Southern CA Winter Fun

My L The Messenger

Watch the happy messenger boy.....

When You Don't Know.....

I was never going to post about this experience because it wasn't one of those heart warming experiences that people post about.  It wasn't a "Yeah, they will be OK moment".  It was a moment of and continues to be "What ever happened?" "Is she OK?"

I was at The Grove with my friend Diana around Christmas time and we went to DuPars for lunch.  When we were walking to get a table a woman ran up with her baby who was lifeless it seemed.  She wasn't breathing and didn't look right at all.  She was hitting her back and I don't know what happened but I remember telling her to stop hitting the baby and I lifted her arms.  I then saw the little girl throw up whatever was blocked.  At this point they were calling 911.  My friend and I went out to our table and she instantly hugged me.  I guess I looked like I needed it.  When the paramedics arrived they were with the little girl for some time.  They took her away.  After she was breathing she didn't seem right.  I just kept thinking, "What happened to her?" and "Is she OK?".  My friend said I instantly got in mommy mode and helped.  I let her know that something similar happened to Liam.  He was choking on a penny and if it wasn't for Kaila, who knows what could have happened.  I couldn't hear him choking and I got the penny out from holding his arms up and having him at an angle.  Now mind you I too wanted to hit his back but I remember my MIL and my grandmother both telling me to never do that.

Now fast forward to today.  I'm watching the news this evening and there is a woman who was on the boat in Italy that capsized.  She mentioned being handed a three month old baby girl.  She said she couldn't hold onto the baby any longer and gave her back to her father.  I could see in her eyes and understood when she said she didn't know what came of the little girl and her family.

I'm still wondering what happened to the little girl.  I know that I did the best that I could and I'm grateful I was there that day.  It just reminded me that some situations are out of our hands, that we have to remember we did the best we could, and have to have faith that everything was OK.

Sometimes.......

Sometimes when you have a say 19 month old little boy and you cannot do anything right in the AM to make said boy happy you just want scream "What???".

Sometimes when your say 11 year old girl throws you attitude and raises her voice you just want to.....reflect back on the way you were at 11 and think "God was I really this annoying?"

Sometimes when your precious little guy screams like he's being tortured as you are putting him in his stroller you may just want to leave him there and walk no run far far away.

Sometimes when your 11 year old princess doesn't understand the word NO you may just want to leave her with said screaming toddler and get away as fast you can.

Yes, even with the rough times it's so worth having a 19 month old adventurer and a 11 year old young lady growing up and showing me changes....sometimes....one painful moment at a time lol

Where's Crazy Kat???

I've been five days off gluten and though I was told I should live without because of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and how it effects me I became Crazy Kat trying diets so I could have gluten which I've found WAS NOT A GOOD IDEA. So I quit dieting and gluten.

In the past five days I've lost five, yes five pounds.  I say this is all because of no gluten.  I know the weight won't keeping coming off like this BUT it feels great to not feel so bloated and for some reason I'm a bit less crazy this week.

I'm enjoying so much more fruits & veggies like before and still treating myself with Dark Chocolate every night, I mean why not, right?

I'm learning oh so slowly to listen to what my doctors say.  They are doctors for some reason and I'm so not on their level when it comes to deciding what is good for my body.  The lesson here is no more gluten unless I want to be Crazy Kat and I'm sure I don't want her around.

L The Monkey Boy

Turns out I have this little boy the enjoys driving me crazy and keeping me on my toes.  My Mother In Law suggested I have a video camera watch him in each room but alas, I wouldn't get to him in enough time if he were to fall.  I've decided to cut back on doing "Things" until he's not a danger to himself or household items he can climb on.  For example here is a video of him climbing into his highchair.  Amazing I tell you how quickly that boy can climb on something.  I really believe I had a child almost 10 years later to help me slow down.  You can't be doing tons of things if you have Monkey Boy near by.  Enjoy "A Day in the life of Monkey Boy"

PMS

Diets....A Thing of the Past!

I've been struggling with feeling like I'm going to be fat again or feeling fat since I found out I was pregnant with L. I was in so much fear of the weight I was gaining during my pregnancy that when they weighed me I couldn't face the scale and yes, I wanted to cry each time.

