Baby number 3

When we found out I was pregnant back in August we were both so excited. I was also so afraid because of my battle with hg during my pregnancy with my daughter. I didn't know how I was going to handle being pregnant or being so sick with a toddler running around. I am now 15 weeks an a few days. I first got sick around 9 or 10 weeks and it has gotten worse over the last 5 or 6 weeks. I am down nearly 20lbs from my pre pregnancy weight and still throwing up a few times most days. I am on zofran to help with my being sick tho so far it really isn't helping much. We are trying our best to get through it one day at a time. My husband has been so helpful with me being so sick. He helps out as much as he can with how much he is working. Here are a few pictures of my belly the last 5 or so weeks. I am so excited for the baby to come in April. 

Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles

I love wearing high heels what I don't love is how they leave my feet feeling at the end of the day. With Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles that is a feeling of the past. My husband is over 6 inches taller then me allowing me to wear super high heels and still be shorter then him and I often do with the tallest heels in my closet being 6inches and having none less then 3inches. The only problem with this we always have toddlers and chasing toddler in heels of any hight makes you feet hurt that much more. I can now wear my 3-4inch heels when I am with my toddler and it not feel like my feel are going to fall off after a few hours. So ladies of you are sick of your feet hurting grab a pair of Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles you highest heels and strut your stuff!!!! I mean really what do you have to lose??   

Even my 2.5 year old loves these when strutting her stuff in mommy's heels:) 

• 
  I received this product to try from influnster 

Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics review

I received Goody Ouchless Ribbon Elastics in my sun kissed voxbox from influnster. I have used ribbon style elasticity before and am always happy to have new colors or try a new brand. I have to say I love the colors of these other then the normal black and gray ones I received a purple and pink one. They look pretty being around my wrist or when I have used them to put my hair up. One of the things I like the best is they don't leave a line in my hair when I have used them to pull it up. They have also been used in my toddlers hair and she loves them as we'll she try to steal them from my wrist to wear cuz they are Petty(pretty). 

If you would like more information about the product please visit 

http://www.goody.com/Home/Products/Hair%20Accessories/Ouchless%20Ribbon%20Elastics.aspx

 They are available at target

• I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster. 

Sinfulshine review

In my sun kissed voxbox I received a bottle of sinful shine nail polish from influenster. 

I won't lie I hate the color I received. It's called man hunt and just isn't a color I want to wear. But since I already had a few bottles of sinful shine I can tell you that I love the product.its long lasting and has a beautiful shine. It comes in 32 shades and tho not all of them are my style I can see them being loved by other people. I hope to be able to get a few more colors and if you want to find and try them to they are available exclusively at Walgreens. 

Olay Fresh Effects Review

A few weeks ago I received Olay Fresh Effects from influenster. I was excited about it because I had been wanting to try it. Since receiving fresh effects it has been my go to for quick sheer coverage. Not only does it give me a nice sheer coverage it also is sunscreen with an SPF15 and 5 other skin care benefits. I like the ease of it being an all in one is so nice have a toddler running around. I will continue to use and plan on purchasing this product in the future. I am enjoying taking less time to do my make up in the morning and still feeling pretty.  If you would like more information about the product please visit www.olayfresheffects.com. If you interested in purchasing this product for you sell please visit www.olayfresheffects.com or http://www.amazon.com

Ready for the day:) wearing Olay fresh effects 

Sooner then expected

A month ago I got some shocking news way sooner then I expected. My husband was coming home in just a few days over 2 months sooner then I had expected. This unexpected change in time has made life a little interesting. We are currently living with my daughters dad. This was not originally the plan and its been tough the last 3.5 weeks. I am loving having my husband back in my arms and Bug loves having her daddy here. For those of you who are wondering she took to calling him daddy all on her own we tried to have her call him daddy James but she wasn't having it and calls Chris dad or Chris depending on what's going on. As far as I know neither of her dads have a problem with what they are being called. 

