13 Months

My baby turned 13 months this past week.

I'm so sad about it.


She's not a baby anymore!


Things she loves:

• her mommy & daddy
• her puppies
• outside
• to slide
• to climb the stairs
• being chased
• going on walks

Things she hates:

• car rides (unless we say we're going to Grandma's)
• broccoli (unless she has come cheese or something with it)
• when we tell her "no"
• when she has to share

New Things This Month:

• Says "Choo Choo"
• Will close/open doors/drawers/cabinets on demand
• Recognizes the words/commands "shoes," "put it back"
• Follows directions more easily
  
• Many others, I'm sure... too many to keep up on! These are the ones I notice the most, though.
  

Schedule:

• Wake up around 7:30-8:00. Play in room until 8:30 or so.
• Breakfast (cereal and applesauce, but on weekends, Daddy makes you eggs and toast)
• More playtime
• Walk (get mail, go to bank, usually the park)
• Lunch around 11:30
• Playtime
• Nap at 2:00
• Snack
• Playtime with Daddy
• Dinner
• Bath/Playtime
• Bed by 8:00

Lillian,
You are so super easy going lately. I love it! You are much easier to take places and to trust that you will be in a good mood. You love being around people and entertaining them, so taking you somewhere like a party when you should be napping isn't usually a problem.

One of my favorite things this month is that you tell us how old you are. We'll ask, and you'll hold up your little pointer finger. So. Freaking. Cute! And you know that it makes us proud because you smile from ear to ear while you do it.

Speaking of things you can do -- we've been trying to get you to tell us where your belly is for over a month now. Yesterday you started actually answering us!

You are acting much more like a toddler now. You've got your own thoughts -- and you aren't about to let them slide just because you are little.

Every one loves you. Even now that you are a "big girl."

We are so super proud of how much you've grown up, Lil. You make our lives so much better. Even the bad things are much more tolerable with you here.

Every night I pray that you get a good night's sleep and thank God that He gave you to us. I don't think He could have blessed us any more than when He gave us you.

Love,
Mommy

Reese's Cheesecake Brownies

Last week, I made these brownies. Wowza.

Ingredients:
1 fudge brownie mix (and anything it calls for)
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
1 (12 oz) pkg Reese's Pieces (if I did this again, I'd chop these)
1 (12 oz) pkg milk chocolate chips
3 Tbsp whipping cream
12 large Reese's Peanut Butter cups (chopped)

Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a 9x13 pan with cooking spray.

Prepare brownie batter according to its directions and pour batter into the 9x13 pan and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add in Sweetened condensed milk and peanut butter and beat until smooth. Stir in bag of Reese's Pieces candies.

Spoon Cheesecake mixture over brownie batter evenly.

Bake at 350 for 40 minutes or until cheesecake layer is set and edges are golden brown.

Let cool for 30 minutes then refrigerate for 30 minutes.

In a microwave safe bowl, add milk chocolate chips and whipping cream. Melt on high for 1 minute checking and stirring throughout so not to overcook. Heat until melted and smooth.

Pour and spread evenly over the top of brownies/cheesecake.

Sprinkle the 12 large chopped Reese's Peanut Butter cops over top.

Store Covered in refrigerator.

Let me know if you've made them and how you like them!

recipe originally from here

Fingerprints

Every time I walk into my office/playroom in the morning, the sun shines through the front window. A year and a half ago I would have died if my window looked like this. I got so much pleasure from seeing the crystal-clear windows and the bright late-summer morning.

But Lil likes to stand in this window and watch the buses pick up the kids in the morning. And now, since I'm cleaning the house for guests, I just can't get the courage to clean these prints off the window.

Her tiny hands, saved for however long I decide to not clean the window, all at a height I'll miss soon, are plastered along. They stand for a time when Lil is so excited, moving from window to window to watch the cars and buses go by. They stand for a time when I watch, sometimes with tears in my eyes thinking about how she sat in this window 1 year ago, when she was only 2 months old, doing the same thing. They stand for the first time I realized she could stand on her own when she had something to lean on.

Most of all, they stand for the little hands that reach up for me when I'm exasperated, busy, and feel like I might not have time to pick her up or hold her hand. But I do. And I love it. Because, sadly, I know it won't last forever.

It's so hot.

That's what I kept thinking the other day as I was subbing in a non-air conditioned school... in my slacks... because I have no capris that fit.

But, as I was sitting there all day (I had 3 hours with students -- the rest.. empty.), checking my reader, I read this post.

