Plums 1st Birthday!

Noel turns one today, at 4:51 pm to be exact. It’s crazy to think that a year ago I was in the hospital waiting to meet my baby girl. I remember wanting to be as prepared as possible; I wanted her to be able look back on her baby pictures without thinking her mom looked like a wreck or that she had just given birth for that matter. I know Dylan won’t care, he might not even look at his pictures, but I have a feeling Noel will. So I got a pink mani/pedi, I woke up early to do my make-up, and throughout my labor I applied lip gloss. I know this was a frivolous concern to have in a time like labor, but to me I felt as if I was about to meet the Queen of England. My feelings were spot on; Noel now rules our home with a tiny iron fist.


It turned out that Noel’s labor was quick and painless… though the six months following weren’t. Just as Dylan embarked on the terrible two’s I gave birth to the loudest (but sweetest and cutest) crying kid one could imagine. Looking back, I think it might have been exhaustion, but at the time I thought she cried non- stop! It’s all very foggy, but at one point I felt homesick for the hospital… those nurses took such good care of us and the hospital had cable. Plum and I would catch up on shows and it was just like a mini vay-kay!

A year later, and six months of actually sleeping through the night, I have found new perspective. The first thing I learned was that you never know who you are going to get. You can dream up whoever you want, but God has dreamed up someone better. Children come with their own spirits, dispositions and surprises. Some things about my Plum cake that really surprise me are…

• She walks very well & very fast. She has mastered the art of running away when she gets caught with her “hand in the cookie jar”.

• She amuses herself. She keeps very busy by making huge messes and trying to eat inedible things like drywall and dust particles floating in a ray of sunlight.

• She startles easy so when you catch her, she jumps and runs while giggling.

• She snores, which is really cute.

• She loves getting into my make-up (my tools) and I love that she wants to be with me while I’m getting ready.

• She refuses to eat baby food. She wants to eat what her brother is eating.

• She loves Mickey Mouse. She lights up when she hears his voice.

• She growls when she’s mad

• She loves Dylan and laughs at him, which encourages his behavior!

• She takes 1 nap a day which is sometimes less than 45 minutes. (AAAAAAHHH)

• She will find a way to get dirty in 5 minutes while her brother can look spotless for days.

• She doesn’t want to cuddle; she wants to go go go.

• She is a Ma ma’s girl and I love that.

• She is shy with new people

• She wants to do everything herself…like brush her hair & teeth. She wants to feed herself and take her own diaper off. Cute & frustrating!

• She sleeps through the night!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• She hates going to bed, baby food, getting out of the bath, getting her diaper changed, and being hungry or should I say not being completely full.

• She loves jewelry, music, shoes, chocolate, trying to stand on her head, bouncing, climbing on her brothers bed and bouncing some more, wrestling with dad, taking bubble baths, her glow worm, and being chased.



But the biggest surprise is how we ever lived without her. Noel fills our home with her own special light. She truly was sent from up above. Happy Birthday Plum we are so grateful you were born.

True Love

The other night I could not get Dylan to bed. He barely had one nap so I knew he was tired, but he resisted with all his might. I couldn’t understand what he needed. He was fed, bathed, teeth were brushed, stories were read, he had his blanket, glow worm and thousands of kisses. He would wave goodnight as I closed the door and just when I thought the night was mine I would hear little footsteps followed by a tiny voice saying “mommy, buzz” as in Buzz light year. After the tenth time I gave in. It was late and we were both tired, but I didn’t have any more energy to put him back to bed. We sat on the couch, Dylan watching Toy Story and me watching him because that is cuter than the movie itself. Soon enough I heard the door unlock and to both of our relief Dad was home. When Corbet came through the door our Cub got off the couch, with blanket in tow, and slowly scuffed over to his Dad. I watched in amazement as Corbet picked Dylan up. The little boy in footed pajama’s who had fought sleep all night simply put his head on his Dad’s shoulder and in seconds fell asleep. I then understood that Dylan didn’t need his glow worm or his blanket, or maybe even my kisses. What he needed was his Dad and from the looks of it, his Dad needed him too. It’s funny how he can be naughty (he’s 2) all day, I mean this kid can really test me, but a moment like that can erase it all. I was tired; we all were, but that moment was not lost on me. I was looking at Corbet and Dylan thinking… this is what true love is.

I’m Grateful …
For caramel… it is so GOOD! Whoever invented it… I owe you one!
For living in the land of opportunity
For the ability to laugh everyday
For good music
For Pinterest (I don’t have to cut out pictures in magazines and glue them in my journal anymore!!!)

The Transfer

Dylan and Noel share a room; it is one of the awesome perks of living in a duplo. But, we can’t put them to bed in the same room because plum will see her brother and bounce around her crib all night. She is her brother’s biggest fan, even though he doesn’t share. Because of our amazing living circumstances we put Noel to bed in our room. This allows her to cry it out without disturbing the neighbors. What can I say it’s a win win. Cub gets to sleep cuddling his glow worn and cars while Plum exercises her opinion in another room.

There is one thing about this situation that I just love. It is what Corbet and I call “the transfer”. When Corbet gets home from work at night he takes Plum from our room to hers. There are few things that warm my heart more than seeing my husband so gently pick up our sugar plum, rock her, kiss her and look at her as if he has never seen anything so beautiful. He doesn’t rush “the transfer”; I can tell it’s the best part of his day. It doesn’t matter how tired he is or how ready for bed he is, the transfer is sacred.

