Bananas

This post is to show my family just how much I love my kids!  I love them A LOT!  Enough to peel, chop, smash, and feed them bananas.  That is LOVE!!  I also peeled 8 bananas for the freezer today.  We got a bunch in our Bountiful Basket this week and we'll never eat them that fast. 

Just for the record I DESPISE bananas.  But my kids think I like them.  I put on my big girl pants, untwist my panties, suck it up and put on my happy face.  I try not to vomit as I feed the baby his bananas...it's a process that takes F.O.R.E.V.E.R. 

I'm so grown up! 

Menu Monday

Want to see just how awesome I am? 

Click HERE!

Then you can come back and tell me how jealous you are of my awesome homemaking skills.  I'm such a good wife/mom. 

Not Me! Monday

All right, folks.  Here it is.  My list of things that I didn't do this week.  Enjoy!

I most certainly did not plan a play date at the Children's Museum and stay for 6 hours....Not Me!

I didn't decide after seeing a barely 2 year old girl ask her mom to go potty that it was time for Christian to be potty trained once and for all....Not Me!  (I would never pressure my kid to do something just because someone younger could do it.)

I didn't bribe Christian to use the potty with money and/or tickets to see the Imagination Movers LIVE in concert...Not Me!

I didn't take the kids to the Library in the middle of nap time...Not Me!

I didn't have to break up a fight between my 2 kids...Not Me!  (I mean...the baby is only 7 months.  He's not even capable of picking fights yet, right?)

I didn't forget the dry erase markers were still out in reach...Not Me!

I didn't give my baby a pizza crust to chew on just to stop the fit he potentially could throw...Not Me!

I didn't drink the orange juice straight out of the carton knowing I have a cold just so I could claim it as all mine...Not Me!

I didn't contemplate doing the same thing with the cookie dough ice cream...Not Me!

I know you all are jealous.  But really, you don't have to be.  Make your own Not Me! Monday list.  It's fun.

Big Air

A couple of weeks ago I won 4 tickets to see Denver Big Air.  It is a big ski/snowboard competition right in downtown Denver.  They built a ramp over 100 feet high for athletes to do tricks.  Also, One Republik was there for an outdoor concert.  I was excited to go, but I just felt so anxious about being away from Grayson for so long.  I couldn't take him with me in such cold weather so  I decided it would be best for me to stay home and send Dave with 3 of his friends.  It seemed they had a great time.  Here are a couple of videos from the event (of course Dave came home with no pictures, just videos).

  

 


P.S.  I don't think it was coincidence I had the feeling to stay home.  Grayson was very grumpy and needy.

Cheese and Whine

I am sick.  Again!  I have been getting sick quite often since I became pregnant with Grayson.  I have learned that I am pretty whiny when I am sick.  Especially as the sicknesses are getting closer together and lasting longer.  I feel like I have spent the better part of the past year sick.  Thankfully I am usually only knocked down a couple days at a time and then I just suffer through the rest as I get better.  I try to keep my perspective, but man...when you can't breathe, your head feels like it will explode, your eyeballs feel like they have knives stuck in them and your body aches from head to toe...it's hard.  (dramatic much??)  I'm such a baby! 

Anyway, I have some posts that need to be published.  Hopefully I will get to them before I forget what I want to say.  I didn't do so well with my "Days of the Week" this week either.  And I didn't follow my menu...not even one day.  I think it's time for a do-over.  I hope next week produces better results!

In the mean time, here's a funny from Christian this morning.  He walked into my room first thing this morning with a bag of goldfish.  He said he was reading the bag.  I asked him what it said and he pretends to read..."You can have some."  LOL  Nice try kiddo.  We're not having goldfish for breakfast. 

I really need to write down when he says funny things (which is pretty common!!).  It is his greatest joy to make people laugh.  I worry he'll be the class clown.  

Not Me! Monday

As a kid I remember my dad saying he had 6 kids once.  Really there are 5 kids, but he said Not Me was his sixth kid.  The one that always got blamed for everything.

Then I was reading some blogs a few years back and I was reading all of these Not Me! Monday posts.  They were a great way of confessing all of the things that went wrong the past week.  I participated a few times, but then my blogging fuse sort of fizzled.  But this year, I'm back!

Not Me! Monday will be more fun than ever before.  I've found having 2 kids means I make twice the mistakes.  Just think of when I have more kids...wow!

I didn't stay inside the house for 4 days straight...Not Me.

I didn't make Dave stop at Chick Fil A for dinner on his way home because I was too lazy to cook....Not Me.

I didn't forget my Visiting Teachers were coming until minutes before they arrived while we were eating our Chick Fil A dinner in a fairly dirty house...Not Me.

