I have been taking a leadership training, nothing too major, just something that my team offered and I joined. I was excited to receive the email asking me to participate. I have lots of leadership roles in my short career time and being given another opportunity is exciting. One of the things we talked about alot was building and taking care of the team our on way and which way would it be. I have to say my team is relaxed, I dont try to tell them how to run their business, however I do give them ideas, share what I am doing with my business, and try to reach out to them to make sure everything is running smoothly.
It's not my business, just my team. I am here to listen, guide, share, and talk to them. I am not sure to tell them they are doing something wrong or should do it another way. The guidance we have received from our own leader, our Director, has been wonderful. I want to lead by example, I do not want to micromanage or try to put someone down. My team is awesome, one is a great lady I met in May and the other is a co worker that has become a really good friend. They are growing their own teams and I cannot wait to watch them in their roles as leaders.
During our leadership training, we speak alot about our WHY? Why did we want to join Thirty One? Why did we decide to sell totes, purses, bags? Why did we contact the person we did to sign up?
Well when I first started it was really to try to help things at home, my husband has always worked 2 jobs for extra income and had started thinking about a 3rd. This full time position allows him the possibility of that but I didnt want him gone all week long just to have some extra and try to pay our debt down all on his own. I work full time myself and have the girls to worry about. But when speaking and emailing my director Thirty One seemed like a good fit. I make my own hours, choose the days that I can work, choose how much I want to put into it, and get to be home still most evenings with the girls. Also I LOVE the bags, I have alot of them now and my collection keeps growing. (Learn how in my next post!!)
So my WHY started out to pay off debt, then in early April, we decided all my commission would go to our beach fund. So we went to the beach with more than enough because of my parties. Then it went back to debt and now it is on to Christmas. We will be using my commission and Kenny's other jobs to pay for a CASH ONLY Christmas. I so hope that this is realized and happens. I believe it can. I believe that it will.
Now I am counting down until my November parties. I am so excited for them. And once all my commission is paid, I will be shopping for all the wonderful people in my life. So excited for the holidays. So my WHY changes every couple of months, it just depends on my families extra needs, but it comes through, it happens, and my family is always taken care of.
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label life. Show all posts
Monday, October 29, 2012
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Life Around Here
So I have been MIA for a couple of weeks. These 2 little girls have had my full attention, along with a husband that I want to spend as much time with as I can once we are home, and work has been crazy busy, like overtime busy. Yea its been that kind of beginning to our summer.
First of, My little 31 business is going great, and I could not be doing great without my wonderful customers. This has been one of the wonderful experiences that I have been a part of. At the beginning of the month, I was invited to join 1000 other ladies at our Summer Simplified Live conference, where I got to spend time with my 31 sisters and celebrate everyones accomplishments. I have never worked for a more positive company, they do not judge you or nag you about negatives or you didnt do something right, it is all a WOOT WOOT go you, yay for you, excited for you. It is inspiring to work for a company that lifts you up as high as you can reach.
Second, I reached my 1st year anniversary as a Civilan Government employee for the United States Coast Guard on June 6th. The work is hard, fast paced, and I love it. I grumble a lot during the day but at the end of the date I can honestly say I enjoy what I do. No file is the same, no mariner has the same demeaner, and my co-workers are my work family that care about me and my home family. We have had lots of ups and downs there but we are still there hanging together, helping each other, and waiting on the weekend to come together.
The girls are great, enjoying summer, and growing like weeds. I will catch up on them later...too much right now to put it all down....they are still at Vickies, Ava loves it there, as far as I am concerned they will be there until they both are in school full time.
Summertime is here, days are longer, its warmer, and we are all trying to spend time outside. I am trying to plan mini vacations, long weekends, when we can do it and we have a week long vacation in July with my in laws that we are now counting down too.
So I havent been GONE just BUSY. Its a terrible thing because I do think about blogging all the time, I wish I had more to write about sometimes. I hate writing for the sake of it. Our life isnt real boring but not real exciting either. But when something does come up anymore, its like I dont have the 15 minutes I need to sit and write it all down. I hope to begin making time for that as the girls grow, I am sure it will get more interesting around here and I want to make sure that I document it all for them to read one day. Lord knows I am terrible at their baby books. If I can do it this way at least they can read that. There is plenty to come, after all we have a 2 year old with a major attitude problem and a 8 month old that is highly sensitive and clingy to mommy right now.
Love that I am getting back to basics and back to writing. I love writing. It relaxes me, it allows me to think thinks out and work out creative ideas that are running through my mind. So there will be more to come.
First of, My little 31 business is going great, and I could not be doing great without my wonderful customers. This has been one of the wonderful experiences that I have been a part of. At the beginning of the month, I was invited to join 1000 other ladies at our Summer Simplified Live conference, where I got to spend time with my 31 sisters and celebrate everyones accomplishments. I have never worked for a more positive company, they do not judge you or nag you about negatives or you didnt do something right, it is all a WOOT WOOT go you, yay for you, excited for you. It is inspiring to work for a company that lifts you up as high as you can reach.
Second, I reached my 1st year anniversary as a Civilan Government employee for the United States Coast Guard on June 6th. The work is hard, fast paced, and I love it. I grumble a lot during the day but at the end of the date I can honestly say I enjoy what I do. No file is the same, no mariner has the same demeaner, and my co-workers are my work family that care about me and my home family. We have had lots of ups and downs there but we are still there hanging together, helping each other, and waiting on the weekend to come together.
The girls are great, enjoying summer, and growing like weeds. I will catch up on them later...too much right now to put it all down....they are still at Vickies, Ava loves it there, as far as I am concerned they will be there until they both are in school full time.
Summertime is here, days are longer, its warmer, and we are all trying to spend time outside. I am trying to plan mini vacations, long weekends, when we can do it and we have a week long vacation in July with my in laws that we are now counting down too.
So I havent been GONE just BUSY. Its a terrible thing because I do think about blogging all the time, I wish I had more to write about sometimes. I hate writing for the sake of it. Our life isnt real boring but not real exciting either. But when something does come up anymore, its like I dont have the 15 minutes I need to sit and write it all down. I hope to begin making time for that as the girls grow, I am sure it will get more interesting around here and I want to make sure that I document it all for them to read one day. Lord knows I am terrible at their baby books. If I can do it this way at least they can read that. There is plenty to come, after all we have a 2 year old with a major attitude problem and a 8 month old that is highly sensitive and clingy to mommy right now.
Love that I am getting back to basics and back to writing. I love writing. It relaxes me, it allows me to think thinks out and work out creative ideas that are running through my mind. So there will be more to come.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
4 Months Old
Yep, already, Hailey is growing like a weed. She now can hold her head up most of the day, without getting too tired. She has begun more tummy time even though she still hates it. She has begun to play with more toys, grab things, and recognize that it is actually 'playing' time. She smiles at you all on her own, she looks at you wanting attention, and she wants to make eye contact. It still amazes me, even though we have done this once, how fast they grow and learn.
She is laughing, yelling, and cooing. She just talks and talks. She wants to play so badly. She will swing herself while propped up on a knee. She chews on her fingers, not a big BINK baby. Her big blue eyes will follow you across the room. She loves her sister. She will try to jump forward to try to get to Ava. She knows her daddy, that's for sure. As soon as Kenny begins talking, her little head turns to his direction and she smiles so big. She is eating baby food, 4-6 ounces a bottle, and sleeping better. Not sleeping through the night yet but sleeping better.
She is 14 lbs and probably 24/25 inches long. I havent measured her, but we weighed her last night, so that is accurate. She has rolls in her arms and legs. She is starting to get interested in trying to roll over but only when a toy with noise and lights is out of her range and she trys to grab at it. Watching her learning to play is a joy, her smile is contagious, and her laugh is delightful.
Her love for Ava is amazing. In the mornings, she wakes up looking for Ava. Once they spot each other, there is a big smile by both. I always tell Ava to tell her "Good Morning, Hailey" with a kiss. Ava is always happy to do it. My heart melts watching them together.
She is laughing, yelling, and cooing. She just talks and talks. She wants to play so badly. She will swing herself while propped up on a knee. She chews on her fingers, not a big BINK baby. Her big blue eyes will follow you across the room. She loves her sister. She will try to jump forward to try to get to Ava. She knows her daddy, that's for sure. As soon as Kenny begins talking, her little head turns to his direction and she smiles so big. She is eating baby food, 4-6 ounces a bottle, and sleeping better. Not sleeping through the night yet but sleeping better.
She is 14 lbs and probably 24/25 inches long. I havent measured her, but we weighed her last night, so that is accurate. She has rolls in her arms and legs. She is starting to get interested in trying to roll over but only when a toy with noise and lights is out of her range and she trys to grab at it. Watching her learning to play is a joy, her smile is contagious, and her laugh is delightful.
