I did it!

Ok, so I convinced myself that it was ok to go and buy the black closed toe shoes at Aldo that I've been back to visit twice now. I went with Laura who is my most honest-opinion-giving-friend and even though I knew she would tell me they were ugly I was buying them. I tried them on and she confirmed how hideous she thought they were but that I should still buy them because I love them so much (what a good friend.) We talked about my other options (cheaper options) but I really don't want a shoe that just looks like every other girl's shoes at church, and these are definitely not that. I took them to the till and guess what - THEY WERE ON SALE! Happy day! Ok here they are... judge not.

What a deal!

So I really need a pair of closed toe black Sunday shoes. I decided to check Spring shoes online and see what they had on sale. They did have some cute pairs but nothing that really caught my eye. HOWEVER, there were these boots, ok THREE pairs of boots, that really caught my eye and it only took one glance at the sale prices to grab them up as fast as possible. I got these three pairs of boots for $68. **It's ok if you say the yellow ones are hideous, I am often told that I can somehow make ugly things look cute (I'm not sure if that's a compliment??!) and I'm excited to see what I can do with these.** I am still on the hunt for closed toe black Sunday shoes but I think I have found a pair I want at Aldo. I just have to let it sit for a while to decide if I can justify the price (what I saved on these three pairs can go towards them RIGHT?!) So stay tuned for that, they are adorable.

Apron post #2

Ok the funny thing is I haven't even worn my apron yet! I don't want to get it dirty. Neil came home the other day while I was baking and asked where it was, I told him it was hanging downstairs where I hung it to take a picture of it and he looked at me like I'm crazy. I am. It's really cute and I'm sure really useful, I'm just not ready to find that out yet.

Pathetic

Since we got home in October Neil has been working very little and has spent a lot of time at home with us. I think I've grown a little (ok, a lot) dependent on him and I'm just so used to having him around all day. He left yesterday to go to Edmonton (and he'll be home tomorrow) and I'M DYING! Seriously, I miss him so much, I'm pathetic. He gets up every morning with Porter so I can rest my fat body for a few more minutes, he runs all the errands with me, helps me tidy the house and make dinner, we just get to hang out all day together - I love it and I miss him. I told him that before we go away again this summer we NEED to spend a few days apart so I can adjust otherwise it's going to be a real shock when he's gone ALL day EVERY day!

I guess it's better than being sick of him right?! :P

Apron

Porter and I really like to bake together and I realized I don't even own an apron and baking with a 2 year old can get pretty messy! I decided to make one for myself and I'm still going to make a little one for my helper. Here's my finished product, I love it!

It's the little things

Sometimes people are just really thoughtful and I'm always so grateful when I'm on the receiving end of it. A few things have happened lately that have made me appreciate the small, kind things that people do:

1. A girlfriend stopped by and brought me a new oil for my lamp ring because she knows I love smelly things and she saw this one on sale and thought of me.

2. My mother in law called to confirm my due date and exactly what I would be needing when the baby is born because she didn't want to take any more shifts at work when she knew I would be needing help.

3. A lady I don't know very well at church stopped me on Sunday to tell me what a beautiful pregnant lady I am (yeah... thanks!) I appreciate compliments from "strangers" because they tell you things because they really think them, not because they think it's what you'd like to hear.

4. After I was sick a couple weeks ago a girlfriend called to ask how I was recovering and apologize that she didn't even know I had been ill and if there was anything I needed. So cute! Like it's her responsibility to know.

5. Any time Neil makes the bed (and he's doing it a lot lately). He knows I love the bed made and often when I'm in the shower or making breakfast he sneaks away to make it.

I really need to work on being more kind and act on the thoughts and ideas I have, I'm grateful for those around me that show me how to do it.

Things I am grateful for today

1. My big sister Sharon. No seriously, she is the most amazing person I know and she is my absolute rock of sanity at most times. I love pretty much every last thing about her.

2. APX - I know it's really funny cause we were so skeptical of it for so long but it's put us in a position where we are able to spend an awful lot of time together as a family and I don't know what more I could ask for.

3. Things that smell good - my new Scentsy stuff is amazing and I think it's safe to say I'm obsessed. I hardly let one fragrance melt down before I pour it back cause I'm so excited to try the next one. My house smells fantastic.

My list

I came across a gal's blog where she had posted a few of the things that made her a good mom. I thought it was such a neat idea because I think a lot of us spend far too much time being critical of ourselves as mothers and focus on the things we aren't doing instead of the things we are. I decided I would make my own list of reasons why I think I am doing a good job with Porter and what makes me a great mom. I'd love to see other moms do this too, we all need a pat on our backs! Here's 10 reasons I'm a good mom:

1. I read to Porter daily. I read in funny voices, accents, whispers - anything to make it fun and interesting. We go to the library together and pick out new books, we love reading together.

2. I bake with Porter at least once a week.

3. I let Porter crack the eggs (his favorite part!) even if it means fishing out a few eggshells.

4. I take Porter to a different community program 3 mornings a week. It is good for us to get out and he loves to play with the toys and other kids. It's something I wanted to do and I'm actually doing it!

5. I let Porter splash me when he's in the tub, even if I'm wearing my glasses (and I HATE getting spots on my glasses...). He LAUGHS and LAUGHS and the little mess is always worth it.

6. I let Porter do things on his own even if I know I could do it better and faster. His favorite thing right now is "my try it" and he wants to do everything by himself. I'm learning patience but what's more important is him learning independence.

7. Porter says his own prayers every night. Even if he is too tired/grumpy/wiggly to get any scripture reading done I always make sure he at least says his prayers. Afterwards he often says "Jesus loves me?!" and I say "Yes, you bet He does!" I'm so grateful that at such a young age he knows that.

8. I don't let Porter get away with unnecessary messes. If he won't pick up his toys I take his hand in mine and together we pick up every last toy. I remember my mom doing this with me and I'd like to think it's why I appreciate such a tidy home now. Porter knows he needs to put his things away.

9. I get down on the floor and play with Porter. I get right in there with car noises, bike crashes and blocks building. He can get me to stop anything when he says "(insert activity name) with me?!" There's no way I could tell him no.

10. There is no shortage of hugs, kisses, snuggles, cuddles and tickles. I love nothing more than having that little boy in my arms or on my lap. He will never question whether or not his momma loves him.

Your turn!