Kung Fu grip on that bottle...

Our Sweet Sugar Plum
Gratitude
· I got to talk to my cousin today
· We carved pumpkins
· Corbet took Dylan to play for a few hours
· Plum is feeding herself (though she thinks everything is edible)
· Halloween is on Monday!
· I love teaching the 12 & 13 year old girls at church
· At the moment my house is clean
· Christmas is coming!

The Red Luggage

In my eighteen year old mind I could not understand the desire my mom had for red luggage. In the Peterson home it was a regular topic of conversation. There was no mystery about what mom wanted for Christmas and Santa Dennis (my dad) delivered. My mom was so happy; you would have thought a free trip came with that luggage. To my mom the red luggage represented a world of possibilities. She dreamed of taking this luggage on cruises and trips, adventure was calling. After all, her youngest (me) was about to graduate high school and leave for college… her and my dad were free! As always my mom was prepared; she had the luggage tags filled out and a pretty ribbon tied around the handle for easy identification at the airport. Needless to say my mom was ready for a vacation and we all knew she deserved it.

The time came for me to leave for college. To my parent’s surprise (and mine) I chose a college across the country. The night before we were to leave for Virginia I was a mess… I was trying to cram all my belongings into an old suitcase. I was so afraid I’d get there and then find I forgot something I needed. That is what I told myself anyway but the truth was I was afraid I’d get there and realize I still needed my parents. Was I a big enough girl to be on my own? I’m sure my mom saw right through my façade, but instead of telling me so she wheeled in her brand new, never been used, beloved red luggage. She smiled and said, “I want you to take this to college”.

I will never forget that moment. I felt two distinct feelings: One, I didn’t deserve this luggage and two, she did. To both of us that luggage represented adventure and she was handing me her adventure. Though I was eighteen and at times selfish, her sacrifice was not lost on me. Her and my Dad had worked hard so that I could go to college and now she is giving me her luggage to do it. We made it to Virginia and once I was all settled in my parents had to leave. I have not forgotten my parent’s faces as they were leaving. I could tell that they were as nervous to leave me as I was for them to leave. Nevertheless, college was a hit and true to the late bloomer I am, I hit my stride.

“The red” and I went on many adventures and weekend trips (some the rents didn’t know about… some they did). It took me back home many times. I took the red on my most beloved mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It came with me on my honeymoon and even to the hospital for the birth of my first child.

When I look back at some of the best moments of my life, I got there holding my mom’s red luggage and in essence I was holding my mom. My mom couldn’t be with me in college, on my mission or my honeymoon (definitely not my honeymoon), but she sent her luggage. I never stopped thinking of “The Red” as my mom’s luggage because I knew in my heart that it belonged to her, but she gave it to me so willingly and with the hope that I would have my own adventures.

Sunday Antics

On the Sunday’s that Corbet works I take the kids to church all by myself. This has proven a worthy challenge. I start mentally preparing by Wednesday. I start to envision getting the kids and myself ready and getting there on time which is at 9:00. Though, I have yet to make it on time on these Sunday’s it gives me something to work for. I try to be as prepared as possible. I pack the diaper bag the night before. I try to anticipate what Dylan will need; toy cars, a Sippy cup, a book and cookies for when I need something to bribe him with. I see the other mom’s bring healthy snacks and I try to do the same when Corbet is with me because his influence is enough to keep Dylan behaved, but when I am a lone reed I resort to bribery. (I’m not ashamed) Besides from packing the diaper bag, I lay out our clothes, bathe the kids the night before and prepare for a very simple breakfast.

Managing a two year old and infant at church for three hours has taught me to wear flats (yuck), tie my hair my back (not cute) and wear a long enough skirt so that when I bend over church goes don’t see London or France. Why flats you ask? Well I am no athlete, but I have learned that chasing a runaway Cub down the halls of the Lord’s house while holding Plum my catching time is best in flats!

The most challenging part of the whole day is getting the kids in and out of the car in one piece. Dylan loves to see me freak out when he puts his hands on dirty cars and wipes them on his clean slacks. Once we are in Church I can breathe a little. Today, we got to church at about 9:10 (our time in improving!) and we sat down in the very back row. That is another thing; I don’t try to a hero and sit close to the front. So anyway, we got there and things were going really good. Noel was content in her car seat and Dylan was sitting on my lap. Just as I was started to feel proud of myself (never a good idea) Noel burst into tears and Dylan takes off. I fumble to get Noel out of her car seat while I see the back of Dylan’s head getting smaller and smaller. By the time I get a hold of Noel, Dylan is up on the stand with the Bishop. When I go get him he starts laughing as do some of the congregation. I put on my patient mother face (which is all show), grab his hand and begin the long trek back to the nose bleed section where we belong. The rest of the first hour was a little fuzzy. I got the cookies out, took Dylan to the foyer for a little time out (so he could play with the water fountain) and managed to keep Noel from wanting to eat (which really is a modern day miracle). By the time Sacrament meeting was over, I was ready to pack the kids up and call it a day. I leaned to the mom sitting next to me, who also has a two year old and said, “I get why some churches send the kids to nursery even during the service, I think they are on to something.”