Her love for Ava is amazing. In the mornings, she wakes up looking for Ava. Once they spot each other, there is a big smile by both. I always tell Ava to tell her "Good Morning, Hailey" with a kiss. Ava is always happy to do it. My heart melts watching them together.
Saturday, February 11, 2012
A Girls Day...
Today I did something that I rarely do, I left my babies at home with their daddy and went to lunch with the girls. It was really nice. I seriously need to do it more often. It feels like I do it once a year or so. It takes a lot to get me to do it. We all have our families now so we begin planning about a month or two out. It's the way it has to be. It's amazing how much work it takes just to get together for lunch.
I had a wonderful time. I got to talk to adults, get other views of other mothers, and eat a meal without sharing. I love the girls I went out with, one being my sister in law and the others being my cousins. We had a great time and there was lots of laughter and lots of story telling.
Once the girls get a little older, I hope its easier for me to leave them. I feel guilty even though I know I shouldnt but after working 40 hours during the week, to leave them is hard. They are my world. My husband is always telling me to plan something and to go. I think I might take him on it eventually but right now I dont want to miss anything. I miss too much as it is.
But if I could do it like today, I think I would do it more. We ate lunch, ate, shopped a little (formula for the babies), and then I came home and played with my girls. Ava and I built with blocks, Hailey cooed and yelled at me. Once the evening came, we cuddled up in bed and watched a movie.
A perfect day.
If you agree all mommies need a day, vote for me!
I had a wonderful time. I got to talk to adults, get other views of other mothers, and eat a meal without sharing. I love the girls I went out with, one being my sister in law and the others being my cousins. We had a great time and there was lots of laughter and lots of story telling.
Once the girls get a little older, I hope its easier for me to leave them. I feel guilty even though I know I shouldnt but after working 40 hours during the week, to leave them is hard. They are my world. My husband is always telling me to plan something and to go. I think I might take him on it eventually but right now I dont want to miss anything. I miss too much as it is.
But if I could do it like today, I think I would do it more. We ate lunch, ate, shopped a little (formula for the babies), and then I came home and played with my girls. Ava and I built with blocks, Hailey cooed and yelled at me. Once the evening came, we cuddled up in bed and watched a movie.
A perfect day.
If you agree all mommies need a day, vote for me!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Counting
Ava has started counting. She will be talking to you and start counting. It's so darn cute. Kenny and I just look at each other. She is doing great in the learning department. She is figuring out colors, ABCs, and counting of course. She can now count to 12/13 by herself and I try to chime in as fast as I can to coach her along to at least 20. Sometimes she will repeat, sometimes I get a devilish smile and "Noooo Mommy."
So Ava will call my name "Mooooommmy" or "Daaaaadddy" then say 3,4,5,6 right afterwards. She will be talking on her phone to whomever and start "7,8,9,10". To just listen to her is amazing to me. This little girl who at one day and time couldnt even hold her head up on her own is growing so fast, putting complete sentences together, expressing her opinions, and mouthy as ever.
Now she is counting. I just love watching her develop.
So Ava will call my name "Mooooommmy" or "Daaaaadddy" then say 3,4,5,6 right afterwards. She will be talking on her phone to whomever and start "7,8,9,10". To just listen to her is amazing to me. This little girl who at one day and time couldnt even hold her head up on her own is growing so fast, putting complete sentences together, expressing her opinions, and mouthy as ever.
Now she is counting. I just love watching her develop.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
I also dont get SICK days
So a horrible thing has made its way into our home. A nasty stomach bug that has been going around. Yesterday it hit me, I started late morning just not feeling well. By the afternoon I felt like I could get sick, but couldnt make myself. Last night was horrible, belly cramps, hot flashes, sweats, aches in my joints, just felt bad. On top of not feeling well, Ava has decided this past weekend she was going to be super clingy. Daddy couldnt do anything for her, mommy had to do everything including "Hold me please". So while I felt like crap, here I am holding her, when wishing she wouldn't want to be held so maybe she wont get this bug. Thankfully Hailey was in a good mood and went to bed right on schedule, no fighting, no screaming, Kenny laid her down and she simply went to sleep. After Ava's bath, which I did while still feeling like I could puke at any moment, she settled down and we got ready for bed. I went to sleep early while Kenny stayed up with her.
Around 11, I woke up in a sweat, with a lump in my throat, figured might as well do it. So I went and made myself get sick. I did sleep ok after that, still hot, still not feeling well. About the only thing running through my mind was that I hadnt felt this sick since my morning sickness with Hailey and since she is my last one, I dont want to feel like that ever again!
This morning I felt a little better but still having hot flashes and sick to the stomach. What a wonderful way to feel when you have 2 kids to take care of. I hate to say it but I am glad it was their scheduled day at the sitters, I hate being home when they arent but I need a little time to rest. And Ava was super excited to be going, after 4 days at home, I couldnt tell her that she wasnt going to play with 'the kids'. So I will get them this afternoon, let her play and socialize a little bit. Hoping I feel better by then, the pepto is near, been taking shots of it, so that I can take care of them and not drag my feet. So even though I am lucky to get a little break, its no sick day at all, at least I could take a day from work and not be sick there. Which I am sure everyone is happy about anyways, no one wants you there when you are sick and to spread those germs.
So now just counting down until I feel better and praying the girls dont get it.
Around 11, I woke up in a sweat, with a lump in my throat, figured might as well do it. So I went and made myself get sick. I did sleep ok after that, still hot, still not feeling well. About the only thing running through my mind was that I hadnt felt this sick since my morning sickness with Hailey and since she is my last one, I dont want to feel like that ever again!
This morning I felt a little better but still having hot flashes and sick to the stomach. What a wonderful way to feel when you have 2 kids to take care of. I hate to say it but I am glad it was their scheduled day at the sitters, I hate being home when they arent but I need a little time to rest. And Ava was super excited to be going, after 4 days at home, I couldnt tell her that she wasnt going to play with 'the kids'. So I will get them this afternoon, let her play and socialize a little bit. Hoping I feel better by then, the pepto is near, been taking shots of it, so that I can take care of them and not drag my feet. So even though I am lucky to get a little break, its no sick day at all, at least I could take a day from work and not be sick there. Which I am sure everyone is happy about anyways, no one wants you there when you are sick and to spread those germs.
So now just counting down until I feel better and praying the girls dont get it.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Insert Sad face :(
So my husband has been home with me and the girls for just about 3 weeks. Can you say SPOILED?!?! I have had help when both are upset, help with housework, someone to talk to once the girls are asleep, time to enjoy a bath, and time to do some 'ME' stuff. This blog and my email have actually grown with him being home and giving me some time to just hang out. The girls have absolutely loved having him home but next week sadly he will return back to work.
I probably won't know what to do with myself. How will I go back to doing everything on my own while he is working? Maybe I will enjoy it, but I don't think so. His schedule is so awful sometimes and seems like he is always at work when we have a bad night or I am just so exhausted and all I want to do is go to bed.
We will get back into the rhythm. We always do when he has a break off but its hard to get back into the swing of things. I only hope that since Hailey is almost 12 weeks that the balance between the two girls will be a little better when I am on my own. Sometimes I wish I worked part time so that I could be home more especially when he is working. After working a full 8 then picking up the girls, getting home, making dinner, and then downtime before bed, it seems like the whole evening is just rushed and flies by.
I think he knows how much we love him being home and how much he will be missed. Ava is finally old enough to express how she feels when he isn't home and lets him know she misses him. Hailey won't be long behind her. So we are going to enjoy the last few days before he gets back on his schedule and we are both working and exhausted all the time.
I probably won't know what to do with myself. How will I go back to doing everything on my own while he is working? Maybe I will enjoy it, but I don't think so. His schedule is so awful sometimes and seems like he is always at work when we have a bad night or I am just so exhausted and all I want to do is go to bed.
We will get back into the rhythm. We always do when he has a break off but its hard to get back into the swing of things. I only hope that since Hailey is almost 12 weeks that the balance between the two girls will be a little better when I am on my own. Sometimes I wish I worked part time so that I could be home more especially when he is working. After working a full 8 then picking up the girls, getting home, making dinner, and then downtime before bed, it seems like the whole evening is just rushed and flies by.
I think he knows how much we love him being home and how much he will be missed. Ava is finally old enough to express how she feels when he isn't home and lets him know she misses him. Hailey won't be long behind her. So we are going to enjoy the last few days before he gets back on his schedule and we are both working and exhausted all the time.
Monday, January 2, 2012
2012 Changes
So a few things will be changing in 2012. Our routine will be different. Our schedule will be a little off. I thought earlier today I should write the things I would like to see change, maybe this will hold me accountable. Maybe it wont. Maybe this time in 2013, I will be thinking that I was crazy for even thinking I could do some of things that I write on here, but hey lets give it a shot.
1. My schedule at work is changing due to the change of babysitters. Instead of getting there between 730 and 800, I will now arrive between 830 and 900. Since I will be leaving the house a full hour later, I want to continue getting up at 530 as usual and getting myself ready.
a. I want to clean up some of the clutter off the floor
b. I want to start laundry so I can finish in the evening (tired of spending my entire weekend doing laundry instead of playing with the girls)
c. I want to straighten up the kitchen, maybe even get the dishwasher running
d. I want to take another glance of myself before walking out the door (so many mornings we are rushing)
e. I want to eat breakfast instead of leaving the house hungry
f. I want to sit on the couch with my girls and watch cartoons
2. Working 40 hours a week doesnt leave a lot of time, but I would like to visit more with my friends and give Ava some playdates. She will be home with Kenny a little more and I think playdates will help the transition of being only with Hailey (11 weeks old) alot. Everyone is busy, but I think I can make time to see my little girl happy playing with her friends. She needs to be social.
3. Girl time: I need to make time for ME and my friends. Its really hard to do anything and I hate leaving the girls sometimes but I need to make a habit of maybe once every 6 months going out with a friend or two and getting out of the house. Work is not a fun time out of the house. This one will probably be hard to do but it may happen.
4. Couponing and Saving-I got into couponing a little bit before Hailey was born and completely quit after she was born. I continued to clip just not shop. So I need to make a better habit of shopping to save and not just buying whatever. I want to make a big effort to stock up when the sale is good so maybe that item wont have to cut into the budget next time. I have my binder all cleaned out and ready for the new year. I need to watch the sales, work on checking the websites to help me, and try to get as many match ups as I can.
5. Potty Training-Ava has tried potty training, but we havent become anywhere near serious about it yet. She'll be 2 1/2 here soon then 3 in September, this spring, I want to work on that hard with her and see where we get. She does well when she wants to but when she is stubborn and decides she isnt going to, she refuses. So far I am not pushing the issues, she's still young, but I know she can do it, she has done it, and soon enough I hope its a done deal.
6. Patience-(enough said right?)
7. I want to continue working on my training at work and getting better at my job. It can only help my chances in the future and the more I know, the more I can help someone else. Gotta take my time and make sure I am covering all my bases and helping the mariners out the best I can.
8. Housework-we are pretty good at keeping the kitchen clean, however the rest of the house lacks. If I can keep up with #1 then maybe I will have more time on the weekends to tackle the big areas I always put off. Its just going to get harder with 2 little ones, eventually Hailey will be rolling, crawling, then running through the house with Ava. But it needs to get done.
These are just a few things on my mind right now. I would really like to stick to them. We shall see. I would love to not get lazy in the mornings and sleep in when I am given the opportunity. Even if the girls adjust to the new schedule and begin sleeping longer, I would love to get up and get the easy things done in the middle of the week. The weekends should be for relaxing, family, and friends, not laundry, cleaning, laundry, organizing, laundry, and more laundry.
1. My schedule at work is changing due to the change of babysitters. Instead of getting there between 730 and 800, I will now arrive between 830 and 900. Since I will be leaving the house a full hour later, I want to continue getting up at 530 as usual and getting myself ready.
a. I want to clean up some of the clutter off the floor
b. I want to start laundry so I can finish in the evening (tired of spending my entire weekend doing laundry instead of playing with the girls)
c. I want to straighten up the kitchen, maybe even get the dishwasher running
d. I want to take another glance of myself before walking out the door (so many mornings we are rushing)
e. I want to eat breakfast instead of leaving the house hungry
f. I want to sit on the couch with my girls and watch cartoons
2. Working 40 hours a week doesnt leave a lot of time, but I would like to visit more with my friends and give Ava some playdates. She will be home with Kenny a little more and I think playdates will help the transition of being only with Hailey (11 weeks old) alot. Everyone is busy, but I think I can make time to see my little girl happy playing with her friends. She needs to be social.
3. Girl time: I need to make time for ME and my friends. Its really hard to do anything and I hate leaving the girls sometimes but I need to make a habit of maybe once every 6 months going out with a friend or two and getting out of the house. Work is not a fun time out of the house. This one will probably be hard to do but it may happen.
4. Couponing and Saving-I got into couponing a little bit before Hailey was born and completely quit after she was born. I continued to clip just not shop. So I need to make a better habit of shopping to save and not just buying whatever. I want to make a big effort to stock up when the sale is good so maybe that item wont have to cut into the budget next time. I have my binder all cleaned out and ready for the new year. I need to watch the sales, work on checking the websites to help me, and try to get as many match ups as I can.
