd.

I'm hopeful that the rash will clear and be gone for good soon.

A Journey Through 2011

2012-01-01T12:47:00.001-05:00

We started 2011 off with Ringling Brother and Barnum and Bailey! It was Leah and my nephew Milo's first circus and they were mesmerized. Somehow even among the craziness Leah slept through about 15 minutes of the show, but other than the little snooze her eyes stayed glued to the 3 ring stage. We took a train and it was all of the kids first train ride! Leah started potting training and wearing big girl panties during the day. January was a big month of firsts! I was also unfortunately SUPER sick during January, which meant a blog that was lacking in every sense.

February rolled around and we found out that baby #4 would be a little BROTHER! We kept it a secret all day and announced it at a Texas Roadhouse dinner with cupcakes. Everyone bit into the cupcakes to find a blue M&M. Soon after I celebrated my 26th birthday with great friends and family at my FAVE restaurant. At the end of February Leah was OFFICIALLY potty trained! NO MORE DIAPERS! {Until June anyway...}

March 9th Hailey turned 6 years old! Instead of the traditional birthday party she chose to have her hair and nails done and go shopping. Such a girls girl! March was stressful. {My mom was found unresponsive and suffered two strokes that month.} I posted in March often about my love affair with food. I was OBSESSED with food.

With April came my first delivery of cloth dipes! I was SO excited. It was crazy how I would play with them, organize them, over and over, I loved them and couldn't wait to use them. My mom celebrated her birthday as well as my niece and we all ate at Hailey's fave Nakato's. Since Hailey's birthday dinner was a bust due to mom's medical emergency, Hailey got to celebrate her birthday with her Mamaw and cousin! We celebrated a great Easter together as a family, but on the downside I was diagnosed with gestational diabeetus and said goodbye to sugary foods and carbs for the next several months.

May was HAWT. Summer hit with vengence and this pregnant mama was NOT loving it. I was pretty miserable in May. My love affair with Pinterest began this month. I found Pinterest, signed up, and 3,500+ pins later, I'm STILL head over heels. I celebrated my 9th Mother's Day, finished up my first quilt, and pined for sweets. May also marked the last few weeks of school! {I know the pic says last day, but I was wrong...oops!}

My last month of pregnancy, June, was probably the SLOOOWEST month of my life! I honestly mostly spent June laying around being pregnant and awesome. And miserable. Don't forget miserable. But obviously it was my favorite month of all 2011. I met my baby boy! And what an amazing little boy he has turned out to be! I lay awake all Wednesday night of the 29th, and most of the morning of the 30th, getting minimal sleep, I was too excited! At 7:30 surgery began, and Grayson came into this world at 7:47am, forever changing our family!

July was spent falling in love with G! We were all smitten. We couldn't keep him to ourselves forever though, so we had a "Meet the Baby" party when he was 2 weeks old. My cloth diapering journey truly began, my camera was put back to work full-time as I soaked up G's newborness, he had his newborn session with the amazing Dimples and Curls Photography, and I kept it easy, healing from surgery. We spent the month going back and forth to the hospital to see my brother in law, Tom. The last day we saw him was July 30th, Grayson was one month old. We said goodbye to Tom that day never imagining it would be our last farewell. He passed early morning July 31st. The hardest day of 2011.

August was spent remembering Tom. First at his small memorial service here in NC, and then in PA for a celebration of his life. It wasn't all sad though, we celebrated Joshua's 9th birthday! There was also the first day of school for Joshua and Hailey, so there was back-to-school shopping and preparations.

Before we knew it, it was September! September brought Leah's 3rd birthday, and VERY FIRST day of preschool! It also brought lots of firsts for G as he turned 3 months old by months end.

October FINALLY began to bring cooler temps and my fave season of all, FALL! I baked and cooked a ton in October, making lots of yummy food and sharing my recipes along the way. I got a wild hair and chopped my bangs, and did a little mini session with G as he hit 4 months old. We ended October with Grayson's first Halloween, trick-or-treating, with a gangster, angel, monkey, and dragon. :)

With November came Grayson's first Thanskgiving and lots of big achievements for our littlest man! I did a mini session for Hailey and was able to capture some beautiful shots of my gorgeous girl. Ye old blog got a new look too this month, and I tried spending the month being thankful for something each and every day. Will it be terribly awful if I mention the premiere of Breaking Dawn Part I? Yes? Okay, then I won't mention it...best of all though, we traveled to PA to celebrate Thanksgiving with the Renwicks. It was delish. Sad to spend our first holiday without Tom, but nice having our family be together.

The final month brought us a 6 month old! {How is that possible?!} December is becoming one of my favorite months. Getting our tree, decorating for Christmas, spending the holiday break with my kids, and of course Christmas is becoming more and more magical. We introduced an elf that the children named Thomas who brough hi-jinx all month. We celebrated Grayson's first Christmas, Mel's birthday, and of course New Year's Eve all with those we love most. The year ended with an amazing month for sure. Oh and last but not least, I got my iphone, which I LOVE! ^_^

G's First Food

2011-12-31T11:28:00.001-05:00

The Pickle Experience
Yes, his first food was a pickle...and as you can see...he loved it. {Shout out to his auntie Dana for donating her pickle and assisting in the eatage of said pickle. Now quit whining D... :P}

6 Months

2011-12-30T16:58:00.000-05:00

Sweet Baby Grayson! How can you POSSIBLY be 1/2 a year old already?

You have grown before my eyes, seemingly overnight! There are often times I feel you should be so small, I look at your clothes and can't imagine them fitting you. Yet, you put them on and often they're too small!

I can't begin to describe what a joy you are. You bring SO much happiness to our family. You light up our day with your laughter and smiles. Your big brother and sisters just adore you. You make our family better. You make our family whole. Complete.

It seems like yesterday we were having your newborn photos done, and today we were in the same studio having your 6 month pictures done! Dear sweet boy, please slow down. Just a little bit! You're such a big boy now!

The past couple of weeks have seriously been a whirlwind of activity for you. You've sat up for the first time, gotten on all fours, you rock, roll, squirm, worm, pull, push, and manuever yourself around our house. Most recently you've pushed yourself into a sitting position on your own. Nothing is safe and you have a knack for finding the tiniest things on the floor. I've been having to vacuum more than ever, and even still you find things I never even saw.

You've tried several more foods, but you still will not eat much. So far all you've liked is pickles and ice cream. Scratch that, you LOVE pickles. You had your first yesterday and wouldn't give it back. You gnawed on it for several minutes before dropping it. You never once even made the sour pickle face so many babies make!

You've celebrated your first Thanksgiving, and your first Christmas! Santa was good to you! You really play with toys now, and our living room has become your playroom. You "crawl" around playing and having fun, it's so fun to watch. {The jumperoo is still your favorite though.} You're teething like a joker and I'm waiting for those first teeth to pop through. You went from sleeping 10 hours straight to getting up twice to getting up 4 times and now you're back to 8 hours or so. I really can't complain! We had a few rough weeks but we all survived! :)

You're beginning to have stranger anxiety, which isn't fun. You're also beginning to have separation anxiety. DOUBLE not fun.

Everyone says you're SO serious. And I'll admit, you can be quite the serious little boy, but at home? With those you're closest to? You're SO happy! You light up and it lights up everyone around you. Your smile and joy is so infectious!

I love you sweet Grayson James. Love you more than you'll ever know. Thank you for making me your mama! Happy half birthday sweetheart!

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Our Holiday Card to All!

2011-12-20T11:17:00.000-05:00

We ordered our Christmas cards from Shutterfly this year. They have an awesome selection of really cute cards! Usually I design my own card, but with money being so tight this year, I decided to go with Shutterfly and redeem some free credit we had. I wasn't disappointed, the cards were great! I wasn't able to get enough to send to everyone I wish I could have sent them to though. :(
That's why I love the interwebs! I can send Christmas card love to ALL and still do the designing!
So here it is, The Renwick Family card 2011:

{FRONT}

{BACK}
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL! MERRY EVERYTHING! I wish each and every one of you a wonderful holiday season and start to the New Year.
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Sleep is GOOD

2011-12-19T09:20:00.000-05:00

Somewhere along the way, Grayson has made a decision that sleep is NOT a good thing. He is sadly, sadly mistaken. Sleep IS a good thing. Sleep is a necessity, and sleep works best when it can be had longer than 3 hours at a time.
Life is NOT very enjoyable when you're trying to live off of 4 to 5 hours of BROKEN sleep. 4 to 5 hours is bad enough. But I think 4 to 5 hours STRAIGHT would be much more beneficial that a broken 4 to 5 hours. I don't know what sleep ever did to Grayson, and what he has against it. I don't. But I think it's about dang time they work it out and become friends again SUPER quick.
As much as I wish I was, I'm not one of those ~~deranged~~ people that can go function off of a few hours of sleep. I need some SLEEP. I'm talking hardcore sleepage. 8 hours, NO breaks. Just 480 minutes of 100% pure restfulness. You give me 12 hours? I'm Mother Friggin' Teresa. I will come out of my bedroom skipping and whistling a merry little tune.
This sorry excuse for "sleep" I've been getting is turning me into a bitter old shrew.
I'm thisclose to joining my breathren, the mole people.
Here's a pretty accurate visualization for you....
8 hours of sleep:

Alive and well.
12 hours of sleep:

True happiness.

The 4-5 hours of broken sleep I've been getting:

Scary. Pretty much dead.
See what I mean?! I need sleep. I need sleep like fish need water. And I'm feeling like one dried up suffocation fish right now. I really wish I knew what was going on with G! He was sleeping 10 hours a night, sometimes 12! Then we went up to PA and he didn't sleep pretty much the whole time we were there. When we got back he went back to 10-12 hours for about 3 days. Then he began waking up at midnight and at 4am to nurse. He did that for a few weeks. Now suddenly he's staying up until 10pm, waking up at midnight, up at 2am, up at 4 am, and then up for the day at 7am. I'm literally sleeping for about an hour at a time. Kill. Me. Now.
I wish I knew what was going on and how to fix this...
ANY advice? Help? Tips? ANYTHING?! I'm desperate here people...
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Musical Monday #23

2011-12-19T08:54:00.000-05:00

This song is seriously amazing. Florence + the Machine is seriously amazing. I chose this live version, because, well I mean come on, listen to it! A-MA-ZING. The original is brilliant too of course.
Florence + The Machine "Shake It Out"

♫♪Tonight I'm gonna bury that horse in the ground
So I like to keep my issues strong
But it's always darkest before the dawn♪♫

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i ♥ my iPhone

2011-12-17T12:02:00.000-05:00

Reason #1,567 why I LOVE my new iPhone:
I've done two blog posts from my phone. COMPLETE with pics, collages, words, all that jazz. 100% done on my phone.
My wreath tutorial? Took 17 minutes.
My most recent Tasty Tuesday post? Completely done on my phone.
I loved my HTC Evo Shift, but it never had these capabilities. I am soooo glad I got such an awesome early Christmas present!
{Thank you hubby!}
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Quick and Easy Wreath Tutorial

2011-12-17T11:56:00.000-05:00

1. Untwist a wire hanger and bend into the size of wreath you would like to make. 2. Cut 2"-3" strips of burlap. 3. Fold the burlap back and forth, creating a zig-zag. 4. Thread onto the wire.

5. Continue threading the burlap onto the wire to get desired fullness. Twist the wire together the wire. 6. Tie with a bow and hang!

I'll Get You My Pretty!

2011-12-16T14:47:00.000-05:00

Can you tell me what Leah's most recent fave movie is?
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Dear Santa,

2011-12-14T07:00:00.015-05:00

Per the request of my dear husband, I compiled a very specific list of gift ideas for Christmas. I figured I may as well blog it yo! Maybe you'll want one of my fab finds for yourself. You never know.

1. harry potter and the deathly hollows part II on blu ray 2. white pitcher 3. hats from target4. little white gold hoop earrings5. dc collectors pint glasses6. clothes7. walking dead volumes 4 and above8. kitty kat headphones9. camera lens bracelets10. food processor11. glee karaoke revolution volume 212. toms {those are shoes babe}13. paper♥mama print of our familia14. hobby lobby gift cards15. joovy kooper16. "let's pretend this never happened"17. family birthstone necklace18. epiphane camera bag19. femme de cirque OPI collection20. make up21. sewing machineTop Mommy Blogs - Vote for me @ TopMommyBlogs.Com!

The attack method...

