Christmas 2009

Well, it has been since October since I've blogged and I'm sure a million things have happened so I'll try to update to the best of my knowledge. I had a birthday. We went to Decatur for Thanksgiving and spent it with my family. Right after we came home from my family's house, we packed up the car and drove to Fernandina Beach, FL where my in-laws rented a house across the street from the beach. The weather was good most of the time and Kate actually got into the water!!!! It was cold.... believe me. I would post pics but I wiped them all off of this computer because it was acting up. We went there so that Brian could help his dad work on their sail boat and shortly after we got there my MIL, me, the kids and three dogs loaded up in my car and headed to Orlando so that we could see Brian's grandmother and Flap Jack (her husband) and take Kate to Disney.

The Magic Kingdom was so pretty. Believe it or not, there were a lot of people there. But we had a great time and Kate got her picture made with several of the princesses and some other characters. I wish we could have gone one more day because we didn't get to see all of the Magic Kingdom, but we still had a good time. I'm so glad that Cindy (MIL) got to go with us and see how excited Kate was to see it all for the first time. Then we went back to Fernandina Beach to see how the work was going on the boat. The next day Brian and I got to go alone to see Cumberland Island. It was so beautiful. I've never seen trees that beautiful before. If I ever get the pics on here again, I will post some that I took. The island was breath taking and we even saw wild horses running around and an armadillo. It was nice to spend some alone time with the hubby and sort of relax (there was a lot of walking involved on the island)!

The next day was really crappy because it was so cold and rainy but we went to some shops and made the most out of it. We then, sadly, had to pack our stuff up and return home. I do have to say that the kids were great in the car both there and back. I'm so proud of them!

After all of that, I started embroidering like a mad women for Christmas and Christmas shopping and decorating and the sort. We went up to Decatur to visit with my family the Wednesday before Christmas and the kids got all kids of stuff. Then on Christmas Eve we headed back home to get ready for Santa to visit. Of course when we woke up, we realized that Santa had made a huge mess all over the house by tracking in snow or ashes all the way to our tree. Kate couldn't believe he made such a mess! John thought it was cool to run through it! My mom, step dad and grandmother came down to see what Santa brought and to eat Christmas lunch with us. We all had a great time but I think we are all glad it is over. Here is a synopsis of what we all got:

Brian: Perfect Push up bars, book, clothes, VCR/DVD combo player, tools, money and a Cuisinart blender/chopper, stick vacuum, flat panel tv
Mel: clothes, vcr/dvd combo player, money, books, lotion, purse, flat panel TV, Electrolux stick vacuum, magazine subscription
Kate: Leapster games, books, puzzle, games, Loving family house and all the furniture, barbie clothes, movies
John: Inflatable ball pit, pop up tent, wagon with legos, fisher price guitar, lots of books, clothes, stuffed animals, balls(soccer, football, basketball and bouncy), and a puzzle

I think that sums it up. Hope you all have a wonderful New Year!

I'm a bad blogger!!!!

I just forget to do it. And when I do remember, I don't have time to. So, I thought since I have a minute and I'm remembering to do it, I should blog as fast as possible. There is no telling when I'll be back here again. We have stayed very busy. Kate and John have both started school. Kate is in K4 and loves it. She is learning so much. She can say the Pledge of Allegiance and she has learned three bible verses. She is also learning to cut with scissors and she is learning to color in the lines. She loves loves loves her teacher Ms. Carla and I couldn't be more pleased. Well, if she could stay longer every day then I would be ecstatic. John loves school too. He just doesn't want me to leave him. He is now walking, I mean running and getting into everything. We fairly recently spent an evening in the ER for the first time. We always figured it would be Kate we would have to rush up there, but it ended up being John. Kate taught John to throw himself on the beanbag and it was too close to our coffee table and he knocked a hole in his forehead. Seriously, a hole. It almost looked like he had another eye. So off to the ER we went. He got three stitches and thought it was a blast going there. I hope this is not a sign of things to come!!!!


I've recently been in a Craft festival in Mt. Laurel and it was such a nice festival. I'm checking into others that I might participate in and hope I do well. I recently finished the kids matching Alabama outfits and they finally wore them yesterday. They were so cute!!!!!! Here is a pic.

Even if you are a fan of another team, you have to admit, they turned out cute! I've also made some new hair bows. Here are a few pics...

I've also been embroidering some stuff, but I haven't got pics of them yet. If I get back on here fairly soon, I will post pics of them. Until then.....Gotta go.

