Of course, Ella didn't care for her backseat view for very long so she decided to improvise by hanging her body out the side of the stroller.
What a hoot!
It truly was a PERFECT afternoon!
A Breath of Fresh Air
Yesterday was such a beautiful day outside we decided to join the rest of our neighbors and go for a walk!
Of course, Ella didn't care for her backseat view for very long so she decided to improvise by hanging her body out the side of the stroller.
What a hoot!
It truly was a PERFECT afternoon!
Of course, Ella didn't care for her backseat view for very long so she decided to improvise by hanging her body out the side of the stroller.
What a hoot!
It truly was a PERFECT afternoon!
All grown up
Each and every tax season the same thing happens...I finally stop rush, rush, rushing around and stop and look at my children and realize how much they've grown while I've been busy working.
This weekend it was Lauren's turn.
I had to do some last minute shopping for Ella's birthday party (i.e. her present) and Lauren decided to come shopping with me. The entire shopping trip her and I are discussing who was going to be at the party and what we were going to eat and, of course, what she was going to wear. We checked out and she had her hands full with the awkwardly shaped roll of wrapping paper.
Hand in hand we were walking out the big doors and she stopped, looked up and said, "MOM! Look at that really, big tower!"
I looked at her and said, "How do you know the word 'tower'"?
She kept going on and on about how funny it would be to wrap the tower in paper and the whole while I'm thinking to myself, "When did she get so smart?"
I came home and told Dustin about our experience and he says, "Did you know she can write letters?"
I'm like, "Wha? Wha? What?!?!?"
And sure enough she starts writing letters on command!
Then yesterday we were getting ready to go on a walk and I looked at her - wearing the jeans that were too big for her only a few months ago - and I couldn't believe how big she's gotten.
And it hit me...
my little girl is growing up. That and I'm in trouble because she has both brains and beauty.
This weekend it was Lauren's turn.
I had to do some last minute shopping for Ella's birthday party (i.e. her present) and Lauren decided to come shopping with me. The entire shopping trip her and I are discussing who was going to be at the party and what we were going to eat and, of course, what she was going to wear. We checked out and she had her hands full with the awkwardly shaped roll of wrapping paper.
Hand in hand we were walking out the big doors and she stopped, looked up and said, "MOM! Look at that really, big tower!"
I looked at her and said, "How do you know the word 'tower'"?
She kept going on and on about how funny it would be to wrap the tower in paper and the whole while I'm thinking to myself, "When did she get so smart?"
I came home and told Dustin about our experience and he says, "Did you know she can write letters?"
I'm like, "Wha? Wha? What?!?!?"
And sure enough she starts writing letters on command!
Then yesterday we were getting ready to go on a walk and I looked at her - wearing the jeans that were too big for her only a few months ago - and I couldn't believe how big she's gotten.
And it hit me...
my little girl is growing up. That and I'm in trouble because she has both brains and beauty.
Giggle-fest
The other night Ella and I were on the bed together - she was hogging the remote and I was trying to read email. I finally figured out that she needed my attention more than my work email so I picked up the camera and boy did she have fun laughing at me.
Another GREAT deal!!!
A few weeks back Walgreen's had a really good deal on diapers, Pull-ups and wipes. And since I have an "in" that works at Walgreen's I got an even better deal than the ad price!
I had stockpiled all of my coupons for quite some time and got rid of almost all of them with this purchase. Lauren is only wearing Pull-ups at bedtime so we don't go through them that quickly anymore (thank God). But check it out....
All this for $94.75!!!!!
Isn't that just unbelievable?!?!?!? Twenty-one packages of diapers, wipes and Pull-ups! And for those of you who don't have a clue what it would usually cost, it's normally $9.99 + tax per package.
I'm hoping we'll be set for awhile and I can replenish my coupon stash!
I had stockpiled all of my coupons for quite some time and got rid of almost all of them with this purchase. Lauren is only wearing Pull-ups at bedtime so we don't go through them that quickly anymore (thank God). But check it out....
All this for $94.75!!!!!
Isn't that just unbelievable?!?!?!? Twenty-one packages of diapers, wipes and Pull-ups! And for those of you who don't have a clue what it would usually cost, it's normally $9.99 + tax per package.
I'm hoping we'll be set for awhile and I can replenish my coupon stash!
A Breather
Dad and Thomas came down for the weekend. Fortunately, the kids had a great time with them. Unfortunately, I was in the office most of the weekend.