Emmalynn loves having James home. She has became his little shadow and is always wanting him to be the one to do stuff for her. It's the sweetest thing to watch. She is constantly telling him she loves him and telling me that he is hers. I will joke with her and tell her the he is mine and she always ways says no mommy he's my daddy. He loves that little girl and its apparent to anyone who has seen them together.  She is a lucky little girl to have two dads that love and care about her. 

As far as stuff with James and me it feels like we were never apart and I love it. I fall asleep in his arms most nights or with him in mine. We are planning to renew our vows with in the next 2 years. With our 5th wedding anniversary quickly approaching on June 21st it's been something that I have spent a ton of time thinking about. We have decided we are going to treat it more like a 2nd wedding then just a vow renewal. Very few things have been decided for it other then we both want it to happen outside, we want to use the color purple, and daisies for flowers. 

In other news my laptops screen has went out so I am blogging from the iPad and I'm not a huge fan of the app. But I wanted to update since I haven't in a while.  

Here are just a few pictures from the last 3 weeks. 

The hardest things

Sometimes the hardest things in life are the one that are most worth it. I know the next few months with out my best friend and husband by my side are going to some of the hardest i have gotten through. When its really hard i remember that every day i get through is one day closer to having him in my arms again. I know that our love is stronger then time and distance. That's one thing the last 5 years taught me. Baby remember that we are stronger then anyone will ever know and together we can get through anything. In 5 years this time apart will be a memory that is not gone or forgotten but a constant reminder of how strong we really are.

Three Things Thursday week 15

Prom…Who did I go with? What did I wear? Details…
Lets see i only went to Junior prom. I didn't have a date so i went with a few friends,i wore a green dress that was sparkly and got glitter all over my friends car, we only stayed for a little while before heading to 7-11.


First long trip in the car that I can remember?
My grandma took us to Newport, OR. To see Keiko at the Oregon Coast aquarium. For those of you who don't know hes was the whale in Free Willy. I remember having a blast on this trip. It was only a 3 or 4 hour drive but at 7 or 8 that seemed like forever.

A Date I’d Love to Go on with Hubby?
Honestly right now getting to see him would be wonderful so we could do anything and i would be happy as a clam. A day just the 2 of us would be amazing. Since i know those will be few and far between when he is home again.

Wordless Wednesday~James and I

Pictures from 2007-2008

Our little Girls

I have been trying to write a blog about the girls for a few days and just keep getting stuck and cant finish it for some crazy reason. I love my daughters more then anything and am having a hard time putting my feelings in to words. So i decided to stop trying. So here are my little girls Emmalynn will be 3 November 21st and Alyssa will be 3 November 30th. That makes them 9 days apart. They might not both be mine by blood but no one can take the love i have for both of them. My girls will never question my love and i hope Alyssa will never feel like i love her sister more because tho i loved Emmalynn first i love them both the same. I am so lucky to say that i have 2 little girls. Mommy Loves you Emmalynn and Alyssa.

 

Three things Thursday week 14

I have missed quite a few weeks of three things Thursdays with my recent break from my blog. Now that i am back i plan to keep up with them.

Three Facebook Business Pages I Frequent
1. Beco Baby Carrier (I love carriers and my Beco is my favorite so i am always watching for new carriers and prints)
2. Boba (Did i mention I'm obsessed with baby carriers)
3. Cotton Babies Vancouver (Since i only live a few miles from this store i am always watching for sales and events)

Three Outside Activities I Love
1. Hiking at the lake
2. BBQ's with the Family.
3. Playing at the park with my little

Favorite “Summer Foods”
1. Watermelon
2. Corn on the cob (LOVE it!)
3. Homemade Potato Salad

