change is in the air . . . how do you do holidays with your fam?

so...a new topic of discussion in our household has been how to handle the holidays. We thought we had it figured out, but we are slowly realizing that pleasing everyone (including ourselves) is impossible.

i know this can often be a heated debate for some, but we thought we had it all figured out. we even discussed it in our premarital counseling. for some reason, it's just not working out like we had planned...

here's the catch: both of our families are in town so we have been splitting a day (it seems most holidays fall on Sundays) and doing half with my fam and the other half with joe's fam. we are super blessed to have both famlies in town, so i would never trade that for the world! but it does seem like it would be easier to make holidays work if we had to travel somewhere- but again- i'm really glad we don't have that challenge in front of us- because i actually would rather figure this out then have to travel to spend time with one of our sides (sorry to all those who have family out of town- i know God helps you all figure it out and you make what works for your fam- it just seems like it would be a huge undertaking- not to mention, kind of stressful- especially when you throw kids in the mix)

so, the half day ends up being lunch after church with my fam (which is kind of a tradition whether it's a holiday or not, then an early dinner w/ joe's fam...the tricky part is, that it's not working out that great anymore. Judah is cranky at lunch time, then wants to take a nap when we are with my fam, and joe's fam feels like they are getting the leftovers of us...so- the topic is up for discussion in our home right now (no conclusion has been made)- but, should we (or should we not) rotate holidays even though both families are in town? I guess the stubborn side of myself says- that's crazy- let's just make our families compromise so I can get my way and hang out with both since they are both in town- but the practical side of me says- my husband would be happy and it would make for a less stressful "day."

i guess it's still up for discussion- but we are thinking about making the switch her shortly- now it's just where to begin. Do we start with Easter? As it's next Sunday? Or do we start with Mother's Day (and tick off one side of the family who wouldn't get to see us) and then Father's Day (again, either a Mom a Dad or Joe and I would all be affected on those days depending on where we are spending what day with which side)...the thought of that just seems crazy to me not spending Mother's Day with my mom or Father's day with my dad (or me now as a MOM not being with my fam, or Joe as a DAD not being with his)- but would it make for a less stressful "day"...we would be changing tradition- but sometimes change is good...right?

So...there are my thoughts for the day. Maybe it's a little too much info for some (i guess i just like getting feedback as to what works) or maybe some outside opinions as if my thoughts sound crazy or not...i'm trying to be open to this "change" and make it the best for our immediate fam (Joe, Judah, myself and baby on the way) but then we love both of our extended fam's too...and want to please all parties...

Change is in the air- i guess it's inevitable. it just affects a lot of people around us (including our siblings and grandparents too)...so- what solution do you think would be best without really knowing our famliy dynamics?

This little guy will be happy with whatever we decide I'm sure...

surprise . . . joe turned 33!

Joe's goal in life was to be married before he turned 30. In order to reach that goal (and for other reasons to) we decided to get married on March 1, 2008 just about 30 days before he turned 30. He made it right in time...married at 29. Our March/April seasons of life are just crazy busy.

I've always heard that turning 30 is a big milestone and being a newly married wife I wanted to try to make his 30th special, but the truth was, we just returned from our amazing honeymoon in Hawaii, I had my 25 birthday, I was moving all my stuff into our amazing home, we were somewhat broke, and then Joe turned 30. Luckily, my parents came through and let us go on a trip with them to Pebble Beach that year (which made up for my lack of doing something amazing)...

All that to say, I joked around with our families that maybe randomly I would do a surprise birthday for him when he turned 33. I guess I just liked that number at the time. Well, he turned 33 this year and my plan came through!

If you know Joe at all, he's a sports guy 24/7. Come to our home and ESPN will be on. He plays softball, basketball, flag football (reigning champs), etc. I was trying to figure out what would be a quick/easy set up...so I thought- let's do a sports (ESPN) theme with all his favorites represented.

I connected with our immediate families and a few of his close friends and they all came through. I got Joe out of the house with his good friend Shane (our neighbor too) to watch a RiverCats game (luckily Joe's friend who he coached growing up was pitching for the other team that day) so it was a great way to get him out of the house for the surprise!

I rushed home after church on Sunday to set up. I pulled stuff from my parents garage (old sports items from my brothers) and then ransacked Joe's stuff in our garage. It all came together in a couple of hours - thanks to my mom's help too for getting some fake turf for the tables!

I think it's the first surprise party I've ever thrown and it was a success! He was totally shocked that I could pull it off- in fact- he said it was his favorite birthday yet! I was super happy!

If you've read this far, you must just really be my friend (cause it was probably a really boring blog)...but here are a couple highlight pics (i'm missing so many good one's- these were all taken after the party by default) and one quick video- of course in the midst of the chaos I forgot to get all the details (like the cracker jack party favors, etc)...but it was a quick whirl of a weekend and it worked for us!

Take a quick look at the "golf" table, Joe's minimal hat collection, USC gear display and football table:



Judah, Joe and the Birthday song:

Birthday Love . . .

Many people ask the famous questions- "Are you doing anything special for your birthday?"

I guess as the years pass, the special moments in life just become different than some fabulous party or outrageous plan. I'm not going to lie, I like good parties, but there is something special to me about hanging out with close friends and eating good food these days.

So...I feel quite celebrated this week! I was spoiled and loved by many...

1. Got to spend good quality time with Capital MOMS at petroglyphs painting some pottery. I guess, just getting away for night with girlfriends is always a special treat!

2. My good friend Aubrey made these amazing blocks for me! I'm so "blessed"...=)


3. My mom treated me to a shopping outing on Sunday. Gotta love shopping!

4. Went to great Chinese food with work friends...and they picked up the bill!

5. Got my first call from my grandpa on my birthday! (He's the first one to call every year)

6. Spoiled on facebook with several "happy birthdays"...I love how people come out of the woodworks to say happy birthday on Facebook. Always reminds me of memories shared with good friends (even if we don't hang out all the time these days)...

7. Having a game night with some close friends- playing the "Newlywed Game"...one of my favs...=)

8. Getting special cards in the mail. Always a treat!

9. Spending time with family (I'm sure we'll be going to dinner)!

10. We are having a photoshoot on Saturday with (Alyssa Ballisty Photography) out at Rancho Murieta golf course then hanging out w/ the inlaws for bday treats!

11. Joe is (and always does) spoiling me with a date night...(We kind of combine our Anniversary and Birthdays all into one trip- our San Fran trip we took at the beginning of the month. Joe's bday is 10 days after mine)

12. We went to a hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant that I was craving last night...then had a nice walk to Dairy Queen for some treats...

12. My mom is treating me to breakfast and pedi's on Friday (can't wait!)

13. The list could go on and on...from texts and extra special notes and recognition.

So, yes...I'm blessed and always spoiled on my birthday! Thanks for caring and loving me!

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!

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

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!

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: