La Vita è Bella

more than surviving...

2012-02-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

brothers <3

I was so thankful that Brock was able to take a week off work after Isaac was born. Both sets of grandparents visited on and off both Monday and Tuesday after his birth that week as well. Things were very calm and relaxed around here. Since Brock works so much between his Saturday rotation at Audi every 3 weeks and National Guard "weekends" that have become more frequent due to their current training needs, we haven't had him around much. It was so great to have him home for 7 days straight! I was nervous about him going back to work for sure. But on the other hand, I wanted to jump back in and figure out our new normal with 2 under 2.

With having a 19 month old crazy, busy, active, fun, smart and spunky little boy adding a newborn to the mix was scary. You hear stories about how hard it is having 2 under 2... So I was a little worried. However, I've made it the past few week! For the most part everyone is happy and we are all still alive!

The Challenges:

keeping Silas off (literally) Isaac has been one of the biggest things that has kept me on my toes. I can't do much out of arms reach if the two of them are close together. Silas loves his brother... but the words "gentle" and "careful" are not his forte at this point. Work in progress for sure!
lowering my expectations. laundry sometimes doesn't get done as quickly as i am used to. the bathrooms haven't been cleaned in 2 weeks. it took me 3 days to finally get to cleaning the floors. etc... between nursing, changing 2 in diapers, feeding a toddler and myself, i just have to prioritize and be ok with the things that don't get done. as long as everyone is {semi} happy, fed and clean, my most important job as mama has been accomplished.
asking and receiving help. i'm not usually quick to ask for help, or readily accept. however, my personal need for showers, getting laundry done and other little pet peeves taken care of around the house i have gratefully accepted the gifts of help and meals that have been offered. i'm proud of myself for this area of growth vs. trying to do so much on my own {and alone} with Silas after his birth.
trying to nurse Isaac while still meeting Silas's needs. since Silas has been sick this past week, he needs extra love. usually we spend the time cuddling on the couch if he isn't feeling well. but between lack of sleep (all around!), not eating well because of the stomach flu, and not getting mama attention he wants, many tantrums have ensued. its one thing when they aren't happy because they aren't getting attention, but i feel worse that he isn't feeling well and just wants to be close to me and there just isn't room at certain times.

The Beauty:

I love having two boys. Seeing Silas love on Isaac and how content Isaac {usually} is with Silas holding him makes me so happy. I really wondered what God was thinking blessing us with 2 boys so close together... but I already see these two are gonna be best buds. And that makes me so happy!a
Slowing down... I always say I'm going to slow down and not plan so much. Not commit or say yes to everything. But I don't. This really has helped me take it slower and enjoy my home life even more {if that was possible!}
I've often heard people talk about how they fell in love with their husbands in a whole new way after the birth of a child. I totally understand this now! Getting to see Brock with a baby for the first time has been wonderful and I'm enjoying seeing him with both kids!

Wordless wednesday: Brothers

2012-02-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan: January 30

2012-01-28T13:54:00.000-08:00

Slowly getting back into the game. We have been blessed with so many wonderful meals these past few weeks and get to enjoy another week of meals! So I figured it's a good time to start making a few meals while juggling these two =)

wordless wednesday: S&S

2012-01-25T13:01:00.000-08:00

Sadie & Silas playing at the Spectrum

Wordless Wednesday: brothers

2012-01-18T12:23:00.001-08:00

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T21:27:00.001-08:00

Isaac Louis's Birth Story

2012-01-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

The Short Story ... Long Version

This is just the facts... few stories. I'll elaborate when I'm not so pre-occupied with little boy smells, and smiles, and silly antics!

Saturday (1/7/2012) morning I woke up having some contractions that were much stronger then I'd previously had. Said goodbye to Brock who had drill all weekend. Silas and I headed out for a morning of pancakes. They subsided most of the afternoon until dinner.
Brock got home from drill, sick with food poisoning. He was up most of the night being sick, while I had contractions...

Sunday (1/8/2012) rolled around and thankfully Brock's SGT let him stay home since he wasn't feeling well and thought I maybe have Isaac today. By the morning my contractions were ranging between 8 & 20 min for about 1 min long. But they weren't too bad. I was up and around, had lunch with the family and then they stopped! After a short walk around the block with still nothing starting again, I called the midwife on call. Vikki called me back and told me to try and nap and thought I'd probably be meeting him tomorrow and that labor would start soon. Thankfully I took her advice. I slept for an hour and was up around 3:30pm. My contractions started again a little more intense this time. But still only about 10-15 min apart. I talked with my sister in Tennesse, was twittering, my sister in law in Yuma and was Facebooking.
By 5pm, when my mom dropped Silas off, my contractions started becoming very intense. Lasting from 3-5min but still not 5 min apart. Thankfully when I called Emily to come over, she was here by 5:30p. She called Vikki to tell her we needed to head to the Birthing Center ASAP. We were in the car and leaving by 6:10. My water broke on the way out the door (thankfully outside!). Less then half way there I couldn't not push anymore and plan B was in the works to take side streets if Isaac decided to come before we arrived and Emily had to deliver Isaac on the side of the road. I told Brock just to get us to the birthing center FAST, I wasn't a fan of pushing my baby out over concrete =). We pulled into the birthing center at 6:47pm. Only Vikki had arrived at that point, and Emily got to play nurse, Douala & friend!!!!

I was so proud of myself that I walked all the way inside to the back birthing room, and made it to the bed! {vs. collapsing on the floor with Silas at 8cn and refusing to walk anymore!} Vikki checked me and confirmed he was crowning and could already see most of his head. I quickly decided the bed was not my ideal place to push, so Vikki filled the tub for me and I quickly hopped in. A few pushes and 13 min from arrival, we met Isaac Louis!

So, I got my 2nd water birth... Isaac was born into water at 7pm January 8th, 2012 (19 months younger to the day from his brother!)
He weighed in at 8lb 13oz, 19 inches long and just as much hair as his brother!!!

We were home at 11pm and got to introduce him to all four grandparents! We had a fabulous first night as a family of four and have enjoyed spending the day together!

Thank you Jesus for this precious gift!!!!

Adventures with Silas: 18 Months

2012-01-08T13:46:00.000-08:00

Happy 19 month Birthday Silas!

What a special day!!! We brought you home a baby brother!!!

Happenings & 1st:

Love hearing you say "I love you"
Love all your trucks, Star Wars toys, books, Basket ball hoop & trike Christmas gifts!
You've been eating bacon lately! Crazy...
Love wearing daddy's sunglasses & patrol cap
Got the a cold the week of Christmas and the stomach this month. But thankfully you recovered quickly!

Love... playing with your unky's & dad's friends! You love playing with your trucks and asking uncle Brady to use your remote control truck, and wearing Jonathan Sepetjian's beanie.

Not so Much... on the napping and bed time front. Your a funny kid. Love that when you get in bed you have decided that you want me to lay down with you and pat your pillow to come lay down with you. Super cute.

6 months till your 2? I can't believe it!

Menu Plan: January 9

2012-01-06T19:38:00.000-08:00

I really have no idea how far into this week I'm going to get in making dinners... 41+ weeks is a little trickier with a crazy, hyper, sick 18 month old!

So, again, simple & easy!

Fiesta Chicken & Rice Casserole (adding Black Beans), Salad

Baked Potato Soup

Spaghetti & Meatballs, Green Beans

Sloppy Joes & Fruit Salad

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

Menu Plan: January 2

2012-01-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas is over and were heading into a new year!

This week I'm 40 weeks pregnant & I'm feeling great (uhhh while I've been sitting on my butt menu planning!) but I'm trying to keep the menu do-able!

Plus, what's up with with weather here in Orange County? 80 - 73??? Gag me. Here's what's up...

Monday - Buca's Spicy Chicken Rigatoni with home made bread

Tuesday - Cafe Rio Family Dinner Night

Wednesday - Mini Pizzas

.... Making Mom's Green Chili Egg Dish & "Mops Potatoes" for Moms & More on Thursday & Freezer Breakfast for us!

Thursday - Tamale Pie

Friday - Chicken & Wild Rice Soup

Saturday - Kitchen Closed... =)

MOPS Potatoes

2012-01-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

Thank you Laura for giving me this recipe! I love having these potatoes at our Moms group, but never seems to be enough! So I'm making a double batch (ehh-hem, assuming Isaac doesn't arrive before Thursday!) for Thursday!

1 Bag Hash Browns Thawed
1/4 Cup Butter
1 Can Condensed Chicken Soup
1/2 Cup Green Onion
2 Cups Shredded Cheese
Pepper to taste
2 Cups Sour Cream

Empty thawed Hash Browns into a 9x13 dish
Heat butter & soup in pan until butter is melted and combined with soup
Add green onion to soup mixture
Followed by 1 1/2 cps cheese & pepper to taste. Mix well.
Turn off heat and add sour cream.
Pour soup/cream mixture over Hash Browns in dish and stir until evenly mixed.
Bake at 350 for 30 min. or until bubbly.
Top with remaining cheese until melted!

Enjoy this calorie & carb free potato dish at your own risk :)

No longer the baby...

2011-12-30T20:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Baby Silas,

I guess this is probably my last letter to you as our one and only baby in the house. How time flies.

A few months ago when Miss Jessie was waiting to welcome Jonah into their family, I remember talking about cherishing her time with Sadie Rae. I felt then, like I had all the time in the world with you. I love our days together. For the most part our routine goes well! We usually have lazy mornings, simple breakfast, run errands, play together, lunch, nap and wait for daddy to come home from work. I love how relatively easy the day is. Your growing up so fast and love to play by yourself. You eat on your own, and can walk by yourself... There isn't too much I have to do besides change your diaper & clean up the tornado you leave behind!

But the days are quickly approaching where you wont be the only little man in my life. I have to say this is a bitter sweet thought for me. While I think about all the special times you and I have shared, just the two of us, I think about all the fun things that are yet to come.