I've been working most nights until 10:30/11:00 - only leaving because Dustin had to go to his own job. This time of year is so hard on everyone and it's been exceptionally difficult this year with all the sickness we've had. So I decided that not only did I need to spend the evening with my kids (and my new best friends), I needed to leave a little early from work and take a breather.
So, while I was doing my first loads of laundry the kids took a shower in Josh's bathroom. We've spent the rest of the evening in the family room playing games and finger painting...and it was EXACTLY what I needed.
Tomorrow's a new day and my work isn't going anywhere.
I've been working most nights until 10:30/11:00 - only leaving because Dustin had to go to his own job. This time of year is so hard on everyone and it's been exceptionally difficult this year with all the sickness we've had. So I decided that not only did I need to spend the evening with my kids (and my new best friends), I needed to leave a little early from work and take a breather.
So, while I was doing my first loads of laundry the kids took a shower in Josh's bathroom. We've spent the rest of the evening in the family room playing games and finger painting...and it was EXACTLY what I needed.
Tomorrow's a new day and my work isn't going anywhere.
My new best friends!
I am in love. And even though it's a "new" relationship, I have a feeling my love for them will only grow with time. ;-)
Dustin and I decided that we could no longer waste our limited free time on laundry - not to mention our money on water and electricity for 15+ loads a week. It had gotten completely out of control and if I didn't do a load or two throughout the week and he didn't do a load or two throughout the week, our entire weekend would be dictated by dirty clothes. So I started doing my research and went to Sears on Saturday. We got the greatest service EVER. The manager talked to us for over 30 minutes and was so helpful. I knew he knew what I was going through when he told me they had five kids and his wife ran an in-home daycare! He was extremely informative and had me sold.
BUT, I had to shop around for prices now that I knew what I wanted.
So after I went into work on Sunday we went to Lowe's and immediately left. Horrible service and less than spectacular pricing.
Dustin suggested that as long as we were heading back to Sears we should stop by Best Buy. And thank God we did!
Best Buy ended up having the next model up on sale for the price of the one we were looking at at Sears!!!! We weren't impressed with the service at Best Buy and we knew that the follow-up service would be better at Sears so we decided to head over to Sears and see if they'd price match.
And they did! Plus 10% of the difference! Then we got another 5% off because we had a Sears card! So we got an $1,113 washer and a $1,097 dryer for around $725 a piece!
I will probably be up until 1:00 am doing laundry...but I am enjoying every minute of it!!!
Now...if I could only get Dustin to finish the laundry room remodel.
Jackpot!!!!
I went in the office at my usual time (very, very early) on Saturday but stayed a few hours later than I normally do. So by the time I got home I pretty much collapsed into bed and took a quick nap. I woke up in time to go to dinner with the family and we all headed to bed early.
And that was Saturday for me. Fun, fun.
Sunday morning we got up, went to church and went out for brunch. On the drive home I told Dustin that I didn't want to stay stuck in the house all afternoon working. I wanted to get out. If I sat at home I'd just feel like I should be doing laundry or cleaning and I didn't want to do that.
So I said, "Let's go to Williamsburg!"
Dustin was game so we raced home, changed and hopped back in the car. There were a ton of sales going on and I cleaned up at The Children's Place, Carters and Old Navy!!
They had all their summer clothes on sale and I got some adorable outfits for the kids! I know it's a little early to buy shorts, but let me tell you, buying all those sleeveless shirts and shorts has me excited for spring and summer!
Dustin got some new jeans for work but he also got some new running shoes. He's decided that he wants to start running again! He wants to run a few races this summer and thought a new pair of running shoes would help get him started.
As soon as we sorted through all our goodies, Lauren decided to try on a few things!
And then Ella wanted to get in on the action!
I have to tell you, an afternoon out of town was exactly what I/we needed. We had such a wonderful time together and everyone was in such a good mood.
And to top it off, I got to have a proud moment as a parent...
We were all leaving the Carter store and Josh opened the door for us. Dustin exited first with Ella in the stroller and I followed behind with my bags in one hand and Lauren's hand in my other.
Dustin, the girls and I kept walking on to the next store and I looked behind to see Josh letting go of the door to run and catch up with us.
He started to run to us, stopped and ran back. I about hollered to him to catch up when I saw a young mother heading to the door pushing a stroller. As soon as she got close enough he opened the door for her and smiled.
My heart melted.
He is the BEST kid. Ever.
I yelled to Dustin to see him and I swear the pride in his eyes was visible.
It was such a great moment....and a perfect afternoon.