One Year

Little John is one now and I can't believe it. He is growing so fast. He weighs about 21 pounds but is tall and skinny. I believe the doc said he is 31 inches. He already has such a personality. I love him so much but could do without some of his attitude. He is such a boy.... getting into everything and rough and tumble. But he is also so loving. Even though it takes a lot more effort to do anything with him, I can't imagine life without him.

Teeth and Other Things

John now has three top teeth in. He is not in good spirits today because I believe that three others are trying to come in...... on the top! No bottom teeth. What is the deal? Is he going to be that kid that only has top teeth? Oh well, he is still super cute! He is now 11 months old now and I can't believe he will be one in a couple of weeks. He was just born yesterday!!!!!! I don't believe he will be walking by the time he is one like Kate though. He just doesn't seem interested. Which is ok by me! I just need to convince him that he should eat more regular food and get off the bottle, because I'm sick of washing them. Sick of it!!!!!!

On another note, Kate is doing good. Growing like a weed. Usually this is where I tell you that she is being her normal lovely self, but alas, I am not. Something has happened. Not sure exactly what caused this change but there has been one. She wants me to hold her all the time. She tells me she loves me every... five..... minutes. If she even thinks she is hurt or going to be sick, she comes crying to me. It is weird, because she has always been the crazy wild child who didn't need comforting. And she is sort of behaving. Well, behaving for her that is. I think she said Yes ma'am to me three times yesterday..... Who is this child? Manners... with me? I hope this keeps going and she gets better and better because I just knew she was going to have to be sent to boot camp when she became a teenager!

Off to work now. Really busy with making stuff and trying (unsuccessfully) to clean the house. I sooooo need a maid!!!!!

Cityfest 2009

So I was recently involved in a festival in Alabaster called Cityfest and did pretty well. I'm going to say that I definitely got people to come over because of my awesome sign!!!! I was so excited. I've got so many ideas of things I would like to make and other things I would like to do, but for now, I have to fill orders. Thought I would post a pic or two of my booth.

Updates Again

I know I am getting worse about posting frequently, but I have honestly been busy. It seems like having two kids makes things go by so much faster. I feel like half of the summer is already over and I don't remember it ever starting! Anywho..... John and Kate are growing like weeds. John is standing and walking along the furniture and getting into everything. He now has three teeth and they are all up at the top. I'm pretty sure we are going to be getting a couple more soon. Kate isn't really doing anything different. She is just a little sponge. Taking in everything we say and do.

I've been busy working on stuff. Making bows, embroidering things...... I just had a booth at Cityfest in Alabaster and did pretty well. Sold enough to cover my booth and then some, but the best part was that I made some contacts with some business owners who are interested in carrying my stuff in their stores. Yeah!!!!! One of them called me yesterday and I'm going to go to her store tomorrow so we can work out the detail and I can set them up in her store. I've got a few other leads that I need to work on but so far so good. If you are reading this and know of any leads I can check out, let me know.

Well, I'm off to get stuff ready for tomorrow!

Updates

John turned 10 months but we just went for his 9 month appt and he weighs 19 lbs 2 oz. I can't remember what his length was but he was 90% in height and 25th in weight. Everything else looked good. Kate just turned 4 and we had a party at Pump it Up and there were tornado sirens going off almost the entire time. It was crazy! Everyone had a good time though. I took her yesterday to her 4 year check up and she weights 41 lbs and is 40 1/4 inches tall. She also seems to be pretty healthy. I am so glad she did not have to get shots! She was so worried about it and I don't know if I could have held her down and held John at the same time.

I had a booth at the Buck Creek Festival and did pretty well. Next year if I do it I will get electricity though because it was just too hot. At least I wasn't pregnant this year! I am now gearing up for the Cityfest in Alabaster that is June 6th. Terri Clark will be singing and some other big band. Should be exciting. This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend and we are heading to the lake. Most of the fam will be there and I hope it doens't rain. Then Kate will be heading to my mom's house for the week. I'm so excited. I need a break!

Bye for now!

It has been awhile.... I know

Things have been slightly hectic here the past month or so, so I haven't been online to post in awhile. John now has two teeth and is trying to get over a double ear infection. Kate just had her 4th birthday and she is a brat just as usual. She got a bike for her birthday and it is like a kid turning 16 and getting a car. She wants to ride it all the time. I however don't want to walk around the block five million times. Easter was good. We went to Decatur and saw my family. We have been to lots of birthday parties and baby showers and a million other things. So I will post pics now so you can see how much the kids have changed.

The Yes Man Video

Long video but when he nods it is really cute! Or I think so!

