Just to keep in touch...

What a day!

2012-01-30T21:46:00.000-06:00

This morning Wyatt and I ran some errands together. He has really become my little buddy! So fun...we stopped to play at the play area in the mall so he could run out some energy. There was only 1 other little girl in the play place. (not many moms take their kids at 10am on a Monday morning...ha) Wyatt was so tired by the time we got home he went down for his nap early. It was a good thing though because we had a play date scheduled for the early afternoon....

Jane and Wyatt had lots of fun together. They sure do love playing with ALL Wyatt's toys!

After they left Poppie made a surprise visit. Wyatt was SO excited to see him. They played and Wyatt was wild...as usual. When Poppie left we went outside to wave bye and we didn't come back in for 2 hours. Yup, we enjoyed the weather. It was beautiful! I can't believe it's only January. I did a few things in the yard but mostly just played with Buddy. I keep thinking about all the things that need to be done in the back yard during Spring but then I remember it's only January. We still have time. LOL! Wyatt played ALL OVER THE ENTIRE YARD...to say "such a boy" is an understatement....

He had a great time placing with the dogs...can you spot the boy? Good thing he was wearing yellow...;)

Perfect Timing

2012-01-28T08:00:00.000-06:00

Isn't God's timing always perfect...it's so hard to see when you are going through the storm but once it's over you look back and can just say "wow." I really wanted to not just "get through" this pregnancy. I knew I (and Mark) would have fears, concerns, and many other feelings this time. I also knew we would experiences different feelings at different times. I wanted to enjoy being pregnant. I LOVED it last time. Being pregnant was such an easy thing for me....well, that was last time. This time is different for many reasons. There are always 2 sides. I can't wait for baby girl to be here but yet I want my time with Wyatt as an "only" to just slow down. He has really become my little buddy lately. I cry as I type...within weeks he will no longer and EVER again be our only. The tears shed are happy, scared, sad, overwhelmed...all feelings I am sure every mom (and dad) gets as the time gets closer to expand their family. Staying focused on the Lord, remaining in his word, listening (trying anyway) to what he has to say to me every day has been the main thing guiding me through this entire adventure. My mom has really helped me find things to read, sent me verses, devotionals, etc. She recently sent me the "Jesus Calling" app for my phone. It's amazing. It doesn't take the place of my daily devotional (most days;)) but it's a great little read each day. Like I said in the title...it's always perfect timing. It always kinda makes me shiver when I close the app, like really...how did he know I needed that. Ha!

The past 6 days 3:30am has been my wake up time. Not by choice...I just wake up...then I can't go back to sleep. It's awful! I give myself an hour in bed, laying there...trying to not wake up Mark before I get up and go to the living room couch. I turn on the T.V. and begin watching anything I can find-usually it's the news-I hate the news but it's the only thing on that early. My mind just won't stop. It thinks crazy things. It's so full! I have been trying to use this time to chat with the Lord, just me and him. I have fear and I hate it. I know I am not supposed to be fearful. I don't want to have fear, I don't want to worry about baby girl. I trust the Lord's plan will unfold-his will will be done. I am comforted that I know those things. I believe those things but my mind wanders...

with all that said...

Today Jesus Calling says:

"Relying on your own understanding will weigh you down. Trust in Me absolutely, and I will make your path straight.

Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me." John 14:1

and an old favorite...

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

We are on the home stretch! We will trust in the Lord, enjoy these last days with Buddy being our "only. " We will find joy each day as the Lord's blessings are new every morning!

5 Question Friday

2012-01-27T10:44:00.000-06:00

1. Do you swim in the winter?

When I was younger one of the local high schools had a pool everyone called "the bubble." We would go to swim parties and such there. I don't really swim for exercise (or exercise at all for that matter) so I don't really swim much in Winter.

2. Do you love or hate winter?

I used to LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I still do enjoy it but now that I have a child it's a little more work than I like. ;)

3. Do you put makeup/actual clothes on when you know you're going to be home all day with just family?

Nope, and sometimes don't even put on makeup when I am not going to be at home all day. Lately...what you see is what you get. (Good thing I don't really wear a lot of makeup so it's not like I really look much different without it. )

4. How old were you when you had your first alcoholic beverage?

Hmm....really?!?! On my blog? Let's just say I was in college before I ever drank...I was never really a "party person."

5. How many ill calls in a 12 month period do you think are acceptable?

I think I am understanding this question as how many "sick days" should a person get? Well, being SAHM I get ZERO. I don't really know. That's a hard one because everyone has their own situations but then of course you have those wonderful people that ruin it for everyone else because they take advantage or don't follow rules when it comes to taking days off...that's all I got for that one.

DIY Updates

2012-01-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I have been keeping myself busy around the house the past few weeks. (I know, as if the toddler isn't enough right?!?!) Checking things off my list keeps my mind from thinking about things I shouldn't and keep me from worrying so much. About a year ago I painted our front door. It was green, yup...green. I loved it...for a while. Then I got tired of it, that's me for ya! We have black shutters, black railing, and black outside lights so I decided to paint the door black. It's amazing! I wish I would have done it sooner. I did it during an nap time one afternoon. When Mark got home he said "hey, but I liked the green." I smiled and finished putting dinner on the table. LOL! Nothing more has been said. ;)

Yes, it was snowing when I took the picture. I was the crazy lady outside in my slippers taking pictures of my own house. The neighbors already know I do crazy things so they probably didn't think anything of it.

Another project I completed was painting our counter-tops. This was a chore. When we moved in they were TERRIBLE yellow.

(told you it was bad...)

About a year after moving in we used counter-top paint kit and painted them a grey color. The only picture I could find of the kitchen was a picture from Wyatt's b-day party. Oh well, you can see I painted the cabinets and the counter-tops...

Then...a few weeks ago I got a wild hair. (This is what happens to an OCD person when they are "nesting.") I found a YouTube video that showed you how to paint your counter-tops using craft paint and a paper towel for under $30. It worked! To finished it though it requires a varnish that was $30 itself so the total came to a little under $50 with the varnish. I didn't need as many paint bottles as the YouTube video said. Mark did the varnish one afternoon while I was gone...

There you have it...faux granite counter-tops!

That's it for my projects as of now. I have a few going as we speak but they aren't finished. Soon...very soon! ;)

31 weeks

2012-01-23T20:30:00.000-06:00

Yikes, I know. Pictures are getting quite ugly. (and I am not referring to the quality...ha!)

Size of Baby: According to Baby Center, about the size of a jicama...about 3.75 pounds and almost 17 inches long

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Last week during the urgent care visit with Wyatt they had to put me on the scale with him and then just weigh me to get his weight. Things mothers have to do right?!?! I didn't look but the nurse said "that can't be right." I don't know which she was referring to Wyatt being really small or me being really huge. LOL! I will never know...but since Wyatt is 20 months and 23 lbs. I am telling myself it was his weight that baffled her. Ha!

Maternity Clothes: I can still wear shirts that are bigger normally. I also can wear leggings but I did purchase some maternity leggings and don't think I will ever wear regular ones again. Ha!

Gender: It's a GIRL! Sloane Michelle

Belly Button In/Out: same as last week...out

Movement: She is still moving like CRAZY. I think she is trying to compete with her brother's craziness already. LOL! It's getting pretty painful...down there (sorry TMI)...if you know what I mean.

Sleep: It's ok...last night actually Wyatt stayed in his own bed ALL night. I only had to pat him about 4 times, then went to the bathroom 4 times so....my feet only hit the floor 8x's. I will let you decide how well I slept. ;(

What I miss: being able to sit down and get up comfortably while playing with Wyatt

What I am looking forward to: We have a "sprinkle" coming up soon...and finishing the room....

Cravings/Aversions: I love root beer!

Symptoms: Braxton Hicks like CRAZY. Like I said earlier I have been having some pain but nothing out of the ordinary to get worried about, though it's pain I didn't have last time at all which is so weird to me.

Best Moment This Week: Wyatt rubbing my belly and saying "awwww." SWEETNESS!

We miss Daddy!

2012-01-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

Mark has been at a seminar all weekend. ;( NOT FUN! Since we went to IKEA last weekend he was gone almost every night this week making deliveries. Wyatt has sure missed his daddy! When Mark gets home all Wyatt wants to do is sit on his lap and play. They are crazy wild together and Wyatt loves to play rough with his daddy.

To pass the time this week we spent some time with cousins. It's so fun to see Wyatt play with Cruz. They have a love/hate relationship. Ha! They enjoy playing Cars, Toy Story, and even watching a little Disney channel together. The both are pretty picky eaters but they LOVE their apples....

Snack Time ;)

Yesterday Wyatt and I had a little date to the Disney store. He always has a blast in there! He runs all over, spends time coloring, watching movies, dancing, and of course wanting things. LOL! Yesterday it was a ball...what a boy! A bouncy ball with Mickey inside...did he get it? Well YES! We preordered Lady and the Tramp too! I can't wait. Wyatt loves dogs so I hope he will like the movie. I need another movie in his "likes," we watched Toy Story on repeat yesterday pretty much ALL day. Every time it was over he would say "ahhhh, owwww" until we turn it back on, even if he was in the other room and heard the credits he would stop and ask for it to be started over. LOL!

Nursery Update

2012-01-21T14:08:00.000-06:00

So...you'll know we are IKEA lovers! Since we travel there once a month we decided to furnish Sloane's ;) room with IKEA furniture. This came after much discussion if we needed 2 cribs in the house or if we would be able to move Wyatt to a toddler bed and get him a new bed. It only took 1 night to realize he wasn't ready for a toddler bed. I guess having to 2 cribs is something I should expect having 2 children under the age of 2...right?!?! After looking, thinking, talking...this is what we found:

The pictures don't do the pieces justice...they are so cute. ;) The room is painted, except for a small spot of trimming around the closet door. We almost have all the artwork ready to hang too! Slowly and surely...it's coming along. I was WAY finished by this time last pregnancy but I guess that's what happens with a second baby. LOL! More pictures coming soon....

Name Reveal....

2012-01-19T07:00:00.000-06:00

We haven't really kept the name a secret. If someone asks we tell them. It really wasn't as hard as I thought coming up with and agreeing on a girl name. Wyatt's middle name is Mark so we wanted to have some part of my name in her name. My middle name is Michelle so we worked from that...we came up with...

SLOANE MICHELLE SCHMITZ

There you have it! We have already had/received a few embroidered items. It just makes me even more excited to meet our little baby girl!

*Just FYI: We didn't choose Sloane after anyone specific. We don't even watch any of the shows that have that name in them. We have always both liked the name. ;)

30 weeks-Baby Girl!

2012-01-18T07:00:00.000-06:00

Size of Baby: According to Baby Center, about the size of 4 navel oranges...around 16 inches long and 3.3 pounds! I just still can't wrap my mind around the fact that she's that big!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I got to Dr. tomorrow so we shall see...I know I have gained more than I would have liked but who doesn't. I plan to nurse, eat better than last time, and take lots more walks after this baby so I am not worried. (knock on wood, ha!)

Maternity Clothes: Funny story....Honestly last time I didn't really wear maternity clothes. I think it was because it was mostly warm/hot weather so I just wore dresses. This time it's cold. I hate it. If/when there is a next time and I get to "plan" it I will NOT be doing this winter pregnant thing. I have done summer and winter and I choose winter. It took me a while to finally break down and even buy a pair of maternity pants/jeans. (like 7 1/2 months) I don't know what I have been thinking...they are so comfortable. Life has been so much for enjoyable with comfy clothes other than Mark's t-shirts and sweatpants. (I think he likes that I am not wearing pj's all day every day now too!)

Gender: It's a GIRL! Name reveal post coming soon.....

Belly Button In/Out: Out, it never went back in after 1st pregnancy.

Stretch Marks: I have already vented about this...not commenting again. ;(

Movement: CRAZY, CRAZY, CRAZY!!! I just can't get over the movement. I don't remember feeling it like this last time and there were even 2 in there?!!? It's really fun, most of the time. She loves my right side (under my ribs) and to stretch out the length of my entire torso. (at least that's what it feels like) I also felt hiccups for the first time and I don't remember feeling them at all last time either. ;)

Sleep: This one makes me laugh. I have a toddler who doesn't sleep through the night, he has recently had strep/high fever, I pee at least 4 times a night, and well...other than those things I sleep great.

What I miss: The list is getting longer. No, just kidding but a glass of red wine would be nice. Honestly though I think if I could have one drink I wouldn't touch the rest. It's the "can't have it" thing I think that gets me. LOL!

What I am looking forward to: Putting the furniture together and having a "sprinkle" thrown for us.

Cravings/Aversions: Not many specific things...just get hungry faster but then full faster too. Ha!

Symptoms: The Braxton Hicks have officially started, by the end of day my feet are getting a little puffy and sore...other than that I am alright. ;)

Best Moment This Week: Purchasing the last piece of furniture for her room. Now, to get it all put together....;/

Happy Birthday to you!

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

Right after the holiday season we celebrate some important B-days every year!

My sister,
*Today is my sister's actual b-day! Love ya Punk #2-hope your having an AMAZING day!

MIL,

BIL, SIL,

and my g-ma all have a b-day with a week's time. Crazy right?!?! We went to dinner earlier in the week to celebrate Mark's family b-days and then my mom cooked a b-day breakfast last weekend when my family was here for my sister. We are so blessed to have such great family! Happy B-day family! We love you!

Urgent Care too?!?!

2012-01-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

Life is never dull around the Schmitz household. Saturday was our monthly trip to IKEA and my mom was able to stay with Wyatt. We thought he was on the "uphill" of his strep sickness. He had been on his antibiotics for over 24 hrs. We left early Saturday morning and were back Saturday night. We woke Sunday morning to a rash covering Wyatt's body. ;( After much contemplation we ended up at Urgent Care. By "we" I mean Wyatt and I. Mark couldn't come due to the Expedite STL pick ups. I know there are many women who take their children to the Dr. by themselves but Mark has always made it a point to be at Wyatt and my Dr. appointments. Wyatt cried and screamed...I mean screamed the entire time we were there. It was bad! By this time the rash has covered his body head to toe. We found out he was allergic to the antibiotics he was one. Ahhh....if it's not one thing it's another right?!?!!?

We were able to switch his meds. and the rash isn't spreading anymore. Hopefully he sleeps through the night tonight. The poor boy needs a good night's sleep. I know this weekend could have been way worse. This situation makes me so thankful overall we have a healthy toddler. He made it 20 months without any major sickness. We are praying for quick recovery and that we can get back to normal soon! We have a baby coming in about 8 weeks folks....we have to get moving!

