As I sit in my warm, cozy house awaiting Hurricane Sandy, I can't help but feel incredibly blessed. Henry's taking a nap, the twins are watching Word World. I've been doing a little cooking, a little housekeeping, and pinning stuff on pinterest. It's been a good day so far. I'm hoping we don't lose power, but it is a possibility I think we're ready for. I've got plenty of water for drinking and flushing toilets. I've got the gas grill ready for cooking if necessary, plenty of food that doesn't need cooking, everything Henry needs to eat, gas in the car, all the laundry is washed, dishes are clean.....I can't think of anything we've left out. We've got candles, flashlights, a radio, phones charged, Kindle charged (gotta have that to read!), and now we wait. We may not have it all that bad once the storm hits, but better to be safe than sorry. I always tend to over-do in preparations because Dustin's job requires him to be gone in storms. That means it's me and the kiddos to fend for ourselves. Indefinitely. That is why I always insist on having 4-wheel drive. I don't want to be stuck in the woods in a storm if we need to leave, get to the doctor, etc. It makes me feel safer.
You may remember we DO have a generator that will come on automatically in the event our power goes out. Well, it's not fully functional yet. Honestly, it hasn't even bothered me because that is how everything goes with us. Nothing is usually easy or simple. Remember the hot water heater fiasco? We STILL have an extra hot water heater on hand. It never really got all worked out, but we called it done.
I've laughed because my 2 years olds use the word "generator" all the time. Do all 2 year olds have the word generator as part of their vocabulary? Poppy worked on it all day and into the evening Saturday but we've still got a few kinks. I feel bad for him, he's so optimistic that each time will the "the time" it fires up! :-) I have full faith he's gonna get it working soon. I keep telling everyone, "It's going to be so nice once it's hooked up!". It truly will be. Until then, we prepare. Like a lot of America, we wait.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 21, 2012
My favorite time of year....
I love fall, and everything that comes with it. I always feel like I can breathe again after a hot, sticky summer. I love the leaves changing, pumpkins, etc. The kids are having so much fun enjoying the weather, they can play outside most of the day. Of course, they love pumpkins too. Remember the giant pumpkin from last year? It lasted till about 4 months ago! They did not want it to go, but finally it "bit the dust". :-)
We have been very busy with different festivities this year. Sadly, we have no time that we can fit the pumpkin patch in. :-( It just isn't going to work out. I have taken them both years since they were born. Oh well, there are always old traditions and new traditions as well. Next year we'll have to plan on it much earlier.
We added some new fall traditions this year- Saturday we went to a little Halloween party. It was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed it and got tons of goodies and candy! They even had "junky" foods for supper. I think they wondered why they got to eat that stuff for supper. I never even batted an eye when Carson's plate had 3 forms of chocolate on it for dinner. He did end up going back for a little pizza, so that was comforting. Ha! Sometimes we have to just cut loose and let kids be kids. If I were two, I'd probably only want chocolate for dinner myself. Both of my kids ate apples later on during the apple bobbing. Carson had 3, Emmy had 2. I think I love fall because apples are so abundant and cheap! We spend a lot on fruit and produce, especially apples! We can go through 4-5 a day! I'm glad they love them though.
Our whole family has been to church the past 2 weeks in a row. That may be a record. When you've got 3 small kids, there is always something that happens to keep us from going, it seems. Unfortunately, sometimes we just oversleep!!! Today we stayed after for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox "stuffing". I had debated on whether to stay or not, but finally decided we'd try it. It was a little hard on the first box for Emmy. She didn't realize the toys weren't hers to keep, even though I kept saying, "let's put this in there for the little girl." I said it with each item and talked about how special the girl would feel on Christmas. I'm sure others were tired of hearing it. Anyway, she and I had a heart to heart after her meltdown, and then were able to turn the box in for the little girl. A couple of other sweet ladies from church talked to her also. Carson didn't seem to mind giving up the toys, and he really got into choosing things a boy like him would like. I was so proud overall of how they did and can't wait to do it next year. The twins have a great memory now, so I'm gonna keep talking about them and remember the children on Christmas morning. It was a neat thing to do as a family. I desperately want my children to have a servant's heart, so even though it may be rough going at first-I wanted to make sure we start early and do all we can as often as we are able. Isn't that what's most important in life anyway? Jesus loved to serve others and we want to strive to be more like him each day.
It was also precious in church when we were praying, I told Emmy we were praying and she starts singing "Jesus loves me" softly. It was so precious, despite the interruption. I think only the people closest to us probably heard her. I've never heard a sweeter sound than my children singing hymns!
We have been very busy with different festivities this year. Sadly, we have no time that we can fit the pumpkin patch in. :-( It just isn't going to work out. I have taken them both years since they were born. Oh well, there are always old traditions and new traditions as well. Next year we'll have to plan on it much earlier.
