My Birthday Wish List

My birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks.  ugh....I'm getting old.  The only good thing about another birthday is hopefully, I'll get to sleep in that day.  No wait...it's a Monday and I have to work.  Nevermind.  The weekend before is shot too as my husband is getting a Vasectomy so I'll be on kid duty.  But...there's always my gift wish list :).  So, without further adew, this is what I'm wishing for this year (unfortunate, we are not rich, so this is literally, my "wish" list).

1.  Apothocary Jars from Pottery Barn.  I want these sooo bad.  I also want the monogram "N" on the x-tra large one. 

2.  JCrew Chinos.  How cute are these?

3.  I hate jumping on the bandwagon, but these skinny jeans are super cute. 

4.  I LOVE baseball tees.  I also love baseball :).  This one in orange and white from JCrew is super cute!

5. Super cute skirt from Anthropologie.  I love yellow.

Do you have any spring must haves?



Easter 2012

While you may not agree with me on this, we have decided to not "do" the Easter Bunny.  I don't think it's terrible to have fun traditions including the Easter Bunny (both of our parents did), but we have chosen not to.  My children will still get Easter baskets, have Easter egg hunts, etc...we just won't be talking about or taking pictures with the Easter bunny.  Instead, we will be doing things to celebrate Jesus's ressurection.  Here are a few ideas that I found on Pinterst and am working on now for the kids:

Instead of your typical "advent" calendars, I'm going to use eggs to tell stories about Jesus.  I'm not doing it exactly how it was in this blog, but I'm using the same general ideas.  One egg will have gold fish as we talk about how Jesus fed 5000 people.  A couple eggs will have a page to color and a story about it.  Some will have jelly beans as we talk about what the colors of the jelly beans mean. See pin below:

I'm not sure about the rest yet, but this will be our Easter project this year.  The last egg will talk about the gifts that Jesus gives us.  From there, I'll tell my kids how much we love them and got them gifts for Easter as well.  Hopefully, they will not be too disappointed when all of their friends talk about the Easter bunny.  I just want to make sure my kids know what Easter is all about.  Do you have any special Easter traditions?  Even if it involves the Easter bunny, I'd love to hear about them!

So What Wednesday

I'm linking up with Shannon again for So What Wednesday:

This week, I'm saying so what ...

• If I've done absolutely nothing except read the first 2 books of the 50 Shades of Grey trilogy.  Seriously guys....these books are so good.  I'm on book 3 now and I just started book 1 last Friday.  I highly recommend checking them out. 
• If I stood in line (after having tickets already) for 1 hour with a bunch of teenagers waiting for Hunger Games to start.  Thankfully, Chris was a great sport (and loved the movie btw). 
• If I'm now cutting my own bangs in an effort to save time.  I guess one of the downfalls of having bangs is they grow fast.
• If I have 3 different bottles of shampoo in my shower at any given time.  I like a variety and I hate using the same kind every day. 

one on one time...

Mia is in the terrible 3's right now and has been whinning, talking back, and definitely testing her limits.  I'm not sure how to "fix" it, but maybe she is craving attention?  Maybe she needs a little one on one time?  So, I'm going to try to spend 20-30 minutes with her every night doing something special.  Last night, we made magnets and a giant Easter egg, which we decorated with buttons, sparkly gems, and craft balls (for lack of a better word).  I'm not sure that it helped with the whinning, but it definitely made her happy and it was fun to spend that time with her alone. 

First, we took one of their Easter pictures, we stuck it on a magnet, and cut them out.  Ignore my terrible cutting.  There is one of Paxton too, but for some reason, it got cut off. 

I know this looks like something a 5-6 year old would make, but I've already warned you.  I'm not crafty or artistic.  So, this is what we came up with.  So there is glue everywhere and my egg is kind of lopsided...it was fun and it gave us a chance to make something together.  Tonight:   puzzles and play doh.

