I've Been Tagged

Twice. I have seen this blog post going around and I was tagged by two ladies, Katie and Whit. I was tagged awhile back and feel a little bad that I haven't gotten around to this but now I am. 

The Rules

1. You must post the rules.

2. Post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4. Tag eleven people and link them on your post

5. Let them know you've tagged them!

Facts About Me:

1. I was a Junior Olympic Champion in karate when I was 8 years old.

2. I've never seen Star Wars or Jurassic Park and my husband wishes he would have known that before he married me...

3. I am not very good with anything having to do with technology. In fact, I think technology is out to get me--you know, computers, cell phones, the cable box, etc.

4. I traveled to Europe and enjoyed all my time there during the daylight. I was a basket case at night.

5. I met my husband while we were neighbors in our dorm in college.

6. I would love to have my own restaurant.

7. I had seven jobs within seven years of working for the same company.

8. I believe in attachment parenting. 

9. I think I am a lot nicer and more accepting than I was in high school. I don't think I was intentionally rude or not accepting, I just think I have grown up a lot.

10. Along those lines, I think people can mistake my shyness/quietness for rudeness. I wish I could change that about myself. I was once told by a manager at a job that when I am not smiling I look mad and that I need to smile more. I had never been told that, consciously worked on it and he made sure to tell me how much of a difference it made. I now smile more. I was never unhappy, I just wasn't always smiling. Amazing the little things that can make a difference. 
11. I would love to be a teacher but am a little nervous that I would go to school, start the job and not like it. I also think the profession has changed so much due to standardized testing. Hence the fact that we do consider homeschooling our child/ren. I guess time will tell if this will be the right thing for our family. 

I decided that since I was tagged from two people I am going to answer the first 5 questions that each of them asked.

Katie's First 5:

{1.} If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go? If I could bring my baby with me and it wouldn't be a challenge I would definitely hop the next flight to Hawaii. I haven't been since I graduated college and I love it there. Some heat and sun would definitely do me some good.

{2.} Why did you start your blog? I had read other blogs and thought I could start one to record our day to day life, recipes, crafts, etc.

{3.} Whose your favorite Disney Character? I would have to say Aladdin.

{4.} What's your biggest pet peeve? As of right now it is going to bed with dishes in the sink. I know, silly.

{5.} How many pets do you have? A yellow lab named Holly.

Whit's First 5: (Actually I skipped the first because it is question # 2 of Katie's)

What is something that the your blog followers would be surprised to know about you? I probably have to stick with fact #1 about myself and being a gold medalist at the Junior Olympics. I know it was only when I was 8 years old, but not many people can say this about themselves. I was a very dedicated athlete and still get sad sometimes that I gave up karate for "cooler" sports like soccer and softball. I totally understand why athletes of sports like gymnastics, ballet, karate, etc. feel isolated because it is so fun to do team sports with other people especially when you are at the age where you want to be social. Needless to say, that was a fun time in my life.

If your life was a sitcom, which one would it be? Why? A sitcom. Hm. Well, maybe right now I would say the new show "Up All Night" because we just had a baby. We are kind of reversed roles though because I stay home but I like to think Ben and I are kind of quirky, sarcastic, joking with each other a lot. We are learning about this whole "new parent thing" just like the couple in that show. And, of course I'm just as stylish as Christina Applegate in the show, right?!

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the winnings? I always feel like this is a hard question because I feel like if you don't answer with "give some to charity or sharing with friends and family" you sound selfish. So, I will just say that I would definitely give some away--hard to say how much because I don't know how much I've won ;)--and then I think Hub and I would want to buy a piece of land, try to start our own business and, obviously, put some away or invest because we are practical and rational like that.

If you were a superhero, what would your superpower be? Right now, my superpower would be to grow another set of arms when I need them. Let's face it, my reality right now is being a mom so even if I was a superhero mom, there are just times when it would be pretty darn handy to have two more hands!

If you could sit down and have dinner with ANYONE (alive or dead) who would it be? Why? This may surprise some people but I will say my mom's dad--my grandpa who is no longer with us. I only met him when I was little so I don't remember him. My mom always talks about him like he was a great dad to her so I think it would be really nice to get to know him a little better. 