I didn't do 7 loads of laundry last week and I most certainly wouldn't just leave baskets of clean clothes to fold and put away for later...Not Me.

I didn't have 2 pajama days in the same week...Not Me. 

Oy...that list is pretty frightening.  I hope I'm not so lazy this week! 

Menu Monday

Every week I try to plan my menu and grocery shop according to my plan.  So far it has saved me a bunch of money on groceries each month.  I am hoping that we will be able to slash our budget even more each month.  I still feel we spend too much.  So, I'm delving more into the world of coupons.  I still have a ways to go before coupons will really help me save because we'd like to build a 3 month supply for our family.  But hopefully soon we will be spending less each month.

Anyway, here is the menu for this week.  It's one of my very boring, kid friendly yet jazzed up for adults, menus.

Dear Christian-Blast From the Past

Today I was reading a few old entries from my blog, just to see what I wrote about way back then.  I couldn't believe how much I've changed in the past few years.  I also realized that in some ways I'm just the same!  Anyway, it gave me a renewed energy to keep up the blogging.  It was so fun to read old posts.  I really do need to get a book made of my blog so we have a hard copy to look at. 

On December 5, 2008 I wrote this post on my blog.  

Dear Christian,

Today you were in a very grumpy mood. You threw a tantrum every other word I said. But that's okay because I love you SO much! Today you got into every nook and cranny in the house, especially if you knew you'd get in trouble for it. But that's okay because I love you SO much! Today you spit out every morsel of food I offered to you (even ice cream). But that's okay because I love you SO much! Today you learned how to open the refrigerator and carried around the mustard everywhere you went. But that's okay because I love you SO much! Today you randomly gave me a big hug when I was sitting on the floor exhausted at 11am from a long day of chasing you around and cleaning your messes. And then I remembered I love you SO much!

Love,
Mommy



What I wrote on December 5, 2008 is what I feel today.  It may be different events going on during the day, but I still feel the same.  Christian has been finding new ways to challenge me throughout the day.  He is older, understands much more, and is constantly testing the boundaries.  I find myself getting frustrated with him more easily this week.  I don't know why.  My attitude has been less than desirable.  All day long when he asks me "Why?" I just answer, "Because I love you." 

Hopefully soon I will be able to get my attitude back to normal.  A little sleep might help.  But until then I will keep praying for guidance and patience (Yikes...praying for patience is dangerous :).   Parenting, while the most difficult thing I've ever done, is very rewarding!  And at the end of the day, when Christian says, "I love you, mom!"  I forget the challenges of the day and start with a fresh outlook on life.  The good days are far greater than the bad.  And for that, I feel very blessed!
 

Days of the Week

Over the years I have randomly participated in certain blog posts on certain days of the week.  So, I've decided to re-implement that back into the blog.  I fear if I don't I won't have anything to blog about.  So, that means a lot of blog posts from me, but hopefully they will still be worth reading.  I hope to be better at this blogging thing.  I just need to get my head in the game.  So here's what I'm thinking.

Monday- Menu Monday (will be posted on my menu blog and linked to), Not Me Monday
Tuesday- Self Portrait Tuesday
Wednesday- Wordless Wednesday
Thursday- Thankful Thursday
Friday- Faithful Friday

Hopefully this will get me a jump start on my blogging and get me thinking in a certain direction.  Sometimes I just need a little help.  By no means does this mean that those will be my only posts, but I hope to at least have those posts.  I won't be 100% each day, life happens, but I will try to be at least 80%.  Deal. Deal. 

Just had to write this out and post it to keep me on track!
I probably won't start until Monday.  I hate starting new projects in the middle of a week. 

Reading

Christian loves to have me read to him.  He's been really good at recognizing his letters and is so proud when he can read the letters to me.  Today as we were running errands we drove past Heritage High School.  We were stopped at the light and he was reading H-E-R-I-T-A-G-E.  We were so proud and made a big deal about it.  A few minutes later he said, "H-E-R....Mom, what comes after R?"  I said S and he said, "No, it's I-T-A..."  I couldn't believe it.  By this time we were a couple of miles away from the high school.  Maybe it's time to start doing some actual reading practice with him.  I didn't think at 3 he'd be ready, but I suppose I should encourage a love for reading as much as possible.  I'll take him to the library this week and look for some good beginner reading books.  I'm not ready for him to grow up so fast, but I just love to watch his world become brighter as he learns new things. 

Grayson-6 months

Grayson rolling around the living room.

Dear Mr. Grayson,

Today you went to the doctor for your 6 month check up.  It went okay, but you cried (screamed) the whole hour we were there.  I even tried to nurse you to calm you down, but you weren't happy.  At the end of your appointment you were happy and laughing.  I suppose you already have a dislike for doctors.  Maybe you were just having an off moment.