After the first meeting I take Dylan to Nursery for two hours so I can go to Sunday school and Relief Society. Usually he causes a big scene when I leave, which is pay back from my days of Pre-School (sorry Mrs. Pots and Mrs. Mole), but today he found a friend and trains and I was out the door. I still take Plum to both of my classes, but she is cake compared to Cub. Today she has unusually loud gas, which is uncomfortable for both of us. I don’t want to throw her under the bus and point to her when she relieves herself, but I don’t want to take the blame either! Between class and a few trips to the mothers lounge to feed and change Noel time went pretty fast. By the time I got Dylan from Nursery and got to the car, I was so exhausted! This may not sound like much and believe me a lot of women do it with more kids, but I am a big baby and for me taking my ankle biters to church wears me out.

Today when we got home I fed them both and put them down for a nap. I couldn’t decide if I wanted a nap or to just enjoy the quiet … so I sat on the couch and pondered the reasons I take my kids to church when for the most part it seems like a big chore. As always I found more reasons to go than to stay home. I am trusting that the Lord knows my struggle and that he will bless me. I have faith that though my children are small, little seeds of faith are being planted in their heart. I also can’t lie, I pretend that Nursery is free babysitting and that the mothers lounge is a club where Mom’s can hang out and exchange tips (which is true). I also learn something every Sunday. Even with my noisy offspring I never go home empty. If there is one place where I feel understood, it is church because most of the women have done just what I have done and most times with more kids and then there is The Lord who never forgets our sacrifice, even if sometimes we forget his.

For more information where you can take your noisy kids to church go to http://www.mormon.org/
 
Gratitude:
• My parents and Grandma came to visit! They brought Dylan a Cars Table & Toy Box! He is one happy kid!


• We had a great weekend that involved the farmers market, a wiener dog race, a BBQ with the rents and Church of course!

• The weather has been beautiful!

• The flowers I got at the farmers market are holding up beautifully.

• Our neighbor’s party (huge party) only lasted until 12:30 last night. We thought it would be until at least 3:00. I saw him after church and though I was exhausted; I know I felt better than him today!

A Good Man

In my teen years I would be described as sassy at best or high maintenance as my dad would say (and still does). I think about the things I put my dad through and yet his patience was everlasting. For instance when I was fourteen/ fifteen my Dad took me to seminary (an early morning church class) every morning at 6:00 AM. He didn’t have to be into work that early, but he took me anyway because that is just the kinda Dad he is. Not only did he do this happily, but he would give me ten wake-up calls to get me there on time. Every morning resulted in me running to the car in a frenzied rush pom poms flying and the whole bit. I used his (Police) car visor mirror as my personal vanity. I was always amazed that by the time he dropped me off I hadn’t ruined his morning. In just a twenty minute ride many demands came from my glossed lips. “Dad, take the corners easy… I’m applying my mascara; do you have to tap on the steering wheel like that? Can you go faster, I’m gonna be late (like it’s his fault) I forgot my lunch, can I have lunch money… oh yeah and its picture day.” What can I say even coming from two (very) morning persons; I am not in the slightest a morning person. By the end of the car ride I was always expecting my dad to throw me out of the car while peeling out, blaring his oldies and yet everyday it went a little more like this “Have a good day kid.”

In a world of missing Fathers I am so grateful to report that mine was home every night for dinner and many nights helped prepare the dinner and clean the kitchen. I don’t think I ever stopped being sixteen in my Dads eyes and that’s okay with me. I have seen the same look in his eyes when I went away to college, went on a mission for my church, got married and had my babies… proud and yet shocked that I am in fact not sixteen anymore. He still doesn’t want me to be cold, hungry, drive in the dark or rain (or at all), climb ladders, lift heavy objects, or cry. My Dad taught me lessons that no one else could have, but the most important lesson he taught me was what to expect from a man. I am the cliché (and happy to be) of the girl who married a man like her Father. How grateful I am to be my Father’s daughter.

Gratitude

• For my Dad, he really is the best.

• For my husband and the wonderful (really wonderful) Dad that he is to our children.

• For my Father in-law. He really is like a Father to me.

• For Father’s day, a day to reflect the good men in our lives.

Cubs don’t take sick days!

This last week Corbet, Dylan, Noel and I all got colds, the kind of cold that allows the whole family to stay in their pajamas and watch court T.V guilt free. (Side note I love “In Session”, always have. The Casey Anthony trail is gripping and I am sucker for justice) The saying that Mom’s don’t get a sick day is true but it should also be noted that two year olds work right on through their sick day. I have had no energy and though Dylan has had the same cold as me his energy in more than intact. Somehow in my declining state I missed; him throwing a whole box of infant q-tips down the heater, pumping and pumping and pumping hand sanitizer on his little hands then wiping it in his hair. (Corby thinks I had this one coming with my “so called” excessive use of the best invention ever!) I have also had to stop the dishwasher 3 or 4 times today. If there is a button he will press it. In fact I woke up this morning to the TV blaring and an enthusiastic shout for cars the movie, which is his new obsession. I sure am glad he is sleeping in a toddler bed so he can get out whenever he pleases. It never fails when I go to check on him before I go to bed; I have to remove the twenty trucks he got out of bed to get while he should have been sleeping. It is also really convenient to have my 5 month old and 2 year old sharing a room, especially when he wants to turn the light on and play trucks at 11:00 pm. That and him throwing his blocks in his sister’s crib has made me consider hollowing out a closest and putting his big boy bed in there.


