5 Year Of Blogging

I realized over the weekend that I have been blogging for 5 years now. I began blogging on Michael's birthday in 2008. I began on an old Mac account and found it to be a great outlet for my frustration as we began to see that our road to a family was not going to be easy. That blog saw our 1st year trying to have a baby come and go and it was the place where I met several of my "blog friends". Then we had our fire in December of 2008 and I wasn't able to access it without my iMac, so This blog was born.

I continued to use my blog as an outlet in my darkest days and I continued to meet some amazing friends that are still with me today. I found comfort in reading about the same struggles many other women were facing with infertility and it made me feel like I was not so alone. One of my favorite weeks ever on my blog was my Mother's Day 2009 series for those of us still waiting. You can read it by scrolling here.

When God gave us our little miracle, my blog became the place I came to scrapbook all of my pregnancy milestones and to document Nicholas' story along the way from day 1. I cannot wait until he is old enough to read about his story and how it started 2 years before we had him! I am thankful I have my emotions, doctor visits, happy days and sad days all on one place for him to read. Here is one of my favorite of the posts I plan to put in a special book just for him.
http://ourtemporaryhome.blogspot.com/2009/12/its-all-in-gods-timing.html

I love seeing how far our blog and our little family have come in those 5 years. I know sometimes my blog is boring and redundant. I don't do giveaways and I don't have sponsors. My blog is simply just a scrapbook for our family. I have no desire for it to be anything more. I can't help but laugh and cry when I read back over our journey and see how much things have changed. The Lord works in such amazing and perfect ways. I hope my blog has shown that and maybe it has touched someone going through a similar journey as many blogs did for me in my darkest days. I'm thankful for each and every one of my readers. I have some loyal readers that have been with me since that simple little Mac blog 5 years ago. Thanks for hanging in there with me! I know it's been a ride! Haha!  Here is a look at just how far we've come in 5 years...

I can't wait to see where we are in another 5 years at the 10th anniversary of my blog!

Meal Plan Monday

Just a quick little post because I've had a couple of request to start doing these again. Here is what we are eating this week with a couple of recipe links:

Sunday: Oven Baked Fajitas
Monday: Chili Mac and Salad
Tuesday: Cheesy Chicken Rolls, Carrots, Lima Beans
Wednesday: leftovers for hair night
Thursday: Crockpot Ranch Chicken, macaroni, and Broccoli
Friday: Pizza night
Saturday: Grilled Salmon and Veggies

Brain Dump

It's been awhile since I've done a brain dump so here you go!

1. It's almost Summertime and our local Kangaroo convenience stores offer these awesome cups for $6.99 and during the summer you can get $.25 refills! Hello icees! Too bad I'll have to share mine with a certain little guy all summer! Haha!

2. Speaking of Summer coming, I'm obsessed with flip flops, cute tops, and shorts for me and is it just me or is there anything cuter than a little boy in plaid shorts and polo or t-shirt to match?  Here he is one morning before school.  Excuse the fact he is standing on the furniture or that he has serious morning hair! Haha!

3. I'm back to hardcore couponing again. I haven't been working as hard on it as I was a couple of years ago, but I'm wasting so much money buying groceries/necessities lately, so I'm back in it. This week I saved $31 by using store brand and coupons. Woohoo!

4. Our Disney trip is getting closer and closer and I'm getting more excited every day! Friday night Nicholas asked to watch the "Disney movie" also known as the planning DVD. My work here is done! He is obsessed with the Pirates of the Caribbean ride part of the DVD, so I'm curious to see how many times we have to ride it! Anyone ever do the pirate league makeover? We are considering letting Nicholas do it, but not sure how expensive or time consuming it is.

5. I am loving Abita Strawberry beer again this Spring.  I wish I could find it in more places and I wish it was available more than just a couple of months out of the year.

6.  Have you tried these chips?  THEY ARE TO DIE FOR! Yes, I just yelled at you, but they are that good.  Try them!

7. Remember how I said not too long ago how I am addicted to watching Property Brothers on HGTV? Well, I am and it makes me want to bring someone in and totally redo our house...and then I remember that we had to do that after our fire and how bad that was, so I change my mind. Haha! Maybe I should stick to dramas and shows like Scandal and Nashville!

