Thursday, December 11, 2008

Two Tu-Tus

Its been tu-tu mania around here while I've been putting together the girls' Christmas tu-tus. This will be their Christmas outfits for this year. They are adorable and thought I should share my creations. :)

Nay-Nay will be wearing white w/red roses....

 
GG will be wearing red w/white roses <3
I'm a little partial to the white one- I love the larger roses on the waistband, but the red one is so adorable on GG. So I have found that I adore making these little things <3 I see many more in my future. :)

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Jeune Girl Crafts <3

So over a year ago I was on the search for the *perfect* little letters for my darling GG's bedroom wall. I searched and searched and finally found Jeune Girl . I ordered the most adorable hand decorated letters from her and it didn't stop there. Over the past year Meg @ Jeune Girl has supplied me with a dozen or so other delicious items which she hand made. I've ordered a couple of super cute frames, a a wooden CD holder, multiple scrapbook pages (you must check them out, so awesome) , very unique accordion scrapbooks, and she is working on Christmas pages and a Christmas frame for me right now.

I just thought I should share her site with everyone because her shop is just awesome, and so is she! She will work with any theme you want, and really strives to make you happy. Working with her is so fun and I'm always excited to see what she comes up with. I sent her a picture of GG's crib bedding and she matched it perfectly with her frame, CD holder, and name letters. They are  adorable and everyone that has seen them thinks so.

You must check her out and see what things you want to order for Christmas this year, all of her items make for amazing gifts *ahem* I loooooove her stuff, so if you are wondering what to get me for Christmas..........just kidding...(or not) but you should mosie on down to her site and take a look, I'm sure you can find something you love <3

www.jeunegirlcrafts.blogspot.com

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Me.

When I look back on the past, let's say....7 years, I struggle to even recognize the person I once was. I suppose that is what they call "growing up," right? Some things change...drastically, but some things do not change at all. Some things I would never want to change.

If you know me, (and I mean know me well) you know my life and how imperfect it has been. You know all...well most of my mistakes.I have found that the past is something I used to talk about often, as if I were trying to re-live it constantly. You know the moment you have truly move forward in life, its when you stop talking about and dwelling on the past.

  
       2002                           2008

I truly look forward when I think about my life and I only see wonderful things for me in years to come.

I have accepted me for me and can not imagine having a different past then the past I lived. Hard times came and came and went. Some brought upon by own horrible choices, and some brought upon by well- life.

On the nearing eve of 2009 here is my self-assessment:

I am still a hopeless romantic
I have become an idealist, craving balance- to a fault.
I am still messy.
I love organization and organizational devices.
I am addicted to caffeine.
I do way too many things at once.
I have become painfully optimistic.
I can still get an attitude, baby. ;)
I still care deeply for people.
I really don't like animals that much (I'm sorry!)
I have become extremely content.
I still hate doing laundry.
I still procrastinate.
I have become extremely passionate about God.
I am extremely proud of my life and what I've become.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

My Little Kid.

Man...she is just the cutest, little, most scrumptious, delicious, button of a kid. ;)

 
 


Sunday, November 30, 2008

Eavesdropping

This is what I hear from the other side of GG's door right now.....

No! No-No....No No No........No! No. No. No no no no. No-Noooo.

and so on...

LOL, she has been saying no for the past few minutes since I put her to bed. Its hillarious and adorable. Oh yeah, she has learned how to say "no" and "mine". Its greaaaaaaat.

Monday, November 17, 2008

I had a great coversation today.

I was at the oil change place (you know the one where they give you a *free* car wash, but really just charge you an arm & a leg for the oil change?) Anyhoo, I was sitting there drinking my diet coke and along came this man and come to think of it, I never even caught his name. Anyway he was the sweetest 95 year old man I've ever met in my life and we had a great coversation. He kept apologizing for "boring" me but I really enjoyed him. It made me think of my late grandpa Paul. He was such a kind soul and I really would love to have a conversation with him. I feel like I missed out big time on his life. I really wish he was still around.

GG and I went to Gymboree this morning and had such a blast, we just started going and I think she's getting the hang of it. She loves Gymbo and loves to climb on everything. Kids have it made these days. ;o)

 



Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Life in Action

Life is crazy busy these days. I just can't wait until this semester is over. 15 units I wont do again soon. I was supposed to take 17 next but I've trimmed it down to 9- well, maybe 12. I have this idea that if I have a few hours left in a day I need to be filling them up with something. So, I'll work on that- 9 or 12...either way its okay.

