The Blogging Bug

I have the blogging bug but I'm lacking the physical and mental energy writing requires. Making lists seems to be the extent of my writing these days. So here's a random list for this Monday afternoon:

1) I got a Kindle for Mother's Day and now all I want to do is read. It's proven to be a great alternative to Facebook and TV during nap time when I just want to relax for a little while. Im almost half way through Amy Poehler's book and reading books that people wrote about themselves, makes me want to blog even more.

2) I've been making lists of fun blog topics that I probably won't ever get to writing. But just to prove that I do still have a creative bone in my body, here they are:

     - Capt'n Remi: An update post about my little guy who will be two in about two months (yikes!).      He doesn't get nearly as much face time on the blog as his sister did at his age and I kind of feel bad                       about that. But I also feel tired.

     - House vs. Hotel: - we recently went on vacation where we rented a house on the beach with my family. I would love to explore the pros and cons of staying in both a hotel and rental house.

     - Do Not Forget {A list of things to remember to pack when traveling with toddlers}

     - Our Summer Bucket List: - this one might actually make it onto the blog. I need to make a list of things for us to do anyways so why not share it?

Any other fun ideas??

3) The nesting phase has begun and I've started on Baby D's quilt! This is yet another thing keeping me from blogging.

4) The weather here has been all over place and some days it completely awful with hail, rain and wind. Yesterday, however, was beautiful. We had lunch with friends after church, took naps and then we went on a family picnic and ended the day with milkshakes at Sonic. 

Yesterday was a good day.

That's all I have in me. Happy Monday friends!

Missing Our Little Lady

I haven't seen this cute little face in three days and I'm really starting to miss it.

Miss Adelyne has been at her Grandparents' house since Monday enjoying some special time with Gran and Pappa and giving her parents a little down time. 

So, you may be wondering, what does one do with almost a week to themselves? Well, I'll tell you what this momma did.

I've done some blogging and some jogging (ha! just kidding), quilting and crocheting,

Baby Pearl's quilt is coming along!

I've watched old 80's movies and enjoyed not having a schedule,

I've spent some time in the word and I've taken pictures of myself in the mirror that freak my hubby out,

I've been able to make dinner and get dressed without a little one tugging at my leg,

I've gone to Target at 9 pm with Matt because we could and

I've looked at this picture sent from parents multiple times.

But, I haven't been cleaning up baby doll stuff, fixing little girl's hair, kissing booboos, making little lunches, playing airplane up and down the hall or giving goodnight kisses and I'm really starting to miss those things. It's just a little too quiet around here. Even this morning, Matt said he expected Addy to pop out of a corner and say "You go to work today Dada?"

Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed the break, who knew you could accomplish so much in four days, and I'm thankful that Addy has wonderful grandparents (on both sides) that she loves to spend time with and who treat her like their own child. But, I'm looking forward to seeing that sweet little smile in person tomorrow.

Life in the 505 just isn't quite as fun without our little lady.

The Story of My Life

I'm taking the Blog Every Day in May challenge purely for my own amusement, because I like to write and these prompts will give me something besides toddlers and pregnancy to think about. There's no way I'll post everyday but I'm going to have fun writing when I can because soon there will be another little one who needs my attention and blogging time might be slim.

You can join in on the fun too. Click here for details.

If I were to tell you the story of my life in 250 words or less, it would go something like this:

I was raised in Southern New Mexico with my younger brother by two loving parents who did things the untraditional way so that we would have the best upbringing possible. They taught us the importance of loving each other, a good education and faith in Christ.

As a mom to a little lady who doesn't like to have her picture taken, I have a new appreciation for these family photos, even if half of my parent's heads are cut off.

In high school, I wasn’t the biggest nerd but I did spend most of my three years on the volleyball team sitting on the bench. I managed to make it through without facing some of the drama most girls go through in a small school and even made some life long friends. 

College was a fun time for me, I met a lot of new people including one blue eyed boy who made me laugh and asked me to be his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. We dated through three years of college, summer projects and internships and finally tied the knot two weeks after I graduated.

After the wedding, we moved up to the big city of Albuquerque. Newly married, we had our share of heartache and stress with job loses and small apartments. But the Lord was faithful in every situation and in March of 2011, our family grew from two to three.