I had to run to the store today even in my broken down state. It was one of those times when you just pray no one you know is there, but everyone you know is there. Every time I saw someone I knew, I wanted to shout “OH hi, I look like I’m dead because I feel like it and my whole family is sick, oh and I have this two year old at home… oh and a baby that woke up all night, Yeah, good to see you too!” Anyway, when I got home from my head hanging shopping experience I noticed that Dylan had specks of black on his lips. I asked Corbet what had happened and it turns out that Dylan was using my mascara as a sucker. Corbet tried to put me at ease by saying “he thinks I will still be able to use it.” Um… have you ever heard of pink eye? No thanks! Dylan loves to get into my make-up (my tools as Corbet calls it) because everything has a lid and he loves to open and close things. Lucky for me my make-up table (my station as Corbet calls it) is just the right size for a two year old.



I have never understood that children’s cold medicine commercial that claims it won’t make your kids drowsy. Am I the only one that is looking for cold meds that in fact make my kid drowsy? All the good medicine your kid has to be four anyway… so instead I gave him a real fruit popsicle and let him play (make a mess) until he grabs his blanket, which is his little white flag that declares “I give up, I need a nap.” Some day’s the terrible two’s are in fact terrible, but I have tried to look at them through our Cub’s eyes. I don’t know what he was thinking with the q-tips or the mascara, but I can see his thought process with the sanitizer and starting the dishwasher and I know when he turned the TV on he expected to see Cars. It is pretty amazing to see our little boy trying to figure things out for himself. I try really hard (really hard) to stand back and allow him to figure things out. Here is what he has figured out recently.

• If he has done something wrong he will come give me a hug because he knows that is my weakness. I’m trying to be strong though.

• If he wants pretty much anything he just has to say please or in his case peez. For now it works, but this won’t last forever.

• He likes to throw trash ( and that is a broad term to him) in the garbage

• If he brings me his shoes and say’s shoes I will put them on him.

• That sister can’t have a bite of his cracker or a drink from his Sippy cup.

• He is doing so well with a fork and spoon!

• He can climb on his toy box and turn on the light. (We are moving the toy box)

• His crayons color more than just paper. (GREAT)

• He knows what side of the car his car seat is on and runs to it.

• If he throws water out of the bath tub, his tub time is OVER!



Gratitude

• I got to see Jessica Jean and her beautiful kids last week!

• Dylan and Noel are over their colds

• Noel has two bottom teeth coming in and she is not even fussy!

• When the kids and I stayed at my mother in-laws she took the kids so I could sleep in!

• Dylan loves brushing his teeth almost as much as I do!

Ode To My Big Sister

Today is my big sister’s Birthday and I just can’t help, but be sentimental about it. There is nothing like having a big sister and as my sister can tell you there is nothing like having a little sister/biggest fan. I was a pest there is no denying that, but only because to me she hung the moon. Happy Birthday Jennifer Jean, I am so grateful you were born and so grateful it was before me, so you could be my big sister. I love you.




Ode To My Big Sister,

Some kids have security blankets, stuffed animals or even a night light…I had a big sister. For the first six years of my life we shared a room, which was AMAZING (for me). J.J. and I would go to sleep listening to KLSY our favorite radio station. Well, it was my sister’s favorite and any favorite of Jenn’s was a favorite of mine. The nightly program was “lights out love songs” and boy were they ever. J.J. would sing to me until I fell into my little slumber and let me tell you, no one could sing the “Karate Kid” sound track like my sister.

Unfortunately those days came to a close. The worst news of my life was that my parents were building a four bedroom house, a room for each of us. WHAT? Are they trying to ruin my life? I tried to convince the big sis that having our own bedrooms was just a formality and that we could still sleep in the same room. But no can do, she was on board with my parents plan. Finally, she was getting her own room and even my subtle persuasions were not working on her. By subtle I mean… camping outside her door sitting in a mini lawn chair knocking incessantly in hope that she would warmly welcome me to sleep in her full sized bed (which was so cool!). Hours later, just when I thought my bruised knuckles couldn’t take another knock the door opened. With strict obedience I could come in for a snooze, which was great because I was exhausted! The rules were as followed, no talking, coughing or snuggling. It was a tall order, but I was going to do my best. I could refrain from talking and for the snuggling part… well she had to fall asleep sometime… I mean who doesn’t want to snuggle with their little sister anyway? The coughing was a little tricky, I mean geeze I had a cold. So there I was not talking, not snuggling, but my throat had an itch and my little seven year old strength could not keep that cough away. I prayed J. would take mercy which most of the time she did, but there were times when I was exiled, back at square one.

It seemed my parents would always get word of my attempts to have a roommate and they would send me back to my room. There was one thing I learned at a very young age which was that everyone falls asleep eventually. It was tough, but like a good soldier does I would wait until the hour were everyone was in their REM cycle and then ambush. There were many a mornings my sister would wake up to my smiling face and I must say I was always surprised she wasn’t as stoked to see me!