We added some new fall traditions this year- Saturday we went to a little Halloween party. It was a lot of fun. The kids really enjoyed it and got tons of goodies and candy! They even had "junky" foods for supper. I think they wondered why they got to eat that stuff for supper. I never even batted an eye when Carson's plate had 3 forms of chocolate on it for dinner. He did end up going back for a little pizza, so that was comforting. Ha! Sometimes we have to just cut loose and let kids be kids. If I were two, I'd probably only want chocolate for dinner myself. Both of my kids ate apples later on during the apple bobbing. Carson had 3, Emmy had 2. I think I love fall because apples are so abundant and cheap! We spend a lot on fruit and produce, especially apples! We can go through 4-5 a day! I'm glad they love them though.
Our whole family has been to church the past 2 weeks in a row. That may be a record. When you've got 3 small kids, there is always something that happens to keep us from going, it seems. Unfortunately, sometimes we just oversleep!!! Today we stayed after for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox "stuffing". I had debated on whether to stay or not, but finally decided we'd try it. It was a little hard on the first box for Emmy. She didn't realize the toys weren't hers to keep, even though I kept saying, "let's put this in there for the little girl." I said it with each item and talked about how special the girl would feel on Christmas. I'm sure others were tired of hearing it. Anyway, she and I had a heart to heart after her meltdown, and then were able to turn the box in for the little girl. A couple of other sweet ladies from church talked to her also. Carson didn't seem to mind giving up the toys, and he really got into choosing things a boy like him would like. I was so proud overall of how they did and can't wait to do it next year. The twins have a great memory now, so I'm gonna keep talking about them and remember the children on Christmas morning. It was a neat thing to do as a family. I desperately want my children to have a servant's heart, so even though it may be rough going at first-I wanted to make sure we start early and do all we can as often as we are able. Isn't that what's most important in life anyway? Jesus loved to serve others and we want to strive to be more like him each day.
It was also precious in church when we were praying, I told Emmy we were praying and she starts singing "Jesus loves me" softly. It was so precious, despite the interruption. I think only the people closest to us probably heard her. I've never heard a sweeter sound than my children singing hymns!
Friday, October 12, 2012
Clothes Clothes Clothes
I used to think it was just me. Then I started hearing other moms talk about the same thing. The daunting task of keeping up with kids' clothes- what fits who, then tomorrow, it doesn't. Each season kids get an entire new wardrobe for the most part. Unless you're Carson, in which case you haven't grown-then you can wear your same clothes over and over. Just kidding, he does grow. Just not like his sister. He is just getting into 2T clothes, and even some 3Ts if it's small! It seems like just when I get all the clothes switched out, the old ones packed up, the new ones in the drawers...the season changes and I have to do it all over again. I've always shopped ahead when I can for the kids, it's getting harder now to predict sizes. We accept all hand-me-downs people offer us. I recommend that, even if you don't think you'll need it. Take them and you can pass on what you can't use. I try to hit clearance racks, yard sales, and consignment sales/stores for my kids' clothes. We also get some hand-me-downs from family. Emilynn gets all of Alyssa's clothes. However, she is too chunky right now for Alyssa's pants. :-( I thought I had her winter clothes squared away, and we had to re-group. She is in 5Ts and I've gotten her plenty of leggings and stretchy pants for winter. I try my best to store all "future clothes" by size and boy/girl. It is a lot to keep up with though so sometimes things get out of order and it drives me nuts! Now that I know we are done having babies (sniff, sniff), I can pass Henry's clothes along and keep the special stuff and hopefully bless others with our extra stuff. Anyway, I'm just rambling about clothes because it is such an ordeal. It really is. That's okay, we are blessed to have clothes and somehow I always find what we need when we need it, in just the right size!
Tonight for example, Amanda and I met and went to a consignment sale. I took Carson and Henry with me and we set out to shop. I was able to find 8 outfits for Emilynn-all are leggings/stretchy pants with tops, all are name brand-mostly Gymboree and Gap. I also got a pair of Old Navy overalls for Carson, a shirt, a sweater, and a sweater vest, 18 pairs of socks from Old Navy & Children's Place- all for $44! I love that my kids can wear name brand, nice clothes for great prices. I am as thrifty as they come, but when it comes to kids' clothes, I believe you get what you pay for. Meaning-the brand name clothes hold up better, and I've found they are easier to get stains out because they are made with nicer quality materials. I bought Emmy a Garanimals outfit this year, she's worn it twice and it looks so old and worn already. The pants are so faded it's ridiculous. I definitely got what I paid for because they were cheap. Since Carson was with me-we also got $5 worth of toys- we got a monster truck, a motorcycle with rider, a John Deere book, and for Emmy we got a Dora backpack with the map.
