Turning Up Our Doing Dial

This weekend was great. A real "let's turn up our doing dial" kind of weekend. {You know from the Home Depot commercials}.

Saturday we started the morning off with pancakes and there was no complaining about them from Chad. Something about liking waffles way more. Why? Because they have squares? Who knows?! To me they are pretty much the same thing. Carbs. Yum.

1. Then I proceeded to spray paint my heart out on a bunch of frames I picked up at Goodwill the other day. It is my sole mission to re-decorate our new home on very little. Pinterest is my hero.

Anyway I got 8 frames for around $10, a can of $3 white spray paint and some free printables from HERE.  And viola our hall bath that our kids never use is looking lovelier. The shower curtain was left by the previous owner and it is one of the few things I don't hate. ;) Now I just need some towels for the rack and we are "finished."

seriously these are some of the.ugliest.frames. Spray paint is a miracle worker. ;)

One thing about our home is that all the countertops are a color. Seriously who picks colored countertops?! You ALWAYS go neutral and add color in other ways that can be changed with your mood. Duh! So I am sort of locked into a greenish bath. So these printables were perfect.

Before:

After:

2. I have also finished up Lo's mobile for her room. Ever since MW got one for his room she has been begging for one. Cross that off the list.

It pretty much consisted of some scrapbook paper, my cricut, and another cheap embroidery hoop find from, you guessed it Goodwill.

I love how it turned out and she is thrilled. Win. Win.

3. Up next was some beachy hair spray. My whole life I have envied other girls with curl and wave to their hair. Mine was as stick straight as they come. Flat iron, not required. I have even tried body waves and perms in the past and they seriously lasted 2 weeks! However, recently I noticed that my wet hair isn't drying straight anymore. Ever since having Micah my hair got all "sexy beach wavy" minus the sexy. It looks a mess, now I get why girls were jealous of MY stick straight hair. So I have seen some diy sea salt beachy sprays. Seems to be  helping on the days I don't want to straighten my hair. I used this recipe.

4. Lately I have been trying to take better care of myself and put myself a little more first. I mean let's face it I am the only mommy my kids have and the only good wife my husband will have. {BAHAHA}. Anyway, I have been trying to update my wardrobe from circa 1999. A few weeks ago at MOPs they talked about the color season your skin tone is in and how that effects what you should wear {I am an Autumn}.

Source: personalitycafe.com via Michele on Pinterest

I am obsessed with that sheet and take it with me everywhere when shopping. No matter how much I may like something, if that color isn't on my sheet I don't buy it. {most of the time.} And now having a red-headed son, I can see how that really makes a difference. His poor rudy complexion needs certain colors to dial it down. Bless him. {He is most definitely an Autumn like mommy!}

5. On a completely un-related note; the other night we were sitting down to dinner and I saw a fox, a FOX
in our backyard!! How freakin' crazy is that. We live in the city. To be fair we do have a small woodish area behind our house and the country is probably 2 miles from us, but still a fox! Come on. Just very unbelievable to me.

6. While the fox did look cute, I am certainly glad we have dark poodles, otherwise he may think they are bunnies. Thank goodness our tax refund is going to help us get a fence up soon. Just don't want the fox to think "there's lunch" on my dogs. HA!

Here is dumb and dumber at their best. Wrapped up around a pole just begging that fox to get them. 

Seriously no idea how they got that tangled...

7. Finally, my new goals for this month is 1. keeping the lights off around the house most of the day. 2. put things up RIGHT NOW, stop waiting for later. It is amazing how much less junk and clutter I deal with at the end of the day by taking a quick look around before I head or down the stairs.

Happy Miscellany Monday!
Join in on the Fun...

