A Smashing Good Time {Part One}

I'm not a big Saturday poster, but we're back home this week, and I'm hanging out with the Dude while he naps.  That we he actually, you know, naps.

His big birthday is on Monday, so my head has been spinning with ideas for celebrating.  We've pretty much decided to pump him as full as sugar as possible, and then no doubt wonder why he won't nap.

On the Sunbean's first birthday, we took her to Picture People to have a 'cake smash' photo.  It was such a fun, fun thing and I just love those photos {and the memories!}, so we decided to make that an official first-birthday tradition.

Since I don't take my kids to stupid photo places anymore, I'm going to just take them on my own.

We obviously went the giant cupcake route with the Sunbean, but I decided not to mess with it for Little Dude.  Since we're not at our house, making something this elaborate wouldn't really work out.  So here's my inspiration for his smash cake {all from Pinterest}.

I really love the layer cake with the fluffy icing, but MacGyver likes the middle photo the best.  I made a cute little banner, too.  We'll see how mine actually turns out.  I have a really good skill of creating things based on Pinterest ideas that look nothing like the inspiration.

I'll make sure I post the pics from the cake smash!

School Days

Well, we opened up a new chapter of our lives yesterday.  The little Sunbean started preschool.

She's 3 1/2, but will be able to start kindergarten just after she turns 5.  When I realized that {in January}, I started exploring preschool options for next school year, so that she'd get a year of preschool under her belt.    I guess preschool is like college in these parts, because she was wait-listed everywhere.

On a whim, I decided to call our school district to find out exactly where she stood on the list.  I happened to get a lovely woman on the phone, who got my little lady signed up to fill an empty spot right away.  Now her spot for next year is guaranteed, and she gets an extra few months of school.  I really feel like we won the lottery on this one.

She's a 'peer model' for the preschool, which serves students with IEPs.  I think it will be a perfect fit for us.  Every single person I've spoken to has been absolutely fantastic.

It certainly tugged on my heartstrings to see my baby girl with a backpack on, walking into a school.  She's so ready for this....so I guess I am, too!  I loved the big smile and giant hug I got when I picked her up.

Next stop:  room mother extraordinaire!

Sibling Love

I'm so thankful these cuties love each other.  They love to play and snuggle.  They both willingly share {for the most part} and put up with each other's less-than-lovely moments.

And they both love to snuggle.  Sometimes, when it's just a rough night for one of them, I let them have a little sleep-snuggle.

Sweet babies.

On the flip side, right now is supposed to be nap time, and really it's let's-lay-in-our-beds-and-make-each-other-laugh-instead-of-sleep time.

Back to Reality

We've been in sunny Florida for the past week.  It was so lovely.

My kids were fantastic, the weather was beautiful, and the company was wonderful.

We spent some time in central Florida with my grandma, and then headed to the gulf coast to stay with my grandpa and grandma.  Florida is the place to be for my grandparents {not a complaint}.

My kids were spoiled by the plethora of grandparents {we traveled with my mom, too}, and I enjoyed having a few moments here and there to myself {I started and finished a book}.

It was such a fun break from the everyday, and I so love taking my littles to the beach.  There's just something therapeutic about it.

More pics to come.

Monday Hodge-Podge

 