I pretty much love my life right now. No matter what troubles I've got going on its an amazing feeling to have this awesome chick always by my side. She is hillarious these days. Sometimes we just sit and banter back and forth (she, in her baby babble) and we just crack up at each other. She really is a great kid.

My moving out plans have stretched out a little bit. I think I need to wait at least a year. My three year plan might be stretching it a little too much....I dont think any of us could make it that far. Three kids under 5 years old and three adults is way too many people in one house...

Okay- so here are the words GG says these days:

Phone
More
Milk-Milk
Hi
Eye (and points to either nose or eyes..lol)
Please
Night-Night
Church
Jesus
Hello?
Choo-choo
Agua (a-wa)
MaMa
NaNa
PaPa
Dog
Wow-wow
Ow (and she pinches herself)

Well, those are her favorite words as of late. She also is pretty darn good at giving kisses and blowing kisses- its adorable. Instead of signing "please" with her hand on her chest she signs "please" with her hand on her hip....its cute.


Sunday, November 2, 2008

Single Mommas...

I'm in awe of those that have gone before me. Single moms, that is.  I'm beginning to realize how much support I receive from my friends and family and while I appreciate it so much I'm beginning to feel like I need to fly. The nest, that is. My original plan of three years staying at home with M & D sounded good but I realize that GG and I need a home of our own. We need our own space. Even if its a room that we share together- it'll be ours.

Dave Ramsey keeps telling me I'm making a bad financial decision and that I should stay and save save save. However....here's how I look at it.

I put myself here. I'm a single mom because of the choices I made. While I'm thankful for the help I've received I no longer am comfortable being supported. I work hard. Really hard. And I want to feel like what I have, I've earned. Everything. That may sound silly. But to me its not. I don't know how soon this is going to take place. I'm looking at in the next 1-6 months though. Six months would be ideal but I'm going to sit and pray on it and if a place opens up that fits us I may jump on it.

We may only be able to afford a room. But with the right roommates (I'm thinking another single mom with a young toddler) then it just might work. As long as GG has common areas to share with another child I think we'd be okay sharing a bedroom.

I'm really scared about this. I don't know exactly why. I suppose it would feel less scary if I was graduated from school and everything but the reality is that wont happen for at least two point five years. Thats too long. I'm scared about GG being completely dependent on me. I know I can do it, thats not what I'm scared of. I guess I'm just scared of the difficulties it will bring.

Well, please pray for me as I consider this new plan.


Friday, October 24, 2008

Dinner in Progress...

GG learns to eat with a spoon.
Wow...impressive...
 
Delish!
Hard work..
There goes the spoon!
 
Now for the face dive...

 
Wait...now the hands.

 
Yum.

 
Finger lickin' good.
 Best way to eat green beans...I tell ya.
  
 

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

I'm not gonna lie...

It makes me sad sometimes when I realize GG doesn't have a dad...

I mean- she does...but she doesn't.

I sometimes wonder how it will effect her (if at all) in her life. I want to imagine I'm enough parent for her...but I'm not sure. But I do believe that God is there to fill in the gaps that I miss along the way.

She is an angel...just an angel.

Arguing...

I am *supposed* to be writing an argumentative essay right now. You know what is the funny thing? Its about how the internet (however helpful) can cause problems ie: internet addiction, NOT GETTING THINGS DONE WHEN YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO, etc. etc....

I suppose I am speaking from real-life experience here. ;o) I am so unfocused. School work is piling up. I mean, literally piling up. On my desk, in my car, in my bags....I can't keep up. I took a test for my Astronomy class on Monday and I'll be happy if I get a 'C'. Really though, thats all I want. I'm no longer out there looking for the thrill of an 'A'. I just want to pass. Pass and be done. 15 units is just insane when you have work and baby. I don't know what I'd do without my mom helping me out with GG. However pesimistic this post sounds- I totally am going to pass all of my classes...I'm so just so behind right now that its hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I feel like I work on homework all day and at the end of the day- I'm still not done and I'm still behind. *sigh*

Well...here's a pic of my sweetie girl because she makes me less stressed. (except for those moments when she is throwing herself down on the ground and frowning at me...lol)



Monday, October 13, 2008

Long Weekend....Short year.