5. Potty Training-Ava has tried potty training, but we havent become anywhere near serious about it yet. She'll be 2 1/2 here soon then 3 in September, this spring, I want to work on that hard with her and see where we get. She does well when she wants to but when she is stubborn and decides she isnt going to, she refuses. So far I am not pushing the issues, she's still young, but I know she can do it, she has done it, and soon enough I hope its a done deal.
6. Patience-(enough said right?)
7. I want to continue working on my training at work and getting better at my job. It can only help my chances in the future and the more I know, the more I can help someone else. Gotta take my time and make sure I am covering all my bases and helping the mariners out the best I can.
8. Housework-we are pretty good at keeping the kitchen clean, however the rest of the house lacks. If I can keep up with #1 then maybe I will have more time on the weekends to tackle the big areas I always put off. Its just going to get harder with 2 little ones, eventually Hailey will be rolling, crawling, then running through the house with Ava. But it needs to get done.
These are just a few things on my mind right now. I would really like to stick to them. We shall see. I would love to not get lazy in the mornings and sleep in when I am given the opportunity. Even if the girls adjust to the new schedule and begin sleeping longer, I would love to get up and get the easy things done in the middle of the week. The weekends should be for relaxing, family, and friends, not laundry, cleaning, laundry, organizing, laundry, and more laundry.
New Years Day
Well first of all I want to say how different our New Years celebrations are now from when we began dating in 2004. Now we dont even try to make it to midnight. One thing that hasnt changed though is we celebrate the New Year with our friends. I first met Jamie and Katy on New Years 2004-2005, it was Kenny and I's first New Years together. Jamie and Kenny worked together at Southern States and they had invited us over.
I didnt know anyone there, a house full of people, but Katy made me feel welcomed and we became friends. Now 7 years later here we sat at their house, except now we are married to the men that we were just dating and we have kids running around. She had to work on New Years Day, so we arranged to have dinner at their house and let the kids (men included) play for a while.
It may sound boring to some, but to us it was a good time. The kids watched cartoons and played. Katy and I got the opportunity to catch up with each other and the guys got to hang out in the basement away from the women. It was a nice evening. We were home by 10, asleep by 1030 and wake for New Years day by 6am.
My youngest, Hailey was up at 5:45 moving around, about ready to yell for a bottle, when I took her out to the living room so she wouldnt wake up Kenny or Ava. We watched some sportscenter and Hailey ate her breakfast (formula, yuck, just the smell). Ava wasnt too long after us, asking for chocolate milk and cartoons. So our day began.
Kenny's family has a reunion every year on New Years Day. Its a hit or miss event for us. We had originally decided we werent going to attend. Kenny was working and I didnt want to try to go and keep up with 2 by myself. It would just be easier to stay home. However, Kenny was able to get off, so we decided to go. Its always a nice time, good food, and lots of company. Ava had a ball, she and her cousins ran around and screamed and played the whole time.
After the reunion, Ava's cousin said she wasnt ready to quit playing with Ava. We laughed and invited them over. We were having a great time catching up and the kids wanted to play. So that evening we had a great time with our cousins, extended the family reunion to our living room and watched football while the girls played.
I can say that in a previous post I had said that for this year of 2012 I wanted to become closer to friends and enjoy their company. I was really happy to see that on the first day of the year we were doing that. There is nothing like taking time out, stopping the grown up responsibilities, and just hanging out. We dont get to do that anymore. I hope that we continue doing it and growing closer with our family and friends.
I didnt know anyone there, a house full of people, but Katy made me feel welcomed and we became friends. Now 7 years later here we sat at their house, except now we are married to the men that we were just dating and we have kids running around. She had to work on New Years Day, so we arranged to have dinner at their house and let the kids (men included) play for a while.
It may sound boring to some, but to us it was a good time. The kids watched cartoons and played. Katy and I got the opportunity to catch up with each other and the guys got to hang out in the basement away from the women. It was a nice evening. We were home by 10, asleep by 1030 and wake for New Years day by 6am.
My youngest, Hailey was up at 5:45 moving around, about ready to yell for a bottle, when I took her out to the living room so she wouldnt wake up Kenny or Ava. We watched some sportscenter and Hailey ate her breakfast (formula, yuck, just the smell). Ava wasnt too long after us, asking for chocolate milk and cartoons. So our day began.