Our Story

James and I met our first day of high school in 2004. That means i was barely 14 and he was almost 15 at the time. We became fast friends and always enjoyed hanging our together. He was outgoing and loud while i was normally shy and very timid but being around James made me more outgoing. I knew even then there was something special about him. But i wasn't the only person who thought so and my best friend Bethany and James started dating a few weeks into the year. I was happy for her but at the same time wanted him for myself.  I still spent a ton of time with him because we all hung out together. We spent most of the year goofing off and just having a good time together. James spoiled me even tho he was dating my best friend he kept me fed and caffeinated our freshmen year. He was always quick to give me attention if i wanted it. I normally achieved this but taking his hat and putting it in my hoodie pocket i quickly learned that if i did this and stood so he couldn't get in front of me he would just reach around me so i would end up being wrapped in his arms. I did that a little to often and would try my best to make it hard for him to get it out of my pocket. We always had such a good time together be it getting in water fights in the courtyard at lunch, playing in the rain and the puddles, or just sitting and talking.  I went to class completely soaked a few time because of our silly play time at lunch. We actually got our high school to change the rules to state that water fights weren't aloud at lunch. He was quickly becoming my best friend he knew when i was having a bad day with out me saying anything and would listen to me talk about it and let me cry if i needed to. No one understood our relationship and i often got yelled at by Bethany for taking to much of his attention but i didn't care and he never seemed to either. By the end out our freshmen year I talked to him about my problems more then anyone and i knew that i could say anything to him and he wouldn't judge me.

The summer passed quickly even tho i rarely got to see him. I started dating a guy i went to church with in June. In august i turned 15 and James came to my birthday party.  I couldn't tell you what i got as far as gifts but I remember my cake getting dropped on the living room floor because some one threw a pop it at my brother while he was carrying it. I also remember James jumped into the pool fully dressed. A few weeks later school stated and James turned 16. Him and Bethany were still dating and even tho it still bugged me a little i had a boyfriend. Sophomore year was harder for me i had a different lunch then my friends and only saw them before and after school and by November i was super depressed and missing more school then I was attending. So i changed schools in December it helped some because i was in an independent study program but I rarely saw any one but my boyfriend and Bethany. In January Bethany and James broke up but i wasn't single so it didn't matter. The rest of the school year passed quickly and before i knew it i was celebrating my 16th birthday but James wasn't at that one.

My life basically went on the same until the summer i turned 17 when my boyfriend and i broke up. Bethany came over to cheer me up. We hung out and watched movies and talked when she was leaving the next morning she stole my phone and put James' number in it. She told me to text and bug him but not to tell him who i was. I did as i was told for once but it didn't last long because he figured out who i was quickly. I honestly don't think it took him 24 hours to figure out who i was. He has always known me way to well. I found out talking to him that his family had moved to Indiana. We talked all the time and September 21st 2007 we started dating. I was so excited the man i had wanted for over 3 years was finally mine. The only down side is we now has to figure out how to make a long distance relationship work. We talked all the time and he started planning for him to visit in December for Christmas. He flew home on December 23rd, it felt like we hadn't been apart i was quite and shy at first but he quickly pulled me out of my shell. Early Christmas eve he asked me to marry him and i said yes.We were both so excited and couldn't wait to tell our family later that day.  First we saw his brothers and sister that live here in Vancouver. We later told part of my family and other then worrying that we were both young they all seemed excited. But Christmas day would be the hard one because we had to tell my dad. I felt sick the entire time we were with my dads family and left my hoodie on so i could cover my ring. When we finally announced it again everyone was excited and hopped we would wait a while before getting married. December came to an end way to quickly. In January we welcomed a new Nephew and a new Niece into the world on the 3rd and 5th. He got to see them both before he headed home on the 6th.

He wasn't home long before he started planning his next trip to see me. He came for spring break in march. Since he only spent a week it went way to fast and neither of us wanted him to leave. But we were both still in school and we knew he had to go back. At this point we were talking and texting more then we weren't. In May we decided we wanted to get married June 21st. We planned our wedding in about 5 weeks most of those he was in Indiana he came home about a week before our wedding in June. We knew by getting married this way we were going to have to spend some time apart after getting married but it was worth it to us. So on June 21st we said I DO! On July 5th only 2 weeks after our wedding we had to say goodbye. This was the hardest goodbye we had ever said. We spent most of the next few months talking every chance we could with us both working. We were planning for me to make the move to Indiana in November or December.  In November we started talking less and i was getting really antsy to be with my husband. January came and i was still here in Vancouver and he was still in Indiana. That's that's when everything started falling apart. On January 29th  he called and told me that we were done it was one of the hardest nights of my life. Most people would assume that that's where our story ends but for us it didn't.