I also have lots of things in the consignment sale-so maybe I'll make enough money to cover what we bought-then it will be like everything was free! Well, not really but that's how I think of it! :-)
Tonight for example, Amanda and I met and went to a consignment sale. I took Carson and Henry with me and we set out to shop. I was able to find 8 outfits for Emilynn-all are leggings/stretchy pants with tops, all are name brand-mostly Gymboree and Gap. I also got a pair of Old Navy overalls for Carson, a shirt, a sweater, and a sweater vest, 18 pairs of socks from Old Navy & Children's Place- all for $44! I love that my kids can wear name brand, nice clothes for great prices. I am as thrifty as they come, but when it comes to kids' clothes, I believe you get what you pay for. Meaning-the brand name clothes hold up better, and I've found they are easier to get stains out because they are made with nicer quality materials. I bought Emmy a Garanimals outfit this year, she's worn it twice and it looks so old and worn already. The pants are so faded it's ridiculous. I definitely got what I paid for because they were cheap. Since Carson was with me-we also got $5 worth of toys- we got a monster truck, a motorcycle with rider, a John Deere book, and for Emmy we got a Dora backpack with the map.
I also have lots of things in the consignment sale-so maybe I'll make enough money to cover what we bought-then it will be like everything was free! Well, not really but that's how I think of it! :-)
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Milestones
Mr. Henry has a tooth! He finally had a tooth pop through on the 24th. It is the cutest little tooth! Aren't baby teeth precious? We call them "chicklet teeth" because they are so small and square like the gum. I'm probably dating myself with that-does chicklet gum even still exist?
Emilynn also had a milestone-she spent the night away from Momma & Daddy for the first time! Well, except when we went to have Henry, but that was different and she was in her own home for that. After Hunter's soccer game on the 22nd, Meme took Emilynn with her for the night. It was a long time because she was gone for 24 hours total, maybe a little more. Dustin and I both fully thought she'd come home but she didn't. She called and told us goodnight and went to sleep. Stinker! Carson woke up in the middle of the night missing her, so he ended up with us. It was a fitful night of sleep to say the least. I missed her so much and I have to say, I'm glad that's over! Haha! It was precious to hear the twins talking to say goodnight. Carson said, "I miss you Emmy."
She was so cute the next day, Carson and I had gone to church and we got back and she ran to him and hugged and hugged him. She said, "I missed you Carson, I really missed you." They are at such a cute stage right now. They just love being together and play so cute together. We do have some big fights too, but I love watching the bond they have. Emilynn has started saying at times, "we're twins." It's cute. I wondered how long it would take for them to realize they were twins. I still don't know if they know what that means!
In other milestone news, I may have had a birthday last week. :-) It was fun, the kids were SO excited and kept on telling me happy birthday, singing, and hugging me and saying "I love you momma". That's the best thing I can think of for a birthday gift!!! Dustin let me sleep late which was an awesome gift as well! I had a delicious Mexican lunch too. With the extended family we had dinner at my Dad's Saturday night-that is always a lot of fun with all the kids together playing and running around. Kids also being my dad, Dustin, Uncle Wayne.....We had dinner with my mom's family Sunday night. That was fun too! Everything I got was so thoughtful and useful. It made me feel so special that everyone took the time to get things they knew I would use and love. I have the best family and friends EVER! :-)
Emilynn also had a milestone-she spent the night away from Momma & Daddy for the first time! Well, except when we went to have Henry, but that was different and she was in her own home for that. After Hunter's soccer game on the 22nd, Meme took Emilynn with her for the night. It was a long time because she was gone for 24 hours total, maybe a little more. Dustin and I both fully thought she'd come home but she didn't. She called and told us goodnight and went to sleep. Stinker! Carson woke up in the middle of the night missing her, so he ended up with us. It was a fitful night of sleep to say the least. I missed her so much and I have to say, I'm glad that's over! Haha! It was precious to hear the twins talking to say goodnight. Carson said, "I miss you Emmy."
She was so cute the next day, Carson and I had gone to church and we got back and she ran to him and hugged and hugged him. She said, "I missed you Carson, I really missed you." They are at such a cute stage right now. They just love being together and play so cute together. We do have some big fights too, but I love watching the bond they have. Emilynn has started saying at times, "we're twins." It's cute. I wondered how long it would take for them to realize they were twins. I still don't know if they know what that means!
In other milestone news, I may have had a birthday last week. :-) It was fun, the kids were SO excited and kept on telling me happy birthday, singing, and hugging me and saying "I love you momma". That's the best thing I can think of for a birthday gift!!! Dustin let me sleep late which was an awesome gift as well! I had a delicious Mexican lunch too. With the extended family we had dinner at my Dad's Saturday night-that is always a lot of fun with all the kids together playing and running around. Kids also being my dad, Dustin, Uncle Wayne.....We had dinner with my mom's family Sunday night. That was fun too! Everything I got was so thoughtful and useful. It made me feel so special that everyone took the time to get things they knew I would use and love. I have the best family and friends EVER! :-)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)