It was just you and me kid, for a long time while your daddy was gone. We've adjusted to life as a family of 3 relatively well, I'd say. And I know that you will welcome a baby brother into our family just as well as the daddy you bonded so quickly with. Just like the first letter I wrote you, I promise you again... there will be hard day before us. Days I wont be the perfect mom. I might forget to change your diaper asap, or not get to a snack quickly enough. I'm sure there will even be worse things as we all are tired and maybe cranky. But I promise you that we will make it thru. And I am so excited that you get to go on this journey with me!

I can't wait to see you hold your baby brother and become the big boy of our house. I love you with all my heart Silas boy. You will always be my favorite first born ;)

All my love, Your mama

Wordless wednesday

2011-12-28T16:05:00.000-08:00

1st Crepes: Nutella & Strawberry!

Menu Plan: December 26

2011-12-22T11:58:00.000-08:00

It's been a sick week for us over here... at least for Silas and myself. With Christmas in just a few short days, followed by my due date, I'm desperately trying to get better quickly. So I'm taking everything my midwife suggested and trying to get some rest.

My appetite is almost non existent and thinking about planning food is just not sounding like fun. However, for sanity's sake, I'm trying to plan ahead so we have food in the house if Isaac does decide to come in the midst of this chaos! Plus I'm only making 1 grocery stop this week... So between the Freezer & Trader's this is what we're eating...

Monday - Black Bean Quesadillas

Tuesday - Spaghetti & Meat Balls

Wednesday - Baked Potato Soup

Thursday - Family dinner night/Celebrating Dad's birthday!

Friday - Pizza

Saturday - Kitchen Closed...

Sunday - Kitchen Closed...

wordless wednesday

2011-12-22T10:35:00.001-08:00

Menu Plan: December 19

2011-12-18T19:40:00.000-08:00

Christmas Week & Full Term all at once?

I've decided to become lazy and put away my apron! Here's whats on the menu:

Monday: Hamburger Helper (Boy's Request... please no judgement!)

Tuesday: Chicken & Black Bean Casserole

Wednesday: Family Night (Kogi)

Thursday: Chili & Bread

Friday: Dinner with Nani & Grandad (Take out!)

Saturday: Christmas Eve at Nani and Granfathers with the Ramirez Family

Sunday: Christmas Day at Grandma & Grandpa Herring's

Squeezers

2011-12-14T19:34:00.000-08:00

Silas LOVES those Go-Go Squeezers from Target, or the Crushers from Trader Joes. I love them too! Except for the fact that he loves them SOOO much that he could eat a whole box... and at $2.50 or $3.00 for the organic veggie mix I could blow my whole weeks budget on snacks for the kid.

I love the idea of them tho. Applesauce & veggies on the go and no mess? Many other mama's are with me as many of Silas's friends are also shameless crusher lovers. So, I set out to find something that would work.

And THIS is what I found...

THE SILI SQUEEZE!

Invented and sold by a Organic, Green, OC Mama! Brilliant! I ordered my set on Monday and received these glorious little bottles this afternoon. I quickly threw them in the dishwasher and made a batch of Applesauce & Bananas to fill them up!

So yes... I thought purees were a thing of the past in my house. Or at least for the next couple months until Isaac is ready. But honestly, mashing some bananas here or there to mix with organic applesauce, or maybe some frozen berries, etc... the options really are endless, and great for on the go and having a healthy snack!

Hmmm... wow. I think I am a little too excited about this red squishy tube, but I'm a mama. So cut me some slack! =)

wordless wednesday

2011-12-14T12:25:00.001-08:00

<3 this crazy boy

Menu Plan: December 11

2011-12-09T20:01:00.000-08:00

Next week's forecast? Rainy & Cold! Looking forward to some yummy comfort foods!

Sunday: Mama's night out= Daddy's cooking!

Monday: Pasta Fagiolo & Bread

Tuesday: Family Dinner Night

Wednesday: Black Bean Quesadillas

Thursday: Sour Cream Noodle Bake & Bread

Friday: Crock Pot Enchiladas

Saturday: Maggianos for Dawna & Dave's 3rd Anniversary

Adventures with Silas: 17 months

2011-12-08T16:23:00.000-08:00

Wow... Hello December! Our little Silas boy is now 18 Months!
He weighed in today at 24 pounds and 32 inches tall.

Happenings & 1st:

Words: Dae-Dee has become "SAY-Day" (his bff Sadie). "I yike dat", look, "ook" (book- we think?) "bus" (truck or big vehicle) I'm sure there are more, but i can't think of them right now...
Signs: besides his oldies, he has made up some new signs for himself that I have no idea what they are or mean.
We now have all 16 teeth - Thank you JESUS we are done... till 2 year old molars anyway!
Foods: in love with Mac & Cheese (good home made type of stuff or kraft!) & pasta, pears, hummus, brownie oat protein bars, cereal with daddy in the morning, and must have 2 cheese sticks and 2 yogurt tubes a day. funny kid. Thanksgiving morning he also ate half a cinnamon roll and a piece of bacon! SWEET BREAD AND MEAT? Crazy, I know. He's branching out! Of course beans and rice with tons of Salsa is still a favorite and eating all the creamed spinach or spinach dip off anyones plate =)
Silas has taken to "shooting" anything and everything with makeshift toy guns (Hammer & Chip Clip mostly). "banggg banngg" and using his trigger finger. Oh Lord, please help me!
One of the biggest things this past month has been that he gave up bottles & drinks at night. When Brock came home from being gone we went thru a rough sleeping phase. So now we are trying to learn to fall asleep without drinking to sleep i guess?

Loves:

Playing with friends. Loves getting to go for rides with Sadie Rae & Sam in our new double stroller!

Loved being at the cabin a few weeks ago & running in the forest, building *fire* with grandpa & feeding ducks

18 months and still loving his pacifier & blankey.
Loves singing and dancing.
Loves cereal and cartoons with daddy in the mornings.
Growling and making boy noises.

Not so much:

Again, sleeping by himself in the middle of the night and sometimes naps has become a hardship. But were slowly making progress and getting better.
Being left in the nursery. However, at least it only takes him a minuet or so to warm up and then happily plays until we return.
Does not like sitting for meals or being at restaurants very long.

What a great month of learning, growing and exploring for our little guy! So blessed to have him in our lives!

18 months will be a big month for Silas with Christmas fun and a baby brother to look forward to! Ready or Not! He's a comin'!!!!

wordless wednesday: danherring photography

2011-12-07T08:33:00.000-08:00

thanks dan for the picture!

Father & Son

2011-12-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

These past 9 months have flown by. I love having my husband home and living with me again! It's an amazing feeling to know that he isn't leaving for more then a few weeks any time soon. God has blessed us in so many ways this past year in our transition from crazy journey of couple> single > mama & babe > family of 3 > mama & babe > family of 3! and now family of 4 very soon.

Christmas is quickly coming and the excitement of Brock & Silas meeting for the first time still lingers for me. I think Christmas will forever be a very special memory for us as a family. God was faithful in getting us all through Brock having to leave again, and then to bring him home to us as well in the months following. I'm just continually amazed as the special bond Silas and Brock have together. There were so many fears and questions I had about Silas's adjustment to having Brock here, or knowing who his daddy was and more. But like most other things in life, I look back and am sure my Heavenly Father is shaking His head at me. "Dearest Daughter, don't you know that this was My plan all along? Did you really wonder at the great things I have in store for your family?" Of course in hinds sight it's easy to say, oh of course and move on. But I just wanted to stop a moment and Thank God for the wonderful relationship He has given Silas & Brock. It brings me so much joy to see them play together. Silas's excitement when Brock comes home at night. How they eat the same, watch TV the same, sleep the same.... so many things.

I'm so lucky. I'm blessed to have this guy at my husband. I'm thankful and grateful for the things the Lord has brought us to and so faithfully given us the strength to face head on and conquer.

Menu Plan: December 4

2011-12-01T20:38:00.000-08:00

Crazy December Party Time is here!!! Week 1... Ready, Set, GO!

Sunday: Grandpa Ford's 90th Birthday Party/Dinner with Family

Monday: Gina's Skinny Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili

Tuesday: Family Dinner Night

Wednesday: (Brock gets wisdom teeth out) Baked Potato Soup

Thursday: Spaghetti & Meatballs, Salad, Bread

Friday: Puala Dean's Mexican Chicken Casserole

Saturday: Left overs

I've been planning out breakfasts too on my shopping list, but decided to add them in here for the record. The day's activities & when we need to be out the door dictate what we have, but I usually plan the night before from these options:

-Eggs with Ham & Cheese, Toast, Fruit
-TJ's Blueberry Waffles & Yogurt
-Strawberry Oatmeal, English Muffin & Yogurt
-Cereal & Fruit

De-Stressing....

2011-12-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

Today in our Moms & More group we discussed De-Stressing & how to de-stress your kids. Such a great chapter, and just what I needed this week!

1. Stopping to realize the stress your experiencing might be affecting your kids.
2. Realizing those tantrums or outbursts may not just be due to anger or toddler ways... maybe there is stress, busyness or lack of sleep playing a roll in our child's attitude.
3. Physical ailments? What could be the link between health problems and certain stresses.

Our group discussed the question "What difficult decision might you have to make to ruthlessly eliminate stress for you and your family?" (Burns, 10 Building Blacks for a Solid Family)

Christmas. Parties. Birthdays. Gifts. Pregnancy. Babies arrival.

These are just a few big stressers for me this month. All with in a matter of weeks. I'm so glad to have read this chapter this week. Its like God intended it for me, right now, this very moment. I've been struggling with what has to go because its not going to get done in the first place. And I figured I
might as well not stress about it when I don't get around to doing it!

Christmas - Decorations aren't even coming down this year. Too much to maintain, clean and pack back up at the most inopportune time. I've decided on a few simple things: Today our Felt Nativity Advent Calendar will find a home somewhere for Silas to do each day. We have a chocolate Advent calendar for a special treat to do with daddy. And lastly, he is getting a Little People Nativity to play with that can stay out. Simple & all age appropriate. I'm going to try and make a snowflake garland & Christmas wreath as well, but those are low priorities (after dishes & getting the floor cleaned!)

