More Sugar Than Spice

Honor

Two days ago we received a call that Travis’ grandfather, wasn’t doing well and was back in the hospital. I called Travis and he was uncertain about if we should go to the hospital or not. They have never been close (I had only met him twice - once was at our wedding) but I still felt strongly our presence was important for his parents. I wanted to bring Brooklyn as a reminder of what is important, and a stress relief for his dad, and really felt in my gut we should go.

Travis was already downtown so he beat me to the hospital. By the time we arrived, his grandfather was breathing his final breath. His daughter had begged him to receive Jesus as his savior, but his ability to speak was gone. We won’t know what his decision was until we are with our maker.

A Mouse In the House

This morning started out hectic. I was throwing up more than usual and Monkey just did not want to hustle. Daddy had dressed her in shorts and sandals, even though the weather report was calling for snow. We had an unplanned tour of Castle Rock, and arrived at the OB’s office 15 minutes late.

The nurse was so sweet and gave Monkey two pink surgical gloves to entertain and distract while the doctor performed his series of important, yet embarrassing tests. He discussed the importance of not eating cat poop while pregnant, and the importance of eating right and taking prenatal vitamins. He reviewed my history and added the few things that have changed since the last time around.

The Power of a Mouse

As most of you know Monkey and I have struggled over potty training for a while now. I learned from our pediatrician that one thing that may be contributing to our struggle is Monkey’s need to feel she’s in control. He recommended we ignore potty training altogether for an entire month, then try again.

During that month, one of my friends from MOPS sent me a link to a potty training game her mother had recommended to her called “My Throne”. It was only $25, so I ordered it. I figured if it worked, it would be the best money ever spent. When it arrived, it wasn’t anything revolutionary, but Monkey was excited about the package, and the fact that she got to be a frog in the game, so she was once again excited about potty training.

MOPS Walk

Our MOPS group has been a true blessing to me and really helped me through the transition of becoming a stay at home mom. While I always knew this was my calling, the fact that Monkey really is the one in control took some getting use to.

This spring we are participating in the MOPS international walk to raise money for our group. The money raised will go to our crafts, speakers, the MOPPETTES program and most importantly, scholarships. We had a mommy at our table who could not afford to attend MOPS, so I have seen first hand how important this money is to someone who is in need.

What is great about the MOPS walk is all of the money goes into our fund. There is no overhead for our group to walk, therefore every dollar donated will benefit our group. If you are interested in contributing, or reading more about it, please go to my donation page.

If you are unable to donate at this time, please pray for our group not only financially, but pray we have good weather, healthy mommies, and a great walk!

Taking Candy From a Baby

Around Christmas time, Monkey found a toy at Safeway that she fell in love with. The toy had been thrown in with some bagged candy, and clearly had seen better days. It was a red plastic Santa airplane that had a button you push to make the propellers rotate and lights came on. It was clearly broken on the bottom when we purchased it… in fact the cashier gave it to us because they didn’t even know where it came from.

A day later the lights weren’t working. A week later the dog ate the propellers off.

Hurry Up and Wait

This morning, we were 15 minutes late for our MOPS meeting because Monkey and I had a stand off over potty training. I had been prepping her all morning for a success by filling her belly with water, talking about our plan to go potty then go play with our friends, picking out a sticker, etc.

Well, 45 minutes before it was time to leave, I got her dressed and explained the game plan: We are going to finish our water, eat something, brush our teeth, go potty and leave.

Ready? BREAK!

Can’t See Through The Fog

For the last few days I have been sick, on top of the morning sickness I have been blessed with. My head is so congested I can’t breathe through my nose and I wake up with a pounding headache almost every day.

Although I am not feeling great physically, my prayer goes out to the people who are suffering in their hearts. We have another holiday coming up, and a pretty major holiday in my opinion. And even though Easter is just around the corner, once again my family cannot seem to put their love for God above all else and celebrate His eternal life together.

Sneezing Baby Dust

Why does it seem when you are trying to get pregnant there are pregnant women everywhere? Not just at the mall and in the grocery store, but EVERYWHERE.

My girlfriend Nina is due at the end of March and she came over a few weeks ago and I pulled out my 0-3 month bins for her to go through so she could pick and choose what she wanted. As I went through the clothes, the memories of when Brooklyn wore each outfit came flowing back. Although nostalgia was in the air, I felt very blessed to have these items to offer and knew I wouldn’t miss them a bit.

One of my favorite people from MOPS is due just a few weeks after the due date of our little angel who is now in heaven. She just found out she is having a girl, and just prior to her appointment I sent her girl baby dust, to which her husband said he sneezed it out.

Focus on the Family

My sweet sister in law has been through hell. A few short years ago, she was living what appeared to be the “American Dream” including two beautiful children, a husband who worked hard and a house they could call theirs. Their focus was God and He was pleased. However, all of that fell apart due to various things, and there are days I know she is barely hanging onto the cross by a thread.

She turned 28 on Saturday and I really wanted her to know even though we have had our disagreements, I love her to the moon and back. I took some pictures of her kids to let her know I think she is a great mom, and to remind her to stay focused on them - especially when it feels like the world is crashing down.

Elbowing Out the In-Laws

We are the stereotypical Italian family.

I am loud when I tell stories, and I have been known to wave my hands around like a mad woman in order to get my point across. Travis has an insatiable belly laugh that makes the entire room smile. We love fun and fellowship. We love having friends over and sharing a bottle of wine. A night playing cards something I can never get enough of. And the food! Oh the food! We love pasta, cheese, meats and all other things that taste so good on my lips, and look so horrible on my hips.

I was at my mother in laws house last weekend and she has perfected that adorable ‘pleasantly plump’ grandmother look. She has a beautiful smile and a cute high pitched voice when she gets excited and really I could just eat her up she’s so darn cute.