8. On the recommendation of several friends, I have been using Benefit Erase Paste on my under eye circles for a month. I love how it brightens up my under eyes and hides my insomnia. I still need recommendations on an anti-aging product though if anyone has a good product they love.

2 Weeks Worth of Recaps

Yes, yes, I'm a slacker once again.  I know, I have a good blog month, then I go MIA again.  Odds are good that the next several months will be fun blog months because we have a lot going on I want to blog about!  Lately there just hasn't been much going on or I've basically been too tired to write about them! Ha!  Anyway, here is what we've been up to the past couple of weeks...

I have a couple of huge praises to report to start out the recap.  My uncle went home after spending almost 2 weeks in the hospital and 3 weeks in inpatient cardiac rehab!!!  That is huge!  We are all excited that he will be able to attend his son's wedding next weekend and that he is doing so well.  We are praying he continues to do well now that he is home.  Also last Friday Michael's grandfather was admitted to the hospital with symptoms that were indicative of a blood clot in his lungs.  After a night in the hospital they determined it wasn't and he was able to go home.  Michael spent the night and all day Saturday with him and we were all relived when they gave the news it wasn't anything bad!

Last Saturday night I tried a new recipe I found on Pinterest.  OMG!  Run, do not walk to the grocery store and get the ingredients to make these fajitas.  Here is the link to the recipe, soooooo worth it!  http://pinterest.com/pin/42221315229344029 It was amazing and my Mexican food critic, Michael asked that I make them again soon!

On Sunday we did a lot of yard work.  The day before Nicholas and I went to Lowe's and stocked up on flowers for planters.  He loves going to the "flower store".

Sunday I went back and bought some Azaleas and wave petunias for the shrub bed.  I am in love with my pretty azaleas and our new sidewalk lights.

This week was a good week, not much to report other than Michael finally got his dream truck!  He has been wanting a 4 wheel drive, off road ready Toyota Tacoma longer than we have been together (well, actually since before he was 16) and he finally got one; complete with fog lights, a rack in the back, and black wheels, just like he always wanted!  I like that he has a truck we can all ride in and that he loves so much.  He is already planning our 1st family camping adventure!

Yesterday was a rainy, cool day so Michael and Nicholas went to our local children's museum with Michael's sister and her husband while I did some things around the house, got groceries, and started shopping for Nicholas' birthday party decorations.  They had a great time and I had a nice day of being by myself and getting some things done without any "help". :-)  Nicholas appeared to have a fun time at the museum!

Just for fun, here is a sneak peak at Nicholas' 3rd birthday party decor.  Think lots of black, white, red, and stripes...

Today we have had another rainy day.  I spent the day couponing, laundry, watching Property Brothers, and made our meals for the week while the boys did this...

Nothing like several GeoTrax sets in your living room!  Haha!  They had fun and that's all that matters! Too bad he now has too many train pieces to fit in his playroom.  Between the overload of pirate toys, books, and trains, I think it's time for a new bigger house...or maybe just time to purge some toys, which is sadly the more practical option! Haha!

Being Present

Part of my promise to myself going into 32 was that I was going to do a better job of just being present. I will admit that I am terrible to stop in the middle of a moment with Nicholas after I've taken a picture, or 2, and instagram it, Tweet it, whatever.  I'm trying not to be so quick to do that anymore.  I want to make sure I'm in the moment.  Putting that moment on instagram, Twitter, FB, blog, whatever can wait.  Being present with my family, in THAT particular moment won't wait.  With that being said, I've pretty much taken a blog, twitter, and IG break for the past few days.  It was good to not post much but a few pictures here and there and to step away from social media for a few days.  So, what have we been up to since last Wednesday:

I welcomed 32 in with a bang...a big, fat GI virus!  I woke up at 3:00 last Thursday morning sick and within 2 hours, Michael had it too.  Nicholas and my mom had it earlier in the week, so it was our turn. It took us a good 2 days to get back to normal.  It really took a toll on us!  We kept joking we are too old for that kind of sickness! Haha!

