15 min of bliss

  Okay 15 min until my kids favorite show "blaze and the monster machines" is over.  So I have this very short time to sip my 2nd cup of coffee and update my blog :).  Had yet another very busy weekend.  Doctors appointments, cakes and soccer.  Dallas now has physical therapy along with his 3 others a week, so 4 appointments a week for the little guy.  My favorite therapist is Justin his OT, because Dallas and him have just seemed to click.  He has been the only therapist we haven't switched and has been seeing him since September.  It might be that OT is a little more fun too.  He works with him in a form of play, but as soon as Dallas see's Justin walking down the hall he goes towards him.  Also I don't know maybe its just easier on me having a down to earth approachable therapist too.  Justin knows Jason and I love the Cowboys and Red Sox so we chat about that, he also gives me examples of ideas from his own children.  It's a great fit and I really hope that we do not have to switch at some point. 

  Did some much needed clothes shopping for the kids this weekend :). Mostly Slater was the one in need because he out grows everything.  Also had to get them outfits for their pictures this weekend.  Its just a mini session but I am hoping we get at least one picture of them all together.  I planned an awesome little date night in for Jason and I on Friday.  Bought some candles, steak, shrimp and made spinach artichokes dip with pork rhines instead of chips (no carbs).  Also rented Planet Of The Apes and I really liked it.  It was a nice relaxing night. 

 I also had a doctors appointment on Friday.  I have to do some heart tests (have a murmer) and also am being referred to a surgeon for the possibility of removing my scare tissue from my stomach and incision.  Doctor called it a tummy tuck essentially and I liked that :) except have no time at the moment for a surgery.  It is causing a lot of pain however so we will see.  It was a new doctor and when we walked in for the first 5 min of talking to him he had a coughing mask on.  After about the 4th time of me asking him to repeat himself he took it off and was like "im not sick.. just don't want to get sick".  Also got told to cut down my coffee :/.  He laughed at my face when he told me that.  I live off coffee (currently drinking a cup).  So I will replace anything after my 1st cup with decaf :(.
Which later brought Jason and I to a talk about our deaths if it happened sooner then later.  Basically game plan's of what we would want eachother to do with living, kids and money.  I don't even want to have to think of that but it's good we both know eachothers wants.  It would be important if something did ever happen.  It left me in the sudden thought of not life after losing Jason...but the thought of losing him.  One thing I have learned is life goes on regardless if want it to.  But it makes me very thankful for having him.  Our life is just crazy, but everyday I am thankful for him.  And with that I am THANKFUL for the time I have gotten to spend with him.  It's weird, without him probably even knowing he is my rock.  I know I won't feel better until I talk to him about something.  Sometimes just him taking it all in and usually always having that positive attitude and hugging me better.  I cling to him to be that positive side of everything.  And in return on the rare occasional moment that he needs some positive influence I am happy to do it.  I love having him in my life, without him I would struggle I know that. 

Recipe for Spinach Artichoke Dip

8oz package cream cheese
I can artichoke hearts drained
10 oz thawed spinach
1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
I can alfredo sauce.

Mix all together put in baking dish uncovered for 30 min at 375

Daily pics

One long night

Tonight will be one long night that's for sure. I have two cakes to complete and be ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow is jammed packed full of doctor appoinments. Dallas has therapy and appoinments from 8:00am-10:50 and then I have a doctor appointment at 3:45.  But at least I will kind of have a real weekend NO cakes Saturday.  Reese has soccer on Saturday too! 

I am down 14lbs in a little over a month. I am happy about it, but more happy about getting back into cardio shape at the gym. Everyday I go it's still a struggle and I've been pushing really hard with it.  Jason has been going too and doing good.  I stick to a much stricter diet then he does but I also have 20 more pounds to lose. 

My sweet Dallas has been making some awesome progress.  We have been working on kicking a ball and he started doing it yesterday.  I got a little bit of it on video to show his OT Justin.  He was so hyper yesterday and in a good mood.  Reese has been practicing her letters and tracing on ABC mouse.  She is practicing for school lol.  Last night I was working on some cake stuff listening to Jason trying to help her with counting...I hid music hree but it was pretty funny. His approach was a little different than what she's used to and he was getting frustrated.  I can't imagine these two when she has real homework.  They also drew shapes on little index cards.  Reese likes to use my index cards why I don't know.  

Here are more pics of Slater being up at 5:15 with me...and he's already napping. 

Pictures

I take a lot of pictures! Reese however does not like it at certain times so I can't get a whole lot of pictures. Dallas and Slater are easier! 