The next few months were really hard and i did lots of things that I'm not proud of. I spent more time crying then not and most my time away from home. Everywhere were memories with him and it was so hard for me to handle. I got super depressed and lost my will to live. I went days with out eating more often then not days with out any sleep. I remember the months after so vividly.  I was told by almost everyone that it was better this way and that at least we didn't have kids together. Those words didn't help and pushed me to be more depressed and contemplate if me living was really worth it. The days slowly started to get easier and before i knew it i was dating again but i had lost my outgoing bubbly personality that he brought out instead i was even more shy and timid then i was in high school. I didn't talk to any of my friends and spend most my time reading and writing. Summer came and passed much the same i started to be less depressed but was never really my self.  But i was alive and living. I still thought about him more then i want to admit and wrote him many letters that went unsent. Even tho we weren't together his sister would tell me how he was and that  he was happy with Jamie. In 2010 i got pregnant with Bug and was so happy that i was going to be a mom in august i found out that Jamie was also pregnant and James was going to be a dad we were due about 2 weeks apart and both having little girl. Even tho i was happy with bugs dad at the time when i found out Jamie was pregnant i cried for hours and hours because it should have been me not her. The summer faded into fall and before i knew it Emmalynn was born on November 21st,2010.  Only 9 days later on November 30th James welcomed his daughter Alyssa to the world. In January 2011 i got to see a picture of Alyssa and she was beautiful and looked so much like her daddy. It was still hard for me knowing he was a dad. As time with children normally does the next 2 years flew by. Before i knew it i was march 2013 and i was to a point with Bugs dad that i was done so on march 30th i ended everything with her dad.

Not even half an hour after Chris and i got off the phone i got on Facebook while talking to a friend on the phone. I had a new friend request so I clicked on it and fell off the couch after saying a few choice words when i saw it was from James. I was unsure if i wanted to add him so i went to send him a message when i noticed i had one from him telling me i have a beautiful daughter. So i sent him a message basically asking why the hell he added me. I was a little angry at first to be honest because after 4 years of nothing he just popped into my life. But i started talking to him and as far as he knew i was still with Emmalynn's dad. We talked about all kinds of stuff and then i told him that i wasn't with Bugs dad any more. I was waiting for a friend to come hang out for a few hours so i gave him my number so he could get a hold of me. He asked if he could call later and i agreed. He had been my best friend for so long that i wanted to talk to him. I messaged him off and on while i was hanging out with my friend. He said he was going to call once i was alone and could talk. I was so nervous when my phone started ringing and it was the number he said he would be calling from. I felt like i was going to puke as i answered the phone. As soon as i said hello and he started talking all the feeling and everything that we had hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew then that i wanted to try again with him but was so afraid that he didn't want that. So i listened to everything he had to say. When he told me he wanted to try again I was so excited but also so scared since he had hurt me so badly before. I told him that i was scared and he kept saying that i might as well just jump in. After a few hours of talking i knew that i was willing to risk being hurt if it meant being with the one person who made me feel complete. After feeling like part of me was missing for so many years I loved the way talking to him made me feel.

That was a month ago and we talk t everyday and are planning for him to move home in a few months. This time out time apart hurts more then ever before and now i can't figure out how i went over 4 years with out hearing his voice or seeing him. About a week after started talking we video chatted for the first time. I remember feeling like i was going to puke when i answered the video call but that was replaced by butterfly's as soon as i saw his face. Our relationship might not be normal but then again its always been something no one else understand so I'm not surprised that it still is. Everything isn't perfect but we love each other and we love our little girls and in the end that's what matters. I am looking forward to building our future together. I always knew that he was the right person for me and that our marriage wasn't a mistake.

