Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas! We spent Dec. 21-24 with Jason's folks on the farm. It snowed up there so Nate got to go out and play with daddy and Jackson. Here is a pic of Daddy and Nate with the sled!


I found a snow pants and coat from Lands End on craigslist for $15. It's a size 3 but the snow pants fit great and I will have the coat for next winter! What a great score for me! We found his boots at Walmart. They have Thomas the tank Engine on them. Nate is pretty pleased with the boots!
We had a great time as usual at the farm. Nate saw Santa Claus and still doesn't particularly care for him as you can see in the next photo!


That is my father-in-law Jim holding Nate. Nate will high 5 Santa but that's it! He received a treat bag after. There was a cookie and some hard candy and also he got to pick out an apple. Nate tore into that apple and he loved chomping on it!



Nate got some more Take Along Thomas trains, some cute clothes and a great Thomas Book with poems in it. The book is really cute and has some great poems in it. He also got some slippers with of course, Thomas! :)

I got 2 cook books, Bath and Body Works soap (smells yummy), slippers, 2 Mary Kay items(sister-in-law sells Mary Kay), and a picture frame with our nieces graduation pic in it. Gorgeous girl!!

After we left the farm on Monday, we headed to Springfield Ill for my families Christmas. We had some yummy food, spent time with the nephews and watched the cousins open gifts. Nate received some nice clothes, a monster toy truck, small toy bulldozer, and a book about Behaving. The author is Max Lucado. He writes books with Hermie as the main character. Very cute!
The adults decided not to exchange gifts. We decided to find something/someone to donate our money too.

We got back home Christmas Eve around 9pm. Very long weekend for all. Nate was happy to be back in his own bed! The first time I put him in the pack n play at Grandpa and Grandmas, I noticed he was getting too big for it. Next Monday I am bringing in the toddler bed from the garage. We are going to transition him over to that bed. Wish us luck! I am going to have to remove all the train toys from the room. Too much temptation! Just don't know what I am going to do when we go to the farm. Right now, there is an area in the room we 3 sleep in that is fine for the pack n play, but the toddler bed they have wont fit there. I will have to see what Grandma can come up with the next time we are there.

Christmas day here was good. Jason posted on his blog with pics to what he received! I can make a list, but I am not sharing pics!
The big surprise is tickets to see Reba and Kelly Clarkson in concert in Feb. I am stinking happy about that one!!! Reba is a major favorite of mine.
The other big gift I got was all 9 seasons of Everybody loves Raymond. I have 1 and 2 but Jason thought it would save money just to get all 9 at once. It is going to take me forever to watch all those!
I got some earrings and necklace, candy in the stocking, gift certificate from St Louis Bread co, new sewing kit/container that is pink with vintage Ladies doing ironing and laundry, very cool! and a large cutting mat with rotary cutter.

Today I wanted to get out of the house and do something fun but not spend money. So, Nate and I went swimming at the YMCA. Up till this point, he really did not like swimming. He didn't mind getting his feet wet, but other than that, no. So I took my chances and went. He was a bit apprehensive but I held his hand and we took it slowly. Well, and hour and half later, he didn't want to get out!!! My boy likes swimming! I think I am going to add that to our fun list and go maybe 1-2 times a week till the Aqua Port opens and then maybe get a seasons pass there. They share memberships with the Bridgeton water park so we have 2 places to go swimming. We have friends who can go with us too.

Supper tonight is Beef vegetable soup with venison steak pieces instead of beef. My inlaws are hunters and supply us with venison once in a while. Very lean meat. That helps on our budget since the meat was free! The soup smells yummy! Can't wait. Jasons sister Amy and her friend Dave are coming over for supper and to see Nate.

Speaking of Nate, sounds like he is ready to get up from nap. Time to go get him and get some vacuuming done and fill the bird feeder, add an ear of corn to the squirrel feeder for the critters outside.

Cleaning day

After last nights project, I decided that I needed some things if I was going to keep making diapers. I have on my Christmas list a new sewing kit. I need a new container since the one I have is my grandmas and I have no idea how old it is. There are a few things that I would like to have in my sewing kit too. Well, some of those things I bought tonight. I can't do without. So, when I got home from Hobby Lobby, I decided to clean out my sewing kit. I didn't get very far. I wanted to get rid of any straight pins that were in the pin cushion. I bought a new container of straight pins, 750 to be exact. Anywho, I was cleaning out the pin cushion and kept finding more hidden inside, but sticking out a little. So, I decided to open up the cushion and see what else was left and make sure I didn't leave any out. I ended up with, get this, 59 needles!!! They aren't machine needles, but thread needles, to sew by hand with. I will not be needing any of those types of needles for a long, long time! :)

I stopped by Goodwill tonight to see if I could find any fleece, flannel or cotton blankets to use for diapers. I found 4 tonight. Each were $1, and there were 2 on one hanger so they were counted as 1 blanket!

