Thanksgiving

Having had great success in the past going out of town on a holiday, my parents, granny, Brian, Emma, and I decided to head for the beach for our first vacation in a year and a half! Brian was actually able to take off a full week from his craziness and relax. It was so wonderful to be with him so much!

The trip down started off with many a hitch culminating in locking Granny's keys in her van. We hadn't gotten it packed yet, and we had to call a locksmith. An hour and a half and $90 later, we were on our way. Did you know you can only activate OnStar if you are inside the car?!? I digress. We made it there in decent time and we had a wonderful time. The weather was warm so mom, Emma, and I spent most of the trip on the beach. Mom and I read, while Emma preferred to eat sand and put it in buckets. She was not so keen on the ocean the first day, but the next day she was running to get the waves if they didn't come fast enough. It was so cute! She is fearless, which is going to be great at some point, but for now it gives us all heart attacks! She of course loved having five adoring adults at any given time, and had a fabulous time entertaining us all. She picked up the word More and the word Waffle, and uses the former whenever she can.

Thanksgiving was great. We brought a Honey Baked Ham, a Publix Smoked Turkey Breast, and all the fixings for regular thanksgiving feasting. It was so good, and we could see the beach. What more do I need to say?

We drove back without incident, and this week has been chaos. Brian had class every night this week, so we have hardly seen him. I am so thankful we had all that time last week so we could prepare for this week and next. His semester is officially over, but he still has exams next week. Be praying for him. He has two in one day and he is really really stressed!

On a different note entirely, I have found a store called Steve and Barry's that I absolutely adore. They are going to be opening one at Discover Mills sometime in December and I highly recommend you check it out. I went to the one in Athens and I bought a pair of sneakers for $14.95. They were not on sale, that is regular price. They are high quality, and I ran in them today and they didn't hurt my feet or my back! I am highly impressed! Anyway, off to get stuff done. Have a great weekend.


Emma wearing her Thanksgiving feast.


Our lovely view on Thanksgiving.

For Sarah

On the Way

The router, that is. So expect a hefty picture post next week for all your longsuffering!

Until then, I leave you with an Emma story. I have this tan colored purse that does not zip closed but rather uses one magnetic button. I love this purse and use it often, but was giving it a break for a few weeks. Emma decided it would be her toy since it was mommy's real purse and had been dragging it around for days putting all sorts of nonsense in it. Well one day Jelyne came over we were both giving Emma grape tomatoes. I thought she was eating them because there was some remains on her face and she kept coming back for more. When I didn't see any on the floor I was so impressed and happy that she had eaten them! So fast forward to a week ago, basically a month after that day. I go to switch back to that purse, and in it what should I find but, you guessed it, all the grape tomatoes, an ant or two, and a lot of stains. It was so gross, and all I could do was shake my head at my stupidity. I could not stop laughing, and thankfully it was on the inside where you really can't tell unless you look for it. So there you go. That's what happens when I am not paying attention!

Also, just to clear my name, on Sunday I did NOT drop Emma. For those of you who weren't there, I raised my hand to make an announcement about the Mother's Bible Study. The SECOND Bob called on me, Emma took a nose dive from her seat onto the floor. It was the silent scream, so I snatched her up, threw her at Brian, and she proceeded to scream her poor head off. I know it hurt her. There were carpet burns on her face where she fell. But I did not drop her! So there. Can I still be in charge of the Mother's Bible Study?

Halloween

I never really had intentions of trick or treating with my munchkin, mostly because she won't remember it, and her little legs can't carry her that far. Then yesterday evening we went out to play after dinner and our neighbor friend Jessica was outside all dressed up and wondering what Emma would wear. After many of the kids who have grown to love Emma came around and asked what she was wearing, I figured why not? So we suited up in a Steelers Cheerleader outfit that Darlene bought for Emma in PA and grabbed her little purse to collect candy in. We met up with Jessica's mom and a few of our other English as second language neighbors and started off. Emma had a blast especially after she discovered the lollipops in her purse! We walked a ways with everyone and had a good time going to a few houses. Mostly though, Emma just watched the kids run around like mad, and I just enjoyed the unfamiliar chatter around me. It's funny because the families who aren't from America are so much kinder and more respectful than any of the Americans who live on our block. All of those parents were walking around smoking and looking like trailer trash while their kids ran a muck. The people I was with interacted with me and were very kind to my VERY white self. They also keep their homes up better than any American on this block. I am far afield, but I just thought it worth noting. I had a great time and Emma did too. She was WAY past her bedtime, but she didn't fuss one bit. And now that she has discovered candy, we're in big trouble!!! (And no, still no router. Sorry! Though I have oh so many pictures to show!!)

