Imperfections, welcomed.

Lessons Learned: Antique Furniture

2012-02-08T09:43:00.004-06:00

Almost every time I open/look/do anything with my dresser, I think about the lesson I learned many moons ago. And as it's been wearing on my patience lately and forcing me to offer up it's annoyance, I thought I should/could share my lesson learned with you so you, my dear friend, do not make the same amateur mistake as I did.

Let's travel back in time, shall we?

SO, back when I was a wee college student, which literally does seems like many, many moons ago (although it was only about 4 -- (but, 8 since I was a freshman in college...whhhhatT?!), I really liked to go to antique stores.

My personal/ideal style is allllll over the place.

I love modern.

I love clean.

I love traditional.

And I reallllllllllly love cottagey, vintagey, shabby chic-like charm.

(the last one doesn't fit quite as well in marriage for my manly man husband).

I digress...

So, as a spritely, young, amateur antiquer I would peruse the shops with wide eyes and limited funds. I had a favorite place in Auburn to do this. It's was HUGE and kind of like a FleaMarket with tons of booths with different vendors.

My senior year, I was in need of a dresser.

I reallllllly wanted to get some thing with a story, something cute, something charming.

Fortunately for me, one of my favorite booths had just what I was looking for.

Vintagey off-white.

Sea Glass Green knobs.

Decent price (I think it was around $120, maybe $100).

I'm sold.

Eagerly, I find an employee and proudly announce I would like to buy this dresser.

My first "antique."

Right up my cottagey charm alley.

I purchased it.

I had a friend pick it up with me.

We unloaded it in my rooms.

I'm drooling with excitement and anticipation.

. . . .

Now, it's time to load it up with my clothes (in the only 3 drawers. mistake one. But, that's doable. I can sacrifice for this cuteness).

Like any first step in loading up a dresser, you must open the dresser drawers, right?

Open the dresser drawers.

Errrrrrk. Screeetch. Slam.

. . . .

Open the dresser drawers.

In all the excitement of having this perfect piece, buying my first antique, it's adorable charm, it's final sales (no return) cute piece of furniture, I had not even thought that perhaps I should open the drawers.

Open the dresser drawers.

Turns out, opening the dresser drawers (or any piece of furniture's drawers) would definitely be in your interest.

My quaint cottagey dresser has no runners in it.

It is the worst to open as it is very antique.

Awesome.

. . . .

I've muddled through the past 4 years with limited drawer space and annoying drawers.

It's character building.

Sometimes, I get so angry at my adorable piece of furniture that I think

You're outta here. Next trash day...see ya later.

You're on the curb, succcckkkkerrrr.

But, I'm emotionally attached.

I don't want to get rid of it.
Even with our tainted relationship...

It's sooooo cute.

Perhaps one day it can hold extra linens (not that I have any of those now) or something that I don't need as often.

And as for now...as for now, I will continue to suffer through and offer up this annoyance for the pains of this world...

and scour Craigslist until I find one for free.

But, Craiglists...you can pull one over on me.

From now on...I will always open the drawers.

Baby Bliss: Never, Never, Ever, Ever Grow Up

2012-02-07T21:10:00.000-06:00

So, it occurred to me as I was writing my Momma Monday post and was linking back to my previous post about Sleep Training Katherine, that Audrey and Katherine were around the same age.

Obviously.

That really wasn't a surprise.

What did surprise me?

That I had mentioned Katherine was gumming on apple slices/carrots!!

What!?!

Seriously.

It shocked me.

I read that.

Looked at Audrey.

Looked at the screen.

Looked at the picture of Katherine.

Looked back at Audrey.

Then thought to myself,
You're not ready for that, sweet girl.
You're just a baby.
I'm not ready for that.
What?!
How are you this old already?

. . . .

It then occurred to me...

With your first child...at least for me...

I was SO excited about getting to each new milestone.

Maybe too excited...

I couldn't wait to see them grow, change, mature.

But...now that I have two (who are only 15 months apart)...

I realize how fast they do change, grow, mature.

They don't stay babies long.

It's so fast.

so fast.

(It makes me emotional).

Not to mention, it's so why I don't ever wish away the early sleep interrupted nights of a newborn.

That's so temporary.

so fleeting.

so special.

so worth it.

Before you know it, you look down and he/she is three months, six months, knocking on their first birthday's door...

I don't want to rush her.

My baby girl is already almost half a year old.

How did that happen?

Brett and I were watching her on her tummy this evening, and couldn't help but comment...she could (i doubt...Katherine was realllly slow to crawl) be crawling in a month.

In fact, we've been commenting...probably since the day Audrey came home from the hospital how we will so miss having a newborn.

{Disclaimer: That was not a foreshadowing or preliminary coded announcement}

It's such a joy.

Such a blessing.

Such a responsibility.

Such an honor.

Such a privilege to bring new life into the world.

So, my dearest little Audrey.

I love you.

You are growing up.

Too fast for my liking...

But, if it's okay with you...

I'm going to let you take your time.

Momma Monday

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-06:00

Momma Monday begins my documenting things on the mind of this Momma each Monday.

For the first time in 20 months of having a babies, I put a onesies on Audrey backwards last week. To be fair, it was just plain stripes, but it did take me an hour or two before I realized it.
Mommy Brain for real.
. . . .

I've begun "Sleep Training" Audrey using the methods found in the book Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child by Marc Weissbluth, as I did with Katherine.

It was painful with Katherine.
By painful I mean, a really rough adjustment and lots of "crying it out" sessions.
(I mean, sometimes by the end of the day I had listened for 4 hours total of crying).

But, the payoff was great.
In time, she would go to sleep on her own for naps and bedtime.
I can't tell you how liberating that is, not to mention great for them.

I seriously stand by the statement, "A well rested baby is (almost) always a happy baby."

Today begins day 4 for Audrey.

As of today, we have yet to have a "cry it out" session.
On the rarest of occasions there have been a few brief tears, but nothing that has surpassed 15 minutes, and crying at all has been rare.
AND she's been taking beautiful naps, like at least an hour 3 times a day (but realistically, at least two are close to 2 hours, sometimes 3 hours!)
Not to mention, bedtime has been beautiful.

Love that girl.
Way to make Momma proud!
. . . .

Katherine and Audrey are developing a ridiculously cute relationship.
It makes my heart so full and I just pray they can keep that bond.
. . . .

Katherine vocabulary list is growing by leaps and bounds these days.
Literally each day.

"Oh no!" has been on the list for a while and there is a LOT (and by a LOT I mean millions) of "Oh no's!" said daily. And, I love the way she says it. So, about 95% of the time it doesn't annoy me and I think it's downright adorable.
But the other 5%...
Like when she peered over the couch, down the sliver of space between the wall and couch, and noticed the toys she had dropped down that space many moons ago. She became fixated and literally said "Oh no!" so concerned for 20 minutes (and 20 minutes is so not an exaggeration there). Adamantly alerting me.
And sadly upset when I could not move the heavy couch to get them back for her.

Some of my favorites:
"Oh boy!"
"Oh my!"
(there's a lot of "Ohs")

Of course, her enthusiastic "Wows."

"Audrey" said more like "Ahh deee."

"Airplane" said more like "ah pane."
. . . .

Our enforcements of "No Nos" HUGELY paid off when we moved here and now, Katherine is capable of playing around the house (which is literally usually only 2 rooms (besides the living rooms, the kitchen/her room)) without worrying what she will get into.
She knows her boundaries.
Great blessing.
. . . .

Speaking of capable.

Audrey is now (finally) getting more into tummy time giving me substantial tummy time and getting her heavy little head way up.
It's beautiful.

And Katherine is now available for babysitting...

On Friday, Brett and I were unloading groceries in the kitchen (which provides a straight shot view to where I had propped Audrey).
We had gated Katherine (mainly) in the living room.
I had propped Audrey in the corner of the recliner. One of her favorite places.
I asked Katherine from the kitchen, "Can you babysit Audrey?"
(and the following really happened)
She shook her head "yes" with a smile.
She brought her water cup/snack over to the recliner.
Grabbed my "Happy Sleep Habits, Happy Baby" book.
Climbed next to Audrey.
Pulled the book into her lap and started paging through it.
Didn't leave her side until I returned.

It's was a pretty cute moment that produced proud parents.
. . . .

My heart and mind are starting to get a little bogged down and heavy with all the politics that I am taking in and reading about each day.
I'm going to have to take a breather or I literally won't live until November.
It's too overwhelming and heavy.
. . . .

Is there another episode of Parenthood this Tuesday?
There hasn't been one in two weeks.
And now that I'm caught up, I need more ~~cowbell~~ Parenthood.
. . . .

We are sending our deposit to VCU in the mail today.
Big stuff!

And, I'm finally mailing out "thank yous" that date back to Audrey birth and include Christmas.
So, if you are deserving of one, you should finally be getting those (sorry they are so late!), and if you don't get one...let me know. It's very quite possible I forgot someone(s).
. . . .

Okay, that was the mind vomit of my brain today.

Momma Monday,
Welcome to the weekly lineup.

Sisterhood: Bad Case of the Giggles.

2012-02-04T10:27:00.000-06:00

If you're friends with me on Facebook, this is old news (sorry!).

But, for those of you who keep us with us who are not on Facebook, this is for you.

Katherine is in major copycat mode.

After seeing me "zerbert" Audrey's belly, she came over to do the same thing.

This was the outcome...

{Warning}

Cuteness overload may occur.

Seeing things like this and seeing their bond continue to grow each day is just further proof to me that the Author of Life makes no mistake when he breathes us into existence. He knows exactly what he's doing with the gift of every human life.

Lord,

Please help me to continue to foster such a sweet, fun, and loving relationship between them.

Fitness Friday

2012-02-03T09:55:00.000-06:00

Remember how I said this was going to be humbling and embarrassing?

To hold true to my words, it will be.

This week was not a strong start, but you know, that's okay.

I have to tell you either way, and THAT has been on my mind all week.

And just like with anything, it's is important for me to accept my mistakes, admit them, then try better. Right?

We've got this.

The important thing I recognize is that it is mind over matter.

I'm really really embarrassingly good at convincing myself (like I think most mothers do), that I have too much to do and too many important things.

Sustaining two human lives is more important then worrying about whether I exercise.

Granted, these two human lives are more dependent on me now than they will be, but that can't always be my excuse...my family (God-willing) will continue to grow.

And as my family grows, that excuse will become tired and old.

AND if I don't make time for it now, my life will only keep on moving, become busier, and I'll convince myself I have even less time.

And mentally and physically if I'm fit it can old help me become more spiritually fit, right?

Because I can offer up my complete disgust for exercise for others and this world (which really needs it).