I don't think others who have not gone from being thin to gaining 100 lbs. in a year to being thin again can really understand how scary it is for me to gain weight. I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which caused my issue. I had gastric bypass in 2007 which they said would fix my issues (including weight gain and not being able to lose the weight)

When I got pregnant with L people kept telling me I was looking too thin. I didn't see it. I just saw extra skin and felt fat still. I just didn't want people to be mean to me for my weight. I saw HOW MUCH differently I was treated once I lost the 100 lbs.

I love that I started taking ballet since the bypass surgery. I use the dancing to help me feel better about my body. In the classes at the college I'd have to wear a leotard and boy I didn't want to do that but I did and started feeling more and more comfortable and got a A in the class even!

So as this New Year approached I realized I've become obsessed with my weight because of Weight Watchers and counting calories. Really both are torture for me because I'm so busy that logging food is a chore and makes me obsess about food even more. When I first had L before the wonderful world of Weight Watchers (they had a special) I lost weight and kept losing by eating right, no gluten (bloats me, thanks PCOS), and exercised. I felt great and didn't stress SO.....

I'm done dieting. I'm going back to the ways of healthy eating, no gluten, and exercise. I even would get a piece or two of dark chocolate every night, which I might add is good for the heart. I will exercise the way I like and not feel I have to exercise the "Perfect" way because there really isn't one. I purchased and am waiting for my home Cardio Barre set including portable ballet bar! Yes, I can work out the way I like at home while the kids sleep. During "My" time!

I recently read this story about a mom and her views on being "fat" which made me feel even worse about myself but in a good way. In a way that I need to be gentler to me. You know sometimes exercising too much can be hard on your body. When your then 10 year old turns off your Jillian Michaels DVD while you are crying exercising, there's a problem. Oh and I had severe contusions to my knees. Sweet! It's time to just stop and do what feels natural to me. I'm 36 years old and not 20 and I have no one to impress and I just want to feel good about how I live again. I didn't realize how the greatness of a pregnancy could bring on so much worry and obsession but the little boy rocks!

I end with we all need to be better to ourselves and be more kind. It's amazing how freeing it feels to be going back to the old me. I was told I was much happier then. I'd like to believe that.

Giving Over The Holidays....

I started a Meetup mommy group for L. I'm not as active as I'd like to be BUT I do my best to attend events and have fun.

Tomorrow I've opened our home to my mommy group and not only are we going to celebrate this holiday season but we are going to be collecting donations between us to give to Harvest Home a shelter for pregnant homeless women.

Here's a link to what they are looking for:

http://www.theharvesthome.net/howtohelp_giftinkind.html

My point isn't to donate to them but my point is if you want to feel really good about yourself make some kind of donation this year. Last year our family had each kid select a charity and we all made a donation in their names. K wants to donate her hair to Locks of Love and has two more inches to grow and she's cutting her hair.

We all should remember how blessed we are. I mean really there all things we want but for needs we are all doing pretty good. If you can't donate this year maybe volunteer your time. I find when I'm having a rough time volunteering my time gets me out of myself and thinking about others.

Have a wonderful day!

Do It Myself Photo-booth

I want my child to enjoy the best party ideas like anyone else but I don't want to spend the money. I decided she could have a Photo-booth but that I'd do it for her and I did.

This is how to do your own totally awesome photo-booth for a fraction of the cost of renting one or having someone come to your house.....

1. In Microsoft Word or any other program create a template that you will add the photo-strip to once you've taken the pictures.

2. For the booth find an area with a plain background and Walla and instant photo-booth and when you have a house filled with tweens or teens and make it exciting they won't care if they're in a booth they will rather be having a great time posing for pictures!

3. Pick up from Claire's, Icing, 99 Cent Only Stores, Etc. different items to use for props. I didn't spend much money doing this myself and see what you have around your house as well. My wedding veil ended up being used. Crazy I know.

4. Pick up nice Card Stock paper. This way you aren't using photo paper and you can print out like my example and send home with everyone. They get a keepsake and their picture.

5. Have fun & enjoy doing it.

I had a great time with these kids. The area I used has stairs leading to it and it's in a room of our home. The kids would run up the stairs, pose, and run back down to get in line again. Success I tell ya!

I'm enjoying doing these projects and figuring out how to save money but have fun. What things have you done for parties to save some money??

Today's Pampering is Brought.....

to you by....A budget.

Living in a home, a real home with lots of space and me not working equals being on a budget and doing pampering the old fashioned way by myself.

Tonight I colored my hair darker, gave myself a pedicure including the lovely coloring of my nails, a mini manicure, and a relaxing mud mask facial.

