What I Learned In The Waiting

I thought: at 24 that I would have found my place in career in teaching and would be ready to have babies and stay at home.

But really: I needed all of the years of teaching before having W to make me realize it's a profession and a calling to which I want to return. Had I gotten pregnant earlier, I would have chosen a different path when working outside of the home again. The challenges faced during those first few years would have been enough to give me permission throw in the towel. I am thankful for the trenches that I stuck through, and in turn they molded me. They left me feeling that I could be great at my job. I wasn't the world's greatest teacher when I left, but I know at the bottom of my heart that I want to return in attempts to be.

I thought: at 24 I'd have the experience, patience, wisdom, sense of self under my belt to be a mother.

But really: the first few months of W's life were really tough for me. Newborn months are tough for any woman! And yes, no one can be completely ready, but God knew what he was doing in molding me, my husband, and my marriage before bringing W into our lives.

I thought: at 24 I'd stay home for a few years and return to teaching while the kids went to school because I'd need to have a job.

But really: Parenting has changed me. I wasn't cold-hearted before, but I will see each student in my class as someone else's child. Having my own child has made that more possible. I want to be the type of teacher I know I'd want my son to have. I'm itching to return! (and not just because every day this week has been filled with hour long fits either!)

I thought: at 24 I'd have "sown my wild oats" for whatever it's worth.

But really: Yes, I was married, but Cowboy and I had many life experiences to share together and memories to make before we'd settle down with children. I think both of us sometimes wish we had done even more, but I'll take a few wonderful vacations and lots of awesome concerts thrown in with quite a few late nights for memories that solidified us as a couple and gave us a rock upon which to build a family life.

I thought: at 24 that working for what ones wants will always lead to what one might desire. My control over the situation was my security.

But really: I've learned to release that control. There are aspects of our lives that we can try our hardest, but at the end of the day it's in God's hands. That thought in itself brings such comfort and true security.

I thought: at 24 that my timeline was right.

But really: God's timing has been and continues to be simply perfect.

Source: bobbimccormick.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

May the "But Reallys" in your lives be so sweet and full of promise, peace, and joy!

When Life Hands You Time Indoors...

You get a glue stick. It's been rainy, and then hot, and then, someone's gotten sick a couple of weeks apart leaving us with plenty of time inside.

One boy, one glue stick, a stack of old Parenting magazines, a few sheets of construction paper, and a momma willing to cut out "needed" pictures later, we've got a kid asking for glue every free moment.

He's a boy obsessed, and yes, this phase shall too pass, but alas the art of the collage is timeless after all. 

Remember When...

In case there's a chance that our memories becomes cloudy or these days fade together, may we always remember that at two years old:

*Your excitement at the grocery store when we see the "ba-na-nas!"

*You ask "help you" and "hold you" and at the same time volunteer "Wyatt help me" when you offer your assistance.  I'm not ready to correct your misuse of pronouns just yet.

*You love to run. Your best running is barefoot in the grass with Daddy.

*You love to play "Begos" and I sometimes ask you more than once so I can hear you say it.

*You are not so much into any sort of dress up unless it involves oven mitts, and then? You're obsessed.

*You recently discovered sock puppets and cannot get enough.

*You light up our lives with such personality and charm. May your heart always be so full of sweetness.

M.I.A and Winner of A Giveaway

I'm back! Remember me?

I've taken a bit of a social media hiatus this week, popping on facebook, twitter, or IG here or there in between soothing a toddler with a stomach bug, catching said stomach bug myself, and therefore busying myself with keeping my fingers crossed that the toddler indeed wanted to watch yet another viewing of Leap From Letter Factory, Thomas, Mickey Mouse -- insert any children's show here- so I could halfway snooze beside him on the couch. And the free moments were consumed with a little cure called sleep.

So I missed checking out most of the blogs on Becky's Blogger 411. I missed most of your posts this week. I have emails coming out of my ears. AND I missed announcing the giveaway winner.

With nothing further....

Congrats to Chea! I'll send an email your way so you can sport those bangles soon!

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When CFA Turns LOTF

Hopefully this title has you going "What?" because if you have any idea of what I'm talking about, then    I think you deserve some sort of winning the abbreviation game prize which might include wine, coffee, and a dog-eared and highlighted copy of Lord of the Flies by William Golding, a book I taught almost every year of my 6 teaching.

Had I known that Chick-fil-a playscape offered the perfect display of young children turned loose on an "island" of their own, we'd have taken a field trip each of those years.

