Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - 2012 #9

UP:

• I love being Catholic! Ash Wednesday really falls at the perfect time. Usually your New Year's resolutions have all fallen by the wayside and you need some motivation to try again. What better motivation than to sacrifice something just like God sacrificed His Son! While it's mandatory that I give up my husband for Lent due to work, I am also doing other things to better myself and deepen my relationship with Christ.
• Kennedy had her 4 month check-up and is right where she needs to be! Amen for healthy children. She is in the 61% for weight at 14.66 lbs. and 88% for height at 27 inches! Looks like this little girl will likely surpass her mother in height! She is also rolling over both ways now!

Kennedy in the process of rolling over.

• Jackson does so many adorable things, but recently he has started singing to himself or singing along more. He can literally sing the entire 'Twinkle, Twinkle' song by himself in tune. Other favorites are 'You Are My Sunshine' and 'Hokey Pokey'! I wish I had a video, but unfortunately he won't perform on command. 

Down:

• As mentioned above, Mike left on Thursday to go to Las Vegas for 6 weeks for various military trainings. The good news is that (fingers crossed, jets don't malfunction) Mike will be back for Jackson's birthday and Easter. It's a big deal because he missed both of those occasions last year.
• The weather in Mountain Home really stinks. On Saturday it was snowing and hailing at the same time and the wind was insane. I really needed to go get groceries, but after looking outside, I decided we could make due until today. I'm so ready for Spring and warmer weather to go out and play with the kids and take walks etc. At least today was a nicer/sunny day!

Favorite Things:

I love to bake! I don't do it too often anymore because of time constraints and Mike isn't a big dessert person so I always end up eating more than my share. Anytime I do bake I use Watkin's Double Strength Vanilla because it really does make all the difference in the world when it comes to taste. My Nana (great grandmother) always used it and so the tradition has been passed on through the generations. Used to you would have to buy it from a Watkin's dealer, but recently Wal-Mart started carrying it. They also make a clear double strength vanilla if you like to make cake icing. Today my helpers and I used the vanilla to make some yummy banana bread!

This is what the bottles look like. Make sure you get double strength vanilla! 

Chef Jackson getting ready to mash some bananas. 

I think he did more eating than mashing of bananas!

Kennedy's face says it all!

Little cutie pie!

Couldn't resist, she looked like she needed a squeeze!

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - 2012 #8

Yes, I realize I'm late on posting again! I have pretty much been late every week this year, but as usual I have a good excuse! Mike had a three day weekend with President's Day this week!

Up:

• I'm sure this will jinx it all by revealing this, but Kennedy and Jackson have been napping at the same time during the day this week and for the past three nights Kennedy has gone 12 hours between bottles and slept through the night! Of course, I keep waking up constantly worrying! I hope it sticks!
• Mike and I went on our third date this year on Sunday! So far we are keeping to our resolution or as Mike calls it - marriage insurance! We saw The Vow and ate at the Cheesecake Factory.
• Jackson was so cute this week, he grabbed his Easter basket and jacket and said, "going to work Mom, see you later!"

Down:

• We got our truck estimate back, $9490.84! Not quite totaled, but enough to make you sick to your stomach. Again, the important part is that we are all okay. Thank goodness for insurance we will only have to pay $500 of that total.

PB&J = very messy lunch! Notice it's in his hair too!

Jackson bowling with his very own bowling ball!

Mike bowled a 193 on his first game with his new ball! Mine was not so good!

My sweet girl turned 4 months old on Sunday!

I think she was tired of taking pictures! This is also the face she makes when I get out of the shower and have a towel on my head!

Favorite Thing:

This is more of an addiction than a favorite thing! Target is my favorite store and I really feel like their products are good quality. These Archer Farms Baked Black Pepper & Sea Salt Chips are the best chips ever! They have a ton of peppery goodness and I highly recommend you all try them!

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - 2012 #7

Happy Valentine's Day!! Hope everyone has someone they love to spend it with!

Kennedy's first Valentine's Day!