Two birthday parties and a ton of presents later I am just plain pooped. We had a great time at GG's 1st birthday. It was a great party. Once I get all the photos together I will post a post-party blog. ;o)

Her birthday morning (yesterday) started very very early. GG woke up around 5:30am and I was totally irritated until I realized it was her birthday and I thought to myself that exactly one year prior I was up getting myself ready to go the hospital.  She was so loving  and we cuddled in bed for about a half hour exchanging kisses and hugs (she's sucha sweetie) until finally starting the day.

I can't believe a year has passed. She is turning into a little girl and it kind of makes me sad. I feel like she's just going to grow and grow and one day she wont need me anymore. I love her to death. Best thing ever is to be a mom. Life can't get any better than this.

She loves playing with babydolls. Its so adorable. She hugs them and kisses them, puts them in strollers and cradles them "to sleep." When did she grow up? Ah, she's such a darling. She's such a good girl. How did I get so lucky??


Wednesday, October 8, 2008

I'm terribly tired...

I went to bed sometime after 3am last night. I was so wound up all day yesterday running around like a madwoman....I think it just took me a long time to settle down. Yesterday was our first *Tuesday Night* bible study. The adults are doing a study of James and I'm with the children doing their own curriculum. Only 5 kids showed up. While it was pretty calm and easy...I was a tad bit bummed. I hope more show up next week. Tonight I'm sitting in during the first college-age "youth group reunion" group. As much as I love those kids I'm just so tired today and I'd love to stay home and get some homework done.

Nay Nay woke me up like 5 times this morning from about 6:15 am through 7:50 am when I finally woke up. She refuses to go to daycare and so I'm staying with her on my days off until she starts pre-school next week. I'm so excited she's starting pre-school. She's never been and I know she'll love it. Plus, Kinder is next year so this little darling must get prepared! So anyhow, I've got a day full of girly things. As I type the girls are playing "princesses". Its darling. I love that Nay Nay is claiming GG is "tired" and needs a nap because "she's taking my things..." *sigh*

Sunday, October 5, 2008

I just entered a contest...

To win a new Ju-Ju-Be Diaper bag. I know. I'm obsessed. I haven't had a new diaper bag in FOREVER and I just can't justify getting one so I just hit up http://www.babywearsprada.com and entered to win a new Ju-Ju-Be of my choice. I am so excited...cross your fingers for me and head over there and check out the site. Its really neato-shmeato. :o)

Monday, September 29, 2008

Jungle Time!

Okay. GGs bday is going to be Da Bomb-Diggity. I put the final touches on her hand made centerpeices and decorations tonight. Its just sooo adorable. I can't wait.

Her...other...family is throwing her a birthday party after I offered to bring her down there on her actual birthday since that is "their" day anyway. They usually have supervised visits in my home so this will be a treat for them. I just know GG is going to get so spoiled. One party at our house the day before her birthday and one party at her dad's house on her birthday.

I started cleaning and sorting today and I am selling a TON of stuff on craigslist. Perfectly good toys. But we have WAY too many around here. I also rearranged GG's room to accomodate her cousin NayNay since she and her brother JJ are living with us now. GG just loves having them here...its crowded around here these days since NayNay and JJ are 3 & 4 years old. But its a lot of fun. Okay. I must finish with my craigslist posts...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Is there anybody out there?

I know, its been a month. How time flies. I can come up with a million excuses but lets just catch up instead. ;o) Darling GG will be 1 in TWO WEEKS! She is budding three brand new teeth to add to her pair of chompers. She is full blown walking all around the place. I seriously can't keep up! She is one feisty little girl, might I add. We've finally got a great routine down as far as work and daycare and school goes.

My job is going so well. I love what God is doing in our Children's Church and its wonderful to be a part of it. SInce I've been so busy I haven't been keepin up with my fellow mommies on all my boards and it makes me really sad. Seems silly to miss people you don't truly know at all and live clear across the country. But I do. Its so out of my routine now...I'll have to find a way to keep up with everyone at least once a week.

GG and I have been staying with family for over a week now and we are finally back home! Praise the Lord! It was so awful trying to get her to sleep in a strange place. She took wonderful naps and went down for bed at her normal time with no crying today. She missed her bedroom, thats for sure.

Well. Glad to be back.

Sunday, August 31, 2008

I'm awake now....

I've been a super sleepy momma all day long and I couldn't help but fall fast asleep after GG went down at around 7pm. *sigh* and now I'm awake.

