FYI....

I have added a subscription box. It is in the left sidebar. Just enter your email and voila!...my posts get e-mailed to your inbox. Also, I started a blogroll, which is in the sidebar as well. Check it out...my sister is the only one on it currently.

Zoa's birthday party was a huge success! As soon as I get some pictures, I will post more in detail.

I'm not feeling to happy today...I hate anxiety. Especially when you do not even know what you are anxious about.

Happy Birthday Zoa!

Dear Zoa,

Today you turn 3. Three! What a fun three years it has been! Ever since you surprised your daddy and I, it has been nothing but fun! You are such a bundle of joy! When you smile, your eyes sparkle. And I really mean sparkle. We have had strangers stop and tell us we should put you in a magazine because of those eyes. I hope you realize one day that you have brought so much happiness into our lives. Macie is so proud to have you as a little sister. And you brought your daddy and I together in ways nobody will ever know.

I remember when we brought you home from the hospital. Your daddy and I looked at each other and thought, "What are we going to do now? We have two. We were scared with one...and now there is two!". I know God must have heard us because you were the best baby. You slept through the night after 2 weeks! Just like we did with Macie, we popped out of bed that first night you slept until morning. We were terrified thinking what we would find. There you were, sleeping safe and sound. You have always liked your sleep. You are our night owl. You like to stay up late and watch movies and sleep until 10:00. Mommy loves that on the weekends!

You helped us realize that health should not be taken for granted. I took you to the doctor and Dr. Connie wanted us to get an X-Ray of your head to make sure nothing was in there that shouldn't be. The results came back and I got a phone call at work. They told me fluid was in between your scull and brain. I melted. I left work. I could not focus. It was one of the most terrifying things we have ever heard. Just as your doctor said it might do, your body absorbed the fluid and nothing ever came of it. I still get tears in my eyes thinking back to that day.

To this day, you still have problems with your head. You're motto should be "Life Hard, Wear a Helmet!". You have had more bumps, bruises, black eyes, a concussion, followed by a hematoma, scrapes, and scratches than any 2 3 year old I know. You must be physically stubborn as well!

I have tried to be extra patient with you. I realized that you may be our last baby and I tried to capture all the memories with you I could when you were oh-so-tiny. Now that you are a big girl, you like to do your own thing. You are such a independent little toddler. You do not care what anyone else is doing. You will do what you want. You love movies and Macie cannot sit still long enough to watch one. It is somewhat comical to watch you two play. Regardless of age, you make the rules.

You have a distinct personality - you know what you want and you want it that exact moment. I hope this trait will be used for your benefit throughout your life. I, myself, has that very same trait. I guess that is something a younger or middle child might have. If there is one trait of mine that I could have passed down, I would have chose this one. It can take you so far in life. Perseverance.

I pray that we have many years together but in this world, nothing is promised. This is why I chose to write these letters to you and Macie. Each year, on your birthday, you will get a letter. Maybe, just maybe, when I am old and gray, we can sit and read them and laugh.

I Love You!

Mommy

Wordless Wednesday

Fruits and Veggies are a Must!

I have been contemplating on whether to post this or not, but since she is only 2, almost 3, I thought it was worth it because it's super cute and funny! Sunday night, we had Thanksgiving with Jeremy's family. The kids were sooo good, playing with each other and doing their own little thing. Zoa comes dashing through the dining room, yelling "I have to go potty!" Jeremy walks with her to the bathroom and she starts to do her thing. She was having a bit of trouble, I suppose, because Jeremy comes out and tells me to go in there with her. I walk in and ask her what's wrong. Her response: "I need to eat more fuits and begtables". (It's not spelled wrong, that's what she said!) I started cracking up.

So, that's that. I am sorry if that is offensive to anyone. :) I do get some relief from hearing my 2 year old that she needs to eat her 'fruits and begtables'. She truly is one of a kind.

Birthday Party!