After a long car ride to check out some family pictures, we headed to Chick-fil-a which W calls an "inside park" for chicken and french fries. Someone fell asleep right at the exit, and I contemplated just going home to nap but decided to wake a boy quickly (and sleepily) agreeing to chicken and french fries upon opening his eyes.

W hit the playscape in full toddler force but soon found himself ready to eat, eat, and we did the chicken thing to fuel up to return to the playscape.

And now? Now the place was transformed. Big kids everywhere.

And not just any big kids.

A few girls walked in (all sophisticated with newspapers), and the boys began chanting, "Kill the girls!" while running up and down the playground.

"Kill the girls!" continued as one child performed whatever karate he thought he knew just inches from a poor girl's face. She wasn't phased though.  Another mom and I glanced at each other with the agreed "ok, it's about nap time" look in our eyes.

Seriously, is W going to become one of these boys? I know little boys will be little boys but really--"Kill the girls?"

Golding was onto something after all.

Source: fodrizzle.com via Fo'Drizzle on Pinterest

Bloggers 411 Link-Up With Becky

It's Tuesday, and Becky's hosting a great link-up today where we can all learn extra little nuggets about each other as bloggy friends. Sounds fun right? (Right. So if you haven't linked up, do it!)

I chose to answer a few of Becky's suggested questions. Enjoy!

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?

Gosh, it's been 3 1/2 years since I've started blogging, and it's changed in most ways. Early posts revolved around food; this blog's namesake is literal after all. These days it's taken a figurative twist as posts talk about what our family's adding to spice up our lives.

2. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?

As the winner of a shopping spree, the first thing I would do is offer part of the sum to a personal shopper to lead me around stores where I'd find the perfect outfits. I'm just not that "great" at shopping, and we wouldn't have to hit any crazy expensive stores, maybe just stores I don't find myself shopping without sales at for my mom clothes.

3. Show us a picture from high school or college.

Instead of high school or college, how about elementary???

My dad put this one on my fb wall earlier last week. It makes me happy.

4. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?

My favorite me time includes a beverage, comfy lounge chair in the backyard sunlight, and a book I'm completely wrapped around. Turns out that I can't daytime drink every day this summer and that whole get-a-tan thing is horrible for your skin. These days I'll just stick to the book and the occasional beverage.

5. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?

I'm so hesitant to answer this question, but I always want to. Instead of telling you where I'll be living, how many children I'll have, where I'll be working, or how pregnant I might be, I'd rather tell you that I will be further along my journey of contentment with my life, I will be even more fully trusting in God's plans for where I'm meant to be, and proud of the wife and mother I've grown to be in the last five years.

I'm hoping lots of you, dear readers, link up with Becky as well so I can find out some fun facts about ya!

Caterpillar Monday -- When Play Turned Around our Day

I've been devoting my morning quiet time to a series by Erika Dawson called Pray and Play (begins here) with the premise for me being not so much focused on playing with W. I honestly play plenty already, but I love the idea of thoughtfully directing my intentions for my family to God.  One particular verse grabbed me first thing last Monday morning, and as it turns out, I'd need to cling to it all week long.


“Real wisdom, God’s wisdom, begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others. It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings, not hot one day and cold the next, not two-faced” (James 3:17 MSG).



Hot one day and cold the next! Gosh, how often do I let my own emotions, whether driven on my own account or in reaction to the behaviors of those around me, guide the way I respond to my family.  My goal as a mother is to model my parenting on God's own love and wisdom.

So that Monday I chose to respond with mercy and blessings. I deemed that Monday to be Caterpillar Monday as we weren't leaving any time after the hour long fit that left us both a mess.

Thanks to Eric Carle and some creative projects seen on Pinterest, we cut up some egg cartons that I've been hoarding for just the occasion and painted early in the day after breakfast.

When the paint dried we gave them eyes and antennae and had new pets for the day!

They crawled everywhere.

But the ball pit was quite the hit.

We took the guys outside to eat grass and leaves between rain showers and even up the street to see the fountain.  Because of all the rain, our caterpillars couldn't go out for grass, so fuzzy balls would have to work. It turned out just fine when someone spent some quality minutes by himself filling the egg cartons with them.

And what's Caterpillar Monday without themed food?

Babybel cheese still in its wax, raisin antennae, carrot eyes, and toast covered in Whollly Quacamole body.

We even expanded our lego aviation repertoire to include these creepy crawlers:

Someone didn't let go of these things all day.

And I wasn't surprised when both ended up in pieces before bed, nothing a hot glue gun couldn't fix for the morning.