Parties & Birthdays - We have a bunch of parties these next few weekends along with all the December birthdays of Family & Friends. We'll make it to as many as we can if only to say hi & bye. I want everyone to feel special, but being pregnant & having a toddler, sometimes things don't go as planned. We'll do our best, but not do ourselves in.

Gifts - Amazon, Online Shopping and early Target trips. I'm not sticking with the original crafty/sewing project list I made last month. If I have to spend a few extra dollars on a gift vs. making something, its worth it right now. And that's ok. Sticking to a budget however and nothing fancy for anyone or too expensive. Sorry family!

Pregnancy & Baby Isaac - I'm due 1 month from tomorrow. However, with Brock working every weekend between here and there, along with parties and Christmas, I have to take advantage of the days. Trying really hard to get things done this weekend. This is the hardest for me. SLOWING DOWN. So much to do. But, I'd hate to be couch bound for the season. So I'm trying to take help and get necessities done! Feww.....

Thank you Jesus for Your perfect timing, wonderful friends & good food =) I love Moms & More Thursdays!!!

wordless wednesday: S&S

2011-11-30T07:15:00.000-08:00

best buds

Lake Arrowhead

2011-11-27T14:28:00.000-08:00

We took a short little family trip up to the cabin with my parents this weekend. Silas loved running around outside, feeding the ducks and eating at our favorite Mexican Food Restaurant!
It was great to get a way, even for a little bit and not be surrounded by house chores or 80 degree weather =)

helping grandpa with the fire

playing on the deck before breakfast!

gun, sword & mickey pancakes

family

beautiful lake arrowhead

feeding the ducks with dad

Menu Plan: Nov 27

2011-11-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

I was so ready for a week of Chili, Soup and home made bread! However, the forecast had other ideas. The next 5 days call for 80s and sunshine. GO FIGURE... So here's my fall/winter meals for summer weather:

Sunday: ~~Gina's Skinny Crock Pot Chicken Chili Tacos~~ Dinner with the Heiner's

Monday: Tortellini Bake

Tuesday: Family Dinner Night

Wednesday: ~~Crock Pot Enchiladas~~ Mac & Cheese

Thursday: ~~Chicken & Rice~~ Shepard's Pie

Friday: Filling Stating for Nicole's Birthday!

Saturday: Mini Pizzas

Mom's Egg Dish

2011-11-24T16:24:00.000-08:00

This is my Mom's Holiday Egg Dish/Potluck recipe! I can never find it when I need it!!! So on the blog it goes =)

(sweet treats version)

Green Chile Cheese Quiche

10 eggs (sometimes I use 12 eggs)

1 pint cottage cheese

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. salt

10 driops Tabasco Sauce (optional)

1/2 cup flour

1 lb. grated Jack cheese

1, 7 oz. can diced green chiles

1/2 cup butter (melted)

Method: In blender, whirl first 6 ingredients (I use a hand mixer). Pour into large bowl. Add last 3 ingredients to bowl and mix well. Pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish.

Bake 15 min. at 400 degrees. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake 25-30 minutes longer.

Test: Knife should come out clean when inserted in center.

Variations: (Skip Tabasco Sauce and diced chilis.)

1. Crumble bacon, diced onions, and top with cheddar cheese

2. Sliced pork sausage, sliced mushrooms, onions, and green pepper (pan-fried)

Thankful Thursday: THANKSGIVING!

2011-11-24T11:47:00.000-08:00

This month I'm SO Thankful For...

1. My wonderful husband! I'm so thankful that he works so hard at a job he isn't it love with to provide for our family. And for his service to our country.

2. The cutest little Silas boy. He makes me smile ever day. I love his hugs, and kisses and cute little personality!

3. For the blessing of baby Isaac whom we get to meet in just a few short weeks!

4. Thankful for a wonderful supportive family! Love getting to spend long weekends with the Buoniconti's here or in Yuma. Also thankful for the Herring side we get to see throughout the week!

5. Thankful for amazing mama friends that I get to hang out with, talk, vent to and with, play dates and a shared love for coffee =)

6. Thankful for my non-mama friend too! So glad I can always call her up for pedis & coffee!!!!

7.Thankful for a wonderful Church where can grow, learn & serve

8. Thankful for our beautiful home. I love living in Old Town.

9. May be dumb... but Thankful for my iPhone. Its amazing all the things that I have at my fingertips and how convenient it is to look up a recipe while cooking, or find a coupon while shopping!

10. Thankful for NAPS!

11. beautiful fall weather!

12. the energy to keep up with my little boy (most of the time!)

13. rainy days spent in doors with my family!

14. the blessing of a mini van that takes me where ever I need.

15. good deals! So thankful for resources to save money!

16. an amazing midwife who is so talented.

17. Christmas music!

18. Today... I'm ever so thankful for caffeine. In all forms. Diet Coke and Starbucks mostly however =)

19. So thankful for a heater to keep us warm on cold & rainy days!

20. Thankful that we have the ability to worship freely without worry of torture, capture or death.

22. Thankful for family dinner nights that we can get together, eat, talk and have fun.

23. Thankful that I have the ability to cook and bake, go to stores & buy food!

24. Thankful for family to spend Holidays with!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

The List... REVISED

2011-11-20T18:35:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I'm 34 weeks tomorrow! 6 weeks give or take until we have another little boy in this house! Exciting & Scary all at the same time!

Things haven't panned out exactly how I'd hoped for my to do list. But mostly because I decided its too early to wash clothes or set up things, etc... So this is where I'm at...

Still to do:

-Hang Chalk Board Decals

-Rearrange, clean, stock hall closets (game closet, linen closet & cleaning closet)

-Check on ~~paper towels~~, paper napkins, ~~toilet paper & baby wipes suppl~~y (going dark on “green” things for a bit after baby comes to cut down on laundry!)

-Deep DEEP clean cloth diapers

-Separate Cloth diapers (Silas vs. newborn size)

-Need 0-3mo baby pants & ~~T-Shirts for Silas~~

-Wash newborn clothes & blankets

-Set up baby area in our bedroom

-Wash stored baby things (bouncer, swing, play mat)

-All Christmas gifts wrapped & labeled
-Infant Seat installed in car
-Silas's seat switched sides
-Pack Birthing Center Bag for mama & baby Isaac
-Pick up/Pack Birthing Center needs
-Pack Silas's Fun/Overnight Bag

Seriously --- how does this list keep growing??!

At least I have a lot finished!!!

CHECK:

-Family “Rules” for living room - [Holding out for buying one on Etsy]
-~~Decide on Stroller & Order~~

-~~Rag quilt for Silas~~ (Christmas gifts from mama)

~~-Newborn/ Size 1 diapers , Silas size 4 diapers & wipes ordered~~

~~-Little Boys closet cleaned out & arranged~~

~~-Clean & Organize boy’s bathroom cupboards~~

~~-Stock bathrooms with paper goods~~

~~-Paint boys bathroom & decorate~~

~~-Clean & Organize Laundry Room~~

~~-Kitchen Menu Bored /grocery list~~

-~~Apply wall decals for boys room~~

~~-Kids Growth Chart Ruler~~

-"baby" proof kitchen doors
-Clean out toy bin

~~-Weed out "baby" toys & separate~~

~~-New bins for Silas toys~~

~~-“winter” clothes for Silas~~

-~~Figure out newborn winter/warm clothes needed~~

Menu Plan: Nov 21

2011-11-18T07:27:00.000-08:00

Meanu planing for holiday season is upon us!

Sunday: Baked Potato Soup

Monday: Creamy Chicken Tacos

Tuesday: Family Dinner Night

Wednesday: PIZZA TAKE OUT NIGHT!

Thanksgiving Cooking:

Brown Sugar & Honey Glazed Carrots
Sausage & Apple Stuffing
Rolls
Apple Pie & Chocolate Chip cookies with Ice Cream

Thursday Breakfast: muffins, bacon & eggs

Friday: Weekend family trip to the cabin... see ya OC!

foodnetwork.com

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

This week I'm thankful for...

10. beautiful fall weather!

11. the energy to keep up with my little boy (most of the time!)

12. rainy days spent in doors with my family!

13. the blessing of a mini van that takes me where ever I need.

14. good deals! So thankful for resources to save money!

15. an amazing midwife who is so talented.

16. Christmas music!

17. Today... I'm ever so thankful for caffeine. In all forms. Diet Coke and Starbucks mostly however =)

What I've Learned...

2011-11-16T12:41:00.000-08:00

Funny how as a mom it seems like you end up learning the same lessons over and over...

This past week I re-learned that:

Little boys faces & hands will never be clean. No matter how many times you clean it!
Once your kid gets really good at something, one day they will decide it doesn't work for them anymore. Case in point. Silas has napped religiously from 1-4 for MONTHS. In the past two weeks, more often then not, he's decided it just doesn't work for him anymore. Praying this is due to teething & lately a cold.
Just because you eat a freakin huge lunch doesn't mean one is full. The bottomless pit ate everything in site yesterday. However, after an hour of not napping, I guess all he needed was some chips, juice, whole apple and cheese stick and then was out like a light??? GO figure
The day does go on, and you will survive a night of little to no sleep. Really...
I'm convinced that memories of your child will be 50% snuggles, kisses and lovies... and 50% embarrassment. Today we had to say hi and wave to every crazy homeless person we passed in front of starbucks as well as blow kisses to the tractor driver passing by. He also decided to say, multiple times at the top of his lungs, "I LIKEEE ITTT" to the naked purple statue at the end of our table last night at dinner. Thank God the room was mostly empty and not many people outside our family were there to witness.

I'm sure there are many more things I have learned and re-learned about being a Mama this week... but those were some highlights.

When I think about this week, even if its been stressful, sick and tiring, I look at my little Silas boy and wouldn't want to change a thing about it. All the extra cuddles (if that's possible!) sad eyes, and extra time spent on the couch, I feel like the luckiest mama in the world to be chosen to spend these precious moments learning these things with him.

Wordless Wednesday: Sick

2011-11-16T10:08:00.001-08:00

Menu Plan: Nov 14

2011-11-12T09:12:00.000-08:00

Here's what were eating this week!

