2.5

Now that Aiden is 2.5 the party planning is in full gear. His birthday will be right around the time I return to work, so this momma will be extremely overwhelmed. So I'd like to have my ideas/plans done.

At first I was thinking something simple for me...like going to a bouncy place, Children's Museum, or Incredible Pizza where they take care of everything, but then reality sank in I don't want to shell out that kind of money and not have both boys enjoy it. Plus we will have another <1 year old at the party too, so that's not making it easy on us. Maybe when Aiden turns 5 we will do one of those ideas.

Then with his birthday in February you never know with weather....is it going to be warm or are we going to have snow?! So that limits any ideas of something outside. Since our core group seems to be always growing our little house won't cut it anymore. So I then thought of why not get one of those inflatable bouncy things to put in the church gym. Then it came to me......

I've been seeing all these really cute pins on Pinterest for Paint Parties. And I was sold! Especially since I know Aiden loves to paint and he's getting an easel for Christmas it was just perfect!! Destiny haha!!

Invitation. Use paint chips for the invitation. Who doesn't like Free!? I'll just grab a bunch of different colors one day.

Food. This is where I tend to go overboard, but this year I want(need) to keep it simple. Instead of making a cake I'm doing cupcakes. The most work with that is going to be exchanging the frosting color for the different colors. The board is just a cake board cut down to size.

Activity. Have an area where the kids can paint a picture. Don't worry washable paint only and smocks to wear. Under this area lay out painters brown paper or plastic sheets (which I already have). Contain the mess ;-)

The biggest cost of this will be the canvas. I saw one pin where the person used boxes. They are the boxes paper are mailed in to printing shops, so tall and skinny....so I'll have to call up a few stores to see if they can save them for me. If so then it's free! And I like free!! Another person used those giant Post-it Sheets but that would require putting plastic on the walls too. I'll keep brainstorming ideas....

Decor. I saw one fun and simple idea. Spatter paint on a white sheet to use as a back drop. And you know I have paint cans in our garage so I'm gonna pull those suckers out and tape some construction paper around the label! Hello free centerpieces.

Favors. Let the kids take their smock home if they want and a package of watercolors. Simple and fits in with the theme.

Our tax free weekend is coming up so I might buy some supplies then since they are considered school supplies! Yah for savings!
Other good news about him turning 2.5 is now he's eligible to graduate to the 3 year old class at Preschool! He just needs to stay accident free for 3 weeks and then he's ready! YAH! Let's go Aiden!! Let's keep saving (as you move up the tuition goes down)!

Phase 1

Phase 1 of my front door decor is done! The chair turned out great and so happy!

I love my little flag! It ties in the door, chair and has the pop of red which I wanted. The can will look better when we switch out the exterior light to this...

I just need to now get another flowerpot for ontop of the chair and another to go on the bottom step near the chair and this project is done! Yah!! Finally looks inviting.

I even found my Fall flag for 96 cents!! Ties in the door and chair perfectly again. Plus it will look cute with stacked pumpkins in one pot via this idea....Get ceramic pumpkins instead of real so you can reuse and 1 side put your initial and then on the other side for October make faces. Genius!

Digital World

Finally we are in the digital world of thermostats! haha Took us long enough...I never felt our old one was accurate.  Did it all by myself too! Go me! Pretty simple too! The best part I don't have to do any touch ups with paint!!

Bye Bye ugly thermostat!

Hello beauty!

Now I just have to read the manual to figure out how to program this thing...

Other news....little man is getting clogged up. Started yesterday coughing when laying down for naptime and again during bedtime. :-( We were doing so good too! Months since his last treatment, but back on the ole bandwagon of elevated bed, humidifier, breathing treatments and vicks rub. Hopefully in a couple days he will be back to his peaceful sleep. Hate to hear him cough on the monitor...