Our wedding

June 21st, 2008

One of the best days of my life.

 Here is a look at our wedding

Life is Different

I wont lie I have sat at the computer at least 5 times in the last month to write this  post and i never finish it or i hate the way it turns out.

About 5 weeks ago Bugs dad and I split up. It comes down to us just not being happy. This break up is something that i have seen coming since before Christmas but i just finally had the nerves to make it official. We are still friends and will continue to live together and co parent our daughter for the time being. With that being said no we are not working on stuff and we will not be getting back together. Now for my shocking news.

I'm married! For most my friends and family this isn't a huge shock because I have been married almost 5 years. are you confused yet?  If so this is a little back story on June 21st 2008 i got married. The following January some stuff happened and we split up this was the best and worst choice I have ever made. I don't regret it because that would mean i regret the last 4 years of my life and I don't. But i say it my worst choice i ever made because with out him in my life I never felt like my life was complete. I care for Chris and always will but nothing i have felt for him has ever came close to my feeling for James. I am sure most of you have figured out why i am telling you this.... James and I are back together. Right now we are making the long distance thing work but that will be changing late this summer when my Husband moves home to Vancouver.

Our relationship has never been normal but has always been worth it and i know that this is the right choice for our family. I know that some people are going to think were crazy and hell maybe we are. But when it comes down to it i know I'm making the right choice for not only me but for my Daughters as well. I sit here knowing that this is the choice that is making me happy and that i finally feel like my heart is whole again and that's an amazing feeling.  I am excited to finally start my life with my amazing husband and our 2 little girls.

I feel so much better now that i have put all this on my blog. I know it may sound crazy to most people but our love is something that has never faded even with time and distance we are still as crazy about the other one as we were 5 years ago. Stay tuned because in the next week I will be posting about our wedding and daughters.

April Reading list

April Reading Goal... Read at Least 8 books. I also want to read something that's not a contemporary Romance.
Well I didn't read 8 books it was a very busy and slow reading month. I also didnt read anything that isnt a contemporary Romance. Better luck meeting my goal in may:)

Books I finished
Wanting More by Jennifer Foor
Saving Us by Jennifer Foor
A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger

Total Books Read this year to Date... 31 Different Books

Books left to reach my goal.. I have hit and surpassed my original goal of 30 books but i changed my goal to 100 books this year so i still 69 books short of that goal.

May Reading Goal... Read at Least 5 books. I also want to read something that's not a contemporary Romance.

Wordless Wednesday

Bug the last few weeks:)

Easter 2013

This year for Easter it was just bug and I. Bugs dad was on the road. So on Easter we did a small egg hunt in our yard and  after then played with bubbles. On the Monday after Easter we did Easter brunch with my mom and siblings. We did a egg hunt for the kids and all of the kids got Easter gifts from grandma and uncle James.

March reading:)

March Reading Goal... Read at Least 6 books and to Finished Matched.
Well as you can see i finished more then 6 books but didn't get Matched finished.

Books I finished
Breathe by Abbi Glines
Because of Low by Abbi Glines
While it lasts by Abbi Glines
Just for Now by Abbi Glines
Avoiding Commitment by K.A. Linde
Avoiding Responsibility by K.A. Linde
Easy by Tammara Webber
Chance Encounters by J. Sterling
On Dublin Street by Samantha Young
Fate by Elizabeth Reyes
Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry
Dare You To by Katie McGarry
Letting go by Jennifer Foor
Folding Hearts by Jennifer Foor
Raging Love by Jennifer Foor
Risking Fate by Jennifer Foor
Wrapping up by Jennifer Foor


Total Books Read this year to Date... 28 Different Books

Books left to reach my goal.. 2 Books till I Hit 30 this was my original goal but i have since changed my goal to 100 Books so only 72 books till that goal


April Reading Goal... Read at Least 8 books. I also want to read something that's not a contemporary Romance

Goals Update

I cant believe we are already 83 days into 2013. I have done pretty good on most my goals i set at the end of December. Here is a quick Update on how they are going.