Monday: Creamy Chicken Pockets
Tuesday: Family Dinner Date Night
Wednesday: Lasagna
Thursday: Black Bean Quesadillas
Friday: Chicken & Rice

I'm getting lazy and Thanksgiving is coming... can you tell?!

Veteran's Day 2011

2011-11-11T14:13:00.000-08:00

Proud of our Veteran and thankful for his service.

Thankful for the service of all our past and current soldiers as well. Thank you for your sacrifices!!!

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-10T14:57:00.000-08:00

4. Thankful for a wonderful supportive family! Love getting to spend long weekends with the Buoniconti's here or in Yuma. Also thankful for the Herring side we get to see throughout the week!

5. Thankful for amazing mama friends that I get to hang out with, talk, vent to and with, play dates and a shared love for coffee =)

6. Thankful for my non-mama friend too! So glad I can always call her up for pedis & coffee!!!!

7.Thankful for a wonderful Church where can grow, learn & serve

8. Thankful for our beautiful home. I love living in Old Town.

9. May be dumb... but Thankful for my iPhone. Its amazing all the things that I have at my fingertips and how convenient it is to look up a recipe while cooking, or find a coupon while shopping!

10. Thankful for NAPS!

Wordless Wednesday: Army Strong

2011-11-09T22:40:00.000-08:00

Adventures with Silas: 16 months

2011-11-08T09:46:00.000-08:00

I can't believe this little guy is 17 months already!

Happenings & 1st:

Words include: Mama, Dadda/Papa,Gwand-Maaaa, Uhhhhuuuttt-Ohhhh, Hottt, Dany (Daniel), Dae-Dee (Sadie Rae), GandPa, Bana (Banana), Peeees (please), Tank-Tu (Thank you)
Signs: "more please", "i'm sorry", "all done"
12 teeth + 2 eye teeth popped thru (11/8/2011) grand total of 14 teeth!!
Falling backwards off the couch. Awesome, I know.
Banana's are the new preferred fruit.
Silas loved going to the new Ruby's at the Orange Train Station a few weeks ago! We pick up his Tia (Aunt Dawna) and he loves watching them go by & the big one in the restaurant!

Red Cup Day

Loves:
This kid is all boy I tell you!

Loves little girls (especially a little older then himself). He'll stop & hug them anywhere
LOVE his cars and trucks. They "vroooommm" all over the place.
Isn't really into books unless they have bugs, cars or trucks on them.
His squeeze fruit pouches. Broccoli Soup. Blueberry Waffles. Chocolate Milk (occasionally). M&MS.
He loves giving kisses

Not So Much:

Silas didn't enjoy this past week of his dad being gone (neither did I!!) He refused to nap. But, he is back to napping today. Guess dad just has to be in the state!!
Silas also wasn't a fan of construction going on at Grandma & Grandpas. He loves running around the living room & playing hide and seek. But the plastic tarps scared him to death!

Menu Plan: Nov 7

2011-11-04T11:33:00.000-07:00

Since this month is pretty crazy hectic for us, I decided to fore-go the Monthly Menu Plan & try to freeze some dinner's here are there.

What cooking next week at the Buonicontis:

(How amazing does that look?! I can't wait to try it!!!)

Monday: Pioneer Women Broccoli Cheese Soup
Tuesday: Chicken & Rice
Wednesday: Tortellinis & Meat Sauce
Thursday: Meat Lovers Pizza & Salad
Friday: Date Night
Saturday: Hang-Over Hash

Thankful Thursday

2011-11-03T19:41:00.000-07:00

November. Thanksgiving. Thankful Thursday?!

1. My wonderful husband! I'm so thankful that he works so hard at a job he isn't it love with to provide for our family. And for his service to our country.

2. The cutest little Silas boy. He makes me smile ever day. I love his hugs, and kisses and cute little personality!

3. For the blessing of baby Isaac whom we get to meet in just a few short weeks!

More to come...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-02T12:45:00.001-07:00

daddy time

love this boy!!!

31 weeks & a name: round 2

2011-11-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Not really sure how I flew thru week 30?! But my appointment went great and here were are at 31 weeks!

Stats:

Great appointment. Glucose & blood work came back great. Sometime I have all the signs for Anemia but I'm not. So that is good!
Gained 3 pounds these fast few weeks. (blahh)
Baby's heart is sounds great in the 150's.
I think baby knows he has a brother, unky & dad to keep up with and is going to be a Ninja! I seriously wonder if he will just bust right out one day he is such a crazy mover.
Still having braxton hicks, and weird back pain this week. But I'm still here, and things are lookin good!
I decided to forego the dirt pills because it is a detox and didn't want to chance it. Maybe next time I will start doing a detox before getting pregnant and see if it helps! However, the Zantac started working a lot better the past week and I've been taking is 2xs daily religiously. I'm onto my 3rd bottle of TUMS as well. (booo)
Cravings? Nothing particular. But I've been really trying to watch what I eat since the scale hasn't been my friend. But it doesn't really seem to matter what I do. I think this kid is just gonna be beefy.
And the most exciting recent happenings are that we finally agreed on a name... DRUMROLL PLEASE:

ISAAC LOUIS BUONICONTI

Brock picked Isaac (something we both agreed on). It's Biblical & Hebrew for "He will laugh". We had an equally hard time with the middle name. My sister suggested Louis (both my brother in-laws & nephew's middle name), which means "fame & war" but also known for "famous warrior". This hooked Brock and it was a done deal. So there is the story.

Onto the next 8+ weeks!

Treats in the Streets

2011-10-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

For Treats in the Streets this year I decided Silas would be Linus from the Peanuts Gang....

See the resemblence??! =)

Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch

2011-10-24T16:08:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my parent's took us to Irvine Park so Silas could pick out a pumpkin!

Of course the day had to start with some tasty pancakes...

I couldn't decide what pictures to take out... so here are my favorites!

Grandpa & Silas talking about the train

Corn Maze

Picking out the Perfect Pumpkin

Hay Ride

1st Pony Ride

...we had a great time visiting Irvine Park! So glad all the grandparents were able to join us!
The Train Ride, Hay Ride, Pony Ride & Pumpkin Picking were a blast! Can't wait for next year!!

1 month to go on MY LIST

2011-10-20T19:58:00.000-07:00

So... one month exactly to go on my big LIST!

Projects to be finished by November 20th:

-Hang Chalk Board Decals

-Make thick quilt for living room play mat

-Paint boys bathroom

-Decorate boy's bathroom

-Clean & Organize boy’s bathroom cupboards

-Stock bathrooms with paper goods

-Rearrange, clean, stock hall closets (game closet, linen closet & cleaning closet)

-Check on paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper & baby wipes supply (going dark on “green” things for a bit after baby comes to cut down on laundry!)

-Newborn/ Size 1 diapers needed?

-Deep DEEP clean cloth diapers

-Separate Cloth diapers (Silas vs. newborn size)

-Need 0-3mo baby pants & ~~T-Shirts for Silas~~

-Wash newborn clothes & blankets

-Set up baby area in our bedroom

-Wash stored baby things (bouncer, swing, play mat)

-All Christmas gifts wrapped & labeled by

-~~Rag quilt for Silas~~ (Christmas gifts from mama)

CHECK:

-Family “Rules” for living room - [Holding out for buying one on Etsy]

~~-Clean & Organize Laundry Room~~

~~-Kitchen Menu Bored /grocery list~~

-~~Apply wall decals for boys room~~

~~-Kids Growth Chart Ruler~~

-"baby" proof kitchen doors
-Clean out toy bin
~~-Weed out "baby" toys & separate~~
~~-New bins for Silas toys~~

~~-“winter” clothes for Silas~~
-~~Figure out newborn winter/warm clothes needed~~

afternoon snack

2011-10-19T17:06:00.000-07:00

Usually around 4:30 or 5pm when Brock gets home, Silas runs outside to great him. Then they come inside for a drink & snack of chocolate muffins & bananas. Brock was running late today, but Silas still went to the counter with the muffins and asked for one.

Afternoon Cartoons (Obviously I was in the way)

Banana anyone? This is his 4th for the day!

Chocolate Muffin & Banana

I love the afternoon time Brock & Silas share together. It's one of the cutest things I think I've ever seen.

Thanks Brock for being the best husband and best daddy to Silas!!!

Bread Turtle

2011-10-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

Silas and I went to the mall today to get some new t-shirts for him. After 2 hours, 4 stores & 2 malls, we decided to stop for lunch with our shopping buddy Nicole.

The Boudin Bread place is usually a hit with soup, so we ordered & sat down. One of the waiters stoped by our table with a little bag "For the Little Man", I opened it expecting chips or a snack... however this little turtle was a surprise!

Silas fell in love with his little turtle right away.

He tries to bit its head off, and then pets it!

Thanks Mr. Bread Man for making our day!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

iPhone

2011-10-11T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've entered the iPhone world! And now, my life is Mac Syncable... I'm in love!

28 weeks: round 2

2011-10-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

Today little baby b is 2/3rds of the way done cooking!
Another great appointment with my amazing midwife BJ! Just to brag on her a little... My first apt at 8:30am was canceled due to a birth. So they told me to come in at 1:30 for my apt & glucose test. One of the gals called to reschedule me because BJ just had her 3rd mama come in for a birth. I explained I couldn't come in Wednesday & already had my mom coming to watch my little guy. She offered to draw my blood at least & see if BJ could squeeze me in depending on how things were going. Great! When I arrived, It looked like I'd just have to settle for the blood draw. However, BJ surprised me & saw me anyway. (Don't worry, the mom decided she wasn't ready to push, I wasn't stealing her!) I love that BJ had been up all night, in the middle of her 3rd birth, with a 4th mama on the way to the birthing center as we spoke. Yet she still made me feel like she had all the time in the world and is so caring! I'm really blessed with having someone who cares so much! By the way... 16 months ago these two met for the first time face to face!