Up:

• After much debate I decided that the kids and I needed to come home. I felt like all I was doing was yelling at Jackson because he was getting into everything at my parent's house. Rather than be a grouch all the time, I figured Jackson would be better off at home where he can go to school once a week and tot time twice a week to get rid of some of his energy. It's also much easier to take care of the kids at home where we have all our things. We had a great time at my parent's house; it was just time to come home. We left on Thursday and made it home safely on Saturday night despite a fairly big set back (see downs below). The kids were SO happy to see Daddy and I didn't think we'd ever get Jackson to bed after we got home because he just wanted to play with all his toys.
• Jackson counted perfectly to 10 yesterday all by himself. We've been working on counting for a while by counting the stairs as we go up and down each time - I guess it worked!
• Kennedy has had a major growth spurt over the last week. She went from drinking 4.5oz. every 3 hours to eating cereal and drinking 6 oz. every 3 hours. She loves her cereal and ate it like a pro!

• Valentine's Day really isn't a big deal to us, we usually do a ceremonial nice dinner and Mike usually gets me flowers. This year he went all out and got me a beautiful double heart James Avery necklace and a beautiful bouquet of roses - wow! Can't say I minded a break in the norm! We also got Jackson a Mickey Valentine book that he has already read no less than 20 times today!

Down:

• On the drive back home we ran into some bad weather and hit a patch of ice. The new pick-up (well new to us) took a spin and did a couple of 360 turns across both lanes of traffic. It was very scary having no control over the situation and watching as an 18 wheeler passed us in the left lane. Luckily the truck hit a guardrail and the only damage was to the front end of the truck. We were all okay and we were going slow enough that the airbags didn't deploy. The crappy part was that we had to wait for ~2 1/2 hours in the pick-up with no heat and really cold temperatures outside. On top of that the state trooper decided to give Mike a ticket for going too fast for conditions. He was only going 45 and the speed limit was 75. Whatever! We're all okay and that's what matters most. 

Cooking with MiMi! 

This really cool McDonald's on the edge of Wyoming.

Jackson didn't want to eat on the saddle chairs - party pooper!

Favorite Thing:

As you know I like things clean, neat and organized. The bathtub is always hard to keep clean especially since Jackson loves bubble baths. I found this miracle product from Bed, Bath, & Beyond called Bathroom Stone. It is like a pumice stone for your porcelain. It works great in bathtubs and toilets.

Bathtub before.... 

Bathtub after!

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - 2012 #6

Up:

• As always at my parent's house there is never a shortage of things to organize! This week I forced helped my Mom get rid of a ton of junk in their bathroom and the result was an organized, functional space! Not only that, now their is additional room to spare! We also organized her extensive jewelry collection to make it more user friendly. Thankfully Dad is a great sitter for the kids and very patient during the process! You know me...I love to organize!
• Jackson is such a great big brother! There have been so many sweet moments with he and Kennedy this week. He is always talking to her and kissing her. Today on the way home from church he said, "Kennedy, almost home!" although she was passed out and could've cared less! I have to watch though because a couple of times this week he has tried to pick her up. Thankfully, he realized that she's a little big for him to carry around! The adorable part of all this is that she thinks just as much of him. She is always watching big brother to see what he is doing and usually with a smile on her face!
• The things kids say! These are just a few of the great things that Jackson has come up with this week:
• Earlier in the week the dish man came to the house to fix my parents TV. He was a skinny guy with a mustache, beard, and longer hair. As soon as he came into the house Jackson said, " lub (love) you Jesus," they guy didn't hear him, but I immediately started laughing. As soon as the man left the room, my Mom was like, what are you laughing at. I told her and she shared with the dish man; he was touched because that's about the nicest thing he's ever been called by a customer!
• In Wal-Mart the other night a man walked by and coughed and Jackson said, "Bless you guy!"
• At church today when the bells rang during the consecration Jackson said, "WOW! Someone door," implying that someone was at the door! In addition to that was a whole lot of Alleluia! outbursts!

Little Cutie sitting pretty in her new clothes from  Pinkie!

I just know there has to be a tooth coming soon because Kennedy is chewing on EVERYTHING!

Jackson trying on PaPa's boots...don't mind the Cheeto mustache!

Climbing in the cabinets while MiMi and I cleaned everything out!

Down:

• These colds seem to be lingering for Jackson, Kennedy and I. Today we received the blessing of the throats after church, so hopefully that will kick in and we can be on the road to recovery.
• We are all missing Mike. It's so hard being away from him again even if this time is much shorter. I'm thankful for our new phones though so we can face time.
• Along with all the cute, sweet things Jackson does there are also those moments when we're out in public and I'd like to pretend he doesn't belong with me. His behaviors/tantrums are definitely getting worse and he hasn't even turned two yet.

