Becca is 15 months today! How about a dance party to celebrate?!
2 days ago
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Growing Up! (part 3)
Well it only seems fair that I would share a growing up realization about Becca after posting ones about Corbin & Trent the last two days. Becca is growing so much lately, I am having one of those parenting moments daily with her. I am constantly amazed at her exploding vocabulary which now includes please, light, Hershey, Zoey, tree, doggie, eye, ears, Poppy, hi, mommy, daddy, cheese, baby, yes, no, Papa and new words are popping up daily. But that isn't what I want to talk about. I could focus on the day Becca went poop, then went and got the diapers and wipes and brought them to me and laid down without any prompting. Or how about when I said "Zoey go to your crate" and Becca grabbed Zoey's collar and walked her to the crate. But not those either. Or I could write about Becca's wonderful dancing abilities (more on that later: VIDEO alert- stay posted). Or I could tell you about her singing the ABCs, she might not have the letters down, but she has the tune. But nope, those stories take a back seat to Becca's new skill that has me pulling out my hair and losing sleep!
Here is a picture of Becca showing off her talent:
I really shouldn't be surprised, she has been climbing on the couch and into the window for weeks now, but this presents a whole new realm of challenges. So what exactly is her new skill you ask? Well, Becca has figured out how to push the kitchen chairs around wherever she wants, then climb up on the chair and reach things she couldn't before. One day, she even managed to use the chair, then step on the drawer, and get on top of the counter. I mean, really?!? REALLY!? What am I going to do with this girl?
Trent is proud of his sister, after all, he has taught her all she knows!
Here is a picture of Becca showing off her talent:
I really shouldn't be surprised, she has been climbing on the couch and into the window for weeks now, but this presents a whole new realm of challenges. So what exactly is her new skill you ask? Well, Becca has figured out how to push the kitchen chairs around wherever she wants, then climb up on the chair and reach things she couldn't before. One day, she even managed to use the chair, then step on the drawer, and get on top of the counter. I mean, really?!? REALLY!? What am I going to do with this girl?
Trent is proud of his sister, after all, he has taught her all she knows!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Growing Up! (part 2)
Yesterday, I blogged about parenting moments that make you stop and take note of how grown up your child is, and I focused on a moment with Corbin. Today, I wanted to share one such moments with Trent.
Trent is enjoying his first year of preschool and seems to be making lots of friends. A couple weeks ago, he came home and told me that Ava was his favorite girl in his class. I asked him what made Ava his favorite? His response, "because she is the biggest." (By biggest he means tallest, not actually BIG. And, I told him that girls don't appreciate being called big) Then, yesterday when we arrive at school, Trent' spotted Ava and said, "there is my favorite kid." Then at pick up time, when I was waiting with the other parents and Ava's dad tells me that he knows all about Trent. That Ava talks about him all the time and plans on marrying him. He then tells me that he asked Ava what makes Trent so special, she responded, "Because he is a cutie, Dad." Well, Trent is definitely a cutie, but I am not ready for marriage talk! He is growing up SO FAST!
Trent is enjoying his first year of preschool and seems to be making lots of friends. A couple weeks ago, he came home and told me that Ava was his favorite girl in his class. I asked him what made Ava his favorite? His response, "because she is the biggest." (By biggest he means tallest, not actually BIG. And, I told him that girls don't appreciate being called big) Then, yesterday when we arrive at school, Trent' spotted Ava and said, "there is my favorite kid." Then at pick up time, when I was waiting with the other parents and Ava's dad tells me that he knows all about Trent. That Ava talks about him all the time and plans on marrying him. He then tells me that he asked Ava what makes Trent so special, she responded, "Because he is a cutie, Dad." Well, Trent is definitely a cutie, but I am not ready for marriage talk! He is growing up SO FAST!
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Growing Up
As a parent, every once in a while, your child does something that makes you pause and realize just how grown up they are. Sometime it is a very mature mannerism, or grown up words of wisdom. Other times it is a new skill or ability they demonstrate, and other times it is an act of independence. I had a moment like this with Corbin just the other day.
One morning last week, I was exhausted (still trying to catch up from our trip to Seattle) and happened to over sleep. I woke up at 7:30a and jumped out of bed. We had to be out the door by 8:10a to get Corbin to school. I walked into the kitchen to get my cup of coffee and found Corbin. He was already dressed, backpack packed and sitting by the door, the dog was fed, he had already had a bowl of cereal and was working on making his own lunch. I was blown away! When did he get so grown up and so responsible?! I was speechless and overwhelmed with pride.