I Am Tagging:

Jen {The Arizona Russums}

Kaitlyn {just us.}

Tatum {Watching the Weeds Grow}

Holly {Where we Can Live Like Jack and Sally}

Stef {::the little pieces of our lives::}

Erin {Erin's Lucky Stars}

AP {I Love You More Than Carrots}

Shannon {Life After I "Dew"}

Kat {Living Like the Kings}

Jessica {The Southern Belle (& her boys)}

Annie {chapters of our life}

Questions for you Ladies:

1. Why did you start your blog?

2. Who is your biggest blog crush and why?

3. What is your favorite go-to meal to cook and where did you learn it?

4. Where is your favorite vacation spot you have been and who were you with?

5. What is your biggest accomplishment over the past five years?

6. What is your opinion on social media (i.e. Twitter, Facebook, blogging)--do you love it, hate it, think it's out of control, etc.?

7. What is your favorite memory as a child?

8. If you had a whole day to yourself, to do anything you wanted, what would you do? 

9. What is a trait about yourself that you are most proud of?

10. What is your husband's favorite meal that you cook?

11. If you could go back and change one thing about your wedding what would it be?

Disclaimer: This post took me awhile to get around to so don't feel back if that is the case with you as well. We are all busy ladies but I do think this is a fun post and a way to get to know each other a little better!

2 Months

Dear Miss Eleanor Grace,

You turned 2 months old on February 1st. You are truly the light of my life. With the month of January came a lot of alone time for you and I due to your dad's work schedule. I feel as if we got to know each other very well and settled into a bit of a routine. A routine that of course would have bumps here and there wasn't anywhere near being set but a slight routine nonetheless.

In your fifth week of life I was delighted to experience a smile. I remember it as if it were yesterday. You and I had come out of the bedroom in the morning and were sitting on the couch together and I began "clicking" my tongue and you smiled. It melted my heart. It seems as though you never looked back after that smile because you are smiling often now. A couple of weeks after that, I began hearing you "talk." The sweet coo's that come from you are enough to brighten even the darkest winter day here. Instead of your head just "going" on my shoulder, you will now snuggle up on your own and also give a couple of "squeezes" with your hand. You are still a snuggler and love being near Momma and Dad or sleeping on our chests.

You are still sleeping in our bed and we tried a couple of naps in your crib but they didn't last long. We usually wake for the day around 8 a.m. and you go quite crazy when I let you out of your swaddle. You love kicking your legs, swinging your arms all around, smiling and talking in the morning. Usually you will be awake for about an hour at that time, will take about a thirty minute nap and wake to eat. This all varies a little depending on when you ate last in the early morning. You will then be awake for another hour or two and the past couple weeks have been taking about a two hour nap mid-day. This was an adjustment for Momma because I would wonder when you were going to wake up! We then go about our day the same way, you being awake for an hour or two, eating and taking thirty minute cat-naps for the rest of the day. We have been going in the bedroom about nine o'clock and you are usually asleep by ten. You usually have a 4-5 hour sleep stretch (there has been one 6 hour), eat, another 3-4 hour stretch, eat and another 2-3 hour stretch. We have been just fine with this sleeping schedule.

Another exciting event of this month is that we got you into your cloth diapers. I think we began using them just after you turned 6 weeks old. I like them a lot and you appear to as well. The only crazy thing about them is that they took you from newborn size clothes to three month clothes in a lot of outfits. You are in some 0-3 month sizes but for pants and such you definitely have to wear three month. It is a little sad. I was especially sad when I realized that even if you weren't wearing cloth diapers you had outgrown the newborns and I put them away. We saw your pediatrician today and you weigh 11 lbs. 8 oz. and are 22.5 inches long. You are a growing girl! We also had two shots and an oral vaccine--none of which you cared for. It made me so sad to see you cry like that but you recovered quickly, ate a little bit and fell asleep.

You continue to be such a happy baby enjoying your bath, the carseat, your playmat and tummy time, going for walks in your stroller and generally liking people. We have experienced you being a bit upset in the evenings but I think it may be because you get a little bit over-tired. I want to try putting you to bed earlier and seeing if that helps.

I also have experienced a big change this month in that everyday I feel a little bit more confident as your Momma. I know you better than anyone, we do everything together throughout the day and just the look you give me lets me know that I am doing things right.

You had many playdates this month because you have so many friends that are close to your age. I think as the months go by, playdates with continue to evolve and it will be so fun to watch you and your friends grow together.

We all continue to learn, as parents, as a family and of course you as a baby. This month you turned into an infant, not just a newborn. We love you so much and couldn't be more blessed with you in our life.