I had big plans to continue working full time while also being a mommy but God had other plans and now I am so thankful to call myself a Full-time Momma to one energetic two year old with another one on the way.

I’ve been so blessed and I love my life in the 505.

A Random List for This Snowy Day

- We woke up to snow this morning. I guess the gopher was right and winter will be sticking around a little longer. Bummer.

- At least that means, cute kids beanies (like the ones in my Etsy shop, wink wink) will be in demand a little longer

- I've already had a few sales from my shop, which is more than I ever expected to happen.

- Speaking of Etsy, I'm addicted. I have the app on my phone and I've found way to many things to spend money on. It's like shopping at a cute little boutique in your pjs.

- The other day, Addy asked to listen to "the clapping song" on our church's Cause for Praise CD. It's such a little thing but it made my heart happy and hopeful that the little effort I am making in putting Christ-centered things around her, isn't for nothing.

- I've tried to watch the Downton Abbey season finale online 3 days in a row, at apparently the same time everyone else is because the video won't load. Grr!

- During my first prenatal appointment, the doctor told me that things would start to fall apart a lot faster this time around and boy was she right! I'm not even 20 weeks yet but I feel like I could be entering my third trimester; so many aches and pains that I don't remember happening at this stage last time.

- I've never been much of a baker but I think we might have to make baking a regular activity. I love that it's something Addy and I can do together and since I've developed a little bit of a sweet tooth during my second trimester, I wouldn't mind having sweets around. My hips might not feel the same way though.

- We got to spend all of last weekend with Addy's cousin Carter. It was great but now we all miss our little buddy and Addy goes around saying "I miss Carcar!"

- Matt and I watched "Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" last night and we're determined that that won't be us. So, today, we are off to the store to buy lots of fruits and veggies to juice. Addy had some lettuce, carrott, apple and orange juice last night and she didn't hate it!

Happy Thursday Friends! Stay warm!

What the 505 Hasn't Got

In June, we will have lived in Albuquerque for four years. We've come to love the 505 these past four years, we have no plans of leaving and I hardly ever miss my hometown in southern New Mexico. But, there are few areas where Las Cruces has Albuquerque beat. The LC is home to my parents, some really good old friends and the most delicious Mexican food ever! During this past trip, I discovered a few other things that need to be added to that list:

- A Farmer's Market

After coffee on Saturday morning, my bestie and I browsed 3 (or more) blocks of homemade/homegrown goodness in downtown Las Cruces. I didn't buy anything but I had a great time being outside and hanging out with her. I wish our farmer's market were at all comparable.

- Clean Discount Stores

I love to shop at Marshall's and Ross while in the LC. We have two of each of those in Albuquerque and I HATE going because they are ghetto, unorganized and it takes forever to check out! But in Cruces, they are clean and I usually have my Mom or BFF with me to help dig through the clothes to find treasures.

- Fun Dressing Rooms

I may be shopping in the wrong stores but I've never seen this in any of our dressing rooms and I thought it was super cute!

 

 

So, that's my little shout out for the 575. Thanks for a great trip Cruces!

This Week...

This week has been kind of weird. We're adjusting to a new schedule and a new routine. 

This week, I've been struggling with time management. I've spent more time thinking about when and how I am going to do things than actually doing them.

This week, Addy has not been a fan of bedtime. But even though it's hard to get her to sleep, she has been sleeping great and even sleeping in.

This week, I've been going to yoga and loving it!

This week, I've been thinking about re-organizing our office/craft room, but thinking is about I'll I've been doing. Everyday after I put Addy down for her nap, I walk in there with intentions of starting the re-organization process and then I turn around and walk out. 

This week has been busy and I haven't had a chance to post pictures of our Easter weekend until now.

Fun at the Zoo with sweet friends

Happy Birthday Carter!

"Addy, look at the camera."

The Danner's; Easter 2012

Easter story time with Gramps

Hope you enjoy the rest of this week.

Hello Spring!

I have/had a busy day today; running errands, making favors for Addy's party and cleaning but I had to take a second to tell you something, friends.

SPRING IS HERE!!!!!!

I almost hesitate to say anything because I wouldn't want to jinx it, but here's the proof.