As my sister and I grew up I continued to pester her out of true loyalty. She was my best friend and I was her biggest fan! I will never forget the day my ship came in. We were school clothes shopping, just my sister, my mom and I. It was the 90’s so fashion was in its prime. J spotted the raddest outfit we both had ever seen. If only I were fifteen I would have picked it out for myself. It was official, the outfit would be in her fall line-up for school, “boy is she lucky” I thought. Then it was on to my size. There were the usual stretchy pants and spumoni sweatshirts. (They had scenes with animals doing everyday things such as gymnastics; my favorite was Noah’s arch on an airplane) Just as my line-up was looking very elementary, I laid my eyes on my future. There it was a mini version of the RAD outfit my sister had picked out. Could it be? Where my eyes playing ticks? I was thrilled, to say the least, and it got better, I was getting approval nods from my mom. This was happening; we were finally getting the chance to be twins!!! I tried to lay out the scene for my sister. We could wear them on the same day and take pictures and she could come see me at lunch so all my friends could see how cool, close and twin like we were. For some reason my sister was not buying it… and back on the rack her awesome outfit went. That is when I had to use my secret weapon… the tears. I told her that I wouldn’t wear it on the same day as her (yeah right) and that no one had to know (once again, yeah right). After my mom promised her that we would not have to wear them on the same day she and I both got our matching fashion statement, which by the way were checkered coo lots and a white blouse with a red collar and a checkered pocket. I know what you are thinking, and yes it really was stunning.

The night before school started I started doing my research. What would be J.J.’s premier outfit? Would it be the twin, oh I sure hoped. Day’s went by with no coo lots in sight and just when I was about to lose hope she appeared, looking like a teenage beauty in checks. It was the day; I had been saving my twin outfit for just this time. I ran to my room and put on the mini version, hoping for at least a photo op., but my plan was foiled and she insisted that I change. Though I was sad, I knew I had one more trick up my sleeve. In a little over three months I was going to have a Birthday and surely she could not deny me my one Birthday wish. I started early… say mid October. I put in my Birthday request. As true to Peterson fashion she said “We’ll see”. It was a long wait, but oh so worth it. On my 9th Birthday she and I wore the twin. Sure it was snowing and we were wearing coo lots, but we looked great and fashion will not wait for good weather.

It is true that imitation is the best form of flattery. Whatever my sister did I wanted to do. Wherever my sister went I wanted to go and whatever my sister wore I wanted to wear. More often than not she let me do what she did and go where she went. She drew the line with fashion, but I can’t blame her there. We are adults now and friends, but she will always be my big sister and I will always think she hung the moon (most likely while singing “Lights out love songs”).



Gratitude

• For my RAD big sister!

• I have been able to nurse Noel for five months now.

• My kids love taking baths.

• The cookies that I forgot to put vanilla in are still edible. (in the eyes and mouth of Corbet)

• Many of Dylan’s toys are dishwasher safe!

• It’s summer…finally!

My sister with Plum.  If I had a picture of us as twins on my Birthday you know I would post it and frame it for that matter.  My photo Op. was missed, but the memory is Oh so clear! 

Mom Jeans

A few weeks ago we went to the mall. Naturally I started out at Macy’s, the birth place of my first credit card and where I discovered Clinique. While browsing I noticed my sweet plums pants looked a little tight… as were mine (Note to self: Plum needs new jeans, the old ones are giving her a cute muffin top and while you’re at it why don’t you take a look, your muffin top isn’t so cute). So there I was in the jean section at Macy’s, the one department that tends to give me a little anxiety and a lot of attitude. I always feel a little odd driving my stroller in the young adult section where the cute jeans are so I decided to look around the perimeter. At last, as I was strolling I noticed a cute pair of jeans. While looking for my size I read the tag: “Not your daughters Jeans”. At first I thought, well yeah, Plum’s jeans are even tight on her… and then it hit me, THESE ARE MOM JEANS! Could it be? Was I shopping in the mom section? What’s next an appliqué vest? Why don’t I just get these jeans, an 18 hour bra, a pair of sensible shoes and call it a day! I threw the jeans down as if they would stain my hands. How did it come to this? I’m only on baby two and I just came seconds away from not only trying on, but owning a pair of mom jeans. My mind raced as I thought of the ways I have become momier. I did write a letter to Gymboree for not having their isles stroller accessible, after all they are a kid’s store. I also told them I wouldn’t buy their clothes unless they were on sale on account that they are always overpriced. What was happening to me? Something had to be done. On the way home I was quiet and that doesn’t happen much so Corbet asked what was wrong. I told him that I almost bought a pair of mom jeans. He laughed and said “What are mom Jeans?” When we got home I showed him this.

http://www.hulu.com/watch/10333/saturday-night-live-mom-jeans

 Note to reader: If you wear (Not your daughters Jeans) good for you, they are cute and infact don't look like mom jeans.  It was just the name that really threw me for a loop. 

Gratitude
• People actually read my bog… THANKS!

• I am grateful for Memorial Day not just the day off, but for the reason behind it.

• That my husband bought a HUGE flag to hang outside the duplo… not that our neighbors could think we are any odder. There were smaller ones that would have made a better fit, but what can I say, I married a patriot!

• The kids slept until 8 today!

Dear Sixteen year old me...

To my sixteen year old Self


Last week I saw a commercial about melanoma. The people on the commercial were talking to their sixteen year old selves, telling themselves to stay out of the sun and it really got me thinking. What would I tell my sixteen year old self… so here it goes…