BJ & Silas Ethan

Stats:

Another great apt!
Gained 1 pound these fast few weeks. (yay!)
Baby's heart is sounding great in the 150 range.
He's a big mover in there.
Lots of braxton hicks, but nothing to worry about!
Heartburn is out of control. I'm reading into a natural method of eating dirt. Yeah, kinda grossed out for sure! But, if it works, I'd be in Heaven!
Glucose test done! Waiting for the results
Cravings? Cheeseburgers. Seriously, STILL. And now Salad & Cereal, pretty much any time of the day. However, anywhere we go I smell food and I want whatever it is i smell. Its crazy and horrible.

I think that's all folks!!!!
Hopefully in the next 12 weeks we can decide on a name & double stroller... yup, those are biggies. I know =)

Adventures with Silas: 15 months

2011-10-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

Another month here & gone...

September Happenings & 1st...

1st stomach flu of the year.
Now has 12 teeth (4 upper, 4 lower & 4 molars)~ Eye teeth are on their way
Enjoying a slow transition to Coconut Milk (Cow's milk was a no go for his little tummy)
Going out to eat & grocery stores have become tolerable again! Target & Grocery shopping includes lots of "Look" & talks about everything. Meals out are much more fun passing the time by ~~coloring~~ trying to color (or eating crayons).
Meal times Silas is completely self fed. Although sometimes towards the end, I try and get extra bites in when he gets too interested in something else.
While Silas wont eat toast or a piece of bread at home, he loves getting bagels or bread at restaurants. Go figure. However, he likes to pick out the insides and leave any part that is "hard"!
New vocab: Danny (for his Uncle), hot & Uh-Oh
New sign: "all done" & almost got "i'm sorry" down
Silas has been getting up earlier then he used to. Most nights he is in bed by 7pm and up around 6 or 6:30am. Nap time is from 1-4pm. Love this guy & his need for a schedule.
Silas is very orderly. Lately however, it has gone to a whole new level. I got in trouble when I put the red block on top of the yellow block stack. Everything in Silas land must be just so. Oh my, we are in for it.

Loves...

V8 veggie juice - He drinks probably 4 or 5 cups of juice a day! He refuses apple juice now. Loves his carrot/fruit blend!
Silas loves his cars & trucks. He makes great truck noises & says "vrooom" when playing or if we see a truck while we are in the car.
Meal times. Fruit, veggies & pasta!!! Oh, and Costco Chocolate Muffins!
Play time with friends.
Running around outside.
Music & dancing.
Watching the rain outside.
Silas loves to give kisses. He often comes up to me, grabs my heck for a big up then gives me a big wet one. Oh how I love that!

Not So Much...

Silas likes his way for sure. What kid doesn't tho? When we say no, or take something away, we are getting into the tantrum phase.
He doesn't like it when daddy leaves for work, or if mama leaves to go somewhere.

Other then that, I can't think of much that Silas doesn't like (other then meat & sitting down too long!)

I feel like there isn't much new going on around here. But I sure love seeing Silas grow & explore. He's such a great little guy & so fun to be around =) Thank you Jesus for his precious little life!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T10:13:00.000-07:00

I love this boy! Can you tell?

Pumpkin Treats

2011-10-04T13:11:00.000-07:00

The fall & winter months seem to have so many fun festive treats & projects to do. I found Pumpkin Crisipies on Pinterest (yeah, big surprise I know!)a few weeks ago & couldn't wait for October to be here to try them! So today we invited our friends over to make these little guys!

Pinterest Version

Rice Crispy Pumpkins

From the recipes I found, most called for brown or green candies to make the stems on the top. I couldn't find anything that wasn't huge/fun sized. So we used TJ's Cat Cookies instead. I think they are adorable myself. We also didn't make faces, I like the simple pumpkin look anyway.

Silas & his snack

Sadie enjoying her pumpkin!

Yum!

So, another fun Pinterest project down and a million and one left to try!
If your looking for a fun snack to make with your kids, these were fun & easy! I did do a few things differently...

*Spray a cupcake pan & add crispy treats to make their shape
*Chocolate Cat Cookies for stems
*No faces
*Used red & lots of yellow food color gel instead of orange (target & albertsons didn't carry orange!)to the marshmallow "cream" before adding rice crispies
*Kids didn't help, that stuff is HOTTTTTT

Fall & Pinterest

2011-10-04T08:15:00.000-07:00

Fall is here!

It's currently 60 degrees out, cloudy, raining, I'm sipping on a home made mocha in comfy pants with my Ugg slippers and I couldn't be happier.

I'm obsessed with Pinterest! Whoever thought up this concept was brilliant (and must be a stay at home mom!)

I love all the projects I have found, recipes, home decorating tips, etc... I love seeing what my friends are working on what meals they are loving making for their families!

I found this really cute garland a while ago...

Pinterest Version
found here

I knew I didn't have time or patience to cut out leaves like this. So I found pre-cut felt leaves in the colors I wanted from a seller on Etsy.com. Last night I got down to business. I didn't hand sew mine like this one. I just sewewd them up on my machine. Then added a yellow ribbon on the back & did a zigzag patern all the way thru to hopefully make it look a little more like a leaf!

hanging in the window

up close

I love how it turned out. For $4 & 30 mins. at the machine, I think this is one of my favorite projects!

I'm planning on hanging words from the leaves when November gets here of what we are all thankful for! I think it will look great.

I also bought a pack of snowflakes from the same seller. So stay tuned for our winter window!!!!

Homesick....

2011-10-02T10:23:00.000-07:00

Can you be homesick for somewhere you've never lived?

Maybe I'm not homesick for somewhere else, I just desperately miss my sister. Just like any friends, we go thru spurts of talking to each other all the time and then not so much when we are both busy. But after a week of phone calls, lots of texts, playing Words with Friends & a picture blog her friend posted, I just really miss her.

I'm sure I sound like a broken record... but I'm also missing her simple farm life. I have so many thoughts swirling in my head. The homebody I could be. Just taking care of my family, home & cooking. Is the grass just greener? Would I quickly tire of staying home all day? Would I be sad that the nearest Starbucks would be well over 30 minutes away? Not to mention that a shopping trip at Nordstrom would be an all day affair due to it being over an hour away... I couldn't just pick up pizza for dinner because I didn't feel like cooking...

Well, for now I will try to be content to live here in our beautiful old towne. So many blessings I have to count. So many things I do love about Orange & "city" life.

...I'll look forward to that someday I might have my own farm, cow to milk and endless bread making to keep up with.

Until then, I miss you sister.

**thanks to my brother for the pictures

October Menu Plan

2011-09-30T11:07:00.000-07:00

October already? Wow! My first month menu plan down & am on to #2! I just have to say I loved not cooking every night. One weekend I cooked a bunch of ground beef, chicken & few other meals to freeze. It has been great to have things to just pull out & defrost. Less stress before dinner & less dishes!
Again, I didn't stick to my menu strictly. But used the same ingredients & changed up the meal to fit my "mood", it worked out great!

This month to help me "plan" my menus I tried to choose one of each item for each week:

Pasta
Mexican
Soup
Pizza
Chicken or Beef

I'm not going crazy on making double batches of dinners for this month since we still have some in our freezer to eat up. I'm really trying to get the freezer cleaned out to start fresh for November to have room for pre-made baby meals!

Week 1:

Lasagna (Frozen)
Beef & Black Bean Casserole
Breakfast Sandwich Casserole
Salsa Chicken (Frozen)
Pizza Pancakes

Week 2:

PW Creamy Pasta (triple batch of beef)
Taco Chili
Country Chicken & Dressing
Baked Club Pinwheels
Calazones

Week 3:

Tortellini Spinach Bake
Crock Pot Enchiladas
Teriyaki Chicken & Rice
PW Italian Chicken Soup
Pizza Buns

Week 4:

PW Chicken Spaghetti (Chicken Frozen)
Taco Pancakes
Potato Cheese Soup
Steaks & Mashed Potatoes
Mini Pizzas

The Power of Being There

2011-09-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

My Mom's & More group at Calvary is going through the book "10 Building Blocks for a Solid Family" by Jim Burns.

Honestly, when I first got this book last summer, I wasn't really sure I was "ready" for this kind of thing. Silas wasn't a year old yet & I felt like I needed parenting books on getting your kid to sleep thru the night or how to force your kid to eat meat! I was thinking about weaning him, walking, turning one and another baby on the way. I need a book about discipline & feisty boys! Why did I need a book about building a solid family? I don't have school aged kids. I felt like this was just not going to be up my ally. Fast forward to this week in September and starting to reading the first chapter of this book: The Power of Being There....

"Parenting isn't easy... Parenting is frustrating... Parenting is delayed gratification...Parenting is the highest calling on earth. There is no doubt that one of the primary reasons God placed you on this planet was to pass on a positive, healthy legacy to your family...Besides your relationship with God, your relations with your children is primary; your influence and impact on them will, no doubt, be your greatest legacy[Burns, 14]."

Maybe I'm not at the point yet where I can sit down & have a really great talk with Silas or use all the ideas this book has considering his age. But I feel lucky that I get to being my journey of motherhood with ideas to BUILD a solid family. This first chapter talks about the Power of "being there". Being intentional in the time you spend with your kids. It was definitely a wake up call for me.
Being a stay at home mom I think I tend to get caught up in "doing" not so much "being". Sometimes I feel like Silas is "in my way" and I can't get the floors clean because he's trying to help sweep too. Or it's taking me twice as long to cook dinner because he is begging at my leg to see me cook or stir. A few weeks back I wrote about trying to put aside my perfectionist tendencies to let Silas be creative with his. I feel like this totally goes along with this chapter. I get to re-evaluate how I want Silas to remember his childhood now, before it's even really started. So how am I going to be intentional about spending time with him? What am I going to prioritize of how he remembered growing up? So far this is what I have come up with...

Spend morning & nap wake ups cuddling (Silas's favorite)
Including Silas when he wants to "help" cook & clean (even when it means taking longer)
Doing at least 1 new interactive project together each week
Trying for a family field trip once a month
Continue praying at night before bed
Continue to make family dinner time a priority (TV off!)& holding hands during prayer time

As Silas gets older & more kids come along, I'm sure the list will grow and change. But even more important to continue to think about...
How are you intentional about spending quality time with your kids? How are you "there" with them? I'd like to hear your suggestions!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-28T16:09:00.000-07:00

----------------

no matter how many time i have to tell you no, change your dirty diaper, or clean up messes from all over the house, your smile will still make my heart burst Silas boy.

i'll love you forever & ever ~mama

PROJECTS: Boys Room

2011-09-26T11:09:00.000-07:00

Here are the projects we got done on Silas's room this weekend. Still need to find a few things to fill the walls a bit more, but its a start!

