Go ahead...make a mess

Every once in a while, I have these moments where I can stop and realize that I'm doing a great job as a mom.  That he really IS better off here with me than at a daycare center or even with grandma.  One of those moments came a few days ago (I know, I'm behind) after cleaning up yet another mess.  Yes, you read that right.  It is possible to have a good mom moment while cleaning a mess.  I'll explain...

A month or so ago, we visited a local pumpkin patch.  While there, I found it difficult to pull Carter away from this

Who knew a feeding trough and corn would be such a hit?! So ever since then, I've been trying to think of a way to do something like the trough here at home.  Obviously the whole feeding trough motif doesn't jive with what we've got going on here in suburbia, so it was going to take some imagination.  Sandbox perhaps? Maybe next spring, but it's going to require some work from dad.  Enter the rice box...

I saw a version on Pinterest and against all inner OCD voices, I decided to make my own.  I used rice and split peas (split peas because they were on sale...and pretty) then just dropped a few small cups, an old plastic measuring spoon, and the top half of a small coke bottle for him to use as a funnel. Now you may be thinking what everyone told me- "What a mess." But I still think back and appreciate the time I spent at my grandma Dot's house when I was young.  Not because she let us do whatever we wanted, because she most certainly didn't.  Not because she bought us fancy toys or clothes, because she couldn't afford to.  I liked being there because she rarely said "no" to a creative activity.  Mess or no mess, we were welcome to her acrylic paints, her brushes, her paper, her fabric scraps, her thread, her glue, her perfectly sharpened pencils, her flour and Crisco to make sugar cookie people, her wooden spoons, her pots, her pans, and her rain buckets outside to make mud pies.
I want to give Carter the opportunity to be creative, and more often than not, creativity comes by way of a mess.  As a Science teacher, I think I became more comfortable with organized mess.  Even seventh graders spill, drop, and break things.  So I guess, in many ways, teaching was the best preparation for motherhood.  While I do NOT believe in unorganized mess, ie Carter getting into the pantry on his own and opening bags of dried goods without supervision, I do believe in presenting kids with the opportunity to learn.  And in the few days that Carter has played with his rice, he has learned to keep the mess inside the bucket, and when he does spill, he has learned to get the hand vac and clean it up.  And really, what meaningful activity doesn't require a little clean-up? I can't think of one. And the best part?  Mom can sit him at the table and get up to an hour's worth of work done in exchange for about 3 minutes of clean up!! 

stimulating the economy: things I couldn't live without this winter

They say "Money can't buy happiness," but it CAN buy products that have the power to change your life!  And honestly, I think I was surprised by small things that made all the difference for me.  So here are a few things that I splurged (I use this word lightly because these things aren't real expensive) on to prepare for a very pregnant holiday season.

#1 Maternity Pillow

I was a bit skeptical of these things when I was pregnant with my first child, but I'm a believer now!  If you are or ever have been pregnant and remember the 3rd trimester tossing and turning you will understand the gravity of my next statement: I can sleep and stay asleep in the SAME position ALL NIGHT LONG using this pillow.  I can't explain why it's better than shoving a bunch of regular pillows between your legs and behind your back...but it is.  It just is.  It supports in all the right places, and is the right amount of firm.  Plus, you can put it in like 8 different shapes to fit your needs!  My regular pillows have been in the floor since I got the Snoogle (Amazon 65.00) , and I have a feeling they may not return even after the baby arrives. Changed my life!

#2  Mens Boxer Briefs

So my husband threw an old pair of his Calvins at me one night and said "try those on. I got the wrong fit.  They are too short."  His loss, my gain.  They are now what goes on after the bra, uncomfortable prepregnancy underwear, and makeup come off. 

#3  Vaseline Intensive Repair Lotion

Okay, so you may be wondering "really? lotion?"  Yes.  Really.  I must say that I don't know anyone with dryer skin than mine.  This stuff works!  All day!  I even put it on my face!  Winter has always been dry and itchy for me, but this has seemed to cure it!  Never using another lotion again.  Drugstores for about 5.00.

#4 Old Navy Sweater Knit Booties

Lots of fun patterns, but I chose Heather Brown (because I'm safe and boring, I know). They go great over leggings.  'Nuff said. Old Navy 23.00

#5 Bandeau Top

I may have become obsessed with these after seeing Dani from Big Brother wear them under her razor back tanks all summer, but I'm glad I have them for winter!  Next best thing to going braless, and I can still answer the door or run to the store without being inappropriate.  Now, I will say, while I'm a C/D during pregnancy, I'm pushing a B normally so I don't have support issues(yet...I'm sure that day will come).  Underwire is more of a formality rather than a necessity for me so a bra like this is possible. Victoriassecret.com 14.50 when you buy 2 

Go ahead...try something on the list and tell me you don't love it.  I dare you.

Because I Don't Say It Enough

When I met you, I was dead.  I was cold and alone and kept walls up to protect me from loving or being loved by anyone ever again.  It seems like a lifetime ago, and it's hard to imagine that young woman now. 
But I believe God sent you to me.  Dropped you right into my life when I least expected but when I needed you most.  When I needed love the most.  He knew that you would make me want to be a better person.  To be smarter.  To be kinder.  To be loving.  To be driven.  To be focused.  To be passionate.  To be hard-working.  To be faithful.  To be honorable.  To be successful.  To be admirable.  To be graceful.  To be honest.  To be tempered.  To be gentle.  To be strong.  To be more like you.  Because you are all of those things.  When I see you in a room full of people, I am so grateful that you are mine.  You are the guy in the room that everyone likes.  You are a good friend to those who are lucky enough to call you one.  You work hard to provide for our family.  You are an amazing father, and sometimes my heart can't handle how much I love to see you love our son.  You love me more than I deserve.  You are my best friend, and you are the one I want beside me.  If you aren't there with me to share it, chances are it won't be as great as it could have been.   You know me better than anyone, but you never stop trying to understand me better. 
And because I don't say it enough...Daniel, you are wonderful and I love you.