2011-12-13T22:01:00.000-05:00

Today was the day. The day I took yeast on head to head. If yeast bacteria have little heads...I was killing those little yeasty suckers. Once. And. For. ALL.
G is sensitive. Like uber sensitive apparently. So one thing that needed to be done on top of murdering the yeast, was stripping the dipes of detergent, just in CASE he was having a reaction to it.
First things first I searched the house for all things cloth. Wipes and dipes alike. And threw them in the washer. {That thing was FULL, even with it's big 'ol drum!} I squirted in some good old blue Dawn dish soap and put it on a heavy duty wash cycle, hot/cold. I did a few wash cycles, then several warm/warm rinse cycles until I felt the dawn was OUTTA HERE.
THEN, I added between 20-40 drops of tea tree oil {honestly I lost count around 30'ish.} And did a sheets cycle, hot/cold. Then I removed all the non-bleachable wipes and dipes, leaving all of the inserts, wipes I don't care about, and dipes that had the "OK" from their manufacturers to bleach. I added 1/2 cup of Clorox, and did another sheets cycle, hot/cold.
Wondering what I did with the non-bleachables? I put those suckers in a tub with the hottest water that will come out of our faucet {Mel said between 130 and 140 degrees.} to soak, and to let that hotness murder what the tea tree oil didn't.
That's as far as I've gotten so far in real time.
Next step? Rinsing the mess out of the bleached stuff, spritzing some bleach on just the inside of non-bleachables dipes, throwing them back in the washer, quick rinse, then I'm adding All Free & Clear for a heave duty wash hot/cold, and then a double warm/warm rinse.
Then I'm drying all I can on HIGH. Some stuff is a no-no on high...those will be hung, but I plan on doing at least 10 minutes on high for everything to kill any remaining yeast. {And praying the 10 minutes doesn't kill my diapers in the process.} *edited to add* scratch that, after googling, I'm throwing everything in the dryer on high.
So that's the plan.
Back up? Taking everything to my mom's for a hot, hot wash. She doesn't have HE so she can actually do a HOT HOT wash. Where as mine is more of a pretend hot. I'm hoping the tea tree oil and bleach make up for the lack of hotness...I'm also considering some grapefruit seed extract. I can't find it ANYwhere locally but I will order it online if I must.
So that's the attack plan.
I am praying and hoping and crossing my fingers this works and that the yeast will be banished to the deepest darkest part of hell FOR-EV-ER.
PS I'm not putting Grayson in any cloth until the yeast rash is gone for GOOD. Which means possibly another month in disposables. :( But even a couple of months in disposables, I'm still saving a CRAZY amount of money! Dolla dolla bills ya'll! Okay, that is all.
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A New Cloth Diaper Monster...YEAST

2011-12-13T07:07:00.000-05:00

I thought my battle with ammonia was treacherous. That was nothing compared to the war I'm fighting with yeast.
It started a little over a month ago. I went to change Grayson and noticed a rash. It was small, and he'd had a rash before, I did what I always do, threw on some CJ's Butter and put on a fresh diaper. That's all it took usually. It didn't work though. Over the course of the day the rash didn't budge. Within a few days it was worse, and spreading. Finally it got to the point where it was inevitable, something major had to be done.
My first attempt was with Lotrimin and fleece liners. I went through an entire tube of that stuff before I gave up. I wanted to try an option where Grayson could stay in cloth, without using liners, something that would cure the rash from him AND his diapers, so I ordered a product made by CJ's that was formulated for yeast. It didn't work. So I added tea tree oil and washed all of G's dipes in the tea tree oil hoping to disinfect them.
Nada.
After about a week, I gave up on the "staying in cloth" approach and bought disposable. We were traveling for Thanksgiving anyhow so the disposables didn't seem an ENTIRE waste of money. Over the long Thanksgiving weekend the rash would begin to get better, then get worse again before it improved, but then would go back downhill. By the time we were home I made one last feeble attempt with the Lotrimin, but went ahead an made an appointment for Grayson to be seen by his doctor.
After a long list of changes needed to be made, for eczema and sensitivity, we were given a prescription of Nystatin and told it could take up to a month or more for the infection to be cleared! We had to buy more disposables, which I HATED, but within a few days, the rash FINALLY cleared up! I knew we would have to continue the Nystatin even after it cleared for several days, but he only needed it twice a day so I was excited to stop using disposables when he wasn't using the medicine!
My excitement didn't last, as soon as I took the first cloth diaper off of him the rash was back.
I wanted to scream even more than I did when I used to smell that dastardly ammonia. Ammonia smelled bad, but this? This was HURTING MY BABY.
I did another attempt at disinfecting the cloth, and continued with the Nystatin. After I felt the diapers were good to go I timidly tried again. Again, the rash was back as SOON as he was back in cloth.
A week and a half in, we unknowingly ran out of disposables and were left HAVING to use cloth until we could make it to the store. I was hopeful, but my hopes were bashed. Again, the moment he was in cloth, the rash was back.
We're 6.5 weeks in with the rash now, 2 weeks and 1 day since beginning the Nystatin. Today I'm going at the diapers with all guns blazing. I'm talking stripping, soaking, bleaching, and tea tree oil. I'm PRAYING it works. Grayson's well child check is today so I'm hoping to gain some insight and advice from the doc.
Wish me luck! I will continue sharing my experience as well as the entire wash routine I attempt today.
If you have ANY words of wisdom, please share!
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Tasty Tuesday: Cookies 'n Cream

2011-12-13T07:00:00.001-05:00

I decided to throw together a snack for the kiddo's this afternoon to surprise them with when they got home from school and decided to share the quick yummy recipe!

It's super yum and something you can get the kids in on too. It's more of a dessert than a snack and a bit indulgent, so keep that in mind. ;)

All you need is 4 things: Oreo's, milk, whipped cream or cool whip, and a cup or bowl to put the yummy concoction.

Dip an Oreo in milk, lay it in the bottom of the cup, top with a layer of whipped cream.

Continue layering the dipped oreo's and whipped cream. End in the cream! You can eat right away, but it's yummier when it's been put in the fridge for an hour or more.

Enjoy!

Ahhhh much better...

2011-12-12T19:52:00.000-05:00

Made another small tweak...by George I think I've got it!
BEFORE

AFTER

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★Special★ Musical Monday

2011-12-12T15:24:00.000-05:00

I have always had an adoration for Adele and her music, she's seriously the most talented and beautiful singer I have ever been a fan of, but I also think she's the most awesome chick EVER. She is hilarious and has amazing character. The more I learn, the more I love her. My celeb board in Pinterest, "The Beautiful People", is chock full of Adele.
I can sit on YouTube and watch video after video of her music, and interviews. She's a-ma-zing.
I've posted her music, a ton, on Mondays, but today I wanted to put together just a few of my fave videos in one post.
Enjoy! ^_^
This is my fave version of this song. And my favorite video of it. It's a live version of Adele singing in her home. You get to see bits and pieces of her home, and this version is a bit different than the single. I love it.
On Chelsea Lately!
A cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me". B-e-a-UTIFUL.

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our week in phone pics

2011-12-11T14:20:00.000-05:00

MONDAY

Monday was an awesome day. I spent the morning thrifting and craft shopping and scored some awesome stuff. I finally got fabric for Hailey's quilt, and tons of Christmas gift project supplies. It was a special day, 10 years to the day I found out I was pregnant with Joshua. A day that changed my life dramatically. I finally began putting out Christmas decorations, one of which is a handmade snowman, made by the husband of a dear friend. My gray is seriously getting CA-RAZY. I'm only 26 and have a ton of silver in my hair! I actually love it and have decided to stop coloring my hair. Hoping for healthy locks for years to come, silvery as they may be! :)

TUESDAY

We woke up Tuesday morning to Thomas the elf playing "Spin the Bottle" with Hailey & Leah's dolls and toys. {Creepy Thomas...just...creepy.} I spent the morning addressing Christmas cards and playing on the floor with Grayson. After a super yummy lunch the afternoon was spent doing homework with Joshua and Hailey.

WEDNESDAY

I woke up Wednesday with no-heat curls, that were actually no-heat waves, a sneaky elf making "snow" angels in our flour, and a wicked headache that kicked. my. ASS.

THURSDAY

Thursday morning, my headache lingered. I was able to function much better though. I pulled out last years wreath, and took Leah to preschool. I fell into a marathon of Vampire Diaries and then Thursday night was Hailey's Christmas program! It was her first performance and she did AMAZING. She did so well with her lines, she was asked that morning to take on another part in addition to her own! Even with getting the lines THAT morning she did GREAT. We celebrated at our new fave Mexican restaurant, La Unica. It ended up being an awesome day!

FRIDAY

I was sooooo ready for Friday by the time it rolled around! I went back to sleep after Joshua and Hailey got on their bus then lazied around with G and Leah in the morning. Thomas the elf was found taking a ride around the house. ^_^ Friday night, Grayson fell asleep on daddy, we were all pooped.

SATURDAY

Saturday was a pretty awesome day...we were surprised with a visit from Santa atop a firetruck! Lights flashing, siren blaring, the whole deal. It was pretty neat. The kids were given candy canes and we watched Santa Claus go on his way. We enjoyed a family brunch at Waffle House and then FINALLY got our Christmas tree. After a pit stop home to drop off the tree and feed Grayson we were off to find lights for our tree and our yearly keepsake ornaments. 7 stores later we came home with NO lights, NO ornaments, just a few things I needed for my Christmas gift crafts. Hailey and I ended the day with my sister seeing Breaking Dawn Part I. {It was my second time seeing it, Hailey's first, so I knew when to cover her eyes.}

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GJR 5 Months Old

2011-11-30T23:00:00.000-05:00

Big Achievements!

You can sit up for almost 15 seconds at a time! You sit like a big boy and then go for your toes, or try to get them in your mouth, or get distracted and topple right over.

You inch Worm/Wiggle/Army Crawl across a room! I can't figure out if it's on purpose or not. But you're mobile even if you don't mean to be.

You roll front to back and back to front. You barrel roll all over the floor. Sometimes I think you ARE after things when you're rolling. It gets you there quicker than doing the worm.

You tried food for the first time! Cereal, you hated it. We mixed it with breast milk. Nope. We mixed it with water and juice. Nope. We tried giving you squash. Nope. We even let you gnaw on a french fry. You gagged and threw up. {You can be a drama baby.} I won't lie, I look forward to exclusively breast feeding you for a looong time.

Your Fave Things!

You absolutely LOVE your horse. You can literally sit in that thing for an hour and bounce away. You get going side to side, then you jump high up and down, then you'll sit and play with the toys attached and then it's bounce time again. You're happiest in your horse.
You move CONSTANTLY. You bounce, jump, squirm, wiggle. But mostly bounce and jump.

You love your bed and sleep like a rockstar in it, and in it only.

You prefer velour crib sheets. As in, you won't sleep well if at all on anything but. When they're dirty you're fussy and as soon as their back on your mattress you nuzzle your face into them. It's adorable you picky little thing.

You're a boob man. You still refuse your milk from anywhere but the tap. You won't even eat food. You act like everything that gets near your mouth is the grossest thing ever unless it's breast milk. You're so dramatic about it too and gag loudly. If we persist? You puke....EVERWHERE.

You love paper. You grab it and crinkle it and eat it and chew it and throw a tantrum when it's taken away.

You're Growing Up. :(

You don't care much for your swing anymore. I can get you to swing for 15 minutes tops, IF I've got awesome toys to distract you with.

The days of the bouncy seat are long gone. You're way too big for it and even if you weren't you're just not impressed anymore.

You're SO aware of everything going on around you. You're very curios and it makes for a hard time of nursing sometimes. You get distracted and milk goes EVERYwhere.

Troubles:

We've been battling diaper rash, and eczema. It's awful. :( Your poor skin is so dry and itchy and you have scratches all over. We're switching to Dove sensitive soap, Eucerin lotion and Free & Clear detergent. I hope it helps my sweet boy, I hate seeing you suffer.

You're teething up a storm. You get so fussy and chew and bite the crap out of stuff. I know it hurts you and I hate it. Luckily you don't mind Tylenol.

You're such a homebody. You only really seem happy at home. You're good for a little while out and about but then your done and want your horse and your bed. Just like your mama.

Blessings:

You're such a joy to be around. You've got an awesome personality and remind me so much of your dad. You're laid back but so funny. You laugh and smile. You're very strong-willed and like what you like and don't like what you don't like and you're quick to let us know when you don't like something.

You sleep soooo well. And often. You love to sleep.

I think God took a little of us all, Joshua, Hailey, Leah, mama & dada and made you sweet boy.

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One of our Christmas Cards this Year!

2011-11-29T22:30:00.002-05:00

Merry Little Moments Christmas Card

Turn your favorite photos into personalized Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

She's Beautiful...

2011-11-23T17:27:00.000-05:00

My daughter Hailey was seriously born with every physical attribute I've always wanted for myself. She's basically the complete opposite of me and undeniably the most gorgeous little girl I've ever laid eyes on.

I've always hated my super thin, fine hair. She was blessed with thick, gorgeous locks.

I've always hated my thin, barely their eyebrows. She was blessed with beautiful thick, shapely eyebrows. {And yet somehow managed to bypass the dreaded unibrow!}

Eyeslashes? I have to put on about 529 layers of mascara before my eyelashes can be seen to the naked eye. My lashes are long, but they're basically clear. And thin. Hailey's are the opposite. Her lashes are thick and black and loooong and gorgeously beautiful.

She's bursting at the seams with beauty and spunk. The definition of pretty, gorgeous. I am so blessed to be this beautiful little girls mama.

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How?

2011-11-21T14:53:00.001-05:00

How do they go from this:

to this:

So incredibly fast?
TOO fast.

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Musical Monday #21

2011-11-21T10:25:00.001-05:00

I haven't done a Musical Monday in so long! Partly from forgetting, and partly from not having anything to share. Going a few weeks without posting gave me a chance to put together some great music I've been loving!

Today I'm sharing a b-ea-utiful song. Any Twihards will recognize it. It made for a spectacular love scene in Breaking Dawn Part I. I LOVE IT. I'm hoping to get the soundtrack for this song.

enjoy!

"Turning Page" by Sleeping at Last

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Thankful Days 19 & 20

2011-11-20T13:31:00.000-05:00

This weekend I am thankful for the interwebs!

We have all become so dependent on the world wide web. I spent yesterday streaming movies with the family, lazying around, laughing together. I LOVE that I can blog and share photos and share my life with my dad and in-laws even though they're several hours away. I love feeling involved with my cousin's lives even though we don't physically see each other often if ever. I love being able to find solutions to problems, ideas for fun, and recipes for yumness.

So this weekend, I am thankful for the the internet. Life wouldn't be the same without it.

brianne.renwick{@}gmail{.}com

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New Look!

2011-11-20T10:08:00.000-05:00

I change it up pretty often around here, but it's not too often I do a drastic makeover. I tend to keep it in the same color family etc. Well I gave ye old blog quite the overall! New color scheme {although it coordinates with the previous}, new header, new buttons, new layout, the whole shebang!

I've been working on this header for literally months. I haven't had time to just sit and work on it, and I didn't know exactly where I was going with it. I knew what I wanted but it took me a long time before it all clicked and I LOVED it.

It started with the header:

Then I moved onto the new "social media" buttons. I had soooo many rough drafts on those suckers. It took a long time for me to put those together too. They ended up like this:

Lastly, was my new button for ya'll to pop on your blogs and to share! I had about 3 or 4 different buttons going on. I settled on this one...

Whalla. There you have it. My new look.

Along with the new newnesss I cleaned it up quite a bit, moved stuff around, etc. I'm happy with it. I love it. :) Who knows what the next design will look like, for now, I'm happy with this one. It took me way to long to get right so it will be sticking around for a while.

brianne.renwick{@}gmail{.}com

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Thankful Day 18

2011-11-18T19:47:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for.....

