February 11, 2010
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!
February 10, 2010
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.
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.
February 4, 2010
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.
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.
February 1, 2010
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!
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!
January 29, 2010
I can have a crafty blog post too!
I like to look at those crafty blogs and admire the gals that do all that cute stuff but I usually just walk away feeling bad about myself because I'm not that clever or patient. I have been doing a bit of crafting and creating myself lately so I thought why not post about it and have a crafty blog of my own! Here are a few things I've been working on lately:
This is a baby blanket I made for our new baby (green cause we don't know if it's a XX or XY). It's a simple blanket but I'm really proud of myself because I had no idea how to do a mitered corner and I learned for this project.
At one of the programs we go to Porter has learned a little song called Slippery Fish so I thought how cute it would be to make him some little fishies to go along with the song. Each little fish gets eaten by the one just bigger than it until they are all inside the whale. They would be much cuter with faces and I had intended on giving them at least eyes but Porter has been playing with them and I haven't yet taken them away to finish them. They are so loved as is they may just end up face-less permanently.
I saw these little buddies on a blog and decided I must make Porter some, they are too cute! A friend and I got together and made 2 each, a couple for each of us. They took a little longer than we thought (we did make FOUR!) but it was worth it, Porter loves his "topato head."
This is a baby blanket I made for our new baby (green cause we don't know if it's a XX or XY). It's a simple blanket but I'm really proud of myself because I had no idea how to do a mitered corner and I learned for this project.
At one of the programs we go to Porter has learned a little song called Slippery Fish so I thought how cute it would be to make him some little fishies to go along with the song. Each little fish gets eaten by the one just bigger than it until they are all inside the whale. They would be much cuter with faces and I had intended on giving them at least eyes but Porter has been playing with them and I haven't yet taken them away to finish them. They are so loved as is they may just end up face-less permanently.
I saw these little buddies on a blog and decided I must make Porter some, they are too cute! A friend and I got together and made 2 each, a couple for each of us. They took a little longer than we thought (we did make FOUR!) but it was worth it, Porter loves his "topato head."
January 28, 2010
I felt better already
So after throwing up all. night. long. I was understandably laying on the couch still feeling icky this morning. I had nothing in my stomach and was rather parched when Porter sat beside me and asked me to put a Super Why show on for him. I said "I'll put on a Super Why and then mommy needs to get a drink of water." Without any hesitation he said "I'll get it for you momma!" I asked if he said he'd get me a drink and he confirmed that yes he would. If that wasn't too cute I waited to see what followed. He jumped off the couch and went into the kitchen and I wondered what used glass he was going to find to fill up with luke warm water from the tap for me. Not my little man - I heard him grab a chair and drag it across the kitchen floor, open the cupboard where the cups are, clink around some glasses and get down from the chair, open the fridge and it wasn't until he couldn't quite push the button on the water dispenser that he hollered "I need your heeeeelp!" Neil helped him push the button and then Porter carefully walked the full glass of water back to me sitting on the couch. Like seriously, he's two, that was so adorable. What a thoughtful little boy who loves his momma.
January 21, 2010
Irony
So..... uh... funny thing. In talking to Laura, who I mentioned brought me the beautiful blue pashmina from London, I discovered something. She told me that when she washed her pashmina for the first time it bled like crazy. I did a little more investigating into the load of laundry and found a sock with some blue all over it. You can't tell because the jogging pants are a ridiculous color of pink but it's dye from my BLUE PASHMINA on them! Oh my word. I was so grateful that nothing had happened to my pashmina and all along it's the pashmina's FAULT! That is irony.
January 19, 2010
WTH?
Seriously, I'm so mad! I did a load of laundry and as I was pulling it all out of the washer I came upon this:
Ok, they're not my favorite pair of jogging pants (although they DO say "wild thing" on the hip...) and it could have happened to a much more devastating article of clothing, but I'm totally annoyed just the same. I have no idea what it is, it's all over the front and all over the back and yet not on a single other piece of clothing in the same load (including my favorite blue pashmina that Laura brought me back from London. The same one that after like how many years I JUST washed for the first time because I was scared it would lose some of it's beauty. Yes, that one, the one that if this had happened to I probably would have just drunk the whole bottle of bleach sitting on the dryer right then and there.) It looks like grease, like I was working on our car or climbing through our ducts (I haven't done either recently) and it won't come off! I washed them again and nope, nothing changed. Into the garbage they went. I'm mad.