Speaking of sleepless nights...I swear Brody is one ACTIVE baby! Aiden was active but it wasn't a constant kicking and flipping, he slept. Brody starts to get active around 9am and then calms down a little around 1pm but throws one out just to let me know he's still there and then when 7pm rolls around he is playing the drums till about 12-1am. I love feeling him, but it's getting to the point where it hurts!! Pretty miserable and since my tummy is upset I get really nauseous again...No fun at all! Reason #962 why this is my last one! haha Definitely haven't enjoyed the pregnancy this time around.

Cleaning

I did some major cleaning this weekend. Worked on the other side of the garage and almost complete! Yeah!! Our trash can is already full and pickup isn't till Wednesday! Oh boy!

I put my 2nd coat of poly on my table leaf to only have it start POURING 3 hours in....so there I am crazy lady running out in the rain picking up all my supplies....hopefully once I lightly sand it I won't need to re-poly it. I better not! I want to put my table together!! :-)

Earlier I started on my front door decoration. When my parents came up they brought an old chair perfect for what I want! So I lightly sanded it down and started to paint! I picked Sun Yellow. It will be nice bright and pulls the yellow out of the new curtain. I'm thinking about painting the house numbers on the pot that sits on the chair then having different items at the base (pots, watering can, statues, etc). I know I want to get one of those mini garden flags to put in a pot to exchange for the seasons.

Saturday night me and Wes went and saw Batman. AWESOME!! Anne Hathaway did great!

Little man had his 1st sleepover in months at Gabby and Grande's. He still managed to sleep with them...but no 3am wake ups. Hard to say No to that cute little face. He only had 1 accident but that was Grande's fault. lol He thought Aiden was a pro at standing up to pee...he didn't know you have to help guide him. hahaha aka pee everywhere!

I cut out fabric squares out of 3 fabrics for Brody's quilt. 2 more to go...then the sewing starts....

We took the opportunity to sleep in on Sunday. Man was it nice! Then little man came home after church and we spent the rest of the day in our pjs just soaking in family time. Always the best. No laundry to do. No rooms to clean. Time to relax. We had car races down the hallway, many tickle fights, practiced walking (pulling) Murph around the house, and lots of bonding in bed while watching cartoons.

This week is pretty hectic for me. Then I'm jammed packed busy over the weekend ....so I see lots of early bedtimes in my future.

Urinal

Okay it's official my son is a BIG boy now! He now stands up to pee! OMG! He's growing up too fast!!! He must have learned that with the other boys in the class and Carlos, because Mommy sure hasn't been teaching him that. haha Guess it's time for Wes to officially take over. Mommy's job is done :-)

His teacher said he is the fastest boy learner she's ever had! Went about 2 weeks of like 11 accidents a day to no accidents to standing up. Way to go Aiden!!! He is quite funny when he has to go...does 2 hip wiggles then holds himself and says "Potty!" and runs to it. hahaha Love it! She said it's good he is standing up now because the next class has more urinals than pottys....eek so does this mean he is graduating up soon!?! Which I'm happy about because that means his tuition goes down to $105 a week.

I think it is quite cute what the teacher does whenever they go they get to pick out the sticker themselves. Which makes them realize what they've done and how exciting it is! Aiden obviously loves "Cars" and sports as you can see from his sheet. :-)

We are still working on when it's a #2 though. He does it right but then gets so excited that he stands up so fast instead of wiping first. Equals a mess! I need to get some of those flushable wipes....because when I had him toilet paper he wipes only in the front but if I hand him a baby wipe he gets it correct.

Other news. Brody is becoming quite an active little guy. Especially in the afternoon. Since Wes has to go to bed at 7 it leaves quite a bit of time for Mommy and Aiden play time, and it's getting quite hard to keep up. Which I feel bad for Aiden he doesn't understand why he can't jump on mommy or why mommy can't pick him up as much or why I need to take breaks while playing. Most days now we have "study" nights where we practice colors, letters, etc....and some of the days when Brody has been abusing me real bad we head over to Gabby and Grande's so Carlos can wear him down. So thankful for that!