I know I saved over $100 tonight doing this all myself. The best part too was K came in and joined me and she gave herself a mini pedicure. I had 1.5 hours of moi time tonight and feel almost brand new lol.

I'm learning as long as I take care of moi (yes, I'd love a day at the spa) that all is well in my little world. This includes not only spiritually but getting in touch with my inner girly self.

2nd Hand Clothing NO it's Green Clothing

I'm big on recycled clothing, giving away clothing, receiving clothing, buying used clothing, frequenting thrift shops. I also have a love for certain brands of clothing that I may not be able to get "Used" but I know how to find a deal. For instance there is a Warehouse sale coming the weekend of the 18th for Splendid & Ella Moss. I enjoy their warehouse sales and not only find things for my family but gifts for the upcoming Chrismukkah season.

I was recently asked for some good consignment places for kids or cheaper stores and you'd be surprised how I work. My friend noted I always find great deals and I sure do!

• Burbank, CA has a little gem of a thrift store on the corner of Magnolia & California. Every Tuesday & Thursday before noon everything but the new tag is 50% off. Not only am I always able to find something for the family and myself I find stuff to sell on eBay as well. I make good money off this store by attending their half off mornings. Prada (not Frada) and Burberry are just a couple of designers I've found there.
• eBay is my friend. I know the ins and outs of eBay and how to research if a seller is good or not so I know at least 95% whether new or used I'm getting a good deal. I've learned to also cross reference to different sites like major department stores to see if there is a better deal.
• Fallas Paredes is a store I'd never think I'd find Joe's jeans in but I did. I've also found Guess & other items that I can sell on eBay. You have to have patience and a lot can be considered crap but I even got K's school uniform tops there for $1.99 & $2.99 each. All new items and just greatly discounted.
• Consignment stores are an adventure in themselves. I used them when K was smaller to sell her items. Back then I really HAD to have the best of everything for her and the consignment stores were really growing and paying a good amount for used kid clothes. Now I haven't been too happy with the stores. I find more stains, receive more damaged goods then things that are in excellent condition. The lighting in the stores isn't usually great and why I miss the stains and I get in and out too quickly to really check the item, my bad so I really try and avoid them but I did get a great Skip Hop diaper bag for $26 that I found online for $64 and it looks new so that was a score I have to say.
• Clothing Swaps with friends is a great way to get together and exchange clothing. Not all kids are the same age and some may need what others are done with. It's great to invite moms to be or new moms too so they can receive items even if they are not giving and this way they'll attend the next time and bring items as well. I used to be part of a book & bag swap as well that a bunch of us women did and there would be dessert, conversation, and swapping.
• Just give clothing away. I think like Karma clothing or items will come back to you. I'm always known to give things away and from time to time my friend gives me clothing for K that was given to her daughter and there was too much or my son for instance now has a pair of converse for sizes 5, 5.5, 6, and 6.5 from another friend and a good amount of size 2-3 Gap clothing perfect that was just received. I believe what you give out there comes back to you.
• Totsy, Rue La La, etc. websites provide great deals from time to time. I bought my Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag for L for $80 through Rue La La and on the website right now it goes for $175 so when I want something really nice or pricey I try and stick with these websites that also have iPhone apps so I can look while the boy is asleep on me.

Here are some of the ways I try and stay green and again I love new items too but sometimes think spending so much on a child is a waste because of how quick they grow. I do other things but I'm also curious if anyone has any ideas on what they do to stay "Green" per say or to "Save Money". Having a house now saving money is a top priority for me.

I'm Not a Perfect Mom BUT Neither are You!

There are some moms I know who feel they are perfect. However; none of us are. Yesterday morning my 16 month old got a hold of his fathers shaving razor and well, the picture to the right was the end result. Yes, blood was everywhere and yes we had to figure out it was the boy bleeding BUT did I honestly think that he would find his fathers razor in a drawer I didn't think he'd get into....NO.

Why beat myself up? Telling other women/mothers about the incident can be all the beating up I need or is it? I assume you hear that I've let (NOT REALLY) my 16 month old play with shaving razors and he's cut his poor finger pretty good and boy I'm pretty incompetent because who would allow their 16 month old to play with razors? I doubt that is what most are thinking and quite frankly if they are they can just not speak to me....period.

I read a lot about children getting hurt and it happens. Did I learn something from this?? Yes, that my boy really does find and get into everything. I also learned that same boy loves to put things down the furnace shoot. I can't be on his tail every second because of the whole you know fact that he has a 11 year old sister too that needs me. I do have my home childproof (to the best of my knowledge) and close off doors and keep L to the best of my knowledge SAFE.