Last night, our family celebrated Jeremy's birthday. We went out to dinner, and I must say, my kid's have good taste. They chose Shogun and it was delicious! After dinner, Macie and I went home to finish the cake we baked for Jer. Once it was all done, Jeremy and Zoa came home and we all ate dessert after Jeremy and the girls blew out his candle. I was kind of scared since I don't bake often but everything was good. At least Zoa thought so!

I did my usual thing I do when I do bake...instead of adding the oil and eggs and water to the cake mix, add 12 oz of diet soda. That's all! It turns out great every time! You could make a root beer cake with white cake mix and diet root beer, diet sprite in a lemon cake...etc. The options are unlimited!

This week will be a little crazy. We have Zoa's birthday on Thursday. We are not too sure what is going on yet, we just have people saving the date. All we know is she wants Dora and Diego and cupcakes. This was her request. I can't wait for those pictures!

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

Today is Jeremy's birthday. I wanted to make a post for him telling him how much we all adore him. You are the 'best dad ever' and I could not have picked a better husband.We love you daddy! He told me last night that we need a 5 car garage. I asked why and he told me that Zoa told him she is going to get him a race car and Macie said she is going to get him a convertible. Wow! I can't wait for my birthday!

This past weekend was busy with holidays and Christmas decorations. I will post details later when I have some pictures.

Happy Monday!

Give Thanks...

I know I have mentioned before how precious Macie and Zoa's prayers are. Last night, Jeremy and I were putting the girls to bed, which means a book, prayers, hugs and kisses. Macie was praying and never forgets to thank God for something. Sometimes, I find when I pray I do nothing but ask. I think it is only fair to thank God for something.

On that note and since it is Thanksgiving Eve, here are a few things of many for which I am thankful:

* My family and their health. I try not to take this for granted until it is too late.
* My friends. I have a variety of friends and each of them are unique, which is why I love them.
* Spring days. To me, they symbolize new years and fresh starts. Besides gorgeous weather.
* Being married. I feel complete now.

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever. 1 Chronicles 16:34

Food!

This year, we are doing Thanksgiving at my mom and dad's house. My mom plans on making a whole table full of food, complete with dressing, turkey, ham and chicken and dumplings (Count 'em, that's 4 entrees!) My sisters and I are bringing some sides. This recipe I received from a night group from church and it is delicious! I love it! Best of all, you only spend 15 minutes (!) making it. If you are a mom, you truly appreciate this. So, I thought I would share in case anyone needs an idea for their thanksgiving...

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Makes: 10 servings, one slice each

Turtle Pumpkin Pie- Recipe from Kraft
*1 c. milk
*1/4 c. plus 2 tbsp. caramel ice cream topping, divided
*1 Graham Pie Crust (6 oz.)
*1/2 c. plus 2 tbsp. pecan pieces
*2 pkg. Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding and Pie Filling
*1 c. canned pumpkin
*1 tsp. ground cinnamon
*1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
1 large tub of Cool Whip , thawed and divided

Pour 1/4 c. caramel topping into the crust, sprinkle with 1/2 the pecans. Beat milk, dry pudding mixes, pumpkin and spices with a whisk until blended. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the whipped topping. Spread into crust. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Top with remaining whipped topping, caramel topping and pecans just before serving. Store leftovers in the refrigerator.

(To help with all the sweets and calories, I will use Fat Free Cool whip and and fat free, sugar free Jell-O. I omitted the pecans.)

I will post a picture tomorrow evening.

I Pledge Allegiance...

I have been meaning to get on here and post this, and I think since today is Veterans Day, it is the best day to do so. Macie has learned the Pledge of Allegiance and feels the need to honor the flag anywhere we see it. This can be very sweet, but she does it everywhere! We go to the post office every afternoon and she might take a few letters to the outside drop off for me. Imagine it, she is in front of the flag outside, standing with her hand on her chest saying her Pledge of Allegiance. She says it in the car as we pass the park. We have a flag in our yard and she will say it when we get home. Any flag, anywhere. She is definitely not shy or ashamed. I guess that is a good thing, right? I think we have a little girl who is very proud to be an American.