Slater thinks it's awesome to roll over to get stuff. I can't believe he will be crawling soon.  Last night was a success. After I blogged about Dallas not liking the transition to a booster seat at the table, well tonight he finally ate dinner in it and didn't scream and act scared.  He looked at the chair a few times confused but he did it.  Hoping it stays good.  

Happy Tuesday!

With such a busy week with cakes I've been a little stressed 😁.  I am trying to pace myself with detail work and such.  I have 3 cakes due and all 3 cakes will be out the door by 11 on Saturday.  I can tell it will be some late nights and early early morning.  So with knowing that I went to bed early last night.  Reese got to hang out in the kids room at the gym last night!  She enjoyed it!  And Reese has her first soccer game on Saturday. Her indoor soccer shoes that were $80 😠 should be here today or tomorrow.  Yes Jason had to have them for her.  And got her everything else. Hopefully I'll be able to get some pictures.  I'm not quiet sure how I will while trying to juggle Dallas and Slater.  I am hoping Dallas will hang out in the stroller with some snacks and maybe some cartoons on the tablet.  And jason... Will probably be freaking out on the side somewhere.  We have been so unbelievably busy I have actually started to do daily goals and tasks.  Honestly if I don't, things will not get done.  And if they get pushed to later in the week it's no good because I cannot do them while getting cakes done.  Goals today: Make Jason's doctor appointment, landlord needs to be notified of a leak in our dish washer, clean Reese's you area, make 2 batches of fondant, color fondant, cake messages and quotes and hopefully getting into the gym late tonight!  

Good Morning!

 Its Monday AGGAIINN! This last weekend we had  a lot of fun, but were super busy.  Slater had a doctor's checkup, he is doing great.  We did the meet and great at Reese's preschool for next year.  She loved it, and it seems like such a perfect fit I am excited for her.  On Saturday Reese had her first soccer practice.  It was so cute, but she is a chatterbox for sure.  She kept raising her hand everytime the coach asked a questions, even though she had no idea what the answer was.  We are working on her not picking up the ball, which is a challenge with all the kids this age. She loved it but got very upset when we had to leave.  She just doesn't understand that we WILL be coming back next week.  After her soccer practice her, my sister and I went and shopped for her father/daughter dance dress.  We found it pretty quickly.  The theme of the dance is "dancing with Cinderella" so I wanted like the light blue color.  Found one and she loves it! It's blue with little swirls and sparkles with a big bow on the front.  Can't wait to see her wear it. 

  I finished 3 cakes this weekend, and it was stressful and busy and I think I almost DIED! Literally was so stressed about one cake because the client is very picky.  This wasn't his first cake and I knew he was very picky always had something to say because he doesn't make it exactly clear what he wants in the beginning.  But he loved it :)

Saturday Jason and  I got to go out on a date :).  I think I almost forgot what it was.  We went and saw the movie "the wedding ringer".  It was really funny and had been a very long time before we saw a movie.  After we went to Olive Garden, I had a small appetizer asparagus which was still on my diet, and Jason had seafood Alfredo.  It was awesome to get some alone time with Jason.  Have a conversation without being interrupted or without it regarding the kids :).  So wish we could do more of it!

 Yesterday I took Dallas to a friends for a play date.  She has two boys close in age.  At this age they don't really "play" together.  More like go through toys together, follow each other around type of thing.  He did really good in a new environment, actually went straight in to the toy room.  We stayed for a couple hours, ate lunch and watched some cartoons.

DALLAS

Heavy heart...

  Wow have we been busy this week! Doctor appointment's, cakes, gym, shopping, bday party!  Its been busy for sure.  And this week I have had a very heavy heart.  Have you ever just cared/loved someone so much??! Not your children or spouse.  So it's hard to see choices and not know outcomes..so I being the way I am just lay my heart out. With the exception of my kids and husband, caring about this person the way I do is hard.  I worry, stress and try to love the best I can.  I have the best intentions but fact of matter I just love this person so much.   They probably might know..but basically is my rock.  The other day I had this thought..what if I didn't have this person around.  Like literally tried to put the pieces where they go if that were actually true.  Well it just tore me up, and really a good reminder to care and love.  Happiness is what I want and believe for everyone.  I also have this heavy weight to make sure people are, it's weird. I tend to stay closed up and not maybe show a lot of it.  But my mind is always ticking. The love I have for this person who has treated me so well is just unconditional.  That's what it is unconditional..really.  I just have been trying to figure out how to show that I suppose.  It's a work in progress...