One morning last week, I was exhausted (still trying to catch up from our trip to Seattle) and happened to over sleep. I woke up at 7:30a and jumped out of bed. We had to be out the door by 8:10a to get Corbin to school. I walked into the kitchen to get my cup of coffee and found Corbin. He was already dressed, backpack packed and sitting by the door, the dog was fed, he had already had a bowl of cereal and was working on making his own lunch. I was blown away! When did he get so grown up and so responsible?! I was speechless and overwhelmed with pride.
Monday, November 16, 2009
It's in the books
The soccer season is officially over!
Trent's season ended a couple weeks ago. His team celebrated with giant soccer cookies for each kid. (Coach Stacy sure knows the way to Trent's heart!) Trent's season could be labeled "A Tale of Two Trents." At practice it was Super Star Trent and at the games, Space Cadet Trent would show up. The difference between the two Trents was astonishing. At practice it was clear Trent knew the object of the game. He was aggressive, going after the ball. He was focus and driven. At the games, he ran in circles aimless. He rarely went after the ball, and often took a seat in the middle of the field. Trent even took himself out of many games and refused to go back in. We had to use the after game snacks to bribe him to play. Through all his antics, Trent had a smile on his face and was enjoying the season thoroughly, even from the sidelines. And in that sense, the season was a complete success! Trent had wonderful coaches, Stacy and Barb, who were both fun & patient. Trent enjoyed his teammates and made new friends. A great season Tigers!
Corbin's season ended Saturday with their last game and the end of the season party. And the Super Thunder Cats sure had a lot to celebrate! This was the boys second season together and seeing the growth from last year was incredible. Coach Jamie & Coach Maria are the most wonderful coaches. They have taught the boys so much about soccer, teamwork, friendship and sportsmanship. This year was fun to see the team passing, running designed plays, and getting back on defense. After most games, Corbin would tell me "you know what my favorite part of soccer is? that it is fun!"
So the Fall 2009 Soccer Season is over and in the books. Although neither Trent nor Corbin's team keeps score so the records books are a little empty, but the memories will last a long time!
Trent's season ended a couple weeks ago. His team celebrated with giant soccer cookies for each kid. (Coach Stacy sure knows the way to Trent's heart!) Trent's season could be labeled "A Tale of Two Trents." At practice it was Super Star Trent and at the games, Space Cadet Trent would show up. The difference between the two Trents was astonishing. At practice it was clear Trent knew the object of the game. He was aggressive, going after the ball. He was focus and driven. At the games, he ran in circles aimless. He rarely went after the ball, and often took a seat in the middle of the field. Trent even took himself out of many games and refused to go back in. We had to use the after game snacks to bribe him to play. Through all his antics, Trent had a smile on his face and was enjoying the season thoroughly, even from the sidelines. And in that sense, the season was a complete success! Trent had wonderful coaches, Stacy and Barb, who were both fun & patient. Trent enjoyed his teammates and made new friends. A great season Tigers!
Corbin's season ended Saturday with their last game and the end of the season party. And the Super Thunder Cats sure had a lot to celebrate! This was the boys second season together and seeing the growth from last year was incredible. Coach Jamie & Coach Maria are the most wonderful coaches. They have taught the boys so much about soccer, teamwork, friendship and sportsmanship. This year was fun to see the team passing, running designed plays, and getting back on defense. After most games, Corbin would tell me "you know what my favorite part of soccer is? that it is fun!"
So the Fall 2009 Soccer Season is over and in the books. Although neither Trent nor Corbin's team keeps score so the records books are a little empty, but the memories will last a long time!
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Game Over
And the winner is....
Miss Becca.
I officially declare the tooth war over. All has been very quiet in the tooth front recently. Becca and Corbin both tied at 6. I have been watching Becca's bottom front gums closely waiting for her next teeth to emerge. And nothing. However, yesterday, I spotted something white in the back of her mouth. A piece a paper perhaps?! So I reached in to scoop the item out, only to discover a molar! What?! How was I not aware that she had a molar? I checked the other side- yep, there is one there too. Checked the bottom- and although it hasn't broken the gum, it is right there ready to make an appearance. I was bewildered. I can't believe Becca's molars are popping right through without me noticing. Crazy. We are still waiting for the rest of her bottom front teeth. Not that it matters, with two new molars through and two more coming, I do not think Corbin has a shot at catching up. Game over.
Doesn't she look so proud of herself:
Miss Becca.