Welcome to my room!

Perfect for a boys room!

"Today is Your Day, Your mountain is waiting, So Get on your way! -Dr. Seuss

Growing so tall!

Silas's 15 month mark

THE LIST - Revised & Updated 9/25/2011

2011-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:00

This is my list of things to do before we welcome another little boy into our family. I felt like I got so much done yesterday, but even if it was only a few things off the list, were in good shape!

Projects to be finished by November 20th:

-~~Apply wall decals~~

~~-Kids Growth Chart Ruler~~

-"baby" proof kitchen doors
-Clean out toy bin
~~-Weed out "baby" toys & separate~~
~~-New bins for Silas toys~~

-Deep DEEP clean cloth diapers

-Separate Cloth diapers (Silas vs. newborn size)

~~-“winter” clothes for Silas~~
-~~Figure out newborn winter/warm clothes needed~~

-Need 0-3mo baby pants & T-Shirts for Silas

-Wash newborn clothes & blankets

-Set up baby area in our bedroom

-Wash stored baby things (bouncer, swing, play mat)

-Make thick quilt for living room play mat

-Hang Chalk Board Decals
-Family “Rules” for living room - Holding out for buying one on Etsy

~~-Kitchen Menu Bored /grocery list~~

-Paint boys bathroom

-Decorate bathroom

-Clean & Organize boy’s bathroom cupboards

-Stock bathrooms with paper goods

-Rearrange, clean, stock hall closets (game closet, linen closet & cleaning closet)

-Clean & Organize Laundry Room

-Check on paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper & baby wipes supply (going dark on “green” things for a bit after baby comes to cut down on laundry!)

-Newborn/ Size 1 diapers needed?

To be finished by December 4th

-All Christmas gifts wrapped & labeled by

-Burp cloths

-Rag quilt for both boys in their own colors (Christmas gifts from mama)

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

can you tell? i'm so glad fall is here!

Confessions of a Perfectionist turned Mama

2011-09-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

I always said (before I had Silas) I wouldn't let sippy cups & toys lay around the house. Things would be picked up & cups or bottles would have their place.

Yeah... that lasted all 10 seconds. It's like Silas has his own "special" spots for cups, toys & pacifiers. He likes leaving some in every room. When he goes into that room, he knows exactly where each item is. He likes shoes lined up by the door, chairs pushed into the table, etc...

I'm slowly learning to give in & let Silas do some things his way.
Oh, how I love this boy! Quirks & All =)

25 weeks: round 2

2011-09-19T16:22:00.000-07:00

Today Baby B #2 is 25 weeks.

Silas & I headed to my midwife apt to see how he was checkin' out. As my midwife explained to Silas, "Baby's house is growing & so is your brother". She's so great with kids & mamas... well, she's great with everyone! I love the way she explained things to him, it was so cute!

Baby's Heart Beat was beeping away in the 150's. Happy & Healthy there.
I can't believe this little guy is over a foot long and maybe already 2 pounds! It's amazing to think that his little eyes are being formed & soon he will have eye lashes to go with them! Since Brock & I both have brown hair/brown or Hazel eyes, not much to wonder on that front. But I do hope he will have beautiful eye with long lashes like Silas!

Stats:

As far as weight gain... yeah, we will be skipping that from now on.
Baby is kicking & playing a lot. Way more then Silas ever did. Boy, does it make me think I am in for it. Scary!
Cravings? Once in a while I want some candy or something sweet. Rarely do I give in. Seriously. This entire pregnancy Brock's gotten me ice cream one & I went for Krispy Kreams once (for one dounut!) I'm still always in the mood for a burger, but I'm kind of picky about things. Either they do or don't sound good.
Moods? I don't feel like I've had too many mood swings. Brock may have a different story. I do feel overwhelmed with things I want to get done & not being able to do it all on my own. But other then that, things are going well (I think!)
Braxton Hicks are back & in full force. They are worse when the weather is hot. But drinking tons of water & putting my feet up when I can is a priority when it gets bad.

Well, I think that's it for now.

3 weeks till the dreaded Glucose Test!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-09-14T11:39:00.001-07:00

Planting Trees...

2011-09-10T21:12:00.000-07:00

...She rises up

As morning breaks

She moves among these rooms alone

Before we wake

And her heart is so full

It overflows

She waters us with love

And the children grow

So many years from now

Long after we are gone

These trees will spread their branches out

And bless the dawn

These trees will spread their branches out

And bless someone...

Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite go tos for calm music in the car for Silas when he is drowsy. I love singing him songs that I really mean too.

Today, Planting Trees came on as we were driving home. As he was falling asleep I was thinking about how true I hope this song is of my life. It reminds me of that quote floating around Pinterest...

... Being the Proverbs 31 women/wife/mother is a tall order that I'll never attain. But I do hope that my children know how much I cherish them. I hope that when they are grown they remember a childhood full of love, fun & encouragement.
I'm working on my perfectionist ways now. Letting go of my ideals of having the perfectly clean floors, smudge free fridge & fresh baked bread. Some days the floors just don't get swept. More often then not my fridge has the cutest little hand prints about 2 ft high all over it. And I don't remember the last time I made a loaf of bread. But I think Silas knows his mama loves him without a shadow of a doubt. And that's what is most important to me right now.

Adventures with Silas: 14 months

2011-09-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

This month of August has flown by.
Silas is changing before my eyes every day. Becoming more of a little boy then baby which I love & but makes me sad too. But, growing is a part of life and I'm glad he is doing it so well!

Silas's 15 month Stats are...

23 pounds (25%)

31 1/2 (75%)

August Happenings & 1st

...1st day trip with Grandma & Grandpa to the cabin in Lake Arrowhead without mama!
...Last big trip to Disneyland before our pass expired. Got to go on all his favorite rides, try the monorail & eat at Rainforest Cafe!
...1st time roasting marshmallows over a fire (with help of course!) and 1st bite of a s'more. Not a huge fan.
...1st Family Wedding for Brock's cousin Jennifer. Silas didn't actually attend the wedding, but he made it for the reception & dancing. He ate all his cousin's left over food & then boogied down on the dance floor with his Nani & aunties. Super cute.
...He has found his little voice. He loves to scream & squeel in a little high pitched voice.
...he also likes having conversations with himself & other people. he will blabber on and on about something, pointing, using his hands, eyebrows & tonal pitch to get a point across. but honestly, i have no idea what he is saying!
... we've been working on body parts & started with head. he likes to point to his head & you to ask him what that is, then tell him head! were working on toes & hands now too, but he always says "no" and goes back to his head until you say head. go figure.
...he's added "grandma" to his vocab. it takes various forms, but "gwa-ma" is most certainly our latest word.
...he now has 3 bottom teeth and 2 top molars (1 bottom tooth & 2 molars this past week). 2 more molars & eye teeth are buldging but haven't broken the surface.
...Silas now understands the concept of running away from people. So we try not to make things a game, but he enjoys grabbing something he shouldn't & running away. Or running away when you ask him to come to you.
...Silas loves to "help" daddy & grandpa bbq as well as "cook" in the kitchen. We had to teach him hot however since his favorite things have fire. He now blows on things when you tell him "it's hot". Super cute. He likes to blow on food, bbq, oven, or when I say, "I'm/It's Hot". Oh, my boy!

Loves...

playing out side as always
running around the house screaming
dancing to music & singing himself
Elmo & Big Bird "TV"
Nap time & cuddles
drinking out of big people cups & especially using straws
using his fork for meals. he is actually getting really good
fruit & salsa
talking on the phone! cutest thing to see him put the phone up to his ear & have a conversation

On top of all the "new things" Silas has done this past month, there are so many stories that need to be recorded as well!

- silas just jumped off the couch onto a bean bag in the middle of the floor while holding his blanket around his neck (superhero style)

- silas & sadie explored bushes at the park playing hide and seek in between them. amazing to see two little people share the cutest little moments of laughing at each other & playing chase. he is loving playing with his little friend and she cares so much about him, i love it!

- one day, by 8:30 am Silas had a... poop disaster, painted on the just cleaned floor with fruit , jumping/falling off the bed and some storage boxes & drinking out of the toilet.

wordless wednesday

2011-09-07T08:07:00.000-07:00

September Menu Plan

2011-08-31T16:29:00.000-07:00

Since starting to double cook & freeze meals, I decided I needed to get more organized to utilize the food we have in the fridge & freezer. At first, I was keeping a running total of what I had. Then, I splurged & ordered a "menu planning kit" on ETSY to help keep myself organized.

This is the result of my crazy morning planning for the month:
(items in purple are frozen or used from a previous meal)

Week 1:
Creamy Pasta (frozen Meat)
Salsa Chicken (frozen Meat) Burritos
Calazones
Taquitos

Week 2:
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Chicken Tortilla Casserole (x2)
Pizza Buns

Week 3:
~~Pizza Rolls~~ Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese
Crock Pot Chicken Salsa (x3)
Cheesy Broccoli, Rice & Chicken
Tamale Pie
Spaghetti & Meat Balls

Week 4:
Chili (x2)
Chicken Pot Pie (x2)
Taco Casserole (left over meat & beans from Chili)
Oven Fried Chimichangas (using Chicken Salsa)
Lasagna

Week 5:
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
Calazones
Chicken & Rice Casserole (x 2)
Chicken Pot Pie
Spaghetti & Meat Sauce

Going into October I should start with just 1 dinner of Chicken & Rice which will be perfect. My goal is to use up everything each month to keep the freezer fresh & not too full!
LETS DO THIS!

wordless wednesday

2011-08-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

all smiles

22 weeks

2011-08-30T19:51:00.000-07:00

22 Weeks

This picture is horrible. But I keep forgetting, so please excuse my tired/end of the day look!

