It's Friday. No one slept last night! Ella developed a ridiculous cold overnight and did not cope well with the stuffy nose/runny nose and coughing! We played musical beds and it was ugly!
Joe is headed out of town for work just for the night.
The house is a disaster --- All the baby room furniture is in our dining room, Ella's room is still not put back together, and our sell/donate stuff is everywhere!
I picked up as best as I could. NEVER enough time to get it all done! I have things organized for the sitter tonight.
I'll definitely push my pregnancy caffeine limit today, but we'll make it through today!
Please keep Ella at daycare even though I know she's miserable! I'm hoping the distraction of school will help and I think it's just a cold (no fever), but it's been a while since she's had one this bad!
Bring on Day 1 of 7!
Friday, July 27, 2012
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Lasagna Helper
I also had a great helper while making lasagna this afternoon. I made one for a friend and Ella watched and followed and made ours! She's more likely to be excited to EAT dinner if she helps. I was amazed at how well she did. I wasn't watching close enough and she had ALL the ricotta on the first layer, but it was an easy save. She got better with every layer and I just had to take the approach that it all cooks together anyway!
It's hard to find things she can REALLY help with, but when it works out it's sure fun!
Our dinner was AWESOME! Nothing quite like homemade lasagna! And now I will have great leftovers for dinner a few nights each of the next few weeks.
We've had such a fun day....I'm bummed to begin day 1 of 7 at work tomorrow!
It's hard to find things she can REALLY help with, but when it works out it's sure fun!
Our dinner was AWESOME! Nothing quite like homemade lasagna! And now I will have great leftovers for dinner a few nights each of the next few weeks.
We've had such a fun day....I'm bummed to begin day 1 of 7 at work tomorrow!
Did you know?
It's super easy to make cake mix cookies! I used 1/3 cup oil and 1/4 cup water. We made chocolate with chocolate chips. I'm excited to try other kinds. It makes about 2 dozen cookies, so it's not a huge amount! Why didn't I do this long ago? It was a fun, quick project for Ella and I this afternoon and way yummy cookies! The dough is thick, so I had to mix it, but she helped pour the few ingredients in and she loves to crack the eggs and works so hard to make sure there isn't any "peel"! I've slowly learned to give her a special egg cracking bowl and I'm getting good at fishing out the shell!
*** stock photo
The Splash Pad
This morning was one of those mornings where I kept thinking, "why haven't we come here before?". The truth is there are only so many hours in every day and the splash pad is more fun with friends. Not the kinda place I'm going to run around in a swim suit!
The kids had fun! The kids got wet. The kids ate snacks. They giggled and ran around! Ella was knocked over and landed under a much older BIG boy and did well (and I survived too). I saw it all happen and they were BOTH very lucky they landed the way they did!
The best news.....Ella is now napping in her room! Mission nearly impossible - ACCOMPLISHED!!!
Then I must have been too hot.....Missed lots of running and playing and kids getting soaked!
The kids had fun! The kids got wet. The kids ate snacks. They giggled and ran around! Ella was knocked over and landed under a much older BIG boy and did well (and I survived too). I saw it all happen and they were BOTH very lucky they landed the way they did!
The best news.....Ella is now napping in her room! Mission nearly impossible - ACCOMPLISHED!!!
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| On an adventure! |
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| Too cute all together! |
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| Kid Joy! |
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| Chip break! Marlow brings the best snacks! |
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| Ella and Abby hanging out on a rock! |
Then I must have been too hot.....Missed lots of running and playing and kids getting soaked!
Dinner from Pinterest
I substituted canadian bacon - we don't like pepperoni!
Morning Activity
We're going to meet friends at a splash pad AND I'm bringing my camera!!!My summer is missing pictures....
I'm hoping for some fun water pictures!
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Sneak Peek Ella's Room
Joe has worked so hard! I picked out a few things but he did ALL the work! It took a weekend and a crazy Utah holiday and I was shocked last night!
We have grand plans for decorating and I'm excited about the drawers and storage space we've created to allow Ella to organize and keep her room clean.
LOVE the yellow!
Thanks Joe for all of your hard work!