I love Erin Condren

2012-01-15T21:48:00.000-06:00

It's been a few months since I started using my Erin Condren "life planner." I love it!

When I flipped my refrigerator calendar over I realized it doesn't have every month in 2012. Oh no...that's big problem, especially in this family. I quickly turned to the Erin Condren website to see if there were jumbo calendars. What was I thinking?!?!

I placed my order immediately....I can't wait for my jumbo calendar to arrive!

Happy Birthday Maw-Maw & 5 Question Friday

2012-01-13T07:00:00.007-06:00

Happy Birthday Maw-Maw, my MIL, and Mark's mom!!!! We went out to eat earlier this week with family to celebrate Jan. b-days. Wyatt was not feeling well at the restaurant so I didn't get any pictures. ;(

(Bummer the picture is small? I have no clue?!?!)

Even though Mama M is in Mexico having an amazing getaway with her husband 5 Question Friday will go on...

1. What is the last thing you bought yourself?
-Hmm....a .69 diet coke from the gas station. If that doesn't count then a maternity shirt from Motherhood Maternity. (on sale of course)

2. What is your favorite meal on a cold Winter day?
-My mom's favorite potato soup with cheese and crackers. (but it taste the same unless it's a snow day and we are sitting at my dinner table at home in J-town) Oh, and I can't forget the big glass of cold milk to go with it. ;)

3. Have you started looking for swim suits this year and do you buy a new one every year?
-Yikes, this is a sensitive subject. LOL! Growing up we always got a new suit every year. We spent A LOT of time at the pool and lake so there was no saving them from year to year. Since I have always purchased a new one each year I haven't changed since I got married and probably never will. ;) To be honest I have actually browsed through the suit section at Target (I know, can you believe the are already out?!?!) Pre-baby body I would have already bought about 3 I think. I don't really know how I am even feeling about getting in a suit this year so...I am holding out for now.

4. If you could but any candy what would it be and why?
-This is a tough one. I LOVE CANDY. I HAVE A MAJOR SWEET TOOTH. (good thing my FIL is a dentist, and that I got over him finding cavities 7 years ago) I kind of go through different favorites. Right now, I am loving Jolly Ranchers and Sweet Tarts but I ALWAYS default to Milk Duds or peach rings as my favorite of all time. ;)

5. What are you most passionate about?
I would first say the things like spending time with family, God, and certain priorities. I don't think that's a valid answer or what the question is asking. My answer would be teaching. I love to teach. I knew I wanted to be a teacher in preschool. I never changed my mind. I taught 2 years before staying home with Wyatt. I hope to someday return to the classroom.

BONUS: What is your most favorite thing to "pin" on Pinterest?
I love this question! I love to "pin." I am really into finding fun crafts that are age appropriate for Wyatt and also b-day party ideas for him. ;)

1st ER visit ;(

2012-01-12T20:57:00.000-06:00

Last night was the night. It was our first visit to the ER with a sick toddler. I am so thankful that it wasn't until almost 20 months that we had to make our first trip but it's still scary. Wyatt hasn't been feeling well since Tuesday afternoon/evening. He woke up from his nap with a fever on Tuesday. I was pretty sure it was teeth. He has (and still doesn't) have ANY other symptoms. We began the usual meds. for fever reduction in a 23 lbs. 20 month old. ;/ Wednesday came and we continued the meds. and he ran a low grade temp. all day while on medicine. He had times where he played and took a great nap. Since we thought it was his teeth and he was on the mend we decided to join Mark's family for a b-day dinner. He was in a pretty good mood but hit a wall not long after we got there. He fell asleep at the restaurant on Mark's lap. We got home and took his temp. 103.7 AHHH!!! Getting him more medicine and making a few phone calls to double check what we were doing was right his fever went down pretty quickly. In the middle of the night he woke again, still to early for any medicine, with a HIGH fever again. When it was finally time to give him another dose it wasn't helping. ;( We loaded up and headed to the ER. NOT FUN AT ALL....the snow started coming down pretty heavy while we were on our way too! He couldn't sleep he would just making a little whiny noise. It was pitiful.
We got to the ER and were checked in. We didn't have to wait long before we were taken to a room. The hospital has a new children's wing so that was nice. He was a terror and wanted nothing to do with getting any vitals or being touched by ANYONE other than Mark or I. His fever was still on the rise so the supplemented with some more medication and it started to fall. The Dr. came in and checked him ALL over...with ALL that said....he had swollen tonsils and blisters on his throat. It wasn't HFM, it was just a virus that will "run it's course."
We were discharged and got home about 6am. ;( Mark and I looked at each other and knew we still made the right decision. It's dangerous for a child to have a 104 fever, it's not good when medication isn't making the fever go down. I am so thankful we had people to call for questions too! For our first ER visit and I think we made out pretty well. We have done nothing but nurse a fever all day. We are pushing fluids as much as possible.
I am ready to have my crazy boy back!! It never fails we have IKEA trip this weekend. We are praying for the next 24 hrs. to be some major healing!

Tomorrow is FINALLY Friday!! Maybe another snow day??? ;)

Days like this...

2012-01-06T21:53:00.000-06:00

Days like this...make me smile...a REALLY big smile! It's January 6th and it was 70 degrees. UNBELIEVABLE! To say it was beautiful would be an understatement. We woke up about 7:30 this morning and started getting ready for the day. Mark is still on break so he only had his clinic SIA shift duties this afternoon. Which really consists of pretty much all day (10am-7pm) but since it's still Christmas break he doesn't have the 7am-11am class before his shift. ;) It makes for a fun morning as a family. We had cinnamon rolls and watched a little Super Wy before Mark headed out. It was cute but kind of sad this morning as Mark was in the bedroom putting on his tie Wyatt walked in, waved to him, and said bye-bye. I guess he knows when the tie goes on Daddy is leaving. ;( After Mark left Wyatt and played a little at the house but then I loaded him up and headed to the mall. LOL! We went to a mall we don't frequent much. We enjoyed a bit of shopping, a cookie with sprinkles, and a sunny drive home. Wyatt took a nap when we got home (for 3 hrs.) and I was able to get some major chores finished. I hand washed and dried the Yukon, organized the garage, finished laundry, and prepared all the paperwork for our personal/business taxes meeting next week. Phew, I was busy! It was so nice to be able to get some sunshine. Wyatt finally woke up around 5:30! We headed to pick up Mark at about 6:30 from the clinic and attended a surprise 35th anniversary party for the pastor who married us and his wife. One of his sons, that was Mark's childhood friends that now lived in VA, flew in to surprise his parents. Wyatt started getting fussy about 8:15 so we headed home. What a day...a good day!

Happy Anniversary to Us!

2012-01-05T07:00:00.001-06:00

Four years ago Mark and I exchanged our vows...

In front of MANY ;) family and friends...

Then we celebrated with the BEST PARTY EVER with all the people that are so dear to us.

Now 4 years later...we have experienced our ups and downs together...and look forward to many more years to come!

*Mark and I were able to celebrate our anniversary earlier this week. My mom was up for her weekly visit so we took advantage of having a babysitter and went to dinner (after my Dr. appt) We went to a favorite place of ours...P.F. Changs. ;) Mmmmmm.......

I tried to have my mom take a quick picture when we got home. Buddy wanted to be held, while eating an apple and not looking at the camera...go figure. LOL!
Happy 4th Anniversary Mr.
I love you!

Christmas Day (afternoon)

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000-06:00

*I know...it seems these Christmas posts will never end. Ha! I didn't want to cram to many pictures or memories into one post so I am seperating each event. Plus I recently ordered my first blog book so there is lots of pressure to post all the details as I plan to make my "blog book" take place of the family scrapbook I make each year. (maybe...who knows I might still print both, ha!) Anyway, enough blabbing...moving on...

After celebrating Christmas morning at our house we loaded up and headed to Jackson. (This year we were able to celebrate Christmas Day with my dad's side.) Everyone was already at my g-ma's getting ready to eat but when Wyatt entered all stopped...LOL!

Wyatt got to start opening presents BEFORE dinner....that's a first for sure!! Can we say spoiled???

He played and played with all his new toys. We all just sat and watched. Ha! We played a gift card game, ate dinner, and enjoyed being together.

Wyatt loves his Uncle Pete...

We try to get a group photo...the timer has be to used...

(Yes, I am only wearing 1 shoe...don't ask!)

All the grand (and great) children with g-ma...

Such sweet memories!!!

After g-ma's we headed home for the Curtis family Christmas, with my immediate 5+. ;)

Wyatt continued to be so spoiled...

My parent's try to do the three gift thing. (representing the 3 wise men) It's a great tradition and something very special.

Then...out of no where...

Uncle Billy, Aunt Erin, and Uncle Pete bring out Wyatt's gift....

Yes, you see it right! His very own Jeep Power Wheels. We all joke saying we will just vicariously live through Wyatt since we never had one as a kid. Ha! He loves his Jeep so much. He NEVER wants to get out. He can push the pedal but his stearing needs a little works. From the picture though you can tell he has some "Curtis" in him. What 1 yr. old wants to see under the hood?!?!?

We spent a few days at my parent's house. It was a great time relaxing and being with family!

Please take note of his Crocs. They are just like his Poppie's and he LOVES them. It's the only pair of shoes he wants to wear. As you can see he even wears them with his pjs. ;)

While we were there we also celebrated with my mom's side of the family. I didn't get any pictures ;( I don't know why...I guess to much action and fun going on. LOL!

Christmas Morning

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

When Mark and I got married we decided it was very important to us to celebrate Christmas morning at our home. (where ever that may be at the time) We knew traditions start quickly and this is something we knew we wanted to have as we began a family.

After getting home from being with family and getting Wyatt to bed Mark and I tried to get a picture...LOL! We had to use the timer...it was pretty funny!

(not the best picture but it will have to do...)

Santa came!!!!!

Santa wraps all his paper in bright red paper...remember?!!?!?

Christmas morning Wyatt didn't wake until 9:30!!! Seriously!??!! He was not feeling well at all by this time either. ;( Cough, runny nose, and a bit grouchy...just in time for Santa)

The aftermath...

Daddy made pancakes...Mickey Mouse ones to be exact. (Thanks to Maw Maw for the fun cookie cutter!)

This is the best picture I could get on my camera of Wyatt by there tree!

Christmas 2011

And just for fun...

Christmas 2010

After opening, eating breakfast, packing, and cleaning up a bit we loaded the car. We made a stop to visit Ryder before leaving town.

Christmas Eve

2012-01-02T07:00:00.002-06:00

We were so excited to be able to attend the Christmas Eve service at our church. I am pretty sure the Christmas Eve service is one of my very favorite parts of the Christmas celebration. We have been going to our church since last Jan./Feb. so we barely missed the service last year. (plus we attended in Cape with my parent's) I don't know if there are many things better than singing Silent Night by candle light with a sanctuary full of believers who came to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas.

There wasn't a nursery so Wyatt had to sit with us. Let's just say I have turned into "that mom." LOL! I guess sometimes "you do what you have to do right?!?!"

After church we headed over to Mark's Aunt and Uncle's house to celebrate with Mark's dad's side of the family. I didn't get a lot of pictures here. There were lots of people and lots of stuff going on.

Wyatt got a big fire truck that makes noise and some fun action figures. In Mark's family all the Aunt (and Uncle's..hehe) go in together for one big gift per child. It's really nice because they ask for a list and get him something he really likes or is "into" instead of getting a bunch of small gifts. (That comment is not meant to be rude in anyway..it's just something I think it super neat and will be awesome as he gets older too!) After opening gifts we ate dinner and played a few fun games. There were great gift card prizes too! Thanks to Aunt Jackie and Uncle Bob for hosting such a great Christmas Eve.

*We only get to see Mark's dad's side every other year, same with his mom's due to traveling. With 2 hours between families it makes it impossible to see everyone on the same day. ;( We do our best though! *

Cousin Eric still has lots of LEGO's from when he was younger. He pulled them out for the boys to play with...needless to say they all had a blast. Who needs new toys when there are old ones right?!?! Ha!

Wyatt was beginning to get a little fussy and wanted to go home really bad. He was waving and saying "bye-bye" before it was actually time to go home. (For the record: it had nothing to do with anything or anyone there, he is just a homebody lately.) I thought it was really funny so I had to take a picture...

We tried to get a family picture while we were there but this is the best we could do...At first I get a little bummed about these types of pictures but once I think about it it captures the true us. ;) This is a picture of our life right now. Me looking chubby (some of it is because I am leaning back trying to hold up a 20lbs kid, LOL) Wyatt wanting to be playing and not smiling, and then Mark...picture perfect! ;) LOVE HIM!!!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T07:00:00.002-06:00

From our family to yours...may 2012 be a year full of blessings!

Reflecting on 2011...

2011-12-31T07:00:00.001-06:00

I knew this post would take me a bit to write but I really wanted to reflect on 2011. We have come so far and made so many memories I knew it would be fun to look back at special moments. Throughout 2011 we continued to experience a lot of "first" with Wyatt...which meant a lot of "firsts" without Ryder. This year Mark and I have grown so much personally and as a couple. We have been through things and emotions some people will never have to experience. We know God has a plan for our lives...we continue to turn to him daily and thank him for the blessings he gives us. We know his mercies are new every morning.

I don't want this post to be picture overload...just a recap of 2011. LOL! We shall see:

JANUARY

Mark and I celebrated 3 years of marriage.

We got lots of snow in January. We celebrated lots of family b-days too! Wyatt turned 8 months old. This picture makes him look chunky, I don't think I remember those fat little cheeks. ;)

FEBRUARY

Wyatt was crawling all around by Feb. His cousins brought him a special gift back from Disney.

He celebrated his first V-day too!

We went lots of fun places with his cousins...including the Zoo!

Wyatt also painted a masterpiece for Paw Paw. It was a birdhouse for his b-day. ;)

MARCH

Wyatt was super mobile and getting into everything, including the dogs water bowl.

We surprised Uncle Billy for his b-day!

Hung out at Maw Maw and Paw Paw's for dinner.

And continued to LOVE The Little Gym!

APRIL

Wyatt took swimming lessons and LOVED the water!

We left for Disney World on Easter. (despite a tornado closing the St.Louis airport)

MAY

We spent our family vacation in Disney World for the first week of May.

It was much needed family time!

May was also a big month for us. We celebrated Wyatt's first b-day.