Other cleaning that got done today was our bedroom, Nate's room and the front room and vacuuming again. With the dog, vacuuming daily is a must around here. Especially in the colder months when Jackson isn't outside as much.

I am really enjoying staying home with Nate. I really like our days together. There was a time where it was hard to be home. I wanted to be out daily, going some where daily. Now, if we don't leave the house at all for a couple of days, I am happy. I am finding that if we are out of the house time goes by faster and that is time I can't get back again and time that isn't quality time with Nate. I know, going to the grocery store is good for Nate. Being out and about is a learning time for Nate, but it's not one on one time for the 2 of us. I know also, that will change when we have another baby.

The Christmas tree is up, the outside is lit with pretty lights and there is a blow up snowman in our front yard. Now, I need to set up my Christmas village. I have the area where it's going all cleaned off ready to go. I think I will tackle that tomorrow.

Nate is getting to be pretty comical with his words. I don't remember what we were doing, but out of the blue, Nate says "Silly mama"!!! I know that I have said "Silly Nate" plenty of times. Just didn't know he would say it to me! Another thing he does is when he sees me whether being away from me for a while, or just coming into the room from another room is "Hi mom"! His vocabulary is exploding right now. It's so much fun to hear the new words daily. He is now saying "Thank you" instead of signing it! I just can't get enough of this boy! I think I am in love!

Have a good night all!

I made a diaper!

I have to show off my newest creation! I made a fitted diaper tonight. I found a pattern on line a few weeks ago. I used 2 blankets that I had laying around that we weren't using. It took me 2 hours, 2 broken needles, 1 bent needle and ripping out velcro once to make this diaper. I had no expectations going into this project and am glad I can laugh at the end results!

Here are 3 pictures of the diapers:







The first picture makes me laugh the most! I can't believe how the tabs came out different sizes. My seams on most of the diaper aren't straight and I need to make sure that I make the leg elastic longer.

All in all, it's a cute diaper and it hasn't turned me off of making another diaper. I think I will hit the local goodwill and find some more blankets to use. I would like to perfect my sewing before dipping into my stash of nice fabrics that I have set aside to make diapers. After the new year, a friend and I are taking sewing classes. I am excited to learn how to sew better.

Enjoy the pictures!!

Pictures!!!

Jason showed me how to copy pictures from Flickr to add to my site. I think I remember him showing me how soon after he uploaded all the pictures there, but I am such a computer dork I forgot!
This is a picture of Nate sleeping in the backroom. He has never slept anywhere except his bed before. It surprised me that he fell asleep here.


This picture is of course of our pretty Christmas tree. To the left you can see a little bit of the green garland and red bells that surround the door to the kitchen.


This next picture is of Nate and Jackson standing infront of the tree. Jackson had a good old time running thru the trees sniffing everything. He was in doggy heaven!!


I forgot to add that Nate painted last week. Haven't brought out the paints since summer. Nate forgot where the paint goes and immediately put the paint brush with paint in his mouth! He didn't think it tasted too good! You can see that he also got paint on his shirt. He has no idea what he is doing sometimes. Thats a toddler for you!


You can see how happy he is getting to paint.


Well, I don't have anymore photos to share. Enjoy!

Busy week

Lots of new things going on here. First, Nate is going to Parents Day out one day a week. His first day was this past Thursday. He is there from 9-3. He really likes it. Will be good for me to get a break or to get some things done around the house and make drs appts and not have to worry about finding a sitter for him or taking him with.

I am seeing a new dr. She is going to help me get healthy through enzyme therapy or enzyme nutrition. I saw her for the first time on Thursday. She did some acupuncture and asked a bunch of questions. She is trying to find out where I am health wise and to help get me started on enzymes. I am excited to get started! I have to do a urinalysis also so she can see where to start. She did make a comment that my thyroid is not working as well as it should so thats why I am gaining weight and have a hard time losing it. I really didn't have the heart to tell her that it's my stinking diet is why I am gaining weight!!! I do have a hard time losing weight too. Nice to have a reason why.