Yesterday he got hurt, I made his boo boo better, moved a razor, and knew I wasn't a bad mom and at the end of the day that is really what matters. Not what others may think about me.

I threw a what?????

I threw a Baby Shower for my dear friend Eliza yesterday and thought I'd get crafting and domestic. I think I did a great job and thought I'd share some of what I did in the event it jumps at anyone for ideas of what to do & though these probably are all not new ideas for someone so not domestic (well getting there) this was a great accomplishment lol.

Enjoy....

This took me the most amount of time to do. I found some vintage wallpaper and cut out the whole alphabet. I then took clothes pins and added vintage fabric to them and attached everything to a blue clothesline. I think it was a cute idea and the mommy to be did too. I really wanted to make this feel like a Do It Yourself event. I didn't want the feel of it being all store bought. Personal felt so much better and using what I found & had made it a bit green too.

I love love loved making these little cupcakes. I took the white frosting and made it blue and added the little white sugar balls to the frosting. I saw these online and just recreated them myself. I think they came out great!

Trying to create cookies that spell out BABY and with some stars was fun at least. Sure this is all that was workable and still not the way I wanted them but from this experience I learned that using wax paper when you're rolling out dough makes life so much easier. I also was happy to know how much these were liked (and the broken ones) and they were Gluten Free. No one knew (except for mommy to be and her mommy)

Finally I made the take home gift for everyone using a Mason Jar, Vintage Fabric, a Tea Light Candle, Chamomile Bath Salts, and little thank you note. The note said to now enjoy, light the candle, and enjoy a nice bath with the salts. It also included that the jar can be used as vase which is what I did for the table with all the food on it. The jars looked so nice on the changing table with her presents all around it and wouldn't you know it's the one thing I didn't get a picture of so above is one lonely jar.

For someone not so domestic and learning to be who was in the middle of moving and caring for a toddler all day long I think I did some great crafting & baking and look forward to doing more as time goes on. Who knows what my domestic future brings.

Sleeping & Mommy Separation

It seems one little boy may not be wanting to be held anymore to go to bed but to fall into dreamland on his own.

Great! your thinking. Bedtime will be a much easier time and less time having to hold L until he's fallen asleep BUT it actually makes me sad.

I'm thrilled that L can self soothe himself to sleep but at the same time I enjoy being needed by him. Taking a 9 year break between kids is almost like having your first kid for the first time all over again.

I enjoy giving him kisses while he sleeps, rubbing his curls, and gently patting his behind as he drifts off.

I wonder if the sadness I'm feeling is because with the 9 year gap between kids I will no longer be having any children and so he's the last baby I will be holding at bedtime.

With that said it is time for me to go to bed. It's time to sleep next to L in his co-sleeper which will also end in a couple of days when L moves into his own room in our new house.

Until next time.....




- Posted on my iPhone because I don't get quality computer time. Quality problem, yes I know.

Halloween Craft Time or Let's Eat Crayons...You Choose

I've wanted to do a Halloween craft with L but couldn't decide what. I'm currently doing a journal with what I'm trying is daily little notes/pictures for K that when I'm done she can read and see all these memories saved for her so I kind of went the same way with L.

I bought him a Halloween Activity book and we completed our first picture together. It was what seemed to be a lot of me explaining to a 16 month old that we do not eat crayons but at the same time he was able to get super excited about the crayons coloring on the book. I figure we can date each time and year we do an entry and do this until he's like five and starting school or after his first year of school, hold onto the book, and give it to him to share with his family one day.

I've found so many crafting items since packing K's room for the move and I'm looking forward to doing more creative things with both kids using said items. I'm so grateful for this move because it will give us so much space to do things indoors and outdoors, be messy, and just have a lot of fun in a place of our own. The best part is I want to get one of those indoor chalk board decals for L's huge walk in closet so he can color on his walls (not really).

So this turned into more than just about the Halloween crafting idea but there is so much to do when you have a 11 year old and sixteen month old.

Sleep Lessons & Changes

L has been a nap on my mommy or in the car seat/stroller kind of boy. Now it never occurred to me that if I wanted him to nap in his bed that I could cover him up with some blankets and make him nice and warm and in all accounts "Swaddle" him. This could be the fact that as a small baby L didn't like to be swaddled. He would somehow get his arms and legs out while sleeping.