Fall is definitely my favorite time of year but Spring is a very close second. For the past four years we've been living in Albuquerque, Matt has told me that there's always one big final storm right before spring, around the end of February, early March, and for the past four years he's been right. Saturday was a super gloomy day in the 505 (It might have made me a little grumpy) and on Sunday we woke up to snow. But on Monday, this is what Addy and I saw on our walk.

Ah! It makes this sun loving-New Mexican girl happy.

Yes, I am the dork on the sidewalk taking pictures of the blooming trees. I can't help it, they make me smile. They also make me sneeze but I'll forgive them for that.

This pic was taken right before I turned the corner and a big scary dog almost jumped the fence and attacked me and my child. I might have screamed and I might have realized where Addy gets her fear of dogs from. I must remember to walk on the other side of the road next time.

 

Speaking of dogs, I've been using this big guy, his name is Winston, as a baby gate for our craft room/office. Works like a charm, Addy doesn't go near it.

February Happenings in the 505...

... via the iphone!

Here's a little glimpse of what we've been up to this month:

Blanket Time//Crazy Hair Baby//Shoe shopping with Dad

At the Aquarium with Cute Cousin Carter

Saturday Morning Cartoons with Dad//Snuggles with Mom

An Attempted Valentine's Day Photo Shoot//Valentine's Day Outfit

Do Your Hair Like Dad Day//Afternoon at the Park

Waiting// Working on Invitations for Addy's Birthday Party// Lunch Date with Sophia// Picture Garland for Addy's Party// Addy turned 11 months!// New Decor: House Plants and Antique Photography Stuff

Shopping! What girl doesn't love to shop?

And finally, a highlight of the month was receiving this picture from my little brother via text message.

That little peanut is my future niece/nephew! Congrats Perry and Nicole!

Keep Calm and Eat Mum Mums!

Addy has a thing for the baby rice snacks called Mum Mums. They are pretty much the only way we are able to go out to eat or shop for any extended period of time. She LOVES them. 

This afternoon Addy and I were having a late afternoon snack. I was standing at the counter and she was as happy as could be on the floor near my feet. Somehow she fell and hit her head on the corner of the cabinet. Poor thing, I knew it would be a painful one and quickly picked her up. She cried, put her head on my shoulder for like a second and then set up and took a bite of the remaining Mum Mum she was holding. Silly girl. 

It made me think of those popular posters all over Pinterest.....

Keep Calm and Eat Mum Mums!

If there's not one that says that, I am going to make it!

The one below is usually what I end up doing.

How would you complete this sentence?

"Keep Calm and _____________________"

Totally Random Tuesday

It's five til seven and Addy is still snoozing so I thought I would get a post in before our day begins. Be for warned though, it's going to be totally random and possibly super short. She could wake up any minute.

I read a quote on someone's blog that went something like this: "Blogging is like forgetting to return a phone call, after a while it just becomes akward." I hope that after more than a week long absence, this post isn't akward, but you have to get back into things somehow right?

Addy and I got home from a fun visit to see my parents on Friday. Since then, I just haven't been in the mood to blog. I have, however, been dying to get out my sewing machine and organzie my Pinterest account. The latter probably sounds ridiculously lame and really who cares? Well, I do and it's been seriously driving me nuts! Don't fret though, I fixed it. 

In other news, Addy is teething again. But this time it is for reals. We've spotted three trying peek through on the top and she has a stuffy nose to go along with it. Poor thing. But amongst the pain of teething, she is learning to stand up on her own. It's really cute to watch because she is so proud of herself. 

We've been trying to keep her up a little later at night (so she won't wake up so early in the morning), so last night the three of us ran around the house chasing each other. This is one of Addy's favorite games. Matt holds Addy and chases after me. She loves it! And if I hide behind a door, pop out and say "boo!" She'll jump a little and laugh really hard, which of course makes us laugh really hard. There was a lot of laughing going on last night. As Matt put it, "She is a joy to be around." Well said.

Well, someone is stirring so I will leave you with a few pics from our week at Grandma and Grandpa's and a video of Addy fighting to stay awake. Have a happy Tuesday friends!

This was the shirt I wore home from the hospital. We found it in a box along with some baby clothes that belonged to my brother and I.

Coffee Talk: I'm Blank Because......

Today's post was inspired by Little Miss Momma and Casey Wiegand. I've seen versions of this post around the blogosphere and I thought it would be perfect for today.