The next 3 weekends are going to be so much fun! This Saturday is date night with the hubby. Next Saturday is Meemaw's 80th Bday celebration and our anniversary date night. The next Saturday is my girl day with Erica (Going to finally see Magic Mike and paint Brody's tree). And hopefully very soon Ryan will make his appearance! I know Brittany and Trey are ready. hehe I'm using Ryan as a test run for Aiden. Aiden's seen babies but never newborns. Should be interesting!

Anniversary

Crazy to think in a week and a half will be our 3rd anniversary!! Not sure what we are doing but Wes took off so we could spend the day together.

Time sure has flown by and we've had lots of events happen within that short time. With me working in IT I'm constantly "on" so I'm so thankful Wes is around to keep me sane and in check. lol And reminds me to breathe. Makes me a better person. Feels like 10 year not 3 because we know each other so well.

So I'm on the hunt of his gift. A wallet (Leather). We are trying to follow the Gifts by Years. Year 1 we got a picture for our bathroom (Paper) and Year 2 we got new bedroom sheets (Cotton). Wes is getting me a glass bead for my Pandora bracelet (Glass). Next year will be hard to figure out what to get...

Yuck

Went to the doctor today. Everything went well but I've gained 10 lbs! UGH! I know that's not alot but it still made me sad. And then I get the news oh next month you are doing your Glucose Test. Shoot me now.....I really hate with a passion that test. Makes me sick, miserable, and messed up for days! So I'm doing all I can this next month to pass that test! I REALLY don't want to do the 3 hour test! I will probably cry if I have to take it....

Brody is one active kid the doctor was having to chase him all over my belly to get a good heartbeat reading. Other news TMI. but I finally figured out what this miserable pain is that I'm having. It seriously feels like I'm being split in two and its right above my "area". Like it's so bad I can hardly walk much less do anything. Complete misery. Thankfully it comes and goes but at least I know its normal. It's SPD (Symphysis pubis dysfunction). Since Brody has now shifted to a lower position and kicks alot he's just helping adding to the pain. Thanks buddy boy...just remember payback! haha Reason #569 why this is our last kid! My body is saying No more Momma! Next month if it's not any better I will have to wear this belt thing and get on pain killer...neither I want to do....

Other news.
I did so much this weekend that by 4pm Sunday I was EXHAUSTED! My feet were killing me and the pain was kicking in full gear.

What did I do?
*Cleaned out all our furniture for the arrival of our new furniture tomorrow.
*Cleaned the floor
*Did 5 loads of laundry. (unpacked Brody's clothes so I could store our clothes while we wait for the new furniture)
*Organized and sorted Brody's clothes
*Cleaned part of Brody's room to move the leather chair in
*Cleaned our bathroom
*Helped supervised (aka. Hand on Hip as Wes says) the installation of our cabinet above the toliet
*Supervised haha the moving of the furniture out of our room
*Reorganized our bathroom
*Did 3 loads of laundry (Aiden's clothes, our clothes, and towels)
*Cleaned and organized half of the garage. (Doing the other half next week)
*Pressure washed the entire sidewalk (Finally removed my paint spill. Had to do the whole thing because OMG it was sooo dirty!! Seriously look at the before and after pic below)
*Cleaned and organized the outside.
*Pressure washed the side of the house. (Now Wes just needs to give it a good scrubbing.)
*Made and hung the curtains that face outside through the sliding glass door. (Which I LOOOVE!)
*Put 1 coat of poly on the table leaf

And still found time to swim. Exhausted just writing all that. Now I just need to talk Wes into install the new outside lights.....since it's getting "cooler" haha it's perfect!

On the hunt

With patio furniture prices finally going down I'm on the hunt for a cute bistro set for the front. This is where Aiden plays the most so I would love an actual seat in the shade instead of sitting on the steps. We have the perfect little nook for something like this that is fully covered by the roof. Trying to make the outside look as great as the inside....trying! lol

Like everything I don't want to spend a lot like under $200 but the key thing is comfort. I sat in these chairs at Lowes...SO comfy! Not a bad price either, but the sales guy said to wait a couple weeks and they will go on sale (Half of their stuff was already marked down). The woven material is brown and very soft. I can just picture it now with a cute exterior pillow.