• First and foremost, it's Sleep Week here at the homestead.  Both of my kids have naughty, naughty sleep habits.  I've reached my breaking point, so this week is going to be rough.  For Little Dude, he's learning how to put himself to sleep.  So far, we're doing great.  He fussed for his morning nap, but fell asleep on his own and in his bed.  We did this with the Sunbean at 4 months, so we're a little behind with the dude.  But he's doing great!  As for the Sunbean, she's still using a pacifier {insert guilty mommy look here}.  I know.  It's ridiculous.  She's just such a good sleeper {12 hours at night + a 2-3 hour nap} that I hate to mess it up.  But it's time {it's been time for 2 years...}.  So for FHE tonight we're sewing her pacis inside her favorite stuffed animal.  Here's hoping she doesn't tear open the animal tonight.
• Have I told you about my calling?  I teach the 10-year-old Sunday School class.  The kids are way smart, and I have to work really hard on my lessons to occupy them for the full hour.  But the really incredible part is after my lesson when I go with them to Singing Time.  These kids are like some kind of elite choir.  They all sing {even all of the boys!} and they all harmonize.  The music leader teaches even the 3-year-olds melody and harmony.  It's so amazing to sit there and listen.
• I'm getting excited about Valentine's Day.  I know that sounds odd, but I remember holidays being a really big deal when I was a kid.  It occurred to me the other day that it's my job to create that for my littles.  So the Sunbean is getting jazzed for another holiday {she loooooved the Christmas season}.  I've got some fun meal ideas, and I ordered some super cute things on etsy.
• MacGyver and I have decided to get serious about getting rid of this 'happy weight' we have.  You know, the weight you gain when you get married and happy and comfortable and have no one to impress.  Since January 2nd, we've both lost 7 pounds.  Go us.
• Do you have an iPhone?  You need the camera+ app.  It's so amazing.
• On Saturday, we spent the whole day at our friends' house.  You know, the ones who have 3-year-old twins and 4-month-old triplets.  Our 'baby gift' to them was to paint the less-than-appealing wood paneling in their family room.  Wow.  What a day.  Our painting 'plan' is always for MacGyver to do the rolling and I do the cutting in {trim work}.  So, I ended up doing 2 coats of cutting in and then 2 coats on all of the crown moulding and baseboard.  My body still aches!  Aside from that, the triplets {who are usually such mild-mannered babes} were having a bit of an off day.  And then you factor in that we had 7 children 3 and under in one house for the whole day....well, 'loud' is an understatement.  But we had such fun hanging out with our friends all day, and the room just looks great.  Such an improvement.
• We visited the local science museum on Friday, COSI.  It's so great.  The second level is devoted entirely to children in kindergarten and younger.  Like, if you have an older kid with you, they can't come in.  It was awesome to just let the Sunbean explore and do her thing.  Not awesome?  Carrying around my 22-pound 7-month-old for 3 hours.

Happy Monday to you!

The Sunbean is a Sunbeam

Most of you probably know where we get the nickname 'Sunbean'.  There is an LDS children's song with the lyrics "Jesus Wants Me For A Sunbeam".  When the Sunbean was small, she would sing 'sunbean' instead.

Yesterday, it became official.  She's a real Sunbeam now.  When a child is 3 on January 1st, they start going to Sunday School, and the class is called 'Sunbeams'.  She's not in preschool yet, so this is her first foray into organized education.

I really thought she'd march right in without any problems, but she was actually pretty hesitant.  There were a few tears shed, but thankfully her favorite teacher was there to save the day.

I teach the 10-year-old Sunday School class, so I saw her about midway through, and she was doing great.  When I picked her up after church was over, this is what she had to say, "Primary was fun!!  At first I was sad, but then I got happy.  And I got a book and stamps and snacks."

So the Sunbean is a Sunbeam.  And growing up so fast.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

I'm thankful for so many things, but above all, my sweet children and husband.

And now, for your Thanksgiving entertainment, I present to you.....

Family Home Evening

When it comes to living the gospel, there are so many things that we are so bad at.  But one thing we've really been enjoying lately is Family Home Evening.  Basically, we set aside one evening a week to spend as a family.  We typically sing some songs, have a quick lesson, and then play a game or make a craft.  Oh, and treats.  Always treats.

The Sunbean has really been getting into FHE the past few months, and it is so cute.  She gets so excited on Mondays, and loves to help me think of a game or craft.  Her favorite treat is to put some chocolate chips in muffin cups for everyone.  Love that girly.

Yesterday, we made some little pinecone Christmas trees.  They absolutely didn't turn out cute at all, but it was fun to craft with my family.