Love,
Momma

Sunny Day Randoms

I know. I had to put "sunny" in my title because in our part of the world, it is a beautiful, February day that I have to celebrate and acknowledge!

First and foremost it is truly amazing what a little Vitamin D does for the mood, soul, skin, hair, etc. Okay, maybe a little carried away but this girl is getting a little tired of the short, dark days so I love a little brightness in my life. I also love introducing my baby girl to one of my favorite things--Mr. Sunshine!

Source: etsy.com via Allyce on Pinterest

It is so fun having friends with babies. We can get together and not feel weird about staring at our babies. Or being a little distracted because you are paying more attention to your baby than the friend you are visiting with. Swapping stories, advice or even some weird emotions you may be having is also nice.

Source: Uploaded by user via Allyce on Pinterest

It has been a long time coming but I am enjoying my Toms. I have wanted them for awhile. Tried them on and couldn't decide. Couldn't decide on a size or color. Thought they looked strange on my feet but good on everyone else. But I have finally decided and I love. And I can't wait to get a pair for Baby E.

 I have discovered the true meaning of coffee now that I have had a child. I have only been having one cup in the morning as opposed to the two maybe three in the past but I truly look forward to it and it is a nice start to the day while Baby E is at her happiest and we are waking up.

Source: earthytoastyspicy.blogspot.com via cindy on Pinterest

I am falling more and more in love with my cloth diapers everyday. Okay, well, not my cloth diapers. But Eleanor's. They are so cute, actually surprisingly easy to deal with and so much less garbage.

Source: familyoffarmers.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

The sunshine peeking out is really getting me excited for spring and our garden. Also for summer and being warm and grilling and being on the water and introducing E to nature and more.

Source: gardenrooms.typepad.com via Emily on Pinterest

I would love a garden that looked like this!

These are my thoughts for the day. I mean, I have more, but sometimes it is hard to get them organized with a sweet babe kickin' next to me so this is all for now. 

What are your Friday random thoughts?

Liebster Award

I am proud to announce that I have been the recipient of this award:

Liebster is German for loved, beloved, dear, favorite, or something like that.

and this award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers to bring attention to their blog.

The lovely Katie at Katie Lately has given me this award and I was so surprised. I started blogging two years ago really just for something to do. I enjoyed reading blogs so I figured I could do it too. I wasn't really actively trying to gain followers, I just enjoyed sitting down to get my thoughts out, post recipes and crafts and whatever else would come to mind at that time. I slowly began joining link-ups, commenting on other blogs more and even emailing bloggers. It is really fun to see what kind of connections you make and I have been so thankful for "Mommy Bloggers" while being pregnant and since having Baby E. I am slowly building a community which I am enjoying and hope it continues. 

So thank you, Miss Katie, for acknowledging my blog and continuing to read!

The rules to this award are as follows:

#1. show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

#2. award the award to five of your favorite bloggers with less than 200 followers & link them.

#3. post the award on your blog.

#4. bask in the love from the most supportive people on the internet - other bloggers of course!

#5. and best of all - have fun & spread the LOVE.

I choose to spread the love by awarding:

Whit at Willis&TBoff

Holly at Where We Can Live Like Jack and Sally

Stef at The Little Pieces of Our Lives

Kaitlyn at just us.

Tatum at Watching the Weeds Grow

Some of these women I know in real life and some I have been getting to know through blogging. I enjoy reading all of their blogs and I hope you will check them out as well!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

Happy Mid-Week! I am linking up with this kind of love with some of the tidbits I am loving this week.

I am loving that I get a full weekend with the Hubs this weekend including a fun Superbowl feast and get together with the fam!

Source

I am loving waiting for the delivery man this week. I got fitted for nursing bras this past weekend. I have not worn a real bra since before I had the baby. I should be expecting those any day. I also returned our Baby Bjorn carrier and ordered the Ergo. I think it will be the right choice. My mom also ordered us some more diapers which we received yesterday.

I am loving that the sun has been peeking out here and there. Not everyday but it sure is nice to see when it does!

I am loving my new coffee creamer. Not just like Ghiradelli's White Chocolate powder but still tastes pretty good.

Source

I love that my best friend got engaged two weeks ago and now all we can talk about is wedding ideas! I sure wish Pinterest had been around when I got married!

Source: people.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

Source: Uploaded by user via Lindsey on Pinterest

Source: caplanmiller.com via Lindsey on Pinterest

So fun!

