Christian's First (Video'd) Steps!

Here is a sneak peak of what Christian will soon be doing all of the time....WALKING! He's been doing the "drunken sailor" walk for a couple of weeks now, but this is the first time we've been able to catch it on video. He actually walks even better than what we got, but he was tired (you'll see eye rubbing) and ready to move on to the next activity (which happened to be bathtime!). He had been walking to either Cubby or I, but when we started the video, his attention shifted to a ball and thus, he turns a corner and makes his way over to the ball. (What a boy!) In any case, we're very excited about his new skill and hope everyone will enjoy our little "baby" walking!

Wanted: Extra Dough

So, I really, really, really, really need some highlights. 'Trouble is, it's so darn expensive to color my hair every three months! (And to wait and do it every 6 months is just not pretty...trust me.) I have figured out how much I need to save each week to be able to afford to do this, and it's not a large amount. However, how to go about earning this extra cash, is what I'm blogging about. I'm considering the following options: (keeping in mind that I can't go out and get a job at Target or Pottery Barn b/c I'm still nursing and can't stay away too long.)

1. Sell vital organs (I don't need that much money, so this option is a "no")
2. Get a paper route (A couple of afternoons a week and a small route-this could work, but I need to call the newspaper about this.)
3. Babysit someone's child for a couple of hours once a week--honestly, I don't need much money and this may be my best option. Does anyone want a break for 2-3 hours/week in the mornings???

If I knew how to "make" anything or be crafty, I would consider that as a option. But, I don't and I'm not. I also do not own musical instruments so giving lessons is out. It's very frustrating b/c I have a Bachelor's and could be making some serious money if I were to work outside of the home. Don't get me wrong, I DON'T want to work outside of the home b/c I LOVE being at home and watching my children grow. I just wish I could put my skills that I have with my degree to work for me from home so I wouldn't have to be considering a paper route just so that I could afford to highlight my hair!

If anyone has any suggestions on what has worked for them to earn a little extra cash, I'd love your input. I'm just having one bad hair day after another and it's making me grumpy :-).

She knows how to make Mommy smile

"Look, Mommy! I've cleaned up the living room!" Ah, what more could a mother ask for???

The Queen (Grand) Mother

I'm terrible about keeping a real joural (I'm working on starting up again). One of the reasons I started blogging was to record thoughts and events and such that otherwise, would go unwritten and thus, forgotten. This post is dedicated to my mom--one of the sweetest and most generous and loving people ever to have walked the face of this earth.

My mom is always willing to help. Whether she hears the panic or exhaustion in my voice and leaves early from work to relieve me during a tough day, or if I just need her organizational expertise in tackling Emily's closet and dressers full of clothes, she's there to help. (And organizing is her true medium as an artist!)

My mom also shares in my joys. Yesterday, Christian took a 2 hr and 10 min nap. Those of you who have children that do this on a regular basis may be thinking, big deal, right? Well, for Christian that is double the time of his normal naps. I told my mom this and she yelled with delight and jumped up and down with me. She understood how great that was for me and really helped me to enjoy it even more!

Finally, my mom LOVES her grandkids. (To be fair, this is a very common thing for almost any grandparent though, right?) However, unlike other grandparents who are happy to sit and just watch the kids play, my mom plays.....and plays and plays. She is Emily's favorite person (Cubby and myself come in second and third) and Christian just lights up when he hears her voice. She finds true joy in being around her grandchildren and teaches me how to "play better" whenever she's around.

There are so many more things that I could write about this incredible woman that I've somehow lucked out enough to be able to call her "Mom". I'm just so grateful for all that she is and all that she does. I hope I can someday become the mother that she always has been, and continues to be, to me. I love you, Mom!

My Little Picaso

While Christian was napping this morning, Emily and I got out her easel and she busied herself painting while I caught up on some dusting...it's amazing what can get done while the little one sleeps! LOVE IT!

Well, Emily pulled me into the kitchen when she was done with each painting and with the last one she did, she painted her name! (She wrote it on the chalkboard yesterday for the first time, but erased it before I could snap a picture!) But, I was ready this time! True, the letters are a little tough to make out (and "Emily" takes up two lines) but it was just so exciting that she's started to write her name (and other letters more consistently)!

(The lighting makes it hard to see too, but hey, I know what it says!)

Ten Reasons that Today was Great!

1. Emily had "so much fun!" at her friend, Xavier's house this morning.
2. While Christian was napping this morning, I tried my hand at making homemade crescent rolls...it did NOT work. However, I learned a valuable lesson: check the expiration date on yeast BEFORE you make the dough.
3. While Emily was at Xavier's, Christian and I were able to take Peanut out for a walk. Alittle cold this morning, but Christian just LOVES being outside and, of course, Peanut loved it too.
4. Both children took great afternoon naps!!!!! And, despite having a dirty diaper, as I found when he woke up later, Christian was able to put himself back to sleep after waking up during his nap! FINALLY!
5. I was able to reconnect with an old friend whom I hadn't spoken to in about 8 years. It was sooo great to catch up with her!
6. While I was on the phone, the kids were REALLY well-behaved. I was also finishing up baking cookies (Peanut-butter blossoms...yum...) and starting dinner while talking so it was so great that they kept themselves busy for a bit!
7. It got much warmer and sunnier outside this afternoon and I was able to take the kids outside for some playtime before dinner. I LOVE SPRING!
8. My wonderful husband kept the kids busy and happy while I met my friend, Ilise, at the gym for a good, hard run.
9. We had Family Home Evening tonight (Monday and Tuesday nights got away from us) and Emily taught the lesson. So cute!
10. Both children went to bed extremely well and so I'm able to make this fun little list and relax a bit before I collapse :-).

The Missing Link

Here's a picture of the family at the zoo. Oh, and there's Kathleen, Chrisitan, and Emily in the foreground. - Cubby (Kathleen wanted me to post something).