Snow Day {Finally!!!}

Well we finally got a snow around here. Lo has been waiting all winter for this and secretly so have I. When she woke up that morning she could barely contain herself. She would run to all the windows in the house and yell "oh good! The snow is STILL here!!!" We barely got through breakfast before she was begging to go out. I told her as soon as MW goes down for him morning nap we would go out. Every 2 minutes she would say "I think Micah tired now." HA! Bless her snow playing deprived heart.

Finally the time came to go out! Hip Hooray. Where she preceeded to tell me that "Jesus and Santa brought the snow!" "Santa bring the snow for those kids ::points to our neighbor:: {who is pastor I might add} and Jesus brings us snow." 

"Why yes baby we are more spiritual than them, so of course only Jesus could bring our snow. ;) BAHAHA!"

Below is our collages of fun. When daddy got home we had take two in the snow. Micah did really well out there, I was pleasantly surprised he wanted to play too.

We of course had to build a snow man and make lots of snow angels. Sadly it was all gone by day 2. :(

We have a huge lake behind our house and it was FULL of geese. We like to call it a goosevention.

And what snow day would be complete with out luke warm "hot" chocolate with lots and lots of marshmellows!

I had such a fun time with her. This is the best age yet. Sort of hoping for just one more real snow...

Thoughtfulness and Applications

Last Sunday when I picked Micah up from the church nursery they told me this little tale.

A little baby girl was crying. Micah felt bad for her, so he went and got his beloved blankie and shared it with her, so she wouldn't be sad anymore.

Isn't that precious. God love that boy; the woman he ends up with will be one lucky girl. Thoughtfulness can not be taught it just is.

Applications for Micah's future wife are now being accepted until he is 25 and I choose the one he can marry. ;) So you've got time, but don't delay, I would hate to see you miss out on a great guy.

Not Exactly Wordless Wednesday

{Reading Cutie}

{Future Grammy Winner}
singing with Kelly Clarkson and Jason Aldean. Presh.

{Church Cuties}

{Bath Time Cuties}
note to self: bubbles and 13m olds don't mix. Micah kept trying to eat them...

Happy Wednesday That Feels like Tuesday because my hubby got Monday off Day!

Keep Calm and Go Bananas {Lo's 3rd Birthday}

This year Leighton has really been into Curious George. After much debate we finally settled on a pink and yellow themed Curious George monkey party. The party was inspired by this phenomenal party. I wish I had the time and money to have 100% re-created that party. Amazing. {please click the link to check it out!}

 

Source: karaspartyideas.blogspot.com via Michele on Pinterest

{The invitation} I designed from the aforementioned inspirational party.

I heart pinterest obviously...who doesn't?! More inspirational ideas

Source: pbs.org via Michele on Pinterest

Cake Inspiration:

Source: pbs.org via Michele on Pinterest

{Cake and Decorations}

I know you all are going to be contacting me to make your cakes, but sorry I have to save my mad skills for just my kids. Try and not be too disappointed.

We had Strawberry cake at the birthday girl's request, it was really good and we should really have that more often. I made two cakes stupidly thinking we needed that much. She wanted one girl {so that isn't a growth coming out of her head it's a bow. ;) } and one boy monkey.

 And of course George loves bananas, so you have to have banana splits {HUGE HIT!} Another little tip I got from pinterest {but neglected to pin} is dishing up ice cream in muffin liners ahead of time and pulling them from the freezer just before party time. Worked like a charm and everyone raved how smart I was. Duh?! Winning. Really saved time on people crowding around a tiny ice cream container.

Parties are in the details. While this isn't some grand pinteresting worth party, I do like details. The plates were Paul Frank from Target (no one sells Curious George stuff, not that I probably would have gotten those anyway.} and the "Keep Calm and Birthday On" napkins were from Target as well. I loved that they mostly matched the "Keep Calm and Go Bananas" theme.

Finally I recycled her birthday banner from her First birthday party...mostly because I was too lazy to make a new one, even though I bought all the stuff. Just changed out the ribbon.