1. Spend less time online
This has actually been pretty east for me I deleted the facebook app from my phone so I cant get on it during the day unless I get on the computer or ipad. I have also been limiting my line online after Emmalynn's in bed and spending more time reading.
2. Eat healthier
My goal wasn't to lose any weight but by gutting soda and most junk food out i am down 20+lbs and couldn't be happier about that. I have more energy and just feel better most the time.
3. Start exercising more
With the weather being so crappy have struggled with this one. I cant wait for it to get warm so Emmalynn and i can play at the park and go on longer walks , and hikes.
4. Try to be more positive:)
This has been a little bit of a struggle because i have been having a really rough time with depression the last 2 months.
5. Read at least 30 books 100 Books

I now know that 30 books was not a realistic goal since at the end of February i had read 11 and so far in march added 14 so i am 5 away from my original goal. With that being said my new goal is to read  100 books before the end of the year.
6. Potty Train Bug 
This is still mainly on hold she has been wearing undies some and going a few times in the potty but we are no where near being funny potty trained.
7. Get rid of the clutter and things we don't need
I really need to work on this one. I have gotten rid of a few things but not nearly all of it
8. Blog More
This one has been a JOKE when not having a working computer for over a month and then being depressed I haven't blogged much at all
9. Do more preschool type activity's with Bug
We have done a few she is learning so fast its crazy:)
10. Start sewing for me and not just for Bug
I haven't sewn much at all lately i just haven't had the energy to do it:(

Febuary Reading list

Books I started but didn't finish
Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Matched by Ally Condie
Someone to Love by Addison Moore

Books I read this Month
Don't Judge a Girl By Her Cover by Ally Carter
Only The Good Spy Young by Ally Carter
Out Of Sight, Out of Time by Ally Carter 
Fallen Too Far by Abbi Glines (I read this one 3 times)
Never Too Far by Abbi Glines (This one i read twice)
The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines
The Vincent Brothers by Abbi Glines 

Total Books Read this year to Date... 11 Different Books

Books left to reach my goal.. 19 Books till I Hit 30


March Reading Goal... Read at Least 6 books and to Finished Matched 

5 Ways to show you Child you love them

1. Spend time with them
I mean real one on one time put the phone and other electronics away and do something they love. Maybe you daughter loves dancing or your son love playing with Legos. Just spend a half an hour giving them all you attention and doing that activity.
2. Listen to them when they talk.
Really listen and focus on just them not on anything else. Get down at there level or scoop them into your arms and just let them tell you anything they want to tell you. You may be really surprised by what you hear and how much they enjoy even short 5 minute conversations when your really plugged into them
3.Put them First
I know this one sounds simple but is it really? Did you work over time last week and then spend Saturday night out with your husband or friends for the forth weekend in the row? The little bit of time you had at home with your children were you busy doing other stuff why they played alone? If so next weekend plan a special day with your kids, go to the zoo or the movies, and maybe even a special dinner.You  and you children will love the time you spent together and it might give them just a little more patience when you need 5 minutes to fishing that report for work. Plus you will have made some wonderful memories.
4.Know whats going on in their life
I think this is especially important once you children are school age and older. Ask you kids about school, friends,bullies, what they are learning in school. Just know what is going on with them. Did you daughter and her not spend the weekend together for the first time in months ask why. Chances are  she need your advice and support with what ever is going on.
5.Don't Judge or compare them to anyone
Your children should be able to come to you with out the fear of being judged or compared to anyone. If you have more then one  child don't compare you  youngest  to you older to they are all different and have different strengths and weaknesses different likes and dislikes. Just because you  daughter Suzy liked riding bikes and had had a 4.0 doesn't meant that Jane will too.

Do's and Don'ts of Sensory play

We enjoy sensory play and try to do it a few times a week to read about the benefits of sensory play please click Here.  That link will explore the benefits and reasons to do sensory play this one is about what to and not to do.