Basically, it is about the blessings of a small home. Which got me thinking...


I love the idea of simple living. Especially lately. I know that people may not understand why, if we have the money, won't I just do this or that, or buy this or that for my home. I also know they may not understand why we chose breast-feeding for the first 7ish months of Lil's life. Or why we chose to switch to cloth diapers. Or why we feel it is important for me to raise our children.

I should also say that I do not judge others for choosing to formula feed their disposable diapered, day-cared child. To each their own. That's my point.

I may not do things the way you do it. But, at the same time -- you don't do things the way I'd do them.

OK -- back to the point --

Simple living.

I just find it an attractive life-style. No frills -- just the necessities to make your life comfortable. Notice I'm not talking about the stripped life-style. I'm still saying crafts are ok, even spending the frivolous few dollars here and there.

I just mean, I don't need a new car every 2 years. I don't need name-brand. I don't need to hire some one to clean for me or do my yard work.

This post is ridiculously un-focused. Sorry. But it is something I am coming to realize. I don't need my life to be filled with things or activities or money. I need my life full of people I love. And ones that love me back.

Rant over. Enjoy your day.

Last Family Vacation

Oh my gosh. We look so young.

Ah, family vacations.

Weekend Planning Blog Hop

Ah, the weekend.

Friday:
take kids to splash park
put more coats of paint on side door
make brownies for girls' night
pick up house
attend girls' night!

Saturday:
attend baby shower
weed flowerbeds
probably put more coats of paint on side door. ugh.
attend birthday party

Sunday:
church
clean/organize desk
clean/organize Brandon's office


We've got a fun weekend planned! How about you?

Linking up with My Happy House

Pin It Thursday

This week, I'm pinning a lot of activities to do with preschoolers. I'm starting to watch a little girl a few days a week. Pinterest is the perfect place for activities!

Source: lakeshorelearning.com via Maria on Pinterest

Source: swagbucks.com via Maria on Pinterest

I'm making these for tomorrow's girls' night:

Source: chef-n-training.blogspot.com via Maria on Pinterest

This goes right along with my animal print obsession:

Source: chickabug.com via Maria on Pinterest

And to get you into the holiday spirit:

Source: adventuresofabettycrockerwannabe.blogspot.com via Maria on Pinterest

Favorite Movie of All Time

Mostly because of this:




& this:



& the fact that I get goose bumps every time I watch it.

I wish it were acceptable to sing songs like this all the time.




I totally would.

I Hate It When

... I lock my keys in my car.

... I drink the last of the milk (because 1. I know I have to go shopping & 2. I know I can't go back for more).

... I check my Google Reader and there are no new postings.

... I check my Facebook and no one I care about is on.

... I can't find the sippy cup.

... I have to rip out seams (see below).

... I don't pay attention enough to measure right the first time (see above).

... I can't get my hair to look like it did when I left the salon.

... I notice my fake tan has gone away.

... I can't pick up a piece of paper off the wood floor.

... a fly lands on me.

... I forget to put on sunscreen.

... I think I've lost a bill (which is later usually found on my mess of a desk).

... the trash bag leaks.


Stupid stuff just gets on my nerves.

Weekend Recap

Well, the weekend is over. :( Here's what I got to on my list --- and what I didn't get to.

Done!!
Didn't get to it. :(


Friday:

• Make cupcakes for cookout tomorrow
• Finish going through kitchen for garage sale
• Pick up and vacuum downstairs

Saturday:

• Finish going through Brandon and my closets for garage sale
• Start taking things out to garage for sale
• Dust downstairs
• Cookout at sister's house!
  

Sunday:

• Church
• Lunch for SIL's birthday
• Wipe out refrigerator and freezer

Sunday had some unexpected things come up, so we were only home for an hour in the afternoon. We got home an hour past Lil's bedtime, so I didn't feel much like wiping out the refrigerator. I plan on doing it today, though!


Linking up to My Happy House!

I'm moving it... on Thursday nights

Lame title. I know. You'll get it soon...

Again, I'm linking up with Ashley for her Move It Monday series.

I went to a zumba class on Thursday night! Oh.my.goodness. I loved it! It was so much fun!

One of my high school friends teaches it and invited me to come along. I thought I would be much more self-conscious than I was. I stayed in the back row this time, but I'll probably be moving up a row or two next time. At first, I was concerned about what other people thought of me. But then I realized -- I'm not watching them. I'm too concerned with keeping up! So, odds are, they aren't watching me!