{Presents}
Every birthday kid's favorite party. I asked "what do you want to do first? Cake? or Presents?" PRESENTS!!!!!!!

1-3,6: Making out like a bandit on dollhouse stuff. I think she is pretty set on her dollhouse for a bit. She hasn't stopped playing yet.
5: blanket from Auntie Meg, who due to other partying schooling circumstances was unable to join us.
7: Every girl should "buy" herself a gift. When the presents started arriving, she ran off to wrap herself a gift {in an old towel to boot.} HA!
8 &9: She got some dress up clothes, so of course she should model them. And well Micah should play too! BAHAHAHA! 

{Cake Time}

{Miscellany Pics}
1. Our dollhouse contribution, she had to open it a day early before her party.

2. I thought I was so clever when I found this outfit in MW's drawer. He had to wear his monkey pants for the party!

3. This is from her ACTUAL birthday on Wed the 15th. Trial cake run. She kept saying "good job mommy!"
She just thought I had done so well. Bless her.

We hosted our church small group that night so the cake did not go to waste or my hips. :)

It was a HAPPY Birthday. I really was so pleased how it turned out. It was so fun because she actually was into her birthday this year and really understood what was happening.

Happy 3rd Birthday Sweet Lo Lo Girl!

Micah' First Year Scrapbook (10-12m)

Micah's first year scrapbook is nearly complete! I can't believe we have gone a whole year already. He has changed and grown so much. I love having these memories to look at whenever I want.

{month 10}

I need to go back and fix that journaling! Yuck. Too busy...

{month 11}



{month 12: First Birthday.}
Once I get his One Year Pics taken then I can complete chapter ONE of Micah Bear. My friend Ginger and I are having a heck of a time getting a moment where her family and mine are well to do his pics. Fingers crossed for next week!!!

And today we are getting ready to celebrate Lo Lo sissy's 3rd Birthday!! Can't believe it. Party post to come. Stay tuned. :)

Micah 13 months {Watch Me Grow}

Don't rub your eyes, you just read one of these yesterday. And aren't you so glad that Lo only gets one every 6 months. I am. I about forgot to even do this for Micah as I am just plum worn out from all Lo's birthday planning and partying. So without further ado. I give you MW at 13 months.


Oh baby boy {to me you still seem more like a baby than a "big" boy. With Lo I thought this was such a big age, but in comparison of your sissy you are just my little baby}, in one month's time you have become a new little boy. However  You are still the same spirited child that approaches life with gusto in everything you do, but now it is more-so. You and I are getting more and more on the same page, which is drastically decreasing our little meltdowns. I just love watching you grow up, but after sissy turning 3 yesterday I am quickly realizing I am wishing away these baby/toddler days with you and I don't want to do that. Because before I know you will be 3 and this momma will be a mess. I love you love bug. I love your sweet bite kisses you are giving me now (sure they hurt, but I still love 'em), I love how you lay your head on my shoulder. You are my sweet cuddle bear. Momma's boy for life. But when I do find that perfect girl for you (we are now accepting applications mommies of little girls) I promise I will cut the apron strings and let you fly!

One of the contenders, Brystol. Such a sweet little girl!

Milestones: 
Running after sissy.
You almost have 4 teeth. 2 on bottom, 2 on top breaking through as we speak.
Pretty much my boy "genius." I can sense a will and desire to learn from you that your sissy still doesn't possess.
You climb the stairs lighting fast. If I go upstairs for 2 seconds I turn around to see you standing right behind me! HA! One day you stood at the top of the stairs crying because you can't get down. Evidently you thought I had gone upstairs, but when you got up there I was no where to be found. Silly boy.
And we broke down and turned your carseat forward facing! You ride a little happier now. But on day 1 you thought you were BIG time!