I officially declare the tooth war over. All has been very quiet in the tooth front recently. Becca and Corbin both tied at 6. I have been watching Becca's bottom front gums closely waiting for her next teeth to emerge. And nothing. However, yesterday, I spotted something white in the back of her mouth. A piece a paper perhaps?! So I reached in to scoop the item out, only to discover a molar! What?! How was I not aware that she had a molar? I checked the other side- yep, there is one there too. Checked the bottom- and although it hasn't broken the gum, it is right there ready to make an appearance. I was bewildered. I can't believe Becca's molars are popping right through without me noticing. Crazy. We are still waiting for the rest of her bottom front teeth. Not that it matters, with two new molars through and two more coming, I do not think Corbin has a shot at catching up. Game over.
Doesn't she look so proud of herself:
Friday, November 13, 2009
Shredding It Up!
Last February, I discovered this video:
Becca had just turned 6 months old, and I was still hanging on to 15 plus pounds of pregnancy weight. I decided that it was time to do something about it. I turned to my good friend, Amazon and searched for a workout video. The Shred was by far the best rated video. I had never watched the Biggest Loser, so I was not familiar with Jillian and had no idea what I was getting myself into. The Shred had such high reviews and contained three separate workouts all about 20 minutes. It was just what I was looking for- I figured I could easily find time for a 20 minute workout.
When The Shred arrived the next week, I was excited to try it out. I started with level one, and it TOTALLY kicked my butt. The next day I couldn't move. I was contemplating throwing the video away and never doing it again. But Mark decided it would be good for us to do it together and commit to the whole 30 days. AGHHH! I was not excited about this idea. So day two, Mark did the Shred with me. He had watched me do it the first day, and thought it looked easy. He realized that it was not so easy, when he felt like throwing up after his first attempt. Despite the pain, we stuck with it for the full 30 days, slowly working our way through each level. The whole time I wanted to quit, but I could feel my body changing. I was getting stronger and I was shedding the pounds. After the 30 days, I had lost 10 lbs, but more than that, I had gain strength and was ready to move on to more challenging workouts. Mainly these two:
As much as I loved The Shred (and I really did learn to love it), I enjoy these two even more. They are longer and more intense, but they get results. I have continued to do these three videos (along with a couple others) since finishing my initial 30 days, and I have never felt stronger or in better shape. I reached my goal weight and now am focuse on becoming more fit and I owe it to Jillian!
So if it isn't obvious yet, I totally recommend these videos! If you have a hard time getting to the gym, or looking for ways to stay active during the gloomy winter, or possibly already thinking about your New Year's resolution, THEN check out these videos!
Becca had just turned 6 months old, and I was still hanging on to 15 plus pounds of pregnancy weight. I decided that it was time to do something about it. I turned to my good friend, Amazon and searched for a workout video. The Shred was by far the best rated video. I had never watched the Biggest Loser, so I was not familiar with Jillian and had no idea what I was getting myself into. The Shred had such high reviews and contained three separate workouts all about 20 minutes. It was just what I was looking for- I figured I could easily find time for a 20 minute workout.
When The Shred arrived the next week, I was excited to try it out. I started with level one, and it TOTALLY kicked my butt. The next day I couldn't move. I was contemplating throwing the video away and never doing it again. But Mark decided it would be good for us to do it together and commit to the whole 30 days. AGHHH! I was not excited about this idea. So day two, Mark did the Shred with me. He had watched me do it the first day, and thought it looked easy. He realized that it was not so easy, when he felt like throwing up after his first attempt. Despite the pain, we stuck with it for the full 30 days, slowly working our way through each level. The whole time I wanted to quit, but I could feel my body changing. I was getting stronger and I was shedding the pounds. After the 30 days, I had lost 10 lbs, but more than that, I had gain strength and was ready to move on to more challenging workouts. Mainly these two:
As much as I loved The Shred (and I really did learn to love it), I enjoy these two even more. They are longer and more intense, but they get results. I have continued to do these three videos (along with a couple others) since finishing my initial 30 days, and I have never felt stronger or in better shape. I reached my goal weight and now am focuse on becoming more fit and I owe it to Jillian!
So if it isn't obvious yet, I totally recommend these videos! If you have a hard time getting to the gym, or looking for ways to stay active during the gloomy winter, or possibly already thinking about your New Year's resolution, THEN check out these videos!
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Our Trip to Seattle
The kids and I had a great trip to Seattle to visit some of my best girl friends. We stayed with Noel, Marleen & Julian. I enjoyed girl time visiting and hanging out, while the boys loved playing with their buddy Julian. Corbin told me he wished we lived with Julian all the time. 
The Three Amigos:
We arrived Friday night and had a nice relaxing evening with pizza and catching up. Becca enjoyed exploring a new house and finding new things to climb on. She discovered the coffee table and spent the evening dancing on the table (wish we had taken a picture, but we were too busy trying to make sure she didn't fall off)!