Michael turned 32 on Saturday!  We were born only 60 hours apart, so basically we just share a birthday "week".  We spent the day with his family and everyone came over to our house for a BBQ consisting of smoked ribs, baked beans, potato salad, and vinegar slaw.  It was so good!  The birthday boy definitely did a great job on the ribs!

We had such a fun day, I didn't take very many pictures at all, but my very most favorite moment of the day, and Michael's day as well, was when Nicholas got in our bed and watched TV with Michael.  He told me that to go watch TV on the couch, he was with Daddy!  Haha!  Needless to say, I let him watch for a little while, then off to his bed he went. :-)

Sunday Michael's dad took Nicholas to the aquarium and Michael and I got to have a day just the two of us.  It was such a good day to put our marriage first and spend the day just being together.  We made a day of all the things we love doing, but Nicholas doesn't.  Ha!  We started out eating brunch and drinking mimosas, then went and played some trivia at Buffalo Wild Wings, before finishing up 6 hours later at a  sushi restaurant!  It was the perfect day!  What made it even better was that I ended up in the bed watching TV at 7:30 and out by 8:00!  32 seriously kicked my butt after that virus and not much sleep for a couple of days and hosting dinner on Saturday.

It actually feels good to have a post with very few pictures because there just aren't any!  It was an amazing first few days of being 32 (well, once we got past the sickness part!) and I'm looking forward to a year of being present.

32

Today is my 32nd birthday. Because I am all about being real on my blog, I'll be honest. It is strange because for some odd reason this year my birthday has bothered me.  Last night I was on the verge of tears over my birthday, as silly as it seemed. Maybe because I'm getting closer to 35, maybe because its been almost 10 years since I graduated college, I'm not sure. I've also had a lot of anxiety over the fact that I'm already 32 and we are not quite ready for a 2nd baby. I'm anxious over the fact I struggled in my 20's to get pregnant, what will my 30's bring. I also see all of Nicholas' friends and their parents that are still in their 20's and feel like we are "older parents". Basically, it's the 1st year I've ever felt like I am actually getting older.

Today I woke up still feeling sorry for myself and then as I was getting out of the shower, the door bust open and the sweetest little face was smiling as big as he could and loudly said "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMA!!!!" At that moment I remembered how it felt when I spent my birthday crying terrified that I would never have a sweet child say that to me and how fortunate I was to have him. He made my day and changed my outlook. He loves me just as I am, even if I am older than most of his friends' parents and he was just excited to wish me, his momma, a happy birthday! He is still the absolute best present I've ever received!

Then I noticed my phone blowing up with birthday wishes and when I got to work I was greeted with a decorated office, several cards, Starbucks gift cards, and even 2 cakes! Again, 32 didn't seem so bad with such wonderful friends and family in my life!

The funniest thing that happened was that my medical assistant, Dana, and Dr. Smith almost forgot my birthday and in an attempt to cover it up, he ran out after he finished operating but before he came to the office to see patients and bought a huge strawberry cheesecake!  It was FABULOUS and totally made up for almost forgetting my birthday!  Haha!

Tonight we went to my parents house to eat homemade lasagna and cake. My sweet boy has told me approximately 45 times today happy birthday and he couldn't wait to give me my presents.  We had to open presents before we ate dinner because he literally cried he was so excited to see what I got. I love his sweet heart! He truly is the best reminder to be thankful for another day, even if it means I'm another year older!

Now I'm going to go take a hot bath, drink some wine, watch Nashville, and enjoy the last couple of hours of a fantastic birthday!  32 isn't so bad this far! :-)

Weekend Wrapup

This has been a fun, but different kind of weekend. Michael and his dad went on their annual camping trip with some friends and Nicholas and I spent the weekend together. Friday night we had a lazy night at home (like always!). We got a pizza, watched pirate movies, and had an early bedtime.  I have been battling allergies and bronchitis all week, so it was an early night with some benadryl for me!