Dear sixteen year old self,

Stop worrying about dating… in fact don’t waste your time. You are going to marry a really wonderful guy when you are twenty three so until then try studying more. Don’t brush your teeth so hard, you’re going to get recession on your gums… take it easy and brush in circles. You are not going to get a ticket when you speed down the Brudvik’s hill so there is no need to hyperventilate when the police officer asks you if you know the dynamics of your car. In fact know the dynamics of your car and on second thought hyperventilate because I think that might have gotten you out of that ticket. Regarding your first job at Rite Aid (that your mother got you) put the magazines down and get to work. Take more pride in your work instead of taking stock in what make-up you are going to buy when your shift is over. Denim overalls are not flattering and you will regret wearing them. Don’t over pluck your eyebrows… you will miss them when you are about twenty –eight. Yuck… you are going to turn twenty-eight, but it’s not that old when you get here. Don’t worry about babysitting because you will have your own kids so get all the fun in while you can. You’re not fat… stop whining! When you’re twenty-eight with two kids and an Oprah obsession then you can cry, but for now get over yourself. If you want people to see your eyes in pictures you can’t smile all of the way… that’s just the way it is for you. Learn to take a compliment. Don’t eat a plate of fries for lunch even if everyone else is, it’s gross! Try talking less and listening more, but if you can’t I understand. Exfoliate more and apply more moisturizer. Dear sixteen year old self, if there is just one thing I could say to you it would be that you are smarter than you think so please don’t let anyone tell you any different. Life will surprise you and you will surprise yourself. Get comfortable in your skin because you will have it for a long time.

Gratitude:


• Grateful that Noel ate herself into a deep slumber so I could get the duplo cleaned.

• That I am giving a talk in church… well I will be grateful when it is over.

• I gave myself a pedi today and it doesn’t look half bad!

• The kids woke up at six, but they were so happy to be awake it chased away my grumpies.

• Dylan spooned yogurt into his mouth without making a huge mess.

• I gave Noel a pedi and I was laughing at her cute toes… I am grateful she has 10 toes. Side note: Corbet calls her toes erasers because they are always cold and clamy so when they rub against your skin it feels like an eraser. (I know, I know odd) Just wanted to give a taste of my life here!

Just a few of my favorite things...

Okay as promised to my now four followers… I present my favorite affordable things! Oh and some of these are obvious choices, but what do you expect… I’m not Mrs. Winfrey!




1. Clinique acne skin care system! Okay so this one is not as affordable as I would like, but it works! Clear skin is priceless so I had to add this. As a homemaker I have made a lot of sacrifices, as so many mothers do. I stopped getting my hair done, I don’t buy new clothes very often and I never (almost never) buy new purses! The one thing I just can’t give up is Clinique make up and skin care. Corbet supports my love for make-up and skin care products (thank goodness) so we are all good! When I was pregnant with Dylan my skin went haywire so I found myself at the Clinique counter a lot. Even with suckers like me I have never walked away with a product I didn’t like.

2. Maybelline Stiletto mascara! The one item of make-up I wear that is not Clinique is Maybelline Stiletto mascara. I love it! I think it works better than Clinique and it is less expensive so it’s a win win. Oh, and who doesn’t love the name stiletto mascara?

3. Buxom lip gloss! Okay so to me most lip gloss looks alike, but these stay on longer. Note to Buxom gloss users… don’t kiss your kids with it on it can cause a rash and they might be too young to know pain is beauty. Oh and don’t kiss your husband on the cheek cause it’s hard to get off and it just leaves your man grumpy and shiny.

4. The Bumbo chair! This little chair has been an extra set of arms as far as I am concerned. Dylan used it from about two months and still climbs in for a sit. Noel can sit up in it and it is a great first high chair. The tray is sold separately, but it’s only about ten dollars and so worth it. I have had it two years and it looks new. Oh and it’s water proof and let’s face it when you’re a mom water proof has a whole new meaning. It’s not just about mascara anymore…

5. The Cuisinart! This thing has paid for itself. I made all of Dylan’s baby food with this bad boy and it saved me a ton of money! Baby food is expensive! Though I would not consider the Cuisinart that affordable, I can tell you how to justify it to your spouse. You just have to tell your husband you will cook more at home and it will make homemade meals more manageable. I have never seen Corbet so happy to be in a line at Macy’s!

6. Decorative aprons! I know… I know it’s a little domestic, but let me tell you my aprons have two purposes! One it to look cute while cooking up meals for the fam and the other is that they look cute hanging in my kitchen. Oh yeah, and I guess they are to prevent from getting food on your clothes, but since I am always in workout clothes that is not too much of a priority.

7. Baby head bands! Before we had Sugar Plum I thought headbands for babies were a little out of control, but I just had to jump on board. When we go out everyone knows Noel is a girl due to the HUGE flower tied around her head. The bigger the better. When it comes to headbands less is not more… more is best!!!!!

8. Personalized stationary! Anyone who knows me knows that I have since a young age loved any kind of stationary or office supplies. When you have personalized stationary you forget that you are writing a letter within the walls of a duplex. I could be writing from the Ritz hotel for all the person receiving it knows. However, once they see the return address is from Oregon… the jigs up, but it’s about the experience. Corbet bought me a beautiful pen that is engraved with the word peach… he said ‘Jillian’ was too expensive. I loved it though; it was one of the sweetest gifts I have ever received. So I take my “Peach pen” and my personalized stationary and write away!

9. Spanx… the undergarment. I’m just going to be honest… after two kids sucking- in is not as easy as it once was. Spanx does the sucking in for you! Whoever thought of this should win a Nobel Peace Prize… it has given me and so many other women peace from battling the bulge! I realize that Spanx are a little pricy, but there are other brands and you know I have the knock off! Note: Use the restroom before you put on your Spanx… they can be tricky… and when you have had two kids your bladder can be tricky, enough said.