Worst. Mom. Ever.

I lost bear friend. He must have fallen out of the stroller or the car and I didn't see him fall. I called every store we went to and no one had him. And now he's gone forever. Thankfully we have a backup, but we had to ride home without him. Emma gets this scream that gets so frantic she's been known to throw up. And of course her two top molars have broken through so I deprived her of bear friend when she was in pain. I don't know what happened to him. I have traced and retraced my steps that evening and I have no idea where he went. I am the worst mom ever. Emma is apparently over it though. She gave me my first kiss yesterday, right on the lips. It was melt your heart sweet. So at least she's already forgiven me. I hope.

Again

Our router died two days ago after the big storm that came through. We suspect there was a tiny surge and that was the only thing to die. Therefore, to type this I am standing by my piano with the laptop hooked up to the modem. What does this mean for you? Well, no pictures for one. Until we have the router, I cannot get any of my uploaded pics online. It also means I really won't be posting until it's fixed. I don't particularly like standing to do this! Nothing really exciting has been happening anyway, although Emma did get attacked by fire ants in her crib Sunday night, giving her a grand total of 14 bites. They all died. And all their friends died. Oh, and I get to do a market research thing where they give me 2 weeks worth of diapers and pay me $20 to do an in home study. THAT is not too shabby. Oh and yesterday I walked to the front of my subdivision and back pushing Emma in the stroller. It's about 3 miles so I was rather pleased with myself! So there you go. That's life, you're caught up, and I promise a massive picture post when this is all fixed!

Something to Ponder

If you ever wanted to see the list of ingredients in vaccines...here you go. I wouldn't put that junk in myself. I most certainly wouldn't put that junk in my growing baby.

The Sneaky Chef

Most of you know that Emma has some pretty severe food allergies. She is also EXTREMELY picky about what she will eat, so meal times have become a battle. Where she once used to adore all veggies, now she will only eat peas. Her list of foods can basically be tallied on my two hands. Needless to say I have been extremely concerned about what to do. We are quickly approaching cold season, and I would really prefer her immune system be up to par so we don't catch every single cold. This would require her to eat a little better than mac and cheese and goldfish.

Enter The Sneaky Chef by Missy Chase Lapine. I was desperate to find some help, so I checked this out from the library. Now I intend to buy it and go find the author and hug her. Her concept is basically to create several different kinds of purees once a week ranging from carrot sweet potato puree to blueberry spinach. Then she has several different recipes that you disguise these things into. The point is basically that you are giving your kids veggies in their usual favorite meals, only they are redone so they are healthy but taste very similar. She claims that you can gradually increase the veggies and things until your kids are used to the taste and will even eat them outright. I admit I was skeptical at first. I made the Grilled Cheese Muffins for Emma this morning at breakfast and I waited for her to throw it off her high chair. Imagine my surprise when she ate not one but TWO!!! And then she ate another one for lunch!!!! I called my mom maniacally laughing screaming "I win!!!!!" The recipe called for 3/4 cup of carrot sweet potato puree and she didn't taste it!! My only caveat would be that I don't personally think it tasted all that great, though I could not taste the veggies. In other words, it wouldn't be the kind of thing you and your hubby would necessarily eat. But who cares?! You are getting your kid to eat veggies! I am currently making the breakfast cookies for tomorrow morning, and I feel the same way about them. They are a little bland to me. But I don't care at all if it means Emma will eat something that's actually good for her for a change. I would HIGHLY recommend this book. While I don't agree with the concept of being deceitful, I do think we as moms need to be creative and make these things palatable for our kids. If that means disguising it, then by all means I am ok with that. But I would not flat out lie as the author hints at doing in places. Anyway, it's a great book.

The other thing I want to recommend is callendula cream. Back when I was nursing Emma I was given a container of straight callendula cream for cracking and soreness while nursing. Well Emma has recently started sucking her thumb really hard and making it crack and almost bleed. I was looking around for my container of Aquafore (sp?) when I found the callendula. I thought, you know it's for cracking skin, and if it was okay to nurse with then surely I could put it on her thumb. I tried it and a few hours later you couldn't tell the skin had been cracking. I was so thankful! So if you have any issues like this, check out callendula. It's a nice safe natural way to deal with the problem!