Yesterday was a super fun day! My mom and I had been wanting to go to an outlet mall about 2 hours away for a few years, but just haven't ever gotten there. Well, yesterday was the day! We loaded up my car with lots of books, toys, and the big stroller and off we went. Yes, it would have been better without the toddler, but he was a great shopper yesterday. He does terrible in our local, indoor mall, but is a great shopper in an outdoor outlet mall (one reason I love outlet shopping).

 We did so well shopping. I got some awesome things at Loft, J. Crew, Gap, Heartstrings, and my mom racked up at Coldwater Creek. I couldn't reach Michael to ask him about a few things I found in the store, so I still plan to order a couple of things from J. Crew online outlet. It was definitely worth the scenic drive through the mountains for the deals we got!

Last night we went to visit Nana and Nicholas worked a puzzle with her and showed off his counting to 20! When we got home I let him watch a movie in my bed and he fell asleep, so he got to sped the night there. He has never slept in our bed, but he did well, until he woke up super early. Ha!

Today we waited on Michael to come home then we spent the day playing. It was good to have my little family all at home again!  Nicholas and Daddy took off down the street riding Nicholas' bike!  I die at how cute he was in his little helmet (I make him wear a helmet no matter what, even a small fall can cause a big head injury).

This afternoon we decided to go to the zoo.  We have a membership, but we don't get to go that often.  Nicholas has also been asking about his friends the monkeys lately, so today we went to visit them! 

 

His new favorite...the "pirate parrots"!  Hahaha!

 After the zoo we went to get some frozen yogurt.  Nicholas had a great day and enjoyed spending some time with Daddy!  When we saw him pull in the driveway Nicholas ran to the door screaming "DADDY HOME!!!!"

I am so glad my little family is all back under one roof tonight.  We sure did miss Michael!  I think they missed each other, don't you? 

Happy Easter 2013

We have had a wonderful holiday weekend.  I took off from work Friday and went to the mall as soon as it opened to attempt to see the Easter bunny.  We were 4th in line and all went well until it was time to sit in his lap.  Nicholas walked up, said "Hi Easter Bunny!", let him pick him up then the meltdown began.  He was not a fan.  I wanted a picture, even if he was crying but my mom didn't make him stay up on his lap for a picture.  Oh well, maybe next year.

Today we spent the day celebrating our RISEN savior!  It was a cool, rainy morning so I ended up buying a pants suit this year instead of a dress for me.  I freeze in church in the Summer, so I knew I would be too cold in a dress this morning.  We coordinated in our yellow and off to church we went!  We usually go to early church and on Easter, early church starts even earlier, so there wasn't much time for pictures.  I did manage to get this one of my boys as we got out of the car.  I LOVE their coordinating Easter outfits!

We had an awesome Easter service.  The Lord was definitely present there this morning!  We do the Easter bunny, but we do not make any emphasis on the bunny or what he brings, but that the day is about Jesus.  To keep the priority that way, the Easter bunny doesn't visit our house until we have left for church (I know this will have to change when he gets a little older and the kids start talking about it).  When Nicholas came home he found his basket and a few fun goodies!

 The bunny brought Nicholas a book, Jake tervis, a Pixar CD, a puzzle, and little bit of candy.

 Here is my sweet boy and I in our matching Easter clothes.  He couldn't wait to read his new Easter book!

As soon as we had time to go through the basket my family was here for lunch.  We all go to the same church, so everyone came over for lunch.  I used my Nana's dishes and glasses and I loved how Springy it looked!  Even if it was 59 degrees and rainy!

My mom and I cooked a ham, green beans, strawberry salad, pineapple casserole, twice baked potatoes, deviled eggs, carrots, and I made a carrot cake.  It was super good!  I forgot to take a picture before we ate, so no buffet pictures this time!  A certain toddler I know was worn out!  Sunday school wears him out on a day that there is nothing else going on, but today was super hard on him.  He is in bed already and it's only slightly after 6:30!