10. My Journal… I know it’s old fashioned, but I still keep a journal. I really think it is good to get your thoughts down on paper. There have been times I have written things and then by reading it better understood how I felt or better understood how ridiculous my feelings are. My journal is not the kind I want my posterity to find… unless they need a good laugh. It’s not touching, inspiring or even grammatically correct, but its mine and it’s something. I think women especially need to write just for the mere fact that sometimes we just need to be heard. Your journal will never fall asleep while you are talking… and yes Corbet has done that.

Gratitude:




• Dylan had a great Birthday with lots of love from so many!

• Noel is such a happy girl. She will sit in the Bumbo and watch me work.

• Noel is pushing up on her knees so crawling is in the near future… I think.

• Corbet fixed my computer!

I heart Oprah

Against the will and wish of my husband, I love Oprah. Well, the show… I have never met her in person. Though I have the day dream that we meet and she is somehow impressed with me and then she offers me a job that I can do from home or take my kids with me. Either that one or that I write a book that she loves and makes it one of her book club reads. Yes, I am a little embarrassed to admit that, but the truth must come out. It started in High School. I would come home from school, grab a little Debbie snack cake (that was supposed to be for our lunches) and turn to channel 4. I still turn to 4, but then realize I don’t live with my parents and we don’t have any little Debbie’s. It is the one hour of the day I claim for myself. Hey, it’s the simple things in life that keep you sane.


I honestly feel like I could make this blog about my Oprah show opinions, but she is quitting and I don’t want to lose my three followers. And yes to those Oprah fans I said quitting! Sure she is starting her own network call OWN and it has already been successful, but to me she is a quitter. She is leaving her loyal, financially struggling homemakers! Sure Oprah, I would follow you to OWN, but my free cable (all 12 channels) limits me from viewing your OWN network that is in some overpriced, expensive cable plan. The only reason we have cable is because our internet provider gave it to us for six months free. It’s not even good quality cable because the sound goes in and out. I think they are doing it on purpose to mess with us. It always goes out at critical moments. Also I think they are liberal because FOX news has no sound so we have been reading it in subtitles for about a month. The sound came on once for a commercial about CNN. Hmm… it’s fishy, but back to Ms. Winfrey. It is not that I align myself with her in every opinion because I don’t, but there is a reason I have to respect her and that is because she seems to want to improve and she has never been shy about expressing her faith in God. I just don’t see a lot of that on television or hear a lot about that from famous people. To me she has tried to do good things with her fame and wealth. Now I know she can’t be perfect, but she gives away amazing things just because they are her favorites so that is pretty close.

Next week is Oprah’s last week on poor cable so to honor her I want to tell you about my favorite things. It won’t be Christian Louboutin shoes, (Though if I had a pair I KNOW they would be my favorite) but these are my favorite most useful and affordable things. There will be no give away and I don’t think anyone will cry, but what I can’t give away you will be able to buy at a reasonable price. Stay tuned… Next post is Jillian’s favorite things and free cable won’t be one of them.

Gratitude

• My Father-in-law came to church to help me with the kids when Corbet had to work.

• He also brought a rocking glider so I can sit and glide Noel… while watching OPRAH!

• Today Dylan, Noel and the little boy I babysit took a nap at the same time!

Yes, I am a sucker...

Today I went tanning… I know, I know, I know it’s bad for your skin. If there was another place I could lie in a warm bed without any noise or interruption I would pay to go there, but this is all I have for now. Corbet happily watches the kids while I go take my 15 minute break from my little noise machines. The real story is not that I went tanning it is that I am a sucker! While I am waiting for the lady before me to get out of the bed and for the bed to get cleaned, (Yuck, don’t even want to think about sharing a tanning bed) I was talking to the owner of the shop. She also sells cute home décor stuff. She was telling me about these reusable wash cloths… Yeah I know what you are thinking. ”Aren’t all wash clothes reusable?” But I guess these ones are different because they are more like paper towels. I’m thinking… “Lady I already have the SHAM WOW so you are not getting me on this one!” However, she told me that she didn’t know if I lived on my own because I look so young. Just yesterday I started taking note about the lines around my eyes when I smile, so her saying this felt really good. I couldn’t reach for my wallet fast enough. I all of the sudden found a use for those reusable paper towels! Then my mind said wait… you are a sucker once again… don’t you remember the bad waitress?


A few months ago we went out to eat and got very poor service. I am a stickler about poor service, especially in this economy. If the service is no good the tip is no good. I was a waitress once and I know good service can be done! So anyway, we got bad service and we were determined to give a poor tip. When the waitress brought our check she went on and on about how cute our kids were. All of the sudden her serving skills didn’t seem so bad. Corbet took the kids to load them in the car and I was left to leave the tip… so what did I do, I left her a generous tip. The whole way home I realized I got hosed. I fessed up to my man and he in fact called me a sucker.

Back to the tanning bed lady, I told her I would think about it. So while I am supposed to be taking my 15 minute break I am thinking about these stupid reusable paper towels and if they were as great as she said they were. My break was up and I was called back to work. I was going to buy them I had decided, but the person waiting next for the bed was an old man and it shocked me right out of it, so I left. Do old guys really tan? Well, they shouldn’t, don’t they know it’s bad for their skin?



Gratitude

• I’m tan… Just joking!

• Corbet had the day of f and that is always fun and helpful.

• The loud construction workers didn’t wake Noel up from her naps.

• Corbet let me sleep in while he took care of the kids.