Wyatt's 1st birthday was celebrated with a carnival theme...we did it up big! ;) He is so blessed and was such a trooper for his big day!

We also took time to remember Ryder. We spent the boys actual b-day together as a family.

JUNE

We spent lots of time by the pool.

Aunt Lisa gave Wyatt his first haircut...

We also saw Cars2 on opening day. It was a hit and currently (Dec. 2011) he watches it at least 2-4 times a day!

JULY

Wyatt celebrated his second 4th of July...we swam, just like the year before!

Mark and I had a date night with friends. ;)

We also had a special visit from cousins from AZ we don't get to see very often.

AND.....we made the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!!!

AUGUST

We celebrated my 26th B-day.

We also spent time at the splash park in Cape. Eesie's treat ;)

Maw Maw and Paw Paw also took us on a trip to Indy...

SEPTEMBER

Mark was in a friend's wedding...

Wyatt started a MDO program...

We went to the GRAND opening of the Disney store...

We went to watch my brother participate in the SEMO Fair demo derby for the second year.

We continued to prepare for baby's arrival. (with the help of Wyatt)

OCTOBER

Paw Paw and Poppie both ran a 1/2 marathon in STL.

We went to Sam A. Baker State Park with family...always a good time!

Wyatt dressed as Mickey for Halloween and hated it! LOL!

NOVEMBER

We celebrated Daddy's 27th b-day. We also spent Thanksgiving with family...

We also found out we were going to be having a baby GIRL!!!!

DECEMBER

We were really busy (who wasn't right?!?!) but still celebrated Christmas with family. We talked about the real reason for Christmas, attended a b-day party with Jesus, and visited Santa too!

2011 was such a great year. We made so many memories together as a family and with family. Words can't describe how blessed we are. We look forward to 2012 and the blessings that are in store!

Christmas Eve morning

2011-12-30T14:11:00.000-06:00

Every other year we are in St.Louis for Christmas Eve. So this means every other year we get together Christmas Eve morning with Mark's immediate family of 5. It's a nice a way to get a little bit of "personal" time before we see ALL the family together later that evening. So...Christmas Eve morning we got up and headed to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's house...

(this picture won't turn...grrrrr!)

Wyatt really loves being with his cousins. They are really starting to "play" more together. It's so fun to watch!

We always start by eating a big breakfast together...

Then...the fun begins! Open, open, open....

(getting more mad at blogger...my pictures keep turning, they aren't even saved this way! GRRR!)

We are all so blessed... especially Wyatt! I think he made out best of all. ;) He got this fun Cozy Coupe Truck. His face was priceless. He was putting all sorts of things in the trunk (even Cruz) and driving around. LOL! He has mastered going backwards but the carpet made it a little hard to go forward.

After opening gifts it was playtime! Everyone enjoyed playing with their new toys together. After a bit we packed up and headed home for nap time.

He was one tired boy!

*Christmas Eve post coming next...

We couldn't wait any longer...

2011-12-29T15:22:00.000-06:00

The day before Christmas Eve Wyatt finally realized what was under the tree. ;) He had not tried to touch a present at all! He was playing near the tree when he started messing with the boxes and wrapping. After much convincing I talked Mark into letting Wyatt open up just ONE gift! Ha!!! He LOVED it.

This is his new face. It's priceless....it's his face when he is trying to do something that's really hard for him. *also insert a grunt/scream noise* So stinkin' cute!!

He was so excited to get more cars!! They were so cute from IKEA, I couldn't pass them up. Since Wyatt got to open a gift we had to be fair and let Mark open one too! Ha!

I just couldn't resist...Bed Bath and Beyond has "prank" boxes. The outside looks like something real but it's a made up dorky item. (kinda hard to explain) but then on the inside flaps it says PRANK! LOL! It was so funny...I got Mark and coffee pot for the shower. Obviously not a real thing but on the outside of the box they make it look so real. Inside was the Cardinals World Series DVD.

After we finished opening those 2 little gifts Mark and I began cleaning up. Wyatt was playing with his new cars in the living room. We came back in a few mins. later to find him opening ANOTHER gift. We couldn't help but laugh.

He was so excited for his Toy Story LEGO set. He is loving anything duplo LEGO, Toy Story, or Cars right now.

I had to post this picture...it's another "trying so hard" face. ;)

Daddy and Wyatt playing LEGOs together. I don't know who like them more...

*I haven't been able to post much yet about our holidays. ;( Our internet has been acting funny and I can't get pictures to upload. So...bear with me as I know you'll are just dying to see our Christmas celebrations. ;) Hope you'll had a great Christmas as well!

Christmas Program and another fun party!

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

Earlier in the week our niece had her school Christmas program. I always love watching her perform. I get my "fix" of the school atmosphere that I often miss.

Kelley and Tyler watched buddy...it really isn't a place for a 1 yr. old. He loves his cousin and all but he would NEVER sit through the program, plus it would have been way past his bedtime when it was over. Mark and I wanted to be able to watch it too! We are so blessed to have such good friends that live so close too.

Also Thursday night we had a Christmas party at our house. It was a small party with a few family members we won't see this year for Christmas. (only because of scheduling issues...it was mostly for the kids too!) We had snacks and appetizers with a fun craft too! It was such a great time spent with family.

I had the table set all cute...within minutes it was transformed into a Lego table. ;)

During the party we had a girl scout troop show up...they were in our neighborhood caroling. It as precious. Wyatt LOVED them! He was smiling and clapping so much. When the stopped we gave Wyatt some coins to put in their little donation bucket. He thought he was so cool!

I spray painted some wooden chargers (my dad made a while ago) with chalkboard paint for everyone to take as a favor. They loved drawing together...for about 5 mins. Ha!

Wyatt thought he was so cool, doing what the "big" kids were doing.

Oh my little sista..she of course thought of her Aunt Em when drawing her picture. :)

We had a great time together. Wyatt was one tired little boy by the end of the night. After nights like that Mark and I always say we should do things like that more often..then time seems to get away from us. ;(

25 Weeks

2011-12-22T13:37:00.000-06:00

I am now almost 27 weeks and I am just now posting the 25 week post...so bad...I know. Oh well! I went to the Dr. for my 25 week check up. My belly was measuring 29.5 weeks. Dr. said it's not the baby measuring big, baby girl is right on track, it's my uterus measuring big from being SO stretch last pregnancy.

Size of Baby: According to Baby Center, almost 2 pounds (even though we know she's probably more by now from the ultrasound) and about 14 1/2 inches long...about the size of a head of cauliflower

Total Weight Gain/Loss: YIKES! It was a lot at first but it's slowed down a lot....I feel like a whale though.

Maternity Clothes: I hate them. I try to wear my clothes still, it's not working. I like to stay at home in Mark's sweats and t-shirts.

Gender: It's a GIRL!

Belly Button In/Out: out, never went back in from last time. ;(

Stretch Marks: Yup. You can see them this time. I thought I didn't have any last time...until after delivery. That's how stretched I really was. They never went away so they can be seen this time. At first it was devastating to me...I am getting better about them. now though. I don't many,well ANYONE personally that has been that stretched. So I guess I should have known it would happen. I just wish sometime I had 2 babies to show for all the terrible things that happened to my body, maybe then I wouldn't be so self conscious about it. Oh well...moving on....

Movement: ALL the time and I love it! I don't remember this much last time. So weird. It even wakes me up sometimes. ;) I love it though, no complaints there!

Sleep: Terrible, not because of pregnancy though...I have a toddler that won't sleep. ;(

What I miss: Certain foods like cesar salad and sushi
(first date with be a place that serves red wine, salad, and sushi) DATE NIGHT HERE I COME. HAHAHAHA!!!!

What I am looking forward to: seeing that sweet little face

Cravings/Aversions: I am still loving cheese its and root beer. ;)

Symptoms: Umm...bathroom visits have become more frequent.

Best Moment This Week: The crazy amount of movement! Believe it or not but this time the feeling is so different and much more frequent. It actually wakes me through the night sometimes. I LOVE IT!

Christmas Fun!

2011-12-21T10:31:00.000-06:00

Last week Wyatt and I were invited to a kid's Christmas party at my friend's Ashley's house. At the last minute she got really sick and Kristal opened their home ;) We missed Ashley and the kids but she did a great job planning this party.

The cake was so cute. I thought this was such a great idea! I am going to have to remember this idea for next year.

There was all the supplies for making gingerbread houses...I love it...Wyatt liked to eat the candy. ;)

Our finished product ;)

We also had a craft time with canvas...

Wyatt and I had already completed a project with his hands so we decided to do one with his feet. He thought it was so funny and he was so ticklish...

We had a great time! Play dates are always so fun....

Christmas Card and Letter 2011

2011-12-18T16:13:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas from the Schmitz Family! 2011 has been an amazing year for us. In January Mark and I celebrated our 3^rd wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe in a few weeks we will be celebrating 4 years of marriage! It seems like yesterday we were gathered with all our most special friends and family to celebrate a lifetime together. We have been through so much together; some of which we “planned”, and some of which we didn’t…funny how the Lord works right?!?!

It seems our life is in a constant state of “going”, and this year was no different. Last January Mark and I became full owners of EXPEDITEstl, because of this I have been able to work from home. We travel once a month to IKEA to pick up the orders placed on our website. Thanks to the help from my parent’s, this hasn’t been a hard task! ;) This is just one of the many blessings we received in 2011. We’ve been able to experience the best of both worlds! I’ve been able to stay at home with Wyatt all day, but receive a paycheck while Mark is still in school!

In April we were able to take a family vacation to Disney World! (Thanks to my in-laws and the giving heart they have with their timeshare.) This was both mine and Wyatt’s first time to Disney World. It was a blast! Wyatt loved the characters and enjoyed all the children rides! April was such perfect timing too as we prepared to celebrate Wyatt’s first birthday.

May came and went so quickly. It was a month full of emotions. I had so much fun planning Wyatt’s first birthday party. It was carnival themed and turned out so cute! We were reminded of how blessed we are with such great family and friends. Wyatt was taking steps, drinking from a sippy cup, and eating table food by his first birthday! It seems he is discovering something new every day!

July was another incredible month! We found out Wyatt was going to be a big brother in March 2012. Then a few months later we found he was going to have a sister! We were so elated with the news. We are in constant prayer and know this pregnancy is in the hands of the Lord. March can’t come soon enough!

2011 is Mark’s last full year of Chiropractic School. He will graduate in Aug. 2012 and we couldn’t be more excited. Mark is such a great daddy and husband. He manages his time between school, clinic hours, EXPEDITEstl, and being “daddy” and “husband” too! He was recently selected to be the SIA (Senior Intern Assistant) at the clinic where he sees patients. Though he would never say it, but this is such an honor! In his free time Mark still enjoys golfing, working outside, and playing with his little “mini me” Wyatt. We have begun planning for the days after graduation and are praying and seeking the Lord’s will for our family.

Being able to stay at home with Wyatt has been such a blessing for me. As March quickly approaches, I am making it a point to spend special time with him. Between EXPEDITEstl bookwork, play dates, being a wife and mommy, I manage to still stay pretty busy. We are so blessed and continue to remember the Lord’s blessings are new every morning! May God bless you and your family as we enter into 2012!

Show Us Your Life-Christmas Tour

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

This week is "Show Us Your Life-Christmas Tour." I took a few pictures when we first set up...we didn't do much this year. Between Mark being gone a lot, having a toddler ~~who entered the TERRIBLE 2's WAY early~~, and being pregnant I just couldn't bring myself to go all out! I just keep telling myself it's not all about the decorations right?!?! We set up the tree in a new spot this year. I didn't have a choice. ;( Usually it's in the middle of the front window. This wasn't realistic...our furniture, dogs, and nice blinds just don't make this possible. LOL! (excuses excuses right!?!?!) We ended up putting it in a different corner of the living room...I like it way more than I thought!

We didn't hang our usual keepsake ornaments this year. I decided to go with a less is more...I love the tree. We got this tree skirt last year at the end of the season. I spiced it up a bit by getting it monogrammed. It's so fun and different! ;) I also love to wrap in matching paper, even Wyatt's children's paper matches. You can see the paper above and I used twine and felt as decorations on the presents.

Growing up the basket full of Christmas books was one of my favorite things my mom would set out! I have always done the same thing...even before we had Wyatt I always set the books out in a basket by the tree.

Someday I will have a mantle but until then...we will make due. I don't think our stockings have been in the same place any of the years. Oh well! This year I had stockings monogrammed and got some I really like. Hopefully I like them next year! ;) (I stocked up just in case we added to the family.) Above the stockings is the canvas Wyatt painted. I attempted to help but would like to say he did it all himself due to the outcome. Ha! Making memories right.....

And what would be a house full of Christmas decorations without the Elf on the Shelf....

That wraps up our decorations for this year. It's always fun to look back each year and see how we decorated...even using the same decorations. Merry Christmas ya'll!

Christmas Lights

2011-12-15T07:00:00.002-06:00

While we are visiting my parent's last weekend Mark and I took Wyatt to see the Christmas lights at the local park. The display set up for people to be able to drive through and view different light displays from local people and businesses. I remember doing this growing up and it's just another fun thing we thought Wyatt would enjoy. We were RIGHT on too!!

This picture tells it all...look at his mouth. He squealed the entire time! (Yes, we took him out of his seat and held him because he is still faced backward and we wanted him to be able to see all the lights. Don't judge. ) I didn't get very many "great" photos. I tried to take a few but decided this was an event I was just going to have to take pictures in my head. I wanted to hold him and just listen to him squeal and feel his little heart beat like crazy as he saw all the lights. Such a precious family time...

The church I grew up in has a display...

Curtis Christmas Dinner-"Happy Birthday Jesus"

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-06:00

Every year my mom (and dad) host the "Curtis Christmas Dinner." It's such a fun tradition with such great friends. This year didn't disappoint. The theme was "Happy Birthday Jesus." It was such a sweet dinner.

We all grew up together...and by "we" I mean the ones with children now. Ha! The parent's have become grandparents, we have become the parent's. The crowd has grown. My mom says she is going to have to rent a place next year because we are expecting at least 4 more babies. LOL!

Wyatt was a mess. We had to wake him for the pictures...all for the memories right!?!?

This is the picture from last year. I could probably go back and post at least the past 3-5 years. LOL! The year before this though I was on bed rest and wasn't able to attend. ;( It's fun to be able to look back at everyone.

We tried to take a picture to compare from year to year...it only took 4 tries to get a decent one...