I hope everyone had a great Easter and remembered the real reason for the day.  It isn't all about Easter bunny, eggs, or candy, but about the fact we serve a LIVING SAVIOR!

Loving A Spirited Toddler

When I was in college I worked as a preschool teacher in the afternoons and loved it. I love children (which is why I am not a pediatric nurse. I couldn't deal with the sadness of sick children.) and I LOVED the high energy and love that surrounded me every afternoon. There were a few children that were a challenge for me. They were always full of energy, had vivid imaginations, always running at a high speed, and seemed one step ahead of us all the time. We always referred to those children as "spirited" children. I always said that I couldn't imagine what it would be like to raise a child that was so spirited. Well, 14 years later I am a mom to one of those children and now I know!

I've been blessed with a wonderful little boy. He is a sweet and loving, but loves life and wants to experience all life has to offer, he is SPIRITED! He can go 100mph for 12 hours never stopping for a nap. He can climb, run, and play all day long never missing a beat. He tests me all day every day. He asks "what's dat?" 500,000 times a day usually while trying to take the item apart. Would I trade him for a child that follows the rules to a tee, doesn't have a zest for knowledge and never acts out, not a chance!

I HAD to include a full blown meltdown picture and a fun loving boy picture!

When we go out in public and he says "helllllllllloooooo!" to every one we pass while he is climbing on the buggy after I have asked him to stop and he wants to touch anything and everything, I am thankful for his adventurous spirit and his strong will...even while strangers look at us with disapproving stares. God made him that way and I love that he speaks his mind and isn't afraid to do so. Then there was the night we had 20 of my parents closest friend at our house for my dad's birthday and he proceeded to disassemble the laptop to "make it a puzzer". He just wanted to take the keys off and put them back together like a puzzle. He has a desire for knowledge and to know how everything works. It is how he approaches life...full speed ahead and full of spirit!

I love that he is spirited. I want him to face the world head on and aggressive. I want him to voice his thoughts and not be afraid of what other think. I love that he is outgoing and friendly. I love that he wants to learn about everything he sees. I love that he is full of energy! I see all of this as a gift. I pray that God has blessed him with the courage to be himself. I pray that he uses his energy to be productive and to be successful. I am thankful for his spirit and I hope I always am.

Springtime Fail, Mommy Fail and Prayer Updates

Y'all, it has been COLD out there this week!!! Where is Spring?! We have had more snow in the past 3 days than we had all "winter"...and that means a very slight dusting! Ha!  This was the radar on my phone Monday morning. Where was this weather when we wanted it...IN JANUARY?!

I'm hoping for at least a sunny, mid-60s kind of day for Easter, but doesn't look like we will get it this year.  Looks like we are looking at rain and 50s.  :-( I may be putting a long sleeved shirt under Nicholas' sweater vest!

Speaking of Easter, guess who has had a major mommy fail...me!  I have totally forgotten to take Nicholas to see the Easter bunny.  I had planned to do it Saturday, but it completely slipped my mind.  Between work, my sick uncle, and trying to get everything done at home last weekend it just didn't get done and I thought about it around 5:00 Sunday.  IF we can squeeze it in this weekend great, but if not, at least we had his baby chicken pictures made.  :-(

I have a couple of prayer requests tonight:

• Keep praying for my uncle.  He will be leaving the hospital within the next day or so and hopefully continue to get stronger so that he can possibly get on the transplant list at Vanderbilt.  He has a lot going against him, but we are still hopeful. 
• Those of you who follow me on Twitter and FB probably saw my updates that a 16 year old who goes to our church and is a student at my dad's school was stabbed in a random act of violence while shopping at a Target in Pittsburgh Monday.  She is doing really well considering her injuries and she updated on Twitter today that she is hoping to go home soon.  I cannot imagine what it would be like to be 16 years old, far from home (her family is there visiting for spring break), go to Target for a normal shopping trip then to be held as a human shield and stabbed in the back.  I am continuing to pray that she continues to heal both physically and especially emotionally. Also pray for Allison and her family as they come home to Chattanooga and try to return to normal.  I worry that "normal" will be difficult for her for a long time.
• Our neighbors had a freak childhood accident at their house last night and could really use your prayers also.  Their 8 year old son was carrying their 10 month old daughter and tripped causing her to fall and break her femur.  I have been praying all day for this sweet baby and her parents, and her older brother who is devastated over the accident.  This family not only has an almost 8 year old and 10 month old, but also a 2 year old.  My friend Brittney definitely needs your prayers for strength and patience as she cares for a baby in a huge cast and a toddler. 