9 Years

Today is hubby and I's 9 year anniversary. Doesn't seem like it has been that long. Now, 9 years, a dog, two kids and three goldfish later, I still love him with all my heart. He is a good man and I can't imagine that I could have found a better man to marry. He is so the opposite of me but at the same time the same. We both have our good sides and our bad, but we seem to make it work. I never thought I would get married, much less have children, but once I met hubby, it all seemed to fall in place. So this post is for the hubby (even though he probably won't read it), I love you and can't wait to see what the next 9 bring us!

Been Busy

So I've been busy doing a lot lately. But the most important thing that I have finished so far is that I've crocheted a blanket. I've always wanted to do one, so my MIL helped me by showing me how to start and then I was hooked. Here are pics of the final product.

This is the whole thing laid out.

This is a close up so you can see the colors. It turned out nice I thought.

I've also embroidered some burp clothes but forgot to take pics of them. I've been making all kinds of bows and started working on a dress for Kate. I'll post a pic of it once I'm done.

We have a lot of things coming up, such as baby showers, birthday parties, Spring Break, and we were supposed to go on a vacation, but instead of doing that, hubby has decided the economy is too bad and we need to work on the house instead. Great! I just wanted to get away from here.

John and Kate are both growing like weeds. John is now mobile and crawling all over the place and getting into everything. He is still the sweetest little boy and he is so cuddly. Kate is as spastic as ever and she can't wait to go spend time with her Gigi and Nana. Honestly, neither can I.

Only in Alabama

Only in Alabama can it be Tornado season on the Weather Channel and be snowing like crazy outside! I've seen some crazy weather before but this beats it all. It was 70 degrees outside a couple of days ago. Come on. This changing back and forth is making me sick and on top of that it is screwing up all the plants outside. They don't know what to do! So that is all I have to say about that!

Some Firsts for John

A lot has happened with John lately that I haven't had time to blog. Also the whole facebook thing keeps me busy. John is now sitting up by himself. He is still a little wobbly, but for the most part he does really well. He is also trying to crawl. He rocks back and forth a lot, and when he does crawl, he goes backwards. While going backwards, he looks at me like he is puzzled why I'm getting farther away from him. He also went to his first jump place party. He had so much fun. They had one of those cars that you can sit in and push and he loved it.

He also got his own swing. He loves it. He thinks it is awesome when his sister pushes him.

That is about it for now. No teeth yet and still not sleeping through the night. He gets up around 3am to eat and then wakes up around 5:30am. He is my sweet little man! I can't wait till he sleeps though!

Really?

This is the grossest thing I have ever seen!!!!

Would you use this??? I want to throw up just looking at it.

Question of the day

On the way to MDO, Kate randomly started talking and this is how it went:

Kate: Mom, how do crabs poop?
Me: (laughing) Well honey, I'm not sure. I guess like people do. Out of their bottom.
Kate: No they don't!
Me: Ok, well do you know how they poop?
Kate: No.

A few seconds later....

Kate: Mom, did you know that starfish breath out of their legs.
Me: Actually, I did know that. How did you know that?
Kate: (pausing for a second) I don't know.

A few minutes later with no talking ....

Kate: I think I learned it at Riley's McWayne center.

Oh the conversations I'm sure we will have in the future. I'm sure they will get more and more interesting.

Random Things

I was tagged by Laura in a meme that asks me to consider things about who I am. So these are the rules:
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself and things that make you happy.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them.
5. Let each person know they've been tagged and leave a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

I have decided to share things that make me happy.

1.Crafting - This is the best way to describe it. I love to make things. Sewing, hairbows, blankets, painting, anything. I just wish that I had more time for it all.

.2. My Children - Even though they drive me mad sometimes, they are the best thing that has ever happened to me. It is so transforming to me to see two individuals that I made grow and learn. I can't imagine life without them.

3. My husband - No, he doesn't read this so I'm not getting any points for listing him! He is really good to me and endures my craziness. He loves me and takes care of me and I can't imagine being with anyone else.

4. Water skiing/boating/being at the lake - I grew up around a river and my grandparents had a place at Smith Lake. My dad had a boat and so did my grandparents. I learned to ski when I was around 6. Most of my fondest memories revolve around the lake and skiing on the river. I hope that I can provide the same fond memories for my children that I have of Smith Lake. In the summer I just want to stay there and not come home. If Brian didn't have to work, I think we would.

5. Watching Crime Scene stuff like NCIS, CSI, Cold Case, The Closer and Law and Order. I'm addicted and I can't stop watching it. I could watch it all day and not get tired of it. I think I am addicted!

6. Reading - When I have the time, I love to read. Mostly love stories, but I vary sometimes.


Feel free to copy and paste into an email or on your own blog (if you're not one that I tagged!) and pass it on.