Okay, enough is enough.

Let's get down to the embarrassing facts...

Friday, January 27

(30) pushups

planking like exercises

various arm weight exercises

50 crunches

(The crunches and pushups included a 20 month old standing, sitting, and climbing on me...that counts like triple, right?)

Saturday, January 28

30 minute walk

Sunday, January 29

Monday, January 30

Tuesday, January 31

Wednesday, February 1

Undisclosed amount (meaning I lost count and could only do it between babies needing my attention) of crunches/pushups.

Thursday, February 2

Not that impressive, at.all.

I've got no where to go but up, right?

The positives?

I started a Fitness Log and am recording exercises/progress.
Hoping to hold me accountable, not to mention honest to you.

My weights have been OUT of the closet and sitting on the table in the living room.
Easy access to pick up in a brief moment to get an "arm" up on exercising.

Don't lose faith in me.

Drop the laughter. Drop the taunts.

I hear you.

I'll get better.

I'll show you...

Dental School: Acceptance Day Celebration

2012-02-02T07:20:00.000-06:00

In celebrating our big acceptance, we put in to action Operation Dental School Celebration.

Back in January, we vowed (strong language) that if we got an acceptance letter, we were hitting up The Melting Pot's "Half Off" Happy Hour (Half off Drinks/Cheese/Chocolate).

As we knew yesterday we would hear the news, I set up a "potential celebration" babysitter.

And as we know now...a celebration was in order.

Dearest Abigail took up the challenge of caring for our girls and we hit the road for a little celebratory early dinner.

Indulging in some margaritas & sangria, we toasted Brett's hard work and hit up some cheese & chocolate Fondue.

For the record, I hate taking couple pictures at restaurants particularly if we are there alone...
I feel incredibly cheesy and Brett grumbled about it, but this was a BIG deal.
I insisted it had to be documented.

And since not many people are eating dinner at 4ish...we were able to eat relatively quickly and to snag a few moments overlooking the city. Pittsburgh has a pretty fun and great skyline from so many angles, if I do say so myself. Not to mention, it's been a while since we've gotten a "just us" picture. Overdue.

Grabbing a shot with a train.

Thank heavens for camera timers.

Sometimes, we're reaallllly bad at pretending like we love each other in pictures.

And for old times sakes, it's also been a while (probably since our wedding) since we had a "kissy" picture.
I made him do it.

We arrived home to a fed Katherine (thanks Abigail!) and finished the evening routine with a bath time for the big girl, fed our little girl, got the big girl to clean up, and read our bedtime stories and got them to sleep.

Then, another helper came over (Thanks Heather!) so we could indulge in 9pm Mass of Thanksgiving sans children. At the end of Mass, we were greeted by some faces (and new blog readers -- hey girls!) that I hadn't seen yet this semester! After some brief catching up, Ruth and Gina escaped with us to celebrate with some beer and pretzels (clearly, we had a really healthy day). :)

It was a good day in the Rhodes household...

Joyful.

Excited.

Celebratory.

Thankful.

Praise God for answered prayers, and now to continue to hand him over our future...

Breaking News!

2012-02-01T10:04:00.000-06:00

HE'S IN!

. . . .

This morning, we heard the exciting and thrilling news that an offer has been made for Brett to attend Virginia Commonwealth University's Dental School, one of his top picks!

He's thrilled.

I'm thrilled and SO proud!

He's worked so hard.

We are so relieved to have a place to attend, not to mention, a place where Brett LOVED and thought felt right.

. . . .

While trying not to get our hopes up, Brett said his interview last week went SO well and he felt a very good connection with the dean, and felt confident that he would receive an offer and confident that we would be happy there.

We knew we would hear the news today, good or bad, and last night I told Brett I could feel in my heart that this is probably where we will end up.

This isn't officially where we'll be, but it's a very likely option.

We are continuing to pray for open hearts and know that God will put us in just the right place.

. . . .

Bottom line: Celebratory dinner for "Happy Hour" at the Melting Pot.

Yessssss! :)

We're so proud of you, Brett!

Big Girl Transitions: Audrey and the Exersaucer

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-06:00

Audrey had a monumental day the other day.

She turned 5 months.

How?

And, as a 5 month old, who isn't the biggest fan of "tummy time," but loves sitting upright, there was only one thing to do...

break out the exersaucer.

She's still a little wibbly wobbly with her head at times.

It's just so heavy.

You know what that's like, right?

Orange on a toothpick?

For the time being, our small living room is maxed out on baby things, so it's parked in the kitchen for me to use when I need to have her in there with me during meals.

But, it was a grand introduction.

And, a grand reintroduction for Katherine, who "woooooooooooooow-ed" ever so enthusiastically when it entered the room the other day for me to clean off. And who is ever more interested in all the toys on it and can actually use them more appropriately.

They appreciate things so much more when they grow up.

She spent a good bit of time showing Audrey the ropes, and by that I mean...playing with all the toys for her while she stared in wonderment.

Here Audrey, you stack the cake like this.
(Except, I never learned how to do this before I outgrew it...so it may take me a while).

Mmmm. A sippy cup.
5 months old. That's big enough, right?

Happy 5 months my little bean.

Baby Bliss: Day at the Park.

2012-01-31T13:32:00.001-06:00

Today the high is in the mid-upper 50s.

Whoa.

This meant we ladies had to get to the park.

Stat.

We hadn't been to the park since October-ish.

Katherine barely showed much interests in the playsets, as she was more interested in just running around.

Two things were evident immediately.

a. she's grown up so much

b. she clearly doesn't get out much.

Upon seeing the park through the car window, she immediately started her "Wooooooowwwww's."

Building the excitement as she had to wait for me to get our stuff situated, Audrey in the carrier, and load up a stroller. She could barely contain herself.

As we stroller up the sidewalk, I asked her if she wanted to play?

"PLAYYYYYY."

Once released from the confines of her stroller, the once empty park was swarming with kids. (Literally, there was no one there when we pulled up).

Katherine unleashed a fury of enthusiastic "wooooows, yaaaaaayyyss, ohhhh wowwwwws, hurrraaays, and hiiiiiiii's to ever child she passed."

Alerting everyone at said park that she doesn't get out much.

(and since we went before her afternoon nap, it was still chillier than I had hoped. Alas).

And of course, I went through the trouble of bringing our camera only to discover it didn't really have much battery life...

Camera phone.

Camera phone, but surprisingly good.
Crazy talk.

Clearly the slide was a HUGE hit, as was the parks playsets.

We can't wait for more sunshine and warm days.

Fitness Friday

2012-01-27T09:14:00.001-06:00

Today, I am starting a series that as you see in the title is called Fitness Friday.

I'd love to tell you it's going to be incredibly motivational, incredibly impressive, or something else incredible and exciting.

However, the fact of the matter is that is will be probably incredibly lame and mostly incredibly humbling, and definitely incredibly embarrassing.

The goal of Fitness Friday is to document exercises/physical activity that I made happen throughout the week. Because, fact of the matter is that I don't do an incredible job at that.

I need motivation.

And I figure, if I commit myself to potentially embarrassing myself, maybe I'll stick to it. "It" being something.

At this point, I don't have lofty goals.

I am literally just trying to get moving and make conscious efforts to be physical.

Granted, while I think lugging around my girls, climbing steps, and some of my other daily routine is pretty darn good...it's definitely not enough to make a significant stab at shredding that baby weight. I also need a major toning going on after stretching so much in 2 years.

I just want to make it a point to have at least 3-4 days of significant movement happening.

Maybe that will be...

Toting my girls in the double stroller for a walk for quite sometime (sounds lame, but that sucker is heavy when they are both loaded in).

Strength training with my pilates DVD.

Spending time on my EA Sport Active for Wii.

Maybe if I'm lucky...attempting a run without children.

Something of that nature.

Getting moving.

Getting out.

Making it happen.

Then documenting...however lame it is...

what I did each week

HERE on Fitness Friday!

Then, hopefully, over time, it can become something EXCITING, less embarrassing, and more encouraging!

That way, you can keep me accountable.

And if I make myself write it here, then I have to make sure I have something to write, right?

. . . .

Maybe you're in my same boat.

Let's get moving.

Start a Fitness Friday.

If you decide to start one, tell me and link your blog in a comment!

I will want to read, encourage you, and keep you moving!

Fitness Friday, you have begun.

No turning back...

Baby Bliss: The story of the Wooden Heart.

2012-01-26T07:44:00.002-06:00

Katherine's latest Comforts:
Tater Doggy
&
the wooden heart?

Once Katherine was maybe 10 months old, I started putting her to sleep with her Tater Doggy.

Tater Doggy was from my mom and resembles her cute little doggy.

I like Tater Doggy because she's small and compact, and Katherine took to her immediately being that she loves dogs and her first word was "Doggy."

Tater Doggy became part of her everyday nap/bedtime routine.

She has been Katherine's staple in all her travel as a constant that she can count on.

Rarely do we let Tater Doggy leave the crib so we can know where she is and not lose her.

Occasionally, like this morning when Katherine wanted to bring Tater Doggy out of the crib...I get a little soft and let it happen. She also wanted to take her wooden heart out of the crib this morning...

Why is she sleeping with a wooden, sparkly heart?

Good question.

One day, while coming back home from running errands, I was guiding her back to the front door. As I unlocked the door and she stood in front of it waiting, she noticed (and I somehow knew she would) the above pictured wooden heart laying on the ground that had fallen from my Valentine Hanger on the door. (You have to give our front door a good slam since it's kind of stiff and hard to shut sometimes, so it must have fallen off).

As she noticed this heart, she let out one of her (what I call) whisper wooooooows and picks it up. Well, not getting around it, that heart was going to be making it up the stairs with us and she wasn't letting go. This, of course, made our journey up our three flights of stairs even slower as she carefully crawled, while gripping that heart tight in her hand. I just kept imagining if she was just about a year older, she'd probably be calling it her "treasure."

I have to admit, secretly, I thought this was the cutest thing ever that she was taking to this heart, and well, taking it to heart. One of my favorite things is 1 Corinthians 13, and not in a cliche way, but in a I suck at it way and it's a constant goal of mine to love other better and more Christ-like way.

20 minutes later, (exaggerated, but not really) we finally make it to the top of our steps. And like usual, after morning errands, it's usually time for her nap. We toss all of our jackets and things off for me to later clean up, and swiftly get ourselves into nap time mode. While we were saying our prayers before nap time, she would NOT let go of that heart. Gripping it tight.

Finally, right before I put her in her crib, I got her to let go of it and assured her that we would let it rest right on the table next to the rocker.

. . . .