PHOTOSHOP!!

Oh I love my Photoshop CS5. It. Is. Awesome. And I couldn't live without.

Thank you God for Photoshop! It makes life a lot more fun.

Thankful Day 17

2011-11-17T15:47:00.001-05:00

Today I am thankful for my mom. She really helped me out today. She folded a buttload of laundry for me. I don't think I give her enough thanks nor do I give the Lord enough thanks FOR her. But I am. So, so thankful. I love my mom.

brianne.renwick{@}gmail{.}com

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Thankful Day 16

2011-11-16T14:52:00.000-05:00

Today I'm thankful for this little nugget...

He greets me every morning with the gooiest smile and I just melt. He makes my mornings brighter! I'm not a morning person, okay, actually saying that is an extreme understatement. I'm downright evil in the mornings. But you can't hate the world when you've got a smiley baby coo'ing up a storm, happy and ecsatic just to see YOU. Excited to see YOU. His mama.

Instead of feeling homicidal, I feel like a rockstar.

Babies have a way of making you feel like the sun rises and sets in your eyes. You are their everything! There's not much better feeling than that. Plus their super cute and cuddly and YOURS.

This little dude has the coolest personality, even at 4 months old he's awesome. He's so laid back, but also knows what he wants and will be quick to let you know he's not happy. He's a chill little guy and sometimes it's hard to get a rise out of him, but he's also really easy to make laugh because he's super ticklish. {And it's the CUTEST thing.}

He's definitely the missing puzzle piece to our family. And I am EVER so thankful for him.

brianne.renwick{@}gmail{.}com

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Thankful Day 15

2011-11-15T15:50:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for this little sucker:

I honestly couldn't live without those things! I wear my hair up EVERY day. I wore it down a lot more when I didn't have bangs. My layered look + bangs = she mullet esque hair do. Not a good look for me. So I wear my hair up. It looks a ton better.

brianne.renwick{@}gmail{.}com
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Thankful Day 14

2011-11-14T16:04:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for naps.

Naps should be had by all. They an amazing cure for many things. Stressed out? Take a nap! Hard time focusing on a task at hand? Take a nap! Need a little pick-me-up? Take a nap!

Naps are like little energy reset buttons. Even a 10 minute cat nap can do wonders! It's usually about this time of day that I doze of somewhere. I catch a few winks for 10, 20, 30 minutes, sometimes more, and wake up with a new wind ready to beat dinner and my evening into submission.

I think there's a misconception that because you're busy you don't have time for naps. You'd be surprised at how much of a boost you can get from a micro-nap. Probably more so than you'll get from any supplement! Sit in your car, rest your head on your desk, and take a breather. You'll wake up ready to tackle your day!

Seriously, while I'm typing this my eyes are lagging and I'm yawning up a storm. Excuse me while I go grab a nap...

brianne.renwick{@}gmail{.}com

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Thankful Day 13

2011-11-13T13:44:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for my camera.

I obsessively love my camera. Obsessively. The thought of anything happening to it sends me into a panic. You may think I'm exaggerating. Last night, Hailey picked up my camera cord last night and was playing with it, tossing it around and such. Mel spots her and what does he say? "You better put that up! That's your mom's lifeline." See? Obsessive. It's a little extreme.

{But not too extreme, don't get me wrong, I have my priorities. And my camera's not at the top. But I do love my camera something fierce.}

I am incredibly, incredibly thankful for my camera.

My photos are my most prized possession. {Inanimate anyway.} After getting the kids out, my photographs would be the first thing I would grab in a fire. Some have been taken by others, but the majority were snapped with my very own camera.

I've captured first smiles, first days of school, first performances in school programs, a lot of firsts, but more than that, memories! My brother-in-law is gone now, but he will always live on in the photos we have of him. The kids will grow up and may not remember his as much, but we will always have pictures to show them how much their Uncle loved them.

My camera is to thank for that.

So I'm thankful for it.

I love you camera! I really do!

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Thankful Day 12

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today I am thankful for this boy...

He brought me breakfast in bed yesterday. He's NINE YEARS OLD and brought his mama breakfast in bed! He's going to make an AWESOME husband and father one day. He blows me away.

Yesterday was the best day. Of course any day that starts out with breakfast in bed is going to rock. :) We had a yummy breakfast of pancakes {frozen, come on he's 9}, I got up and added some scrambled eggs. Then we hung on the couch and vegged out to a few first season episodes of Vampire Diaries. {He's one cool kid for putting up with his mom's taste in shows.} Then we packed up and headed out to hang with friends. After a few hours of Joshua playing with his friend Mikey, and myself hanging with Mikey's awesome mom Kay, we headed out to lunch. A mommy/son lunch at Monterrey, a super yum Mexican restaurant.

We came home and hung out, telling knock knock jokes, Joshua played with his baby brother, we laughed a ton. The perfect day ended with Dad and Leah watching Zookeeper.

Awesome day.

All because of one awesome kid.

I love you Joshua Brian!

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Thankful Day 11

2011-11-11T18:24:00.000-05:00

‎"Thanksgiving is a day when we pause to give thanks for the things we have. Veterans Day is a day when we pause to give thanks to the people who fought for the things we have."

That quote is floating around Facebook today. Sometimes alone, sometimes with a cute little cartoon of a dude praying and dog tags. It's so incredibly true.

OF COURSE today I am thankful for our veterans. Those who have fought for MY freedom.

Ha! I love someecards.com for serious.

Thank you. Thank you to anyone who has ever served. Thank you for your sacrifices for me, so that my children and I can live a life of freedom. Free to serve our God. Free to speak our minds. Free to be. Freedom is never free and you paid the price. I once heard an amazing quote,"Only Two Defining Forces Have Ever Died For You: Jesus The Christ And Your American Soldier". For that I am EVER so thankful.

"I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot."
-Gary Hart

"But the freedom that they fought for, and the country grand they wrought for, Is their monument to-day, and for aye."
-Thomas Dunn English

"This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave."
-Elmer Davis

Hug a vet today. Thank them.

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Thankful Day 10

2011-11-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Today, I am thankful for milk. Cold, delicious, white milk. 2% for me. You may not feel my adoration for milk....but what do you do when you've run out? You mourn and buy more. Because milk. Is. AWESOME. I am a cereal fiend and you can't enjoy cereal without milk. Also milk is yummy. Also, look at all the creamy concoctions made from milk! Ice cream, cheese, I mean I could go on, but ice cream and cheese is enough.

I am very blessed to be lactose tolerant. Chocolate cake couldn't be eaten without a tall glass of the white stuff. Same goes for PB&Js. And I love chocolate cake and PB&Js. Pizza couldn't be eaten without cheese, macaroni would live a lonely existence, milk shakes wouldn't bring the boys to the yard. Yea, milk is awesome.

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One WEEK! Ah!

2011-11-10T07:54:00.000-05:00

How sad is it that I had a bad dream about the Breaking Dawn {Part I} movie premiere?! Ha! Pitiful.

Yes. I'm one of those people. The Twilight lover. I converted basically every female I know. But you know, all it takes is one hit and you're done for.

I started reading Twilight in 2008, right before Breaking Dawn was published. I had seen all the hub-bub about the book release in book stores, and the buzz about the Twilight movie online and wondered what it was all about. I was also really pregnant and immobile and bored and desperate for a good read. I grabbed Twilight, New Moon, and Eclipse from Target and got to reading. I read them all within 72 hours. I couldn't put them down. I jonesed for Breaking Dawn to come out. The wait for Breaking Dawn was excruciating. The day it was released I picked it up and read it in just over 24 hours.

I'm pretty sure my family, especially my husband, thought I was crazy.

I didn't care.

As soon as tickets for the Twilight movie went on sale I jumped on them like a fat kid on cake. Or...like a fat mom on Twilight*. The thing is, I didn't know anyone else who was into Twilight like was, or, at at all really. I was alone in my obsession and didn't have anyone to accompany me. Luckily my sister was up for it and tagged along.

The movie was a cinematic disaster. I was embarrassed for the actors. It was sad. Sad, sad, sad. But I loved it anyway. Not because it was an awesome movie, but because it was freaking Twilight. My sister left super intrigued and picked up the books soon after. It didn't take her long before she was hooked too. One by one those around me were introduced the series and fed along side me at the sparkly vampire teet. Okay that sounded weird...and a little gross.

Anyhow, over 3 years later here I am, waiting for another movie premiere. I will not be going to the midnight premiere this time. I don't really think it's all that necessary. I've waited years, what a few more hours?

So, back to my nightmare...okay, so calling it a "nightmare" might be a little extreme. It wasn't a "good" dream though! I dreamt Mel and I finally made it to the theater, we were set up with a babysitter and everything! That alone should have been an awesome dream. So anyway, we're in the theater and the movie begins. For some reason, it's some sort of "children's" version of the movie. Everyone is animated, there's Disney'esque song and dance numbers, and it...was awful. So we complained to whatever movie employee was in my dream and told that it was the kids version and we were in the wrong theater. I was pissed, we'd already wasted 30 minutes on this movie! Did that mean we had missed the first half hour of the real movie?! We were moved to the correct theater and entered in 30 minutes late. The thing is, the projector was messed up and would stop randomly. Every time it stopped the movie would have to start over. So we were only seeing the beginning over, and over, and over. Of course, I was the ONLY one upset. Everyone just sat, staring at the screen. Not making a sound. I was mad, I only had another hour before I needed to get home to Grayson. There was other random weirdness too, but overall, just a weird dream about the Breaking Dawn premiere being ruined for me.

Maybe it's my subconscious expressing it's disappointment that I won't be seeing the midnight premiere.

Who knows.

I'm just another weirdy Twilight mom, twitching for her next fix.

*My theory is that fat girls love Twilight more than skinny girls. They also love Tinkerbell for some reason too. I don't like Tinkerbell anymore. But no matter how embarrassing it gets, I will always love Twilight. Also, I'm the first person to laugh at parodies and jokes on the matter because I'm perfectly aware of the ridiculousness. I just love it. ^_^

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Thankfulness 1-9

2011-11-09T14:50:00.000-05:00

For the first time, in a long time, I'm really enjoying just living life. Waking up to Grayson's amazing smiles. Laughing at Leah's one-liners, melting at Hailey's kindness to her baby brother, having great conversations with Joshua about anything and everything, baking yummy treats, sewing, crafting, spending time with my love, my husband, and my love, my Lord, spending time with friends, even if it's just to walk, life's been good to me lately.

A lot of friends on Facebook are posting, daily, things they are thankful for, for the month of November. {You know, Thanksgiving and all.}

I'm behind by 9 days, but it's never too late to be thankful! I'm going to catch up on those 8, and continue to add something each day.

Some days, when I'm having a particularly shitty day, it would be nice to look back at 30 things I was/am thankful for. Kind of a "Shut-up and get over it, look how great you have it!" sort of thing. So, here we go...

1. I am thankful for Halloween for reminding me just how much I love Butterfingers. I mean, seriously, they're delicious. The only bad thing I can say about them, is how badly they stick in teeth! But their peanut-buttery goodness wrapped in chocolate totally make up for it.

2. I am thankful for generous children who share their Halloween candy with their parents. Especially when they share with me, their mom. Especially when they share their Butterfingers.

3. I am thankful for answered prayers, and a an awesome report from Leah's orthopedic specialist. Seriously, the doc said WORD for WORD exactly what I prayed for. That's a God thing folks. And incredibly awesome.

4. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a stay-at-home mom. I get to do things like watch Wizard of Oz in my PJ's on rainy days, make breakfast for lunch, and having dinner leftovers for breakfast, and most of all, I get time with my babies that I never had when I worked.

5. I am thankful for my mom for passing on her craftiness to me. Not so much the talent, as just the thirst for craftiness. I can make stuff! Not good stuff, but stuff none-the-less.

6. I am thankful for CraigsList.Yea, I went there. Short on cash and need groceries? Sell crap! CraigsList has helped us sell stuff fast and get money for food and gas recently. {Hey ya'll, $ is tight!}

7. I am thankful for cloth diapers. G has been battling a yeast rash, leaving him in disposables because of creams and such. I'll tell you what, I HATE these things. I could seriously do a whole post on it. And I probably will. {Because yeast can be a nightmare and I've acquired some great tips and info.} I miss G's fluffy butt terribly.

8. I am thankful for Diet Coke. Especially when it's cold. It's so bubbly and delicious. I just love it. That's all.

9. Today is November 9th. The 9th thing I am thankful for today is my church. Like 99% of the time, I feel like I don't have any friends. But today I met with my Life Group and I felt like, wow, maybe I really do have friends! These ladies pray for me, for my kids, they share with me, and allow me to share with them. I love that we have these groups to make friends and grow closer to one another. Today, I don't feel so alone, and it's because of my church. They're smart enough to put together things like "Life Groups". Thanks church!

What are you thankful for today?

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The Return and {Hopefully} FINAL Defeat of the Stink

2011-11-03T11:31:00.000-04:00

For a while there I was starting to think ammonia was the Michael Myers or Jason Vorhees of the cloth diaper world. Impossible to kill. You shoot them in the head, they fall, they don't move, you think they're dead, you think you're safe. But when you turn your head for just a second and look back they're standing right behind you. And usually stabbing you.

I thought my Funk Rock was a gift from the heavens. When Grayson pee'd and I didn't smell anything I was SO INCREDIBLY RELIEVED. After weeks of different soaks, strips, and every laundry routine you can imagine something FINALLY worked. It worked so well in fact, I decided to switch from my beloved Crunchy Clean to Rockin' Green all together. I only had samples, but I had enough for several washes, and figured I would order more when I ran out.

I'm glad I didn't order more.

I turned my head for a second, and there it was. Stabbing me. The ammonia.

After the first wash cycle and pee the diapers were GRAVY. Completely stink free. {Other than the normal pee smell.} The second cycle? Very faint, almost wondering if I'm imagining it smell. The third? Faint, but not imagining, definitely there. Fourth? BURNY HOT AMMONIA.

I could have cried.

Again, I hit the google search bar. Determined to find a solution. I was NOT ready to give up on the cloth diapers I loved so dearly! Something HAD to work, and not just for a few days, but FOREVER.

That's when I came acrooss DiaperSwappers.com. Through Diaper Swappers, I came across a thread. THIS thread: "The No Stink, No Complications Laundry Solution!". I felt a mix of emotions. Doubt, disbelief, I thought it was too good to be true! Then I felt...liberated. What if it was true?! What if it really was that simple? It made sense! I made COMPLETE sense. I read through all 32 pages of the thread. I couldn't stop reading, and hoping! While reading through the comments I came across another link, Rumparooz care instructions for their diapers. It was basically what was talked about the thread. It helped me make my final decision and I went the next morning on a hunt for new detergent.

I started at Big Lots in hopes of finding Original Tide HE Powder, non-Ultra. I didn't have luck. They did have an Arm & Hammer that was "Clean Rinsing" that I remembered seeing on a "CD Safe" chart, and also All Free & Clear Small & Mighty that was also on a "CD Safe" chart so I picked those up. I was so excited for them to work. They didn't. Luckily they were cheap! The next day, I tried again, and went to a different Big Lots location. I was SO FREAKING EXCITED when I found the box of Original NON-ULTRA Tide! But was so bummed when I saw it wasn't HE.

Finally I said screw it, and did just what the thread said to do. I bought liquid Original Tide HE. I didn't do any soaks, or stripping, I figured my dipes had had enough. I just washed. But instead of using a tablespoon of cloth diaper safe detergent, I used the Tide. It was a really big load so I poured the detergent up to line 1. I washed the diapers like I did before, and made sure to rinse really well. They TOTALLY smelled like Tide afterwards, but it was actually kind of nice!

The big test was having G pee in them of course. At first, the ammonia was still there. I could definitely tell an improvement, but it was still there. I didn't give up. I figured, the problem didn't happen overnight, it won't fix itself overnight. The next wash I could definitely tell the ammonia was going away. We're in the 3rd or 4th week now, and the diapers smell cleaner then ever! They are bright white, soft as can be, and completely stink free. Now when he pees? I smell pee and Tide. No ammonia, no funk, no stink. I will take the smell of Tide over ammonia ANY day.

I'm really hesitant to say the issues are gone forever. But I can say with confidence that I am a true convert and believer. Tide, just like on clothes, is the SHIZ for cloth diapers.

I've noticed when I try to share my experience with others that they're reluctant the way I was. I don't think I have converted anyone yet. But I have a feeling they may just end up where I was. And then, like me, they'll cave, feel guilty, then liberated, and never look back.

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Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T20:58:00.000-04:00

The Gangster

Don't cross him, he'll take a bat to your knee caps.

The Angel

Don't let that sweet smile fool you, that halo's hiding devil horns.

The Monkey

Ooo-ooo-eee-eee such a cute little monkey.

The Dragon

Rawr might mean "I love you" in dinosaur, but it means "CUTE" in dragon.

The Gang

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2 More Days to Score SPOOKTACULAR Savings with Shutterfly!

2011-11-01T12:21:00.000-04:00

Hauntingly good offers through 11.3:

Free Shipping on all orders of $30+ from Shutterfly.com
Save up to 30% on photo books
Buy one, save 30% on all additional calendars
Save 20% on photo cards & address labels
Save 25% on greeting and stationery cards, mugs, canvas prints, notebooks, notepads and desk art

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WINNER! Tommee Tippee Giveaway Winner is...

2011-11-01T11:44:00.000-04:00

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GJR 4 Months Old

2011-10-30T21:15:00.001-04:00

My sweet boy how can you possibly be 4 months old already?! You are the epitome of everything a "good" baby is.

You're sensitive. And it's adorable. {I hope it never changes.}

Your hair doesn't know what color it wants to be. Sometimes it looks blonde, sometimes brown, sometimes red, sometimes all 3.

You know how to get what you want. {See "sensitive".}

Sometimes you scream like a girl. At the end of a recent bath, the last rinse was a little cooler than the previous rinse. You let out the loudest girliest scream, completely straight-faced, but screaming like a banshee. I almost pee'd my pants laughing.

You love your cloth diapers. At least I pretend you do. You really do seem to hate disposables. I don't think you like the crunchiness. Your bottom is high maintenance.

You love eating your hands fingers and thumbs. I wonder sometimes if you'll be a finger or thumb sucker but it's mostly chewing that you do.

I swear you've been teething since you were 10 weeks.

You love your milk but only from the tap. You hate formula, it makes you gag. {You don't have to worry, as long as I'm around it will only be breast milk for you.} You're coming around with bottles, but it's been a long learning process and you still have a way to go. No long date nights for mommy and daddy anytime soon.

You're SO ticklish.

You think stinky piggies are HILARIOUS.

You love fresh air and being outside.

You love being worn. {I couldn't live without my Moby wrap some days.}

You're a little drool machine. You've got impecable timing and have hit me in the eye, face and mouth with your drool bombs.

I absolutely adore your drooly kisses.

I could melt to the floor when you lay your head on your daddies chest.

Your face lights up in the morning. You're the happiest boy in the morning and its impossible to hate the world when you look at me with your amazing grin, wide eyes, and greet me with a coo.

Your ears are my favorite feature. You have your daddy's and my grandaddy's ears. You're 4 months and they're the same size as your 9 year old brothers. I LOVE them. I love kissing them and nibbling them and whispering into them. They're adorable and increase your cuteness 10 fold. Please don't ever hate these ears I adore soooo much.

I lied. I love all of your features. You chin and cheeks and neck and eyes and nose and all of you.

I love YOU Grayson James! Happy 4 months my little Chunkins!

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Wordless{ish} Wednesday

2011-10-26T08:38:00.000-04:00

...my sweet sensitive boy...

Grayson has become quite the sensitive boy these days. If you stick your lip out at him, he will stick his back out at you. If you pretend to cry, he just melts. And then I melt. He cries, I cry. We don't do that anymore. It's too much on my heart to see my baby so sad! I squeeze him tight and kiss away the tears and pouty lip.

Linkin' up with ♥ The Paper Mama & and then she {snapped}.

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blog your heart out

2011-10-26T08:01:00.000-04:00

I blog for several reasons.

A} I kinda sorta use it as a virtual baby book in many ways. I don't want to forget the funny/crazy things my kids do, how quickly they grow. One day I will be able to look back and remember when Leah stopped signing "Thank You" and starting saying it. When Joshua and I spent an afternoon drive talking about terminators and velociraptors. When Hailey's face broke her fall after a bike accident. What Grayson looked when he was bald up top and only had hair on the sides and then when he was bald on the sides and only had hair up top.

2} So that the grandparents and aunts can read about Joshua's awesome haircut, Hailey's first week of kindergarten, Leah's favorite food, and Grayson's earliest milestones.

III} To get the crazies out. Because sometimes they just can't stay locked up anymore.

d} To connect with other people who are going through the same things in life I happen to be going through. There's a huge support system in the interwebs.

E} I'm not a completely selfish person. I like to share. Sometimes it's easier to blog it than tell eleventy-million people. If I fall in love with a recipe? BLOG IT. If I discover something amazingly useful and awesome? BLOG IT.

6} Lastly I use it for the little bit of photography and design I still do here and there. I ditched the separate sites and plopped all my shiz down right here in one blog.

That's a lot of reasons.

I pretty much look at blogging as a hobby. I enjoy it. It's fun. It's therapeutic. And it's incredibly useful. It's probably the longest I've stuck to a hobby, and I honestly don't ever see myself stopping. As long as my kids are growing and changing, as long as my shutter's a clicking, as long as I have my family to share my life with, I will be blogging.

Like all hobbies though, sometimes they just happen to take a backseat to life for a while. I go through spurts where I'm not blogging very often, and spurts where I'm posting more than once a day. Right now I'm just not posting often. Actually, I'm just not publishing often. The posts are still coming. They're just not being completed. Not coming to fruition.

When that happens my family is pretty much in the dark with what's going on because I am H O R R I B L E at communication. I'm basically allergic to calling people. It makes me itch just thinking about it. And it seems like the very moment I walk away from my phone is the time people decide to call me. Resulting in me missing their call. And because I don't want a twitchy eye I don't call them back. Also, I forget to call people back. Usually. Also, I just don't like calling people. {It may have to do with the 4 noise makers I have to talk over, or having my hands full with dishes, laundry, dirty diapers, you know...life.} Sadly, when I do sit down and take 5 I don't feel like calling people. I usually feel like blogging...it's just my way.

So dad, uncle Bob, okay I don't have an uncle Bob, so....dad...and the rest of ya'll who I love and who read this? Sorry for the lack of info from the ye old Renwick abode. I hope to give a run down post soon!

For everyone else...why do you blog? Did you start out blogging for a specific purpose? Has that reason since changed?

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Block

2011-10-22T10:24:00.000-04:00

I would like to say I'm having some sort of writer's block. But I'm not. I'm having a full-blown communication block. I'm failing at communicating lately. I can't seem to form a thought and then verbalize it effectively. Okay honestly at times I'm struggling with the forming a thought part. I'm stumbling over my words. Stammering. Studdering. I have word vomit. Word vomit all the time. Just puking up words.

It's seriously giving me flash back to pregnancy brain.

I have 26 blog drafts. Just sitting there. Half finished. Started when I could execute successful thought and speech processes.

It's horribly frustrating. And at Hailey's parent teacher conference, it was horribly embarrassing. I shit-you-not, I had to go back, and email Hailey's teacher later that evening. It took hours to put everything together that I wanted to say and tried to say. I was all over the place at the conference. If I was Hailey's teacher I would totally suspect drugs or alcohol were involved.

But nope.

My brain? My brain is just...tired.

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Tommee Tippee Review and Giveaway {CLOSED}

2011-10-21T07:00:00.008-04:00

I will never forget the premiere of Twilight. But not because of the cinematic adventure, but because Leah was 2 months old and cried the ENTIRE time I was gone. Until she fell asleep, refusing to take a bottle the entire time. I had never thought twice about Leah not taking a bottle. Sure she'd never really had one before, but she'd never had a reason to. She took a paci, so why wouldn't she take a bottle if she was hungry? Leah never did take a bottle. No matter what we tried. We tried a dozen different bottles, even an expensive bottle that looked and felt like a boob! She went from breast to sippy cup. While this was all fine and dandy, going almost an entire year without being able to leave her? NOT FINE AND DANDY.

From the time I found out I was pregnant with Grayson I vowed that he would take a bottle! I wouldn't wait until he was 2 months old this time. I would wait a couple of weeks until he was well established in nursing, 3 weeks tops, and then introduce the bottle. He took a paci, and even had a bottle in the hospital because of his low blood sugar. A few weeks after we got home I was excited to give him his first bottle! We did everything right. Waited until he was hungry, but not starving. Had Mel feed him, so he wouldn't be confused. I even left the room in case my smell threw him off! We used Playtex Nursers, "closest to the breast"! Right?
Wrong.
Grayson would NOT take the bottle. I hadn't intended to give up so easily. I was determined to stay on him, to teach him to use the bottle. But time went by so quickly, and there wasn't any immediate need for him to take a bottle, so like a lot of things it got swept under the rug. A few weeks later I wanted to try again, but no luck. We tried Nuk this time. No luck. We tried various bottles and nipples and Grayson just wouldn't take anything!!
I was tired of trying bottles and wasting money.
Enter Tomme Tippee!

Tommee Tippe graciously sent me a pack of their closer to nature® bottle to try out with Grayson. I was really reluctant but really desperate and as you can expect really skeptical.
closer to nature® bottles are designed to be the closest thing to natural breast feeding. The super-wide nipple flexes and stretches like the breast and the sensitive anti-colic valve allows babies to feed comfortably with less air and vacuum build-up.

Nipple mimics natural feel, flex and movement of breastfeeding
Allows for easy transition between breast and bottle
Wide neck nipple for easier latch on
Anti-colic, anti-gas, advanced easi-vent™ valve
BPA & Phthalate Free
Graduations in mls and ounces
Hygiene Cap seals the nipple for travel

You can read more about Tommee Tippe here: http://www.tommeetippee.us/

The Experiment:

First we tried something I wasn't planning on. Formula. Long story of the "why", it just turned out that way. Little man was NOT having it. I was actually shocked when he actually began sucking, that was a first! But as soon as the formula hit his mouth he was gagging. {Can you say dramatic?!} Mel thought for sure it was the formula and said if we tried breast milk he was sure he would take it. This was the first success we'd had with him sucking a bottle! Now if we could just get him eating from one!
A couple weeks later, after an especially engorged morning I decided to pump, and instantly remembered the new bottles! Unfortunately Mel was super busy fixing the lawn mower. {of course} so I enlisted the help of Hailey.

He looked confused, but we persisted!

Finally, Daddy stepped in and took over.

Verdict? See for yourself...

That's an OVER an ounce people! OVER AN OUNCE! GRAYSON DRANK OVER AN OUNCE OF BREAST MILK FROM A BOTTLE!!!
It took time. It took dedication. {It took almost 45 minutes for him to drink that ounce, but dang it, that's SUCCESS.} I didn't give up, and for the first time we saw success.
I can honestly say, other than the insanely boobified bottle, that they don't even make anymore by the way, this bottle is truly the closest to breast that I could find. I've had friends who exclusively breast fed and have had the same problem and I COMPLETELY recommend Tommee Tippee to them now.
Buy It
Buy now at http://www.toysrus.com/family/index.jsp?categoryId=3945443!

Win It
One lucky reader will win a 3 pack of 150ml/5 oz. closer to nature® feeding bottles from Tommee Tippee! FIRST visit Tommee Tippee on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TommeeTippeeNorthAmerica click "Like" and don't forget to thank them for the giveway! THEN stop by their Twitter: @TommeeTippee_NA and follow their tweets to stay up-to-date with Tommee Tippee news! Then come back, leave a comment saying why you would like to win these awesome bottles, and fill out the Rafflecopter form. Good luck!

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The Pinterest Project= Super Mega Cool BLOG

2011-10-20T22:45:00.000-04:00

you know those things you come across that are AWESOME and you're like, "WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT?!". This blog is one of those things.