Saturday, Marleen spoiled me by taking my boys with her to Julian's last soccer game and pizza party. The boys came back with full tummies and exhausted. They were in bed asleep before 8p Saturday night. THANK YOU Marleen!
While the boys were gone, Becca and I got to hang out with Noel and Kara and enjoyed a girls trip to Costco, and a nice relaxing afternoon.
Saturday night was filled with a delicious dinner, great company (Madeleine, Brian, & Kacey joined us) and several glasses of wine. Overall a perfect evening!
Sunday, Noel used her company's zoo membership to take us all to the Woodland Park Zoo. The kids loved the Zoomazium, the indoor play and discovery area. Becca made herself at home in this egg- She loved being inside and hatching out.
Then off to say hello to the animals at the Zoo.
Trent's favorite animal were the lions, Corbin liked the leopard. I was fond of the gorillas, especially after reading Songs of a Gorilla Nation, which centers around this group of Gorillas (BTW I totally recommend this book). 
After a wonderful trip to the zoo, it was time for a quick (but yummy dinner) before driving home. We had a wonderful visit with everyone and can't wait to come visit again. Love you guys!
The Three Amigos:
We arrived Friday night and had a nice relaxing evening with pizza and catching up. Becca enjoyed exploring a new house and finding new things to climb on. She discovered the coffee table and spent the evening dancing on the table (wish we had taken a picture, but we were too busy trying to make sure she didn't fall off)!
Saturday, Marleen spoiled me by taking my boys with her to Julian's last soccer game and pizza party. The boys came back with full tummies and exhausted. They were in bed asleep before 8p Saturday night. THANK YOU Marleen!
While the boys were gone, Becca and I got to hang out with Noel and Kara and enjoyed a girls trip to Costco, and a nice relaxing afternoon.
Saturday night was filled with a delicious dinner, great company (Madeleine, Brian, & Kacey joined us) and several glasses of wine. Overall a perfect evening!
Sunday, Noel used her company's zoo membership to take us all to the Woodland Park Zoo. The kids loved the Zoomazium, the indoor play and discovery area. Becca made herself at home in this egg- She loved being inside and hatching out.
Then off to say hello to the animals at the Zoo.
Trent's favorite animal were the lions, Corbin liked the leopard. I was fond of the gorillas, especially after reading Songs of a Gorilla Nation, which centers around this group of Gorillas (BTW I totally recommend this book).
After a wonderful trip to the zoo, it was time for a quick (but yummy dinner) before driving home. We had a wonderful visit with everyone and can't wait to come visit again. Love you guys!
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A little Fall fun!
We (the kids and I) are heading off to Seattle for the weekend, but before we headed out I wanted to publish a quick post sharing my favorite pictures from the past week and a fun fall recipe! So here we go:
My very cheesy and happy kids with their pumpkins:
These two pictures of Becca capture her sweetness. There is just something so special about being one- no longer a baby, not quite a toddler.
And last night, I made pumpkin muffins. This recipe has been a fall favorite since my sister shared it with me several years ago. So yummy! This year, I tried to modify a bit to make them healthier. I substituted apple sauce for the oil, flax seed meal and water for the eggs, and whole wheat flour instead of white flour. And to my surprise... they turned out great! I think if I taste tested them side by side (the original version and the healthier one) I would be able to tell the difference, but since it has been a year since I last had them, I tasted no difference.
Pumpkin Muffins:
1 3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon dry ginger
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup of water
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together wet ingredients and then add to dry. Stir until batter is just combined. Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. (or put into greased & floured loaf pan and bake for 1 hour to make pumpkin bread)
For extra goodness, serve with cream cheese frosting. For our family, this is a must! Enjoy & Happy Fall!
My very cheesy and happy kids with their pumpkins:
These two pictures of Becca capture her sweetness. There is just something so special about being one- no longer a baby, not quite a toddler.
And last night, I made pumpkin muffins. This recipe has been a fall favorite since my sister shared it with me several years ago. So yummy! This year, I tried to modify a bit to make them healthier. I substituted apple sauce for the oil, flax seed meal and water for the eggs, and whole wheat flour instead of white flour. And to my surprise... they turned out great! I think if I taste tested them side by side (the original version and the healthier one) I would be able to tell the difference, but since it has been a year since I last had them, I tasted no difference.
Pumpkin Muffins:
1 3/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon dry ginger
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup of water
1 can (15 oz) pumpkin
1/2 cup vegetable oil
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, combine dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, stir together wet ingredients and then add to dry. Stir until batter is just combined. Pour batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes. (or put into greased & floured loaf pan and bake for 1 hour to make pumpkin bread)
For extra goodness, serve with cream cheese frosting. For our family, this is a must! Enjoy & Happy Fall!
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