I'm excited to create a fun space for Ella!
More pictures to come in the next few weeks!
We have grand plans for decorating and I'm excited about the drawers and storage space we've created to allow Ella to organize and keep her room clean.
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| Not my "dream" comforter, but Ithink it works! Like the bed, wish the drawers were white, but we can add some vinyl decor to make them cuter. |
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| Impulse buy was the sun light....it works and Ella thinks it's awesome, but I may regret it! I do LOVE the ceiling in her room. It was once a sun porch! |
Thanks Joe for all of your hard work!
I'm excited to create a fun space for Ella!
More pictures to come in the next few weeks!
Monday, July 23, 2012
My bonus Utah holiday
Tomorrow is Pioneer Day. It's a Utah holiday and a big deal here. For me it's an exta day to work a 12 hour shift!
The good news is it's overtime and I bank 8 hours of much needed vacation! Joe and Ella get a bonus day together!
Day at the zoo
I LOVE getting pictures via email when I'm at work!
Joe and Ella went to the zoo yesterday. Per Ella's request they visited all the "old" animals because they were sad. Everyone was only visiting the new animals (pronounced aminals)!
Love this kiddo!
Joe and Ella went to the zoo yesterday. Per Ella's request they visited all the "old" animals because they were sad. Everyone was only visiting the new animals (pronounced aminals)!
Love this kiddo!
Friday, July 20, 2012
Our Crazy Day Continues...
All the kids were napping. They woke them up and evacuated to a nearby fire station! Joe ran out of a meeting to go pick up Miss Ella. She told me she got a pink helmet (fireman hat)! Thankfully it sounds like everyone is ok!
Salt Lake City child-care center evacuated due to chemical scare | The Salt Lake Tribune
Seriously...
While at the laundromat, I got a call from the office of one of Ella's surgeons. She said, "your insurance company paid $112 and you owe $30". OK????? I said, "that sounds like the clinic visit bill. What about the surgery bill for $20,000?".
"Oh, I didn't look at that one"!!!! I think I took 3 deap breaths before I could even comment! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I can't take it today! I just can't take it!
The news I can handle: I found my pad and pen. I called to verify washer is under warranty and I'm just waiting for them to call me back with an appointment time!
I just need to make Ella's bed, throw dinner in the crockpot and take a shower (a long, hot, relaxing shower) and get to work! Monday will come and I think Ella and I will eat ice cream for lunch a the water park!
What a crappy morning!
"Oh, I didn't look at that one"!!!! I think I took 3 deap breaths before I could even comment! ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
I can't take it today! I just can't take it!
The news I can handle: I found my pad and pen. I called to verify washer is under warranty and I'm just waiting for them to call me back with an appointment time!
I just need to make Ella's bed, throw dinner in the crockpot and take a shower (a long, hot, relaxing shower) and get to work! Monday will come and I think Ella and I will eat ice cream for lunch a the water park!
What a crappy morning!
Guess Where I Am?
I'm gonna lose it! Ella slept in record late. I was up early because I wake up starving! Ella announced that her sheets were wet. Her pull up didn't make it!
I tossed her brand new sheets in the washer. Click, click, click and NOTHING! I tried 3 more times then I unplugged it and tried again! It's BROKEN!
I need to wash one load of whites to have enough pants for work this weekend.
I took Ella to school and now I'm at the laundromat! Awesome! Grumpy is an understatement!
I have two loads going and I can't find the pad of paper and pen with the info to call the warranty people that I'm pretty sure I tossed in the laundry basket. I dug through both washers twice with no luck...
Great! Now I'll have black pen on my khaki capris!
I'm hoping it's at home and I'll call the warranty company when I get home!
Happy Monday to me! I hope this isn't a sign of how my weekend at work will go!
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Mom Fail
I finally figured out why Ella says the pig tails I do hurt!
Poor Ella! I suck!
I was pulling her hair to the side out of her eyes. The pig tail was usually over the top of her incision.
This morning she said, "mommy it hurts right here" pointing directly to the incision. I freaked out a bit because I will always worry about infection! Everything looks great, but I think it was irritating more than painful. That incision has been opened and closed 4 times and I bet it does feel pretty funny!