Take #1...

Take #2...

Take #3...

Take #4...;)

(Erin, 9 weeks pregnant and Frankie 19 months-Whitney and Brynn 9 months-Wyatt 18 1/2 months, ME 25 weeks pregnant)

Last year...

We ended the evening by attending the Christmas program at church. My mom recently joined the chior ;) so we all went to cheer her on. Ha!

Another successful Curtis Christmas Dinner! We are so blessed to have such amazing family friends. I pray Mark and I can teach the importance of tradition to our children. Tradition that goes deep, tradition that involves many people...more than just our immediate family. These relationships are so dear to my heart. Memories are so vivid and make me smile from ear to ear!

Happy Birthday Jacob!

2011-12-13T20:31:00.000-06:00

Last weekend was super busy for us! Busy in a good way...it was loaded full of full holiday activities! Wyatt and I started the weekend off with a birthday party for his friend Jacob. It was a blast!

It was a mommy and kid party with crafts and plenty of play time. We decorated Christmas cookies...

Then enjoyed eating the sugary goodness. ;)

We watched Jacob open his gifts with much anticipation...

Wyatt played with all the toys! I am pretty sure he enjoyed playing with some toys other than his own. We had a great time at the party. I can't believe Jacob is turning 2! I am afraid I am going to blink and it's going to be Wyatt's big day. Phew, there is way to much happening between now and May to even think about baby boy turning 2. ;)

Praying

2011-12-09T08:00:00.000-06:00

We have really been trying to teach Wyatt to fold his hands and bow his head as we pray together. He is catching on pretty quick.

(Mark and Wyatt at Thanksgiving)

*This was just another reminder for Mark and I that we lead by example. Wyatt is a mini-me of his daddy lately so it's been cute to watch each evening as we pray.* I have been trying to keep Christmas at our home CHRIST centered. One of the fun things we have started doing as a family is as we say our bedtime prayers we pray for specific families who sent us Christmas cards that day. We set them out and point to them. We talk about each person to Wyatt and say their names as we pray for the families. It's so fun and such a great reminder of the great family and friends we have been blessed with.

I also created a book of all the cards we received in 2010. I just can't bare to toss them in the trash. (not to mention how much $$ I know is being spent) It's a fun little thing to have sitting in our living room. Guests find it interesting, I like to sit and look through it, I have even found Wyatt sitting and looking through it a few times. I wish I had kept more than just last years card but I didn't, oh well...guess you have to start somewhere!!?!?!

Capturing December

2011-12-08T21:28:00.000-06:00

This Christmas I am really trying to focus on the small day to day things. I am trying not to get stressed or worried about the small stuff. I recently came across this blog that is participating in a "Photographing December Project." I am not very good when it comes to having to do a daily post so I am going to participate on days I choose, that way there isn't much pressure. ;) It's already the 8th of December so I feel I need to already "catch up." (so much for not feeling the pressure right?!?!?)

Day 1: Setting up Christmas

I didn't take pictures of the set up this year. It took a few more days than normal, as I am not stressing over the small stuff the tree took me a few a days. I also had to decorate while Wyatt was asleep so this added to the "no picture."

Day 2: A Nativity Scene

Day 3: Pass....;)

Day 4: Your Christmas Tree

I talked about our tree the other day but I post about it again. We decided to not take the chance of breaking ornaments this year and decided to go with a "pretty tree." ;) I love the way it turned out and I am in love with our new monogrammed tree skirt!

A sneak preview...

2011-12-06T08:00:00.004-06:00

Our tree is finally up and decorated! I took picture's of the decorations around the house but I am going to wait a few weeks before I post them. I will participate in Kelly's Korner SUYL Christmas Decorations. We didn't put all our ornaments on the tree this year. I was afraid Wyatt would be all over it and accidently break one. That would crush me...some of the ornaments are my most favorite keepsakes...I just couldn't bare the thought.
Last night was horrific with Wyatt. He was awake from 12-5, then at 5 we finally we out to living room where he was awake until 10:30 when he finally crashed for a nap. I am so ready for him to sleep through the night again. He has his 18 month check-up tomorrow so we will have a nice chat with his pediatrician and hopefully get to the bottom of this! This prego momma can't have too many more sleepless nights. (especially since I am not a napper)
I finally settled on a Christmas card today...I will share details soon. I have to get them mailed out before I will post it on the blog. I know, weirdo right?!?! Oh well! ;) We didn't really have a great picture to use this year so I had to create my own. The final product was great! I am currently working on our 2011 Christmas Letter too!
Wyatt and I have been spending time together at home and I am enjoying it so much! We have been painting, playing, and even doing some baking together. It's not like me to stay in the house all day but we have had a few days were we don't even get out of our pj's. I am trying to cherish this time with just us...16 weeks and counting!

101 in 1001

2011-12-05T07:00:00.000-06:00

*It's been a while since I have done a "101 in 1001" update...I updated it this weekend so I think it's all up to date. Honestly I am not doing well...good thing it's not over yet. Ha!

101 in 1001

I have been thinking about creating a "101 in 1001" list for awhile now. It's 101 goals for myself to be completed in 1001 days (that's about 2.75 years). This was challenging, because our lives are going to drastically change in the next few months and years. We will be adding ~~identical twin boys~~ a baby boy to our family, Mark will complete Chiropractic School, and I will making the transition to a SAHM (stay at home mom), to name a few! For this reason, I tried to set realistic goals for myself. Some of these I will accomplish, and some will show that I'm very human! Worth noting: some of my goals are borrowed from Ashley (she did a great job!). Go look at her blog to see what her list is. I really appreciate the idea!

Start: April 2010
End: January 2013

FAILED
~~Completed~~

Here are my 101 in 1001:

1. Complete my 101 in 1001
2. Always remember tomorrow is a new day
3. Memorize at least 1 Bible verse a month (0/33)

For my Kitchen:
4.~~Aquire a spring form pan~~
*May 2011
5. ~~and a double boiler~~
*I sell Pampered Chef and they recently came out with one. I got it in May!
6.Use the kitchen aid mixer we received as a wedding gift
*it now sits on the counter, one step closer ;/
7.Learn 10 new recipes (0/10)
8.~~Paint the backsplash~~
*I painted it white-hated it. I painted it navy and LOVE it!
9.Practice using fondant
10.~~Make the boys Wyatt's 1st b-day cake using fondant all by myself~~
*So...I didn't make it but I did have one made using fondant. Does that count?!!?
11.Make 5 different cupcakes from my fun book (0/5)
12.Use my bread maker

For our Pups:
13.Buy Frontline and HeartGuard for them
14~~.Remember to give them both each month~~
15.~~Give them individual attention every day~~
16.~~Walk them at least once a week~~
17.~~Play with them in the yard once a week~~
18.~~Clean up their "messes" in the yard once a week~~
19.Get Logan groomed at least every 8-10 weeks
*I haven't been very good in the "pet" area since Mark came along. Don't get my wrong...we love our pups but they are no longer our only children. ;)

For Me:
20.Find 5 free events in St.Louis, attend them (0/5)
21. ~~Have at least 1 Pampered Chef party every 2 months (0/16)~~
*Nov 2011, got kicked out due to lack of parties...oops!
22. Continue to take my vitamins after the babies are born
23.Become a SAHM full time :)
24.Establish a house cleaning routine (write it out and keep it displayed)
25.~~Join Mothers of Multiples Club~~
26.Buy a new pair of Ugg boots
27.Create a baby book for each boy (0/2)
28.Create a "first year" book for Wyatt ~~each boy~~ (0/2)
29.Keep up with my scrapbooks/pictures online each year (0/3)
*2011-CHECK ;)
30.Start Wyatt's ~~the boys~~ b-day book
31.~~Go to Disney World~~
*April 2011
32.~~Purchase a newer iPhone~~
*June 2010 iPhone 3G!!!
*Nov. 2011 iPhone 4s!!!!!
*Dec. 2011 Christmas surprise from Mr. an iPad!!!!

For My Soul:
33.Make an advent wreath
34.Use it as a family
35. Donate once a month to our church's food pantry
36.Call my grandma at least once a week (0/33)
37.Start at least 2 Christmas traditions with Wyatt ~~the boys~~ (0/2)
38.Carry on the traditions all three years (0/3)
39.Go to New York City
40.Journal on paper more

For My Mind:
41.Develop photography skills
42.Continually be reading a book even if it's about motherhood
43.Plan a celebration vacation for just our "fabulous 4-some" when Mark graduates (I am leaving this as 4...who knows we may already have another.) :)
44.~~Get new towels in the upstairs bathroom~~
*Thank you IKEA, Sept. 2011
45.Change "the look" of the upstairs bathroom
*started July 2011-finished ?
46.~~Get a new car/vehicle for Mark~~
*We did get a new vehicle but it's kinda for us/business...we got a Yukon XLS in Sept!!! LOVE IT!
47.See my parents AT LEAST once a month with Wyatt ~~the boys~~
48.~~Take pictures and post monthly posts about Wyatt each boy~~
I am saying "completed" to this one. I have pictures! ;/
49.~~Fit back into my pre-pregnancy clothes~~
*I fit back in them in 6 weeks but...they don't look like they used to so I am still working on it. :(
*I did get back into them, actually got smaller than "pre-preg" and am now growing again. Hmmmm.....
50.~~Neatly pack away my maternity clothes I want to keep for next time :)~~
*packed them away and have now gotten them back out ;)

For My Marriage:
51.Have a date night once a month with Mark (0/33)
52.Do one sweet surprise for Mark at least once a week (it doesn't have to cost money)
53.Plan a surprise vacation/getaway for just Mark and I (maybe take Wyatt ~~the boys~~?!?)
54.Throw a graduation party for Mark, well....Dr. Schmitz it will be :)
55.Daily pray for our marriage while making our bed
56.Take a weekend trip, JUST Mark and I, leaving Wyatt ~~"the boys"~~ behind : /

For My Health:
57.Run another half-marathon, but really train for it
58.Train for a full marathon
59.Run a full marathon
60. ~~Join a gym as a family~~
*Joined and canceled....hahaha
61.Take a walk at least once a week with the dogs and/or boys
62.~~Get back to my pre-pregnancy weight/size in less than 6 months after giving birth~~
*halfway there...I fit in the size but I am not the weight * MADE IT!
63.~~Purchase bikes for Mark and I~~
*my parents brought my good bike up and dad gave his to Mark, no $$ spent ;)
64.Make riding bikes a regular routine for us
65.Drink more water
66.Do not eat fast food for an entire month 5 times (0/5)

For My Blog:
67.~~Complete a "30 posts in 30 days" challenge~~
68.~~Learn how to label my blog posts~~
*did it!
69.Label all my posts...including all my past posts
70.Keep my pictures and wording current
71.Blog about each task as completed

For Others:
73.Send a birthday card to everyone I have in my calendar (if I can get their mailing address)
74.Donate to at least 5 charities (1/5)
*Nurses for Newborns
75.Pay for the person behind me in the drive through
76.Go through my house/closet for donations twice a year (3/6)
77.Give the dogs a bath once a month (0/33)

For Our Home:
(inside)
78.Keep all our picture frames updated
79.Change/add light fixture in kitchen, living room, and basement hallway
80.Finish hanging pictures in basement
81.~~Put batteries in guest bedroom smoke alarm~~
*July 2010
82.~~Decorate the nursery-complete by May 2010~~
*completed!
83.Re-Do the guest bedroom and Wyatt's ~~boys room~~ closets (like the master closet)
(outside)
84. Bury black gutter in front yard
85. ~~Fence in rock area for dogs~~
*thanks to our my in-laws, completed June 2010
86.~~Get a new outside light~~
*June 2011 (Thanks Dad for changing it!)
87.Paint the shed outside
88.~~Plant grass in the backyard~~
*I married Mr. greenthumb so WE HAVE GRASS! June 2010
89.~~Add rock/finish rock areas~~
*Completed when fence was completed, Jne 2010

For Our Children:
90.~~Breastfeed for at least 6 months~~ (6/6)
*made it a YEAR!!!!
91.~~Make Wyatt's the boys baby food~~
*attempted to make it for Wyatt, he decided he didn't like baby food so he was strictly boob for 12 months!
92.Start a college fund for Wyatt ~~and Ryder~~
93.~~Set up baby dedication~~
*Complete, Sept. 5th, 2010
94.Get involved with a playgroup
95.~~Donate/find someone in need of the Wyatt's boys clothes as he grows~~
*I found an awesome resale store and also donate to Nurses for Newborns
96.Pack away clothes I want to keep for "memory sake"

For My Wallet:
97.Learn to use/begin using coupons
98.~~Make saving envelopes for our Disney trip~~
99.~~Save for "special event" in Aug of this year~~
100.Make 13 house payments a year (1/3)
101.Have only house and school loan debt when Mark graduates (Aug. 2012)

Sunday morning....

2011-12-04T09:44:00.000-06:00

It's Sunday morning and we aren't at church. I hate it! Mark is at a seminar again today. :( Wyatt hasn't really been enjoying the nursery area lately without Mark this morning I left I couldn't deal with the struggle to get him to go. Plus I got home really late last night after spending the day at my parent's in Jackson. I know...excuses, excuses, excuses...I hate it. I hate the feeling of missing...it kinda makes my week feel weird.

This morning instead of rushing around I held Wyatt and snuggled a few extra minutes. We made a big breakfast together and have already been playing hard! ;) It's nasty rainy here too! I need to run a few places this afternoon but I don't know if I will end up doing it. Ha! Lately I haven't really been taking Wyatt places and in the rain by myself?!?! We shall see the mood when he wakes from his nap. LOL! The weatherman said last night we could have 2 inches of snow by Monday evening...I think that's wonderful! Bring on the SNOW! I can't wait to play in the snow with Wyatt....I really can't!

Today I am going to try to start and finish our Christmas letter, change the bed sheets throughout the house, and take extra time to play/relax with buddy. I have a Christmas craft I plan to attempt with him today too!

So enough rambling...maybe tomorrow I will have a post that's more fun! Hope ya'll had a great weekend!

It'a really getting to me...