I just wanted to take a minute to remember this little moment.  Lately I've been feeling like time is zipping by...I know that all too soon I'll be wishing for these crazy days of laundry and messy faces and sticky floors.

Homebucks

It should come as no surprise to you that I've completely trained my 3-year-old to love Starbucks.  It is our easiest bribery tool, and also works well for rewards.  And snacks.  And lunch.

The Sunbean at a tea party at Starbucks on her 3rd birthday.

Sometimes, she gets a hankering for Starbucks when it just isn't possible to go, like when our fun money is spent for the week or on a Sunday.  So MacGyver and I play a little game called 'Homebucks'.  We make a 'brown milk' and eat a treat.

This last Sunday, it was me who needed the Homebucks.  I really wanted one of those giant oatmeal cookies from Starbucks.  A little Pinterest-addiction later, and I found this recipe.  Oh man, it was a dead ringer for Starbucks.  I even made them giant-size.  I used the berry medley from Trader Joe's, instead of the raisin/cranberry mix the recipe calls for.

They were so tasty.  I'm only a tiny bit embarrassed to tell you that between MacGyver and I, we ate the entire batch on Sunday night.  Calories don't count on Sundays.

It's Genetic

 Me, 1984

The Sunbean, 2009

 

Little Dude, Yesterday

What can I say?  Socks are tasty.

The Pumpkin Project

 

Sunday in the Park

 Yesterday after church, we took the kids to a local park.  There are a ton of parks around here, and I love this one because it is almost always deserted and it has some great scenery for photos.  Here's a few I took yesterday.

I sure do love these people.

One Thing I'll Miss

There's lots about this town I'll miss.

We have so many great friends in our life here, and so many family members close by.

But here's one thing I'll miss:  fun nights out with fun friends.

 This particular friend happens to be a photographic genius.  He snapped these with a Polaroid camera.  He's the only person I know that actually has one of those.

This is my new favorite ever.  Their crazy boys, and my sweet Sunbean, just enjoying a summer night.

We finished the evening by staying up way too late and laughing way too hard at things that are barely funny.  The best kind of friends to have.

Household Happenings

• We went back to the lake again this week.  I guess that's what summer is all about.
• This week we need to make a major life decision about MacGyver's {future} job.  Seriously so stressful.  I'm thankful we can pray about it and receive some guidance, but it's still weighing heavily on both our minds.  We need to decide by Friday, so this weekend we'll be celebrating either way.  I just want this week to be over.
• Little Dude is so big.  Like, 6-12 month clothes.  He's not yet 3 months.
• I got my hair done last week.  It was so great.  It was also the first time I'd been more than one room away from baby boy.  We both survived.
• Sunday was Ward Conference.  It was so great.  I loved the meeting beforehand, and got some good inspiration for Primary.
• The Sunbean loves Wonder Pets.  Therefore, I love Wonder Pets.  In fact, this blog post was brought to you by the Wonder Pets.
• All I can think about is bullet point #2.
• Today we're delivering Primary treats, doing laundry, and cleaning the floors.  You're jealous of my life.

Happy Hump Day!

Hard to Believe

It's hard to believe that three summers ago, I held my first baby for the first time.

Birth.

 

1st Birthday.

2nd Birthday.

3rd Birthday
 

Being her mom is the best thing ever.

*************************

I took embarrassingly few photos on her actual birthday and the day of her party, but we all had a wonderful weekend.

We started the day with a tea party at Starbucks {yep, with the pink and purple Fisher Price tea set}, and then headed up to the lake.

The Sunbean spent the weekend enjoying her new toys and hanging out with friends + family.

Happy Birthday, baby girl.

Cuh-razy

That pretty much sums up life this week.  Things are nuts around here.

For starters, I'm prepping for this little lady's 3rd birthday.

Birthdays are akin to national holidays around here, so it takes mucho planning/preparation for a birthday in our home.