My parents wanted to have a work day at their house this past Saturday. They needed some help getting some things done in the house and figured many hands make light work. So, Jason, me and my bro and his wife were going to be there. Jason had Friday off so we went to my parents then and then my bro and his wife would come up on Sat. My parents watched Nate so Jason and I could have a date night!! We went to 2 Antique Shops and then out to eat. On the way to my parents, we stopped at a Christmas tree farm. Found a beautiful tree! I hope I can get a pic for you all to see. Ok, pics aren't available right now. Jason had the pictures moved to flickr and I cant figure out how to add them to my blog.

We had a great date night. Went back to my parents house and watched a movie. About half way into the movie, Nate gets sick. I mean, throwing up sick. Yuck. We just figured my dad had a little too much fun with Nate and his stomach got yucky. Not the case. I was up with Nate all night long since he would get sick every 15mins. From midnight to around 4am it was every 15mins then we got a break and we both slept till morning. He got sick 2 more times that day. Nate was in bed by 7pm and we didn't hear a peep out of him till morning. One time getting sick today. When I got home from teaching Sunday School, he was sleeping on the floor in the back room draped half on half off a big pillow. Still sleeping as of right now! Thankfully, Jason was able to get some water, dry toast and some banana in him.

We put up the Christmas tree last night. It's so pretty and smells sooo good! It's about 6ft tall. Just the type of tree I wanted. It is either a Canaan Fir or Fraser Fir. I like how the needles are. I almost had too many decorations to put on! I also put up around the door to the kitchen a garland and added a string of bells that play music. My wonderful mother-in-law, Kathy got those for us. My living room isn't completly done. I need to put up my Christmas village.

It was such a warm day that I finished putting lights up outside. I bought some new ones. They have the big light bulbs that are colored with icicle lights hanging down. The porch roof has those and the rest of the front of the house has just regular icicle lights. Looks nice! Right after we put up the rest of the lights, a front came through and it rained.

It's been a quiet day after all that. Just catching up on my message board and checking emails. I need to work on my menu for the week. I am craving spaghetti so I think thats what we will have tomorrow night.

I am looking forward to getting back into the work week. Not much going on, but still nice to get back to an ordinary day. Back to the familiar.

As soon as I can get Jason's help, I will have to add some pics.

Back to normal

We had a good Thanksgiving on Thursday with my family. My parents, my bro and his family and my Uncle and Aunt and then us. My Uncle and Aunt hadn't seen Nate since he was 2 mos old so it was good for them to see him. My sis-in-law did a great job on the lunch. The turkey was so good and moist. I stole her idea on the roaster. I was wanting to pick one up the day after Thanksgiving but had no idea what one. She found hers at Bed Bath and Beyond. It is an Oneida. Really nice one for a good price. So, on Friday, I battled the crowds and went to Bed Bath and Beyond and found one.

Friday afternoon, Jasons folks arrived for the weekend. We putsied around the house for the rest of the day. Had chili for supper with cornbread. Everything was yummy. I almost forgot the beans. Thankfully we have a small grocery store near us so I was able to get some in time.

Saturday was spent doing a little shopping and getting ready for the supper. I made my first turkey! It turned out yummy. The outside was brown perfectly. I was able to pull off supper with the help of my wonderful Mom-in-law and sister in law. In fact, my MIL saved the deviled eggs. Apparently, my eggs were too fresh so that when I went to peel them, it was very difficult. My MIL, Kathy, saved me! She was able to peel the rest of them w/o a problem.

Sunday, I taught Sunday School. My kids sat so great and listened so well and helped answer the questions. I love those kids. After church, Jason called and said that his parents were still in town and they were going to eat at Hometown Buffet. So, I went and joined them for lunch.

So, now we are on Monday. Back to normal. I am enjoying getting back to cleaning, playing with Nate, doing laundry. All the usual. Last week, I spent almost everyday getting ready for Thanksgiving here and in Sprinfield so my routine was thrown out of whack.

Nate has discovered how to climb up on our bed. I think I am in trouble now!! When I start hearing laughter, I go look in our room, and there is Nate playing on our bed. He loves rolling on it, standing up and then sitting down quickly so he bounces, laying on our pillows. My kid is such a corker! I have started knick naming him my little spaz. I seriously cannot take him anywhere. He wants to run and get into everything. I guess this is what a toddler is like. I want another baby, why?!!!