The table that matches I adore too! Has tile work on top that is neutral (brown and tan). The picture online doesn't do it justice. I like how it's all neutral so I can switch up accessories to change the look.

I think this picture proves that I might actually have a green thumb! haha I haven't killed my hydrangeas! With this recording breaking heat not helping one bit but they are hanging in there. I even have new growth!! See those bright green leaves and even some new buds! I couldn't be more proud!

See what I've been saying about my "burnt" look leaves...well the local nursery said that's A-OKAY! Doesn't mean it's dehydrated just that since it's so blasted hot the water has remained in the center of the leaf instead of expanded to the tips for survival. Whew! I also asked about the weird color change (you can see my new blooms are coming in blue)...it's also due to the heat. Making the blooms age faster to the green-red-brown color is called "old blooms". She suggested for me to add acid to the soil next spring since it's probably been affected by the weather too. Overall she said my plant looks and is acting perfect! YAH!!!

Next I'm on the hunt for a cute bench/seat to put by my front door. (Don't have a recent picture on my PC so this old one will have to do) If I can't find anything like I envision maybe one of those Gardner Stools with layer of different size pots...Not sure.....

Potty Master...Sales

So we have a potty master in our house now! Well that might be a little early to say that but this week his preschool has been trying a new method with him and OMG has it taken off! Has only 1 accident a day compared to 8 and yesterday he came home in the clothes I sent him off in. OMG OMG!!! I was thrilled!!! He was thrilled and couldn't wait to show me all his stickers of success!

One proud Momma and totally deserved his Popsicle reward...BEFORE dinner! :-)

What was the trick?!? Before when he would say potty he would sit down and nothing would happen and then ask to come off....which resulted in him peeing on himself a few minutes after. So they got a cup of warm water and pour it on him, which would cause him to release it. Worked every time!! Now they just turn on the sink to prompt him to go...and slowly will ween him to he teach himself to release it without assistance. Either way I'm highly impressed.....I think me begging them to help haha worked! Plus, they are fully on the train to get him potty trained at least during the day before the new baby comes. Thank goodness!! Love them!! I seriously couldn't be more happy with his school.

Last night was the big Fall/Winter Consignment sale I go to every year...and man I racked up! Knocked off a few Christmas presents and got Aiden and Brody some cute clothes. What was the damage? Only $104.  For what I got TOTALLY amazing price considering I didn't go on half off day!

Why didn't I go then...well I saw on their pictures they had lots of Art Easels (Aiden's big Christmas gift) so I was on the mission to get one. Man was I glad! I got the last one! I really wanted the Step2 Art Easel, because it's double sided so perfect for 2 little boys to use. Hopefully it will cause less fights. (Smart thinking Momma!) And the fact the folds flat makes it great to hide in a closet when not used. Retail price $40. My price $20. Now I can use those savings to buy the painting companion set. I did get a Melissa and Doug Easel pad for only $4.50, which is normally $7. Needless to say I was extremely happy even if the easel has a little scuffs on it, nothing a good scrubbing won't fix and let's be honest Aiden will probably add scuffs so who really cares.

I also found Carlos' Christmas gift. YAH! 1 down 1 to go! It was brand new still in the wrapping! Retail price $20. My price $12. Melissa and Doug Animal Pattern Block set. I didn't want to get him the stereotypical car or truck but something that was fun and challenging. I see Aiden playing alot with this when he's over at Gabby and Grande's...that boy loves his puzzles.

My other mission find Aiden 3T pants and a few 3T long sleeve tshirts and Brody a Christmas onesie. Which I scored. Even found Aiden some cute Christmas PJs, ALABAMA long sleeve shirt, Lion Halloween outfit, a couple stocking stuffers, and Stride Rite shoes.