Changing and Re-arranging

About a month ago, Jeremy and I bought a new TV. We were at his sister and BIL's house and they just bought a 50" plasma. Jeremy decided right then and there he was going to get one. Something we have always wanted but never just went and bought. And me, being a girl who loves to spend money on anything, reminded him daily about it until we got one.

After we bought the television, we needed a new stand for the TiVo box and DVD player. We were shopping and while shopping for that, started looking at new living room furniture. We were taking second looks at the things we picked out and that is when the 'mom' in me kicked in. Before we get us furniture, we should get the girls new bedroom furniture. *Sigh*

Right then and there, we took on a project. We bought the furniture - two twin beds plus a nightstand along with a dresser and mirror, to be exact. (They share a room now so we can have a toy room.) We bought paint. We bought new bedding. We bought a matress and two box springs. We bought chair rails and crown molding. We bought wall lettering. Oh my. This was beginning to turn into a small fortune.

It is amazing how when you are a parent, you always put your kids first. As parent's, you find joy in getting your children new things. Making sure they have what they need, and in most cases, what they want. I find more joy going to BabyGap than buying myslef something. And the most crazy part of it all is that it just happens. You don't force yourself to give up anything. You don't force anything. You just do, without thinking twice.

I remember as a child how my mom would never go shopping for herself. And my sisters and I would always say, "Go by your outfit mom." I don't need this. But she never did. And I know if my sweet girls could understand all of this, they would tell me to do the same.

But, back to the point of the story...the television has sparked some motivation in our home. Let's paint this, we can add this in this room, we need to get one of these. If I would have know that Jeremy would turn into a guy who who doesn't mind pink and green walls in our daughters' room, we could have bought the television years ago.

My 100 Things

Many bloggers post 100 things about themselves. Here's mine:

1. I am a middle child.
2. Both the younger and older are girls.
3. I love having sisters.
4. My parent's are great.
5. My mom is one of my best friends.
6. I have 2 daughters.
7. They keep me on my toes.
8. My calendar is jam packed with things going on.
9. I am a planner.
10. Children forces you to become one.
11. Married to Jeremy.
12. Most people thought we would never do it but we did.
13. I don't live in a fairy tale but am very happy the way my life turned out thus far.
14. I love to shop...anywhere. The mall, Wal-Mart, Target...
15. I love to give more. I wish I had more money to do that.
16. I get up way too early but always run late. This is why I never fix my hair on weekdays.
17. I am a Christian.
18. I can honestly say I enjoy church now. It feels great.
19. Both of my children were surprises.
20. I refuse to refer to my children as uh-ohs, boo-boos...or any other reference like that.
21. I believe they brought Jeremy and I closer than ever.
22. I am very strong-willed. If I want something, I find a way to get it.
23. This can be good and bad.
24. I am a perfectionist. Jeremy is not.
25. That causes me some stress.
26. I am not a morning person. I never hear my alarm.Thank God Jeremy does!
27. I wish I was. I would love to be one of those women who wakes up early, drinks coffee and reads the paper. All after going on walk.
28. I put a lot of faith in people. Sometimes too much faith.
29. I love the smell if Heavenly by Victoria's Secret. Jeremy does, too. ;)
30. I want to jump out of a airplane. :) I am nuts like that.
31. I multi-task all the time. I have painted my nails in the drive-thru at the bank before. See, I am nuts!
32. I am very thankful for everything I have.
33. My life has improved so much since I started putting more faith in God. I always had it, but not really. I was fooling myself.
34. I wish I could quit work. Not to stay home and spend money, but to raise my kids.
35. I love massages. I had one once.
36. My mom & dad got it for me for my first Mother's Day. I told you I had great parent's.
37. I have 20/20 vision. I hope my kids will.
38. I cannot wait to build our new house. I hope I survive it.
39. I hear it is terror on relationships.
40. When I am mad I cannot sleep and I tend to clean.
41. Maybe Jeremy purposely makes me mad so i will do this. Hmmm.
42. I love sales! I call Beth when I find a bargain.
43. I love to cook and try new recipes. We have ordered a few pizzas after I tried some.
44. The song "Just Another Day in Paradise" describes our family to a "T".
45. I like all kids of music...except rap.
46. Some of it is just plain gross. And derogatory towards women.
47. And we wonder why men calls(ed) us names.
48. I am running out of ideas. *Thinking*
49. I love baseball season. The Cardinals are my fave.
50. I have become much more emotional since having children.
51. I cry over spilled milk. Well, not really.
52. My favorite color, or color combination is red and black.
53. My kitchen is my favorite place in our home.
54. It has red accents, black speckled coutertops, and stainless steel appliances.
55. I tell myself my dreams. I think you need to hear that you will do what you hope for.
56. I believe that what you eat can affect you in ways you don't think about. As they say, you are what you eat.
57. Jeremy gets mad because I make our kids are eat healthy food and he thinks they should eat what kids eat.
58. I want a cookbook by Seinfeld's wife. I forgot her name. I saw her on Oprah and loved it.
59. My car is always dirty. I think it is my destiny. Here is an accurate description of it: If we broke down, we could live for a few days out of my car alone.
60. I really do try to keep it clean, but the kids wear me out and by the time I get home, I don't like making trips back outside to unload.
61. I used to be addicted to sweet tea. It was my guilty pleasure. I recently gave up that addiction and drink nothing but water now.
62. I can see a drastic improvement in my skin.
63. I wear the infomercials make-up. You know, Bare Minerals.
64. I love it and will never wear anything else.
65. I am very thankful for my health and for my family's health.
66. Macie says the best prayers. They are so innocent.
67. Hearing them makes me miss childhood.
68. I love spring. The first few days of spring are the best.
69. I love to clean with my windows open. Ahhh, fresh air.
70. I am very blessed to have a flexible job. It allows me to pick Macie up and then she comes to the office with me until it is time to go home.
71. Zoa is learning how to pray and it is soo sweet.
72. My children fight about who will pray at suppertime.
73. I guess if you are going to argue, at least it is over that.
74. I fear so many things for my kids. Things I cannot prevent.
75. I wonder if I am good mom to them on a frequent basis.
76. I don't really care for chocolate. I only want it about once every six months.
77. Come to think of it, I don't really have a sweet tooth.
78. I love salty and crunchy foods. Potato chips....mmmmm.
79. I never buy junk food. If there is junk food in our house, then Jeremy went shopping.
80. And he heard about it.
81. I love the holidays and just relaxing with our family.
82. I also enjoy Sunday dinners at my parent's.
83. Mexico is my favorite vacation spot. There is just something about it.
84. I'm sure people think I am stuck up. The truth is I am afraid to go talking to people for fear of what they think of me.
85. I have 15 more to write. Think....
86. I want to be a child psychologist. I would love to help children.
87. I need to enroll in college again. Ugh...it just takes so much time.UPDATE: Re-enrolled and so glad I did!
88. My goal was to graduate by the time Macie started kindergarten. That did not happen obviously.
89. I love Outback Caesar salad. And yes, i know anchovies are in the dressing. It is still delicious.
90. I could not live without TiVo. If you don't have it, get it. It will change your life.
91. I get to watch so much after the kids go to bed.
92. I love paying bills.
93. I get anxious very easily.
94. I want to adopt a little boy.
95. I have recently started to de-clutter my house.
96. It makes me feel accomplished, which I enjoy.
97. I am 24 years old.
98. Jeremy is 30.
99. Age is just a number.
100. I am done!