I choose to tag:

Mommy Logs
Queen B
Life with the Boys
Poodlehead
A Day in the Life of a Garrison
The Anglea's

Sorry couldn't get the links to work!

6 Month Check Up

We had John's 6 month check-up yesterday and he is a very healthy boy. 17 lbs and 5 oz and 27 1/4 inches long. 60th percent in weight and 80% in height. Everything looked good and he did fairly well during the shots. I hate it when they give him shots though. I feel so bad for him. I want to smack the nurse for him. Anyways, just wanted to update the stats on the baby.

Friday and doing pretty good.

I had to spend money yesterday. On groceries. So I'm not sure that that counts as far as me not spending. I had to go to the store because I was missing cheese to make the pizza for dinner. I was also out of eggs. And a couple of can things I needed to make dinner for the next few nights. But I only bought what I truly needed and spent a total of $17. It wouldn't have been that much but I bought the extra large bag of cheese because you don't want to not have enough cheese for your pizza! I was supposed to take Kate Ice Skating today, but it was canceled. I had already signed up for it so I knew I would be spending that money on her and I to go skating. Since it has been canceled and I won't be spending that money I'm going to try and take her to get her hair cut, because it desperately needs it. Especially since she decided to give herself her own haircut at the first of this week. So all in all, I did great this week. I think I will try it again next week and if I continue to save money and not spend it, then maybe I'll start saving some of the savings and buy myself something I really want..... like an Ipod touch. I know, I know, that defeats the purpose of trying not to spend. But I really want one. If anyone sees one really cheap, let me know!

So Far So Good

It is Wednesday and I haven't spent a dime. I'm so proud of myself. I've kept myself busy so I wouldn't go shopping so I'm crocheting a blanket and making bows. And doing laundry and cleaning. Of course I may be wasting my time making bows because of this whole new law about testing products for lead. It really is hacking me off that this affects me. I shouldn't be responsible for this as I have to buy products to make my products. It should be the responsibility of the manufacturer of the products I'm buying from. They are large corporations and I am just a SAHM trying to make a little spending money. Anyways, sorry I got off the subject. I just wanted to update my few readers of my progress thus far. Of course, if I continue to crochet as fast as I am, I will have to go to the store and buy more yarn. I should be good until at least Saturday though.

Goal for the week

K-mom and Seis are trying to go for a month without any extra spending besides bills and groceries. You know...... the basics. Cut out the spending on eating out, Starbucks, and such. This really caught my attention because I got an ear full from the hubby about how we need to cut back extra spending this weekend. So, I'm not as brave as the two women mentioned above and will pace myself. I am going to try it for a week. If I do well, I will extend it for another week. I'm doing great so far, as it is only Tuesday. Yesterday I did not spend any money. I did go out to eat at Subway with a friend, but I used a gift card I got for Christmas(thanks Gigi). So I really did not spend a dime. Hubby went to the grocery store on Sunday so we should be good for the week except for milk and eggs. Now all I need to do is learn how to be a frugal shopper and I'll be doing good.

Coming out of the fog

We are finally getting better! It is about time. Not a lot going on here at the house since we have all been sick. John is rolling around a lot and the poor kid is drooling horribly. His gums are hurting him and he gnaws on everything.

I'm so glad that we are getting better because it is getting to be time to start crafting again. Gotta get ready for Buck Creek Festival (yes, I know that is in May, but I have so much stuff I want to make) and Valentine's Day and Easter are coming up and I have some really cute Bunny bows and will have some cute Valentine bows made too. So keep looking on here and I will probably post them! I also started crocheting a blanket. I know, I know. I don't need to add a project, but this has been something that I have wanted to do for a long time now and I was inspired by my MIL because she made me a beautiful one for Christmas. I also want to embroider lots of things with my new embroidery machine but I need to get used to it first. So I am going to be super busy for the next couple of months. That is ok, because I like to be busy during the winter. The cold weather makes me feel crappy and I need projects to keep my spirits up! Hope everyone is doing well!

Pics From the Aquarium and other stuff

So I've not been on the computer a whole lot to post in awhile, but I figured I should at least post some pics from the past month to keep some of you up to date. We have been sick for the past two weeks so that is why I haven't posted about Christmas and such. We had a wonderful Christmas with both sides of the family and the kids got a ton of toys. Kate is ready for Christmas to come again. Me, not so much.

John is rolling over really well now and babbling all the time. He has a smile that will melt your heart and is a real ladies man. Kate is getting taller everyday and is into rhyming words. She loves Barbies now and I believe we now own almost every Barbie movie out now! So that is all I can think of right now since my head is so stuffed up, so I'll post pics of the aquarium and then Christmas.