Ok, they're not my favorite pair of jogging pants (although they DO say "wild thing" on the hip...) and it could have happened to a much more devastating article of clothing, but I'm totally annoyed just the same. I have no idea what it is, it's all over the front and all over the back and yet not on a single other piece of clothing in the same load (including my favorite blue pashmina that Laura brought me back from London. The same one that after like how many years I JUST washed for the first time because I was scared it would lose some of it's beauty. Yes, that one, the one that if this had happened to I probably would have just drunk the whole bottle of bleach sitting on the dryer right then and there.) It looks like grease, like I was working on our car or climbing through our ducts (I haven't done either recently) and it won't come off! I washed them again and nope, nothing changed. Into the garbage they went. I'm mad.
January 8, 2010
Programs
I am impressed at the programs for toddlers and pre-schoolers that Lethbridge has to offer. There are a variety of programs and at a variety of facilities (do people use that word "facilities" - I think it's a Rec Therapist thing.) Aaaaanyway - Porter and I have enjoyed Babes in the Library in the past but I wanted to take him to more programs now that he is a little older and especially since we have a baby on the way and I may refuse to leave the house with 2 children for quite some time once it arrives. I looked into a few things and it seems as though I can keep Porter busy almost every morning of the week! The programs we have chosen to attend are PACT (Parents and Children Together) at the Family Center on Monday mornings, Time for 2's at the library on Tuesday and Gym Time at the YMCA on Friday mornings. I think Porter will really benefit from getting out and about and I'll feel like I'm being a good mom. If anyone would like to join us it would be great to have some company!
January 5, 2010
One Last Look at 2009
I stole this from Laura who stole it from someone else. I enjoyed reading hers and wanted to do one of my own. I thought since I have neglected my blog for the last 4 months it would be a great way to start the New Year!
1. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember making any last year but I'm sure there were some things I thought of that I needed to improve on. Since I can't remember them I'm sure I didn't improve on them, that's pretty sad. Yes I made some for this year and I've written them down! :)
2. Did anyone close to you give birth?
One of my bff's just had a baby this last weekend. I am SO happy for her and so proud of her!
3. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
4. What countries did you visit?
We had no idea how great 2009 was going to be for us! We went to Mexico TWICE and spent some time in the US too. We had a great time traveling this year.
5. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A long term plan. Well, we had one but it changed - now we need another one.
6. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I think the months of October through December because we had Neil home so much and were able to spend all kinds of time together as a family. It's been so great.
7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think being able to pay off all Neil's student loans and get out of debt. That was really exciting for us. I also funded our first Mexican trip strictly from the sales of my nursing covers, I thought that was pretty cool.
8. What was your biggest failure?
Gawl just being lazy I think. I was pretty idle with my time for parts of the year and I wish that I had something productive to show for those hours.
9. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No not at all, I have been very healthy this year including during this pregnancy. I feel so blessed to have not been sick at all. My family is very healthy right now and I'm grateful for that.
10. What was the best thing someone bought you?
Neil bought me a new stove this fall. I love it, I can actually boil water and fry bacon!
11. Where did most of your money go?
To pay off Neil's student loans. It wasn't the most fun way to spend our money but it was such a relief to kiss that goodbye!
12. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to Mexico twice - once to an all inclusive resort and once on a cruise with some of our friends. ALSO - getting pregnant with baby #2!!
13. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Summer Girl by the Stereos. In a round about way we know the drummer of the band so it was kind of a soundtrack for our summer, as cheesy as it is.
14. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? I'm definitely not sadder! I really feel like our lives just keep getting better and better, I'm going to say I'm happier.
b) fatter or skinner? Bleh, way fatter.
c) richer or poorer? Hmm, well we're out of debt so in the long run that means richer right?
15. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Taken Porter to visit the seniors.
16. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spent time on facebook or the internet in general - although when you're home alone every night for 5 months there's not much else to do.
17. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I did! I met some new and WONDERFUL friends that I definitely love.
18. What was your favourite TV program?
I really enjoyed watching The Bachelorette with the girls in Winnipeg. I always enjoy ANTM as well. This year I really fell in love with 30 Rock too, I've always enjoyed it but now I think it's brilliant.
19. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No I don't.
20. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Zeus
21. What was your favourite film of this year?
Stardust. I know it's a few years old but somehow I completely missed it. We watched it this summer and I think it's adorable.
22. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went out with some of my girlfriends and then came back to the house for cake with some other family and friends. It was a great 27th birthday.
23. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmm I can't really think of anything, honestly 2009 was pretty amazing for us! I have a lot of friends and family that are far away and I think being able to see them more would be awesome.
24. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Well the last half has been anything stretchy and comfortable. I usually try to stick with hip and trendy... cause I'm so hip and trendy?
25. What kept you sane?
Neil and naps.
26. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Well I love my MJ and this year he passed away so I spent a lot of time appreciating him.
27. Who do you miss?
I miss Colin and Cynthia and wish they weren't so far away. I miss Jodi and Jo too, I always do.
28. Who was the best new person you met?
My APX wives, I love them all.
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009?
Money isn't everything and it never lasts as long as you think it will. The really important things are family, friends and health. Money comes and goes and you can be completely happy with or without it.
1. Did you keep your New Year’s Resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I don't remember making any last year but I'm sure there were some things I thought of that I needed to improve on. Since I can't remember them I'm sure I didn't improve on them, that's pretty sad. Yes I made some for this year and I've written them down! :)
2. Did anyone close to you give birth?
One of my bff's just had a baby this last weekend. I am SO happy for her and so proud of her!
3. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
4. What countries did you visit?
We had no idea how great 2009 was going to be for us! We went to Mexico TWICE and spent some time in the US too. We had a great time traveling this year.
5. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?
A long term plan. Well, we had one but it changed - now we need another one.
6. What dates from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
I think the months of October through December because we had Neil home so much and were able to spend all kinds of time together as a family. It's been so great.
7. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
I think being able to pay off all Neil's student loans and get out of debt. That was really exciting for us. I also funded our first Mexican trip strictly from the sales of my nursing covers, I thought that was pretty cool.
8. What was your biggest failure?
Gawl just being lazy I think. I was pretty idle with my time for parts of the year and I wish that I had something productive to show for those hours.
9. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No not at all, I have been very healthy this year including during this pregnancy. I feel so blessed to have not been sick at all. My family is very healthy right now and I'm grateful for that.
10. What was the best thing someone bought you?
Neil bought me a new stove this fall. I love it, I can actually boil water and fry bacon!
11. Where did most of your money go?
To pay off Neil's student loans. It wasn't the most fun way to spend our money but it was such a relief to kiss that goodbye!
12. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Going to Mexico twice - once to an all inclusive resort and once on a cruise with some of our friends. ALSO - getting pregnant with baby #2!!
13. What song will always remind you of 2009?
Summer Girl by the Stereos. In a round about way we know the drummer of the band so it was kind of a soundtrack for our summer, as cheesy as it is.
14. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? I'm definitely not sadder! I really feel like our lives just keep getting better and better, I'm going to say I'm happier.
b) fatter or skinner? Bleh, way fatter.
c) richer or poorer? Hmm, well we're out of debt so in the long run that means richer right?
15. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Taken Porter to visit the seniors.
16. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Spent time on facebook or the internet in general - although when you're home alone every night for 5 months there's not much else to do.
17. Did you fall in love in 2009?
I did! I met some new and WONDERFUL friends that I definitely love.
18. What was your favourite TV program?
I really enjoyed watching The Bachelorette with the girls in Winnipeg. I always enjoy ANTM as well. This year I really fell in love with 30 Rock too, I've always enjoyed it but now I think it's brilliant.
19. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
No I don't.
20. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Zeus
21. What was your favourite film of this year?
Stardust. I know it's a few years old but somehow I completely missed it. We watched it this summer and I think it's adorable.
22. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went out with some of my girlfriends and then came back to the house for cake with some other family and friends. It was a great 27th birthday.
23. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Hmm I can't really think of anything, honestly 2009 was pretty amazing for us! I have a lot of friends and family that are far away and I think being able to see them more would be awesome.
24. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
Well the last half has been anything stretchy and comfortable. I usually try to stick with hip and trendy... cause I'm so hip and trendy?
25. What kept you sane?
Neil and naps.
26. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Well I love my MJ and this year he passed away so I spent a lot of time appreciating him.
27. Who do you miss?
I miss Colin and Cynthia and wish they weren't so far away. I miss Jodi and Jo too, I always do.
28. Who was the best new person you met?
My APX wives, I love them all.
29. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009?
Money isn't everything and it never lasts as long as you think it will. The really important things are family, friends and health. Money comes and goes and you can be completely happy with or without it.
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