  I started back at the gym this week.  Its needed for a few different reasons.  I have some inner struggles and it really helps.  Therapy? I guess maybe its kind of like that.  My sweet Dallas has been on my mind a lot.  A lot comes with that and I need to take it in and get it out I guess.  I am excited to see the results combined with my dieting as far as my body too.  I really don't know how I am even fitting it in but I am and glad. 

  Reese starts indoor soccer next weekend! Excited yes!  Jason has been waiting for this moment for the kids to start sports since before they were born.  So of course letting him go overboard with all the cool gear was necessary.  Considering I think it's a little extreme $$ but I allowed.  We will see how it goes.  She's a huge talker and I am kind of worried she might just be trying to talk and play with the kids lol but that's ok!  We attended Candice's daughter Kitana's birthday party yesterday.  It was fun but Dallas did not have such fun at first.  About 10 min before we got to Hermiston he fell asleep in the car.  So we had to wake him and that's just not good for him.  He did like the piñata however. We dropped Slater off at my sisters to hang out with her during.  A fun but fast weekend this was!

Thursday

  Without a doubt this has been the longest week (it seems) ever!  Its weird I can't even believe we are still on at Thursday! Ahh usually I am behind and then boom Friday and I have a ton of stuff to do.  I guess it's okay for time to actually seem like it slows every once and a while?!  The kids had a good day yesterday.  Dallas said "pizza"! I haven't switched over to his new diet yet, I have still be researching and it really has to stick so has to be the right timing.  I am thinking Monday would be a good start.  Slater has been waking up with me when Jason and I get up at 4:45-5:00ish.. He wakes up so happy! I wish I could do that.  I will look in his crib and there are his eyes and his little smile. He usually gets excited by kicking his legs.  We go out he has a bottle plays with a few toys and now at 6:30...is already napping :).  He's so cute.  If I had to guess I would say he is going to be the goofball of the family.  At first I wasn't sure, but I am thinking so now.  He is so funny and so attached to us at the same time.  He adds such character to our family.  When we decided to try for our 3rd child I wanted a girl.  I don't even know why, but I did.  But I couldn't imagine having anything different then Slater.  He so plays that role of the last child too.  It's like he knows we are hanging on to every little last baby phase.


  I have a couple of cakes to do this weekend, and had some left over batter (normally never happens) so I made up a few of my small cakes.  I am thinking we might take aunt Erin a little surprise cake.  If we have time that is.  I also use them to let Reese decorate..she loves it.  We are going to a birthday party in Hermiston on Saturday and Slater will be hanging out with her while we go.  I am that parent that worries about my little ones getting sick.  Yes I still worry of Dallas and Reese getting it, but Slater is just 6 months.  Also give him a little fun time with his aunt.  He loves being held that's for sure.  Reese is already excited for the birthday party, but always makes me assure her, that her birthday is coming up soon too!  This morning my mission is to finish a cake, grocery list, plan for dallas new diet and also plan to incorporate some of the keto diet recipes.  Jason and I have been so strict so now we are going to try some of the actual recipes.  We usually just eat the plain meats.  I am excited for that! My sister sends me the recipes and there are def a few I will be trying.  Also one of my fav snacks (stuffed mushrooms) is totally on the diet.  about 2 months after Slater was born I started working out and running.  With overwhelming stuff with Dallas and doctors appointment's and emotional roller coaster it slipped.  I remember just telling Jason that I am not in the mind set for this and I just can't even do it.  He supported me.  I stayed pretty good with my diet, but then 1 month ago started this new diet and today I have decided to go back to the gym.  Jason has a TRX band and we usually would work out here.  But I really think I could use that time outside the home to clear my mind and get more effective workouts in.  Also they have a kids room so on the weekends I think it will be a fun thing to go as a family.  During the week I will go very early or evenings.. Jason and I just kind of swap timings for it.  I am def excited to see results.  I am thankful I didn't fall completely off tract and give up on it all.  I care about my health and appearance.  I also find it as a hobby, especially the running part.  I plan to get into running shape and by the time good weather rolls around just be running my long stretches again.  It's a big goal that's for sure, but I am taking things steady.  No I am no where near where I feel I should of been by now but I know I will get there.  This last csection really set me back.  I still have stomach scarring pain.  I know my energy level rises when I work out and I am so in need of that as well.   

Not a very good day!