Favorite Thing:
Everyone has their own remedies to cope with a cold. Growing up, my Dad always lathered our noses with Mentholatum. I have used it religiously since and also use it on the kids too. Sometimes I use it even when I'm not sick just because I like the smell of it! One jar will last you for years too, so it's a great investment :)

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - 2012 #5

Up:

• My Grandfather's funeral was truly a celebration of life. I definitely feel at peace with everything and I think he would be pleased as well! Thank you again to everyone for the thoughts and prayers.

It is extremely rare that we are all together, but here we are - the Major girl's! From the left we have my sister, Carey, my cousins Madison and Lacy, me and my cousin Holly!

• On Tuesday our newest nephew was born, William Mark Hefferly! He arrived unexpectedly a whole month early! He was having some trouble breathing, but things are looking up now! I can't wait 'til he gets out of the NICU so I can meet the little fella'! Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

• Thursday our Kennedy turned 100 days old! Pinkie and Pa made her a card for the occasion!

• Friday I had a great evening with the girls at Cheddar's for Mike's cousin, Mandi, and Abby, my sister-in-law's baby shower.
• Saturday Mike and I had entire date day! We went to mass and ate yummy fried cheese at Spanky's then went to the movies. It was a great day!
• Also this week Mike finalized the deal on his new truck! He bought my Dad's old pick-up a 2007 Ford F-150. He has wanted a truck for so long and when this opportunity presented itself, he jumped! So now we have to sell my Saturn Vue - anyone interested?

Down:

• Hard to have any downs when you have that many ups! Unfortunately, Mike is let us Monday to go back home. We will miss him terribly and can't wait until the end of March when we get to see him again. 
• Also, Jackson, Kennedy and I have all come down with a cold - yuck!

Favorite Thing:
   During tough economic times everyone is making sacrifices to save money. One of the things I've done to save money in our household is making my own laundry soap. I've been using homemade laundry soap for over a year now and have only had to make 3 batches. It is extremely affordable and easy to make. I haven't had any issues with stains, smells, etc.! My sister-in-law, Laura, is the one who got me started and shared her recipe. If you are interested in making your own soap here is the recipe:

Supplies:
6 gallon jugs (the Arizona tea or Tree Top Apple Juice gallons work really well)
5 gallon bucket with lid
funnel
long handled spoon (I found a great one at the Restaurant Supply Store)
grater
1 box Borax
1 box Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda
1 bar Fels-Naptha soap (found on the laundry aisle)

Grate the bar of Fels-Naptha Soap. Heat 4 cups of water in a saucepan over medium heat, add grated soap and stir until completely melted. Remove from heat. Fill the bucket half full with water and add 1 cup of Borax and 1 cup of A&H Super Washing Soda. Stir until powders dissolve. Add melted soap and fill bucket full with water. Stir again. Let the mixture sit over night. After the mixture sits it will be a gelled consistency. Stir again, very well, to break up the gel. Fill each gallon container 2/3rds full with mixture. Fill the remaining 1/3rd of the container with water.
The containers will need to be shaken well prior to each use. This soap isn't like your normal laundry soap, it does not 'sud up' and therefore can be used in the HE machines. Just because you can't see suds doesn't mean it isn't working. If you would like to add a scent you may do so by adding 10 drops of scented essential oil (like lavender) to each gallon. I just use the dryer sheets to add scent to the laundry. I actually like the smell of the soap just the way it is!
3/4 cup for large load, 1/2 cup for medium load, 1/4 cup for small load

I'm about to portion out my soap into each jug - seriously super easy!

This is what the soap looks like after it's gelled overnight.

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - 2012 #4

It is with a heavy heart that I write today's blog. My grandfather, Theodore William Major, passed away last night. He was 87 years old and had lived a long, fulfilling life. It is a blessing that he passed on though; he has been suffering from the horrible effects of Parkinson's Disease that had gotten worse recently. Wanting to say something, but not being able to talk as well as constant involuntary body movements are no way to live. He was truly a faithful servant of God and never asked why to anything that happened in his life, just did the Lord's will at all times. I am so blessed to have known him and thankful for all he did to raise my Dad to be the wonderful man he is.

This is Grandpa back in 2005 when I graduated from TTU.

Dad & Grandpa dressed alike for my graduation!