Your stats are:

Weight-  18 pounds 6 ounces (55%)

Height-  27 inches (60%)

Head Circumference-  19 inches (still >97%)

The doctor is slightly worried that you slowed WAY down on the growing (you only gained 5 ounces and grew 1 inch in 2 months), but since you were so big he thinks you might just be regulating your weight gain a little.  Plus, now that you are rolling all around the house you are burning some fat.  Also, last week you had a stomach virus and threw up for 2 days straight..you probably lost a little weight.  But just to double check, you get to go back to the doctor next month to get weighed and get your flu shot booster.  

The doctor thinks you are developing right on track for a 6 month old.  He gave us some papers with fun things to do together over the next few months.  I think you'll like that.  Also, your eczema is still a problem.  It's causing you to scratch everywhere.  The doctor gave us a prescription for some ointment to help your skin heal.  I hope it works!

Now that you're 6 months you are starting to eat solid foods more and more.  I know it's not your favorite, but I'm still hoping you'll warm up to eating.  

Grayson NOT enjoying green beans.

I love being your mommy and can't wait to see what the next 6 months brings.  

Love, 

Mommy

Side By Side

I can't sleep.  It is currently just after 3 am and I am wide awake.  I will regret this very shortly!  Christian and Grayson will be awake in 4 short hours.  Since everyone else is clearly asleep I was looking at pictures of my cute kids.  I started comparing what they looked like at similar ages.  What do you think?

 

Top- Christian @ 5 months

Bottom- Grayson @ 5 months

Do they look like brothers?

Christmas 2010

Christmas was pretty laid back this year.  We just hung out at our house with our little family.  Our kids are still young so we got away with sleeping in and eating a leisurely breakfast (I made waffles).  We even showered and cleaned up.  I think it was about 10:30am before we opened our presents.  Christian had a good time opening presents.  He had the whole Santa thing figured out this year.  This is the first year he really understood.  Grayson was not amused.  He really wasn't interested and didn't want to participate.  Come to find out, he cut his 2nd tooth the day after Christmas.  That explains a lot!  Poor kid!

We didn't get much this year, but I tried to make some of the presents big so it looked like a lot.  Did my parents play that trick on us when we were kids?  Santa, of course, brought the best presents!  Christian received a toy fire truck...it doesn't need batteries.  Santa is SO smart!  Grayson's toy; however, does require batteries...Fail!  Grayson doesn't care much for toys yet, but he will soon and he'll thank me.  Every gift I received was for the kitchen.  Is that a hint??  Dave got a Wii game (Donkey Kong Country Returns) and a new white shirt for church and a digital picture frame.  The family got a Wii game for Christmas.  Overall, I think Christmas was fun!  I hope we can create some of our very own traditions.  That's the best part about the holidays!

Our tree Christmas morning.

I tried to get a decent picture of the boys, but this is the best I could come up with. 

Grandma McL sent a box full of craft supplies for Christian.  So much fun!

Grayson was NOT into this activity at all.

Dave's sister sent him a shirt that says, My Wife Has Good Taste.  Yup...she does!

He was annoyed I wouldn't let him eat the paper. 

The only thing he asked Santa for was a fire truck.  Glad he delivered!

Christian with all of his presents.

Grayson with his presents.  His shirt says Santa's Favorite.  Don't tell Christian!

 

I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

You Are A Fun Mom!

Lately I've had several different people comment to me about how fun I am.  Fun comes with a price in this household.  First of all, we live in a pigsty and eat out more than we should (still not a lot, but more than necessary).  I fall behind in my cleaning and cooking and other normal domestic duties so I can play with my kids.  Is that the right thing to do...probably not.  But, I am a fun mother.  I am trying to be better at my domesticness (pretty sure that isn't a real word) all the while still being labeled as a "fun mother".  I'm going to have to compromise.  How about if we live in a clean pigsty and still have fun?  Don't get me wrong, we don't really live in filth.  But let's say it's been 7 days since I last cleaned the bathroom, but we have plans to go to Little Monkey Bizness with a friend.  I'll clean the bathroom after we get home (if I'm not exhausted) or tomorrow.  See, I should clean before we go.  Then it won't get shoved off for another day or two.  Because inevitably, someone will come over and need to use the bathroom.  I need to be prepared for these things. 

So while it is true that I love to have a good time, I believe that it must be known that my house is generally in a constant state of pigsty.  So, give me some notice before you come over.  I'd appreciate the heads up. 

Some of the "fun" things we've done lately...

We took the boys on a tour of the fire station.  Christian being the driver.

 

Christian actually liked being the passenger more.