Happy Turkey Day Eve friends! The day before a holiday is always so chill. Back when I was working, these were usually the days when you took longer lunches and spent a lot more time chatting over your coffee in the morning. Nothing really ever got done and I don't really seeing anything productive happening around here today either. Today would be the perfect day for a coffee date.

Since becoming a Mom, most of my coffee dates happen at home since Starbucks isn't exactly kid friendly. If you were to came over to my house for coffee, you would be greeted by Addy peaking around the couch to see who was here. Depending on the hour, she might wave her hands in excitement or start crying as soon as you come near her. Try not to take it personally.

You may or may not notice the random swatches of paint on our living room walls and I would explain that we are in the middle of choosing another paint color since we don't like the current one.

I would offer you tea or coffee and if you chose coffee, I would make it in my new french press and then go on to tell you how much I love it. Why does it make coffee taste so much better?

After allowing the coffee to brew for 4 minutes (the magic number!) we'd then move to the living room where we'd sip our coffee on the floor, because that is really the best place to have coffee, while Addy shows off her skills by crawling all over me and possibly you. 

 

We would talk about the upcoming holidays and depending on how well I know you, I might ask about your Christmas traditions or what your favorite Thanksgiving has been. And I might tell you that:

I am weird because..

I can't sleep with socks on
Clowns freak me out
I don't like pumpkin flavored things
Reba is one of my favorite shows
I love fill blank questionnaires or any kind of "get to know" you game

I am a bad friend because...
I hate talking on the phone
I tend to only answer emails and texts in my head
I am very easily distracted

I am a good friend because.....
I value friendship
I'm a good listener
Even if it's a couple of days later, I'm really good about responding to texts and emails
I'm always looking for an opportunity to help out

I am sad because...
Not all of my family will be at the same place for the holidays
Addy's growing up

I am happy because....
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and that means we get to decorate for Christmas is 2 days!
Matt has 4 days off of work
Addy is growing up
I have the best job in the world
Everyone in our house is healthy again

I am excited for....
Addy's first Thanksgiving
Christmas Trees
Playgroup
Pictures with Santa
Homemade Gifts
Holiday Cards

I might also tell you that 

my parents were in town for two days and having them here put me in the holiday spirit,

Addy has been eating and sleeping so much better this week and it makes this momma so happy,

Matt and I are addicted to Breaking Bad, which was all filmed here in the 505,

I am feeling encouraged by verses like this found in the Psalms:

"You, O Lord, keep my lamp burning; My God turns darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God, I can scale a wall." 

Psalm 18: 28-29

But, enough about me. What's up with you?

P.S. I have an awesome guest blogger for you tomorrow!

 

The Winter Blues

Do you ever get the winter blues?

I usually get a bad case of them in January, when the holidays are over and it's just really cold. For some reason, I've been having some symptoms a little early this year. It's barely the second week of November and I'm freezing! I realize that compared to most of the US, our winters are pretty tame and some might not even call what we are experiencing "cold," but it's still been making me a little grumpy.

What happened to Fall? I want it to come back and stay a little bit longer.

I've been thinking about this all week and I've decided that I need to be proactive in fighting these Winter Blues before they take over and ruin the holiday season.

So,
I am going to get out of my comfort zone, ask other Moms to hang out and maybe join/start a playgroup
Get out of the house, even if it is just to walk through Target

Make some of these so that when I go out, I'll stay warm while looking cute

Create an upbeat play station on Pandora
Be thankful and remember that at this time last year, all I wanted to do on gloomy days was stay home in my PJ's. I could do that now, If I wanted to.

Shop for really good deals on cruises because by the time January gets here, I am going to be ready for this:

 Snuggle with Matt and Addy
Stay in the Word; scripture helps in the fight against even the worst kind of blues.
And I might even break the rules, go against everything I believe in and listen to Christmas music a couple of weeks early. Maybe.

What do you do to beat the winter blues? 

This Weekend

This weekend we....

Broke in our new living room furniture,

Slept in,

Walked to Breakfast,

Snuggled with our baby girl,

 Enjoyed time with friends, 

Lowered Addy's crib mattress

And celebrated my Dad's birthday in the Bosque del Apache.

This weekend Addy started crawling!

The look of determination!

What did you do this weekend?