I really got into it after a while. It's weird to say -- but I felt attractive while doing it! Sweat and all -- I was shaking my butt like I haven't done since prom. I felt so good after leaving the class.

Also, Brandon and Lil had a great time at home without me. I'm so glad -- I didn't have to feel guilty for leaving them.

I'll probably try to go to the class once a week. The only downside is that, of course, it costs money, which we are trying not to spend. I'm borrowing a friend's home workout zumba video to do at home. I am not really looking forward to it because I know it won't be the same. But, I think going to the class will be my reward. Like, if I do it by myself a certain number of days that week, I can treat myself to a class.

I feel good about this week. I didn't purposefully seek out exercise. But I did it by chance. The weather was nice -- we took a walk... Things like that.

Weekend Planning Blog Hop

Friday:

• Make cupcakes for cookout tomorrow
• Finish going through kitchen for garage sale
• Pick up and vacuum downstairs

Saturday:

• Finish going through Brandon and my closets for garage sale
• Start taking things out to garage for sale
• Dust downstairs
• Cookout at sister's house!
  

Sunday:

• Church
• Lunch for SIL's birthday
• Wipe out refrigerator and freezer

Linking up with My Happy House -- my motivator for getting my house clean and happy!

Pin It Thursday

That's right. I'm taking this blog to the next level with a theme day. And what better theme is there than Pinterest?!

Source: thenatos.blogspot.com via Maria on Pinterest

I've DIY-ed a tiered cake stand. I love this single one, too. I feel like I could find the materials at Goodwill or something.

Source: tatertotsandjello.blogspot.com via Maria on Pinterest

Made it. Love it. Will make again.

Source: goodhousekeeping.com via Maria on Pinterest

How. stinking. cute. And it avoids trying to come up with a carving idea.

Source: omakoppa.blogspot.com via Maria on Pinterest

Source: classroomjr.com via Maria on Pinterest

These last two are ideas I found for the days I babysit J.


1. I love Pinterest.
2. I love seeing what other people are pinning.
3. I assume you want to see what I pin. Cause you are on my blog. Seeing what I write. You're welcome.

Cash

Well, lately we've been bombarded with unexpected expenses. Of course, this is while we had large expenses that we were expecting.

We have been blessed enough to not have any debit other than my school loan and our home loan. And even with these unexpected expenses, we still only have those two loans.

I'm not complaining. By any means.

I have gotten frustrated lately because it seems that no matter how much we cut back, we just can't get ahead. And it hasn't always been like this. Until about 3 months ago, we were able to do what we wanted to, for the most part. We were able to spend $100 a week on groceries, plus eat out at least 1 time a week, plus buy things here and there, and pay our bills. We knew were were so blessed to do all this on one income. Although we still weren't living how we wanted to, we were happy with all of this and that we were able to put into our savings, too.

*Also, we are able to pay our tithes every week. Which I think is an awesome way to show God that we trust Him. We know from past experience that it is easy to keep that 10% because you can think of somewhere else it should go. Not your choice. God commands it. Do it. Don't complain. -- and since we do this, I truly believe that is why God has blessed us so much in our finances... as tight as they may be.*

Now, we spend $30 or less a week on groceries. We don't eat out. We don't eat the best food at home, either. Our once overly stocked pantry is now almost empty from us choosing to eat what we have and not buying more.

To a point, I'm grateful. Even though I'm frustrated. I'm grateful that we are going through this now -- and not when we have 4 kids or something. We are still able to provide for our daughter, which makes everything worth it.

Today I read this post and it got me thinking about this couple, who has followed Dave Ramesy's Financial Peace University to pay off their debt and are now living on a cash-only basis.

I feel challenged.

Even though I know that walking out of the grocery store with under $30 in goods is a sign that we are sacrificing to stay ahead of debt, it is also a sign that we are sacrificing for our future.

I've tried switching to a cash-only system before. But I felt overwhelmed. How do I know how much money to put into what category? Do I do this to the penny? Do I over-estimate?

So, I'm going to be doing my research. I'm going to go through FPU with Brandon. We're going to figure this out so that next year isn't like this. There is no reason for it. We just need to buckle down and do it.

Curb Appeal

This is our door before....

Obviously not in the greatest painting condition ever.
(Don't even get me started on the previous homeowners..)

First, I took the door off the frame.

Then removed the kick-plate (appropriate term? I don't know.).