Two awesome chicks, Miranda, and Jamie, teamed up to create The Pinterest Project. Their slogan, "A pin a day keeps the crazy away.". The premise? "Two SAHM's warding off routine and insanity by working through Pinterest.com, one pin at a time. Follow us as we tackle DIY projects, recipes and more!"

How awesome is that? Each day, they pick a pin off of Pinterest to tackle, and then blog their experience! One of my faves is their "Hit or Miss Monday"s where they share what they consider good stuff or BOMBS.

They really inspire me to try things I pin. I always have good intentions to, but they actually DO it. They also happen to be really funny characters so it makes the blog that much more fun to read. If you're not following The Pinterest Project you need to! You can follow them via Google Friend Connect, or subscribe via email. If you do, tell them the Photog Nazi sent ya! ^_^

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Tasty Tuesday: Enchilada Love

2011-10-18T20:58:00.000-04:00

I'm a pinner, I love me some Pinterest hardcore. I'm constantly pinning and repinning recipes. I happened upon this particular prize and pinned it weeks ago. When I went into Pineterest to look for some meal ideas for the week this one really stuck out to me so I jotted down the ingrediants and recipe and headed to the store.

The recipe sounded phenom, it had great potential but I thought personally that it was lacking in some areas, so I made some swaps.

Click {HERE} for the original ingredients list from justgetoffyourbuttandbake.com.

Here is my take on it:

Serve with lettuce, chopped tomatoes, green onion and olives!

I honestly can't begin to tell you how delicious this casserole was. Usually I despise "casseroles". Even the word sounds gross. But this? This is perfection on your tongue. If you luck out there will be left overs. It's A-MA-ZING the next day. But chances are there won't be. I'm making a double batch next time. Just Mel, Leah, and I were able to eat all but one small serving which I had the next day for lunch. Yes, it was THAT good.

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life in phone pics

2011-10-17T20:08:00.000-04:00

a} A little entertainment between siblings. b} Mmm...fingers.. C} Homework D} stud muffin e} casey shu shu f} kisses from pops g} sleepies h} cuddles with mommy i} contortion sleeping J} Zzzzzz... k} rockStar L} playtime m} 1st nigh in crib n} chunkins 0}BANGS! p}feel asleep in mama's lap q} fell asleep holding hands

Dump your pics and link up with Amy from A Good Life!

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WINNER! Smartipants Giveaway Winner Is...

2011-10-17T19:44:00.000-04:00

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Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

2011-10-15T10:34:00.000-04:00

Today is October 15th, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. This is the first year I've heard of this day. I didn't know it was an actual "thing". I think it's awesome and I wish I had heard about is sooner.

According to a 2004 National Vital Statistics Report issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in 2000, 15.6% or 1,003,000 of the 6,401,000 pregnancies in the United States ended in either a miscarriage or stillbirth; the CDC also indicates that in 2003 the number of live births in the United States was 4,093,000; of those births, 27,500 ended in the death of an infant under the age of one.*

What devastating statistics. I have lost babies, and sometimes I feel like I'm the only one that remembers them. Thinks about them. I have had those nearest and dearest to me suffer great losses. I know some of the pain they feel, but I will never pretend to fully understand. I think about their babies and my babies often. Who they would have been, how old they would be now. I know one day we will be with our babies again, and I picture that time.

Today, especially, I am taking time to remember.

I want my loved ones to know that they're NOT the only ones that think about the babies they lost. They're NOT the only ones who remember. Don't for one second think you're alone in remembering. I am right there with you!

*Source: http://www.october15th.com/

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Bang! Bang!

2011-10-14T20:38:00.000-04:00

I have bangs.

Fringe.

Whatever you want to call them. {I think it's cute when people call them fringe.}

For some reason the other day I decided I was going to cut my bangs. I pinned my hair bag, held my scissors...and chickened out. I couldn't do it. I couldn't chop my hair.

A few days later? I put my hair up. Parted where I wanted my bangs to fall, pinned it back, held my hair between my fingers, held up my scissors...and chickened out.

Today? Today was the same song and dance. Hair up, parted, pinned, scissors in hand, chickened out. I laid down, still sick. My hair still up, parted and pinned I laid there looking ridiculous. I lay there for about 2 minutes. I jumped up, grabbed the scissors, took a deep breathe...

and chopped my long hair off.

I immediately wanted to cry.

Then I put my big girl panties on.

I'm not in love with them, but I don't hate them. I haven't had bangs since the 7th grade, so it's going to take some getting used to. I like them more now than I did when I first chopped them. So that's good. Right?

Moral of the story? Don't make life changing decisions when you've been laying around sick all day.

But really when it comes down to it?

It's just hair...

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Blah

2011-10-14T14:29:00.000-04:00

I've had a small cold here and there but I haven't been full blown sick in a long time. I woke up this morning and before I even got out of bed my stomach hurt. Blah. I've had pretty bad stomach pain almost all day, and have pretty much slept all day. I woke up from my most recent nap with a bad headache. Probably from sleeping too much.

Anyway, being sick sucks.

Just in case you didn't know.

Now I'm worried Leah is getting whatever this is because she's complaining of her tummy hurting.

I think we all need some warm banana bread....

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Excorsized

2011-10-13T11:43:00.000-04:00

I was SO tired and grumpy this morning! Grayson did great last night, he didn't even wake up for his normal 5 am feeding. So you would THINK I would feel well rested. I swear I feel more tired. I'm not a nice person when I'm tired. I'm the not the nicest jolliest person when I'm NOT tired, but when you add in the sleepies? I can be downright EVIL.

This is a pretty accurate interpretation of an early morning ME:

Yep. That pretty much sums it up.

It's really bad though. I try EVERY morning for the next to be better. But I always end up cursing at some point. And not in an "ouch I stubbed my toe" way, but an "I'm angry and hate the world, and I hate you and I hate myself" way.

Then I feel guilty.

I was up late last night. I kick myself EVERY time I look at the clock and it's after 11. I vow EVERY night, "I will be IN bed ready to sleep at 10pm!". Never happens. Okay, RARELY happens. So anyway, up late last night and I decided to do something I haven't done in a while. I decided to spend some time with God.

Saying I don't spend enough time with God is an understatement. After getting through the hard time I went through, I felt happy and lucky just to be in church again. Recently I even joined a lifegroup! And something weird happened last night, I actually thought, "Hey, I'm going to spend some time with God.". I thought of it all my own, and actually DID it.

I busted out my bible and SOAP journal. My last SOAP entry? March. March of LAST year. 19 months. 19 months since I sat down and made a point to give time to my heavenly father. I can't imagine going 19 months without talking to my mom or dad. How did I let 19 months go by without talking to God?

YES, I prayed. A TON. But there's a difference between praying and really giving time to Him.

I read a few verses from Psalms and SOAP'd them. {SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application, and Prayer and it's an awesome way for someone like me, who struggles with understanding the bible, to really absorb the Word.}

It's bat crap crazy what a difference it makes when you make it a point to give your time, mind, and heart over to Him like that. It's a lot harder to forget and ignore and a lot easier to just....TRY.

I honestly think it made a difference this morning. I'm not saying the Lord touched me and I have exorcised my demons. I'm just saying that putting scripture into my head and journaling it really helped it sink in. I actually really tried this morning.

I'm praying right now for God to really work through me in the mornings, to help bind my tongue from being so dang EVIL. I didn't hate EVERYone this morning. Just most people...and that? That's progress. Maybe one day I won't hate ANYone in the mornings. That's what I'm hoping for anyway...

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Tasty Tuesday: It's Bananas!

2011-10-11T20:21:00.000-04:00

If you offered me a slice of banana bread a week ago I would have politely declined. I never cared to try banana bread. It looked...weird. So what changed? 3 bananas on the brink of death. That's what changed. And pinterest. Pinterest has a way of inspiring you to bake, make, create.

I couldn't bear the thought of tossing 3 full bananas. I knew there were recipes so I googled, "easy banana recipes" and the first thing that popped up? Banana bread. I clicked on several links before settling on what I felt was the easiest. {And it didn't have nuts.} I scribbled the recipe down and headed to the kitchen to gather the ingrediants.

I wish I had bookmarked the website. Now I can't find it! Anyhow here it is...

Ingredients:
3 or 4 ripened bananas
1/3 cup melted butter
1 cup sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
1 1/2 cups of all purpose flour

• Preheat oven to 350°
• Mash bananas in large mixing bowl
• Mix melted butter into bananas
• Mix in sugar, beaten egg, and vanilla
• Sprinkle salt and baking soda over the mixture and stir together
• Add flour last, mix
• Pour mixture into buttered/greased 4x8 in. loaf pan
• Bake 1 hour cool, slice, serve, enjoy!

I'm telling you, my house smelled A-MA-ZING while the banana bread baked. I am now wishing for some banana bread plug-in's.

The recipe called for an hour but I paid close attention with my nose and when it started smelling "done" I checked on it. With 9 minutes still left on the clock I pulled it out. I did the toothpick check and it was done. My oven can be whonky. Make sure to use your nose so you don't end up with dry or burnt banana bread!

The verdict?

SUPER moist, SUPER delicious, SUPER yuminess. It was. SO. GOOD. Hailey and Mel loved it. I loved it too and will definitely make more the next time we don't eat the bananas in time. :)

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AWESOME DEALS!

2011-10-11T07:00:00.004-04:00

Just wanted to share some awesome deals for local mama's!

$15 for $30 Worth of Children's Clothing & Accessories at Peek-A-Boo Couture

$5 for $10 at Just Chillin' Frozen Yogurt

For awesome deals in your area, check out the bottom of the right sidebar!

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2011-10-10T12:34:00.000-04:00

It took 4 babies.

Over 9 years.

But it happened.

I suppose it was inevitable.

It was awful.

Has it happened to you?

You know...

the whole....

spit-up in the mouth thing?

No?

I hate you.

It was bad.

Very bad.

It tasted....

bad.

Okay, bad is an understatement.

I want to throw up just thinking about it.

Word to the wise?

Close your mouth around airborne babies.

Just saying.

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Happy Columbus Day!

2011-10-10T07:00:00.000-04:00

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♥ your tata's!

2011-10-08T08:00:00.001-04:00

I've come to the conclusion that boobs are like snowflakes. No two are alike.

When the thought first struck me, I asked myself, "Don't you mean no two PAIRS are alike?" But I thought about it, and NO self. I meant what I said the first time! No two are alike.

Boobs are like identical twins. At first they may appear to be exactly the same. But when you look closer, you discover the subtle differences.

I.E. The left has that freckle, while the right is just a wee bit bigger. You know. Those types of differences.

You could pay thousands upon thousands and no doctor would ever be able to create two exactly the same.

Ladies, cherish those unique bossoms of yours. Love them. Check them often. Early detection saves lives!!!

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

The Best Big Sister Ever...

2011-10-07T10:00:00.000-04:00

I can honestly say that Hailey has grown to be the best big sister I've ever seen. She is patient. And caring. And loving. And everything a big sister should be. I never in a million years would think that out of my babies, she would be the maternal one. To put it in a nutshell, Hailey is a badass. In every sense of the word. She is rough, and tough, can walk off bumps and bruises that would bring me to my knees, she's tough skinned, she's sassy, but the heart I thought was made of steel? Come to find out, that heart is made of gold.

She melts at her baby brothers smile. And I melt as I watch this bond she is creating between them.

I know that they will always have a special bond, and I'm excited to see what it grows into.

{Meeting for the first time.}

{Kisses from sissy.}

{Reading to baby brother.}

{Homework with Grayson...just because she can't put him down.}

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Smartipants Review & GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED}

2011-10-07T07:00:00.004-04:00

I was so super excited to do my first cloth diaper review! Like pretty much any other cloth diapering mama I quickly became addicted to cloth diapers and I'm always looking for a new diaper to try, new color, new print, etc. When I was offered to do not only a review but a giveaway from Smartipants I jumped on it like a fat kid on birthday cake! Or, like...me...on birthday cake.

I received the Smartipants™ starter package with 1 Smartipants™ reusable diaper, and 1 Smart-Sleeve™ Insert in BLACK! I was so excited to get my first black diaper! ^_^

Smartipants™ diapers are both easy to use and easy to care for. Just place the absorbent insert into either side of the sleeve, and it will stay snugly in place until you remove the diaper from your baby. Once the diaper is removed, there's no need to take out the insert -- it comes out in the wash!

All of their diapers are proudly made in the USA!

Smart for your baby: Smartipants™ diapers feature our Leak-Guard Technology, keeping moisture contained, and your baby dry. Our diapers are made with “breathable” fibers and are free from any chemicals or irritants. Smartipants™ reusable diapers are designed to grow with your baby from newborn to toddler, babies 7lbs - 35lbs.

Smart for your wallet: Instead of requiring 7,000 disposable diapers, the average baby needs only 24 reusable diapers, resulting in a net savings of nearly $3,000.00! In addition, Smartipants™ are not only the most advanced reusable diapers on the market, they are also the most affordable! Our products are all produced in our own local manufacturing facilities, and we are able to pass on those savings to you!

Smart for your environment: Every year our country contributes roughly 3.4 million tons of disposable diaper waste into landfills. Using reusable diapers not only reduces the amount of solid waste, it also reduces the amount of harmful chemicals, oils, and trees required to produce them!

My Experience

First Impression:
When I first got my Smartipants™ I was surprised. I guess with the low price I was expecting a lower quality diaper. I was pleasantly surprised to see that the diaper was pretty good quality! I loved how soft the inside was, and how wide the diaper was. I've noticed not all CD users like a lot of width in between the legs. I'd rather have too much than not enough though. I really liked how easy it was to stuff with the insert and how because it's open on either end you don't have to pull the insert out for washing.

Closer Look:
The stitching looked great, I didn't catch any flaws, and the snaps held strong. One thing I wasn't a fan of? On the small setting the insert was longer than the diaper causing it to stick out of the ends. Having microfiber on baby's skin is a no-no. It was an easy fix though by just folding the insert over and tucking it in the pocket.