We saw Santa at the Library for story time and pictures.

 We also went to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops.  Christian was terrified of Santa that trip, so we spent most of our time playing all over the store.  What a fun place to visit!

Dave is just dreaming a tiny bit.

 We were invited to a friend's house to play in the leaves with her boys.  What a fun time!

 Our Ward Trunk or Treat.  So fun!

That hand grabs you as you put your hand in the bowl.  Christian was scared, but extremely intrigued by how it worked!

We carved a pumpkin together.

 Christian definitely loves to help in the kitchen!

Look, Mom!  I drew a tree!

Christian expressing his creativity...what I would give for him to express himself on PAPER!  He uses the whole world as his canvas. 

This is just a sampling of a few things we've done the past 3 months.  We've done many other things that I don't have pictures of.  We've been to the zoo, the Wildlife Experience, multiple parks, McDonald's play place with friends, on walks, Best Buy (seriously...so fun!), Ace Hardware (Heaven for a little boy!) and have done countless art projects and other activities.  We went to Utah for Thanksgiving, We had a family party for Christmas with the Putnams, and other little things here and there.  I can't think of everything.  I can't wait until Grayson can be more involved in the activities we do.  I have so many pictures of him just hanging out in his carseat to prove he was there.  The best part is....Everything we have done has been FREE!  

And if you're ever bored and want to get together, We LOVE playdates!

Starting Fresh!

It's obviously been a VERY long time since I updated our blog.  I guess I got a little cranky about life towards the end of my pregnancy with Grayson.  I was sick and exhausted and anything that required much thought or effort got neglected.  I have never been fantastic at blogging, but my goal for 2011 is to post at least once a week.  I have no idea what I will write about, but hopefully I'll come up with something.

 Grayson going home from the hospital

Just a little update about our family.  We officially welcomed Grayson Dean Putnam into the world on June 21, 2010.  He weighed in at 7lbs 11oz and was 20 inches long.  He, just like Christian, had a huge head.  He's done nothing but grow and by 4 months weighed 18 pounds and was 26 inches.   He goes to the doctor this week for his 6 month appointment so I'll make sure to post his update then.  He's a great baby!  He is generally mellow and only fusses when he's hungry or tired.  He absolutely adores his older brother.  And Christian adores Grayson.  They already get along...how I hope it continues for the rest of eternity!  Grayson can almost sit on his own, he can roll around on the floor, he loves to jump in his jumper, and he has 2 teeth.  At 6 months old he has nearly outgrown his 9 month clothes.  He wears size 3 diapers.  He is a complete joy and I have thoroughly enjoyed being his mommy!

Christian and Grayson at Grandma and Grandpa McLaughlin's house at Thanksgiving.  Picture taken by Maren

Christian is such a great big brother.  There has been very, very little jealousy issues.  He has accepted Grayson into our family with an open heart.  Christian is a very energetic 3 year old boy.  He can't stay busy enough.  He is constantly into things trying to figure out how it works.  He talks non stop and is usually asking questions.  I love his curiosity, but it makes me feel like I need to go back to school so I can learn the answers to my 3 year old's questions.  Even when I think he's not listening he is.  He often surprises me by talking about Nephi or Lehi or Jesus.  Glad to know he's retaining some information as he is bouncing off the couch.  I can't believe how big he is getting.  He is SO excited to go to preschool when he is 4.  I told him he has to be potty trained before he can go to school....so far he's too busy to bother with the potty. 

Christian touring the fire station Dec 2010

Christian loves anything to do with arts and crafts, tools, firefighters/fire trucks, books, and computers.  He can navigate the internet like a pro.  He also knows how to open iPhoto to find all of his favorite pictures and videos.  I love that he can just figure things out on his own...even if it makes my blood boil sometimes.  He is my big helper and often can be found wearing my apron because he is going to be a chef today.  He is my sous chef when it's time to make dinner.  Too bad he has lost almost all of my measuring cups.  I love this boy!  He is going to be a great big brother (he already is)! 

I am still staying at home.  I never knew how much I'd love it.  I am right where I am supposed to be.  It's been a great learning experience.  These boys keep me hopping and I love being their mommy.

Very last minute family photo Nov 2010

Dave is working as a store manager for AutoZone.  He works a lot of hours and works hard at his job.  I am so grateful for his dedication and hard work that allows me to stay home and raise our boys.  It's the best gift he could ever give me.  (I'm trying REALLY, REALLY hard to have a better attitude about him being at work all the time!) 

So that's our family in a VERY quick nutshell.  I hope to get into the details more as we go along the journey.  I'll try to be better at taking pictures of my cute kids!  I feel that blog posts are much more fun when sprinkled with pictures.