Menu Plan: Aug 29th - Being extra frugal & planning!

2011-08-25T09:36:00.000-07:00

This past week, I dappled in a few "new" ideas. I figured, why wait till baby time to see if these work? I might as well try them now!

After going to Fresh & Easy & using a great coupon, I got over $50 of groceries for just $35! When I got home, instead of putting everything away, I left a few things out... and this is what I did!

1) Chicken on sale? Bought a 3 pound package & cooked it up. Separated it for a casserole I was making & then into 2 separate baggies, date labeled & in the freezer on the Chicken shelf!

2) While chicken was baking, I fried up a pound of sausage & cooked up tater tots. I made 2 breakfast dishes. One for this week & one for the freezer. This Crescent Roll Egg dish is deslish & a big hit! I also made my own variation of these Egg "Muffins" that I stuck in a freezer bag for quick easy breakfasts for later! So for about $11 i made breakfasts for roughly 20 servings! Not bad!

3)Double a casserole recipe. If your making dinner already, why not double the recipe & freeze the other half for dinner in 2 weeks??!

So, for this next week this is what our menu is looking like!

- Salsa Chicken for Burritos (frozen)

- Pineapple Fried Rice (our version, carrots, broccoli & peas added)

- Black Bean Quesadilla

- Sour Cream Noodle Bake (meat already cooked/frozen)

- Calazones

- Crescent Roll Breakfast Bake

wordless wednesday: S&S

2011-08-24T16:19:00.000-07:00

20 weeks: Baby 2

2011-08-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Half way there? My goodness... how time really does fly.

Baby is the size of a Cantaloupe, 6 inches long & weighing in over 11 ounces.
Another monthly apt down. So far I've gained 9.5 pounds total.
Cravings? I seriously would eat a cheeseburger every day if I could. Not sure what it is with Buoniconti boys & making me crave meat & cheese?
Moods? Funny how I get really frustrated with the strangest/dumbest things lately. (My tank top feeling too short, pieces of grass on the floor, baby books not staying on the shelves when I neatly put them away)
I'm making lists, checking it twice & getting things done. Feels really good not to have ideas & such floating around in my head. Instead, I've just been updating my word doc & notebook & have already checked a few things off! Feels great.

That seems like all the baby updates I can thing of for now!

Menu: August 22nd

2011-08-17T07:57:00.000-07:00

I like being creative with my menus during the week... Sometimes one thing just doesn't sound good when I get down to actually making it. But I try to at least use the same ingredients and mix it up. This week I replaced Chicken Chili for Crock Pot Salsa Chicken and am nixing Lasagna for plain ol' spaghetti... I also spent a $26 on groceries this past week thanks to planning & using freezer stashed food. Way to go! Hopefully we can repeat that again this week!

This next week we are looking at...

-BBQ Hamburgers & Hot Dogs

-Chicken, Broccoli & Something casserole (TBD on exact recipe)

-Beef StirFry

-Roasted chicken, potatoes & tomatoes with peas

-Lasagna

Wordless wednesday: Lake Arrowhead

2011-08-17T07:21:00.000-07:00

THE List

2011-08-15T09:47:00.000-07:00

Nesting is in full swing over here. I even have a note book of all the things I need to do between now & baby’s arrival. And since I’m due between Christmas & New Years, it doesn’t leave a lot of time for things to be done last minuet. So, all projects are set to to be around Thanksgiving. Freezer meals I’m planning to start the week after Thanksgiving/1st week of December. Then, planning the rest of the month of December for special things to do with Silas. Christmas crafts & gifts, special cookies, and of course, lots of snuggles while watching Christmas movies!

Projects to be finished by November 20th:

-Book Shelves for Boy’s room

-Spruce up the room with some ~~wall decals~~ or something
~~-Clean out toy bin~~
~~-Weed out "baby" toys & separate~~
~~-New bins for Silas toys~~

-Deep DEEP clean cloth diapers

-Separate Cloth diapers (Silas vs. newborn size)

~~-“winter” clothes for Silas~~ (ALMOST!)
-Wash newborn clothes & blankets
-Figure out newborn winter/warm clothes needed

-Set up baby area in our bedroom

-Wash stored baby things (bouncer, swing, play mat)

-Thick quilt for living room play mat

-Big Brother gift for Silas

-Family “Rules” for living room

~~-Kitchen Menu Bored /grocery list~~

-Paint boys bathroom.

-Decorate bathroom

-Clean & Organize boy’s cupboards

-Stock bathrooms with paper goods

-Rearrange, clean, stock hall closets (game closet, linen closet & cleaning closet)

-Clean & Organize Laundry Room

-Check on paper towels, paper napkins, toilet paper & baby wipes supply (going dark on “green” things for a bit after baby comes to cut down on laundry!)

-Newborn/ Size 1 diapers needed?

To be finished by December 4th

-All Christmas gifts wrapped & labeled by

-Burp cloths

-Rag quilt for both boys in their own colors (Christmas gifts from mama)

Freezer Meals ( # of meals) to be finished by December 11th:

Meats:

-Crock Pot Salsa Chicken (x 2)

-Italian Seasoned Ground Beef (x4)

-Mexican Seasoned Ground Beef (x4)

-Black Beans & Pinto Beans (x8/ea)

Casseroles:

-Chicken Broccoli Supreme (x2)

-Chicken Broccoli & Rice (x2)

-Taco Casserole (x2)

-Chicken Garlic Lasagna (x2)

-Meat Lasagna (x2)

Soups:

-Tortilla Soup (x2)

-Broccoli Cheese Soup (x2)

-Cheesy Potato Soup

Breakfasts

-Sausage & Egg Burritos (x10)

-Sausage egg “muffins” (x12)

-Hash brown, bacon & egg “muffins” (x12)

-Blueberry coffee cake (x10)

Grocery Shopping:

Stock up on:

-Spaghetti Sauce

-Pasta

-Black Beans

-Refried Beans

-Chili Beans

-Condiments

-Salad Dressing

-Canned fruit

-Hot chocolate

So what have I forgotten? Would love ideas & imput!!!

Menu Plan: Aug 15th

2011-08-10T15:21:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's just this "cooler" weather we have been having the past few days, or the feel good days of 2nd tri-mester, but I am so excited to cook! Here's a few ideas I have been working on to make that 4pm dinner rush not so frustrating (especially when it is hot) and in helping plan menus

need to brown or cook meat for tonight's dinner? cook it after breakfast when the house is still cool & you have energy!
clean the kitchen up before you start cooking dinner. helps having clear counters and not a HUGE mess after dinner.
take some time before dinner to play & rest. going from busy busy busy to cooking dinner isn't helpful. then i have a better attitude about serving a yummy dinner & not resorting to pleading & begging to go out or throwing frozen taquitos in the oven!
is there... 1) something chicken? 2)beef? 3)pasta? 4)do we want pizza this week? 4) casserole mood? 5) or maybe stir fry?

Here is our menu plan for the week!

Home Made Pizza & Salad
~~Lasagna or Lasagna Roll ups~~ Spaghetti with Meat Sauce & Salad
~~Crock Pot Chicken Taco Chili~~, Chips & Fruit > Crock pot Salsa Chicken
Baked Ham & Cheese Croissants, Tatertots with something healthy =)
Black Bean Quesadillas (with chicken if left overs!)

wordless wednesday

2011-08-10T15:05:00.001-07:00

19 Weeks... (round 2)

2011-08-09T21:02:00.000-07:00

Seriously, where has the time gone? Almost half way to our 40 week mark and Baby B's due date. Amazing.

Today I went in for Baby B's anatomy scan...things went well & it was fun to see the little guy and get a feel for his personality. He was yawning & wiggling. Then he went to sleep. It was crazy to see him punch or kick on the ultrasound and feel it at the same time too!

Today I am 19 weeks, 1 day. Baby is measuring 3 days "big" (I don't call it ahead... because I'm guessing round 2 will be late too!) He measured in at 11+ ounces. And unlike Silas, I got to see his face, and profile along with all his apendeges! (Silas always had something "missing" & no face shots!)

We're plugging along over here. After a crazy week at VBS & a family wedding this weekend, I have been pooped. But other then that, I still feel great & pregnancy is going well.

Half way there! 20 Weeks till Christmas people! I better get on that...

Adventures with Silas: 13 months

2011-08-09T20:52:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much my little boy is growing up.
Here's a little of what Silas has been up to this past month...

Kauai ~ 7/2011

Dumbo ~ 7/2011

Happenings & 1st...

Got a buzz cut from dad
1st Trip to Hawaii!
1st time on Dumbo @ Disneyland!
Silas likes to climb up onto the dining room chairs and will get onto the table from there if he wants something.
Not much is out of reach for this kid anymore.
Today I found Silas taking the plunger from one bathroom to the other and plunging the toilet.

Loves...

playing with his bucket & shovel at the beach or pool.
Fruits & Veggies, Cheese, some crackers, fruit snacks, pasta & most anything else you give him.
giving kisses in his own special way.
His daddy sure has stolen his heart (but hates to see him leave!)

Dislikes...

Still isn't eating meat (how does he know??!) not a fan of milk
Refuses cookies & donuts. Who'd thunk?

He's also working on a molar, sleeping really well at night in his big boy bed (usually only 1, maybe 2 wake ups!) and had a fabulous time at VBS this past week playing with his friends!

I love you Silas boy! You are growing up so fast and I can't believe it! Your are so sweet, and loving. You have a killer smile that melts any girl and are so personable! Keep on growing & learning little guy!!!

Menu Plan: Aug 8

2011-08-07T19:48:00.000-07:00

Where has this week gone?? Silas and I spend the week at church playing at VBS! It was awesome & such a great week of ministry to kids (and their parents), but I was so tired by the end of the day. I had good intentions with last weeks menu, but most of it ended up getting turned into something easier. I'm so ready to get back to "normal" life!

And after a crazy week, I am slowly recovering after (Brock's) cousin Jen's wedding, which I helped with Friday & Saturday. After getting to spend a lot of time with family this weekend I just haven't had much time for planning a menu. So this is a thrown together mess before shopping & stocking tomorrow!