I felt HORRIBLE! I moved it forward a bit and she was thrilled!
I have done a poor job of listening and I'm thankful she was finally able to show me and make me understand!
Happy Piggies to come! One step of drama diverted in the mornings!
Poor Ella! I suck!
I was pulling her hair to the side out of her eyes. The pig tail was usually over the top of her incision.
This morning she said, "mommy it hurts right here" pointing directly to the incision. I freaked out a bit because I will always worry about infection! Everything looks great, but I think it was irritating more than painful. That incision has been opened and closed 4 times and I bet it does feel pretty funny!
I felt HORRIBLE! I moved it forward a bit and she was thrilled!
I have done a poor job of listening and I'm thankful she was finally able to show me and make me understand!
Happy Piggies to come! One step of drama diverted in the mornings!
IKEA - a productive shopping trip
She barely made the cut-off for height, but it was the BEST 45 minutes for ALL of us! Joe and I chose, purchased and loaded all of her bedroom furniture with ease! She played with a little girl. She said they had Ball-y Balls to play in and watched a movie! She looked quite happy when I picked her up!
Yay for a child and parent friendly option! Win-Win!
We have a grocery store with a free childcare center and I've been a little leary and it's a further drive from our house. After yesterday's success, I'll be up for trying it out next time!
Papa Murphy's - Order online
This is too easy! I ordered online, chose a pick up time, and paid for it. Ella and I drove through the drive through hours later and left with pizza in record time!!!
How easy is that?
I tried the DeLite crust and it is awesome!
How easy is that?
I tried the DeLite crust and it is awesome!
Getting together with my friends has changed!
I have a group of girls that I met through work. They are AWESOME! Kids have joined our lives and some jobs have changed. We have found the golden spot in our schedules and get together for dinner every 9 weeks (just us girls)! When someone is on leave we can get most of us together during the day and let the kids play!
I had Andrea and Marlow and kids over yesterday. We have 5 kids age 3 and under! It was INSANE! They played in our tiny pool, used squirt guns, ran through the sprinkler, ate popsicles and we all came in for pizza and cupcakes!
OH MY GOODNESS! It was CRAZY! I loved every minute and we'll continue to get together when we can! Soon enough it will be 6 little ones!
Sadly, no pictures to post! I was a little overwhelmed! I promise all the kids are adorable!
I had Andrea and Marlow and kids over yesterday. We have 5 kids age 3 and under! It was INSANE! They played in our tiny pool, used squirt guns, ran through the sprinkler, ate popsicles and we all came in for pizza and cupcakes!
OH MY GOODNESS! It was CRAZY! I loved every minute and we'll continue to get together when we can! Soon enough it will be 6 little ones!
Sadly, no pictures to post! I was a little overwhelmed! I promise all the kids are adorable!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Utah Man's Obituary Makes the News
His story gained national attention!
This guy likely lived in my neighborhood. I used to go the gym where he wife is a trainer.
I'm sure our paths have crossed and WOW - he sure lived an interesting life and would have been a fun guy to invite to dinner! I can only imagine the stories he could tell! How do you get banned for life from the happiest place on earth and fake a PhD?
This guy likely lived in my neighborhood. I used to go the gym where he wife is a trainer.
I'm sure our paths have crossed and WOW - he sure lived an interesting life and would have been a fun guy to invite to dinner! I can only imagine the stories he could tell! How do you get banned for life from the happiest place on earth and fake a PhD?
Scratch and Rub
Bedtime has been hard for Ella. We noticed a great change in the weeks prior to her last surgery and we're still not back to the "way it was before". She has a genuine and officially diagnosed fear of sleep. We take it one day at a time and have devoted a lot of time and energy into finding ways to make it work!
Her new thing is hilarious! We are able to get her to settle down with one of us on the couch and the lights out. She'll be snuggling and we'll be talking softly, singing songs, or just quiet. Out of nowhere, she'll hop up, pull up her PJ's and say, "Scratch and Rub my back". We lightly scratch and rub. If you only rub, you are quickly corrected with the reminder to scratch AND rub! If you stop, she'll flip over and ask you to scratch and rub her tummy! Eventually, she usually falls asleep!