This was at Mike's OTS graduation in Montgomery, AL . Grandpa traveled all that way with us.

Up:

• Anytime a family member passes, all the family gathers together. I can honestly not remember the last time that we were all together on my Dad's side of the family. We used to all gather for a mini family reunion on Memorial Day, but its has been quite some time since we've even done that. I look forward to seeing all of them again and sharing memories about Grandpa.
• Kennedy turned 3 months old this week and man is she getting big! She has the greatest smile, of course when I get the camera out she hides her beautiful smile.

I swear she is already teething, she chews on her fingers constantly!

• Jackson has been sleeping later in the mornings which has been really nice. Not only do I feel more rested, I also get to spend some one on one time with Kennedy before he gets up. If I'm lucky, I even get to enjoy a morning cup of coffee too!
• Mike and I had our first date of the year (one down, eleven to go)! We went to see the movie Red Tails and ate some yummy food at Carino's. The kids were apparently well behaved too according to the sitter.

Down:

• It seems as though Mike and I only have a few weeks or a month together before we are separated again. When I go home for the funeral, I will be staying through the end of March. My plan was to come home while Mike was on TDY anyway, but that wasn't until the end of February. Both of us agreed that it seemed pretty silly to go home and back only to turn around and do it again. Plus plane tickets aren't cheap these days. Therefore I will be staying while Mike returns to Mountain Home. I'll look forward to seeing him at the end of March and hopefully not being separated again for a long while.

Favorite Thing:

Keepsakes become all more precious when the loved one that gave them to you passes away. I started collecting shot glasses when I was very young, my Dad brought one back from one of his business trips to Tennessee and the trend caught on. From then on every time we traveled or my parents traveled I got a new shot glass. I think I have around 150 or so now. Mike keeps saying he's going to build me a shelf to display them all, but for now they are packed away in a box under the bed. 

When I was in high school Grandpa gave me a very special shot glass. He had purchased it at a glass factory in Venice, Italy in 1946 after WWII. It is such a special treasure and while I don't actually use my shot glasses for there intended purpose, I'm pretty sure that one helped numb Grandpa of the tragedy going on around him at the time. No, I'm not saying he was a drinker, but Grandpa was a fighter pilot in WWII. He only flew a few missions before the war was over. He remained in Europe after the war on grave detail - digging up dead bodies to send back home for burial. I can only imagine the awful things he saw.

Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down - 2012 #3

Just got back from a great weekend in the mountains with my family! There wasn't enough snow to go tubing, but we did plenty of sledding and enjoyed each other's company and the other squadron families we vacationed with!

Up:

• Thanks to all of my generous fellow spouses I didn't have to buy one single size 1 diaper! Kennedy is now in size 2 and we are slowly whittling away at our supply! It really is great to have one thing that I don't have to worry about right now! Diaper showers are a Godsend when it comes to your second child. 
• Kennedy turned over on Thursday at only 12 weeks! Jackson was 3 months and 3 days when he turned over, so little sister already has him beat! She is just the sweetest thing and growing so fast!

Down:

• The postpartum hair shedding has commenced! It is everywhere. My only hope is that it won't last too long. When this started after having Jackson, I chopped all my hair off so at least they were shorter hairs I was shedding. I may have to do the same thing this time.
• I've been an Amazon Mom subscriber since Jackson was very little and my sister-in-law introduced me to it. It is so convenient to have the diapers arrive right at your door and at a very reasonable price. However, this week I received an email detailing changes to the 'Mom' membership which basically takes the discount I was getting (something like 30% off) down to 5%. I have a feeling they will lose a lot of business over this decision. The only way to keep discount is to subscribe to an Amazon Prime membership which is $80 and totally defeats the purpose of getting discounted diapers. I guess it's back to clipping coupons and waiting for sales or maybe even trying out store brand diapers instead of Pampers. Total bummer :(

Favorite Thing:

    I am definitely of the mindset that everything has a place. I don't like clutter. It has been really hard, especially in our current home, to have a place for everything when space is so limited. My favorite organizing tool to compensate for lack of space is an over the door shoe organizer! As you can see below, I have one for all my pantry miscellaneous, one for my cleaning supplies, and one three for their intended purpose - shoes! They would also be great for school/art supplies, gift wrapping supplies, or you could even put one in the garage for gardening supplies. Your only limiting factor is the number of doors available in your house!