I have gotten a head start on my Christmas decorations outside. I don't do much. Just evergreen garland around the post on the porch and icicle lights on the front of the house. We do have a blow up snowman. I have a wreath on my door. I don't think that am going to do much in the house for decorations till after the 1st of Dec. I want to get the house inside ready, clearing out things so I can put new things up, general cleaning and the sorts. I still need to figure out where the tree is going to go. It will probably go right next to the door that goes into the kitchen like last year. I am hoping to find the same size in height like last year, just over 5 ft high, but not as fat!!!

Ok, I am tired and am going to head to bed. More on the list of things to do tomorrow.
Lynn

I actually remember to blog!

I realized that it has been a while since I blogged. I guess that's the last thing on my mind during the day. Jason has been making a My Space page and his cousin had 50 random questions so he answered them. I am not in the mood to try and link that so maybe next time. Anyhoo, I thought I would do them too. So with no further ado:

1. Do you like cheese?
yes, cheddar and mozzarella

2. Have you ever been to the Rockies?
yes,when I was in 2nd or 3rd grade, lots of good memories

3. Do you own a gun?
no, but have shot a BB gun and almost my brothers 22

4. Your favorite song?
no, but anything from a hymnal

5. Do you get nervous before doctor appointments?
always,
6. What do you think of when you eat hot dogs?
can't stand them

7. What's your favorite Christmas song?
I'm dreaming of a White Christmas. Each Christmas I still hope for a white, snow filled Christmas
8. What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Milk with my cereal

9. Can you do push-ups?
nope

10. Is your bathroom clean?
Yes it is.

11. What's your favorite piece of jewelry?
definitely my engagement ring. Jason personalized it with both our birthstones as well as a diamond

12. Favorite Hobby?
reading

13. What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?
My red hair

14. Do you have A.D.D.?
a little bit

15. What's one thing you hate about yourself?
?

16. Middle Name?
Marie

17. Name 3 thoughts at this exact moment?
1. Did I get everything done for tomorrow
2. Is my son asleep and warm enough
3. What am I going to wear tomorrow

18. Name the last 3 things you have bought
1. New very soft cloth diaper for Nate
2. 36 cloth wipes for Nate
3. groceries for this week

19. Name 3 drinks you regularly drink.
1. Milk
2. water
3. lemonade

20. Current worry right now?
Am I going to pull of Thanksgiving here on Saturday, making a turkey for the first time, gulp!

21. Current person you despise?
no one

22. Favorite place be?
with my hubby and son

23. How will you ring in the NEW YEAR?
Don't know. We usually get together with Jasons best friend and his wife but we both have kids so it doesn't work any more

24. Where would you like to go?
Back to Europe, especially the Czech Republic

25. Name three people who will complete this and post it again?
wont send it on

26. How many siblings do you have?
one brother

27. Do you own slippers?
yes a purple soft pair

28. What shirt are you wearing right now?
an Army aviation t-shirt from Father-in-laws retirement from the National Guard

29. What shampoo do you use?
Infusium for dry hair

30. Favorite color?
red

31. Would you like to be a pirate?
no

32.What songs do you sing in the shower?
don't have time to sing, my shower is 5 mins long, I have a toddler to keep out of trouble
34. Favorite girl's name?
Lydia or Annika

35. What's in your pockets right now?
nothing

36. Last thing that made you laugh?
my son Nate. His little antics

37. Best bed sheets as a Kid?
boring white

38. Worst injury you've ever had?
probably the dog bite to my left eyebrow as a young kid

39. Are you addicted to anything?
No

40. How many TVs do you have in your house?
3

41. Does anyone have a crush on you?
my husband, Jason

44. Do you wish on shooting stars?
no, never seen one

45. What is your favorite book?
Don't have a book, but my favorite author is Janette Oke and for kids books Jan Brett

46. What is your favorite candy?
M&M's

47. What song do you want played at your wedding?
God of Wonders and friend played his guitar

48. What song do you want played at your funeral?
not thinking of that right now, maybe You lift me up by Josh Groban

49. What were you doing at 12am this morning?
snoring away

50. What was the first thing you thought of when you woke up?
wondering when Nate will be up and do I have time to sleep some more before he wakes me up

I think I will leave it at that. Too tired to think of what I want to blog about. I know there are more things that you, my adoring fan(s) want to read about.

Ciao