Fit and Sizing:
The fit was great on my 14lb'er. I think it would fit an 8 to 9 lb'er great too. I'm not normally a fan of the single row of snaps, but didn't mind it with this diaper. I also usually prefer a middle snap for the sizing buttons. The diaper sometimes bunches up in the middle if there's no snap. However, I didn't notice this diaper bunching up nearly as bad as other diapers with only two sizing snaps.

First Use:
The diaper held up great! Even through a nap. I don't think it would cut it overnight for a heavy wetter and because of the open ended pocket I don't think you have as many options with adding absorbency. I could be completely wrong in this, I didn't try double stuffing it myself after all.

Overall:
For the price, this is an awesome cloth diaper! I would recommend it to someone who wanted to try cloth diapering but didn't have a lot of money to spend.

Buy It!

You can buy your own Smartipants™ cloth diaper with insert at their website! https://www.smartipants.com/ You can get their 3-Pack for only $36.95! That's less than thirteen bucks a diaper!!!! They have great deals going on right now. They offer more than just one size pocket diapers too!! They've got diaper covers, newborn sizes, wet bags, and inserts, and their diapers come in so many fun colors!

Best part?

WIN IT!

You can win YOUR OWN Smartipants™ starter package with 1 Smartipants™ reusable diaper, and 1 Smart-Sleeve™ Insert!!! FIRST stop by Smartipants™ Facebook page click "Like" and make sure to thank them for sponsoring the giveaway! THEN click {HERE} and pick which color you'd like to win! Then come back here and fill out the Rafflecopter form!

Disclaimer: Even though I was given a free sample for review, all opinions are mine and mine alone, and I have not, nor will I ever receive compensation for this review. Thank you to Smartipants™ for providing the products for this review and giveaway!

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My Bi-Yearly Torturefest

2011-10-06T08:41:00.001-04:00

Forget waterboarding. You want a terrorist to talk? Send him to the dentist.

I had my 6 month cleaning/check up today. It was a terrifying experience.

All I could do was lay there and wonder what I could have possibly done to the dental technician cleaning my teeth to deserve such torture.

Was she the target of bullying as a child? Did I somehow resemble someone who had ever done her wrong?

Had I wronged her in some way in some past life?

Whatever it was, it was bad.

I am quite certain I paid for every wrong doing she ever had bestowed upon her.

Also, apparently flossing ever few days doesn't cut.

Nope.

She showed me how to properly floss because apparently not only was I not doing it frequently enough, I wasn't even doing it RIGHT.

She even gave me a mirror, so I could watch. WATCH. So I did watch.

I watched in horror as my mouth filled with blood, a result of the carnage my poor gums endured.

BUT apparently I can abuse my gums into submission, and after so much pain they will grow stronger and won't hurt as much or bleed as badly. I have a hard time believing my gums won't bleed when I shove a thin plastic rope into their delicate flesh. But I'm hoping she's right.

The flossing? Not even the rough part. Emotionally it was scarring because I had to watch, but as far as pain goes, it was the water pic that did me in. She claims it was a water pic. It felt more like razor blades and punishment for everything I had ever done wrong in my life.

Do they give novocaine for cleanings?

Perhaps I can talk them into laughing gas for next time?

Good news? I got a clean bill of health!

NO CAVITIES MA!

Other than tweaking my flossing techniques my mouth is gravy.

Even passed the creepy tongue check. {I don't like my tongue being touched and pulled with gauze. Ew.}

Next time? I'll be popping a vicodin for a "Pre-Dentist Party".

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being a mom

2011-10-05T16:13:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I feel like I've smelled like spit-up for 9 years.

Like I haven't slept a full night in almost 10.

Sometimes I feel like the house will always be a mess, the floor covered with toys, the wall with crayon.

The clothes I fold get bigger and bigger. Like the pile of dishes in the sink. Like the grocery bill. Like the shoes lined up at the door.

But I can't imagine life being happier.

And I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I love being a mom.

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i ♥ hoodies

2011-10-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

I've blogged about my undying love for hoodies before. I think. Maybe. Probably? Sadly...my life is so void of entertaining material I have to resort to writing about my love for comfortable clothing.

I have a feeling that no one truly gets my love and devotion.

So I took things to the next level.

Now NO ONE can deny my love.

Please excuse the horrible quality of this photo...the lighting sucked, and camera phones are only capable of so much quality...

Don't act surprised.

You've known deep down I've had a six pack and glowing tan all along. Also no boobs.

Nicole will NEVER compare to hoodies!

HOODIES 4 EVA!

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♥My Opinionated 3 Month Old♥

2011-10-04T19:21:00.000-04:00

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My Future Fashion Mag Editor

2011-10-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

hailey, apparently there has been some sort of miscommunication. You are not 16 dear. You are 6. An entire decade away from 16. So can you please put the 16 year old opinion on clothes up for now? I would like at least a few extra years to prepare for this.

When I was 6 I wore either A}What my mom/sister put out for me, or B}Whatever was closest to the top in my drawer. Even if my lime green skirt didn't match my kelly green and purple striped shirt, I rocked them threads. I barely had time to notice if my shoes fit, matched, and were on the right feet. I could care less if they were "stylish". Style? That word was foreign to me at 6 years old!

When I take you shopping, I expect you to find cute shirts, try them on, love them, and wear them. I don't expect to spend hours while you agonize over which is better, the pink with glitter, or magenta with sparkles, because apparently in your little 6 year old delusional head there's a difference. When I buy an entire bag of back-to-school clothes, I expect them to be WORN. Not to remain in the bag, months later...so yea, lets get those last few shirts out and wear them. M'kay?

I love your enthusiasm and effort in picking your clothes out the night before. But when you get dressed, lets keep those on. The piles of clean clothes in front of your dresser gives me one hell of an eye twitch. And don't even get me started on my undying disgust, and pure disdain I feel when I pull clean clothes out of your laundry basket of "dirty" clothes. It would be SO much easier for you to know the difference if you put your clothes away.

Baby girl, you are beautiful and gorgeous and would be even if you wore a paper bag to school! Please believe me when I say that it doesn't matter what you wear. Because it TRULY doesn't. You are blessed beyond measure to have the clothes you have and to be able to have enough clothes that you have the option of choosing, let's not forget that! Let's go back to the days where you took 5 minutes to get ready for school and put on whatever I picked out with a smile. It would make me soo much happier! Your dream of being a fashion magazine editor can wait, let's just be a 6 year old for now.

Love, your frustrated, clothes hating mama.

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Tasty Tuesday- Easy Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

Shortly after Grayson was born, when Tom passed away, we were flooded with meals from friends and family. My good friend Christa was so sweet and brought us chicken pot pie. I haven't been the biggest fan of pot pie so I was really reluctant when she said she was bringing me one. I was so grateful that I didn't have to cook and so thankful that she was so incredibly kind that I would have happily accepted and eaten anything!

I lucked out because her chicken pot pie was freaking AWESOME. We seriously ate the entire 13x9 pan! The kids and all! Recently I came across a recipe for a cheesy chicken pot pie on Kraftfoods.com and had the brilliant idea of combing that recipe with Christa's recipe. It. Was. YUMTASTIC! And pretty easy too. Here's what ya need followed by the instructions:

Ingredients:

4oz. Velveeta Cheese, cubed
2 Cans of Cream of Chicken Soup {I use the 98% Fat Free version.}
1 Cup of Sour Cream {I use light sour cream.}
1lb. of cooked Chicken Breast, cubed {To save time, I use a rotisserie chicken.}
1 Small bag of Frozen Mixed Veggies
1 Sheet Frozen Puff Pastry, thawed
1 Egg, beaten

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 400°.
Stir together cheese, soup, sour cream, chicken, and vegetables.
Spoon into 13x9 pan.
Unfold puff pastry, place over chicken mixture, pressing edges around the pan.
Brush the puff pastry with the beaten egg.
Cut slits into the pastry and place the pan on a baking sheet.
Bake 35 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy!

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Challenge: Favorite From September

2011-10-03T08:00:00.001-04:00

I was snapping pics for an upcoming review and had to walk away when my phone rang. When I turned around I saw Grayson twisted around so he could see me. He wouldn't take his eyes off of me and I started snapping away. This was one of the photos I captured and from the moment I laid eyes on this pic in my view finder I was in love.
Those eyes followed my every move with love and adoration. Only the kind of love that a baby looks upon his mama with. I can't look at this without my heart melting out of my chest. When I saw that the Photo Challenge over at ♥The Paper Mama his week was "Favorite Photo From September" this pic immediately came to mind.
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Musical Monday #20

2011-10-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

I'm loving this song right now. AMAZING vocals. Her voice seriously BLOWS me away.

Jessie J- Who You Are

♫♪Don't lose who you are in the blur of the stars!
Seeing is deceiving, dreaming is believing,
It's okay not to be okay.
Sometimes it's hard to follow your heart.
Tears don't mean you're losing, everybody's bruising,
There's nothing wrong with who you are!♪♫

What are you listening to today?

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our week in phone pics

2011-10-02T22:14:00.000-04:00

i haven't done one of these in for-ev-er!

i went without my usual templates and such and just went with a good old photo dump of pics....

{a} Joshua's A_W_E_S_O_M_E shark-surfboard {b&C}Hailey killing time at the doc's office {d} Leah ready for her 3 year well child check {E} NEW DIPE! {f} chillin' with sissy {g} zzzzz {H} G's turn for a well child check {i} smelling his paci {J} he's handsome {K} cheeeeeese {L} OUT like a light

i'm linking up with the fabtastic amy from a good life!

clean out your weekly phone pics and link up! ^_^

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Green Owl Design Car Seat Cover Review

2011-10-02T17:27:00.000-04:00

I've never really considered myself a germaphobe, except for when it comes to my babies. I prefer for people to keep their eboli to themselves and AWAY from my offspring thank you very much. Unfortunately we live in a world where people think it's okay to touch babies that don't belong to them. {Apparently not everyone's mama taught them to "LOOK WITH YOUR EYES NOT WITH YOUR HANDS!".}

I thought adding a new baby to my collection meant another year of living as an agoraphobiac.

Enter Heather from Green Owl Design!

Heather had an awesome and SUPER cute solution!

This:

A car seat cover!!!

I no longer have to fear old ladies intrusive pinches, and curious toddlers grimy touches!

This thing is great though seriously. I am no longer a nervous wreck when I take Gray to his well child checks, I just put the cover down! Out shopping in a crowd? Put the cover down! Sleepy baby in a noisy restaurant? Put the cover down! Sun blinding new baby eyes? PUT THE COVER DOWN! Chilly day? Yea, you get the idea...the cover...put it down.

Seriously though, not only are they incredibly useful, they're really cute. Really, really cute! And very well made I might add. I LOVE that they're reversible. I fell like I get two covers in one. They're super easy to put on, and take off, too. I only wish I had one for all my other babies!

Heather is taking orders RIGHT NOW! The covers start at $35 {w/out embroidery}, and the best part? The first 10 customers to mention this blog post will get 10% off their order! {Just mention The Photo Nazi.} You can order by emailing Heather from Green Owl Design at greenowlorders{@}gmail{.}com.

*I purchased the car seat cover for $35 from Green Owl Designs, all opinions are mine, and mine alone. No compensation was received for this review.

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WINNER! Rockin' Green Giveaway Winner Is....

2011-10-02T08:10:00.000-04:00

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3 Months!!!

2011-09-30T14:16:00.000-04:00

Grayson James, you are 3 months old today!

You are honestly at the BEST baby stage EVER. You wake up every morning with the brightest smile! I am the opposite of a morning person. But it's next to impossible to be anything but happy when I wake up to your smile. You are laughing now. REAL. Life. LAUGHTER. The most beautiful sound in the ENTIRE world. Yesterday you were rolling all over the place.Okay, you weren't really rolling place to place per say, but rolling onto your side, back to your back, onto your side again, and sometimes all the way over onto your belly! Then you would get really pissed off, your arms would be in your way and I would have to pick you up or roll you back over.

It's incredibly magnificent yet incredibly heartbreaking all rolled into one.

I could kiss you from sun up to sun down. Your cheeks are so smushy and amazingly tasty, your chunky thighs are better than chocolate, and your chin is double the fun!

You're in the 75th percentile for height and weight. 14 lb's 4oz's and 24 inches long! You've gained 5 lb's 4 oz's and grown 3 inches! Your head grew 3 cm too. You're thisclose to growing out of 3-6 month clothes even though they're "supposed" to go up to 16lb's. You're a big boy. A big beautiful and oh-so-cute boy. And I know I'm your mama, and super biased, but my heart soars and melts all at the same time when I look at your face.

{You're a Wiggle Worm!}

You're perfect and the doctor says so. You're advanced and awesome, and a those are the words of a professional! Doc says to keep doing what I'm doing, and in a month you might even get to try cereal for the first time!

You're sleeping like a CHAMP!!!! You love your bath time, then it's lotion, dipe, pj's, nurse, and bedtime at 7:30. You sleep until 5 then it's diaper, eat, play, eat, sleep. Diaper, eat, play, eat, sleep. You're basically on a 90 minute schedule. You're up for 90 then you sleep for 90 except for bedtime obviously. You're the BEST BABY IN ALL WORLD! And I hope it NEVER EVER EVER stops.

I know it will though.

You're so laid back and happy and awesome I don't ever see you being high maintenance. Even when your naps aren't as long, and your awake time lengthens. I still think you're going to be one cool kid. Just don't stop sleeping through the night and we'll be the best of friends FOREVER!

You've had a ton of firsts this past month. First hoodie/jacket, first pair of jeans, rolling over, watching football with Daddy, first laugh, I know next month will bring even more firsts!

I love you Mr. G Man more than you will ever know! You, your brother, and your sisters are my sun, moon, and stars, you are my world. Loves and kisses and cheek and thigh nibbles FOREVER! Okay, except for the nibbles. No nibbles in middle school I promise.

PS The biting is not cool. The bite and pull job you pull on my nipples has to stop. Today. Right now. No more. Kay? Kay. We agree then.

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Pinning! Like Winning but with Pinterest

2011-09-28T14:36:00.000-04:00

The word on the streets has spread and all the kids are doing it these days. All it takes is one pin and you're hooked before you're finger even leaves your mouse. It's the new drug of choice.