On a birthday-related note, I've been attempting to get a decent set of 3-year photographs of my darling daughter.  She is such a goon, that it has taken several shoots {though the monsoon that occurred during last night's shoot was hardly her fault}, but I think we got 'er done this morning.

So there's that.  And then, such a great surprise, these folks are coming into town on Friday.

So there's the cleaning, and organizing, and furniture-arranging that always comes with welcoming some houseguests.

Oh, and on Saturday we're having a party for the Sunbean.  So shopping, decorating, cleaning, sewing, baking.

And Saturday is also the farmer's market day for my biz.  That means that every spare second I'm sewing, crafting, bow-making.

And let's not forget this little guy, who has seemingly forgotten how to sleep for more than 2 hours at a time, or while laying down.  Apparently he must be held at all times.  Cute though, huh?

So now I'm off to clean/sew/bake/edit photos/do laundry/watch Netflix.

Summer Lovin'

Cross a few things off the summer bucket list....we've been camping in Michigan and took a few several way too many boat rides for ice cream.

The Sunbean always gets 'mixed up', which is preschool-speak for Superman ice cream.

We jumped in the lake with Bampa,

and had lots of time for playing at the beach.

My family has been camping here since my dad was young, and it's just an essential part of summer for me.  We had so much fun that we're headed back this week!

A Big Loser

Yep, this is my official post-baby weight loss post.  I tried for at least 20 minutes to find a photo of myself to use as my 'goal', but apparently I do not take photos of myself.  It's just as well.  Here's the best I found:

Little Baby Sunbean and I getting a pedicure.

This time around, I have an incentive program, a la 'The Biggest Loser'.  Well, unless you're from this silly town...they have a contest called 'The Smallest Winner'.  It just doesn't have the same ring to it.  But then again, naming things isn't our forte.  After all, our minor-league baseball team is the TinCaps, and we tried to name a building the Harry Baals Building.  Honestly.

Anyway, MacGyver found out that our insurance company offers a pretty suh-weet incentive program to lose weight.  Since I gain an exorbitant amount of weight while pregnant, I actually meet the requirements of the program.

Here's the skinny (pun intended).  If I lose 10% of my body weight, I will get $500.  Yep, $500.  Then, if I keep it off for a year, I'll get an additional $1,000.  That's $1,500 for being healthy.  Um, yes please.

So at my 6-week checkup, I had my doc fax in the form, and I got enrolled.  She actually wants to see me again next month, so my goal is to have lost the 10% by then.  The insurance company doesn't impose any time limits on losing the 10%, but I'm going back to the doctor anyway, so it would just be easier if I could have her fill out the paper while I'm already there.

So how awesome is this?  Not only am I going to be getting back to my old self, but I'm getting paid to do it!  Hello, new wardrobe!

Fourth Festivities

 

 Well, you know how I adore making festive outfits for my little ones.  Having two just means they get to match.  This is what having kids is all about for type-a mommas like me.  I also made matching Sunday outfits, too, though Little Dude's didn't exactly turn out.  The Sunbean's was cute, though.

 On Saturday, we went to a parade in the town where my grandma lives.  I've gone to this parade for as long as I can remember.  It just doesn't feel like the 4th of July without this little lake-town celebration.  The Sunbean just thought it was loud.

It's been strange the past few years, without gathering to celebrate my grandpa's birthday.  His birthday was on the 5th, but he died on the 2nd a few years ago.  I have many happy memories of packing the lake cottage full of family.  It's different now, but we just can't miss this parade.

 Since the Sunbean is cute + sitting in a relatively kid-free area + sitting at the end of the parade, we got a haul of candy.  It was actually a little overwhelming for my pint-size tot, and she started crying because she couldn't pick it all up.  Aaaaaaadorable.

For the rest of the weekend, we grilled out with friends, played fun card games, taught sharing time, bought a tent off of craigslist, went camping in Michigan {where the Sunbean was in her first-ever golf cart parade}, had another cookout with family, and then went to fireworks.

Phew.  We're tired.