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Thursday, March 24, 2011

Killing Time with Treats . . .

I'm addicted to sweet treats. I guess it's a family addiction that my mother passed down to us kids, and I haven't had the heart to break it. There is something about the car and movies (not really TV for me) that really brings it out in me too. I'm not sure if it's a boredom thing or what, but it's hard for me to go on the road without having something to snack on.

So, it's a bad habit that naturally I'm starting early with Judah. It really started just to keep him quiet. My mom told me this old trick she did with me as a kid- when we would be out for family dinners, they would hand me a wrapped tootsie roll and I would eat through the paper to get to the chocolate, but it kept me quiet for the extent needed (funny thing is- chocolate really doesn't do much for me now). During cheer practice, to keep Judah occupied, we would give him suckers...it was the only thing that would keep him on my lap and quiet so I could watch the routine - again, a bad addiction that I'm willingly passing along.

Now, we are in the habit (partially because I'm pregnant and like to snack even more) of getting treats on the car ride home from daycare. It's about a 30 minute drive home (with traffic) 3 days a week, so I have to keep the kid entertained. I'm sure the dentist is going to kill me (but I actually have pretty good teeth and I ate lots of candy growing up). All of my siblings have had good teeth too- maybe a few cavities, but never braces or any expensive dental work...so I'm kind of banking on that...(cross my fingers).

I'm starting to sound like it's a daily habit of eating junk food (which isn't the case at all)...Judah's favorite thing to eat is chicken and fruit (and occasional french fries). If I put candy and a strawberry next to each other though, he would pick the strawberry over the candy in a heart beat. So, don't get me wrong...I'm not trying to raise my kid on junk food, but I believe in simple treats. Maybe I'll blame it on my lifestyle as well. I'm not a super "routine" person so little treats here and there on-the-go just make me feel happy.

Really, my weakness is candy! In college we always had Swedish Fish and Peppermint Patties (shout out to Kristi) in a bowl on our table. Now, if I were to walk in a gas station or dollar store (some of the best candy) I would lean towards: Hot Tamales, Good N Plenty's, Sour Patch Kids, Sweetarts & Mike N Ikes (for my husband), Sour Watermelons, Sour Patch Straws, Peachy O's, Big Spoon, Goobers (for my dad and me), Laffy Taffy and the list could go on and on, but I'll stop now cause I'm thinking about getting in my car in this massive storm to run to the store...haha!

I didn't really have anything profound to talk about today- but I have a super cute video of Judah enjoying his car ride treats. Don't think of me as a bad mom (busy mom maybe)...but if you hung out with us for a week, you would understand that it's not as much of a bad habit as I'm making it sound, more of a guilty pleasure. Maybe I'll change my mindset after I'm done having kids and need my pre-prego body back- but for now, I'm indulging in the goodness of candy...=) {for those of you dieting out there- to discourage you for breaking into a bad habit- I've heard it said before- "Is eating that one M&M really worth a lump of cellulite on your booty cheek?" so stop with the bad thoughts now!}

What's your guilty pleasure?

Also, let me know if you think I'm starting a bad habit too early in Judah's life and need to kick it now! I like interesting conversations! Tell me if you completely disagree!

PS- Come over to my house tomorrow! It's S'mores Night with Capital MOMS!

Enjoy my cute {everyday laine} video of Judah and his sweet treats!

Monday, March 21, 2011

Let someone else praise you, not your own mouth...

So...this is a blog really for my husband...but I'll let those of you in my life read it as well...cause it's a good reminder to myself (and those wives out there...)

We were hanging out with some friends the other night for dinner and enjoying the conversation...Joe began discussing the amazing plans for the upcoming special needs prom, "Evening of Dreams" {www.eveningofdreams.com} and started taking some credit for his input...I jokingly said remember that verse in Proverbs- paraphrasing "don't let praise yourself, let others do it"...and he jokingly (but not so jokingly said) "well, if you did it for me, I wouldn't have to do it for myself..."

We really were laughing and joking, nothing was putting each other down (I guess you kind of had to be there)...but I walked away from that night thinking to myself...I really could do better...it's not that I don't think good things about my husband...I actually feel like I think pretty positively about him...but I don't really talk that openly in front of other people (especially when he is present) about how amazing I think he is...I think it's sometimes easier to talk highly about him when he's not around...weird I know (I think I've even heard my dad say something similar to this regarding thoughts about my mom...maybe it's a weird trait I inherited from him)...

So...I know we are all not sitting down together in a room, but here's a start...

Praise for my husband:

1. He's always been the provider for our household (even when times got really lean, he found a way to make life continue)
2. He has always made me feel secure in our relationship (I've never doubted his love for me)
3. He's got is own unique authentic relationship with God (different than the typical raised Christian)
4. He keeps our home immaculate (yep, he's the cleaner in our relationship...the dishes, the floors)
5. He does the laundry (yep, weekly laundry, and folds my clothes too)
6. He washes our sheets once a week (if you were ever a roommate of mine in college- you would understand why I appreciate this one so much)
7. He takes care of any problems I have right away (he's a "get it done" kind of person)
8. He's actually a pretty good communicator (he likes to talk)
9. He picks up after Judah and I (when we have play time together, Joe likes to clean up the aftermath- maybe "like" is an overstatement- but he always follows up and picks up)
10. He gets home after work and still will take Judah for a drive up the street in his car (even though he's probably pretty tired)
11. He let's me get away with take out or "to-go" food even when he's trying to eat healthy, because it's less work for me...
12. He watches the little man so I can go do kickboxing at 24
13. He helps me serve at church (simply worship, moms group outings...probably not his number one thing to do- but he helps me out regardless)
14. He cares about my happiness (he wants to see my happy)
15. He plans get aways and date nights to help give me breaks from the madness
16. He encourages me not to get overcommitted to things
17. He excuses my late requests for parties or obligations (when I should have confirmed weeks prior)
18. He helps keep me accountable
19. He cares about giving back (helping with Equal Start at Oakridge, Evening of Dreams, etc)
20. He worked hard to get this new job (which has hopefully taken away a big stress load in the financial stability department)
21. He's confident (confident in who he is, what he believes, what he stands for- not in a cocky way which can be pre-conceived before you get to know him)
22. He shows up at my work unexpected to take me to lunch
23. He's a great sounding board when I'm frustrated (and always willing to give good advice)
24. He loves meeting and talking to new people (I love how we are constantly building new friendships!)
25. He loves family (both mine and his)
26. He's a negotiator and compromiser on the important things
27. He's always wanting to learn and grow (taking new tests for work and expanding his education and knowledge)
28. He loves to read (even though I pull him from that good habit- he still loves it)
29. He's my protector (I always feel safe and secure in his arms)
30. He's honest (almost brutely honest sometimes...but I guess I like that)
31. He's an amazing dad! (Judah loves him and looks up to him, and he always finds the time to play with him- even when he's a lot of work...)
32. He's a great friend (I just like hanging out with him, going shopping- which he's great at too- and eating good food, movies, friends, game nights)

So...it's a good start... 32 reasons since he's 32 years old (turning 33 on April 10)
I could go on and on...but some of you have probably already stopped reading...

Love you babe- I'll work on praising you more often so you don't have too!

Proverbs 27:2

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

life lessons ...

Since the last time I wrote a lot has happened:

1. We won the cheer competition! YEAH! First place in the co-ed division. Super fun trip to round out the year. Makes it all kind of worth it...


2. MOMS group had a playdate with Good Day Sacramento (even though the tsunami took our live camera away from the event, it was a huge success! Can't say thank you enough to Master's Commission, Caitlin, & Aubrey for getting up super early to help set up!)

3. Judah has decided he likes to throw tantrums. Seriously, it happened over night. I'm needing any and all advice in the discipline department. This kid could careless about the word "no" and he enjoys watching me get mad at him. It's ridiculous. I'm learning a few tips from my mom, but any extra advice on tantrums and discipline would be great! Comment away! (Praying our second kid is a little more like cousin Ella- she's the sweetest most mild and meek child!)