Thirty One Party for March for Babies

Good Morning,
As you may or may not know, I'm fundraising again this year for the March of Dimes, March for Babies.  It is a cause near and dear to my heart.  This is one of the many ways we remember Parker and also show Mia and Paxton how much they are loved.  We are so lucky to have the support of our friends and family as we do this year after year.  If you are in MD and wish to walk with us, we'd LOVE it or if you can and are able to donate (even if it is $1, that would be great).  Our website is www.marchforbabies.org/nahas.  Additionally, I'm having a Thirty One party and soon, a pampered chef party.  Part of the proceeds will go to our March of Dimes team!  If you want to order, please go to our website:  http://www.mythirtyone.com/shop/eventhome.aspx?eventId=E1573465&from=DIRECTLINK&verify=true I've never had a thirty one bag before so I'm really excited to raise money for a good cause and shop at the same time! Here are a few of the things I plan on buying:

This will be perfect for snacks and drinks for the kids when we are on the road or heading to a softball or soccer game!

This may be big enough to hold the toys/books in the back of the van! 

Perfect for Mia's hair clips and pony tail holders! 

Perfect for any misc. stuff on Paxton's dresser!

Cutest sunglass case ever!  I love the print!

I think I want 2 of these...one for my flat iron and one for my curling iron. 



Prayers for Summer and Kelcee

I've been reading Summer's blog for a while now and she is one of the sweetest, kindest people.  She is so optimistic and always puts her daughter first, but right now, they both need our prayers.  Please visit Summer's blog for the full story and to see what is going on with sweet Kelcee, who is just 5 years old.  Summer has been battling JDM for a while and now,it is a possibility that Kelcee may have it too.  Please pray that Kelcee will not be diagnosed with JDM or Lupus.  Please also keep Summer in your prayers.  She is scheduled to get a port next week.  She is so brave.  Lastly, please pray for their families and especially Summer's husband. 
Thank you

March for Babies

Just a quick note...we are walking again in the March of Dimes March for Babies.  The walk is on April 28th.  If you wish to donate (or walk with us if you live in MD), please go to www.marchforbabies.org/nahas.
Thank you!

Say Yes to Blueberries

I feel so strongly about this product (no, they are not paying me) I wanted to share information about them with you.  This eye roller is amazing.  Seriously....it's fantastic.  I have unfortunately inherited huge bags under my eyes.  It's so gross.  I pretty much hate every picture of me unless I'm wearing sunglasses....they are that bad.  But anyway...this stuff actually helps.  I have tried everything.  I've tried clinique all about eyes, Estee Lauder, Mary Kay, and everything in between.  Nothing worked until this.  You can read a little about the company here.  I plan to try more of their products.  I'm seriously that impressed.  If you try it out, please let me know what you think and if you have any products that work great for you, please share!  I'm always up for trying something new. 

So What Wednesday

I am linking up with Shannon again at Life After I do for So What Wednesday.  This week, I'm saying so what if I am a horrible cook, terrible baker, and even worse DIY(er).  See my most recent example below:

 

This is what I was trying to make.  I follwed the instructions, or so I thought, and this is what came out. 

Big.  Fat.  Mom.  Fail. 

Team Peeta

There are no words to explain my excitement when it comes to seeing the Hunger Games Friday. 

I had reserved my Mother in Law's baby sitting services about 3 months ago in preparation for opening night.  I cannot wait.  I've read the first book 3x, and the second and third book 2x.  I'm a little obsessed.  Ok....a lot.  I think they did great with the casting and I cannot wait to see the movie.  Will anyone else be going opening night?? 

My Style Monday

I've really been in a shopping mood lately.  All of the cute spring and summer clothes are out and I want to start wearing them.  Pinterest has inspired me to use the clothes I already have to pair up with things I would not have normally thought about.  So....this week, I'm taking this "work" outfit and making it mine with things I already have.

This is how I made it mine:

Pants:  The Limited Silver demin trouser pants

 Sweater:  H&M

Belt:  The Limited

Shoes:  Payless

Necklace:  Gift

Not to be left out....here is mini me this week:

Dress and Cardigan:  Polo (hand me downs from a friend--woo hoo)

Tights:  Gymboree

Shoes:  Crazy 8

Headband:  The Sassy Shope

Another Paxton Update

Today we met with his Occupational Therapist for his sensory issues and eating.  Overall, I think it went ok.  Basically, she is recommending that we "brush his arms/legs" a few times a day and massage his face.  We have been doing that so it's a little frustrating that there aren't any new suggestions.  She also recommended that we continue leaving chunks of fruit in the pureed fruit that I make each week for him.  We continue to try to subject him to various textures:  foam soap, finger paint, play doh, pudding, cool whip, etc., but he HATES all of it and screams when it touches his hands.  It is so frustrating.  Don't get me wrong, I am so grateful.  I have a happy, healthy little boy who I love so much.  He is amazing.  But...it is frustrating to watch him continue to struggle with food and textures. 