Every nap or bedtime since then, she wants to snuggle that heart while we read/say our prayers. I kind of didn't want another attachment thing to keep track of, so one day, I kind of snuck it onto her dresser, but she immediately noticed.

And while I wasn't crazy about having another attachment thing, I kind of think it's adorably cute that she wants to sleep with this heart and keep it close to her heart.

. . . .

This morning, besides hearing the usual morning cries to get her out of her crib, I did notice that she kept saying "uh oh. uh oh." When, I went it to get her, I noticed she had dropped the heart out of the crib. She wouldn't let me get her out until I picked it up for her. Then, she quickly brought it to her chest, turned around picking up Tater Doggy, then wanted out. I went soft.

Both of the heart and Tater Doggy made there way into the "real" world for the day and are comfortably resting on the ottoman.

I keep seeing Katherine taking a minute from her playing to go over and embrace the two of them.

It makes me a crazy momma, but I secretly think it's darling.

Okay, well not so secretly since I'm telling you about it.

(as I watch Katherine give her sister a "shot" with her doctor kit...

oh, and now try to put a bracelet on her arm...

oh, and not give her a shot with her thermometer...

poor unsuspecting Audrey).

I hope you keep a wooden heart close to your heart today.

Muffin Mania

2012-01-25T07:25:00.000-06:00

If there's one thing that will always ring true about me...

I love unhealthy "healthy" things.

Let me explain.

I bought some bananas for Katherine.

Katherine, who loves all fruit.

(And this makes sense), after a few days of Bananas, she's over it.

I would be too.

I get tired of eating the same old things.

I'm a weirdo and actually like my bananas best when they are just barely ripe.

So, when bananas "over-ripen" for my taste, there is only one thing to do.

Banana Bread -- that's healthy, right?

I love anything with bread or implied bread in the title.

Then, I thought.

Hmmm, bananas with chocolate chips. I'm sure there would be a recipe for that.

Then, I thought...I don't know why.

Hmmm, bananas, chocolate chips, and oatmeal. That's healthy? Wonder if I can find a recipe for that. Then, I can trick Katherine into eating Bananas (with chocolate chips - ~~good~~ parenting).

Boom Baby.

"Low Fat" (that's what it says)

Banana Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Muffins

They are reallllllly good.

And Low Fat.

Cue Seinfeld.

These were incredibly quick and easy to make from scratch.

. . . .

We also had a bundle of sweet potatoes that I wanted to make sure didn't go to waste before they went bad. I cooked them up and threw the leftovers in these bad boys.

Sweet-Potato Muffins

These were reallllly good, but there is a lot of brown sugar in them.

If I made them again, we would definitely change that.

. . . .

Finally, to sneak some more carrots into Katherine's life and to bring to a play date today.

Carrot Raisin Muffins

These too were quick and easy.

However, I wouldn't recommend using baby carrots to shred (I used my cheese grater).

Obviously. (Hey! Don't laugh!)

And actually, we NEVER have baby carrots because I like to buy my carrots whole.

But, Brett bought them last time at the store.

(Blame it on the husband).

Took me for.ev.er to shred 2 cups (I used 2 cups instead of three because I couldn't bare to shred another cup) and they turned out just fine -- and delicious. I let you know what the kiddies think of them after today.

. . . .

It would probably work in my favor to stop baking muffins.

But these are all heathy, right?

. . . .

And this is how I, Natasha, got my muffin top.

Motherhood: You are beautiful & important.

2012-01-24T08:31:00.000-06:00

I posted this article on my Facebook yesterday because a friend had shared it with me.

I loved it.

There's not much to preface it with beyond just the simple reminder that being a mom is beautiful & one of the most important jobs in the world, even though often it's not viewed upon that way.

Motherhood is deep, emotional, and a giant responsibility.

We have little souls relying on us to shape them, love them, guide them.

All that that entails is demanding and exhausting, although nonetheless rewarding.

Here's a little something to remind you of your purpose, beauty, and significance.

Enjoy your Tuesday!

Baby Bliss: Bed Bugs

2012-01-23T14:30:00.002-06:00

Yesterday, I had my cute little bundle propped up on our bed (one of her favorite things).

Then, my older little bundle needed to join in to get in her "relaxation" mode (learned from Daddy).

Luckily, my camera was within reach because I got some stellarly cute photos.

Fact: Katherine always wants to be next to Audrey when she's doing something "big girl-ish."

These expressions and interactions are about typical of the two of them.
I love it.
It's such a blessing and privilege to watch them grow and love each other.

Seriously hanging.

Relaxing is not for the faint of heart.

Just talking about it.

One of my favorites.

Looking out the window.

This hands up in the air and open mouth is a common way Katherine "talks" to you.
Arms up and shaking up and down, all while speaking her language...

and nodding her head. Audrey looks confused.

Excited, Middle-Aged Woman's wedding dancing arms.

Obsessed with this one.

and this one.

Doing the same thing.

There was a lot of love going on yesterday.

And, it makes me so happy this sort of love is already happening.

Hopefully, I can continue to foster such a strong bond between them.

Prayer for your Husbands Wife.

2012-01-22T07:26:00.000-06:00

The other day, my mom e-mailed all of her daughters this email with an attached prayer.

It's from the book, "The Power of a Praying Wife."

This excerpt and prayer is from the chapter "His Wife."

It's a little long, but definitely worth a read through at least once.

I enjoyed it and was hoping you would too.

Here is the dialogue that the author often had with God after an argument:

Do you see the way he is, Lord?

Do you see the way YOU are?

Lord, are You saying there are things you want to change in me?

Many things. Are you ready to hear them?

Will, I guess so.

Tell me when you are really ready.

Why me, God? He's the one that needs to change.

The point is not who needs to change. The point is who is willing to change.

But God, this isn't fair.

I never said life is fair, I said that I am fair.

But I...

Someone has to be willing to start.

But...

How important is preserving your marriage?

Very important. The other options are unacceptable.

I rest my case. Let's get on with changing you.

Help me to have a good attitude about this, Lord.

That's up to you.

Do I have to pray for my husband, even if he's not praying for me?

Precisely.

But that's not...okay, okay, I remember. Life's not fair, You are fair!

(Silent nodding from heaven)

I give up. Go ahead. Oh, this is going to be painful! Cha...change...I can't believe I'm saying this. (Deep breath) Change me Lord.

Prayer:

Lord,

Help me to be a good wife. I fully realize that I don't have what it takes to be one without Your help. Take my selfishness, impatience, and irritability and turn them into kindness, long-suffering, and the willingness to bear all things. Take off my old emotional habits, mindsets, automatic reactions, rude assumptions, and self-protective stance, and make me patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, and self-controlled. Take the hardness of my heart and break down the walls with Your battering ram of revelation. Give me a new heart and work in me Your love, peace, and joy (Galatians 5:22-23). I am not able to rise above who I am at this moment. Only You can transform me.

Show me where there is sin in my heart, especially with regard to my husband. I confess the times I've been unloving, critical, angry, resentful, disrespectful or unforgiving toward him. Help me to put aside any hurt anger, or disappointment I feel and forgive him the way You do-totally and completely, no looking back. Make me a tool of reconciliation, peace and healing in this marriage. Enable us to communicate well and rescue us from the threshold of separation where the realities of divorce begin.

Make me my husband's helpmate, companion, champion, friend, and support. Help me to create a peaceful, restful, safe place for him to come home to. Teach me how to take care of myself and stay attractive to him. Grow me into a creative and confident woman who is rich in mind, soul, and spirit. Make me the kind of woman he can be proud to say is his wife.

I lay all my expectations at Your cross. I release my husband from the burden of fulfilling me in areas where I should be looking to You. Help me to accept him the way he is and not try to change him. I realize that in some ways he may never change, but at the same time, I release him to change in ways I never thought he could. I leave any changing that needs to be done in Your hands, fully accepting that neither of us is perfect and never will be. Only You, Lord, are perfect and I look to You to perfect us.

Teach me how to pray for my husband and make my prayers a true language of love. Where love has died, create a new love between us. Show me what unconditional love really is and how to communicate it in a way he can clearly perceive. Bring unity between us so that we can be in agreement about everything (Amos 3:3). May the God of patience and comfort grant us to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus (Romans 15:5). Make us a team, not pursuing separate, competitive, or independent lives, but working together, overlooking each other's faults and weaknesses for the greater good of the marriage. Help us to pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another (Romans 14:19). may we be "perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment (I Corinthians 1:10).

I pray that our commitment to You and to one another will grow stronger and more passionate every day. Enable him to be the head of the home as You made him to be, and show me how to support and respect him as he rises to that place of leadership. Help me to understand his dreams and see things from his perspective. Reveal to me what he wants and needs and show me potential problems before they arise. Breathe Your life into this marriage.

Make me a new person. Lord. Give me a fresh perspective, a positive outlook, and a renewed relationship with the man You've given me. Help me to see him with new eyes, new appreciation, new love, new compassion, and new acceptance. Give my husband a new wife, and let it be me.

Amen.

Snow Days

2012-01-21T13:52:00.000-06:00

Something about these past few snow days has had me motivated to finally catch up on about the 500 things I've been wanting to do/get done since before/since Audrey's been born.

Finally, I got around to reorganizing/vacuum sealing the clothes Katherine's grown out of since Audrey's birth/what Audrey's grown out of & organized so the next season is easily accessible.

(Editors Note) DON'T store baby clothes in cardboard boxes. I did this with all of Katherine's outgrown clothes last year. I always put them away cleaned, but cardboard boxes can turn light clothing yellow, particularly anywhere she spit up on them, which for her...was everywhere.

Thankfully, most of the stains came out with a pretreat and a hot water wash (or 2).

But, lesson learned.

However, buying plastic bins was out of the question. They are so expensive.

Those space saving bags! Life savers.

Inexpensive and they cut down on storage space.

I was so glad to finally get that done.

It did, however, look as though an atomic bomb of baby girl clothes had gone off in our living room for most of the day.

Things get done, but at a snails pace between juggling babies/schedules.

Getting that done meant I could better organize that closet & create yet another stack of things for Goodwill.

Getting that done meant I could finally fold some laundry that I'd been putting off all week.

Getting that done meant I could finally put away all the suitcases from our Christmas travels.

Getting all of that done meant I could give a good ol' vacuum to the floors.

Getting that done meant I could organize a few drawers.

See, I've been busy.

And I'm still not done...

Emails to catch up on.

Far too many thank you notes to write backing up to Audrey's birth (embarrassing).

And, I have some baking I want to do...

So basically, if it could snow for the next week.

That would be great!

. . . .

Random:

My girlyfriend Nichole was testing out her new camera lense when we were over.

She sent me these pictures of my little ones.

(Vainly, thank goodness I wore makeup).