My poor child just might need therapy from being the guinea pig for all of these crafty ideas I come across. Oh well, I guess there could be worse reasons!

Birthday Wrap-Up

You've seen the food; now it's time to view the fun. It's Monday, and we can all use a good photo dump. Happy 2nd Birthday Sheriff!

These two played like brothers all weekend and loved it. They are so blessed to be cousins. 

 One of our best friends captured this next one. Intense birthday sliding at its finest.

I was totally shocked that W didn't flip out about the candles on his airplane cupcake since we always talk about them being "hot." He listened to the birthday ditty and proceeded to blow them out before the song ran its course. We didn't practice at all, and he's only been to a couple of parties where he really watched the cake celebration. I guess blowing out birthday candles is a bit of an instinct!

I did that!

These two guests (along with Connor's Daddy of course) drove in for the day, and we were so blessed to catch up with Momma's lifelong friend! 

A bubble-blowing, ballerina swimsuit fairy graced us with her presence! 

And just in case I thought the little guy didn't have any fun, thankfully J captured this gem:

 We ended the night with a present from Momma and Daddy (nothing beats this $12, giant, consignment sale find of a helicopter). Please excuse my antics in the background. I wasn't even drinking but apparently thought something quite humorous.

Here's to many more days filled with good friends, toddler pools, sweet treats, and a world full of wonder. 

(Don't forget to enter the Monogrammed Bangles giveaway!) 

It's Friday and You Need To Win This

Friday's here,  and from what I've read on twitter, there are quite a few mommas out there who've been in toddler fit land all week and not only need a weekend but need some girlfriends, a night out, and bottle or three of wine to accompany them! Oh what to wear? What to wear?

I'm sure you've got a cute outfit in the closet, but a snazzy new accessory will brighten your look and cheer you up even more. Maybe a little something monogrammed?

Or maybe you're getting ready for football season (roughly 50 days or so), and need a new tailgating accessory. Maybe a little something monogrammed?

Today I'm giving away 2, yes TWO, monogrammed bangles from the talented and ever so fashionable momma of adorable Trey, Beach Bum and Baby.

via

Giveaway ends Wednesday, July 18 at 12:01 am. Good luck!

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Pin-Sanity -- Tried, True, and On The Rotation

I could be wrong, but there seems to be two types of "pinners:" those that pin away and soon find themselves with so many recipes to try, crafts to create, and activities to do; and those that create an account and readily admit that they never touch it.

I find myself in the former.
So while yes, I do have hundreds of recipes to try, these four have made the family cook book. We don't have said cook book, really, so instead I've created a board just for those "keeper" recipes that I need to quickly reference.

Rachael Ray's Parmesan-Crusted Tilapia

Source: rachaelraymag.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

My family is seriously going to have to sit me down and have an intervention when I've overdone this yummy fish dish. I love it for being quick and easy, and I often have all of the ingredients on hand. Plus, The Sheriff eats it up. There's that. 

Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie 

Source: thischickcooks.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

This smoothie changed my life. I love it and would have it daily except it's not that healthy. I think I've averaged twice a week lately.  The ingredients themselves are indeed perhaps healthy-ish but this is a caloric bomb! I did eliminate one banana (who needs 2 frozen bananas in a smoothie?) and added use half Nutella and half peanut butter for that 1/4 cup. I also add about a cup and a half of ice to thin it a bit.

White Queso

Source: penniesonaplatter.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

This particular recipe is the perfect blend of cheese and spice and stays nice and "runny" without having to keep it in a mini crock pot. I usually half the recipe.

Copycat Chuy's Jalapeno Dip

Source: homewithmandy.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

You need this nectar of the Tex-Mex gods; you will not reget it. It gets so many compliments at parties, and it's my go-to treat when the hubs needs a foodie pick-me-up.

Happy Eating!

Oh How Pinteresting -- Red, White, and Blue Edition

Y'all some my red, white, and blue love yesterday, and I need this post, seriously need to put it out there, to keep my accountable in getting this done before July 27 when Opening Ceremonies commence. And this is without even finding other cute more Olympic, less USA, crafts along the way. Momma's got some trips to Hobby Lobby to take and nap time projects to get after.

On the creating menu:

Source: craftaholicsanonymous.net via Jennifer on Pinterest

This is so stinking cute. I need to get over to Jo Ann's soon and was waiting until the fabric might go on sale after July 4. It's not a Sheriff friendly trip, so for the weekend I wait.

And again, with ribbon on sale, our door needs this:

Source: landeeseelandeedo.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

For both projects though, I'd choose a more traditional blue. The light blue would, however, work great for some LA Tech pride!

And finally:

Source: landeeseelandeedo.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Remember all of those birthday decorations that didn't get put up? These were part of them. Now I just need to find a clever place to string them together. Maybe I'll move my flag filled mason jars.

I'm linking up with Michelle today, and I'm counting on y'all to send any and all cute USA/Olympics DIY decor ideas my way!

USA All the Way -- According to One Girl's Mantel

Although July 4, 2012 is in the books, our patriotic zeal (and therefore decor) is going strong and will stay up throughout the summer until the completion of the 2012 Summer Olympics. We've even got The Sheriff chanting "U.S.A." while waving mini-flags. Parenting win!

I used red, white, and blue for W's party colors; poor kid might get stuck with that for years to come as the 4th follows so quickly behind his birthday. Well, that's if we have any more of those parties after all.

I am pretty much in love with these sparkly tributes:

I found the original idea here, and after beginning the project realized that my letters were indeed thicker than hers and that using glitter spray paint is MUCH easier than spreading glue and trying to apply glitter. They came out great, but I might spray paint glitter over them next year to freshen them up a bit.

The front of my mantel looks like this:

Old Glory + Mason Jars -- yea, I'll have some. I found my inspiration on Pinterest but the pin is not linking back to the original source. Sorry! Can't credit ya!
I love this look but it's perfect in its simplicity and doesn't offer much room for additional items, so I'll have to rethink it.

Our latest addition came with help from the neighborhood's latest two-year-old. Check out the original for a more appropriate looking flag, but The Sheriff's cooperation and listening for this activity won him the gold medal in my eyes. And he chants "U.S.A" when we look at it. It works for me. I should have had a bigger canvas (yes, I let the boy paint on something "expensive!"), and perhaps I should have practiced placement first. Yet, he's so proud, and so am I!

Come back tomorrow when I'll link up with Michelle for Oh How Pinteresting to show off the other projects I will add before the Olympics begin. 

Trains, Planes, (and Helicopters) Toddler Birthday

Pinterest just might be an overachiever's worst enemy. I had oh-so-grand ideas for this toddler play date birthday party. With it just being a simple little play date in my head, I put off my to-do list and ran out of time to get everything done. There are still tissue paper "clouds" in my closet that I plan to hang one weekday soon for them to at least get some use.

The original plan in my head even included outside decorations. Thank goodness I have a busy toddler to keep me in reality! What I did manage was the food area, so here we go.

I was stuck in deciding which aspects of the whole transportation theme to work with. It can be overwhelming, so I stuck to trains, planes, and of course, helicopters. Those tend to be the constant around these parts. 

I made the banner (yes, it looks a lot like the one last year) but I like how the letters look a bit like clouds. I could tell that the party planner in me was not my main priority because I freehanded the letters. Last year I printed letters of the computer to use as stencils. Oh what a Momma learns is important in a year! 

Our "Business Class" adult snacks included Corn and Black Bean Salsa (courtesy of Andie), pita chips and hummus (which would be on the kids' table as far as W is concerned!), and a spicy jalapeno dip I'll share later this week. (Thanks Mom for all of the help prepping! There's no way it would have happened without you. Have I mentioned yet that I was so last minute this year?)

I kept the sweets simple with a Duncan Hines cake mix and a few airplanes courtesy of Oriental Trading. 

Yea, I had big plans for making homemade cupcakes Friday. Who was I kidding? Anyone nearby need any cake flour? I've certainly got plenty!

For the kiddos, I borrowed the idea for pb and j train sandwiches on a track drawn on the tablecloth. The little folks really seemed to enjoy it, and I saw at least one wee bit request and eat his sandwich, and I'm pretty sure it's not his favorite!

The next couple pictures are a bit blurry but give an idea of the rest of the food. I made a few cheese sandwiches and use a helicopter cookie cutter to shape them. We of course had a juice "Fuel Station" to get some energy after playing outside.

We removed the lids from these containers and had a build you own trail mix toddler style, including goldfish, pretzels, frosted Cheerios, graham crackers, animal crackers and a small bin of marshmallows and M&Ms. I think it was a hit but I should have handed out plastic bags for to-go packs! We have so many snacks left over!

After the coming rain chased us inside, we munched a bit, played a bit, and then did cake and presents. It was all a bit overwhelming for the toddler; he didn't even try the cupcake, but we made some memories and we'll save those unused decorations for a rainy day!