Do's

• Allow plenty of time
• Expect a mess
• Set rules and stick to them he have 3 rules they are no throwing the material, no dumping the material out, and now  putting it in the mouth
• Remind you child of the rules every time you have sensory play
• Stay calm and that them direct the play
• Enjoy the experience with your child
  

Don'ts

• Force you child to play
• Set a time limit
• Get upset when they make a mess
• Discourage them from putting there feet, face,or sitting in the tub
• Leave them unattended

Our favorite Sensory materials are
Dry corn, rice, pasta,water beads, cloud dough,play dough, and beans. But remember the options are endless this summer we will do shaving cream

What are you favorite Sensory materials?

Toddler chores

Emmalynn is a little over 2 and in the last few months i have been having her help around the house more.

Clear her dishes
After all meals and snacks bug dumps the uneaten food in the trash and then puts her plate, bowl, and silver wear in the sink.

Put dirty laundry in the laundry room
Any time i change Emmalynn's clothes she has to take the dirty ones to the laundry room

Pick up her toys
Before bed i have her help me clean the play area and put the toys away.

Pick up trash around the house 
We walk around and look for any stray trash in the house and pick it up.

Help sweep
For Christmas after she turned one she got a play broom and mop she has since gotten really good at sweeping and now helps me sweep the kitchen and bathroom.

Switch laundry
Emmalynn loves throwing laundry into the dryer and shutting the door.

Put laundry away
She helps me carry laundry to the different rooms and then will help put it in her dresser.

Do your toddlers help you around the house? If so what do you have them help with and do they enjoy it?

Tantrums and How I Handle them

Bug is a little over 2 and can throw some wicked Tantrums. Here is what i do to prevent them and stop them.

Distract
This works well when i can see a fit coming. at home i often distract her with a favorite toy, Music or by being silly. When we are out its a little more difficult and i keep a stash of suckers in the bag they are a great distraction.
Stay Calm and Speak Calmly
This is one i often have trouble with but i have found that if im not staying clam and speaking calmly to her then her fit escalates.
Get down to Child level
I do this anytime i need to have her attention. I get down on my knees and have her look at my nose. By doing this i am not intimidating her by towering over her. This allows us to communicate more efficiently therefor resulting in less tantrums.
Give her a break
When she has gotten cranky or is overwhelmed she is more apt to throw a tantrum so if i give her a small break either in her room or in a quite place with a book and a blanket she is able to calm her self down and act correctly.
Count
I use this before and during tantrums. I count to 5 but rarely get all the way to 5 because bug has learned that if i am counting then she needs to stop what she is doing. 
Time out
This has became a huge help in out house if i have tried everything else and she is still not calming down then i out her in time out and she stands in the corner for 2 minutes this is normally enough time for her to calm down and stop her fit. 
Remind them that you love them
After a tantrum i will talk to Bug and tell her that i love her very much but she was being naughty and that's why she had to take a break or stand in time out

January Book List Recap

At the beginning of the month i posted a list of the books i wanted to read this will be my recap of what i actually read. 

January List

Heist Society by Ally Carter 

Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter

I'd tell you i love you, But then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky 

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

The Initiation by L.J. Smith

Fallen by Lauren Kate 

Matched by Ally Condie 

Books I started and Didn't finish

The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky

Heist Society by Ally Carter

Books I Read

13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson

The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

I'd tell you i love you, But then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter

 Cross my heart and hope to spy by Ally Carter

All the books i finished i would recommend to my friends and readers.

I would love to hear what your reading

Toodler hair

 These are a few ways i do my toddlers hair. My daughter has enough hair that if i leave it undone it looks like the first picture.  I know i could cut her hair or give her bangs. But I am one of those moms that wont cut her hair until she asks me to. So it will be a long while before i cut her hair so I just take the time to put her hair up most days.