I thought I would share a few of my most fave recent pins! Of course, you could always just find me on Pinterest, so...yea, do that too.

1.2.
3.4.
5.

1. ZOMBIE CUPCAKES?! How over-the-top fantasmo are these?! I love cupcakes {my physique can attest to that} and my love for zombies is unmeasurable, so these are just pure awesome amazingness. Plus they're oh-so cute.

2. I am head over heels in love with this. I am SO DOING this, only instead of tees I'm going to make quilts from my babies baby clothes, blankies, all of their keepsakes. I can love and cherish them, and then one day pass them on when my babies have babies.

3. I thought this tattoo was gorgeous. The colors are amazing! I'm so inspired and have been thinking of some sort of piece I can get using these beautiful rich colors.

4. I came across this in a blog, and pinned it immediately. PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE CUPCAKES!!! I love pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin spice latte's, and this is like those two things fell in love and had a wee baby! And the presentation is ADORABLE!!!!

5. Lastly, this SUPER adorable argyle owl wreath. I love argyle, and this is just too cute. Plus, I HAVE this little owl and have wondered for months what to do with it! I'm going to try and recreat this wreath. Seems easy enough.

Those are just a few recent faves, what are some of your most fave recent pins? Are you a fellow pinhead? Link your page, or follow me! I'll follow back!

Happy Pinning!

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touch up tuesday

2011-09-27T19:03:00.000-04:00

Edit: So, what I did...I brightened up her perdy little face and warmed it up a tad! Then I sharpened a tad for the web. That's all she wrote folks!

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Musical Monday #19

2011-09-26T07:00:00.002-04:00

I love a good cover of a good song. This? AMAZING cover to an awesome song. I absolutely adore the haunting vocals. I L♥VE Florence and the Machine something fierce. {This isn't their first visit to Musical Monday.}

♪♫Might as well face it you're addicted to love.♫♪

What are you listening to today?

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Friends

2011-09-25T14:31:00.000-04:00

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i ♥ fall

2011-09-25T12:07:00.001-04:00

What do you love about fall?

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Renn Fest 2010

2011-09-21T12:30:00.002-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

No Heat Curls Ya'll!!

2011-09-21T07:00:00.001-04:00

There has been several tutorials and videos floating around blogs and Pinterest on how to create heat-free curls. I was very intrigued, they all seemed super easy, and seemed to work very well so I've been wanting to try them out for a while. But I wanted a guinea pig first.

Thank God I'm the mama to girls. Right? I don't see Joshua appreciating pretty curls on his head...

For Hailey's birthday she had her hair cut and styled and asked for curls. She looked adorable and loved them and begged me curl her hair ALL the time from then on. The problem is my curling iron sucks so I was just never very good at recreating the curls she loved so much. Last night she asked me to braid her hair before bed immediately prompting a light bulb moment and I remembered then the tutorials and videos I have seen. I told her my idea and my little guinea pig and I got to work!

I followed this tutorial:

Hailye's hair actually looked REALLY cute up like that, but she would NOT let me take a pic. She went to bed, and when we woke up I pulled the hairband out, and BAM. CURLS!

Beautiful curls!!

{Early morning, sleepy-eyed Hailey.}

They were a bit messy, but looked {I thought} awesome. I sprayed a little sprunch spray on them to get the hold to last, and sent her off to school.

While fiddling around the house aimlessly, I came across the hairband we had used later in the morning and played around with it, eventually ending up putting my hair up in the same way, hoping to create something, anything, and really hoping for curls. I figured, I could wear it like that until dinner and see if it worked.

The look? It was the opposite of hotness:

{Not sexy, even a little bit.}

After about an hour, I was already annoyed. The band was across my ~~five~~forehead, and little hairs were tickling my neck and I was afraid to bump my head or touch it to anything and it was just...annoying, so I pulled the headband out. I didn't expect to see very much, if any, change to my hair, and was shocked to see curls! After only an HOUR!

{You can totally see a line from the headband on my ~~five~~forehead.}

Curls! Beautiful curls! ON ME no less! My super mega fine and straight hair curled in just an hour. I was instantly and irrevocably in love with my curls. "I will do this every waking day for the rest of my LIFE!" I vowed to myself. But only, not really though, because I'm sure it would get old. But this is most def my new go-to for any event that's fancy enough for non-jean wearing. And maybe even fun casual events too. I'm not going to do my hair for the homemaking stuff though. That's dumb. Because it makes me want to wear makeup and heels and I don't want to clean in makeup, heels, and curls.

Annnnnyway. I LOVE THE NO HEAT CURLS and was seriously shocked and amazed at how AWESOME the tutorial worked!!! Seriously, anyone with long enough hair needs to try it. Guys too. Just because. {Hey duded rocked perms and curls in the 70's.}

♪ I feel pretty! Oh so pretty! I feel pretty and witty and.....okay I'm done.♫

CURL ON!

brianne.renwick{@}gmail{.}com

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♥ The Paper Mama: photo challenge

2011-09-20T07:00:00.001-04:00

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Fave Emmy Moments 2011

2011-09-19T09:34:00.000-04:00

Ty Burrell's Acceptance Speech

“Wow. Wow. Thank you so much to the Academy for this honor. Thank you so much to Fox and ABC for giving me this job. I actually got kind of a late start in acting and my dad passed away before he ever saw me perform. And I can’t help but wonder what he would think of all this--that I have a job everyday where I go to work in full makeup. I think he’d be thrilled that I get to work with such talented and loving people as Julie Bowen, Jesse and Eric, and Ed and Sofia. And if he were here today, I think he would say, ‘But why the makeup?’"

"Why do you have to look like a harlot? Dad, just think of me as a very masculine lady. I do son." Ty Burrell is one of my favorite actors. He's acted in my most favorite movie of all time and now acts in one of my most favorite shows of all time! He so deserved to win Outstanding Supporting Actor. His speech was both heartwarming and hilarious, I seriously didn't know if I should laugh or cry.

Best Actress in a Comedy Nominees

This was seriously one of the best moments. When they began announcing the nominees Amy Poehler waltzed up to the stage pagent-esque style. When Melissa McCarthy was called next she looked up at Poehler and you could read her lips as she said, "Oh you wanna do this?" and joined Poehler on stage. The rest of the nominees joined them and the winner was announced Miss Universe style. It was brilliant and hilarious!

Melissa McCarthy's Win

Melissa McCarthy's win for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy was pure awesomeness. Her reaction was priceless. Her surprise was so genuine, she was so incredibly humble and thankful and most of all DESERVING! As her name was announced she looked in shock and gave a good old fashioned, "OH SHIT!", that we couldn't hear, but was SO obvious! I LOVE Melissa McCarthy and am so glad she won! She is a beautiful, hilarious, and incredibly talented actress!

The Lonely Island Band

This is by far the best musical performance I've ever seen in an awards ceremony. Okay, that may be a tad bit of an overstatement, but seriously, were they not awesome? The SNL derived comedy/music group is beyond brilliant and saying they're merely hilarious just doesn't do them justice. The mix up of their songs was awesome sauce in music format and having Michael Bolton join in full blown Jack Sparrow get up with Akon belting the "I Just Had Sex" lyrics made for one of the best moments of the Emmys last night.

Modern Family Win

Modern Family owned the Emmys last night. They deservingly won Best Supporting Actor and Actress in a Comedy for Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, as well as Best Direction and Best Writing of a Comedy. My last fave moment was Steve Levitan sharing that he was recently approached by gay couple thanking him because Modern Family makes viewers more tolerant, Levitan agreed: “There’s nothing wrong with a loving, committed relationship between an old man and a hot young woman — and looking around the room tonight, I see many of you agree.”.

Did you catch the Emmys last night? What were your fave moments? What did you think of Jane Lynch hosting? I personally thought she did a fantastic job. She had great jokes and I didn't feel like there were any awkward moments or bombs from her like I've seen in other hosts.

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Musical Monday #18

2011-09-19T07:00:00.002-04:00

After watching The Emmys last night I came to the realization that I never, ever share the brilliant and hilarious music I listen to! So enjoy, and laugh, and sing along. Through the laughter of course.

This is quite possibly the ONLY song featuring Michael Bolton you will ever see me associated with. Just saying.

What are you listening to this week?

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Defeating the Stinks- a Rockin' Green GIVEAWAY! {CLOSED}

2011-09-18T12:07:00.001-04:00

I've only spent 2 months cloth diapering, and while I LOVE it and would never go back to disposables, I've been dealing with the stinkies for a month now. Half the time I've been cloth diapering. I've been blogging my ordeal, updating when I've tried something new to share the results, venting my frustrations, and to beg for help! After trying literally dozens of different wash routines, soaking, adding water softener, etc. help finally came in the form of Rockin' Green Hard Rock Laundry Detergent!

As soon as I received my samples of Rockin' Green Hard Rock, and a sample of Funk Rock Ammonia Bouncer I got to work! Okay, so the Funk Rock is so new that the sample I got wasn't in any marked packaging so I instead of doing the smart thing and contacting customer service I decided to just follow the directions that were on the Hard Rock detergent. I started with a tub full of super hot water. I threw in 4tbsp. of the Funk Rock, and then added some water I boiled on the stove for good measure. Then I threw in all my dipes for a good long overnight soak. The next day I wrung, rinsed, then did a cycle with the Hard Rock detergent. I was SO excited to use the diapers and see if it worked! Sadly, it didn't. It didn't work. And I wanted to cry. The ammonia was STILL there.

Immediately I did what I should have done in the first place, I emailed Rockin' Green's customer service. {May I add that they have amazing customer service?} I told them my issues and everything I had done. I received a reply almost immediately saying what I had done wrong and instructions on what to do next. Lesson 1: DON'T do overnight soaks with Funk Rock. Lesson 2: Don't mix Hard Rock and Funk Rock.

I cleaned all of my dirty CD's and put Grayson in a GroVia shell with a BioSoaker insert and got to work. I started, per their instructions, "1. Soak your diapers in hot water between 130-150 degrees for several hours, with no detergent or funk rock added.". Done! I then wrung all the water out and threw them in my washer for several hot wash/cold rinse cycles to help rinse out anything "lingering". {I always struggle with just how many "several" really is. I don't know why.} I did four detergent-free wash cycles, and felt that was plenty. I then moved the dipes back to the tub for Step 3: "Complete a one hour soak in hot water between 130-150 degrees with up to 4 Tbsp of Funk Rock (this is good for up to 20 diapers). Complete this step only if you are working on removing ammonia build up from your cloth.". {Which is exactly what I was trying to do.} DONE! I then wrung the diapers out, AGAIN, and moved on to Step 4: " After the one hour Funk Rock soak, complete an full regular wash routine: initial cold rinse or wash, hot wash with regular amount of detergent, 1-2 final cold rinses.". Step 5 was simply, "Dry like normal.".

I don't think I've ever been so nervous in all my life over diapering. I couldn't wait to put a diaper on Grayson and have him pee in it. Never in my life would I have ever imagined wanting to SMELL a pee'd in diaper. {Seriously, what have I become?!} I put him in his last Biosoaker overnight while the diapers dried and waited 'til morning. First thing I put him back in a BumGenius 4.0 and waited. We fell back asleep for a morning nap and when we woke it was time to change him and time to see if my efforts had paid off!

Verdict?

GOD BLESS ROCKIN' GREEN FUNK ROCK! After over a month of battling, the ammonia monster has been defeated! I could seriously jump up and down for joy. No burning hot smell, just PEE.

For anyone battling ammonia, diaper stinkies or even just smelly laundry, mildewy towels, etc. I HAVE to recommend Funk Rock.

About Rockin' Green:

Rockin' Green is an eco friendly detergent that comes in 3 CUSTOM designed formulas! Soft water? Hard water? Middle of the road? Rockin' Green has you covered! Their detergents are dye free, come in several yummy scents {and an unscented version for sensitive skin}, no fillers, no enzymes or optical brighteners, they're 100% phosphate free, vegan, are great for sensitive skin and much more!

Rockin' Green is NOT just a cloth diaper detergent, in fact they're doing a really cool thing right now that they're calling:

You can sign up and receive weekly cleaning tips via email, OR text messages sent straight to your phone! The once a week tips will include laundry tips, household cleaning tips, stain removal, and dish cleaning tips! You can sign up {HERE}.

Now for the best part! One lucky reader will WIN your own 45/90 load bag of Rockin' Green detergent in your choice of formula and scent!!

Disclaimer: Even though I was given free samples for review, all opinions are mine and mine alone, and I have not, nor will I ever receive compensation for this review. Thank you to Rockin' Green for providing the product for this review and giveaway!

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11 Weeks

2011-09-15T15:38:00.000-04:00

Grayson is 11 weeks old today although I stopped saying his age in weeks almost 2 weeks ago. I go by months. 2 months, 2.5 months...etc. I can't believe he's going to be 3 months old. He's been an awesome baby.

The kids sleeps like that's his job. I hope that doesn't change. Leah was a good sleeper too until around 4 months and then she gave up the sleep thing and ruined my life. I'm hoping Grayson doesn't do that and I'm hoping to get him in his crib this weekend.

He LOVES being swaddled, and I recently bought a swaddling blanket. When he's fussy we wrap him up like a little sushi roll and he's just happy and content as can be. Mel calls it his straight jacket. I call it awesome sauce. It helps me eat dinner every night!

Nursing is still going great, but it's really one of those things that once you got it, you got it. He still turns his nose up to bottles, but I'm working on finding the right fit for him. Right now he prefers my breast, his paci, and most of all I think, his hand. I'm really beginning to wonder if he'll be a finger sucker. Once he got his thumb in, and once he got his middle and ring finger in, but other than that it's mostly just been his entire fist! He will literally shove the whole thing down his throat hole and gag himself.

He is SO happy and at that age where he'll smile at anything. He lights up in the mornings, I love it. He's beginning to show what he likes, and what he doesn't like.

Likes?
Pacis, boobs, fists, in his mouth.
Music and moving, bouncing, swinging, not being still.
His "straight jacket".
Sleeping.
Bright colors on the tele.
Cloth diapers.
Being lifted up in the air.
Blowing spit bubbles.