Beef & Broccoli with Rice
Crispy Chicken & Creamy Pasta with Salad
Bubble Up Enchiladas
Spaghetti with Meat Sauce

Adventures with Silas: July

2011-07-28T16:33:00.000-07:00

Since we have passed really celebrating monthly birthday's now that you are 1, I haven't been writing down many milestones. But they come fast and its so fun to see you grow!

This past month a few high lights have been:

Playing with your CHUCK Cars & making "vroom" noises
Blowing kisses and making those great kissing sounds to follow (Yup! 2 separate actions, and ever so delightful!)
You love waving goodbye when you hear people talking about leaving, or going, or walking to the door. I'm always so surprised you pick up on these things and know that they correspond with waving good-bye!
You love to "dance". Its a Silas-ism for sure. Usually it means walking in place, throwing your hands in the air, wiggling your butt, or something of the sort. I just love it. If music comes on in a commercial or movies, you always stop & start to dance!
You love to watch the cooking channel & watch us cook here at home. Its super cute, but also frustrating at times when you HAVE to see the pots on the top of the stove.
Your as loving as ever. This morning before you woke up you scooched up to me, put your arms around my neck, rubbing my hair & giving me kisses. I'm not sure there could possible be a sweeter little boy.
You love to feed your self using a fork. As long as the food is "sticky" it works really well.
Your back to being a vegetarian loving boy. Usually its a muffin, bagel or some other bread for breakfast, with a peach or nectarine, and cheese stick. You do great eating whatever I am making for lunch or dinner. But you wont eat beef or chicken any more, not even burgers! For some reason you have eaten meatballs, but that's it. You enjoy plain pasta (so you can pick it up with you fingers), salads, veggies, tomatoes, fruit, cheese, pretty much anything spicy or mexican! You'll eat one (or three!) of your fruit Trader Joe crushers pretty much at any point of the day too.
You still love being outside! Playing in your pool, with your toys, or taking a walk. You can now climb up the slide, and slide down all by yourself!
I think the biggest change the past month has been your sleeping! You sleep in your big boy bed all night long and for your naps too! You usually only wake up 1 or 2xs a night! This is such an improvement and I am getting spoiled by the extra sleep!
You rode Dumbo at Disneyland for the first time on our last visit!

You are a wonderful, energetic, amazing little boy Silas! We love watching ou grow up & are so glad God chose us to be your parents.

Wordless Wednesday: Dumbo

2011-07-27T23:13:00.000-07:00

Menu Plan: Aug 1st

2011-07-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

Next week is VBS at our Church! Silas & I will be gone all morning, so quick, easy & or crock pot meals are key to getting dinner on the table!

Summer Veggie Tortellini Bake, French Bread & Salad
Cream Cheese Chicken & Rice & Chips
Pizza Rolls & Salad
Black Bean Quesadillas & Fruit

The Power to Push

2011-07-21T13:12:00.000-07:00

So I just got my mail and this is what arrived....

Power Bar Protein Bits... "The Power to PUSH"

I'm only admitting this because I'm laughing so hard at myself, but as I am looking at the box I thought to myself, "WOW, how did they know I was pregnant?!" WHHATTT? There is guy lifting weights on the front... its not a labor snack! Anyway, it then came to me! People sell snack packs on the plane, why not make snack packs for mama's in labor? My midwife encourages snacking as much as possible during labor to keep up one's energy. However, that was the last thing I needed to get ready as I was packing my bag & getting ready the weeks before. Wouldn't you love to put your order in tho, select a few favorite protein rich things and have someone deliver it with some fresh fruit or hot meal for your hubs as well as you wait? Hmm... I think I may have stumbled up a new service that might pick up! Like I have time... but I would be fun!

Anyway... I might snack on our Power to Push (through the day!) Power Bites before that days comes for me. =)

Menu Plan: July 25th

2011-07-21T08:59:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my Pinterest menu collection I am trying all new recipes for next week and couldn't be more excited!!!

Here's whats up...

Bubble Up Enchiladas, Mexican Rice & Black Beans
Hot Ham & Cheese Crescent Rolls, Tater Tots & Fruit
Rice, Chicken & Broccoli Casserole (No cream of soup needed!)
Baked Parmesan Spaghetti, Heavenly Yeast Rolls & Salad

I'm also planning on making a few treats this week... So many yummy recipes! Can't wait

Wordless Wednesday: haircut

2011-07-20T13:44:00.000-07:00

Baby B #2: 16 Weeks

2011-07-20T12:04:00.000-07:00

Another month down and check up for Baby B.
These appointments are so short, its great...
-questions?
-weigh in (EWWW)
-listen to baby's heart beat
-try and keep Silas from climbing up the table
-questions? you sure nothing???
-see you in 4 weeks...
10 min later, were on our way out! that's what i love about my midwife! especially with a toddler in toe!

How big is baby? At 16 weeks BB2 is the size of an avocado.
Still feeling great! Don't hate me... Heart burn no matter what I eat, but Tums help a lot still. Random pregnancy symptom is that my hands & feet fall asleep regularly. I had no idea this was even pregnancy related.
Weight Gain? 5 pounds in 5 weeks. Which at this point is ok, since I've entered the 2nd trimester. Now for a total of 6 pounds in 16 weeks. Hope to keep the number down!
Cravings? I really am still craving cheeseburgers. Crazy, I know. I must be something my body needs during pregnancy, since that's been my one constant food desire for both my pregnancies... I wonder what I would do if we ever moved to a state without In-n-Out!!
What about Baby Silas?? Well, I think he is still too young to really understand those whole concept. We talk about "babies" and having a "brother or sister", But, he just laughs and keeps playing or whatnot. So, maybe when his friend Sadie has her little brother, it may become a little more real. We will see!

Nothing much more to report I guess at this point. I need to make an appointment for the anatomy scan in a few weeks, so I guess we will know in a few weeks if were having a boy or girl!!

Menu Plan: July 18

2011-07-18T20:54:00.000-07:00

I haven't really menu planned for 2 weeks now, and I really miss it!
The week before vacation we were on a Trader Joe's dinner kick (for my sanity) and last week we spent our vacation in Kauai with my parents, brother & Brock's parents.

However, I'm feeling refreshed... that is for being pregnant in the middle of the summer with 90* days =) And I'm excited about what's cooking at the Buoniconti's this week!

Black bean & cheese Quesadillas
Sour Cream Noodle Bake (Pioneer Women)
TJ's Soyaki Chicken & Cheesy Ranch Potatoes
BBQed Hamburgers

Since I am also now totally hooked on Pinterest, I can't wait to start menu planning for next week as well! There are so many yummy looking recipes out there. I have a feeling that I may be a-baking as well. Sitting in front of larger than life chocolate cookies makes my mouth water!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-07-06T10:00:00.001-07:00

Happy 4th of July

2011-07-05T10:56:00.000-07:00

<3 The Buonicontis

Intentional Parenting

2011-06-29T10:49:00.000-07:00

I've been struggling with parenting "techniques" & discipline these past few weeks. Silas is more then ball of endless energy, ideas and strong will power. From tantrums when re-directed, to learning how to share, playing with off limit things, and so much more, sometimes I just don't even know where to start. I mean, he's ONE for goodness sakes! I wasn't expecting all these things so soon.

I've found, however, that just like nap and eating schedules or improving your marriage, I'm not sure there is any specific method that is "right" or "wrong"... Funny, since life for me is black or white in so many things. For instance, is the concept of "LOVE & RESPECT" the key to making your marriage amazing? Or Dr. Laura's "Proper Care & Feeding of Husbands?", or Maybe Sacred Marriage has been a key role for you? In the realm of parenting, I started with Babe Wise. Then there is the gentle parenting ideas, Dr. Sear's method's, and so many more. Do you say "no, no" in your house? Or maybe, "Not for Silas"? To spank or not to spank? Time outs in the crib? or against the wall?

I mean, the decisions and possibilities are endless. And along with each combination of decisions, you have both parent personalities and each child to take in to consideration.

I'm not here to say one type of parenting is better or worse then another, or that saying "no" is wrong... My point is, Parenting in Intentional. It MUST be. Deuteronomy 6:6-9 says,

"These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates."

All day long, in all that we do as parents, we are to teach our children about our Heavenly Father. In all that I do, I need to be intentional. So whatever gets the job "done" (with in reason!!!) is how and what I need to do as a Mama, to point my children to Christ. That sure is a tall order... being intentional. Here we go....

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-29T10:02:00.000-07:00

Typical Silas

Menu Plan: June 27

2011-06-24T15:54:00.000-07:00

I saw Tyler Florence on the Today Show last week making his One Pan Lasagna. It looked amazing, and I love easy recipes that are family friendly but healthy at the same time. Plus, I've been in such a rut this past month, I decided to download his new book "Start Fresh" and try some recipes this week!

- One Pan Lasagna, Salad & Bread
- French Bread Pizza & Salad
- Chicken with rice, broccoli, carrots & peas
- BBQed Steaks, baked beans & Cauliflower Gratin
Special Dessert: Peach Rice Pudding!

Looking forward to a yummy week!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-06-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Silas's Birthday Party!

2011-06-20T07:46:00.000-07:00

1st Birthday Cupcake!

On Saturday we celebrated Silas's first Birthday!

Almost all of our family came over to help us celebrate along a few of Silas's best buds.
We BBQed, and played, had cupcakes and played some more!

Thanks to all our family and friends who made Silas's 1st Birthday so special!

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day to the most special men in our lives!

Deanna & Daddy~1988

Granddad & Silas ~ 2010

We missed spending this special day with both our dads!

But both were doing something they love & we look forward to celebrating sometime soon!

Happy Father's Day Brock!

I'm so glad we got to celebrate together this year.

You are an amazing dad to Silas. I love seeing you two rough house and play together. Taking walks, going to the gun store or Home Depot, BBQing together, sharing snacks or video games.

While we missed you being here in California with us for the past year, I couldn't be more proud of you for making the hard decisions and fighting for something you believe in.

Brock & Silas~2011

WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Deanna & Silas