Language Skills:
You say "bah" for lots of things. Like "bless you" when you or I sneeze. So thoughtful. You also go around throwing balls and yell "bah" every.single.time. CUTE! Oh and then there is the books you now bring me which are also called "bahs." You can say "mo{re}", hi, bye and my new favorite is "gou" for good. Everything you put in your mouth is "gou." Bottom line you are my talker. I thought second borns, especially boys would not be quick to talk. So communication is up and if you can't say it you show me. Sign language is not your thing and clearly not what you want to learn. :(

Sleeping:
Naps 2x/day. One at 9a for about 1-1.5 hours and another at 1230p/1p for another 2+ hours. Bedtime is promptly at 630p, which you sleep until about 630/7a the next morning. We have been having some night wakings again, but we have all been sick and he is teething. I am not quick to jump to teething as the reason, but it seems to happen just for a day or two until that tooth breaks and then all is well.

Eating:
You are a boy. I am already needing to up my grocery budget. I am scared for when you are a teen. Currently you can consume in a matter of minutes a ENTIRE PB&J sandwich all by your lonesome. Seriously? Lo just now started eating an entire one and most days she still doesn't finish it. Oh and not to mention you get a fruit or yogurt with it. Chad said "welcome to having a boy!"
You also love to get into the lazy "chad" and get out graham crackers to eat. No need to ask mom, she will just say no, so I will do it myself. Guess I am glad to have a good eater, but seriously I just find it shocking.

Bottles are pretty much a thing of the past. You get only one bottle before bed and the rest of the day is sippy cups. You transitioned so easily. You just want to suck down whatever liquids I give you so who cares what it is in.

Favorite Toy(s) and Book(s):
You love your animal puzzle and try to make the noises. It all comes out moo, but you are trying. You are even pretty good a trying to put the pieces in. Again you are my baby genius. I expect great things from you.

Mr. Muscles

Now for books this is what interests me about my kids. I don't read to you as babies, but then all of a sudden you love books. You bring me books (you don't want to read them, just bring them to me), and especially ones you recognize like Mickey Mouse, Cat in the Hat or Curious George. And by recognize I mean because you watch all these shows with your sissy!

Anecdotes/Quirky things you do:
You get so excited when George or Mickey Mouse comes on. You sit and "dance" to it.

Hiding with sissy from daddy.

You are in a let's throw everything on the ground over and over phase. Or a let's throw this object in the tub, or the potty or better yet the trash! Fun game.

You have a thing we call "pantie raid" Everyday when we go to put on sissy's underpants you steal them from us and go running off. You pull them out of the {clean} laundry basket. You are obsessed with those and socks. Somehow one day you ended up with them on your head. Too funny. And yes I am going to blackmail you with this picture someday...maybe your highschool graduation slide show?! hmmm.

One night sissy was complaining about the "stir it up" we gave her (aka chocolate milk). You thought "fine, act a fool, I am going to drink it!" And you did. Serves her right for complaining. Of course the "stir it up" was magically better then!

Temperament:
Your attitude is improving every month. Now that you are mobile and we understand each other better the meltdowns are fewer. However, you are who you are. You want what you want, when you want it--Micah's way or the highway, if not then major tantrum meltdowns ensue. Complete with throwing ourselves on the floor and flailing about. If only I knew where he got that from hmmm...I'll have to think on that.
On the flip side you are so sweet and loving it is ridiculous.

Stats:  
No stats this month. Weird not to take you into the doctor for weight checks anymore. However we are still battling the spitting up. {I know right, he 13 months and post fundo sx!} While you are gaining and thriving, you still regurgitate/reflux throughout the day and spit up at least 1x every few days. I know it isn't a lot, but this is atypical behavior for a 13m old in general and especially one who had corrective sx. It was daily, but come to find out I was giving you too much milk and I think you are a little dairy sensitive; after I cut way back things improved. Now I think it is time to try meds again. You just may be someone who needs prevacid for life. So the Micah medical saga continues...

I am in LOVE with that face.

Baby Bear you are my precious gift. I love you! Happy 13 Months!