Things change as do little boys who seem to now prefer spending naps snuggled and warm. The funny thing about the past two days is that at night he still prefers to sleep with no blankets and they actually wake him up and he kicks them off.

This is beginning our adventures in sleep changes for Mr. Kisser who has been sleeping in the co-sleeper next to me since day one or in our bed. With the new house I'd like to have my room back. Just me and the Mr. and don't think that is too much to ask for.

I have friends who've done the "Cry it Out" method and though it was really hard it worked for them. I have other friends who prefer the family bed and others still where their little one is fine in a crib of their own. So many options but to find the one that is right for us is our personal choice and will be a learning process.

To not torture this little guy I think starting with naps in his bed where it's a routine for a while will be the key in the new home. He's going from a bed right next to mommy who is guilty of always pulling him into bed to having a room of his own. A big room if you think about it as a 16 month old.

My goal is by the end of the year to have a nighttime routine where Mr. Kisser is in his own room in his own bed.

This is my newest adventure in being a Stay at Home Mom with a 2nd child who is almost 10 years younger than his sister. I had help for our first and was a Work-a-Holic and wasn't able to experience all the fun toddler adventures whether fun or frustrating. No matter what the days bring I don't want to miss these experiences and know that I was home with him to watch him grow.

Food is NOT my friend

Why is it that when life gets busy healthy eating just kind of disappears? During the past couple of weeks packing and preparing for the big move next week along with the baby shower I'm throwing I've found it much easier to eat crap.

I so can't be the only one who falls victim to the crappy eating. I'm tempted to take the 10 day food challenge....so tempted. However; I don't want to fail. So this being said I will be more aware of what I'm eating and pre-plan snacks until the move.

I really think I will be doing the 10 day food challenge and having the family do it on November 1st as well. It can be done. Here's the link to the challenge: http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/take-the-10-day-pledge/

So if you want to motivate me or join me on this challenge I welcome you! It's not too hard. I think giving up the Diet Coke will be the hardest part. I don't want to feel like food isn't my friend anymore and I have to get some balance but lets be real, starting before Halloween and the move is just cruel to those who would have to be around me. Until then I will begin the countdown challenge and do some research on food planning so there isn't crap filled weeks when I get busy.

Green Gifting

So in the process of packing K's room I was able to put together a great birthday gift for her cousin and to top it off put it all in a never used Halloween Trick or Treat bag.

My sister-in-law has been recycling gifts to L and I think it's a great idea. We are going to do this more and more. I mean I'm always giving things away or reselling for cheap but it's nice to know some gently used items are getting a new home where it will be something exciting to who just got it. I mean half of what was given today was never used before.

Another great idea is buying used for gifts if the item still looks really good. You're helping to go a bit more green each time.

So this is something new I'm doing and will think up more ways to stay on this green path of living.




- Posted on my iPhone because I don't get quality computer time. Quality problem, yes I know.

It's not that hard....Is it?

I know I'm not the only mom out there who doesn't know how to pause and take care of herself. You know between all there is with my two kids, husband, and home I enjoy my late night and early morning time but really I don't enough to really take care of me. Emails, Blogs, Side Work, and Facebook don't equal quality time for myself.

I was talking to a friend today and she too is having this same issue. I used to work and imagine how crazy I'd be if I were still working. I'm super busy as is and can't seem to catch up and add this move to the mix and wouzers! It's great that we can offer advice to our friends..."Turn off your phone, take a nap", "enjoy a nice bath", or even "go get a massage" but the reality is and I know I'm so not the only one who offers the advice we never do or have the time to do.

Yet, this week I decided enough was enough and I had to do some things to take care of me. So start easy right? I malnourish, have low blood pressure, and my long term iron is at 2. So I started my vitamins again and took that husband of mine's advice and bought a pill holder to make it easier. I got some liquid iron and my pill container and day three was completed today of actually taking said vitamins...

I also don't know if it's the powers that be but my left ear and throat hurt yesterday and well, got worse today so I ended up napping....advice I always give and yet never do and though I didn't feel better as I woke I napped with that little cute boy (who is worn out from being a stunt boy) and that lump on the floor is a sweet (most of the time) girl who always covers her whole body to sleep something I did when I was younger too.

My husband took the picture above. I guess there was a calm in the house not normally there. Will I do more to take care of me? Who knows but I know that I should and really that's the first step, right?