All 3 of these have helped me keep my life in prospective this week.  I came home Monday afternoon tired and frustrated after a long day, a long meeting at the end of the day that put me at daycare at 5:59 with 1 minute to spare, traffic, and then a burnt dinner in the crockpot.  I was ready to sit down and have a long cry over how "horrible" my day was when I heard about Allison being stabbed.  I then wanted to cry because I was so ashamed that I thought I was having a bad day, but nothing in comparison to what this sweet girl and her family were going through.  Suddenly all of my "problems" seemed so petty.  I had planned to post my meal plan that night, but it just didn't seem right.  All I could do is watch for updates on twitter and FB and pray.  Just another one of those times where God puts things in prospective for you.

Weekend Wrap Up

I was so glad to see the weekend.  I had been at the hospital as a nurse or a family member most of the week and I needed a break.

Update on my uncle: he is doing as well as he can be.  He did have a cardiac cath which showed about a 10-15% cardiac function due to a weak muscle, not blockage.  With this diagnosis the only thing they can do is treat it medically with medication, cardiac rehab, and hope it strengthens his heart enough to consider him for the heart transplant list in 3 months.  He will be in the hospital another week at least and hopefully some inpatient cardiac rehab after that.  Keep praying for him, it's working!

Yesterday Nicholas and I had the day to ourselves as Michael worked.  I cleaned the house and did a ton of laundry while Nicholas played pirates and puzzles.  Seriously, this kid could play pirates and puzzles 24/7 and never get bored!  In the afternoon my mom and I went to a shower for my cousin's fiancee (my uncle's son, Richard is getting married).  Nicholas got to spend a couple of hours playing pirates with Pawpaw and it gave Pawpaw a much needed break from the reality of a sick brother.  

Last night we took Nicholas to eat his favorite meal...hibachi!  It cracks me up how much he loves watching and eating hibachi. His expressions and excitement there is just pure joy!  Too bad last night he wasn't much into it.  He had not had a nap and was more into watching Jake on my phone.  It was also that awkward moment when you are sitting at a hibachi table with your husband and tired toddler and they sit you with your ex boyfriend from 1999 and his entire family!  As in his parents, 2 brothers, wife, and daughter!  Yes, it was awkward, but good to see him and catch up! Haha!  It figures it would be the week I am worn out, have unbelievable under-eye circles, and my toddler was exhausted and acting a fool. Nicholas did act halfway decent and seem to like the fish in the lobby during our 45 minute wait. :-)

Today he woke up with a nasty draining eye again.  It isn't red, but hopefully with drops we can keep it from becoming full blown pink eye.  I'm so sad it is draining again.  I'm suspicious his ear tube has come out on that side, because it was working it's way out a few weeks ago and his eye used to drain before he got tubes.  Guess we will be headed to the doctor if this doesn't improve soon.  :-(  Since we were afraid to take him to church and expose anyone to pink eye (just in case that is what it is) I spent the morning getting caught up on my couponing.  I have taken about a year off and now that we are planning on spending a small fortune on Disney, I guess I better get back on it.  I got my notebook out and put a bunch of coupons in there.  Too bad I forgot to buy a paper today to get the latest coupons!  Haha!

I made our meals for the week this afternoon, then it was rest and DVR catch up for me. After Nicholas woke up he wanted to watch Cinderella.  He loves the mice in the movie and knows we are going to see her castle soon!  I thought this was such a sweet moment when he first woke up from his nap and I just had to share it.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!  I'll be back tomorrow with meal planning Monday.