  As I am now sitting back trying to relax. Just thinking of what weird/frustrating day I have had!  Thankfully it starts all over tomorrow :).  I have had some of the worst cake inquiries today!  I am very grateful for what I do and that I can stay home and work from home.  I think sometimes people just don't understand the work that goes into the cakes I do. I make everything homemade.  Even my fondant ( a lot of bakers do not because its a process and not easy) and I also really do try to work with people as far as pricing.  A RED FLAG for the future a post on Facebook that reads "in need of an amazing cake for CHEAP".  Lets just stop right there. You want a custom order amazing looking and amazing tasting for x amount of people for CHEAP.  I am just going to note that what the heck in this world is cheap anymore??  Sure not the supplies that I use or the amount of time it takes.  Because hey time is money and these cakes take a lot of time.  I had 3 of those today. Most times I even stay clear of it, but when people recommend me for them I totally appreciate it.  And then the battle is on for the person to talk whichever baker down to the very least price.  Ehh is frustrating.  However today I also had 2 bookings that were very easy too.  I am now booked for all but one date in January.  I am so grateful, and also have a lot of work ahead of me.  I don't like these type of frustrations. I take them hard because like I said I really do try to help people out when I can with pricing.  It was also just an extremely long long day..still getting used to Jason being back at work I guess.

Yesterday I bought Dallas an actual booster seat, so he can sit at the table with us and not in the high chair.  So I had Jason take the old high chair out and we strapped on the new booster for today.  I really thought he would like it.  For whatever reason during lunch he froze up and acted terrified of the height or whatever.  I tried to calm him down and show him it was okay, but it got so bad I thought he was like in pain.  He was so stiff didn't want to move and was freaking out.  I took him back to the bedroom and check him out, because I thought maybe something was wrong.  But no it was the high chair. Same thing during dinner.  I really hope he gets used to it, because I don't understand it at all.  It was so very strange.

Here is to a better day tomorrow :))

Monday..

 


  It's like being a kid with winter break ending :(.  Jason headed back to work today.  And now won't really have much time off and or able to take any off until Disneyland.  Loved having him home.  He is a big help!  Last night was a new season premier of one of my favorite tv series Sister Wives.  I had to stay up late to catch it 9-11 which is past my normal bed time.  Paying for that this morning.  The show takes place in Las Vegas and every time I watch it I wonder about living there.  It sounds weird, but I have always had an interest in living in Las Vegas.  Not because of the whole "vegas" experience.  I have been there every year and love that part of it.  Something else just draws me in.  One day I hope to take a vacation there and stay off the strip maybe even a rental house?! Would love that.  At times I feel we are destined to have an opportunity to live there or somewhere else.  And who knows it could be possible.  I just need to convince my sister to move with us I suppose. 

  This weekend we have a birthday party and hopefully get to see some old friends.  Also get to catch up with my friend Courtney.  Life has happened and we so need to catch up.  I have so much catching up to do with everyone I feel.  Really..the last 3 months I have just been busy and occupied.  As spring comes and summer I know it will get better. 

  Also this week, after I dyed my hair dark in the fall I am now going back to somewhat blonde.  Well it's a process so this will get me the two colored look I am hoping.  The lady who does my hair does it out of her home (we trade cake work for hair) and has a daughter so I get to bring Reese and the girls get to play.  So win win they are pretty close in age too. 

Well I am off to this awesome Monday..of cleaning my house!

Slater well check 6 months =HUGE

  Okay so Slater had his 6 month well check on Friday, and got both his height and head measured and then of course his weight.  We have one big boy on our hands.  His percentiles are 95% for his height, 99% for his head size and 65% for his weight.  Which it totally makes sense because he is wearing 12 month clothes, and after the new stuff we just bought him being washed they are all snug.  So I am going to try to shrink some of the 18 month clothing and hope it's not way too big. 
He loves loves loves to eat.  He has the chunkiest legs.  I didn't notice it too much until at the doctor's office he wasn't wearing any pants.  Reese was a big baby as well always in the 90th% or above.  Dallas however has always been very small.  He is growing good for him though, and proportioned..he isn't under weight or anything.  He is just small :).  Dallas we struggle to get any of the 2T stuff to fit and some of it doesn't yet, like jeans.  Reese wears a size 6 in mostly everything so we try to buy a little bigger for things to last longer.  Slater is our chatty baby.  He also doesn't really cry that much however he does this dinosaur type of noise (more like yelling) at us when he is upset or wants something.  It was really cute at first, not so much anymore because he get's louder and louder with it.