Pig Tails

Fishtail Braid

Pony Tail

Double Fish tail Braids

Top up

Multi Band Pig tails

Crossed multi band top only

Regular Braid

wordless Wednesday~Zoo

Finger Painting

Emmalynn loves to finger paint we do it often and she always enjoys it this time i painted too. Normally i just watch her but this time I wanted to paint as well. 

Top left: Look mommy i painted my face

Top Right: Mommy I'm messy

Bottom Left: Painting pictures

Bottom Right: A few of our Paintings the top one that's completely covered i did.

10 Deadly car seat mistakes you might be making

1. Using your car seat wrong! Nationally, the misuse rate for child safety seats is over 80% and as high as 95% in some areas. That scares me more then i can put into words. Please make sure your using your car seat correctly and have the installation checked by a professional.

2. Using Both the LATCH system and a seat belt to install your car seat.  I understand the thinking that using both is safer when in fact its not. Use one or the other but never both. Just use the one that gets the best fit and you are most comfortable using. If you prefer to use LATCH and want the seat in the center, make sure your car has center LATCH (many do not)

3. Infant Carries should NOT be used on top of shopping carts! I know you have seen other moms do this but they are not made to work with a shopping cart. Visit here for more info

4. Forward facing to soon. even tho the law states that you can turn an infant at 1 year and 20lbs the American Academy of Pediatrics now advises parents to keep toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age two, or until they exceed the height or weight limit for the car seat.

5. Winter Coats and Car seats don't mix.

6. Chest clip belongs on the chest not the belly. Chest clip should be even with the armpits.


7. Not reading the owner manual. Always read the owners manuals for your vehicle and carseat thoroughly.  They often contain specific information about carseat installation that may not be obvious.  Some models may vary from what you would expect.

8. Make sure the harness is snug. You should not be able to pinch any strap or put more then one finger between your child's collarbone and the strap. The straps should be as Snug as a hug.

9. Don't buy used car seats. You never know the history of a seat when you buy used and saving money isn't worth risking your child's life.

10. Make sure the seat is adjusted correctly for your child and the way they are facing. Keep the harness straps at or below the shoulders while rear-facing and at or above the shoulders while front-facing.

Toddler Activitys

 

Top Left: Color Matching with candy land

Top Right: Playing with her Tag Jr. Books

Bottom Left: Dress up and putting on fake makeup

Bottom Right: Trying to write an E

Wordless wednsday~Chuck E. Cheese

Cute toddler things

Emmalynn does some funny stuff

Emmalynn was holding a Giraffe and I was holding a Lion

Me:Roar

Emmalynn: Mommy Raffies don't roar

Me:But lions do

Emmalynn: Oh Roar

Before Bed emmalynn was counting her toes

1,2,1,2,4,3

I touched Emmalynn's nose

Emmalynn: my nose (touches nose) my nose

Me:Yes that's your nose

Emmalynn: my nose mommy

January Books List

This is the list of books I want to read in January. I am so excited for this year and to read more books. I am open to ideas of books to read. This is what i want to read but a few of these are book one of series so i may not get to them all depending on how much i want to read the rest of the series. 

• Heist Society by Ally Carter 
• Uncommon Criminals by Ally Carter
• I'd tell you i love you, But then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter
• The Perks of Being a Wallflower Stephen Chbosky 
• 13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson
• The Initiation by L.J. Smith
• Fallen by Lauren Kate 
• Matched by Ally Condie 

What im reading

Its no secret that i have a love affair with books. They are my escape when i have had a bad day and i need a few minutes to reset. Books have always been a safe place for me. I under stand that may sound silly but bring able to lose my self in a book has gotten me through some extremely hard times. One of my goal for the new year is to read at least 30 books this year. I am pretty sure i will have no problem doing that because in December I finished 6 new books and reread a few others including reading some of the new ones again.

My December Reading list

• Glimpse by Stacey Wallace Benefiel
  
• Glimmer by Stacey Wallace Benefiel
• Glow by Stacey Wallace Benefiel
• My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick
• Just for Now by Abbi Glines
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

 


  
 

wordless wednesday:)