Kenny's family has a reunion every year on New Years Day. Its a hit or miss event for us. We had originally decided we werent going to attend. Kenny was working and I didnt want to try to go and keep up with 2 by myself. It would just be easier to stay home. However, Kenny was able to get off, so we decided to go. Its always a nice time, good food, and lots of company. Ava had a ball, she and her cousins ran around and screamed and played the whole time.
After the reunion, Ava's cousin said she wasnt ready to quit playing with Ava. We laughed and invited them over. We were having a great time catching up and the kids wanted to play. So that evening we had a great time with our cousins, extended the family reunion to our living room and watched football while the girls played.
I can say that in a previous post I had said that for this year of 2012 I wanted to become closer to friends and enjoy their company. I was really happy to see that on the first day of the year we were doing that. There is nothing like taking time out, stopping the grown up responsibilities, and just hanging out. We dont get to do that anymore. I hope that we continue doing it and growing closer with our family and friends.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Holding back emotions
Today was a hard day. It was the girls final day at Becky's. Hailey of course only being 2 months old will not remember her short time at Beckys, but Ava is 2 years old with a very good memory. So this morning I dropped them off, didn't say too much, I really didnt know what to say. Ava was so excited to be there. She had been home all week with her daddy and as much as she loves her daddy, I know she was tired of being home. So off to work I went.
The pick up was harder! I had asked Becky to pack up all the baby stuff that she had allowed me to keep at her house. So I took the box of diapers and formula out to the car. I havent explained much to Ava, I know she wont understand much. She gave Becky a kiss goodbye and it hit me. This is the last time for a while that I would be picking her up at that house. I think there will be a time or maybe more times that Ava will go visit with them. She loves the whole family so much. At least I hope so. They are our cousins and will see them again.
So now I am preparing myself for the drop off at the new sitter. So they will start going to my cousins next week. We have visited, Ava did really well, she played, she didnt have a fit. However I did NOT leave. So I am prepared for crying, screaming, and 'I want my mommy'. Everyone keeps telling me they think Ava will do well and I believe she might. She adapts well to different situations. And just as my mother in law told me, "She'll probably be playing within an hour after you leave." All I can say is I really hope so.
So I am scared, nervous, and excited all at one time.
The pick up was harder! I had asked Becky to pack up all the baby stuff that she had allowed me to keep at her house. So I took the box of diapers and formula out to the car. I havent explained much to Ava, I know she wont understand much. She gave Becky a kiss goodbye and it hit me. This is the last time for a while that I would be picking her up at that house. I think there will be a time or maybe more times that Ava will go visit with them. She loves the whole family so much. At least I hope so. They are our cousins and will see them again.
So now I am preparing myself for the drop off at the new sitter. So they will start going to my cousins next week. We have visited, Ava did really well, she played, she didnt have a fit. However I did NOT leave. So I am prepared for crying, screaming, and 'I want my mommy'. Everyone keeps telling me they think Ava will do well and I believe she might. She adapts well to different situations. And just as my mother in law told me, "She'll probably be playing within an hour after you leave." All I can say is I really hope so.
So I am scared, nervous, and excited all at one time.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
And the Stockings were hung..
So Christmas Eve is here! It was a very busy day with my dad's side of the family. Ava couldnt have had a better time. We are now home, after being gone since about 10 am and both girls are in bed. I probably should be too. Hailey will be up soon for a bottle, but I am so excited for tomorrow morning. This will be Ava's 3rd Christmas but the 1st which is she understands what is going on, well KINDA.
So "A Christmas Story" is on the tv. Kenny and I are relaxing in the living room while each girl is in their own bed (for now anyways). The house is quiet. I am just waiting for tomorrow to see Ava's face.
Santa has been here.
This feeling is great.
So "A Christmas Story" is on the tv. Kenny and I are relaxing in the living room while each girl is in their own bed (for now anyways). The house is quiet. I am just waiting for tomorrow to see Ava's face.
Santa has been here.
This feeling is great.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
"I Got To Pee"
Sweet music to any momma's ears. Yes we have started the exciting adventures of potty training. I have been very relaxed with it, letting Ava do it whenever she wanted to but not pushing her. Since this past Saturday she has been wanting to go and telling us when she needs to. It is so exciting. She now refuses her regular diapers and wants her pull ups on all the time. She has been doing well, I still am not pushing her, I dont want to make it a 'have to' and start her in the opposite direction. Ava has always been one to do things on her own time, no pushing or shoving, she just comes and tells you she wants to. She gave up the bottle on her own at 11 months, the bink at 25 months, and here we are giving up diapers.
I understand that with her age it can take time before it is 100% and it will take time before she will go a full day without a wet pull up. But yay for the effort she is putting in right now. It is amazing to watch her progress and learn. I am also excited that soon theres a good chance that I will not be buying diapers for two. The extra money can go to something else.
Tonight while I was on the phone with my dad, Ava came up to me, pulled me by the hand yelling "Mommy I gotta pee, come with me", so I took her to the potty and she did. We have been using the reward system of M&Ms however there are times when she doesnt even ask for them. Hoping that her progress continues and soon enough she will be completely trained.
I understand that with her age it can take time before it is 100% and it will take time before she will go a full day without a wet pull up. But yay for the effort she is putting in right now. It is amazing to watch her progress and learn. I am also excited that soon theres a good chance that I will not be buying diapers for two. The extra money can go to something else.
Tonight while I was on the phone with my dad, Ava came up to me, pulled me by the hand yelling "Mommy I gotta pee, come with me", so I took her to the potty and she did. We have been using the reward system of M&Ms however there are times when she doesnt even ask for them. Hoping that her progress continues and soon enough she will be completely trained.
2 years Today
This time 2 years ago, I began this blog. So much has changed since that time. When I first wrote I told everyone about my amazing 3 month old girl and how proud I was to be her mommy. Kenny was at work, so it was just me and her for the day. It had snowed and I was so excited to be home with her for the day.
This year, 2 years later, I am writing about my spunky 2 year old and smiley face 2 month old. At 28 years old, I can say I am pretty happy with my life still. Who wouldn't be?! I have a great job, 2 wonderful kids, and an amazing husband.
This year though Kenny is at work yet again, I had to work the full day, but this evening here I am, home with my 2 little girls, enjoying my time with them. I am coming up on 30 fast but oh well. As long as my family is happy and healthy what does age have to do with it.
I have really enjoyed keeping this blog; I really want the girls to one day look at it and understand all that we went through to make sure they had a pretty good life. Kenny and I would do anything to ensure that they get everything they need. They can use this blog to determine how geeky I was, or maybe they will think it is pretty cool. Everything they have done is documented, my personal feelings revealed. They will know how much they were loved. They will get to read about my relationship with Kenny. It has grown to a level that I could never have imagined. Our understanding of each other and our ability to work with each other and support each other is a feeling that keeps me going every day.
I am trying to take this to another level, gain more readers, and become a better writer. If it doesn't happen oh well, Ava and Hailey will have this for them. I hope to continue writing about our everyday lives and the adventures that the girls endure as they grow. We have a lot to come still.
This year, 2 years later, I am writing about my spunky 2 year old and smiley face 2 month old. At 28 years old, I can say I am pretty happy with my life still. Who wouldn't be?! I have a great job, 2 wonderful kids, and an amazing husband.
This year though Kenny is at work yet again, I had to work the full day, but this evening here I am, home with my 2 little girls, enjoying my time with them. I am coming up on 30 fast but oh well. As long as my family is happy and healthy what does age have to do with it.
I have really enjoyed keeping this blog; I really want the girls to one day look at it and understand all that we went through to make sure they had a pretty good life. Kenny and I would do anything to ensure that they get everything they need. They can use this blog to determine how geeky I was, or maybe they will think it is pretty cool. Everything they have done is documented, my personal feelings revealed. They will know how much they were loved. They will get to read about my relationship with Kenny. It has grown to a level that I could never have imagined. Our understanding of each other and our ability to work with each other and support each other is a feeling that keeps me going every day.
I am trying to take this to another level, gain more readers, and become a better writer. If it doesn't happen oh well, Ava and Hailey will have this for them. I hope to continue writing about our everyday lives and the adventures that the girls endure as they grow. We have a lot to come still.
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Clearbrook Park
A park near us decorated with thousands of lights, and made a little Winter Wonderland for people to walk through. It was beautiful and I really enjoyed it. We dropped Hailey off at my moms, I wasnt even trying to have her out in the cold, and then made our way to the park. Ava had a lot of run on the interstate yelling "Big Truck" everytime we passed a tractor trailer. We got there a little before they opened and waited.
They had a walking path to follow and along the way they had little decorations, music, and Santa.
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| Running through the park |
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| All Smiles!!! |
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| All Bundled up |
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