What can I say?
I love those faces & girls.

Are you productive during snow days?
I think I'm about ready to collapse.

Rhodes Sleigh: Stop 5 & 6.

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-06:00

Stop 5: Huntsville

We rang in the New Year in Huntsville.

And by ringing in the New Year, I mean, I was in bed by ten (easily) and Brett rang in the new year by himself.

(I'm a realllllly good wife).

He was sweet enough to wake me up when he came to bed and give me a sweet little New Years kiss (read that as: sleepy breath and I looked like sleeping ~~beauty~~ death).

So, you should also read that as "that is love."

We spent time in Huntsville galavanting around with Grandmama. Eating a few delicious meals out, but mainly us all being spoiled senseless like Grandmama.

She is always so good to us in providing us good food, no clean up (not that I don't always offer), beds to sleep in, basically relax and be lazy all over her house, all while she loved on our girls endlessly. I am a super blessed woman.

We made a family adventure to Kohls to buy Brett a few things for his dental interviews (and I used up some of my Christmas gift card).

We also spent about an hour in a shoe store picking out two pairs of dress shoes for Brett.

Grandmama and I made an escape to buy the girls some spring items for the coming months.

Then, I made a girls trip with my girls to visit girlyfriend, Megan, who is radiant with child, expecting her first born, a little boy this March.

It was a quicky little trip, but great and relaxing.

Plus, I would hate the Christmas season to go by without a stop at Grandmama's house.

Her house has always seemed like home to me, and she too does a marvelous job making it so cheerful and beautiful for Christmas.

(it clearly runs in the family! -- somebody better teach me! Stat!)

This is about standard of Brett.

Katherine's first picture of 2012.
That will haunt her.

Loving the old rocker at Grandmamas.

Audrey's first pic of 2012.
Bare chested, now that's a wild start.

Lovin the fireplace.

Training Audrey for the Circus.

Playing with Grandmama in her room.

Katherine loves to lay like Daddy in bed.

This one is SO cute.
I love it.

This one too.

Stop 6: Back to Birmingham

We headed back to Birmingham the afternoon before Brett's big dental interview.

We spent the evening with my whole family together one last time (we only had that on Christmas day before Rebecca left town).

It was an epic meal that will go down in Rosko meal history.

Have you ever had one of those?

Those happen probably at least twice a year at my house.

I'll set the scene.

The table was set with everyone and all the grandkids.

The meal is being eating.

Brett grabs the Fleischman's butter spread and proceeds to spread it on his bread.

He takes a bite and states, "This butter must be sweet butter. It has some sort of cinnamon taste to it. But, it's so good. (slathers some more on)"

Rebecca notes, "I thoughts so! It tastes sweet to me."

Discussion continues for several minutes around the table about this mystery butter and how delicious it is.

Then, I comment (without having touched the butter, smelling it, or anything)...

"I'm pretty sure that has to be icing."

Silence.

Brett, "That's what it is! It's so damn good!"

The "butter" is not removed from the table, but better yet, everyone is so enthused about how delicious Brett made it out to be. So, instead it is passed from person to person as they slather it on declaring how magnificent of a discovery this is.

My mom and I opted out on this venture.

. . . .

Brett handsomed himself all up and proceeded to his dental interview all day the next day while I spent some time with my sisters.

We left the next morning after a quicky breakfast with "Uncle" Nadder, Brett's best friend.

Photos from the last few days in Birmingham:

Tater has a window mate!

Bummed about the glare!

Cute little things.

Babcia's turn
Of course, you can never get them all working together to make photo magic.

Cousins just watching a "Potty" video.

Audrey supporting Daddy on the day of his big interview.

Then, we got smart and split our trip home over two days.

Just a couple of sister, hanging in a hotel.

On the road again...

Whew.

We did it.

We recapped our Christmas journey.

It was a heck of one.

We enjoyed every minute.

But, now -- I'm done.

Now, I won't have to take tylenol every time I finish writing a blog post.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good year!

Rhodes Sleigh: Stop 4.

2012-01-19T13:51:00.000-06:00

As previously mentioned, Katherine's Christmas morning sickness was a little hard, but she muddled through with medicine and excitement.

After Christmas morning was celebrated in Atlanta, around 10am, we began our repacking of the car, battened down the hatches, said our goodbyes, loaded up babies, and hit the road again (with caffeine in hand).

We began the 2 1/2 hour trek to Birmingham to visit my side of the family.

Thankfully, our two tired babies slept most of the way, which certainly worked in Katherine's favor.

The trip was long and slow as we had some icky weather.

But, finally...we.made.it.

Stop 4: Birmingham

While we waited for everyone to arrive, we fed some babies and mingled.

We got to opening presents and then, played our dirty-santa.

This year, my family did ($15) gift card dirty Santa.

We ended up with a Target card (obviously that was mine) and Brett saved my Dad from the McDonalds one, which we put to use in many of our travels.

We stepped up the grandkids number from 3 last Christmas to 5.

As the pictures depict, things were chaotic, no doubt.

Lots of babies.

Lots of toys.

Lots of food.

Katherine wearing some of her dress up items from Auntie Francesca.

Working her name puzzle.

Asher, who is now 1 (and a giant from his newborn self just a year ago -- calm it down Natasha, that's how it is suppose to be) playing with his Walking frog from us (belated birthday gift).

Katherine reconnected with her Tater dog.

(I think these are all out of order. This was definitely not Christmas day).

GDad sportin' his newest granddaughter and a classic "G-Dad type" fleece pullover.
(His I'm off work attire).

(Again pretty certain these are from after Christmas)
Brother bear in his classic "glare at something annoying Natasha said" stance.

A fine little sight in the kitchen.

Taking advantage of (my words) G-Dad's stadium seating.

Loving Babcia's play room and all the plastic food she can pretend eat, while tempting Tater.
Looks like a classic mix of Lemonade & Corn cobs.

Two cousins, a month apart, pondering the great mysteries of safari animals hanging above their heads.

Naomi teaching Katherine how to attach window clings to windows.

What's hangin?

Oh, you know...just a lion on a ball.

Ah ha! Here we go.

Christmas.

We tried to get our crazy group together for a somewhat normal shot.

As you can see...that isn't quite possible.

And a grandparents shot.

Katherine, as you can see wasn't quite having it (enter needs more meds here).

This post is a mess.

These pictures were from when we first arrived.

Cousins meeting for the first time definitely calls for the arm throw.

Looking like I'm announcing a pregnancy, which by the way, I am not.

Ahhhh.

This is wear sickly Katherine reunited with her Tater Doggy.

And Audrey meets her uncle Chris.

Seemingly surprised at all this chaos.

Uncle Matt meeting Audrey.

Sickly = skeptical about life.

But, undoubtly, making time to eat.

Impromptu with Babcia.

This sums up the day.

Katherine looking so above all this.

Katherine and Asher play

Audrey meets Uncle Josh.

Family pic.
Matching dresses (Christmas gift) courtesy of Grandmama.

Christmas day walk around the block.
As I affectionally noted, we looked like we were having a garage sale of children.
(Besides the obviously insanely messy garage).

As Katherine took a few days to finally recover, she rekindled her relationship with Tater Doggy.

We spent time taking family walks, a little Costco shopping (in Brett's words: There's is SO much better than ours), Kohl's & Target Trips, oh, and something way special.

We met up with some of our dear friends for dinner one night.

Luke and Adrienne are one of those as I like to call "powerhouse Catholic couples" who come from an even MORE powerhouse of a Catholic families. They are such solid, loving, fun, kind, sweet, generous people. We absolutely adore them and wish we lived close enough to party (read: hang out) with them more.

Adrienne and I at another fabulous Catholic powerhouse couple's wedding.
(pregnant with Katherine) and her looking sassier than ever.

Well, Adrienne and Luke are pregnant with their first born due this March. We have been so excited for them during this whole journey. And seriously, look at Adrienne, she's beautiful and makes and even more radiant pregnant Momma.

While enjoying dinner with those stinkers, they dropped an unexpected a-bomb (read: "a" as awesome) on us. They truly humbled us and asked us if we would be their first born's Godparents!

Whhaaaat?!!!

We were shocked.
Astonished.

Humbled.

Grateful.

Teary-eyed.

and just plain excited!

I seriously can't explain how truly humbled and honored we were to be asked to be the Godparent of this seriously amazing powerhouse Catholic couple. I mean, that's a big deal. Being a Godparent is a huge responsibility and that they are entrusting us with their son or daughter's soul. HUGE! Such an honor. I still can't put my true excitement and joy into words.

I can't even tell you.

Plus, it's my first Godbaby, so I plan on spoiling the heck outta that little boy or girl with prayers, love, and gifties!!

That news was pretty much the only gift we needed this CHristmas.

We cannot wait to find out whether we'll be loving on a boy or a girl baby and to witness his/her baptism. SO thrilled. (We love you guys!)

That about sums up Stop 4.

We have two more stops before our sleigh left for home.

Stay tuned.

Rhodes Sleigh: Stop 3.

2012-01-18T18:35:00.000-06:00

The turn around from the Florida trip could've been a world record.

We arrived back at our home in Pittsburgh around 8pm.

We hurriedly put Katherine to bed,

fed Audrey,

put her to bed,

Brett emptied the car,

exchanged Christmas gifts,

we emptied the luggage,

repacked,

went to be incredibly late,

woke up the next morning,

finished up, loaded up.

Hit the road for 12+ hours.

(oh, and then breathed).

But, running on adrenaline and excitement about finally being reunited with our family, that pushed us through.

Brett, bless him, drove the 12 straight hours.

I spent my time juggling between the front and in between the two car seats, and pumping milk and keeping babies fed and happy.

And honestly, the ride down didn't seem terribly long.

We made two stops for the driver.

A random overlook in West Virginia that Brett really wanted to stop at.

And this random stop so Brett could stretch his legs.

(If you have ever watched Parks and Recreation, it was essentially a gigantic Food n' Stuff).

Stop 3: Atlanta

We arrived in Atlanta around 11pm with a great welcoming committee and to Paige's beautiful, welcoming, and charming house (which I always especially love during Christmas).
(Paige, I'm not just saying that because you might be reading this. I LOVE your home).

Her house is exactly that -- a home.
Warm, inviting, filled with love.
I really love it.

Due to the previously mentioned half a day drive with two under two, we spent a lot of our time just being in Atlanta and enjoying family that we don't get to see enough.

As usual, the holiday time with the Rhodes did not fail to be the perfect blend of leisure, family fun, epic domino games, and endless amount of Candy Cane cookies. (Paige, don't pretend you weren't judging my waistline as I inhaled cookie after cookie. It's all baby weight still...right?).

We got to celebrate Brett's late grandmother's birthday with a special dinner out with the whole family, a tradition that is very unique and always special. As well as participate in the Rhodes annual Dirty Santa on Christmas eve at Carol's house (which is also outstandingly beautiful and the perfect blend of modern and traditional. I have much to learn from my two sisters).

Christmas morning was spent at Carol's house and the girls were spoiled with some cool toys and cute outfits for future seasons, and matching dresses from Grandmama (which we changed into before driving to stop 4 -- as you will later see pictured).

Auntie Paige was never to be found without one of our girls that soon became her girls.
We were old news and Katherine followed Auntie Paige around like a little Puppy, and if Paigey wasn't following after her, she went chasing.
(Thanks for being so good to our girls, Paigey!)

Katherine really wanted to check out Auntie Paige's tree and point to ornaments.
A lot of whisper "Wow"s were necessary.

And poor Grandmama baked batches and batches of Candy Cane Cookies, which are incredibly time consuming (and sometimes frustrating).
After so many batches, it's completely understandably that one might want to stop making the shape and start making circles. Oh, boy -- bless her -- did she get undeserved silly complaints about how those weren't "as good" as the candy cane shaped ones.
(But, really...something was different -- at least mentally).

There were also several lectures by several different people about how to appropriately distribute the right amount of candy cane topping, as well as how quickly.

Did I mention how big a deal these cookies are each season?
The conversations that occur over and about candy cane cookies each year are quite amusing.

Then we approximately eat a dozen + each.

Baking more cookies, bless her.

This time she enlisted the help of the (self proclaimed) Candy Cane Cookie King.

I'm pretty sure he's lecturing us about the cookies in these pictures.

At this point, it was about 80 degrees in GA + the cookies baking = us baking, but without the sun-kissed glow I so desperately need. Katherine was viewing the outdoors from indoors.

C-man was also another holiday BFF of the season.

Every time he walked into the room, she excitedly approached him with gibberish.

Grandmama working her hand at some sleeping baby time.

She looks comfy, right?

Auntie Paige's glasses.
She's lovin' every minute.

Smile-off.

Tell me this girl didn't have fun?

Didn't think you could...

Moving onto Carol's House and family.

I love this picture of these two gals.

Christmas Eve Baby.

The first time I ever encountered a "flocked" Christmas tree was at Carol's house many years ago.
I must say, I like it.
It's unique and you don't have to water it.
However, maybe one day when I can have two trees, because I definitely wouldn't be able to give up my green tree.

Oh! You see Paige came over again.
Notice who immediately jumped in her arms.
(Enter the evening Katherine started feeling ill...)

Uncle James and the cousins.
We were so glad to see Uncle James!
We hadn't seen him since the Christmas I was pregnant with Katherine.
(and this was his first time to meet both our girls)

Good lookin' bunch, eh?

Grandmama and her son!

Grandmama puts that girl to sleep again!

Don't you just love those drapes? I know I do.

Me and my baby love.

I seriously don't know how these two are the only pictures of Katherine and Mike.
It's upsetting.

Katherine opening a Christmas Eve gift from some of the kiddies.

I'm certain a "Wow" was involved.

Off to make the mommy take it out.

The amount of ways you manage to multitask and sit unladylike as a mom are countless.

Mini Me stroller.

Time for Grown-up dirty santa.
(ps. Don't you just love Carol's stockings? There are not very many modern styled stockings I ever love, but if I ever would love some...those would be them. I am biased to my handknitted ones from my grandmother/mom).

Need one of these...every.year.

Mommy Daughter.

Audrey's turn as a present.

Christmas Morning.

No longer wearing her cute Christmas pjs because she peed all out of them that night, that poor sick girl.

Aunt Paigey strikes gold.
Cutest ever kitchen food.
Wooden mixer/spoons/spatula/bowl/and cookies.
Katherine LOVED it. (and still does. KEY!)

After nibbling a cookie in the previous picture, she immediately took her bowl and spoon to the table.
Hey! She had lots of pretend eating to get to.

Whew. That was a long post with a boatload of pictures.
(Sorry!)
That also took me a week to write.
(Sorry!)

I'm sure I left out little details I intended on putting in, but regardless...

I'll see you when the Rhodes Sleigh makes it's 4th stop.

Rhodes Sleigh: Stop 1 & 2.

2012-01-13T09:28:00.000-06:00

Here we shall begin the Rhodes Christmas Stops.

Starting appropriately with Stops 1 & 2.

Stop one was a brief stop & hence, a brief summary.

Stop 1: Rednall Retreat House

At the end of each semester the team does their "Off-site" Retreat/Recollection.

They reflect on the past semester and plan for the next.

I'm just a tag-a-long with the girls.

No pictures here, but I can tell you we did enjoy some quality time & delicious foods.

It is just so nice to get away sometimes.

The Rhodes stayed an additional night since we booked our Florida flight out of a small airport relatively nearby. We went into "town" and Brett stopped at the local library to gains some internet access and book a rental car. The "downtown" of Ligoner, PA -- adorable. Gilmore Girl-esque.

It's one of my favorite things.

Stop 2: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

We left for Ft. Lauderdale on an evening flight, and we were a scene.
Double stroller. Two carseats. Diaper bags. Luggage.

We left from a small local airport because it basically has one flight that leaves from it.
We get free parking, little (meaning short security process) security, friendly and helpful associates, and one gate. It's relatively hassle free. And when traveling with two (or more) under the age of two -- this is ideal.

Thankfully, I have yet to have a bad flying experience yet with my girls. This was Audrey's first flight, and littles are easy. This was Katherine's first flight as an "official" walker (but, she's a pro, flying like 5+ times already), but I was still nervous.

It's never a bad idea to have your child read up on the safety procedures before take off.

(Check out my tips to successful flights with Babies).

Since this was an evening flight, it was right around Katherine's bed time. Perfect.
Also, it should be noted that Katherine is a great sleeper, but NOT one to just fall asleep outside of a bed. That always worries me. But, something about airplanes knocks them out.

:: Writers Recommendation ::
I highly recommend novelty snacks & drinks.
She was chomping down on cookies during takeoff (not that she doesn't eat cookies, but they were oreos or something we don't usually have).

With the little nursing babies, nurse during take-off and landing to relieve pressure on their ears.
You don't have to nurse, a pacifier works too, but give the babies what they want! :)
(Sometimes, I know it's crazy, when babies get older -- they won't necessarily nurse if they aren't ready -- in which case, a pacifier is your best friend).

And, boom both babies are out.
Not to wake until about 10 minutes before landing.
Perfect.

We arrived in Fort Lauderdale with some confused and tired babies, but in relatively good spirits.
Picked up our rental. Stopped by the grocery store. Made it to our hotel.

We a the king and queen of rigging up sleeping situations in our hotel rooms.
Katherine (since she's been around longer) has slept in some unusual circumstances.
In visiting friends and not having a crib, she's slept in a bathtub (this was the most extreme. She was still small and we cushioned it. She wasn't old enough to get out).

She's slept in more hotel bathrooms & closets that you can even imagine.
And before you go calling DHR on me (every circumstance is always reasonable), think about it...
In a hotel room, there isn't a lot of sharing room.
Once baby goes down, you have to be accommodating towards having a TV on, much light, or making much noise...
So, if you get a hotel room with a large closet or an extra bathroom -- it's perfect for a crib of a sleeping baby. Also, they are so dark that it prevents (what seems like inevitable) "travel induced" early wake-ups.

However, sometimes hotel rooms aren't that accommodating.
There's only one bathroom.
The closet couldn't fit a crib.

In which case, you want to find the most isolated corner of the room.
Use a blanket and somehow drape it in that corner creating a "make-shift" room.
Brett is particularly good at this.
By now, we should probably travel with duct tape, but hair clips are helpful too. :)

Whoa, I digress.

Brett's NOVA interview was the next morning.
He got all handsomed up and I wanted to marry him all over again...

He spent most of the day at his lunch, tour, and interviews.
The girls and I loaded up the double stroller and walked down the parking lot to Einstein Bagels for some lunch. We walked for a while until someone head started the sleepy bob. I quickly pulled her out and made her walk -- no sleeping before naptime. That ruins everything!!

We popped back into our hotel room and Katherine was down for a nap.
Brett arrived back and we debriefed on his interview and basically laid low that day/night.

The next morning, we packed up and moved to another hotel.
This time an Embassy Suites.
Ate a little lunch.
Stopped at a grocery store.

Publix has way cool carts. Giant Eagle...
Step.it.up.

And took a leisurely and beautiful drive down Florida A1A.

Brett somehow sweet talked the lady to upgrading us to a beach front room with little cost.
Worth it.

Embassy Suites is great for a family.
Pricey, but that's what priceline is for.

(Ps. In case you didn't know. Most hotels have cribs/pack n' plays. All you need to do is ask).

But, Embassy Suites.
We had two LARGE bathrooms.
One connected to the "living room," perfect, large, and dark.
Perfectly fit a little girl named Katherine (who would sleep so late in it!).

Also, the Embassy Suites has Managers Happy Hour at the bar.
A.maz.ing.
Yep. We brought our kids.
And you know what, people might have hated us. But, we thought -- how cool are we?!

That's a happy baby at happy hour.
Note: This baby drank nothing but milk.

And now, the pics from Deerfield Beach...

I do love the beach. Always.

She on the other hand, not the biggest fan.

although she's acting like it here.

Roly Poly.

Auburn girlfriend Joanna in her last few days before moving to Australia.

This one has gotten quite good at restaurants.

Exploring the beachy beach together.

Come on. Make it stop.

My sister commented on Facebook that she looks like Meg Ryan here and linked to an almost freakishly like twin picture. Weird.

We saved our last night in Florida for the best hotel.

Brett (using his favorite site, Travel Zoo), booked a night at The Westin Diplomat in Hollywood. Florida for a steal. Again, somehow he sweet talked us into an ocean view room for no charge. I love him.

and so did Katherine...

The killer double decker pool.

Need to drop a few baby lbs. before summer...

Marilyn Monroe Swim Suit Shot.

Lovin' on that cutie in a swimmy suit.

Katherine has started this "lean in" thing with her sister for pictures.
It's also known as squishing her.

Telling her to take it easy and "be gentle."

Iyiyi.

The views worth coming back for.
(In fact, just this morning Brett mentioned he wanted to go back there.
But, he has also said the same exact thing every day since the last day of our honeymoon).

Like with anything, ever leaving to go anywhere requires a lot of prep.

Best pool ever as it gradually got deep.
Less intimidating for a baby and Katherine LOVED it.

although she seems concerned here...

Add caption

Babies in a pool.
I can't get enough.
Hence all the millions of pictures.

The beach looked safer to her from afar.

Audrey's turn.

Hotel tummy time.

Slumber party.
But, no really...she slept in the closet.

She didn't make it very long.

Sunrise with the cruise ships.

Brett was in hog heaven/jealousy lane watching the cruise ships leave.
He so wants another cruise/honeymoon.
Heck, i do too.

This picture was cropped because some nursing cleavage got outta control.

Well Florida, we'll miss you.
Unless of course, we end up living there.
Then, we will bask in your beauty...
and I will be sweating insanely all.year.round.

Stay tuned for Rhodes Sleigh Stop 3.

Baby Bliss: Christmas Photo Shoot

2012-01-12T07:40:00.000-06:00

Nothing like talking about Christmas in January.

Prolongs the season, right?

Which actually only officially ended this Sunday with the celebration of the Epiphany.

Did you know that?

So, you know...

Little Children are very hard to get pictures of, well at least doing the same thing at the same time.

Instead what I ended up with is a bunch of pictures that maybe, only a mother could love, that were very much depicting of their sweet personalities.

Our card was simple, but I liked it.

I would share it with you, but Snapfish's card previews are in flash, so I can't (or don't know how).

But, here's our shoot.

The girls wore matching pjs sent from Grandmama that were from Gymboree.

I love the little gift on the front. Too cute.

(They will be wearing them for about the next 3 months. I don't waste clothes just because they are seasonal).

Finalist.

over it...

finalist.

a lot of open mouth shots.

bad hair.
Fuzzy blankets do that.

Even though I only used 4 for my card, I'm glad I did this little shoot.

They turned out cute and I think I'll look back and love them more and more each year.

Belatedly, Merry Christmas from the Girls!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

Welcome Home, Audrey!

2012-01-11T07:20:00.001-06:00

Welp, this is about 2 months delayed...
and before I can write about Christmas happenings, I must write about this.

but, the important thing is that it's happening. Right?

~Two months ago, we welcomed our sweet Audrey dear into the Catholic Church.

It was a joyful day filled with much grace and a whole lotta love.

Two of our dear friends from Illinois were gracious enough to accept the responsibility of being Godparents.

Meet Andrea: Former teammate with Brett (as well as current) member of FOCUS team University of Illinois, dear friend, beautiful soul, faithful & faith-filled woman, and is going to be one lucky catch for one very lucky guy.

This is about typical of them.

Meet Mike: Former disciple of Brett's at University of Illinois, now graduate, dear friend -- more like a son, charming, intrusive, awkward, handsome soul, faith-filled, faithful man, and fun. Fun fact about Mike. He always sends me "gestational packages" filled with sweet treats he knows I love, raisins (because he always used to come over and eat ours), as well as a quippy note. He, too, will be one lucky catch for one lucky gal.

(I know what you're thinking...why not set the two of them up. Trust me (and them). It wouldn't happen. If the ~9 hour drive over here wouldn't do it...nothing would). Definitely meant for some one, not each other. :)

This was the same weekend that G-Dad was in the house, but bless him, he couldn't be there. :(

We made the Baptism open to students and had a little reception with cake and punch with the students afterwards. It's fun to let students be apart of something so special.

Okay, I'll let the pictures do the talking.
And, I'm going way easy on the photos, be proud.

The one minute that Katherine was up with us.

Getting Katherine to be still and smiley was quite challenging.

The best we could do.

With Fr. Stephen
True Story.
Father Stephen has known me since I was a little girl.
We moved to Pittsburgh and he's one of the priests Brett works with.
I love that.

Abigail the baby whisper who took care of crazy Katherine.

Enjoying the "after party," lacking no attention.
I seriously don't know what she will do with her life when we are done with FOCUS.

It was a delightful day.

We are so glad we are able to share it with the students we work with.

I will miss that.

Welcome Home, Audrey Clare.

Ps. The title of this post "Welcome Home" is derived from one of my favorite videos.

Catholics Come Home.

Gives me chills. every.time.

New Year is to New Semester.

2012-01-08T10:00:00.000-06:00

The past month has been one heck of a month.

I have so much to share and update on.

However, we'll just make this a brief overview of life and we'll focus in more specifically in a little while.

We are finally back in our own home, and grateful to be so.

There is nothing quite like your own bed, no matter how comfy those other beds are.

The first night as I laid down, I reveled in my own delight in being back in my bed.

Also, there is nothing like your own shower head.

I know, weird.

But, I love our shower head and the water pressure that pours forth.

Now our home is in shambles.

There is chaos/stacks/bags of stuff every.where.

I trying to keep my cool.

I am not one to live in filth or chaos.

But, I am having to accept that this will not be settled in a day.

In fact, it may be over a week.

Between all our stuff from being gone AND Christmas decor + plain ol' cleaning AND my two monkeys.

It make be a while...

I'm coming to terms with this.

I'm still trying to come to terms with all the laundry that will need to be done and folded.

eh.

I'm so grateful to be out of a car and suitcase.

We spent the past month in both in airplanes and cars, which of course, both require suitcases.

The car was particularly cramped.

We outgrew our SUV quite quickly.

Quicker that we expected.

It makes car rides, well, tight.

Without shame we've been discussing a minivan since before Audrey was born.

However, we have yet to take the plunge.

Minivans are ex.pen.sive.

And while when we make that purchase, we will sell our current SUV, we still want to avoid touching our beloved savings because we are hoping to purchase a house in the next few months (more on that later).

But, I digress...

The car. Tight.

We spent many long hours in the car and since Audrey is so young, sometimes it's easier to keep everyone happy if mommy is in the back. Particularly when we are feeding Audrey, or she is gearing up for a nap.

Wait.

Did you think about how much room is between those two car seats?

Oh, right...not much, nor is their much leg room.

And for long periods of time, it's about the most uncomfortable place to be.

Moral of the story: so glad to be out of that sucker.

We slept in 9 beds. But changed beds 11 times.

This count includes our trip to Florida (3 hotels).

It also includes how many times our bags were unpacked/repacked.

As well as our cars loaded and unloaded.

Iyiyiyiyi.

Katherine also had her first big sickness, on Christmas Eve/Christmas Day.

Booo.

Let me clarify.

She's had multiply little sicknesses before with tiny fevers, but they never would really stop her from being "her."

Christmas Eve after going to sleep around close to 2am, after midnight Mass, we got a lovely 4am wake-up to a blazing hot & sad baby girl.
Sleep was minimal that morning and we had the first "personality altering" sickness.
She was a champ, but you could tell she didn't feel well. Bless her.
She was sick with a high fever for a few days.

I also ate more candy cane cookies than could be humanly possible.
~~Perhaps~~ uping my waist size.
Worth it. They are only once a year.

Brett had two dental interviews.
Florida & Alabama.
We will hopefully hear within the month -- stay tuned.
(Because while I try not to think about it...we literally do not know what we will be doing 5 months from now).

We visited family and friends.
We honored with a special request.
Our girls were spoiled beyond reason, and we enjoyed being down south.

We also just received news that Brett received an interview at Virginia Commonwealth!
Brett's second choice!
He's really excited. He's now had/received interviews with his top two schools!
This made him very happy!
Making this an even more exciting start to 2012.

While I have much to update, it may come at a s.l.o.w pace what with getting resettled and two snuffly sick-ish baby girls.

Hope 2012 has been treating you well and you're making it the best year yet!

Christmas Tour of the South

2011-12-31T09:20:00.000-06:00

We've been busy touring the south for Christmas. We have been having so much fun, I've been lacking time to blog...and that's a good thing. Living life is way more important.We are still not done, so no time to update with reckless abandon. However, I hope you and your loved ones had joyfully blessed Christmas reveling in the Birth of our Lord. Because, as you may know, wise men still seek him.Not to mention, I hope you have a safe and enjoyable New Year! And I will see you next year!

Poor little Katherine was a very sick Christmas baby. :(

Winter Nomads: Grumpy Beach Baby

2011-12-20T07:16:00.000-06:00

Friends!

I have so much to tell you, in what has already been over a week of various locations & methods of travel. However, there is no time this morning.

We just returned from Florida.

Brett had his dental school interview, which his words "went really, really well."

And spent a few days nomading around Florida and having some busy with babies at the beach family fun.

While I'm quickly dumping pictures onto my computer, I thought I'd share a quick video of a little girls you might know...

(oh, and I apologize for my video voice. worst.thing.ever).

. . . .

bahahaha.

Traumatic life.

The sandy seashore was a little overwhelming...

Baby Bliss: When Good Babies Get Too Smart.

2011-12-11T06:33:00.001-06:00

Well, it's happened.

Katherine has outsmarted our primary baby gate.

This wouldn't be that impressive except for the fact that grown-ups can't figure out how to get out of this gate...

Our gate is step on gate.

It's pretty intense.

You have to put like a significant amount of grown-up wait on the step to get it to open.

But, like a true prisoner, she's spent minutes, hours, days, and weeks weakening the structure.

I think it started with her ability to stand on it and shake it a little.

I can't be sure, but I think she made it so the top of the gate doesn't quite click as firmly.

Then, after much observation, she realized on (the rarest) of occasions, the step down part will pop off it step on it toooo hard.

Well, that little booger...one day decided...

I wonder what will happen when I pop off the step on thing myself.

And yep, you guess it.

When you pop off the step, the gate opens.

. . . .

Make Lemonade out of mushy lemons (aka: trying to keep it positive):

The good news? Now that she's older, she's not too terribly destructive and has a pretty good handle on what she can and can't do. I've got a tension gate for the kitchen. Our bedroom door closes. However, her bedroom door doesn't close, at least securely, as well as the hall closet.

The hall closet is the largest of problems.

And, I have to admit...

It's kind of cute when she runs into her room to "read" in her glider.

(Ragamuffin hair).

Of course, I can't write without sharing a cute look for this sweet booger.

Dribble...Dribble...Droolllllll.

2011-12-08T11:32:00.001-06:00

Dinnerware.

I'm obsessed with it.

Fortunately, Brett knew that early on.

In fact, my wedding everyday dishes, were Vera Wang and I loved them.

And, I did not love them because they were Vera Wang.

Actually, truth be told, it was one of the few dishes we could agree on.

They were plain white, kind-of modern, & had a matte finish...

Matte finish.

Looked way nice and different, right?

Horrible.

There's a reason dishes have a glaze, Vera.

On the first use of them, silverware left grey scratches all over them.

After about a week & hundreds of scratches later, Brett made a valid point...

"If they did this in a week, imagine how they'll look in a year!"

They had to go.

We piled them in a laundry basket and returned our used dishes to Bed, Bath, & Beyond and they took them back. (Not that Brett would have given them an option).

Fact: You don't always get what you pay for.

I was sad to see them go, but knew Brett was right.

I did keep a few of the serving dishes because I loved them so much.

I particularly love my little creamer and pitcher.

Then the search was on.

I settled for a cheapo plain white set that came with 6-place setting for $24.99.

This included my dinner plate, salad plate, large bowl, small bowl, teacup, saucer, napkin rings, and salt & pepper.

I bought two packs and had 12 place settings for $50.

Not bad, and they've served us well.

. . . .

I also still have my dishes from college.

I'm emotionally attached.

I think they are pretty.

It's an incomplete set.

Just 8 dinner plates & salad plates, 4 bowls & 4 mugs.

. . . .

A teacher I worked with also had a passion for decorative dinnerware.

She shared with me her tradition.

She had various table settings and when she had guests over, she'd let them each pick which place setting they would like to eat with, creating an eclectic tablescape.

This sounds like the perfect solution to my ~~obsession~~ passion.

. . . .

I happened to be browsing on Anthropology and found a few place settings I'm drooling over...

Piecrust
I'm loving, loving, loving these.
I love the vintage look, scalloped edges, and the phenomenal handle on that mug.
If you're an avid reader, you do know I love a good mug.
These would be subtly perfect for everyday dining.

Verdant Acres
These are a little more feminine and whimsical.
Brett would not allow these for everyday dining.
But tell me those colors are not blissfully cheerful.
Plus, I'm a total floral fan.

. . . .

Yep, one day.

In a house where I can store beautiful dishes, I would love to have an assortment.

Traditions: Cookie Exchange

2011-12-08T06:20:00.001-06:00

Last night, I hosted my first ever cookie exchange.

I may be biased, but I think it was a success!

I asked some of my girlfriends to join me in baking something delicious to share, and some how Brett weenied boys into being involved.

It's always funny to hear when people have a cookie crisis (ahem. Ruth).

I felt that my cookies were a bit of a crisis as well.

Not to mention, my baking skill have SERIOUSLY gone downhill since having 2 small children.

I baked a soft drop pumpkin cookie after inhaling a few at the Annual Barn Dance this year.

They were tasty, but they definitely turned out appearance wise a little bit different (not in a bad way) due to the legit homemade pumpkin in them.

(I also halfed the baking time...only about 8 minutes).

Ideally, I would have made the Rhodes' Classic, Betty Crocker's Candy Cane Cookie.

No doubt, by just appearance, it's a show stopper. It's Brett's favorite cookie (mine too!), but there was no earthly way I would have had time to bake enough for the cookie party. They are time consuming and require a LOT of dough to make enough for a cookie exchange. However, they are worth it...so worth it. Maybe next year.

My personal favorite cookie of the evening was a Ginger Snap with a mint glaze on top.

Made by my girlfriend Nichole, it was unexpected and really tasty.

One of my other favorites, made by Gina, was the Italian Wedding Cookie.

(My sister's inlaws make them every year and give some to my mom. Let's just say, I'm not a good sharer).

But, who am I kidding, everyone was winners.

They were all good cookies.

These girls can coooooook.

The boys seemed happy to provide their opinion in the voting (and tasting!)

And our winners won some cute doily cupcake wrappers.

Congrats Gina, Ruth, Nichole, and Me (that wasn't suppose to happen).

Pretty good looking...huh?
Do you like my number cards?
I dabbled in some "Graphic Design."

Audrey had plenty of love to last the night.
And will probably brag to Katherine today that she got to stay up.

Every hostest needs a Kate Gosselin shot.

All Gina wants for Christmas?
Audrey's Baby toys.

The girls.

The team.
They were all so cutely coordinating...
Except Brett.
He was wearing...you guessed it. BLUE!
I made him change.

I don't know what happened here, but I like that they all managed to be looking down.

I'd say it was a success and since I went through the trouble of designing some printables to adorn my exchange...there is only one thing left to do...

make it a tradition.

Next up...Bringing Bunko back into my life and to Pittsburgh.

These are a few of my Favorite things.

2011-12-05T07:20:00.001-06:00

There's a lot of love in my heart these days.

(well hopefully always).

A few of my favorite things:

1. My dear husband.

He's a good man.

He's funny (sometimes). :)

He's very helpful around the house.

He's a strong & faithful leader.

2. This picture.

3. This smile.

4. Katherine's ever expressive gibberish.

That sweet girl has the most expressive and intense conversations.

I crack up watching her mouth move in the strangest ways and the weird sounds that come out.

I just wanna know what she's saying.

Every morning she has extremely expressive conversations with the Christmas Tree.

5. Katherine's purest and sweetest love for her sister.

I just love when she stops her playing to go and give her sister a kissie kiss.

6. Katherine's joyful skip.

The sweet one has started this happy skip hop gallop when she walks and is excited.

Three words.

I.love.it.

7. Peek-a-boo & Ring-Around-the-Rosie.

Katherine's so into it.

8. Boop.

Okay, so I'm not so much loving it.

Does any one ever?

But, I love that Katherine calls poop, "boop," and that whenever I get Audrey ready for diaper changes she comes over and watches me and says, "Boop?"

I always say, "Wanna bet?"

I always bet her kisses (and I always win).

9. Christmas Decor.

Always love that.

My beautiful nativity scene.

The Christmas Tree filled with ornaments from our childhoods.

Christmas lights.

Oh, and Christmas cookies. duh.

10. Parenthood. (the TV show).

I'm late on the bandwagon.

Is there one for Parenthood?

I just started watching episodes here at there at night on Netflix, and I'm really liking it.

It appeals to my emotional side and almost always makes me cry.

And, it gets me thinking about SO many things about both parenthood now and later.

I'm just scratching the surface of this raising kids thing.

I've got a long road ahead of me AND I've got many, many challenges to face.

11. Christmas Cards.

RECEIVING and sending them.

I LOVE getting them from friends and family and seeing how everyone has grown and changed.

I'm really grateful that Brett recognizes how much I love it and we were able to send them out this year (it DOES always add up with buying them and postage).

But, I'm so glad and I'm eagerly awaiting their arrival in the mail tomorrow so I can send them out this week! :)

Gift Wrapping: Commitment Issues

2011-11-30T06:46:00.001-06:00

I'm starting to learn that I have commitment issues.

(I'm already second-guessing the pillows I publicly announced my love for).

My current commitment issue has to do with my holiday gift wrapping.

There's background.

Growing up, my mom used to stock up on this economy sized wrapping paper rolls at the end of the Christmas season (that I usually was never a fan of). Then, because they were economy sized, they were used for about the next 5 years.

Bo.r.in.g.

And, I've always loved wrapping gifts and especially like to make them unique.

The past several years, I've been sticking to the plan old craft paper.

It's inexpensive and classic.

Then, I can jazz it up with ribbons, tags. etc.

(Fact: I've been using the same Christmas ribbon for 4 Christmases. True Story. I literally recollect it at the end of each Christmas and roll it up {and drive it back the million states}. I realize how cheap that sounds. But, think of all the money I've saved)!

I'm starting to get nervous...I think this is my last Christmas with craft paper since wrapping paper is so fun, and I will soon have a girl that will be more and more interested in Christmas and I don't want her to have the same wrapping paper issues as me (thinking that her mom was always boring with brown paper).

This means I'm going to have to eventually start making wrapping paper decisions.

I'm not ready.

I'm still so young.

Regardless, this year -- I'm already having commitment issues with my gifts.

I can't decide how I want to wrap them.

I know, big problems.

We changed up our gifting on my side of the family, and this year, we are only buying for the kids and I have sweet little Ennio. And last I heard, the soon to be 4 month old doesn't have big opinions on how his gifts are to be wrapped...

So, this really isn't a big deal...

The "e" is stenciled with green paint.

But, I'm still not sold...

Video Message From Katherine:

2011-11-28T14:55:00.001-06:00

This message was originally intended for our Moms and Family.

However, I couldn't attach it to an email because it was too big.

My intent was to get Katherine to say her words and animal noises for our family.

But, as you will see, she was far too intrigued with being able to see herself move to answer my questions.

Keeping it Real:

Please excuse her crazy nap influenced hair.

Oh, it also has marshmallow in it, along with jelly.

(Not at the same time. Jelly was from toast this morning. Marshmallow was an after lunch treat).
Oh, and our shelving unit behind her normally looks a little nicer on top, but it's all cleared off to make room for the Nativity, which is still in the box...that's tonight's homework.

Punkin.

2011-11-27T19:16:00.001-06:00

Well Punkin.

There's no time like the First Sunday of Advent...to finally cook your pumpkin.

That's right.

The start of the New Liturgical Year.

The start of a New Translation.

The start of the Christmas Season.

Screams pumpkin...doesn't it?

We'll blame this one on the having a child in mid-September...

I can still use that right? In Advent...?

As you've noticed, I'm about 10 steps behind on the pumpkin thing.

In fact, I refused to buy pumpkin all season since I had one sitting on my stoop that I needed to slice, dice, deseed, and cook.

And I all about held off...until the day before Thanksgiving...when I baked my fav. Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread to bring to my fabulous Thanksgiving host/Cleveland relatives.

No time to do all the pumpkin cooking work before that

(I also was husband-less for about 5 days...that played a part in it).

Delicious bread, all wrapped up...

. . . .

I digress...

That bread was so good...

I HAD to make more and stat.

But, I wasn't about to buy another can of pumpkin.

(It's moments like these in which my husband should be so proud of me).

. . . .

Today was the perfect storm.

Well, there wasn't a storm, but there was incredibly gloomy weather and tired babies that both slept incredibly long.

As I said, the perfect storm.

I knew today had to be the day...

But, I didn't set unreasonable expectations.

I only did one of my pumpkins.

Baby steps, ya'll.

And now...I've got two loafs of pumpkin chocolate chip bread in the oven...with batter for one more.

That's what I'm talking about.

Happy First Sunday of Advent!

‎"May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all, 'Watch!'" (Mk.13:37)

How to eat anything...without gaining weight!

2011-11-23T07:00:00.000-06:00

No, no...

This isn't an advertisement for a fancy new pill.

Nope.

In fact, it seems that Katherine, in just a mere 15 months of life, has solved the problem of women everywhere...

How to eat anything (and everything!) without gaining weight.

Just follow her advice...

1. First, eat things that will keep your strong...

healthy!

and happy!

2. Eat all your favorite pretend foods all the rest of the waking hours in a day.

Pretend food = never filling enough to stop & zero (count 'em) zero calories.

(In fact, that means you wouldn't have to count them...)

You can even keep your hands free when you are always pretend eating...

and teach those who come after you the benefits of pretend eating...

or sit on a monkey. Whatever works...

Turns out all you need is a little imagination...

which may require some reteaching to us "adults."

Or, be stranded on an island to make pretend food look enticing enough...

Let's hope it's not the latter...

Warning: Pretend Food Coma May Occur.

(This may be a solution to over eating this Thanksgiving).

It's Pilgrim Hat Time!

2011-11-21T16:58:00.001-06:00

This time last year, I shared my quick and festive Pilgrim Hat treat!

My darling cousin Steph made them and paired them with a custom, handmade place card!

(ps. where it says "dad"...that's her handwriting! So amazing. I envy it greatly!)

Too cute, right?

She featured my pilgrim hats and a detailed explanation of her place cards on her blog!

Check her out!

Stealing from the Rich to Give to the Poor.

2011-11-20T17:28:00.001-06:00

Okay, so we didn't do that.

But, two weeks ago, we did visit Nottingham.

Nottingham, PA, that is.

The FOCUS Northeast Region gets together once a semester for a little rest, retreat, and fellowship. This time in Nottingham at a Camp.

The Rhodes girls made an appearance.

And seeing as they were the only children there that weekend, they definitely did not starve from lack of attention.

We also got our first road trip with two babies for ~5 hours.

The way there was a breeze...

The way back?

Well, let's just say we had some overtired babies who started struggling in the last 2 hours.

Speaking of tired babies...

We also got our first experience at a "Family Bed," hence the tired babies (and parents).

and likely our last if we can help it...

We got to stay in what Brett lovingly named the "Love Shanty."

It was better than expected, but was a bare bones wood cabin.
Katherine, bless her, was so tired each night she basically collapsed in bed, but as I expected woke up in the wee hours scared...not knowing where she was...

And thus the family bed for several hours each night.

It's amazing how a little thing takes up SO much room in a bed.

Not to mention waking up to feed Audrey shook the rickety old bed disrupting everyone's sleep more...

iyiyiyiyi.

Then, Daylight Savings time.
Thank you.

Did I mention how tired everyone was by Sunday?

Regardless, it was a nice break from the 'burgh.
Where Brett ate some of the "best ice cream ever."
And we had some glorious sunshine & fall weather. Praise God!

And while we don't have pictures from the whole weekend, we have a few from the start.

Brett getting all artsy on me.

All Katherine really ever needs is the great outdoors...

Do you see that joy? You can't make that up.

Oh to be young & freeeee!

Don't worry...She's alive, that's Gina.

Oh, boy!

The 'hood.

Big Girl Transitions: Operation No More Paci.

2011-11-18T19:20:00.001-06:00

It's here.

Operation "No More Paci."

Let's begin.

Obviously, we knew the pacifer would have to go at some point when we started with one.

As Katherine's first birthday approached, we discussed when we should rid her of the paci.

Up until this point, she had it clipped on to her all the days.

We decided we would keep it around all summer.

With air travel on her first birthday...

Our nomadic summer excursions that not only gave various new places & new beds, but also lonnnng car rides...

moving to a new home...

and a new baby sister on the way, we decided there were a lot of transitions in tow for that little one.

But, sometime in August, she started pulling the clip off her shirt when she was awake and plopping it on the ground. Throughout her play, she would occasionally pick it up and put it in her mouth, but...she was pulling it off her shirt.

I jumped on that and followed her lead.

Heck, why not?

She was practically begging me to get rid of it! :)

Her paci then became something we only used for naps and at bedtime.

I was tempted to get rid of it all together at that point, but we still hadn't become a big sister yet, and that transition, along with the various babysitters who would put her to bed and down for naps while we were in the hospital...made me go soft.

We hung onto it.

Just for naps and bed.

Our pediatrician recommends that by 18 months the pacifier is gone.

I've been dreading the day.

Putting it off and putting it.

Tempting myself into believing...what's really the harm in keeping it around while we sleep?

and honestly, there really isn't any harm (in my opinion), but I kept thinking...

the longer I put this off, the harder it will be...on both of us.

Hard for her and hard for me to see her so sad.

and there will always be a reason to put it off...

So, sticking to my guns...

I somewhat arbitrarily dubbed this the weekend/week.

She turns 18 months at the end of this month and I wanted to be able to tell the pediatrician she's paci free (and mainly...I wanted this taken care of before holiday travels).

. . . .

So, let us begin...

Today was the day.

Naptime.

I had a grumpy girl on my hands.

She was way tired and way ready for bed.

(We've officially become a one a day napper, but it's hard on her still. She plays so hard and gets so tired!)

I had removed the paci from it's resting place on her dresser.

No biggie.

Diaper change.

I'm getting ready for the waterworks.

We sit down in the rocker.

My overly tired big girl, looks up at me and the dresser, reaching out in distress.

Looking at me like I'm a big bully and starts weeping.

Her face.

SO sad.

I felt so bad.

But, kept reminding myself...the longer I let this go on...the harder it will be.

I'm fearing the worst for this nap.

No sleep. Lots of crying.

And there was...lot of bloody murder screams and cries for no more than 10 minutes...

then silence.

She made it!

She took a solid 2 hour nap, but there were a few brief wakeup cries, but nothing like I expected!

WahoooooO!

But, let's not celebrate too soon...

this is just day one. part one.

I was fearful of bedtime.

What will it bring?

I prepared for the worst.

Bedtime.

Diaper Change.

Sit in the rocker.

Read our bedtime books.

Turn off the light.

Say our prayers.

Place her in the crib.

Turn on her Sleep Sheep.

Skedattle outta there.

. . . .

Nothing.

. . . .

No tears. No screams.

Whhhhaaaat?

I'm super proud.

But this was just day one...

I'm hoping and praying the following days go smoothly...

Because I don't want this to end up being called "Operation Mommy Lost her Mind."

I'll keep you posted...

Full Hearts

2011-11-17T19:55:00.001-06:00

Last week when we played Catch Up, I informed you that my heart was joyful and there was all kinds of great news popping up amongst our friends...

I feel I can now officially share it.

(Hope that's okay...)

First, Brett and I found out that two of our beloved friends from our wedding party are both engaged to have their own walk down the isle.

First, my dearest CeeCee.

When I got a phone call from my dear friend...I just had a feeling...

And sure enough, she shared the news that almost made my heart explode with joy...

That she was engaged to be married!!!

I cannot speak of more love for my dear CeeCee.

I don't know of anyone more real in their walk with Christ and life in general.

When I think authentic, I think my dear CeeCee.

She's got it going on.

I am always inspired by her beautiful, faithful heart and her authentic joy.

I cannot think of anyone who deserves a selfless lifelong love and a faithful man of God, more than my sweet CeeCee.

My words won't do justice to my love for her, but I am so, so, so happy for her!

We love you, CeeCeer!

Next up...

The one and only Uncle Nadder!

I wrote of our deep love of Nadder during his birthday tribute.

Another person of whom we are so blessed to have in our lives.

Another person who is so deserving of happiness & love.

We are soo happy he has found his one and only.

He brings both Brett and I so much joy.

He is such a good man, with a faithful and loyal heart.

His fiance is so blessed (as is he!)

We are super joyful for him and our hearts full.

We can't wait to celebrate with him!

. . . .

Then, I found out my dear friend Megan (as seen here) who is expecting her first child this March is having a...

BOY!

I've signed him up as a potential suitor for one of my girls.

I'm so excited for her and her pregnancy and her little boy!

. . . .

As I said, there's been a lot of joy going on in my heart these past few weeks.
Not to mention, Audrey! She's a Catholic!
(which I still don't have many pictures of...I promise, I will get some sooN!)

My heart has been so full with joy.
Ever reminding me of our blessings!

Happy Friday!

BOGO at Starbucks

2011-11-17T07:13:00.001-06:00

It's Buy One, Get One Holiday Drink at your local Starbucks from 2-5pm (EVERY DAY until November 20).

(Legit. This was found on our favorite deal site. Deal News).

The possibilities are endless.

Decorating Wish List: Pillows

2011-11-16T16:29:00.001-06:00

When it comes to what we spend on decorating...it's minimal as minimal can be.

I am desperately trying to keep things simple and follow the dearest guideline...

"less is more."

And when I look around our place, I'm constantly thinking I need less.

(especially when there is potentially another impending move on our hands).

Pretty close to all our decor is either wedding gifts, previously owned from before our marriage, or another type of gift. And while I always have the desire to purchase things to update or for general decor...I always find myself thinking...

I don't need it.

With the hope of purchasing our first house within this next year, and impending dental school debt...it would be better for me to save that money instead. I will (God-willing) have future years to decorate and spend a little more frivolously.

And before you go all thinking I'm mature and rational...

putting it into writing helps remind me of what I need and should do -- doesn't mean I don't have to fight my urge.

All that to say...

I don't think it's a crime for me to update my couch pillows.

We were given our current ones as a wedding gift.

They are nice solid light blue, but the person monogrammed them with my initials (NRR).

To be honest...this always made me feel silly, especially them being in the living room, but we had no other pillows for our couch and the couch needed a little something to break up all the brown leather.

Not to mention, over time, they've taken a beating...including, but not limited to a certain husband getting pasta sauce on them that left a grease stain I cannot get out for the life of me...

I've been wanting to update them for some time.

And decorating is not my forte.

Also, I have a hard time committing to something.

In the back of my mind (especially with impending debt looming on my brain), I always want to try and pick something timeless or that won't look to dated too fast since they won't be replaced anytime soon.

If I was as talented as Caitlin who can sew her own pillows...

or as Jenn who's Interior Design degree makes her super good at matching patterns

I would have no problem.

I've been scouring the web for months...

and landed finally on something that isn't toooo expensive for my taste and that I like.

(PS. I love World Market. I wish there was one near us).

Jade and Porcelain Off-Center Flower Pillow
$29.99
(Two of these)
(I actually love the purple {I have a thing for purple},
but know Brett would hate purple flowered pillows in our living room).

Mallard Green Lumbar Pillow
$14.99
(1 of these).

I thought the velvety texture might be nice to break up the leather.

But, honestly...in the end, I know nothing about design.

I just follow the "I like it. And I think it'll work..." rule.

. . . .

And one day...when we replace our old bed frame, I would love something like this...

Oatmeal Draper Upholstered Headboard
$399.99

But, we won't be replacing our old bed frame for quite sometime...(and hopefully that will be when we have a bed bigger than a full)...one day.

My lifelong gripe. Furniture is so expensive.

It grumps me out, so much.

There we go!

I found some pillows. I like them more than any I've seen, and added them to my Christmasy list.

Advent is narrowing in on us...

Are you READY?!

(I still have some work to do to be done with my Christmas prep. But, I'm hoping to be done by the first Sunday of Advent!)