On another note...my to do list this weekend:
-Consign some kids clothes and make some $$
-Go to mall and get new sunglasses
-Clean out Mia's dressers and get rid of stuff that doesn't fit

Preparing to sell a house...

SUCKS.  Seriously it sucks.  What do you do with the mounds of kids toys?  Where do I put everything?  This week I started "cleaning" the living room (which also is the play room).  I donated 3 large bags of stuff to my daughter's nursery school.  I put 1 bin of stuff in the garage.  I have another overflowing bin of stuff to sell and you know what???  Our toybox is STILL FULL.  AND....we still have a ton of toys downstairs in the basement. 

This is the toy box, overflowing....The toys in front are the bin of things I have to sell/consign/giveaway...whatever.  And you know what blows my mind the most???  Paxton doesn't play with most of his stuff.  He prefers brooms, medicine bottles, medicine droppers, and magnets. 

Next up...cleaning the closets.  

Paxton's Progress

Paxton had speech therapy this morning and he is doing so well (with speech---not so much with occupational therapy for his sensory issues).  He is signing about 10 words and making more sounds.  He currently says Mama and Dada.  He is trying to say "more", but so far, it's more like mmmm.  He's really trying.  He is 20 months old now and the most loving, sweet, and adorable little boy I have ever seen. 

We see our Occupational Therapist Friday.  I'm hoping that she will have some ideas on how to get him to eat solid food, improve his issues with touching any food, and correct some of the behavior issues associated with these problems.  My goal is that he will be feeding himself and eating some solid food by August as he is supposed to start nursery school in September.  I'm up for any suggestions if anyone reading this has had experience with these type of issues.





Impractical Jokers

If you have not watched Impractical Jokers, I highly recommend you start.  Every week, these for guys have me laughing so hard that I have tears running down my cheeks.  They have a couple of tasks that each guy has to complete and the one who completes the least amount is the "loser" for that episode.  Each task is hysterical!  The loser must then perform a dare given by the other 3 guys.  You cannot say no.  OMG....I die every week watching this. 

Weekend Recap

We had a good and not so exciting weekend.  Friday, Pax got a haircut and then we made a trip to Target.

I once again mananged to spend $80 on nothing.  I really could not tell you what I bought other than a "Say Yes to Blueberries" brightening eye roller and a scarf. 

My portrait club membership expires next month and I've never used it, so Saturday, we took the kids to the Picture People for Easter pictures. 

 

Sunday, we spent most of the morning at church.  We usually attend the 8:30am service.  After, we had Sunday School.  I brought snacks, which the kids love.

Mia wore her "kitty cat" headband.  After Sunday School, the toddlers/preschool classes were the ushers for the 11am service so we had to stay.  My class passed out bulletins and greeted guests.  They were so cute and they did such a good job.  Last night, Chris's parents came over to show us their new dog.  They rescued a 3 year old Yorkie who is so adorable.  The kids loved him.

I hope you all had a great weekend as well. 

Firm Fridays

I'm linking up again with Kristen at First Name Smith for Firm Fridays.  I'm a day late, but I did have some success this week.  I did yoga and climbed the stairs at work (7 flights of stairs, 2x), and walked a lot.  Not terrible.  I also ate super healthy at the spa (minus the wine), however, I definitely made up for it when I got home.  Like Kristen, I got a new bathing suit as motivation.  Mine is not a cute little yellow bikini like hers, but I am happy with it. 
I can't get the picture to work, but this is the one I got:  http://www1.macys.com/shop/product/nautica-swimsuit-striped-racerback-tankini-top-logo-belt-brief?ID=629470&CategoryID=8699&LinkType=#fn=BRAND%3DNautica%26SWIM_STYLE%3DTankini%26sp%3D1%26spc%3D3%26ruleId%3D58%26slotId%3D2

Now, I just need to get the back of my legs and my butt to not look like cottage cheese and my stomach to not look like a woman who is 4-5 months pregnant.  Let's hope I do a little better this week!  My goal this week is to do yoga and pilates, climb the stairs at work daily, and walk every day at lunch.  I hope everyone else did well this week.  And...just for fun, a couple of pictures from today's visit to the picture people for Easter pics. 

Kony 2012

I read Kelly's blog this morning and watched the video for Kony 2012.  This was the first time I had seen or heard of it.  I am grateful for the brave people who are standing up and taking action.  I would encourage anyone who has not heard about it to check it out and see how you can help.  http://www.invisiblechildren.com/ 

So what Wednesday...

I'm linking up with Shannon again from Life After I Dew for So What Wednesday...

Today I'm saying...

-So what if I officially have 316 unread messages in my inbox.  I guess I need to start reading...

-So what if I am reading the Hunger Games for a 3rd time.  I usually never read books twice, but I'm seriously that addicted. 

-So what if I already have a babysitter lined up for March 23rd so I can drag my husband to see the Hunger Games opening night.

-So what if I am anxiously watching the clock, waiting for 7am for the cafeteria to open so I can get my fountain coke and chocolate donut. 

-So what if I let Mia lay in bed with me until 10pm  (after she fell asleep) before we (Chris) took her to bed.  It is so much easier than fighting and she was a hot mess last night.  Plus...I'm not gonna lie...I love snuggling with her. 

-So what if I am avoiding writing updates on Paxton's progress as sometimes, I'm not sure he is making any-especially with eating.  I'm so frustrated.  I feel like I may be packing baby food in his lunches when he starts kindergarten. 

What are you saying so what to this week?

Pinterest-Been there, done that: Dessert Edition

Over the past few months, I've tried a few dessert ideas that I found on pinterest so I thought I'd do a quick review. 

This chocolate fondue was very easy and delicious.  It's chocolate so it's really hard to go wrong. 

This looked so fun for the kids; however, it was difficult and messy to cut the fruit.  Yes, it looked cute, but it was not worth my time and effort. 

I made these cute jello cups for a mom's meetup at church.  They were a hit, but make sure you have a fridge available. 

These no bake oatmeal cookies are delicious.  Mia and I made them together and had so much fun. 

I made these at Christmas for the kids and they were a huge hit!! 

These were a hit.  I made them for my friend Laura's baby shower.  Note to self:  next time use tongs to dip the oreos in the white chocolate. 



Spa Weekend

So Friday, I left my kids behind, hopped on a plane, and flew to Miraval Spa in Arizona for 3 days, 2 nights.  Although I LOVE spa treatments, this spa is more geared towards your  overall well-being (eating healthy, meditation, and self-help).  In other words....not really my thing; however, it was free so....why not?  This is the good, the bad, and the weird....

Friday, we arrived and met our driver.

We then had an hour ride and arrived just in time to settle in and have dinner.  Dinner was amazing.  Seriously some of the best food I've ever had..  After dinner, I had my first spa treatment, a relaxation massage.  I've had a few massages in my life and they have all been similar, until now.  I have to say, I was extremely disappointed.  All the person did was rub hot lotion on me.  I was not impressed.  Thankfully, the evening was saved by a wine tasting in the bar area.

Saturday morning, we started the day with zip lining. 

I am scared of heights.  Let me just tell you....my palms were sweating as I was climbing the pole up to the platform.  I was sure my hands would slip and I would fall to my death.  Thankfully, I made it to the top with no problem.  After that, it was smooth sailing.  It was so much fun and an amazing experience. 

The only part of the zip lining experience that I did not enjoy was the discussion after when we had to talk about the experience and how it helped us grow as a person.  That is totally not my thing.  But....the experience itself was amazing.

Saturday after lunch, Melissa wanted to try Yoga Nidra (sleep yoga).  I'm all for yoga, but meditation....not so much. 

The instructor told us to lie down while she talked to us about our breathing and feeling our body move.  I was doing ok until the guy next to me started snoring.  After that...I lost it. 

That evening, I had a make up consultation, which was a lot of fun and then we relaxed in the hot tub with wine.  Perfect ending to a great day.  

Yesterday was our last day and it was kind of a waste.  We slept too late to participate in any of the morning activities and our shuttle left at 1pm, but here are some other pictures from our trip.  It is a beautiful resort and while the "self help" stuff isn't my thing, it was a great experience and one I will never forget.  Here are some random pics:



Melissa and I after zip lining

Me touching a cactus

Cell phones were banned so this was the only area (other than your room) where you could use the phone. 

Some weird fake birds...have I mentioned that I hate birds? 

Beautiful eating area

Lastly...my kids...face timing with me.  How sweet are they?  I missed them so much.