Even though Brody doesn't really need clothes I did buy him 3 other outfits, that were SO cute and cheap I couldn't pass up. One was a Zutano Elephant Gown. Brand new still with tags Retail $24. My price $7....pricey in my eyes but hello it had ELEPHANTS RTR! sold! The other was a cute velvet set (perfect for daycare) that was fun! My price $3. Last was the best...I paid $12 which is high but it included 8 items! It's Gymboree and the beavers were ADORABLE!! Came with 2 pairs of socks, bib, tshirt, 2 onesies, reversable pants and jacket...love it! Retail price every piece around $5= $35. Score!

Winner....

2nd post of the day! Go me...but had to post about this....so remember the big debate....which Zoo animal for Brody?!?! We decided on a winner!

The Hippo!!!!!!!!

I asked around with some of my coworkers, gaining some insight into what was "manly"...hilarious responses. I was worried the little duckies made it girly. One response:

Hippo! 3rd largest land animal in the world and kills more people every year than crocs do!

That is one definite manly beast!


Needless to say I was cracking up.

Packages

We received lots of packages this weekend. Brody's light and stocking came in! Aiden's puzzle came in! Wes' new work shoes came in!

After years. yes years! I have finally found a rug to go under our bed. Right now we have a piece of carpet remnant from a family friend from when they were replacing carpet in their house (ghetto right?! haha but it serves its purpose and who really walks into our bedroom besides us?!). Why did it take so long? Since we need a 8x10 and I refused to pay over $300 makes the options dwindle fast. I can't justify spending a ton on a rug where 95% of it is covered by a bed. Every deal I found didn't fit the decor, but I finally found one.

It's solid shag, which I think will feel nice on our toes when getting out of bed. Cream. How much is this gem? $125!! Thanks Pottery Barn Outlet! I'm going to go reserve it sometime this week so I can pick it up on the weekend maybe.

Friday I finally got Aiden's haircut. It was getting so so long. After a good job for a special treat we tried the new yogurt place next door. Yum! I tried the Watermelon and Orange sherbet and little man got Chocolate and Peanut Butter. I was impressed. Not bad priced too.

That being said. This weekend was definitely a mommy weekend. I got my hair cut short again Saturday morning then went swimming with the little man. He is becoming a great swimmer...might even graduate to no life vest by the end of the summer (only in the shallow end).

With that being said....potty training and being 5 mo preggo is NO fun! Getting up and down, up and down every 5 minutes is painful. Especially when the little guy inside you is so active! But I'm hanging in there, definitely have my beyond frustrated moments but I try to not let Aiden see me. However by the end of Saturday mommy was tired and feeling sick, and after 3 "false" potty times in less than 10 minutes I hit my breaking point. The 4th time I made him sit on the potty till he went...literally holding him to it. He's screaming and crying....but wait what happened? HE WENT POTTY!!!!! Once he started I told him to give me a high five and look what he did..he looked started laughing and dancing. So his reward a Popsicle! Needless to say I think he got the idea because he didn't have as many "false" pottys Sunday. Felt bad, but Mommy just had it.

So needless to say after a stressful evening I had some ME time Sunday. Wes took over and I joined my girlfriends to get our toes done and chit chat. Afterwards I joined Regina and Bella to go see the "Katy Perry Part of Me" movie per Bella's request. I had no idea Katy could sing that good live! Definitely impressed. Once I got home I was greeted to a big hug and Aiden didn't want to let go. Nor did I. I missed the little guy!

Last note. I was going to poly the table leaf this weekend.....but Sunday morning it was RAINING!!! YAH!! So excited. Rain predicted for today too and temps down to 90! Never thought I would be so happy to put a project on hold. But the staining went great. Can't wait to make my table big!