2011-12-01T08:34:00.000-06:00

Mark and I were talking the other day about Christmas this year. We were discussing how the "true meaning" seems to get so lost throughout the season then all of a sudden when Christmas Day comes we take a moment to finally celebrate the birth of Christ and then move about our jammed packed days. I don't know if it's because I am getting "older," if it's because I have become a mother, or what it is but I want to be different. The excessive buying, shopping, and just day to day stuff has really been getting to me lately. This morning Wyatt woke up extra early and we had no power ;( That meant no tv, no toaster, and most importantly no heat. I was really concerned about the tv thing at first and as the time went on I began to feel guilty. There are people with nothing...no heat this winter....not just "no power for an hour." I know all this sounds so cliche but I don't care. I have been on the search for something special to do as a family. Growing up my mom always made it a point to keep the "Christ" in Christmas (I know this post if filled with terrible cliches...ha). I want to do the same for/with my family.

A friend of mine posted this video yesterday and it was an eye opener. Please take 2 min. to watch it! I read a blog, Simply Living for Him, and she is posting "25 days of Simple Christmas." I encourage you to take a peek and if you feel lead then follow along...I am sure it won't disappoint! Merry CHRISTmas ya'll!!!!

Merry Christmas Ya'll

2011-11-30T14:25:00.000-06:00

Monday night I made a quick trip to J-town, actually Cape but anyway...to meet my mom for a painting class.

It was so fun! I was so excited to do this and it didn't disappoint. I already can't wait until the next class. I wish I was able to paint/create ideas like the teacher of the class but I am not that creative or that good of a painter. Ha! The class was at a local boutique called Bloom. I am pretty sure they have these classes all year round...I can't wait...I want to do all of them.

I am going to have to start gifting the final product though because I don't have enough walls in my house. ;) I hate that I can't make my pictures bigger without losing quality. If anyone knows how...please message me. It was such a great evening and a nice date night with my mama!

Letter from Santa

2011-11-29T07:00:00.000-06:00

We did this last year for Wyatt and it was so cute. I had to order another one again this year. My sister-in-law told me about it since my nephew spent time in the NICU right after birth. They hold a special place in our hearts as a family and this is donation based.

You can order a "Letter from Santa" and it will be mailed to your house. It's donations only and you can get a letter for as low as $6...you can also add more money if you feel lead. The order form has a special spot to add personalized information about your child. It makes the letter even sweeter!

The deadline is Dec.12 and I think the letters will be mailed the following week. Take a second and look at the site, even if you don't have children it would be a great surprise for any children you know!

*I was not paid or asked to write about this. It's by my own will....

Christmas Traditions

2011-11-28T07:30:00.000-06:00

A friend of mine recently wrote a post about their family's Christmas traditions/fun things they are doing as a family this year. It was enjoyable to read and made me think about traditions that we have as a family and a few fun activities I think would be fun to do this Christmas season.

-BLACK Friday shopping with most of the women in Mark's family...Setting up our Christmas decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving.

-Attend Wild Lights at the St.Louis Zoo with Mark's family. This is something we have done together since I met Mark. We went by ourselves 1 year...while we were there he proposed! ;)

-Purchase a new Hallmark ornament. This was a tradition for us growing up, since I have been married my mom has carried on the tradition. She now buys a new ornament for Wyatt each year.

-Growing up we also did something for Advent. I have a few ideas and resources I am using to create a child friendly version. My friend Ashley will also be helping me out!

-My mom hosts an annual "Curtis Christmas Dinner" at their house. There are about 5-6 families (though many have grown and are still growing) that come and celebrate. It's such a great night...my mom is an amazing host too! We are so blessed to have such great Christian friends, that are like family, to get together with during this special season. That evening after dinner we will also be attending the Christmas program at my home church. My mom recently joined the choir so it should be fun to watch. ;)

-We are attending a different church this year than we have been in years past. There is a children's Christmas program in early December. I really hope we can go watch this. It's the teacher in me that wants to go...

-Visit Santa at the mall. This will be an annual thing for us as a family. We took Wyatt last year...did the whole picture thing and everything. He was to little to care, I am anxious to see his reaction this year. No matter what it is I am sure it will be fun to watch.

-Our church collects food for a local food pantry. (They do it every month but I keep forgetting my bag of food.) This month I will grab a few extra items and add them to a bag. Wyatt won't understand but I will still explain why we are doing this and have him help me pick out a few food items.

-While at home, in Jackson ;), one of the times this December I plan to drive through the local park to see the Christmas lights display. It's always a fun night...rolling the windows down, turning the heat full blast, and listening to Christmas music as a family!

-Growing up we always attended the Christmas Eve service at church. Since we have been married we have only been able to attend every other year due to Christmas travel. This year we are at home, in St.Louis, and our church has 2 services on Christmas Eve. We plan to attend one of them and I couldn't be more excited! I think this is one of the things I am looking forward to the most.

-I have taken this idea from my sister-in-law but I asked "Santa" to wrap all his presents in BRIGHT RED wrapping paper so Wyatt would know what special gifts Santa brought him.

This year we will be in St.Louis on Christmas Eve. Which means... Christmas Eve morning we will head over to Mark's parents. It will be only Mark and his siblings family/significant others. ;) We will come home and get ready then go to Mark's aunt/uncle's house with his dad's family. We see each side every other year and it's the year to be in St.Louis on Christmas Eve.

We plan to ALWAYS sleep at our home on Christmas night. We will wake up Christmas morning as a family.

After we complete our immediate family Christmas morning we will load up and head to Jackson. We will spend the rest of Christmas day with my family at my g-ma's house. (my dad's side) We will stay a few days in Jackson. While there we will also get together with my mom's side.

-I think that sums it up...I am sure there are things I will add. This post was probably boring for some but it's all stuff I want to remember!

23 weeks

2011-11-27T07:00:00.001-06:00

23 WEEKS

(above picture was taken on Thanksgiving so...22.5 weeks)

*This is honestly the first picture I feel I can see a size difference from last time. Right now feel like I don't even have a belly. It's kinda funny... I still forget about it sometimes. I told Mark the other day I am going to go into labor and still not feel big. LOL!

Size of Baby: According to Baby Center, she's about the size of a mango...a little over a pound and about 11 inches long!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I don't look at the scale at the Dr. office and we don't have one at home. Dr. said it looked good so I don't care. ;)

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much all I wear are leggings in public and sweatpants at home. Cute huh? LOL! I do have one pair of maternity jeans that aren't too uncomfortable but I still don't like to wear them. I wish it was still in style to wear "moo-moo's" while pregnant.

Gender: It's a GIRL!

Belly Button In/Out: Out and actually it never really went all the way back in from last pregnancy so it technically started as an "outie."

Movement: FINALLY!!!!!! I felt movement and Mark could feel it on the outside in the same night. ;) You can SEE it on the outside now too! She is more active at night right before bed. It was the same way last time.

Sleep: It's not bad because of pregnancy...it's because of a toddler. ;)

What I miss: Spicy Tuna Sushi and tanning

What I am looking forward to: working on the nursery...

Cravings/Aversions: FOOD!

Symptoms: I have been having a few pains/stomach aches but Dr. says it's due to being tired and the position she is laying in. ;(

Best Moment This Week: Wyatt rubbing my belly and saying "awwww."

Santa Claus is coming....

2011-11-26T11:55:00.000-06:00

Every morning when Wyatt wakes up I sing "Santa Claus is coming to town" to him. He smiles so big and laughs. (I dread the day he covers my mouth or even asks me to not sing. Ha!) He thinks I am kidding but I am not...even the cutest kid in the world throws fits. It's a real bummer. He is cute while he is doing it and that's the problem but it's NOT. FUN. AT. ALL. I am sure most parent's have experienced this...all I can say is WOW. Just this morning Wyatt had a little fit....I even took pictures to post but lucky for Wyatt they won't upload the correct direction. :/ Oh well, it's just a phase right?!!?!?

Last night we went to see...

with some family. Wyatt was entertained for probably 90% of the movie. Thank goodness I married a man who has to ALWAYS get snacks at the movies. LOL! Wyatt sat so well on Mark's lap and ate his dip'n dots. ;)

Today Mark is back at the clinic again then deliveries for EXPEDITE this afternoon. I feel bad for him. He works so hard to provide for us as still fulfills all his duties at school and clinic. We are so blessed to have a husband and daddy like that! I am hoping this evening we get to relax together as a family...maybe even set up the Christmas tree!?!? One can only hope....

We are so blessed....

2011-11-25T12:18:00.000-06:00

Yesterday was such a good day. Mark and I usually head home from his parent's a little past Wyatt's bedtime smiling that it was a successful holiday. Thanksgiving just seems to be one of the holiday's that runs so smooth for us. We spend the night Wednesday night at my parent's and get up to breakfast with my mom's side. So fun...same food every year: homemade biscuits and gravy. After breakfast and some relaxing we head back home. Thanksgiving has been at my parent's the past few years since my g-pa passed away. Everyone still brings their normal dishes and we eat lunch about noon. There is more relaxing and more people loving on Wyatt. ;) About 1:30 Mark and I load up and head to St.Louis. It's usually a quick drive...we have lots to chat about. Ha! I snapped this photo of Mark and Wyatt's hands yesterday during prayer at my parents.

PRECIOUS

We got to Mark's parent's a little after 3pm and there was already a houseful. Mark's mom hosts Thanksgiving for both sides of his family together. It's a lot of people and lots of food but it's always a great time! After eating we all talk about our Black Friday shopping plans. Most of the women in Mark's family have shopped Black Friday since FOREVER. LOL! Since I have been around I have joined in the fun. Fun doesn't describe it....it's CRAZY! Since the stores were opening at midnight I went home and slept for a bit before being picked up at 11:30. This year I joined then at Target for a few hours but then had to head back home. Prego just wasn't feeling it...Mark has clinic today so it's just Wyatt and I hanging out. I didn't want to be to tired or crabby with him today. We plan to set Christmas up sometime this weekend. It's been a tradition to set it up today but I don't see it happening. Mark and I talked about it last night and it's something I don't want to rush. I don't want to get stressed about it or while setting it up. I will so it slowly and calmly. LOL! Happy Black Friday everyone!

Happy Thanksgiving ya'll

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

We are stuffing our face with amazing breakfast, lunch, and dinner! We are spending time with family and friends today. Most of all we are giving thanks, thanks to the Lord for all the blessings he has given us throughout this year. Today we should all find something to be thankful for....Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

NONSTOP

2011-11-23T16:40:00.000-06:00

I say every year how I just want to slow down and enjoy the season. It doesn't seem to happy. I think I want it more this year than ever. I don't think we can keep up with this pace. I feel like it's been forever since I last blogged. Blogging is relaxing, it's a fun "out" for me. I don't like when I don't keep up with our every day stuff...that's why I started this blog....to journal our life....a way for others/relatives to read and keep up..."Just to Keep in Touch."

With that said...I am going to rewind a bit. Last weekend we headed to IKEA for our monthly business trip. My in-laws joined Mark, my dad, and I. We are kinda "teaching" them the ropes so when I take my so called "maternity leave" they can help out for a month or two. It's always a long day: leave at 5am, drive 5 hours, shop about 6-7 hours, load, then head back home. We make it into a ONE day trip. ;) We were 4 exits from home at about 12:30am and we blew a tire. Ya....not cool. We had passed through construction about 5 miles back and we think that had something to do with the tire. We removed the tire and tried the last little bit with only 1 tire on the passenger side...didn't work. We drove for about 10 seconds. ;( We called lots of company's and even the Police. NO HELP! ARG! Finally we got a hold of a company that would come with 2 new tires and put them on. It was a mess, not to mention it was raining and Mark and I only slept 2 hours the night before. 4am was when all was said and done and we were all home safely. What a trip right!?!?!

Wyatt ended up going home and spending a few days with my parents house. Mark and I made many deliveries and had numerous pick ups for EXPEDITEstl. It was nice to be able to get so much finished but I missed our little buddy so much! When Mark was at school it was a little weird for me...it's like reliving my last pregnancy. Where I was home alone while Mark was at school, pregnant, and trying to get chores finished. Needless to say it put me in a "moods." ;( A sad mood. By Tuesday I decided I was going to go get a mani/pedi by myself and just relax. It never fails...everywhere I go someone talks LOUDLY about twins, has twins, or is a twin. I got to sit next to a PROUD g-ma of 2 yr. old twins. ;( I really was happy for her and smiled on the outside but on the inside...I can't even describe. To put it lightly...I didn't enjoy my time "alone."

It's Wednesday now and we are at my parents. We walked in and Wyatt was screaming from excitement. I LOVE IT...it melted my HEART! We are playing here until tomorrow afternoon, seeing family, eating more than we should, and loving just relaxing with everyone! We will head to St. Louis tomorrow afternoon to Mark's family Thanksgiving....a PARTY that NEVER ends!!!

5 Question Friday

2011-11-18T07:57:00.000-06:00

It's Friday again! Yahoo!! We have a crazy IKEA weekend ahead of us. I can't believe it's already been 4 weeks and we are headed back again. This month Mark's parent's are going with us. We plan to do this to "show them the ropes" so that there are a few more people then just my dad to help out while I am unable after the baby comes. I am excited but ready for it to already be Sunday afternoon. YIKES, I know....;(

It is Friday though....so.....

5 Question Friday

1. Do you have a go to song that always puts you in a good mood?

I REALLY REALLY love Christmas music. I don't listen to it year round though because I don't want it to lose it's specialness (I know, so not a word). There are a few praise songs that make me stop in my tracks, sing at the top of my lungs, and make me feel like I could take on the world when they are over too!

2. Are you a real Christmas tree kinda person or do you go with a real fake one?
We have a fake trip. I am not a big fan of the messiness of a real tree. Growing up we had a fake one (except for 1 year) so when we gt married we just have a fake one too. I don't really have any desire to have a real one.

3. What are you thankful for?

I know this sounds cliche but I don't care....I am thankful for my family.

4. Which fashion fad from the past do you wish you could wear today?
I don't know of a certain "fad" but I do wish that my body was the same as it was a few years ago. I know, I know, don't we all right?!?!? There are certain "fads" I will not participate in because I am self-conscious. Well and the fact that I am older and am a mom now and that would just be bad. Ha!

5. Do you wait until the "low fuel" light comes on before you fill up the gas tank?

Oh ya....I know exactly how many miles I can go with the light on too! Yikes, I know...Mark HATES that I am that way. He is a fill up at 1/2 a tank kind of guy so this drives him nuts. LOL!