We jokingly laugh about "scratch and rub". She takes it very seriously and we don't laugh in front of her, but her seriousness and determination are HILARIOUS! Whatever it takes to help her sleep.....I can scratch and rub!
Her new thing is hilarious! We are able to get her to settle down with one of us on the couch and the lights out. She'll be snuggling and we'll be talking softly, singing songs, or just quiet. Out of nowhere, she'll hop up, pull up her PJ's and say, "Scratch and Rub my back". We lightly scratch and rub. If you only rub, you are quickly corrected with the reminder to scratch AND rub! If you stop, she'll flip over and ask you to scratch and rub her tummy! Eventually, she usually falls asleep!
We jokingly laugh about "scratch and rub". She takes it very seriously and we don't laugh in front of her, but her seriousness and determination are HILARIOUS! Whatever it takes to help her sleep.....I can scratch and rub!
Toddler Impulse Control
I randomly get the Circle of Moms emails. Today the subject line caught my eye and I found this article very helpful and timely! I have been super frustrated and the tips helped me!
I watched this video and it made sense.
I read this on "street safety" and it also made sense. This Time-Out approach is interesting.
It's a challenge to keep your child safe while allowing them freedom. It's a balance and I found this author helpful!
Here is a list of all of her free articles on Circle of Moms. The timing is perfect for me!
"Let's try that again" will be my new phrase! This is a learning process for ALL of us!
I watched this video and it made sense.
I read this on "street safety" and it also made sense. This Time-Out approach is interesting.
It's a challenge to keep your child safe while allowing them freedom. It's a balance and I found this author helpful!
Here is a list of all of her free articles on Circle of Moms. The timing is perfect for me!
"Let's try that again" will be my new phrase! This is a learning process for ALL of us!
Just Like My BFF
Ella and I have been fighting over her hair! She tells me the pony tails I do HURT and she wants to wear a headband, but won't leave it in and her hair is in her eyes! The drama...
This morning she agreed to a pony tail, but it had to be in the back like her best friend! Well....that's not going to happen, but I did pull her hair from her forhead and instead of the usual side piggy, I put it towards the back. She was thrilled.
When we got to school, her friend showed me her pink flower. It was similar to one Ella had her in hair last week.
The teacher said she needed a flower like Ella, so they found one!
Love these little girls! It amazes me that it all begins so young!
Thankfully I pointed out that they both had pink in their dresses so they have something in common today!
This morning she agreed to a pony tail, but it had to be in the back like her best friend! Well....that's not going to happen, but I did pull her hair from her forhead and instead of the usual side piggy, I put it towards the back. She was thrilled.
When we got to school, her friend showed me her pink flower. It was similar to one Ella had her in hair last week.
The teacher said she needed a flower like Ella, so they found one!
Love these little girls! It amazes me that it all begins so young!
Thankfully I pointed out that they both had pink in their dresses so they have something in common today!
Monday, July 16, 2012
Ella REALLY doesn't like soccer
Joe talked to her a lot this weekend. She's quite insightful. She told him she would rather go to tumbling or swimming! It's too hard to score and she doesn't get to kick the ball even if she chases it!
We had no plans of going tonight. I haven't seen lightening in a long time.....sure enough, a tiny rain storm with lightening at 5:15 tonight!
I brought Ella in from the backyard and the phone rang. It was her soccer coach. Ella NEVER picks up the phone. She stood on a chair and picked up the wall phone (the only one she knows how to answer). I quickly talked to the coach. I think he had already hung up, but she said, "I really don't like soccer. I like to kick the ball and I don't get to do that, so I don't like it"!!!!
Seriously!!! No more soccer this year!
We had no plans of going tonight. I haven't seen lightening in a long time.....sure enough, a tiny rain storm with lightening at 5:15 tonight!
I brought Ella in from the backyard and the phone rang. It was her soccer coach. Ella NEVER picks up the phone. She stood on a chair and picked up the wall phone (the only one she knows how to answer). I quickly talked to the coach. I think he had already hung up, but she said, "I really don't like soccer. I like to kick the ball and I don't get to do that, so I don't like it"!!!!
Seriously!!! No more soccer this year!
Great Lotion
I recieved a bottle as a gift and I LOVE IT! All around GREAT lotion! It's not greasy, but it's thick enough to do the job!I'm very picky and scared to try new options of lotion and this one is a big winner! And it's by Burt's Bees and all natural!
Try it and/or gift it to someone! I have the Orange Petalooza!
Duvet Cover?
We are ready to re-do Ella's room! We are painting it yellow and getting her a twin bed. I have some ideas for decorating!
I want to do a twin down comforter with duvet cover. If I can find a perfect pattern in soft sheets, my sweet mother has offered to make a cover.
I am thinking of a floral pattern with soft pink and yellow. The paint will be a light - medium yellow and it doesn't have to match, but work together!
I don't want to spend a fortune!
Any great tips on where to shop for either sheets or a duvet cover?
I have an idea in my head that I can't FIND! I should have shopped before I starting thinking!!!!
I want to do a twin down comforter with duvet cover. If I can find a perfect pattern in soft sheets, my sweet mother has offered to make a cover.
I am thinking of a floral pattern with soft pink and yellow. The paint will be a light - medium yellow and it doesn't have to match, but work together!
I don't want to spend a fortune!
Any great tips on where to shop for either sheets or a duvet cover?
I have an idea in my head that I can't FIND! I should have shopped before I starting thinking!!!!
Home Owner Blues...
Seriously!!!!! My brand new dishwasher is full of water and giving me an error (and full of dirty dishes)! It shouldn't cost me anything, but they aren't coming to fix it until Thursday! I'm on the cancellation list and hoping they can come sooner! I think I'll be using paper plates and cooking on the grill this week! Joe replaced the garbage disposal last weekend! He did a great job and I was super impressed!
My washing machine door hinge has a crack in it, but it functions!
Does it ever end?
Friday, July 13, 2012
We Love NYC
We made a last minute trip to NYC on Monday night. We found a deal on a hotel that was cheaper than staying by the airport and seized the opportunity! The city always pulls me in and I would love to live the city life for a while!
We hurried and made it to the Central Park Zoo. Ella LOVES the children's zoo and has a blast feeding the animals! They also had a 4D movie with Dora and friends that was a big hit! Not enough time to do it all, but what we did was great!
We hurried and made it to the Central Park Zoo. Ella LOVES the children's zoo and has a blast feeding the animals! They also had a 4D movie with Dora and friends that was a big hit! Not enough time to do it all, but what we did was great!
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| This makes her so happy! |
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| She is so kind and gentle and just loves it! |
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| She climbed the spider web! |
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| She's a bunny! |
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| She's a turtle! |
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| Milk break with the eagle! |
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| Ella couldn't make it through happy hour at the hotel, so we knew dinner at Carmine's was out! |
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| Times Square! |
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| We found Alvin! |
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| They are ALL so scruddy, but at least we avoided SUPER SCRUDDY Elmo and Cookie Monster! |
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| Good Bye New York! See you next year! |
We headed Upstate!
Sunday morning we drove to Grandma's house! It was fabulous to see her! It'd been too long and it was fun to watch her and Ella interact!
Next we went to Jessy's birthday party. What a treat to have another fun pool party! With the heat and humidity, there was no better place than a pool!
It was so great to see Grandma! What a great time and some great pictures of everyone!
Next we went to Jessy's birthday party. What a treat to have another fun pool party! With the heat and humidity, there was no better place than a pool!
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| The guys and their girls |
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| Swimming! |
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| Madison loves the water! |
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| The family! Jessy, Joe, Ella, Karol, Madison, Joe, Joseph, Darlene and Joe |
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| Cousins! |
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| I finally was able to meet Jessy! |
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| All the Joe's |
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| Take my picture! |
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| Cousins waiting for the cake! |
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| A chance at a group shot! |
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| Hugs |
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| Great Grandma and Ella |
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| The girls |
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| The Family Joe, Madison, Joseph, Darlene, Karol, Great Grandma Ella and Joe |
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