Toddler Birthday Party Advice

I know; you didn't ask, but it's Friday, and I've got to get this off my chest before posting any of the more exciting details. You see, The Sheriff's second birthday was not all that I had hoped it would be; it wasn't even close, but I learned some valuable lessons that day that will help me to be a better mother and co-leader of our family.

W's actual birthday was Saturday, the day of his party, a party that I told my husband was going to be "no big deal" and "just a little play date." It was. Sort of. When I waited until the last minute to get decorations together (decorations just a "little play date" probably didn't need!) and even did my food prep entirely too late, the day turned into a show to put on instead of a day to cherish and celebrate a sweet boy with our friends and family.

I don't mean to sound whiny or ungrateful. I am so thankful for each guest that came over that day. I am thankful for family that traveled to be there with us. I am thankful for the decorations I had time to put up (and those left in my closet unhung!) and the food on the table.

At the end of the day I think I wanted to have a toddler party for me. I wanted to check Pinterest for all sorts of cutesy ideas, and I wanted to put those ideas to good use! I don't see anything wrong with that. I enjoy it, and it can be a bit of therapy for me.

The problem was that I had said party on the actual day of W's birthday; therefore, I spent the morning in a mad rush to get everything done and had no family time. I spent the party watching out for the rain and making sure everything was going ok with hardly any time with my little fellow. That little fellow wasn't exactly thrilled about so many people around either.
I spent the afternoon trying to clean and recover.

So the advice that you didn't ask for:  Have a toddler party if you want. I won't have one next year for sure. Just don't have that party on the actual birthday if the lofty party planning ideas in your head will keep you away from sharing memories with the boy (or girl) of the hour.

I did spend the day before sharing cupcake making and eating on W's last day as a one-year-old, and those moments my heart will hold forever.

(And I'll have a few pics coming next week of the party itself. It was nice, and I think everyone had a great time. If I could go back in time, I'd just schedule it for another day. Happy Friday!)

Potty Training -- I've Got Questions

And you've got answers right?

Yes, I realize that I haven't blogged in almost a week and now that I'm back, I'm seeking your advice and making you work. We'll be back to regularly scheduled programming soon. With family in town, a toddler birthday, and our country's birthday celebration, things have been a bit hectic. You should see the pile of clothes on my bed that need folding. Dreading.

Back to the post. If you are not interested in reading about a toddler's bathroom habits, feel free to wait until tomorrow when perhaps I'll post something cute that he's done or his half-decorated birthday party, but for now, it's bathroom business! I had no intention of beginning potty training any time soon, but today's events make me think maybe he's ready???

The Background:
W's eczema (which I misspell every time) has flared on his hip right where the two parts of the diaper meets which is irritating it further and not really allowing it to dry out. It's not gross, but like a heat rash and surely uncomfortable. We are doing our best to air it out and go diaper free (we don't have big boy undies yet around here just yet).

Today:
He played Nudie Rudy for a while this morning and I told him to let me know when he needed to pee pee because we'd go on the Thomas Potty. I got a seat that fits on top of the toilet which is another question I'll pose at the end.

He let me know once and tinkled a tiny bit in the potty, and I of course made a huge deal. What a big boy! and all that jazz. Then he resumed playing and soon enough told me that he "pee pee on helicopter  and Thomas potty." So indeed he had gone a little bit on his toy but we went over to the potty and he tinkled plenty there too.

This happened one more time with "pee pee Daddy copter" (Yep, they have names and sorry J!) but he wanted to finish on his Thomas potty. And finish he did. Kid was a peeing champ!

It was soon time to eat and after that last round which was a bit of a mess, I diapered him up and moved on with the day.

The Questions:
Here's where I need your help. I'm just going to throw these questions out there by number and maybe those of you with experience can help me.

1. What are the best potty training resources to read?

2. He seems to be able to control it once he starts, but the initial pee pee sensation hits after he's already gone some. Does this mean he's ready for training?

3. When potty training, is it best to go straight undies or do the whole pull-up thing?

4. And those damn toilet seats. I bought one to fit on top of the toilet, but I'll bea  son-of-a-gun, he's a boy and somehow aiming totally down into the toilet while sitting there isn't always what happens. He hasn't hit me, but hits the little Thomas toilet which requires washing anyway. Are those mini potties better for boys instead of a seat on the big toilet? We have one that my mom brought over, so I'm just wondering if we should give it a shot.

5. Those of you who have been through the trenches, what are the best cleaning products to keep on hand for accidents?

Geez, I didn't think this milestone would come so soon, and maybe it's not here just yet, but I want to be prepared. Thanks for the help! Any advice or tips would be fantastic!