Going "Wild"

2011-11-16T07:00:00.000-06:00

*Since we found out the baby was a GIRL my mind hasn't stopped. (not that it really ever does but...) I am constantly planning the nursery in my head. It's something to keep my mind from wandering else where! Mark gave me the "go ahead" to do whatever. LOL! I think I have mentioned before about the canvases my sister-in-law painted a few months ago. She painted them with no intention of them going in a baby's room but we love them! Now that we know it's a girl we are going to add a few extra to make it a little girly...*insert squeal here* As I started looking around at different ideas (thanks Pinterest) I fell in love with animal prints. I am pretty sure I am not going to have trouble finding any right now as it seems everywhere I turn there are animal prints. I am not usually one to go with something that is already everywhere but I have a few ideas up my sleeve to make it extra special! I can't wait....I want craft, craft, craft. AHHH!!!

*On another note Wyatt has been so sweet lately. He is growing so fast, ya...blah blah I know...but really. He is all about kisses and hugs. He loves playing with his cousins too. The other day they were over hanging out and Wyatt and Cruz were playing together...like really together. They were laughing, running, chasing, and "talking" together. It was precious to see. Shelly and I did mention how crazy it will be when they can really talk back and forth, we are gonna be in for it for sure! I can already see Wyatt and Cruz being crazy boys while Ariel holds our little "ladybug" so quietly. (Yes, ladybug...that's what we are calling her. Thanks Eesie!) Wyatt has also been eating so much better lately. I could actually just say he has actually been eating. Ha! We reverted back to the highchair and it seems to be working! It keeps him contained and focused on the task at hand. LOL! Saturday morning he ate 36 blueberries and half and egg...that is A LOT for him!!! Maybe at his 18 month appointment he will break 25 lbs!?!!?!? We took Wyatt to Chuck E Cheese last weekend. It was overload...in a good way. He wanted to do all the "big kid" stuff and he even ate an entire piece of pizza! He ~~or his competitive daddy~~ won 200 tickets. You know what that bought him? 4 stickers, a whistle, and a plastic lizard...prizes are terrible these days! I am pretty sure when I was little 200 tickets could get you a b-day party at Chuck E Cheese or something. HA!!!!

*So I have talked about ladybug and Wyatt now...onto to Christmas. When I haven't been thinking nursery I have been planning and decorating my house for Christmas, in my head of course. I am a HUGE lover of Christmas but I just CAN'T bring myself to decorate until after Thanksgiving. Pretty sure Mark would say Thanksgiving is is favorite holiday so I don't think I could ever do that to him. Plus I have such great fall/Thanksgiving decor I am not ready to take it down. Anyway...back to decorations. Since I watch a little girl at my house 3 days a week and since I have a ~~Tasmanian devil for a~~ toddler I am going to have to approach this a little different than my past years as a homeowner. I have decided my "colors" to be will be red and white with a touch of silver and gold. Original I know. IKEA brought out their Christmas last time I was there...you bet I snatched a few items. It was really neat to see some different items I hadn't seen before. IKEA is always so cleaver. ;) We go back this Saturday...already so hopefully they have more stuff!

ABC's of Me

2011-11-15T07:00:00.000-06:00

I saw this on a blog the other day and thought it was neat. I decided I would give it a try.

ABC's of Me:

Age: 26

Bed size: KING. I don't think I could ever go back to a smaller bed...just wouldn't work. LOL!

Chore that you hate: cleaning up dog poop outside before mowing...hate it! I have also recently started to hate grocery shopping.

Dogs: Ely, a labradoodle and Logan, standard poodle

I am so sick of cleaning up hair. ;(

Essential to start your day: Hmmm.....it used to be Diet Coke but I have had to slow down a bit due to being prego so making my bed and brushing my teeth are a BIG part!

Favorite Color: I really like green and purple

Gold or Silver: Silver

Height: 5'5''

Instruments you play: I took piano lessons growing up, I wish I would have listened to my mom and stuck with them. ;( I also played the clarinet and bass clarinet in my hair school band.

Job Title: Stay at home mom :) (with a little "self employment" on the side)

Kids: Wyatt Mark here on Earth with us

Ryder Curtis in Heaven

and BABY GIRL on the way!!!!

Live: St. Louis, MO

Mother's Name: Lisa (random question haha)

Nicknames: Em

Overnight hospital stays: car wreak when I was 16 and c-section/birth stay

Pet Peeves: Smacking

Quote from a movie: I am not very good at quoting but if I do it's usually only from "Remeber the TItans."

Right or Left Hand: Left

Siblings: Erin and Billy, I am the oldest ;)

Truth or Dare: hmm.....either

Ultimate Vacation: Somewhere outside the US

Vegetable you hate: Brussel sprouts

What Makes You Run Late: A child...

X-rays you've had- Yikes, not even going to try to list....

Yummy Food that you Make: Taco Ring, it's easy and it's one of Mark's favs.

Zoo Animal: Elephants, Mark proposed at the St.Louis Zoo in front of the elephant statue, so it's pretty special. I really do love the peguins too!

It's A........

2011-11-14T08:22:00.000-06:00

We are excited to announce we will welcome a BABY SISTER into our family in March!!!!!!!!!

(phone picture sent to me from someone else)

Better pictures coming soon....

I can't believe the excitement we have! I have already been shopping. (Don't tell...ha!) I have already found there might be tons more options for girls/girl clothes but they are a bit more pricey. ;(

Hope you'll had a great weekend. I will do a weekend recap soon! I had to get the important stuff out of the way first. ;) Happy Monday everyone!

Baby Dedication-Beliefs

2011-11-12T22:51:00.000-06:00

A dear friend of mine, Ashley, posted this explanation of baby dedication on her blog...this is 100% how I believe. She said it so well and since I plan to make this blog a book I would love for Wyatt to be able to look back and have these posts as reference. With that said...

"We dedicate our children to the Lord. They are not baptized as infants. We believe that according to Scripture, baptism clearly follows a person's salvation experience (that he or she has experienced when they can make the decision to follow Christ for themselves). We do not believe that baptism is required for salvation. There are several reasons, but a good example is the thief on the cross next to Jesus. He was saved minutes before his death and was not baptized. Jesus clearly stated that he would be with Him in paradise. However, we do believe that baptism is the next obedient step to show the world publicly that you've made a decision to follow Christ. It should be the natural desire of someone who has given their life to Christ to follow through with baptism.

I know many churches baptize infants but say that it's only marking that child as being in a Christian family, or it's only consecrating that child to God - not saving them. They believe that it's not salvation, but only showing that the baby is going to be raised to follow Christ. Well, that's what we do in our dedication service, and that's why we call it dedication. We believe that the term baptism refers to a one-time event that takes place after salvation. Baptism marks a willing, participating, confessing believer - not a potential believer. As John McArthur says, because of infant baptism, there are a lot of baptized non-Christians walking around. Baptism is serious, and it should be reserved for those who understand what it means. It's our personal belief that if your intent is just to "mark" the child or family, you shouldn't call that baptism, because it has nothing to do with that child's salvation; it's more of a covenant between the parents, God, and the church.

The biggest reason that we don't baptize our children is because it's not practiced in the Bible. Jesus was dedicated to the Lord as an infant by his parents (Luke 2), and was immersed in the water as an adult, to mark the beginning of His ministry (Matthew 3). While some would argue that Mary and Joseph were following Old Testament law and dedication (or "consecration") doesn't apply to us today, we still use this model of covenanting with God to do our part of raising our child in a godly home, and then one baptism by immersion when our child has made their personal commitment to Christ. We look forward to the day when we stand and watch our child (or young adult, or adult child if the case may be) stand in the water by themselves and confess that Jesus is their Lord. We as parents can't bestow the act of baptism upon our child; it must be their public act of confessing Christ as Lord.

We believe the doctrine of baptism is very important and we have made decisions according to how we interpret the Scripture."

5 Question Friday - 11/11/11

2011-11-11T12:44:00.000-06:00

Wow, 11-11-11.....fun huh!?!?! Anyway it's FRIDAY. YAHOO!!! I am looking forward to this weekend. We have a few things planned but nothing crazy busy. I am so excited to get to spend some much needed family time with my boys!
It's Friday again so you know what that means...

5 QUESTION FRIDAY

1. What's the last thing you spent too much money on?

Hmmm...I can't think of a specific thing but a place...oh TARGET how I love you!

2. What celeb chef would you want to make you dinner?

I don't know any famous chef's but I think my mom should be famous so I would love for her to cook me dinner. I am lucky though she still does cook me dinner often even being 2 hrs. away. Gotta love mama's!!!!

3. Where do you hide things when visitors pop over or do you let them see the real deal?

Well, when they "pop in" I don't really have a choice but to be the real deal. Ha! No, j/k I am pretty much the real deal, lucky for me (maybe a good thing) I like to keep things pretty neat throughout the day so it's not ever ~~that~~ embarrassing.

4. Who is your oldest living family member?

I don't know the answer to this...I still have grandparents living but don't know who is older than who...and even if I didn't my g-ma wouldn't like me to share her age. ;)

5. What is your favorite DQ treat and/or Sonic drink combo (ie: cherry vanilla Dr. Pepper)?

DQ treat: Health Blizzard...LOVE THEM! I do love Sonic too though! I am recently loving the reg. limeade. :) Thanks mom!

What I'm loving Wednesday!

2011-11-09T14:01:00.000-06:00

I am linking up with Jamie at This kind of Love for What I'm Loving Wednesday! I think it's been a while since I have linked up with her but who knows...I could have last Wednesday and already forgot. ;)

Happy ~~Hump~~ Wednesday Folks!

Here's what I am lovin' today...

We have had an ultrasound yesterday and I am LOVING we have a perfectly healthy baby! We also found out the sex but have to keep a secret until family finds out...so you will have to remain in suspense. Ha!

Starbucks Peppermint Mocha

*They always tell me I can get this year round but that would take the fun out of it. I try to limit myself to only getting one when it would come in a "holiday cup." ;)

My new Target scarf

MY UGG boots

This is probably one of my most favorite Christmas gifts from my mom. I wear these boots almost everyday...good thing she widen my selection with black ones last year. ;)

My Boys!!!!!

Weekend Fun!

2011-11-08T10:50:00.000-06:00

This weekend was no exception to our bust schedule! All our activities were so fun and Monday morning came way to fast. Friday Wyatt and I hung out together and didn't have any plans. We painted a canvas that morning and then headed to the park to play after lunch!

He needed a bath after painting and since we don't have a bath tub Wyatt usually just showers with Mark or I. Mark wasn't home and I didn't need to shower...the sink was the answer. If you can't tell from the bottom pictures he LOVES the sink as a tub. ;)
After lunch we loaded up and headed to a park nearby...it's been a while since we have been there. Actually I don't think he was walking last time we went, sad I know. He climbed everywhere and wanted to swing forever! I couldn't get very many good pictures because I was to busy either chasing him or spotting him as he climbed EVERYTHING!

Late Friday night I headed to Jackson for a 24 hr. trip with my mom and sister. We went to KY (to my mom's church where she grew up) and listened to Angela Thomas speak. She is so good...such a funny woman! Angela set many challenges for us and was such an inspiration for me. I drove home Saturday evening after getting back...I missed my boys but I had a great time with my mom and sister. We had some GREAT laughs for sure!!!!

Sunday morning we got up and headed to church. We woke up early (due to DLS time) and somehow we were still late. I hate being late but being late for church is something the devil uses to get me all flustered. After church we came home, Wyatt napped, and we pick up around the house. Mark's family came over that afternoon to celebrate his b-day!

It was another great weekend and Monday morning came and we hit the ground running....hope you'll have a great week!

5 Question Friday

2011-11-04T10:00:00.000-05:00

It's Friday again...you know what that means...

(I used to not be a big fan of Winne the Pooh but since Wyatt LOVES the new movie it's kinda growing on me!)

5 Question Friday:
1. What movie do you love to quote?

If you know me then you know I am terrible at movies, actors, and such. There is pretty much on 1 movie I can quote from: Remember the Titans. I know...go ahead and laugh! ;)

2. Have you ever ridden a motorcycle?

I kinda have to laugh at this one. It really is crazy to me to think some might have never rode a motorcycle. My dad and brother both have Harley Davidson's and I am pretty sure my dad had his motorcycle license before his drivers license. With that said, yes...I have ridden a motorcycle.

3. What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy day?

Stay in bed with my window open, listen to the rain and be able to chat with Mark.

4. Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts, or one really big, (expensive) gift?

Hmm...this is a hard one. I think it depends on the year and where I am currently in life. This year it seems I only have expensive small gifts on my list. LOL!

5. Do you ever lose track of days and show up somewhere wrong?

I don't know if I lose track of actual days like Mon. Tues. and such but the date...yes, especially since I don't teach anymore sometime it's hard to keep track when you are trying to just take it a day at a time. As for showing up wrong? I don't know if I have showed up wrong but might have just not showed up at all. ;/

Tonight I am heading to Jackson solo! (Wyatt and Daddy have a night without Mama) My mom, sister, and I are going to KY for the day tomorrow to listen to Angela Thomas speak. I am in the middle of one of her Bible studies and LOVE it. I am so excited to see her in person. She is speaking in the town where my mom grew up. We are also going to eat at my mom's favorite restaurant while we are there! ;) I am going to come home late Saturday night. We will head to church Sunday morning and then we are having Mark's family over for his B-day celebration Sunday afternoon.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2011-11-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Today Mark turns 27...2-7....WOW!!! I know most of you will laugh but that number sounds old...like grown up old. Ha! I don't feel like we should be "grown-ups." I guess part of being a grown up is life doesn't slow down or stop on your birthday. ;) Mark has class all morning then clinic from 3-7pm. Hopefully we will get to have a special lunch with him before he has to head to clinic. We are having his family over Sunday afternoon after church for cake and ice cream too! I have been trying to gather a few fun things he has mentioned would be neat to have or that he thinks he needs. Ha! I also just finished baking muffins for him to take to school...I know...I am "that wife" right!?!?!? In my defense they all love it when I send him with food! ;)

Mark and I have almost been together 7 years...it's kinda neat to think back on all the birthday celebrations, not to mention the ways the celebration has changed. Funny huh!?!?!

A few pictures from past b-days....

Happy Birthday Mr.!!!

We love you so much!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T07:00:00.000-05:00

Family Weekend

2011-11-01T08:48:00.000-05:00

We spent this past weekend at Sam A Baker State Park. It was so relaxing! ;) No cell service, fire, no tv, family time, and cabins to sleep in...amazing! My parent's (and mom's side of the family) have been doing this since before my parent's got married...so over 30 years! I love that we have traditions with family that are so important to everyone!

The whole crew...