4. Work, work, work- trying to keep up with all the campaigns we are about to launch and the daily stuff...not to mention I'm just now entering the second trimester so I've been a little tired these past few weeks.

5. Conquered the Bed Time Blues with Judah. Finally agreed to put him in his crib at 8 every night with a strict bedtime routine. We got in a bad habit of letting him fall asleep on the couch with us. But with baby 2 on the way, we had to fix this...So, Judah now crashes on his own (after the first night of screaming for 45 minutes, the second night for 10, then the 3rd night was so peaceful...he caught on quick) Thank you to all my friends (especially Aubrey for the encouraging words and will power to do this)...We love our evening so much more now!

6. A quick looks a baby #2- no names yet...we think it's a boy (i do have a girl name picked out)...Joe and I just know too many people, we can't come up with anything we like that somebody doesn't already have or that we put a face too...got our first ultrasound at 11 weeks (i'm a little slower the second time around)


I think that sums up most of what I've been doing. Oh, and watching the Bachelor (which I'm super excited that he picked Emily- yes, I do like the Bachelor) I guess that has been taking me away from blogging too...between falling asleep early on the couch and watching lame tv- I've been away from the blogging world...

I titled this post "Life Lessons" because I've been asked to speak on that topic to our Master's Commission students tomorrow. I left all my notes up at the office, but I always like stopping to think about what I've experienced in my life that would be interesting to share. I did this 2 times before on separate topics, and realized that I have to put myself back in the shoes of a college student and what i liked to talk about at that age (yep, I'm old- turning 28 this month, on my way to 30 shortly...)

So, I'm going to talk about my Twentysomethings (the good and the not so great times). I came across this awesome book when I was in college- Perspectives: A Spiritual Life Guide For Twentysomethings by Colin Creel- I really enjoyed it- and it had a lot of talking to do about "waiting." I think I felt like I was in limbo during that early stage of my 20's. Studying for what I was going to become (a high school theater teacher- which I'm completely NOT doing right now), dating people that were not right for me- really just waiting to get out of that stage of life and enter what I was really going to do in the future. I had no clue what that was going to be at the time...but it was all part of the waiting stage- waiting on God to lead/guide me and point me in the direction for my future...so...the rest is to be explored as I talk tomorrow to these young twentysomethings. (I'm old, married, almost have 2 kids)...blah blah blah

Pray that what I need to say comes out just right! Or more importantly, that what God wants to speak through me actually impacts one of these students.

This is a catch up...not really all that interesting...but a catch up so I can keep blogging from here!

Saturday, January 29, 2011

getting out of the house with Capital MOMS

Part of my job at Capital (I work at Capital Christian Center) is to have a date (coffee/lunch) with new people who are looking to get connected at the church. In the first month of doing these dates, I was getting asked over-and-over again if we had a MOMS group. My answer at the time was no. But it got me to thinking...why don't we have a group? is it that hard to run a group? should i start a MOMS group since i'm a young mother of a 7 month old (at the time)?

I'm so grateful to say that we launched our MOMS group in June of 2010. Since then, we have had TONS of outings and made great friendships along the way. The whole goal was to be somewhat of a support system for MOMS and also an open door and connection point for new people to the church. We still have tons of room to grow in how we do things, but I've loved the journey so far.

I'm also grateful to say that I don't have to do it alone! I have a great support system and team of leaders who help make the load light! We divide up months of responsibility and have a blast at our planning meetings. Our goal is to do 1 event a week. Most MOMS do work, but we have several stay-at-home moms too. We break it up like this: 1 free event, 1 paid-for event, 1 art/craft at the church, 1 MOMS only outing, and every-once-in-a-while a family outing. It tends to work pretty good. I'm a working mom and wish I could make it to every event, but i can't. Luckily, we are able to do a lot of events on Mondays/Fridays which help in my case. But all the good deals for MOMS tend to be on Tuesdays/Thursdays...I guess you just do the best with what you can.

We launched the group all on FACEBOOK. It has worked perfectly for us. We post events, photos, pictures, and discussion groups. Most young moms these days are on Facebook, so naturally it was an easy starting point.

