My So Called Life

My mom was in town for Lucas's 1st birthday. About 3 weeks before she came to visit she called and asked if we could do family pictures while she was in town. My sister was thinking about moving and it would be the last time all of us would be in one place. We have not had pictures done since I was in middle school with my siblings other than my wedding which we missed one of all the sibling together some how. So my mom coordinated outfits for everyone which was nice because I did not need the stress on top of the birthday party. I was actually dreading pictures because I was unsure if the kids would all cooperate.Then one of my BFF tried to help my spirit by telling me I deserve a new picture because I have lost so much weight. Then I reminded myself that Jason and I have not had a picture alone since our wedding. It was a stressful weekend with planning the birthday party and then to add family pictures was just not ideal for me. I am so happy that we did them after I got the CD. I was very pleased and they are going to be a great keepsake.  So I started to get excited!  So as promised.............

I was reading a friend's blog and realized in the blog listing on the side that it had been 4 months since I blogged. Really how did 4 months go by so fast. So many things have changed in 4 months. I have to be honest that I still do read every one's blog at least once a month. I really miss Tina's blog hint hint............
I just never take the time to sit and write out my thoughts. There is always a dirty house calling my name, a pile of laundry that is never ending at my house, dinner that needs to be finished before bath time, bills to be paid online and medical claims to be checked out. Normally half of those items do not get done because I would rather play or snuggle with the boys.

In August Logan started his last year of preschool. We celebrated my sister's 18th birthday. Lucas got his first hair cut. We attended some local mud runs and just enjoyed family time. I started a 12 week course for my new job. I think it reminded me that I was not ready to go back to school until the kids are much older.








We celebrated Lucas 1st birthday in September. I can not believe that he is already over a year old. The month of September was a blur because both children were sick alot.We were at the peds office 8 times in a month and half. Lucas just could not kick his ear infection with his teeth coming in. I think we finally have things under control but he is on meds twice daily for his allergies. Dr Sean is great and I am not sure what I would do without him.






I took my first business trip away from home and my first airplane ride in October. A trip to Orlando, Fl for convention at Walt Disney World. Yes I know you are thinking why didn't you take the kids? Well we were in meeting all day and there were night events. There wasn't really time for a family vacation but we will be returning there when the boys are older. I missed the boys so much and of course Lucas got sick the day before I flew home. Jason was so good with the boys. I am very thankful for his support with my new job. Halloween was a huge success! The trunk or treat at the high school was a huge hit with Logan. I also managed to take some senior pictures for Paige this month. I hope you enjoy.

I can't tell you how many times I have had people ask me "What do you do for a living?" and honestly I would like to reply with this:

I am a..............

Daughter
Sister
Wife
Mother
Friend
Nurse/Boo Boo Kisser
Teacher
Housekeeper
Cook
Dishwasher
Bill Payer
Grocery Shopper
Party Planner
Errand Runner
Super Woman
and so much more for my family but most of all I love being MOMMY!

Then I would like to reply I also work for _______ as the Franchisee Administrative Assistant/Office Manager when I am not being the above. Just thought I would point out that labels are so overrated. Just thought I would put this out there for anyone that has ever been asked this question and didn't know how to reply because the list is to long. The best one of all is Mommy and Wife!

What laundry deterget do you use?

What dishwashing deterget do you use?

What frugal cleaning supplies have you found that work?

Do you shop at resale shops?

How many nights a week do you cook?

Do you meal plan?

Where do you buy grocerey's from?

Do you use coupons?

Do you shop at SAM's?

What other things do you do to save money?


I would love to hear from other MOM's like me trying to save money raising a family!

My brain is spooling with thoughts and emotions tonight. So I decided to write them down and maybe I will not be awake most of the night. Yes they are all over the place but that is just me.

Lucas will be 1 soon REALLY

I just enrolled Logan in his last year of preschool

Lucas will no longer need a bottle in a month

Why is it so hard for me to pack away my children's clothes

Will I always cry at every milestone

I am stuggling with parenting a 4 year old

I have been praying and soul searching for an answer on parenting a difficult head strong boy

My morning have been spent cuddling with my boys

Logan and I have snuggle parties when Lucas sleeps in

Will I ever have another baby or Do I really want to

Playing playdough is just as fun as when I was a child

Will my boys always love me the way they do now

I wish I had a date night once a month with my husband

I hope I am a great mother-in-law some day because some days I struggle with my MIL and question why

My car needs cleaned

My house is not in order but honestly I am ok with it

The dishes are not done

I enjoyed a nice hot shower for almost 45 minutes tonight and didn't feel guilty

I need a pedicure

Why didn't I plant a garden

Working 10-4 has it perks

I miss my BFF and hope that our schedules will open up soon

Starting a new job has not been as easy as I remember but I am learning so much

I know I have not blogged in awhile but for now I am spending some much needed time with family and enjoying what we have left of summer. I have enjoyed reading all your blogs and honestly don't know what I would do some days with out them.

There are lots of life changes going on in our household. Lucas is not a baby anymore for sure. He has been crawling, drinking from a sippy cup, feeding himself snacks and holding his own bottle. As he was standing by the front door I realized that my baby was no more. He is able to communicate with his brother and play now. Logan has also been showing me that he is all grown up lately. He can make his own chocolate milk, help me do laundry, clean his own room alone, carry on a phone conversation with his grandparent's and much more. Yes some of these he has been doing for awhile but I just didn't want to admit it. Watching him play t-ball the other night made me so proud. He was listening to his coach and supporting his own teammates.

I have made a career change that probably deserves it's own post but this will have to do for now. I start my new job on Monday I will be working less hours and spending more time with the kids. It is a salary position with many possibilities in the future. I am looking forward to having Friday's off April through December. While it was hard to leave the University after almost 6 years the thought of more time with my children is worth more to me. Maybe I will even have more time to write my thoughts down or maybe I will go back to school. Only time will tell!

Jason and I celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary last week. My MIL watched both boys so that we could go out to dinner. I have not had a date out with my husband in well I can't remember how long. First time we have ate out alone since Lucas was born I know this for sure. It was so nice to have entire meal with great conversation but I was ready to get back to the kids afterwards.

I feel like I can finally say something about my dieting now. I didn't want to put pressure on myself to lose weight but it was time. I have been on Weight Watchers for almost 12 weeks now. I have lost 18 pounds since I started on WW. I have lost a total of 43 pounds since September when Lucas was born. I am happy to tell you girls that I am down to 155 now. I have 10 lbs to lose before I hit my goal weight. I am very proud of myself but I have also been slacking off the last week so Monday I need to get back at it. If only I could exercise I think it would be easier to lose this last little bit. Maybe with my new job I will have time in the morning's to do my Wii Fit.

I am sure I have much more to share but I need to go start the boy's bath water.

Lowes is having a buy one get one free sale on Bonnie Plants until 4/26/10. Home Depot was only offering this as a Sunday deal, so I am excited to find that Lowe’s is offering it all week long! They are also having seeds on sale buy one get one free as well. Each item rings up half price, so go enjoy some good deals. I highly recommend everyone grow at least one tomato plant. They are so easy to grow, and you can keep it in a big pot or 5 gallon bucket.



I checked our local ad and YES it is true but you can not mix and match items. This is still a great DEAL!