Happy 4th

We had a great, relaxing 4th....well most of us. Wes worked a 12 hour shift. Hey time and a half and still got off with time to go swimming with us. Aiden and Carlos sure do love each other. Two peas in a pod....now if only I could get him to spend the night over there that would be awesome! Ever since he outgrew the pack n play he refuses to sleep upstairs with Carlos. He would cry and cry until Grande or Gabby gets him (I think it's because he likes sleeping in their massive bed. lol) I feel bad about them not getting good sleep so for now there aren't any sleepovers.

Back on subject. On Tuesday night we headed up to the Base to check out the firework show. Man they did not disappoint. Aiden had the time of his life. Before it got dark he was amazed with all the horses. and enjoyed being near the lake. Once the show got started he was clapping, screaming for joy, and going "ohhhhhhhh" and on the other hand Carlos (the almost 4 year old) was crying and putting his finger in his ears. I was worried Aiden would start crying bc his "role model" was crying but thankfully he ignored him.

I can't wait for the Base to open their Spray Park! Aiden will have a blast!! The other side of town has them, but it's to far for us to drive. Plus it's free entertainment within a 5 mile drive. All about that!

Aiden Update: We are still sticking with just big boy undies...still lots of laundry but he's getting better. Aiden does crack me up. When he tells us he has to go potty it's like IMMEDIATE! Hence why we have accidents. Hasn't learned how to hold it yet for that walk over to the potty. Only time we have successes is when I ask if he needs to go (Asking every 30 minutes), but at least we get some successes in there. Progress! (However I get a call today saying they had 7 accidents and are running out of shorts. DANG IT!)

I now have a dilemma...remember how I was going to get Brody a daycare backpack for Christmas...well they've now introduced new animals and I don't know which one to get him....They are SOOO cute! Help! Aiden's is holding up great considering how it's treated. lol

Weekend Update

The weekends sure fly by! This Saturday was the baby shower for our dear friends Trey and Brittany. It was so much fun! Although I was a little worried I wouldn't be able to do anything...little Brody was sure making his presence known when setting up. Thanks to Regina and Bella helping me and Erica. Silly me didn't bring my camera so I snapped some with my phone before everyone arrived.

The watermelon carriage was actually easier to make than I thought. However, the skin must have been tough because it was HARD to stick in the toothpicks to hold the "wheels". That was the BEST watermelon I've had all summer.

That evening we went swimming to escape the heat. And we were back on Sunday too. Aiden is a water boy! I need to take a picture but I keep forgetting. But he is quite hilarious with his Nemo lifevest on and one noodle under each arm. He will swim from one end to the other and jump into the pool (only if Mommy is there to "catch" him) . One of the perks of my in-laws house, which is a need this summer haha! So hot!

After swimming we came back to both nap at the house. Mommy was worn out and so was Aiden. You find us like this most Sunday afternoons....He's on one end I'm on the other and in the middle of the nap Murph sneaks his way in to snuggle.

Other news. No more Pull-ups for Aiden. He is officially only in big boy undies...however I still put him in them at night...don't trust that bladder yet :-) This weekend we didn't have any successes, but thats okay. This morning I thought we were never going to get out the door. Recap:

Woke Aiden up. Change #1. Walked him in the bathroom to see if he needed to potty. Nope.
Gave him breakfast while I'm getting everything together. Gets it all over his clothes. Change #2.
Go back to packing things. Accident #1. Change #3.
Go back to the potty to see if hes got some more in there. Nope.
Start to pack the car. Come back in. Accident #2. Change #4.

I swear it took us an hour to leave the house this morning....I was beyond frustrated and Aiden knew because on that last accident he said he was sorry and gave me a big hug. How could that not melt your heart...I told him it was okay but that he needed to be better at school, which got a "Okay Momma!"

Here was his supply list for today. 20 pairs of undies, 10 shorts, and 3 shirts.....hope that gets him through the day.....Oh the laundry!

Tomorrow we get out early for the 4th so I took a little time off so me and Wes could have a day date. Now I just need to decide what movie we want to watch and then we are off to see the firework show that night with the little man.