We are always looking for new fun ideas and ways to stay creative and keep our kids wanting more. If you have a fun idea, please comment below! A new thing I'm super excited about is an upcoming event called" Coupon Craze, Infatables, & CBS 13 News!" That's right...we are getting featured on CBS 13 News. I think God seriously gave us this idea and team of young MOMS to reach out in our community. Going on fun outings and talking about our kids is such an easy entry point into talking and inviting new people to church. It has been an absolute JOY for me and Judah of course (he loves every event! he just loves getting out of the house in general- another reason we started the group)...=)

Check out our pictures on facebook (and recently our videos too- thanks to my husband for my flip) If you know of anybody in the Sacramento area that is looking for friends...point them our direction!

Also, if you need help in starting your own MOMS group...we have great tips and suggestions. Comment below and I'll connect with you!

Here is a video of our latest outing:

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

cheering for valentine's day...

Do you have plans for Valentine's Day? We do. We will be driving back from our cheer trip to LA for our West Coast Competition. I say "we" because (as of now) we are making it a family trip. I don't really mind that it falls on Valentine's day either, because we've done the whole "go out to dinner" that night and it's a crazy mess. We have vowed to never celebrate "the day of" any longer. We still celebrate, but not on Valentine's Day and not with flowers (because i made the mistake early on in our dating years to say that I don't like flowers. it's kind of true- just because they die and fade away so fast- but i do like getting flowers as a surprise every once-in-a while- i hope joe is reading this, wink wink.)Maybe it's not flowers, but the special thought that counts. right now for me it would be a McDonald's or In N Out burger, or some candy or big spoon (wink wink again).I guess I'm speaking to myself too...I could do more surprises for Joe as well.

I cheered all throughout high school, went to Florida 3 times for Nationals and to LA a few times as well. I loved it...have a national title and some of the best memories. This is my 5th year coaching cheerleading. Joe and I started our relationship my first year as a cheer coach. He randomly appeared at JV football games and hung out in the bleachers with me. So cheerleading has some emotional ties for me as well. I've been coaching this year dragging Judah to practices- and now with our second on the way- I'm retiring for a few years. Need to focus my energy on being a MOM. Regardless, this year has been a huge growth year for me. Dealing with parents, injuries, a varsity squad, and now boys (we will be competing as a coed squad, and we are loving every minute of it...)

I guess I'm writing about this because it's swarming in my head. We just had a parent meeting tonight and an awesome practice. Our team is working so hard to pull this off. It's our last horrah! We still have a ways to go of cleaning up our routine...but we are on the right path. We are performing at the winter banquet rally on Friday. So we are working tirelessly these next couple days to perform to the best of our ability.

I'm so looking forward to our trip. Say a little prayer for us if you think about it...we are leaving Feb 11-14. The girls/guys have been working so hard, and we are praying that their hard work pays off with a big win! We also get to experience Disneyland while we are down there...so looking forward to it...this would be Judah's first trip down there as well.

Here is a sneak peak into our practice today (don't mind us yelling in the background):

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Great Expectations

As I am sure many of you know by now, Laine and I are expecting our second child. While this has brought great joy and excitement in our household it has once again caused me to pause and weigh the gravity of the situation. When we first learned Judah was coming I was consumed with thoughts of "I don't like changing diapers", "Sleepless nights", "there goes our freedom" and "am I really ready for this??"!!!

Now, #2 is on his way (yes,praying for a boy and speaking it into existence now)all of the old thoughts are racing through my mind. I mean, I have just gotten used to one child, now 2? Needless to say I haven't been sleeping well lately. Thankfully he won't be here tomorrow and we have some time to soak all this in and prepare.

Yup, the next few months shall be interesting, and we will keep you updated along the way. From Laine's progress, finding out the sex (even though we already know its a boy), transitioning Judah to a big boy bed and of course the arrival of the new mister man!!!! We will keep you in the loop for the entire journey. In the meantime.........

(Laine speaking here: In the meantime ... You all need to help give me some topics for Joe to write on...he's too quick and to the point...how come he doesn't like to write long emotional blogs? I guess that gives you a little look into our relationship.)