Outside Adventures

Since I really really really dislike hot weather, poor Emma never got to go outside unless there was a pool involved. Now that it's so nice and cool in the morning and evening, we go outside everyday and explore. Emma has loved every minute. It's so fun to watch her learn about her surroundings! So here are some pictures of our adventures outside. Oh and yes, it was raining, but who cares. She needed a bath anyway!

Such Sweetness

Emma and I had been playing quietly in her room because Brian is sick. When she started to act really sleepy, I told her she was going to get in her crib now and proceeded to pick her up. She immediately looked at me and said "night night." It was so precious!!

Another product shout out

I just wanted to recommend this workout video I have been using called Leslie Sansone's Walk Away the Pounds. I got the 1,2, and 3 mile workout videos from the library, and I absolutely LOVE them! I jumped right into the 2 mile walk since I was already walking, and I don't always use weights (which are a very manageable 3 pounds when you do chose to.) I have been doing it consistently the past couple of weeks, and coupled with watching what I eat I have actually managed to lose a pound or two! It isn't a quick workout, per se, but you really do feel better after doing it. It's not cheesy, and the instructor is actually a christian. It's really not hard to do, and it offers a no excuse way to work out since you're doing it in your own home. I have been really happy with it, and it's the first video I've done in a long time that I really like doing. So if you were looking for something new, give it a try.

Peanut Butter

Trisha introduced me to this great peanut butter she got from Publix called Naturally More Peanut Butter.. It's only $3.29 for the container, which is a better price than you would pay to get the freshly ground stuff from Whole Foods. Basically it's peanut butter mixed with ground flax, egg whites, wheat germ, and flax seed oil. It is really good, really good for you, and comparatively cheap! It's really not much more than you'd pay for the regular stuff! I found mine in the organic section, but Trisha found hers with the regular peanut butter, so it could be in either place. Oh, and when you first open it you have to stir it quite a bit, but since you store it in the fridge it thickens and that's less of a problem. So there you go...Emma is up from her nap and is singing her "come get me!!!" song..tata

A round-up

I have found several sites in my meanderings that are either really enjoyable to read or have great advice or tell you about great deals. I figured I should share them with all of you, and hopefully you can find helpful stuff from them too!

(p.s. keep scrolling! I posted another post too! I know I know..when it rains it pours!)

http://thefashionablehousewife.com/ - This one gives cute fashion advice and deals
http://momfinds.com/blog/# - This one gives good deals and they have contests
http://mikeadamick.com/blog7/ - This one I already mentioned before; Great for a laugh!
http://www.starfall.com/ - Emma loves to look at the letters on this one! Speech therapist approved too =). Rebecca first brought it to my attention.
http://home.comcast.net/%7Esbreaden/datelist.htm - Great for finding consignment sales.
http://www.mom4life.com/ - Lots of "Why didn't I think of that?" products.
http://thelifeofsuz.blogspot.com/ - The same quads blog Kelley talked about.


Hope you enjoy these!

Almost Fall!

Fall is my all time favorite season. It's such a pleasant change of pace from the horrid hot weather and I plan on spending every single day with Emma at the park. I cannot wait for 70 degree temps and sweater weather! I am so excited!!!!

Well, not too much has happened these past few weeks. Brian started back with little fanfare, and is loving all his classes. He is gone a lot, but he is home Tuesdays so it gives us a nice break in the middle of the craziness. Emma waves goodbye every morning and cries when he leaves. It's heartbreaking because three days a week that's the only time he sees her. But it is nice that she loves her daddy so much.
Emma is doing great and has hit a huge growth spurt. Suddenly (to me) her infant carrier was way too small so we had to go get a big girl one. She loves facing forward and seems to like sitting in it in general. I bought her a pair of 12-18 month pants from old navy that she wore for the first time today and they were too tight!! When I took them off for bedtime there was a red ring around her waist! And MUCH to my shock they were almost the right length, just a little too long. She is not a baby anymore, and we were just in awe today of how long she is and just how old she looks! A few days ago I showed her bubbles and she immediately said bubble back to me. She now says it when she sees the bottle or even if she doesn't and she wants to play with them. It was her fastest word so far. It usually has taken a few weeks to get one down, so doing it in a matter of minutes was definitely new! She points to every radio and dances, and when I ask her if she wants music she goes crazy. She is starting to pretend a little bit, and loves to play with me or without me depending on how much sleep has been had and how bored she is =). All in all she is doing great! Did I mention I cannot believe she isn't a baby anymore?
I am doing great. Emma and I both got awful colds this week, and mine had moved into my chest yesterday. I was really concerned that I was going to get bronchitis, but it seems to be clearing up today for which I am extremely thankful. I guess taking it easy really does help =). Other than that, I have just been kicking around with Emma and enjoying watching her grow!

Last night, Brian's boss gave us his tickets to the last pre-season Falcon's game, which were on the 45 yard line in the executive level. We went with the secretary and her husband and we had a great time! Just before we left, Brian's boss told us he had called ahead and made reservations for us at the nicest restaurant there and he was paying for it. It was so unexpected and so sweet. It was fantastic and we really had a great time. Then when we went to our seats, four rather large women were sitting there. When it became apparent they were in no mood to move, we opted to take their intended seats, which were on the 50 yard line. Darn. Nicer seats? Do we have to? It was really really nice. It is THE way to go to a football game and I would TOTALLY do it again. I was very skeptical, but Andy insisted I go just to get the experience and I am SOOO glad he made me!
So without further ado, here are some pictures of our fun last night, as well as some cute ones of Emma playing the piano (which she LOVES to do, by the way. She will sit there and play then look at me with a big grin on her face, clap, and play some more. Precious!!)

White Water

Let me give you some free advice. If you go to a water park, wear your shoes. Everywhere. While the water rides themselves were really fun and the park wasn't too crowded, the ground was on FIRE! And the cement was so rough that Brian and I both lost two or three layers of skin by the end of the day. I say we petition to have them repave with that cement that is A:Smooth and B:Doesn't heat up to 150 degrees. You cannot run fast enough to get to a shady spot. Ouch.
My other bit of free advice is this: If you don't want to be scarred for life, don't look at anyone else in the park. 90% of the women there were wearing string bikinis and only 10% of that 90% were actually making it work. I saw a LOT of skin that I did NOT want to see. *shudders* And there were WAYYYYY too many pre teen girls romping around in skanky suits. What are their parents thinking!? Anyway. All of that said, it was not a bad way to spend one of these wonderful 105 degree days. You are in the shade a good deal and you are wet most of the time, thus making the humidity a non-issue. Just be prepared for it to take you 3 hours to get home. Leaving Marietta at 4 in the afternoon just doesn't work. We ended up stopping in Dunwoody for a yummy dinner at The California Pizza Kitchen and kicking around at Borders for a while making a nice leisurely end to a fun day =). So anyway. There it is. Oh, and Happy birthday to Dad, Granny and Sarah. I for one am glad I am the only one in the family on my date...more presents! But keep trying to break that world record...

A Comparison

Emma and Her Shoes

Emma and the shoes. A Photo essay =) (She's also sporting one of her super cute new outfits!) Oh and keep scrolling, because there are two more new posts below!

Baby got to have shoes!

Well my cutie pie is finally walking around EVERYWHERE, so I knew it was time to break down and get her some shoes. So off to stride rite we went, and these lovely shoes are what we came out with:



We let Emma walk from Stride Rite to Old Navy and she spent the whole walk with her mouth wide open laughing hysterically. She was sooooo proud of herself! She was smiling at everyone and talking to everyone and was just LOVING the freedom. My little baby isn't a baby anymore! She is officially a toddler! When did I let her grow so much?! And speaking of growing, she is finally growing out of her baby sizes. I suddenly realized two days ago that she has nothing to wear that fits her fat belly, so we made an old navy run today as well. We got some super cute stuff, though I had to show some restraint! It's consignment season again, so we will get most of her stuff at sales, but sometimes you just can't resist the call of a good old navy sale. Ems has also finally cut another tooth, making the count 7. Number 8 shouldn't be far behind, and she has been cutting some molars as well. Let me just tell you that that's been a blast. Poor little goose! She is eating very well, and has been very sweet. She tends more often than not to listen when I say no, and she LOVES for me to teach her new things. She also said "Hi Dada" the other week. She will be speaking in paragraphs in no time at all!





Brian and I are doing fine, and planning on going to White Water this Thursday. Thank you all so much for your input =). We are trying to enjoy this last week and a half of summer before he goes back to working three jobs and going to law school. I don't want to talk about it right now. So hopefully White Water will be fun! On that note, I leave you. Hope everyone is having a great week!