  Today we woke up to Reese telling us it had snowed! We kind of expected it because we were getting a winter storm. We probably got a couple inches, enough for the kids to go out and play in.  Reese and Dallas loved that. Jason took them out all bundled up and they played in it, Dallas tried to eat a few bites and the dogs had a good time playing in it too.  Since the kids came back from their sleep over we have just been relaxing.  Watching a few new on demand movies with them.  Oh and Reese loves the NEW movie which isn't even animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. She calls it "turtle power".  We rented it and she watched it a lot, so for her birthday I am going to pick that up for her to have.  She also has her own tablet so we can download it on there for her too.  Dallas likes it too, but mostly the music he dances to it. 

  Reese will be starting indoor soccer this next month.  It is through the YMCA and her first year.  And also she and Jason have the big father daughter dance beginning of Feb here. It's put on by an organization here and held at the TRAC in pasco.  So her and I will be picking her dress pretty soon.  And of course she is extremely excited, she had such a good time at last year's dance in Hermiston.  Also Reese and Dallas both will be attending Pre-school next year.  It makes me a little sad in a way but also I know Reese is ready and want's to.  Reese will be at the faith of god Heritage pre-school and attending twice a week 3 hours at a time. It's less than a mile from our home and we have actually been on the waitlist since last school year.  Seems great, we look forward to the tour and signing her up in February.  Dallas will be at Keewadin Discovery Preschool.  Also less than a mile from our home.  We haven't determined how many times a week he will attend yet.  I hope he does great with it, he does need to catch up so this is important for him and I think he will do very well.  I think both their start dates are first part of September :). Going to be an adjustment but I look forward to all their growth with this new chapter.  Both pre-schools are very parent involved.  They think it's key for a great education, and so do we.  We can volunteer and also we have a rotating schedule to provide snacks for the classes.  They do parties, celebrations and allow the kids to celebrate their birthday's in class as well.  So yes I am super excited.  My first part of college I studied early childhood development and I know how essential it is.  So I am here to help the teacher in any way.  It's hard to let them go, that's for sure.  But I do know part of being a parent is helping your children grow up.  Just not too fast :).

CHEAP

  We have a Disneyland trip coming up in MAY! Which we are extremely excited about but we also are being pretty cheap in the mean time. 5 people going to Disneyland for 5 days isn't cheap. We usually have constant projects we want to do around our house or other non necessary things that we do but aren't cheap.  As of like last week we are putting our feet down and sucking it up and just being well kind of cheap.  We have Reese's birthday coming up and because we normally spend a ton, we will be doing less gifts. I wasn't supposed to do a ton for Christmas but our kids probably opened up 30+ gifts each :/ ehh..So for her bday we are doing kind of a laid back thing.  She want's to go to chucky cheese and so we are doing that of course.  Instead of renting a location out and such.  For Dallas's birthday we did it at our house, rented tables chairs and a bounce house.  We thought that would be cheaper, however we still spent $500 plus on his birthday!  I couldn't agree more with Jason wanting to be cheap, we don't do it a lot and I honestly am a cheap person.  I really am.  We tend to spend money on little things and it adds up. Just if we stopped even that we would save a ton!  I am so looking forward to our trip.  We will be driving and stopping about half way in California to stay a night with Jason's grandparents, then driving the rest of the way the next morning.  I know it's going to be crazy but at the same time fun.  Reese and Dallas are going to love it. And also my sister is flying down to meet us there. We will be doing both parks and we are staying right across the street so we can walk. We already expect it to be complete chaos because the kids won't be on their normal napping and bedtime schedule. But that's okay! We haven't gotten a big family vacation like this before, and this is also Jason's first time going to Disneyland.  So we have lots to prep for in the next few months :) as well as being cheap cheap which I like!

Bringing in the NEW YEAR!

  We had a very laid back New Years Eve.  We ate dinner and then decided we would just let the kids stay up as long as they could. We had planned to make snacks and  such, but really Jason and I are on a strict diet. We can't eat any of it anyways, and lets face it kids are always snacking!  We had fun though.  Jason set up a new toy the kids got and they love it.  We watched The Big Bang Theory from about 8-10:30.  Oh and the kids made it until about 10pm, which is really good for them.  I had planned to stay up and we watch the ball drop, but I woke up to Jason saying I fell asleep on the couch and it was like 10:45.  We decided just to go to bed :).  Next year when the kids are little older I am thinking a fun night of games and stuff.  But we were all tired.  SOO HAPPY NEW YEAR.  It's a new year and a new day!