It's Here...

The sneezing so often I'm getting a headache...

The itchy/watery eyes, I'm quite convinced I will rub them right out of the socket...

The runny nose - it's trying to compete with Niagara Falls...

Two showers a day...

Constant barrage of laundry - I can't wear anything twice...

Popping Claritin like it's going out of style...

Vaccuuming, dusting, sweeping, mopping like I had someone important coming to my house...

And all because of ALLERGY SEASON! Blast the unseasonably warm weather.

It looks like this outside:

And I feel like this:

Maybe it's time to see a doctor...

Day in Paradise

Today started out with a poopy-mess all over Lillian's crib (still haven't figured out how she does that one). I barely got my surprise breakfast made for Carlin.

Most recently the kids took to eating various sorts of paper and pushing my card-making mess off the table.

There is a pile of clean laundry a mile-high sitting on my couch.

And I'm out of dishwasher detergent.

I couldn't help but think of this song:


It is just another day in paradise. How I love my children...


And my husband.

Pictures... mainly for my Mother

My Mom was complaining that I haven't updated everyone with pictures of Lillian. I have been really bad about pictures lately, not that I haven't been taking them, just getting them from the camera to the computer seems like such a hassle.

So Mom here you go, show off those grandkids!

First, we must present Samuel and his crafts:

This is what I call "Dragon Samuel" - a craft we did in honor of Chinese New Year.

And this is "Happy Frog with White on Blue."

A shot from one of our snow days.


And I have to show off Lillian's curls, sorry that the pictures aren't better, but when her hair gets wet it goes crazy curly. I never, ever thought I would have a kid with curly hair.


Here's a couple more of Lillian cheesing it for the camera. I just love the little smile she has every time she sees the camera.

Chinese New Year

Happy Chinese New Year everyone!

I don't know about y'all, but we are going a bit stir-crazy. Snowed like crazy on Tuesday and even if I had the gumption to drive around on the unpaved Oklahoma roads with fellow Okie drivers, everywhere is closed. Or at least has been for the past couple of days.

So what's a girl to do with two kids and cabin fever?

Celebrate the Chinese New Year of course!

We will make Chinese firecrackers, Chinese lanterns, and Chinese dragons!

For all craft ideas click here.


Maybe watch Mulan, because it is one of the best Disney movies and takes place in China!

And in an effort to get both the kids and myself out of the house (because the last time we left the house was church on Sunday, happens when you only have one car... and snow) we will be going to Pei Wei.

Perhaps one of the best Asian food places ever. Tasty, healthy food all for a low, family friendly price. And all you can eat fortune cookies. Yumm.

I also did some research and found that according to the Chinese Zodiac Calendar Carlin was born the year of the Dog, I was born the year of the Ox, Samuel was born the year of the Rat, and Lillian was born the year of the Tiger. Interestingly enough the Ox and Rat are most compatible while the Dog and Tiger are most compatible. Explains why we have a Momma's boy and a Daddy's girl? Maybe...

Here's the explanation of the Ox: Another of the powerful Chinese Zodiac signs, the Ox is steadfast, solid, a goal-oriented leader, detail-oriented, hard-working, stubborn, serious and introverted but can feel lonely and insecure. Takes comfort in friends and family and is a reliable, protective and strong companion. Does that describe me or what?

I think I hear Samuel waking up from his nap. Let the festivities begin!

Three little words

This week has been really rough for me and Samuel.

You know those days when you wonder if you're even getting through to your child? Yah, well, it's been one of those MONTHS for me. There has been a lot of crying, whining, yelling, and chasing.

And it's only Wednesday.

This morning was like any other. Samuel cried for the first half hour and only wanted to be held by me. When he wasn't held by me he followed me around the house crying. I was packing bags, making lunches, gathering library books, making breakfast, and trying to get dress.

Samuel rejected his breakfast several times before he finally sat down and ate it.
We were sitting there, Samuel eating his breakfast and me feeding Lillian. And then I heard it, muffled due to toast in his mouth.

"Tank uuu Mommy."

I looked over and saw his little hand come up to his chin and then push away (sign language).

"Thank you Mommy." he said again.

So many thoughts ran through my mind at that moment, tears came to my eyes, my heart burst out of my chest. Funny how three little words can change your entire day.

Lillian Turns 1!!

Our beautiful Lillian celebrated her first birthday last week. She was completely loving all of the attention from family and the cake. Lots and lots of cake.

I had a hard time coming up with a theme for her birthday (yes, I know I put way too much pressure on myself to have a theme for birthdays, I mean shouldn't the birthday itself be a theme? but I really like to have something to work from). Anyway, there is something about Lillian, or just having kids in general that is making me completely cheesy.

See, at first I wanted to do a snowflake theme, but when I finally made it to the store (her birthday completely sneaked up on me, one bad thing about having a birthday so close to the holidays..) there was nothing but Valentine decorations everywhere. I brainstormed for a bit and then had a "light bulb" moment. Lillian loves being surrounded by people who love her, as long as you give her lots of hugs and kisses and act like she is the cutest girl in the world, well then she is as happy as a clam.

So, we surrounded Lillian with love this year. (I told you it was cheesy).

Her heart-shaped cake. (I would like to say that the funky looking sides are due to grabby-two-year-old hands, but I would be lying. Let's just say that I got into a fight with the cake during frosting...).


The decorations - some of which I am leaving up for Valentine's Day.


Lillian made out like a bandit, these pictures are just the beginning. She ended up with two boxes of play food for the new kitchenette (a Christmas present courtesy my parents), a cute outfit, some fun bibs, a tea set, a guitar that plays music, a See and Say, and a red fire-truck from Samuel (which he thinks is his).

And the complementary cake-eating pics:


Happy Birthday beautiful girl!

New Year Thoughts

I must admit, I feel completely motivated for the New Year, which is a complete 180 from this time last year. I have been cleaning, organizing, de-cluttering, and exercising. I'm not letting anything get in the way.

This year I am focusing on my attitude. I want to be more positive, confident, and loving. I want to stop stressing out about things I won't remember a few days/weeks/years from now and enjoy the little moments.

I want to enjoy my children. Samuel and Lillian have such personalities and every day is a new and exciting day with them. Lillian is starting to walk, Samuel is forming sentences, and they are growing-up right before my eyes. They bring such joy to our home and I love them more every day.

I want to feel good about myself. I notice that my attitude towards others depends heavily on how I see myself. I've joined a gym, plan out my menus, will cut back on dining out, and finding ways to enrich my life.

Most importantly I want to show how much I love and appreciate the love of my life. Carlin is the most important person in my life. He is my best friend, my companion. He is so patient and kind to me, always lifting me up. He is never afraid to share the yoke of marriage. He needs to know how much I love him.

Last but not least Carlin and I are implementing Pres. Uchtdorf's philosophies from his October General Conference talk and simplifying. We will look at our life and ask ourselves what "clutters" our day. We don't want to miss a precious moment because we were too busy doing stuff.

My life is so richly blessed. I have a husband who loves me, faults and all. Two beautiful children who remind me to laugh. We live close to family which makes grandparents, aunts and uncles all a part of my children's lives. We aren't doing too bad in temporal matters either.

This year is going to be a great year, I just know it.