Dislikes?
Being hungry.
Bottles.
Being in his car seat and not moving.
Being in the car. {Unless it's moving and the radio is on.}
Being put down.
Loud, sudden sounds.
Dirty diapers.

His personality shines more every day and I love him more each day. He's an amazing person and definitely makes my life better. He's so cute, I could just roll him up in a tortilla and nibble away! He's BIG too. Although I'm not sure how big. I just know he basically skipped 3-6mo. clothes, and even though I put them on him, 6-9mo. is a better fit. I'm excited to find out how much he weighs and how long he is at his next check up. His 2 month check-up is coming soon!

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Remember...

2011-09-14T16:16:00.000-04:00

I will always remember, and forever treasure these precious dimples...

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An Olivia Party

2011-09-14T15:55:00.000-04:00

Okay, so ever since Grayson's "Hello Baby" meet-the-baby party I've been somewhat obsessed with...I actually don't really know what to call it. I wouldn't say party planning, so much as party design maybe? I had so much fun designing all of the little favors, decorations, and doo dads for G's party I couldn't wait for Joshua and Leah's upcoming birthdays! Joshua was SO indecisive and in the end decided to ditch the birthday party all together and just have a day of fun with his dad. But I still had Leah and her party to pull together!

From the get-go Leah had a really hard time deciding between Olivia and Yo Gabba. I would spend almost every evening searching Olivia and Yo Gabba parties, showing her pictures of birthday cakes, and decorations. Finally, she made her decision and went with Olivia and I was SO excited to get to work!

My original plan was to just order the birthday set online, with the cups, plates, napkins, balloons, etc. and only make a few things to add. Well with extremely low funding it came down to either a birthday present or ordering a super expensive party kit online. Obviously I'm going to go with the birthday present. {Plus, I kinda sorta ran out of time and shipping would have been out the rear end for the supplies to be here in time.}

I had already put together a few things. A banner with Leah's name, and cupcake toppers. But the party would definitely need more than that to be a true Olivia birthday party! I made another, longer banner for the table, treat bag labels, straw labels, and a little 5x7 print for the table. That combined with blue and red balloons, table clothes, bowls, plates, and napkins and it turned out PERFECTLY!

I was so worried about it being "Olivia" enough, but I think I was able to pull it off...

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9•11 Never Forgotten

2011-09-11T11:02:00.001-04:00

{This image is a FREE PRINTABLE that you can download and print by Eye Candy Event Details. Please visit Laura and tell her thanks for the freebie!}

My sister posted on Facebook this morning, "If you asked me what I was doing last tuesday, I couldn't tell you...but I know exactly where I was Tuesday September 11, 2001.".

I think that rings true to everyone today. No?

I remember, I was up so early to babysit my next door neighbor and best friends daughter. We were watching Barney {maybe?} when Breaking News broke through, I remember trying to change the channel, but because they didn't have cable it was on EVERY channel. Finally I gave up and watched and when I finally paid attention to what the news was announcing, I couldn't look away...

It's hard to remember all the little details. If I remember correctly I believe that at first they weren't even sure it was terrorists, but then hearing of the other planes going down, and then of course WATCHING the second plane hit, we knew. We knew our country was under attack.

I remember for the first time not being able to call anyone. All circuits were busy. That had never happened before. I remember watching people falling, many jumping to their deaths to escape the burning building. For some reason my mind can't put my memories in order, so I can't remember if I tried calling my mom before or after the second plane hit, I don't remember if the Pentagon was hit first, I don't remember when the news reporter I was listening to broke down into tears, I don't remember when things happened, but I will always remember that they did happen, even if I can't remember when and that I watched them happen.

I remember trying to explain to the 3 year old little girl what was happening. How do you explain that? I remember wondering if anyone I knew was in New York, I remember wondering if we were in any danger. Would there be more attacks? Most of all I remember thinking, "This is the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! We're safe here, stuff like this doesn't happen! It doesn't happen..."

I can't believe it's been 10 years.

Where were you September 11, 2001?

Edited to Add: The towers fell. I don't know how I could forget the horror of watching the towers fall. One by one. Everything I witnessed that day will always and forever be engraved into my memory. Watching shows about 9/11 will always and forever give me chills. As I write this goosebumps are raised on my arms, and a lump holds strong in this throat. So many loved ones lost their lives over something so incredibly senseless.

I swear those lost will never be forgotten, and those responsible will never be forgiven...

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All I want for Christmas is....

2011-09-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

My Blog Years I and II Printed into Book Form

I have been wanting to print my blog since my first blog anniversary. It ended up being a lot more expensive than I was expecting and I've had to put it off. The longer I put it off, the more there is to print!

A custom illustration of my family by ♥The Paper Mama.
I have been in love with Chelsea's illustrations for some time. I would LOVE for a huge one of my family to put above the mantel.

Lens bracelets from Photojojo!
I think any photog needs these. They're fan-freakin-tastic.

A family necklace with all of my babies names and birthstones!
I've always wanted something with all of the kids birthstones, but the rings and necklaces I've always seen were either gaudy or cheesy. This is perfection.

The Walking Dead comics volumes 4-15
I have 1-3 and have been dying to get my hands on the 4th for-EVER!

Canon 18-55mm Lens.
Funny enough, this it the kit lens that most people don't use and usually sell to upgrade to something better. But I want one.

OPI Nail Polish Femme De Cirque Collection
I have a very intense love for nail polish. Particularly OPI. And I am loving this new collection!

Shutterfly Gift Certificate
I LOVE Shutterfly photo books, and I have MANY that need to be made!

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Leah is 3!

2011-09-09T16:37:00.000-04:00

Leah,

Oh baby, baby, baby girl. You're just NOT a baby anymore are you! How did you go from a bright eyed wee one with a mohawk to a sassy little preschooler so quickly? I still want to hold you and cuddle you and I'm SO incredibly thankful you still let me, but I'm noticing it happens less and less and the time in my lap is shorter and shorter. No matter how big you, your sister, or your brothers get you will never be too big for my lap. Remember that.

You are the sunshine to our family these days. You're at that age where everything you say and do cracks me up, or is so sweet or is just utterly infuriating. You know when I'm sad and you hug me and tell me it's okay. You say funny things like how you said that Grayson drinks chocolate milk, and when I asked how that was possible and you said I put chocolate in my armpits. You're definitely hitting the "Terrifying 3's". You never really did go through the terrible 2's, the sassyness and tantrums didn't hit until just recently. I hate it. But you're such a sweetheart it's easy to put up with.

You're so sensitive, a stern look or talking too and crumble you to tears and I can't help but sweep you up and hug your tears away even if you just spread butter all of the kitchen floor and cabinets. Yea, you do things like that. Or sneak and get into red velvet cake batter and try to tell us you didn't and when we point out your red face and mouth you say, "Oh" and give us a little giggle and then a "sorry".

You're growing into such a beautiful and gorgeous little girl! Between you and your sister I don't know what I'm going to do. I'm in trouble that's for sure. You were SO excited about starting school! Or "thool" as you pronounce it. You got your lunchbox from Mamaw and it was all you talked about for days! I love your lisp and mispronunciations and they're coming fewer and far between. More proof you're growing before my eyes. My heart can't keep up with you and your siblings!

We love you SO much Leah bug! Thank you for being our sunshine!

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Brianne's Favorite Things

2011-09-07T16:27:00.000-04:00

I've got music for Mondays, food and recipes for Tuesdays, the other days need stuff too. So I'm going to be introducing ya'll to "Brianne's Favorite Things". It's like Oprah's Favorite Things. On a very miniscule scale. Like what Oprah's Favorite Things would be if she was a stay at home mom with limited funds and a budget tighter than Brad Pitt's ass. Like what Oprah's Favorite Things would be if she wasn't...Oprah. Just someone's favorite things. No giving away of cars or trips to Australia or anything. Just posts to share my...favorite things. I said "favorite things" entirely way too many times in this paragraph.

I know of some pretty cool things for moms and just awesome people in general and I don't find it fair to keep these things to myself. It's kind of selfish if you ask me. This will be like "What I'm Loving Wednesdays", only not. And while I'm no Oprah, I am going to try and share at least some of my fave things. So be on the look out for that.

That is all.

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My Preschooler

2011-09-06T16:50:00.000-04:00

Today marks a big day! My baby girl is officially a preschooler! My heart ached as woke her, gave her breakfast, and helped her dress for her big day. I smiled as she helped me pack her lunch and bookbag, wanting to cry, but pride totally chumped any sadness. My baby wasn't a baby, she was a big girl. A big girl helping me put her shoes on and get ready for her first day of school.

On the way to school she asked me if i was going to be staying with her at school. I told her no, and waited for the tears. They never came. "Hm"...she said, "It's okay, I'll be okay." I think she was talking to herself, but it was what I needed to hear more than anything.

We got to school, where we met up with my nephew Milo...

They're so big!! I swear they were just babies yesterday.

Showing off their back packs.

Walking to their classes.

One more goofy smile.

Deciding what to do in her classroom.

SUCCESS!

We have a happy girl!!!

The first day was definitely a success. My heart soared when I sat down to get on the computer once arriving home and found a photo of Leah, hands covered in paint, with the biggest smile on her face. The school director had taken it and tagged me to show that she was, despite my fears, having an awesome time. I wasn't worried, the preschool is full of the some of the most awesome people I know.

When I picked her up she excitedly told me about her day, and the picture she had made. "It's the sun! It's GOD'S SUN! He made the sun, and he made our food too!" Of course it doesn't do it justice without hearing her little chipmunk voice and lisp, but it was the cutest ever.

My baby girl, just 2 days shy of 3 is no longer a baby, nor toddler, she is a PRESCHOOLER! And I'm one proud mama.

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Tasty Tuesday- Num Num Desserts

2011-09-06T07:00:00.000-04:00

Holy wow! Another Tasty Tuesday post! Maybe I'm more Betty Crocker than I thought? Hm? No, I still blame Pinterest. I see yummy fewds every day when I log on for some pinning action and I'm left wanting to bake and cook. Pinterest is a dirty enabler to my addiction.

After making dinner the other night I came across a box of cake mix and a can of frosting. Cupcakes sounded like a super yummy dessert so I got to work. When I pulled the snacky paraphernalia out of the cupboard I noticed a rather intriguing recipe on the side of the box. A recipe for Funfetti Cookies. "YES!", I thought, "COOKIES WE WILL HAVE! NOT CAKE!". I almost shouted. But then I remembered that yelling "cookies" and "cake" would be stupid as crap. I'd have kids up my butt asking 78,564 questions about what I'm making, when they'll be done, if they could help, someone would be burned, messes would be made, and chaos would ensue! I wasn't in the mood for cooking with the kids. So sue me. Let's get back to the cookies people.

Okay, so SUPER mega simple recipe here. Even more easier than making cake!

Here's what you need:

•1 (18.9-oz.) pkg. Pillsbury® Moist Supreme® Funfetti® Cake Mix
•1/3 cup oil
•2 eggs
•1/2 (15.6-oz.) can Pillsbury® Creamy Supreme® Funfetti® Vanilla Frosting

What you do:

•Preheat your oven to 375°F.
•Dump all of your ingredients into a bowl. {Captain obvious says to leave out the packaging and egg shells, tee-hee.}
•Stir it up! Stir it up! Stir it up yo! Make sure to be really theatrical in stirring. Jump up and down while singing obnoxiously, "Stir it up!". The enthusiasm will make the cookies just that much yummier. Stir with a spoon {because socks make horrible stirrers} until everything is moist. {I'm sorry, but I have always, and will forever hate the word "moist".}
•Form the dough into 2" balls. This is the perfect time for middle school humor. Take advantage.
•Place the dough balls onto an ungreased cookie sheet about 2" apart.
•Smursh the balls into cookie-like forms. You can use the bottom of a glass. I just used to my hands.
•Stick those mo fo's in the oven!
•Bake at 375°F for 6-8 minutes or until the edges are a pretty golden brown.
•Take the cookies out of the oven, {don't forget that oven mitt!} and let cool for 1 minute.
•Frost to your hearts delight.

This is after I smurshed the balls into cookie-like forms.

These are my over-baked cookies fresh from the oven!

These are my finished product! My frosted Funfetti Cookies of yummy goodness.

The recipe supposedly yields 3 dozen cookies. I made 9 and they weren't even THAT big. Okay, they were pretty big...but there's not way you would get 3 dozen normal sized cookies. Maybe 3 dozen tee tiny baby cookies.

This leaves me wanting to try this with other cake and frosting flavor combinations! I'm thinking red velvet and cream cheese icing! Yum! I will be sure not to over-bake next time. They weren't nearly as good as they could have been. {Even well done they were yummy though.}

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Wait...what?!

2011-09-05T18:07:00.000-04:00

My denial couldn't withstand any longer. Grayson's sleep 'n plays were being pulled off of his shoulders when he stretched his legs, all of his long sleeves were entirely too short, and buttoning his onesies was growing harder each day. I knew it was time to make the switch to the next size up. 3-6mo., or 6months as Carter's calls it. "But my baby will swim in 6 mo.! There's no way he could ever fit in them!" I told myself. "He's in between sizes, I can keep him in 3 mo. for a little while longer." Yep. Denial isn't just a river folks. It's a sad washed up mom crumbling over the end of baby growing days.

So, reluctantly, and with the "there's no way it's fitting him" attitude I put Grayson in a 6mo. sleep 'n play. It took all I had in me not to burst into tears. It fit. It fit so well, that he probably won't even fit into it for very long. I was so stubborn in keeping him in the smallest baby clothes possible that he almost basically grew right through 3-6/6mo. clothes and right into 6-9mo./9mo. clothes.

How did that happen?!

I need a button. I need a pause button. Life needs to have a DVR and needs to be paused. RIGHT NOW. So I can keep on enjoying tiny little toes and tiny little feet and tiny little hands, and snuggle time, and baby smell, and everything that Grayson is out growing so quickly.

And this is all happening on the eve of Leah's first day of preschool. As though that isn't enough!

Come on God, cut me a break here!

I'm telling you time really is a dastardly villain and he's having NO MERCY on me these days.

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