And that was Saturday for me. Fun, fun.
Sunday morning we got up, went to church and went out for brunch. On the drive home I told Dustin that I didn't want to stay stuck in the house all afternoon working. I wanted to get out. If I sat at home I'd just feel like I should be doing laundry or cleaning and I didn't want to do that.
So I said, "Let's go to Williamsburg!"
Dustin was game so we raced home, changed and hopped back in the car. There were a ton of sales going on and I cleaned up at The Children's Place, Carters and Old Navy!!
They had all their summer clothes on sale and I got some adorable outfits for the kids! I know it's a little early to buy shorts, but let me tell you, buying all those sleeveless shirts and shorts has me excited for spring and summer!
Dustin got some new jeans for work but he also got some new running shoes. He's decided that he wants to start running again! He wants to run a few races this summer and thought a new pair of running shoes would help get him started.
As soon as we sorted through all our goodies, Lauren decided to try on a few things!
And then Ella wanted to get in on the action!
I have to tell you, an afternoon out of town was exactly what I/we needed. We had such a wonderful time together and everyone was in such a good mood.
And to top it off, I got to have a proud moment as a parent...
We were all leaving the Carter store and Josh opened the door for us. Dustin exited first with Ella in the stroller and I followed behind with my bags in one hand and Lauren's hand in my other.
Dustin, the girls and I kept walking on to the next store and I looked behind to see Josh letting go of the door to run and catch up with us.
He started to run to us, stopped and ran back. I about hollered to him to catch up when I saw a young mother heading to the door pushing a stroller. As soon as she got close enough he opened the door for her and smiled.
My heart melted.
He is the BEST kid. Ever.
I yelled to Dustin to see him and I swear the pride in his eyes was visible.
It was such a great moment....and a perfect afternoon.
1st Birthday
This weekend was Reagan's first birthday party! I was stuck at work so Dustin and the kids went up to Cedar Falls to celebrate with the rest of the family. Fortunately, Dustin thought to bring the camera. Unfortunately, he doesn't know how to use the zoom or notice that people's shoulders are blocking the shot.
So this is about all you'll get...
The kids had an absolute blast and were so excited to see Reagan! The whole week Lauren kept talking about going to Reagan's house.
I cannot believe it was already a year ago we all headed up there to meet her for the first time. Some days it feels like it was just yesterday and some days it feels like she's been with us forever!
Hope you had a GREAT birthday, Reagan!
So this is about all you'll get...
The kids had an absolute blast and were so excited to see Reagan! The whole week Lauren kept talking about going to Reagan's house.
I cannot believe it was already a year ago we all headed up there to meet her for the first time. Some days it feels like it was just yesterday and some days it feels like she's been with us forever!
Hope you had a GREAT birthday, Reagan!
At least they're sharing.
I'm trying to put a positive spin on it all.
Lauren woke up around 11:00 last night coughing, well, barking. Ah yes, that all familiar sound followed by wheezing. To be honest, technically it wasn't her cough that woke me, it was Dustin yelling, "Son of a #%^&!" after he heard her cough. (All these illnesses are getting a little old for mom and dad, hence the frustration.)
I woke up to her having a nasty coughing fit and vomiting for the better part of a half of an hour. Then I stayed up (with toothpicks holding my eyelids) for another hour and a half to listen to her breathing with one hand on the phone to call for midnight babysitting services if I felt I should go to the ER.
About the time I felt comfortable falling back asleep Ella started coughing so hard that she woke herself up and began crying. I went in to lay by her for awhile and ended up falling asleep on the floor. Once my arms had fallen asleep I woke back up, went back to my bed only to get lost in a dream and some beautiful music. About five minutes later I realized it was my alarm going off (on the classical station) and not my dream. **sigh**
I'd say I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired but that's not entirely true. I'm sick of the kids being sick and I'm tired of me being tired.
Dustin and I just got back from the doctor's with the girls.
And as a side note, Lauren has been to the doctor at least once a week for the whole month of February. That's got to be SOME kind of record, right?
Back to the doctor's office - Ella has fluid on the ear in one ear. She also has a very nasty cough, though not croup yet. So, we are to start up breathing treatments until her cough is completely gone - which at this rate could be May.
Lauren has the same thing except a bit worse. So she is now on steroids (again) and breathing treatments (again).
I'm willing to bet my Federal Income Tax Refund on the fact that these kids will finally be over all this sickness.....on April 16th.
Lauren woke up around 11:00 last night coughing, well, barking. Ah yes, that all familiar sound followed by wheezing. To be honest, technically it wasn't her cough that woke me, it was Dustin yelling, "Son of a #%^&!" after he heard her cough. (All these illnesses are getting a little old for mom and dad, hence the frustration.)
I woke up to her having a nasty coughing fit and vomiting for the better part of a half of an hour. Then I stayed up (with toothpicks holding my eyelids) for another hour and a half to listen to her breathing with one hand on the phone to call for midnight babysitting services if I felt I should go to the ER.
About the time I felt comfortable falling back asleep Ella started coughing so hard that she woke herself up and began crying. I went in to lay by her for awhile and ended up falling asleep on the floor. Once my arms had fallen asleep I woke back up, went back to my bed only to get lost in a dream and some beautiful music. About five minutes later I realized it was my alarm going off (on the classical station) and not my dream. **sigh**
I'd say I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired but that's not entirely true. I'm sick of the kids being sick and I'm tired of me being tired.
Dustin and I just got back from the doctor's with the girls.
And as a side note, Lauren has been to the doctor at least once a week for the whole month of February. That's got to be SOME kind of record, right?
Back to the doctor's office - Ella has fluid on the ear in one ear. She also has a very nasty cough, though not croup yet. So, we are to start up breathing treatments until her cough is completely gone - which at this rate could be May.
Lauren has the same thing except a bit worse. So she is now on steroids (again) and breathing treatments (again).
I'm willing to bet my Federal Income Tax Refund on the fact that these kids will finally be over all this sickness.....on April 16th.
And this is what gets me through...
the long hours at the office. Admittedly, when I'm having a long day I check the blog just to look at the pictures.
I give you my heart.
Valentine's Day is always a lost holiday on me. Well, I take that back...it's a lost holiday for those I love. While I am showered with gifts from my sweet hubby and my adoring kids they, in return, get something I pick up at Walgreen's on my way home from working all weekend. Hardly seems fair because the cheap trinkets I get them in no way represent how much I love and care for them. I guess it's just one of those things they'll have to learn to deal with during the throws of tax season.
In the meantime, my husband went ahead and let me sleep in on Sunday and I woke up to him making us all breakfast.
I'm not sure what Ella liked more - her card or her animal crackers!
Lauren couldn't get over how her chocolate's eyes kept following her.
Dustin and I went to the same place in Iowa City that we had gone last year. It was funny to think that just a year ago I was eight months pregnant with Ella. And instead of feeling sad about that, I was sad that aside from my Christmas party, it had been a year since Dustin and I had gone out...just the two of us.
Now that's depressing.
In the meantime, my husband went ahead and let me sleep in on Sunday and I woke up to him making us all breakfast.
I'm not sure what Ella liked more - her card or her animal crackers!
Lauren couldn't get over how her chocolate's eyes kept following her.
Dustin and I went to the same place in Iowa City that we had gone last year. It was funny to think that just a year ago I was eight months pregnant with Ella. And instead of feeling sad about that, I was sad that aside from my Christmas party, it had been a year since Dustin and I had gone out...just the two of us.
Now that's depressing.
The Bricker Wing
That's what they'll call it. You know...our own wing at Mercy Hospital.
After my horendous fifteen hour day at work I met Dustin at Mercy Hospital at 10:00 at night to get a piece of Valentine's candy out of Lauren's nose.
As my father said, "Well, it's certainly never dull at your house."
After my horendous fifteen hour day at work I met Dustin at Mercy Hospital at 10:00 at night to get a piece of Valentine's candy out of Lauren's nose.
As my father said, "Well, it's certainly never dull at your house."
Bouncy
Ella climbed up on the Lauren's trampoline this morning and Lauren thought she would help her try it out. Turns out...Ella loves it!!
My First "Pretties"
"I'm so excited! My first official hair pretties!"
"I'm still your little girl, right Daddy?"
"Being a girl is so much fun!"
"I'm still your little girl, right Daddy?"
"Being a girl is so much fun!"
Double Duty
At first glimpse this looks like a complete mess.
But in all reality they are not only filling the dog's food bowl, they are keeping themselves busy while I make dinner. It's like a two for one...and also why I buy dog food with no fillers, because I'm pretty sure Ella ate more of Mattie's dinner than her own that night.
Blech!
But in all reality they are not only filling the dog's food bowl, they are keeping themselves busy while I make dinner. It's like a two for one...and also why I buy dog food with no fillers, because I'm pretty sure Ella ate more of Mattie's dinner than her own that night.
Blech!