Grandpa with his grandchildren...and one GREAT grandchild. ;)

Our family of 5 (with the additions) ;)

I had to put this picture on here...it cracks me up. Can you guess who is the center of attention?

We had our 1st annual washer tourney....

And the winner was.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ya, we are the champions!

A few years ago we started carving pumpkins while we were there....

As you can tell...some take it a bit more serious than others. Ha!

There was a playground at the park too! Wyatt LOVED it!!

We were outside for 3 days from sunrise to after sunset...Wyatt was loving all the outdoor time! I was afraid of coming home to playing indoors. LOL!

We tried to take advantage of the picture takers ;) and the wonderful weather to get a few family pictures.

Thanks to Uncle Lee for all his silliness that made Wyatt laugh!

We had such a great family weekend. Is it bad if I say I can't wait till next year?!!?!?

Boo at the Zoo

2011-10-30T07:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday night we went to the "Boo at the Zoo" event as a family and with our friends, the Dumey's! ;) We always have a great time together. Both kids were asleep when we got there, we woke Wyatt so he could enjoy the fun! Ha! There was lots to do and the Children's Zoo was open with fun stuff and even a little show. We ate dinner and walked around to see all the sights.

Last year we went to this same event at the Zoo...we looked a little different....

Can't wait to see next year's family photo!

(I can wait...It just makes me smile to think about our growing family.)

5 Question Friday...a day late ;)

2011-10-29T22:08:00.000-05:00

I know it's Saturday but...I am only one day late for 5 Question Friday. Oh well, fun questions this week:

1. Do you prefer cotton, silk, or flannel sheets?

~Hmm....it depends on the season. We usually just have regular sheets, I don't know what they are made of but we did get some flannel ones for Christmas last year and I love it! I am pretty sure I am going to invest in some fun "holiday flannel" ones this year. ;)

2. What time zone are you in?

~Central

3. What is your favorite part of the holiday season?

~Boy, this is a tough one. Christmas is FOR SURE my favorite time of the year. I start listening to Christmas music Oct. 1st! LOL! That could actually be my favorite day...no just kidding. I love Christmas Eve service at home...like Jackson/Cape home. I love attending it with my mom's entire side of the family. I love singing the closing "Silent Night" song by candlelight with the entire congregation. It doesn't get much better than that folks. I only get this every OTHER year because since getting married and our families living 2 hrs. apart we switch days every year so this year we will be in St.Louis on Christmas Eve.

4. What is your favorite "wintry" drink? (It doesn't have to be an "alcoholic" drink!)

~Easy question: Peppermint Mocha from Starbucks...;) I saw today McDonalds now has one, it could get dangerous.

5. In your opinion, what is the worst job in the world?

~Yikes, I haven't ever really thought about this. I think sometimes the most rewarding jobs would also be the worst job. For example: NICU nurses, they would have some of the best stories but sadly there are some not so good stories. I will leave my answer at that.

It's almost that time again....

2011-10-28T07:00:00.001-05:00

It's almost Christmas card time again and I LOVE IT!! I love it like...I get giddy and all smiley because I can't wait to create and send out our card and letter. ;) It's something I love to do so much....ok....enough "lovin it."

I have been researching so many places to do our Christmas cards and even upcoming birth announcements. :) Last January I even started our "yearly photo book" on Shutterfly. When creating the photo books there are so many different page layouts to choose from. The designs and backgrounds are great too! You can check out their photo books here....

The Christmas card selection is amazing. It's going to be so hard to choose. We are getting family pictures taken right after Thanksgiving so I don't know which layout exactly I am going to want to use but these are a few of my favorites so far:

Like I said...it's going to be really hard to choose! You can check out all the cards...here.

Lastly their birth announcements...oh....so precious. A few of my favorites:
(...and since we don't know the sex I mixed it up a bit, LOL!)

You can see the rest of the choices here.

I hope you visit Shutterfly and take a look for yourself at all the fun stuff they have! ;) Happy Friday ya'll!

It's ok...

2011-10-27T15:22:00.000-05:00

I am linking up with Neely at A Complete Waste of Makeup for "It's ok...Thursdays."
It's ok.....
...look forward to a family filled weekends because we have NO CELL SERVICE!
...be really jealous that your husband gets to go to the World Series game and sit in the Cardinals Club!
...to lay on the couch right after dinner and get up only to move to your bed at 8pm.
...that rude people get on your nerves.
...to want to know the sex of your baby the day you get a positive preg. test.
...to ~~think~~ know your child is the cutest kid on Earth. ;)

Rock N 'Roll......

2011-10-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend my dad and Mark's dad (and others we know) ran in a 1/2 Marathon in St.Louis. It was so fun to go and watch them cross the finish line. ;)

Mark's mom arranged family and friends of my FIL to come watch him run this half. It was his first one and he was also recently given the "cancer free" diagnosis! It was a surprise to him that anyone was even coming to watch....60 people in matching shirts came!! ;) He was so excited and appreciative.

It's not to often you get to watch both your g-pa's cross the finish line after running a half marathon....

They both did an amazing job!!!! The weather was perfect too.

We are so proud of you Poppie and Paw Paw!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-19T18:20:00.000-05:00

First School Picture

2011-10-17T07:00:00.000-05:00

October 15th - National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Did you know that October 15 is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day? Many people aren't aware that this day has been designated a national day of remembrance for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss.

The resolution to declare October 15 a remembrance day passed the United States House of Representatives on September 28, 2006. It was the result of tireless efforts by a group of miscarriage awareness activists led by Robyn Bear, who had six first-trimester miscarriages in the span of 1997 through 1999 before ultimately receiving a diagnosis of balanced translocation.

In honor of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day, Bear suggests on her website that grieving parents light a candle at 7 p.m. in their respective time zones to create a wave of light around the world in memory of babies lost to pregnancy and infant loss.

In addition to October 15 begin declared a remembrance day, October is also National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, thus making it an excellent time to reflect on your feelings, to do a little something to remember your baby, or to get involved in an pregnancy loss awareness or advocacy event, such as one of the many Walks to Remember around the nation, which raise money for nonprofit organizations or support research into preventing miscarriage and stillbirth.
(http://lettheivfrollercoasterridebegin.blogspot.com/2010/10/october-15th-national-pregnancy-and.html)

*Last weekend we observed this day. We took the day to remember Ryder Curtis Schmitz, amount many other babies that are in Heaven. It was a tough but refreshing day. We visited Ryder and spoke lots of him to each other and Wyatt. We miss him...and we didn't even know him. We have started talking about attending a St. Louis event next year in Remembrance of Ryder.

Happy 1st B-day!

2011-10-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we went to Liv's B-day party. (Liv is the little girl I babysit.) She is so cute! It was an owl theme and was GREAT!

The owls were so girly! I loved it. Her smash cake was amazing!

When it was time to eat it...she wasn't really into it. It was pretty cute though...

She squealed and was all smiles while she opened her gifts.

We had a great time, thanks Liv for inviting us to be a part of your special day!

Hanging in J-town!

2011-10-15T18:36:00.000-05:00

Wyatt and I spent a few days at my parent's this. Mark went to one of the Cardinal's Playoff games and was really busy with school and clinic. We decided to hang out with Eesie and Poppie for a few days. We had a great time...especially Wyatt! He gets so spoiled while we are there...so much attention...we wouldn't want it any other way either! The afternoon we arrived my dad was mowing. Wyatt wanted to ride the tractor so bad!

The first night we were there my mom cooked chili and invited family over. Wyatt was a show-off for sure. He was a wild man! LOL! It was fun to watch him be his normal self even though we don't get to see my family as much as we would like. I am glad he feels comfortable...lucky we have "that kind of 1 yr. old."

My mom ordered the Little People manger set...there are new parts/people this year. I LOVE IT! Pretty sure Wyatt is going to need one at home too. ;) It's so cute I would probably let him play with Jesus year-round. Ha ha ha!

She had it set up in the windowsill so the lighting is a little off. ;/

We had such a great time! We also went to the Pioneer Orchard but the pictures are on my camera...so that's for another post. It was a great time but Daddy was so excited to see us when we got home!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T10:18:00.000-05:00

Pumpkin Patch and Apple Pickin'

2011-10-10T09:54:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend we took Wyatt to Eckert's Farm.

It was such a great time as a family!

I don't know who had more fun Wyatt or Mark and I watching Wyatt. LOL! There is a small grocery, farm animals you can feed and pet, tractor rides to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch, and much more! When we arrived we headed straight to the pumpkin patch. There are big tractors taking groups of people to the patch.

Wyatt ran all over the pumpkin patch...he didn't know what to think! He tired picking pumpkins up, kicking them, and he even kissed one! ;)

When he finally found one he could pick up...he was so proud of himself!

He's such a big boy!

After the choosing a pumpkin we got back on another tractor and headed to the apple orchards. This was Wyatt's favorite part for sure! He loves apples.

He helped Mark fill our bag to take home. Wyatt was so excited that he could eat some too! He was eating one and had one in his hand for later! ;)

Once he got one to eat...that's pretty much all he cared about.

After the pumpkins and the apples we went to pet/feed the animals. Wyatt has no fear with animals...he even tried to feed the goat rocks because we didn't get the carrots to him fast enough.

*As soon as we got to the farm I pulled at my camera to begin being camera woman ;) and it flashed "change battery pack" and shut off. AHH! So.....The pictures are taken from my phone so they can't get any bigger without getting fuzzy ;(....

16 weeks

2011-10-09T14:27:00.000-05:00

Today marks 16 weeks pregnant...so far the belly looks the same as last time, like a ball stuck on my front...except I am glad I don't post pictures of my backside. Ha! Pretty sure this baby is giving me some pretty good "love handles." ;) It's all for a good cause.....LOL!
We have decided the nursery theme...last time we didn't go crazy boy overload even though we found out the sex. We have the art we will be using in the room...and a few furniture items but that's about it. Speaking of furniture...does anyone know if I can' paint a crib and if so what paint do I use that's safe?
Back to the decor...we are lucky enough to have artistic people in the family! ;)

Mark's sister painted these large canvas for us! She is so good....the plan is, after finding out sex of baby, to choose a gender specific color that's in one of the paintings and use it as an accent throughout the room! ~~Mark and~~ I are so excited to get painting! The countdown begins to our next ultrasound....

WOW!

2011-10-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

So yesterday was a tough day for me...some days are like that. We all have them, some are harder than others. Anyway...last night after Wyatt ~~FINALLY~~ fell asleep, Mark was studying so I had about 30 mins. to myself before ~~9:00pm~~ I was having to prop my eyes open and I decided to just head to bed. I spent those 30 mins. wisely. I read blogs. ;) I have been trying to find a few new ones lately. Not that anyone I read bores me...lol...just to add to my list. Ha! While reading I came across this....

Rejection is God's Protection

Right now you’re probably thinking, “Wait a minute, that doesn’t sound right. How can rejection be a form of protection?” But I’m not talking about rejecting by God. The Lord will never reject you – He will always love and accept you! The rejection I’m talking about is the rejection you sometimes face in your own life. When you feel like the world is rejecting you, whether at work, in your personal life or through the loss of something important to you, that may be God’s way of protecting you.

No matter where you are, you should accept it as the place God wants you to be and trust in God’s perfect timing. Thank God that He has seen in His wisdom to answer some of your prayers in unexpected ways and to answer others in the negative, because sometimes what we thought was the best for us wasn’t the best at all.

We should thank the Lord for all of the doors that He has opened and thank Him even more for the doors that He has closed in our lives. We should learn to trust that He knows what is best for us and is in control of our destinies. We may not understand everything that is happening and we can’t know what is in store for us in the future, but if we trust in Him, we can move forward knowing that He has our best interests at heart. After all, He knows the future and understands that there may be something far greater just around the next corner for us.

When we lose a job, go through a divorce, don’t get that promotion we wanted or face any other form or rejection or disappointment, we must remember to fight our discouragement and put our faith in God. The temporary rejection is God’s protection of our future. He is protecting us from some future hurt or sorrow by putting us on the proper path in the here and now. Yes, it can be a painful and harsh path to walk, but if we walk it in faith and allow God to comfort and keep us, we will get through the rejection and we will come out stronger on the other side, ready to accept the greater gifts He has waiting for us in the future!

Relax and learn to trust God. He is on your side. Ask God for His will and not your own. Being in God’s will is the safest place you can ever be. One of the most important aspect of faith is trusting that God will know what is right for you, even when you don’t understand His reasons. When it seems like your prayers aren’t being answered, it may be that God is protecting you from danger or sorrow that you can’t see, the timing isn’t right or that God has something far better planned for you that you haven’t even thought about. Give yourself over to Him completely and realize that any rejection you suffer from is only temporary here on earth, and that God’s plan is all-encompassing and will always prevail.

****

Pretty good huh? Thanks Pink Lou Lou that one! I needed it!

It's to early and a sick baby ;(

2011-10-06T17:08:00.000-05:00

Well, we had an ultrasound today...15.4 weeks....the tech tried really hard but couldn't give us a for sure answer. ;( Oh well....at this point it was music to my ears to hear and see a little heartbeat!

Being pregnant this time is way different than what I thought it would be like. Honestly I don't know what I thought it would be but maybe in my head I wanted a "make up" for last time. I have been saying I hope this is a girl because I don't think I even want to "do this again." So bad of me....I thought I always wanted a big family. Amazing how our own experiences change the way we feel...right!?!?! Well...that's not really how it works. I am constantly think about last time and being pregnant only instigates the questions about my last pregnancy and such. NOT COOL! I am trying to treat each day as new and trust the Lord with all my heart. Today knowing I had the ultrasound I was a wreak....not fun...mind over matter wasn't really working for me. When I flipped my prayer calender over for today it was this verse:

Thank you, Jesus, that you came to set us free from the past. We refuse to live bound by IT. Thank you, Father, that you have "qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light." Colossians 1:12

Pretty good timing huh? The Lord usually works that way....;) My Dr. is amazing though...he sent me home with a doppler....I can listen to the heartbeat at ANY time now. ;) Pretty sure I might send it with Mark to school each day so I don't drive myself crazy. I already plan to have Mark be the one to do it so I don't freak myself out. They use ultrasound at the clinic so he is used to it....phew!

Onto the sick baby...;( Wyatt had his first fever Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, always a tough thing on mama. (and the baby...Ha!) He was so pitiful.....I guess though it was pretty good to make it to 16 months without a fever.