I made sure my screws were some place safe.
**Best idea of the day, by the way**

Flung the door on saw horses.
I used towels under the door to protect the inside of it from scuffs.

This is the paint I used.

Realized we're going to need to replace this...

It took about 4-5 coats and about 3 cans of paint.


But I love it!!!

Not a total fail

This week was bad for me in terms of exercise. After my week of walking constantly, being totally conscious of what was entering my body, & wanting nothing more than to walk in the (finally) cooler air, I thought my habit was made. Not necessarily because it was easy for me to get up & move, but because I enjoyed it so much. Whether it was pushing Lil in her stroller around town, taking a family walk in the early evening with the hubs & dogs, or a nice solitary late evening walk, I really, truly enjoyed it.

And now, after almost a week of not moving.... I miss it.

I miss the way I felt good about myself.
I miss the way I felt like I was conquering some mad beast.
I miss the way I felt about my life.

When I was exercising every day, I found it so much easier to stay awake during Lil's nap time rather than sit on the couch and doze off during Pawn Stars. I also found it easier to keep up on my household chores. My house was soooo much cleaner! I had so much energy. It amazes me to see the comparison.

So, this is a new week. I'm motivated to do better. I'm disappointed in myself, but at least I'm not throwing in the towel.

Plus side -- I think I felt guilty about not exercising and was even more conscious of the foods I was eating. I didn't gain any weight this week!

Linking up with Ashley!

I love it when...

We can do this...

& this...

& when I see this...

& when I can do this...

& when he does this...

& when we can eat this...

recipe modified from here

Things my daughter does...

• When she is pooping, she will back herself against a wall and act like she is looking at the ceiling
• She likes to ride her tike by sitting on the back wheel
• If she is thirsty, she will fake cough until you get her the sippy cup
• Last night I may have started something ... she now acts like she is mad and throws things (then looks at me to see if I'll laugh)
• She walks backwards sometimes just for fun
• In the mornings, her favorite thing to do is let the dogs out of their crates (and put them back in... and take them back out)
• She reads her books upside down
• She will often bring me dog hair
  
• Sometimes, she'll walk up to me out of the blue and give me a kiss.

Not a good picture, I know, but this was all I could get. And in real life, this is the most irresistible face.

McFatty Monday Update

Last week I totally blew my goals out of the water. In last week's post, I stated my goals for the week. I did not set a weight loss goal. Just simply to change some habits.

I'm going to break it down for you:

Goal 1: Work out on treadmill 3 times for at least 30 min. each time
This totally happened -- but not on the treadmill. It was either cool enough outside or I accepted the fact that I would get hot and super sweaty when I walked outside. I was able to do this 4 days last week. And one particularly cool night I was able to get in an hour walk! It was so refreshing!

Goal 2: Be conscious of food entering my body
I certainly was conscious of this. I didn't count calories for every meal. I didn't look at the label every time I ate something. But I did choose a light snack versus a cupcake. I chose water versus Kool-Ade.


So now for my goals this week:

1. Walk at least 30 minutes 4 days in a row. (I am hoping that if I do it consistently, I'll be able to keep up on it.)
   
2. Keep track of how much water I am drinking. Shoot for at least 4 bottles a day.
3. Continue being conscious of food intake.
   

I know I can meet these goals. I not only want to meet them -- I'd love to surpass them.

One thing I learned last week is that I am learning to love taking care of my body. There were a few times last week when I would get discouraged about how I looked/my weight/my progress. But I had to remind myself that I'm taking the steps now toward a better life. Just because I would have given up by now in the past does not mean it has to happen this time. I need to enjoy taking care of myself.

This Weekend

I'm linking up with My Happy House today. She is encouraging a plan for your weekend and at least 1 "Happy House" activity.

Here's the plan!

Friday:

1. Clean out refrigerator
2. Dinner: Lasagna

Saturday:

1. Clean Up Day at Mom & Dad's house
2. Celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary by enjoying a night out with the family!!
3. Sew Dining Room Curtains

Sunday:

1. Church
2. Bridal Shower in afternoon
3. Finish Dining Room curtains & hang them!!

And the goals for everyday are to make our bed, clean the kitchen sink at night, and (this one is my personal one) walk at least 30 minutes! So far this week I've met every goal!! :)

Lillian's 12 month pictures

After a pretty bad experience at the place we usually go to get her monthy pictures, we decided to do them our selves this month. If it didn't work out, we did have a back up plan. I was really pleased with how well they turned out on our little point and shoot camera.