TMI

Today when Corbet called home on his break he asked me how my day was going in which I replied…:”Noel pooped everywhere, it was so bad!” I then went on to describe the whole situation. There was a time in my life when I wouldn’t even use the word poop and now it is a part of my everyday vocab. After I got off the phone with my husband I took a minute to think about my report. It was three in the afternoon when he called and my big news was that our sweet plum blew out her britches! I kind of felt lame about that. Corbet had much more interesting news to tell, but I got to see Noel smile and giggle when I gave her a second bath for the day.


Gratitude

• It was warm enough to keep the windows open all day! I love feeling a little breeze in the house.

• Dylan is doing better at saying please. He says it like “peez” but it still counts.

• A new friend came by today to bring me a piece of pie.

• I had a good amount of energy today.

Spray & Wash

Tonight we took Dylan & Noel to Emma’s Birthday party. Emma is an adorable girl Dylan met in the nursery at church. The party was outside so as soon as we got there Dylan took off running and playing. For the party I put him in these really cute White shorts with red and navy blue plaid. Out of the corner of my eye I could see him sitting in the sand box, falling in the dirt and putting rocks on his lap. Now I know why those shorts that were originally $30.00 were marked down to $5.00, because every other mom (who is smarter than me) would go nuts trying to keep their son out of the dirt and therefore avoid white shorts. I thought I had out smarted Gymboree, but it turns out the joke is on me! It was all I could do to keep my mouth shut, but I wanted to tell Corbet to not let Dylan play in the dirt, but I didn’t because I know how that would have gone over. Corbet is already worried Dylan won’t have an immune system because I use too much hand sanitizer. So tonight I will be spray and washing Dylan’s $5.00 shorts and trying to think of a situation where he can wear them without getting them dirty.




Gratitude

• I am really grateful Dylan had so much fun at the party. He loves being outside and I love giving him those opportunities.

• Corbet brought home Emma’s Birthday present… a baby doll. He is never too proud to buy a doll or nursing pads or anything else embarrassing. He is such a good guy!

• I have the same habit as my mom. I save gift bags. I have a special bin I put them in to reuse. Tonight I picked out a cute…slightly used bag to wrap Emma’s present in. I am grateful I saved 4 bucks on a bag!!

• Both my kids are sleeping and they went down without a fuss! I put Noel to bed awake and she fell asleep on her own!!! I also got eight hours of sleep last night! Could it be… could Noel really be on this great sleeping schedule? I hope so!

Nicknames

Corbet and I give nicknames to a lot of people and things. Our couch is known as “The Dav”, short for davenport. Our car is called the Coupe because we thought it was funny. We call our TV “The Set” because we thought that was funny too. There is this Mexican restaurant that we use to love to eat at until they started charging for chips and salsa. The owner of the restaurant has a very distinguishing feature that I won’t mention. We called him long buns. We don’t say it to be mean; in fact it is our term of endearment for him. My mom puts cheese on her popcorn. This was puzzling to us so Corbet named it Nach-Corn to better understand it. Nach-Corn, a mix between nachos and popcorn. Are you getting my point? We re-name, nickname and make up names for everything. We think this may be confusing to our almost 2 year old as he is learning the ropes of the English language, but we press on.
Ever since I can remember I have had a nickname. With the name Jillian it naturally got shortened to Jilly to Jilly Bean to Bean to Beanie. The last one stuck to my dismay. When I was seventeen, looking for a Home coming dress I would hear in the distance “Beanie what about this one?” I would not answer and walk the other direction. With a nick name like Beanie I was surprised I even got asked to Home coming.

The loves of my life have also received nicknames. When Corbet and I got married I started calling him pup probably because he is so sweet and loyal… and sometimes stinky. He calls me Peach, which I like way better than beanie. Since before Dylan was born we thought we would call him pickle and sometimes we do, but we call him Cub more often than anything. It started out as bear cub then just went to cub. His nickname really fits him, he is rambunctious and playful. Noel’s nickname has been harder to find. Nothing was coming to us, but the other night it just fell out of my lips just as all great nicknames do. Our little girl is so sweet. She really has the sweetest spirit and softest countenance. She loves to eat and is a little rolly, but she really is such a doll. She is now and forever will be our “Sugar Plum”. It is also fitting because she was born around the holidays.

As soon as I said Sugar Plum, it stuck so I can’t take it back, even if she hates it. Just like Beanie… it just happened. I do hope she doesn’t hate her nick name as I did mine, but if she does I will be sure to only call her plum in private.

Our Bear Cub

Our Sweet Sugar Plum

My first post goes a little something like this...

I will be honest and say that days go that I forget or refuse to count my blessings. There are days when the life of a stay at home mom loses its luster. I have had that moment when I am cleaning the bathroom mirror and am shocked with the reflection. When did I get dark circles and when did I start wearing work- out clothes without the intention of working out? My showers are short, my hair is a mess, but I have so much to be grateful for. There are simple everyday blessings that I witness and this is where I will count them.




May 9, 2011

• It makes me laugh when I catch Dylan doing something he is not supposed to. I don’t laugh because I don’t want him to get the wrong idea, but it’s hard. Today once again he got into the tooth paste. He had toothpaste all over his lips. He likes to screw the cap on and off. When I caught him he threw the cap and tube of paste and took off as fast as he could.

• For the last three nights we have been letting Noel cry it out. The last three nights have been so wonderful. She has slept at least 7 hours straight each night! Sleep makes me a better Mommy.

• Today I put all the kids down for a nap and ordered Pizza. I watched Oprah and ate pizza and it felt so good! I know its cliché, but I love Oprah. She always asks the questions I would ask.