Yesterday's Surprise:
Take a peek into how we told Joe's parents the second is on the way...


Sunday, January 16, 2011

Shabby Chic {part 2}

It was hard not to resist blessing my sister-in-law and soon-to-be-born niece "Ella." We had a blast throwing the party and putting our creative heads together (Caitlin Zick, Yolie Orozco, Kellie Vandermark, Paige Ellis). I think our mothers have all passed down the joy of throwing parties to us, or we just fell in love with the idea somewhere along the way. I guess I just like reading blogs about parties and then I think to myself, "I could do that"...so we make it work...

Here are a few snapshots:
Mel (Baby Ella), Caitlin and Myself...the reason the shower happened...

I had purchased this old antique chalkboard for $15 from an antique store in Old Fair Oaks for Judah's birthday. Since then, it's been used at birthday parties and showers galore. A great purchase! If you are ever bored and like to rummage through antique stores, there is a row of them in Fair Oaks Village. Amazing finds! Caitlin had purchased the birdhouses from Michaels during a good sale and we had to hang them on my tree with torn ribbon from Joanne's. The gift table features just a few of the pom poms that were hung...Purchase "clear thread" from Joanne's and hang them with a staple into the ceiling. Another great trick we learned from our good friend Aubrey Stewart.


Even though we had nothing to do with the Cake design, I had to feature it here because it was AMAZING! Paula Ellis (Paige's mother-in-law) did this amazing design for us and went above-and-beyond! If you are looking for a baker...I'll give you her contact info! She was amazing! Not only did it look beautiful, it tasted wonderful too!

Paige Ellis made this amazing Blueberry French Toast (Perfect for any shower)...I'll have to post the recipe! Also, the tags for the food and our party favors were done with the "Silhouette." Have you ever heard of a Cicket before? This is much more fun because it's like itunes for party designs! It can cut vinyl, banners, stencils, glass etching, and more! Aubrey purchased it with a friend when it was on sale, or you can try to win it off blogs...they are doing giveaways often! I think I'm requesting one for my birthday. They make any party stand out in detail...and it's great for home decor too! We made all the food dishes per Mel's request (Can't say no to a pregnant woman!)Looking for any good brunch ideas, just ask- I'll email you the recipes!

Last but not least our the tables. The colors we went with were pink and gold. Caitlin and I scowled antique stores, shabby chic stores, but most importantly the Goodwill for vases and random artifacts that represented the "shabby chic" look. The Goodwill happened to prove to be a success with each trip. We found vases from $1-$2. It was amazing. We hot glued left over fabric and rosettes to the front entry chairs (the hot glue peels right off).

I was in love with the way some of the Shabby Chic stores had pairs of books wrapped together in twine. They weren't for sell, so I decided to replicate on my own. I again purchased some hardcover books (each for $1 at Goodwill) had some twine from Walmart's craft section and made it work. Funny thing is we have moved them to our mantle and they are still up in my home.

I still have a few secrets to share, but I don't have GREAT photos on hand (maybe somebody else captured them). For the party favors, I had seen at anthropolgie a super pretty glass teacup with melted candles in them. I ran out of time to melt the candles but found amazing deals at the Goodwill for glass cups. I ended up at 3 different Goodwill stores and purchased punch bowl sets. Did you know they sell glass punch bowl sets with 12 cups for only $5.99. I even found an identical punch bowl to my mother's expensive set for only $7.50 (which i ended up keeping for myself). Ever in need of glassware...that's a great start for a cheap price! We had our guests use their favors for coffee during the shower and gave them bags to take them home.


Also, I have to give credit here to Caitlin Zick. She is in love with this blog "Save on Crafts" We were able to purchase 3 birdcage sets (for a great deal). We hung them with fabric from a vent above the food table, and then Cait gave them to Mel for her nursery. If you are looking for cheap decor, whether getting married, having a baby, etc. This is the first place you should look.

Well...I wish I had taken some video of the decor. Once we took everything down, I realized my flip camera hadn't been utilized. I was so bummed...but hopefully you'll get the gist and be able to use some links above or ideas for something in your near future!