Celebrate Wednesday by linking up and sharing what you're loving!

Makeover Monday

I am linking up again today with Katie for Makeover Monday.

Us gals are chatting about our foundation today.

For about three years I was smitten with:

Source

I absolutely love this stuff. Great coverage, evens out the skin, does not feel like super-chunky-cakey-stage make-up. I am not a huge make-up person but when I find something I like, I love it. However, the downside to the is that it is a little spendy. Maybe not for some but for this new stay-at-home-mom it is. So, in anticipation of my new role, about 6 months ago, I thought I would venture to Target and see what I could come up with that may be along the same lines.

I tried this:

Source

I do like how light it is and doesn't feel like I have anything at all on. The price is better but I don't think it has great coverage which I don't really need for blemishes but more for the even-ing out of the skin-tone. I am almost out so I have been thinking I may try another of their formulas like:

Source

This is described as a creamy, loose powder so maybe it would have better coverage.

Head on over, link up and drop off your tips at Makeover Monday!

Any foundation suggestions for a budget-minded, powder-wearin', needs-some-coverage type-o-gal?

 

Thoughts Around Here Lately

Life sure is full of difficult decisions. Sometimes it is hard being an adult and not having someone else just go ahead and make those decisions for you. Sometimes, though, it is exciting to be in charge of your own decisions.

Ben and I bought our house in 2008. The market was at an all-time low and we thought that was the low point. However, it kept getting worse as we all know. Anyhow, we love our house. We just aren't in love with the location. Or even our state for that matter. We pledged that in five years when, of course, we would have gained some equity in our house, Ben would be at a point in his career to stay at his company or leave with great experience, and most likely we would have a child (or two), we were moving to Denver, Colorado.

This may sound random however, we had been to Denver on our honeymoon, hear great things about Colorado, like the way that Denver is a big city but you don't have to drive far to be out of the city in the beautiful mountains and who can beat 300 days of sun a year?! We also factored in that we would be just a 2 1/2 hour plane ride away from both families. Right now we are a 5 hour plane ride away from one family and have one family here. When considering this, though, we think a plane ride? Not such a simple way to have to visit family. 


We just kept telling ourselves that we obviously couldn't make a decision like that then and that over the next few years things would become more clear.

Well here we are, almost 4 years later and it feels like things have not cleared up. In fact, it feels as if things just get more complicated. We had a discussion on Sunday night about the situation. We love being near my parents because they are helpful, involved and it is nice to have grandparents close. However, both of my parents were born and raised within 30 minutes of where they currently live and even though they sometimes mention or joke around about moving, Ben and I aren't convinced that they really would. We really don't think Texas is the ideal spot for our family either even though when it is in the 20s here and 70s there it does seem appealing.

We discussed the fact that even though we don't feel like this is the right spot for us, we feel this is where we are tied down. Even though the idea of moving to Denver sounds like it would be ideal for many reasons--weather, cost of living, fun city, good outskirts, etc.--we know it would not be ideal to move somewhere with no family and no friends. We like the idea of our kids growing up with grandparents because, for the most part, neither Ben or I really had involved grandparents for most of our lives.

We are also discussing different parts of Washington than where we live. We are also picky because we need to be within reasonable commute to a city for Ben's career and we don't want to move to the middle of nowhere because we obviously want our kids attending good schools. We think about the Spokane area due to jobs there and the climate being less rainy than here. We think about south east a little bit from where we are due to it being a nice driving distance from a bigger city yet with the possibility of more land and good schools near.

Neither one of us like the feeling of being unsettled but that is somewhat how we feel. We loooove our house. The set up, the yard, how cozy we have made it so that is a positive. We aren't in a situation where we feel like we will outgrow our house, need to get out, or anything like that. We are just trying to feel out the best place to raise our family. If you know Ben or I, then you know that these types of issues weigh heavy on us. We get to points where we just put it out of our minds and think it will all work out but now we are getting to a point where we will have to start seriously thinking about things.

I just wanted to get this down because it was a conversation we had and I feel like writing about it sometimes makes me feel better. It is very surreal to be in the stage where these are the kind of issues we have. Not what we are ordering for dinner and what movie we want to see like the good ol' college days!

What big decisions has your family had to make and how do you handle it? Any advice on any of these areas to live? How important has it been/is it for you to have grandparents near your children?