(Dad holding/sleeping with a sick baby who will only sleep sitting up because the pressure in his ear)

The Dr. wanted to see him since he had a pretty bad cough and runny nose with the fever. It turned out to be a pretty bad ear infection. He slept most of yesterday and has almost made it 24 hrs. fever free. He did miss MDO and Little Gym but hopefully he will be back to himself soon. Sad but cute to watch a 16 month old wipe his own nose...LOL! Speaking of 16 months...I can't believe it!!!

I know this is fuzzy because it's from my phone but it's to cute not to share. Wyatt loves playing with his cousins....him and Cruz had a ball Sunday. They watched Wyatt while Mark and I used his dad's tickets to have a little date to the Rams game. ;) Fun huh!?!?!?

Back to Wyatt....16 months:

Weight: 22.5 lbs.
Height: 33 inches

He talks a lot but mostly his own jiberish (sp?) and he also screams a lot. It's annoying and we are working on it....he knows what he wants. We are working on "using our words" more than pointing. Wyatt is a terrible eater and a great climber. LOL! He has taken his diaper off about 5 times now...I don't really know where to go from here....so we are just putting it back on. He also isn't a big fan of sleeves or pants...or really any cloths for that matter. When I picked him up from MDO is teacher told me he took his shirt off 4 times in 4 hours. Funny kid! Wyatt loves to be outside...I don't think he would ever come inside if we didn't make him. The past 16 months have been the fastest of my life...time seems to be only moving faster...we are trying to take each day and enjoy each moment!

Happy 7th B-day!

2011-10-04T09:05:00.000-05:00

Last weekend our niece Ariel turned 7 years old! She is growing to be such a beautiful girl.

She is so sweet...we celebrated by hanging out a bit on Saturday at the mall/Disney store. ;) Mickey was there for pictures and we also enjoyed lunch at CA Pizza Kitchen. We ran a few errands that afternoon but then headed to her house for cake and ice cream later that night.

Wyatt wanted to help open presents....Aunt Em found a jb shirt. ;)

Playing with new toys...

We did things a little backward (well, not really). We opened presents then did cake....cookie cake that is!

Happy 7th B-day sister!!! We love you so much!

BOY or GIRL?!?!

2011-10-02T22:01:00.000-05:00

This Thursday we have a Dr. appointment and an ultrasound...hopefully baby will behave so we can find out if it's a boy or girl. ;) One of the blogs I follow I read just did something cute so I thought I would give it a try...

Morning sickness: I had somewhat of morning sickness, I had NOTHING last time. So GIRL

Soft or dry skin? Somewhat dry, my legs get super itchy. So BOY

Are you craving citrus? Not really, this time I can't get enough veggies.. I'll go with no, so BOY

Have you felt glowing or less than beautiful and had lots of breakouts? My skin's been about not so good....so BOY

Heartbeat indicator: I've had FAST heartbeats...so GIRL

Craving fruit or meat?: Neither but if I had to pick I would say fruit-so GIRL

Pendullum test: First of all I think this is crazy and second I don't know all the rules. If Wyatt and Ryder counted as 1 child then it says GIRL for my 3rd child if not then it says BOY....!?!?!

Dreams: I have had some pretty crazy dreams but none really about the baby sex.

How are you carrying the extra weight? This one is tough...last time I was super low-like crazy low so I think anything would be "higher" than last time so I don't know if I am low or high. I defiantly have a belly but today I wore my pre-prego jeans and they buttoned (it will be my last day wearing them but anyway...) I am pretty sure it's because the "belly" is higher. Mark says I am high. So GIRL

Does your pillow face north or south when you sleep?  Not really sure what this has to do with baby gender, but north...so BOY

Chinese Gender Calendar: Says BOY

Hair on legs:  I thought this one was funny...it has grown a little bit faster, which says BOY

Addition test (Month you got pregnant + age when you got pregnant):  Odd, which says GIRL

Do you eat the end of a loaf of bread? I never have, so I don't know if this counts, but no...so GIRL

Seriously....7 and 7 so what does that mean!?!?! Tonight Mark says "girl." I honestly have no stronger feeling either way....today. Ha! I think it's because I have way to many other thoughts in my head. :/ All I know is Thursday when I see that baby moving around with a heartbeat can't come soon enough!

Suson Park

2011-09-30T15:11:00.000-05:00

The weather has been so nice lately so wanted to take advantage of these nice days. My MIL and friend Kelley loaded up with the children (HA!) and headed to the park. Suson is a park with a few farm animals and a fun playground. It was a little windy but it was still great weather! The sun was shining bright! Kelley "wore" Caroline and I put my new double stroller to good use. I was watching a friends little girl today, I usually have her Mon-Wed, but we were needed an extra day. ;) Wyatt LOVED all the farm animals and it was so cute listening to all his animal sounds.

First we fed the ducks...

Looked at the pigs...

Kelley, Caroline, Wyatt, and I

Trying to pet the horse-Wyatt had no fear and the horse wanted to lick his hand.

Spend time being a farmer...

Played on the playground... I am pretty sure Wyatt could have done this ALL day!

He would have done this y himself if I would have let him. Thanks Little Gym! ;)

Easy Canvas Prints

2011-09-28T18:30:00.000-05:00

A few weeks ago I was asked if I wanted to do a review for Easy Canvas Prints. Well, I jumped on the opportunity to get a free photo canvas! I am loving them right now. I sent in my photo and filled out the info. form...my picture I choose wasn't the right quality. Their customer service was so helpful...they could have just used the picture and it not be amazing...but they didn't! Once all was sorted out with the picture we had our canvas on our doorstep in NO TIME! We all know any picture with Wyatt in it is going to be precious but Easy Canvas Prints did a great job. The look and even the feeling of this canvas is great quality! I would use them again for sure.
Here is our print:

You can use the link from this post or even the link on my sidebar...go see for yourself! ;)

Unified in OUR mission

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-05:00

Wyatt is about 16 months and I truly have seen "mom-wars" in those 16 months. I can't actually even say I haven't judged other moms about different things they choose for their children. I am sure moms have had their fair share of comments about me too! ;/ Though, most of the time I do well of keeping my comments to myself it still doesn't make it right. I have vented to my mom a few times and she sent this blog post to me yesterday and it was WAY to good not to share.

I feel this applies to all moms, whether their children are grown or even moms that are preparing for children. Just because it's the way we do it...doesn't always make it right...

I really hope you take a second to read the post HERE.

So after reading the post I have challenged myself....hoping you will do the same, to take a step back and be there for another even though she doesn't "mother" the same way as you!

Fall Bucket List

2011-09-26T09:14:00.000-05:00

We traveled to IKEA this weekend...it was "that weekend" we have once a month. If you have been reading for any amount of time you know the week before the trip is pure craziness. LOL! Anyway, I have read a few blogs that have created a "fall bucket list." I thought it was such a fun idea so I decided to join in:
-finish decorating our house for Fall

-visit a pumpkin patch and join in on the fun!
(Eckerts and Stuckmeyers are the 2 local ones I hope to visit.

-carve/decorate pumpkins with my family

-enjoy a Sunday afternoon with Mark doing nothing but watching football and eating chili

-going to Sam A. Baker state park with my family

-make homemade caramel apples

That's a few fun Fall activities I would love to do this Fall. What's on your bucket list for Fall 2011?

Took the plunge and ordered a beauty!

2011-09-20T14:01:00.000-05:00

I took the plunge and ordered the double stroller. This was a really emotional thing for me to do. I know it sounds dumb but I have already prepared for 2 children before so I was a little hesitant to hit the "place order" button again. We decided to go with a different stroller/car seat combo this time too! We had a Graco last time and to be honest I couldn't keep the infant seat and just buy the double stroller that we put together and pushed around, loaded in our car, and practiced have twins with. It just wasn't going to happen. So...therefore I began to research....and research it what I did! I have a friend who has this stroller and loves it! I have heard nothing but great things about it too! Since I am babysitting a friends baby 3 days a week this will be perfect to use even now! Jacki let me borrow her stroller yesterday to make sure I would like it...and it didn't disappoint! I feel like it's Christmas...I am so so excited I can hardly even wait. I might run out the door to the FedEx man. LOL!

I mean look at this thing...it has 14 different ways it can be used! LOVE IT! Even better...right now when you buy the stroller you can get the infant seat FREE, now that a deal! We ordered the green color. Did I say I can't wait....haha! I will for sure be posting a picture of Wyatt and I modeling the new ride soon! (maybe even today)

Gearing up for Fall....

2011-09-17T13:22:00.000-05:00

The weather has changed around here and I think it's safe to say it officially feels like fall. LOVE IT!! I don't ever remember being this excited about the change of seasons. (Does that mean I am getting old?) There is no better way to welcome the cool weather than to do a little fall clothes shopping! ~~Wyatt and~~ I have been trying to stock up on Fall/Winter and even a few spring clearance clothes. I like to be prepared so since the baby is coming in March it would be nice not to be freaking out because Wyatt doesn't have any Spring clothes. I got a great deal the other day..The Children's Place (MY FAVORITE PLACE TO SHOP FOR WYATT) was having a sale online and it was FREE shipping! LOVE IT! I stocked up on all his shorts for next Spring/Summer. They hold up so well and fit very nice too.

What a crazy small picture right?!!? I couldn't get it any bigger. ;( I did get one in every color...they are so stinkin' cute on.

I am loving all the dinosaur stuff too! We found some cute tops at Walmart, Target, and even Sears with Dino's. I got some of the nice thick Carter long-sleeved onesies to put under all his t-shirts for Winter. He looks so cute!

Today I found this...

When we tried it on he really looked like a little boy...not much baby left. ;( I also took the plunge and got Wyatt's winter coat. It took lots of thought and research because of his love for sleeves and pants *NOT* I didn't know what to do. I wanted something light but WARM! We finally decided on this:

And let me tell you...I am gonna have to keep the ladies off my 16 month old when he is wearing this. Ha! Cute doesn't even describe. Ha!

Ok, enough about fall clothes and the cuteness of Wyatt! It's finally Friday. Mark has boards today and tomorrow so it's just Wyatt and I again. ;/ Hopefully the weather is nice to we can go to the park. Hope you'll have a great weekend!

You know you are from Southeast MO when....

2011-09-15T22:08:00.000-05:00

You know you are from Southeast MO when...your brother competes in the Demolition Derby!

Sept. 2011

(phone fuzzy ;(....)

Sept. 2010

Here are some pictures from the night....he didn't take home #1 this year but it was still a GREAT time!!!

We had special pit passes so we got hit with mud a few times. We were so close....like get showered with mud close. LOL! It was a blast but always so nerve racking....;/

Mom and Dad

Us, and the baby bump ;)

Sister and Pete

My mom and Mrs. Robyn, she is a long time family friend. Her daughter Sarah and I were best friends growing up. She came to cheer Billy on!

*This post can't go without mentioning how thankful I am to have such a great husband. (He doesn't read this so this isn't for him. It's so I always remember how lucky I am...) Mark never ceases to amaze me. He has National Boards coming up this weekend. (pt. 2) and he still made it a point to come with my to support my brother. We drove there and back in the same evening. (almost 2 hr. drive) He never once complained. He has been studying crazy hrs. along with school and treating patients at the clinic. It means so much to be that he is willing to stop for a bit to support family...my family. Not many family member would even make the 2 hr. drive but that we will do it the week of boards and not get home until almost 1am means a lot to me. Again, it makes me proud how he is such an example to Wyatt on not only making our "family of 3" important but also our extended family. Ok *gag* I know but I had brag a bit on him. ;) Thanks for listening!

12 weeks pregnant....

2011-09-14T21:59:00.000-05:00

The baby is the size of a "large plum...."

How far along? 12 weeks and 3 days....

Size of the baby? A large plum

Maternity Clothes? I can still wear own clothes though I learned last time maternity clothes are way more comfortable. :) I have been wearing a few of the tees I have from last time. They are just so comfy...to be honest though I am in the wrong season and some of the clothes I wore last time have so many memories (and even smells when I got them out of the box) I can't even think about putting them on EVER again.

Weight Gain: I go to the Dr. tomorrow...we shall see!?!?!

Stretch Marks? This is a touchy subject for me. I didn't have any visible stretch marks DURING pregnancy last time but once I came home and my stomach "went down" I had some. They are the same color of my skin but just weird looking...;( I used Palmer's last time and now CAN NOT STAND the smell and don't really believe in it anymore. Ha, I don't think anything would work when a little stomach grows over 48 cm. YIKES! All that to say I am trying a new kind and I couldn't tell you the brand but it does smell amazing!

Gender? We obviously DO NOT care, we just want a healthy baby! If I HAD to choose right this second I would say boy. I asked Mark the same question and he said boy too! ;) We shall see....We are planning a gender reveal party and the Dr. appt. has been made. (Oct. 6th, as long as the baby is nice enough to show us...yes, I will be 15.5 weeks but my Dr. loves me)

Movement? I know it's probably not medically possible but I know I felt something the other night while getting ready for bed. It was the weirdest thing to "feel it again." Who knows!?!?!

Sleep? Normal sleep with a 15 month old in the house and I can still sleep on my stomach, dont' ask me how!!!

Food Cravings? This time has been so weird. I didn't really have any cravings last time. Don't get me wrong there were things I loved and couldn't get enough of but this time....watch it!! Ha! I seriously can't eat enough vegetables. I have gone to the grocery just to buy green peppers. Weird I know....

What I Miss: I would love a huge ceasar salad and maybe a small glass of red wine. ;)

Symptoms? Tired all the time…and I am not a nap person at all. It doesn't work out well so pretty much I go to bed about 8:30pm.

Best Moment of the Week? Reaching the 2nd trimester and getting to go to Dr. tomorrow!!!

(Funny story about this shirt. I saw this picture online and thought it was a really cute idea. I got the supplies and got right to work. Well the directions said it was time consuming. I was so confused as to why....until I took this picture. I am seriously loosing my mind....it's time consuming because you have write all the # backwards so they show up the right way in the mirror. Obviously I didn't do that. ;/ So mad!!! Oh well, I am not redoing it so hope you can read backwards. HA HA!)

Wedding Weekend....

2011-09-13T08:34:00.000-05:00

Last weekend Mark was a groomsman in a wedding. It was such a cute wedding too!

The wedding was at 7pm Saturday evening, sunset along the Mississippi River bank. It was so pretty....

The girls all had different color dresses with matching TOMS and the guys were in all black with their ties matching the girl they walked with....

The reception was also outdoors under a huge tent. It was decorated so cute....

We had a great evening with friends!