So- the computer. Its still broken. Which sucks because Paul totally fixed up my internet connection at work (I use my laptop at work) and hooked me up wirelessly to the printer (finally) and its awesome. Poor guy, it took him like 3 hours or something. And NOW I have to send my stinkin' computer to some place so they can replace the hard drive. Its just such a hassle. Plus, how the heck am I going to do stuff at work?? *sigh* I'll figure it out I suppose. Plus how the heck am I going to keep up with all my mommy friends online? I'll be so outta the loop.

Oh- so I was just on a cleaning/organizing spree in my room and its half done and I'm on my bed frightened about the little frog that somehow found himself in my room. A frog?? Yes, there is a frog in my room. It totally freaked me out and I want it out of my room now. I seriously will not under any circumstances remove myself from my bed until morning when I can make my father come in here and find that nasty thing and take it outside. A frog? Really...*sigh*


Thursday, August 28, 2008

Well, last night while I was updating my blog...something HORRIFIC happened. My computer went black and I wasn't able to turn it back on. Windows wouldn't load. While I was annoyed, I didn't think much of it and kept trying to get it to go back on. Well. It didn't. I was hysterical thinking that I had lost about 4 months of pictures I hadn't gotten around to backing up. I was sobbing. Woke up my mom and cried myself to sleep. Seems silly. I know. But I was devistated at the idea that I would lose all of these pictures.

Fast forward. This afternoon I drudged into Best Buy to see if they could fix my sick computer. Seems that I am going to be able to get all the stuff off the computer, however I'm going to have to send it in to get a new hard drive. I hate electronics sometimes. *sigh*


Saturday, August 23, 2008

Took a week off.

Well, I'd like to say I took a week off but the reality is that I've been terribly busy for a week. Alivia has been a super-teether this week and I haven't been able to put in many hours during the day- so I've been going in at night a few nights. Oh, and school started this week, too. 15 units. I don't know what possessed me to do that. Oh, yes...I have a child. Must get school finished!! LOL.

I just got done reading a blog of a friend of a friend. http://leamonadeliving.multiply.com/video/item/7/Wyatts_Story

Her friend lost their 9 month old son, Wyatt to Liver disease. I can't imagine. I don't even have words to be honest. I've been reading, watching...crying. Just so sad.

Just makes you realize how precious life is, and what a gift it is.


Saturday, August 16, 2008

The Veridict.

Okay. I've been a "working mom" for about two weeks now. And my verdict? I'm meant to be a SAHM (stay at home mom). I love being at home. I love seeing every-little-thing GG does and experiences. I wish I could still do that. I miss it. I miss it dearly. She is so awesome and I enjoy every moment that I do get to spend with her even more now.

But- I LOVE MY JOB. I'm excited about what God is doing at our church and I love that he has trusted me with such an amazing responsibility at our church. Let me tell you about my church for those of you that don't know much about it.

Well- its a sort of mixed crowd. If you can say that. Its not necessarily a "biker church" but, lets just say there is a lot of leather and chains. LOL. Our ministry is a ministry to the broken. We have a lot of people coming straight out of addiction and dysfunction. Hello...how do you think I ended up there? LOL. Praise God. Well so that leaves me with an eclectic group of children. Its difficult. Cookie cutter shapes don't always fit our kids. One of the favorite sayings at our church is that we've always been trying to fit a square peg in a round hole and well- FORGET THAT. It just doesn't work. We've got kids coming out of a lot of experiences in short little lives. Addiction, imprisoned parents, and just plain hard times. God uses people of all shapes in my opinion. And we got all kinds of fun shapes around our parts. Its amazing how God can work in our lives to bring us all together.
But I tell ya- its a challenge when you have to be the one to figure out how exactly the programs are supposed to be run. This is how I start each day of work: I walk into my office. Set down my keys and plug in my computer. I walk into the sanctuary- get on my knees and pray. Its the only way I get any worth while work done in a day.



Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Little Walker



Monday, August 11, 2008

Whatta W!LD day!

What a great day at the SB zoo. We saw a ton of animals and GG had a wonderful time with her two gal pals L&B. Mondays are now mommy and daughter days for us. I'm taking Mondays off work to do something cool with GG every week. Its so special to me to be able to spend quality time with her. Even more so now that I am going to be away from her for a few days a week. I'm also making a decision on day care this week- she'll be in two days a week and it makes me sad- but I love the time I've been able to spend with her these past 10 months as a "SAHM". 
The day begins....
And the day comes to an end...
 
What a great day for The Blah Blah Momma & Baby- life being a single mommy is great. I am blessed beyond measure for every second I am a mother to this beautiful child. Can't wait for more exciting days like this to come.