2011 Resolutions Report

At the beginning of 2011, we planned five individual and five family goals. (Read about Caden's here.) These were my five goals for 2011 and how I did:

1. Exercise 3 or more times a week: I ran 3 times a week until June when it got too hot. Justin and I went to the gym together a few times during the summer. Once the weather cooled down, I started running again but not consistently. Then a couple months ago I met another running mom at our playgroup and we ran three times a week together until Christmas break. We plan on continuing next year.
2. Submit 4 manuscripts to magazines: I submitted much more than that, and all but the ones to Jen Magazine (an LDS online fashion magazine) were rejected. However, Jen has only published one of my articles so far. I'm going to submit more articles to Highlights next year.
3. Watch less TV: Accomplished. There are still shows I watch by myself or with Justin, but in control and sometimes later online when I/we have time. Sleep and chores come first!
4. Read the scriptures daily: This went up and down all year. Right now it's up from Christmas guilt. I need to improve significantly.
5. Be more affectionate; no nagging: Justin's assessment: "Combined rating of B+. Much improvement from last year."

For Justin's privacy, I will not share his goals. Here are the ones we made for both of us:

1. Clean the house: I did great all year. I cleaned the kitchen every day and stayed on top of laundry. I cleaned the bathroom and vacuumed more often. The only area I can still improve in is filing papers--my worst nightmare!
2. Budget: For the most part we were strict. We had a lot of car troubles this year that cost us and were able to pay off all of them. The only time we did bad was eating out a lot in October and November.
3. Go to the temple monthly: FAIL. I don't even remember the last time we went. And we still haven't finished renewing our recommends. Embarrassing.
4. Have consistent family prayer, scripture study, and FHE. Family prayer and scripture study have been daily. We still need to work on FHE.

Home for the Holidays

Thanksgiving

I actually helped with the turkey this year, but I'm still too scared to do it all. Adam and Kirsten joined us and brought yummy apple caramel pie. The boys played a lot of Settlers of Catan. Dad and I tied in Scrabble, with Constance not far behind. Mom and I scored thrift store shopping as usual. Caden went for a swim with Grandpa and enjoyed the hot tub with Daddy (no worries, only his legs were in for a few minutes to warm him up after the cool-night swim).

Pre-Christmas Activities

The ward party was alright. We only stayed for the food. We didn't feel like doing Santa this year, although Caden probably wouldn't have cried. I went to an ugly ornament exchange with Kirsten. It was really fun. I love our girls' nights out!

We finally put up our tree the week before Christmas. Of course, Caden was interested in taking everything down, so we put all the ornaments high up. That along with the carpet being uneven, our tree looks funny.

Justin's work party was better this year. We left Caden with a sitter and he did great. The food was delicious. There was music, and after much begging, Justin danced with me. Adam danced one samba with me. We didn't win any raffle prizes at the party for the second year in a row. Adam won headphones.

Caden got sick. Another double ear infection. Worse than last time, because he woke up every hour or less for a few nights in a row. Needless to say, I was a very cranky zombie mom. Then he reacted to the antibiotics and we had to go back to the ER on Christmas Eve to check it out and switch meds.

Christmas Eve night we saw the lights and nativities at the Mesa Temple/Visitor's Center with Adam and Kirsten. We never go at the right time for the concerts; we're usually too early or too late. Caden had fun walking up and down the stairs. Afterward we went to Adam and Kirsten's for dinner (or breakfast, really) with the missionaries and exchanged gifts. They got me A Muppet Christmas Carol, a family tradition which I missed. (We got them their Christmas tree and some ornaments in November).

Christmas Day

Christmas morning Caden ran straight to the little armchair we bought him.

We spoiled him this year, though besides the chair I only spent $25 on him--everything was secondhand. He got bath toys, a truck, 3 puzzles, tons of books, and a riding car/walker. The car is his favorite. He got toys, clothes, books, and stuffed animals from family and friends. He got to open those with Grandma and Keilani watching via Skype on Adam's laptop. He wasn't too into unwrapping, but he did help clean it up.



Justin's favorite present from me. Caden thinks it's funny and loves to retrieve the darts.



The biggest surprise for us was a present from Justin's parents: an XBOX 360 and Kinect. I'm really excited about the Kinect; Justin and I love playing it at Best Buy. However, Justin and I still need to discuss rules and allowed games. We also got a lot of money from family and Justin's clients and are saving it for a new TV.

new church clothes from Adam & Kirsten

After presents was church for a *cough* unique Christmas program. Then we all napped. Kirsten and Adam came over. I made lasagna for the first time for dinner and it came out great! We had cheesecake for dessert. The others watched the Packers game. We watched A Muppet Christmas Carol here and there throughout the night.

I think everyone was very happy with their presents and had a good time.

Crazy Caden

Time for another update on Caden!

At his 15-month appointment a few weeks ago, he weighed 23 lbs. and  measured 31 in., both 50 percentile. His head was in the 90 percentile!

He loves clapping. If he hears cheering on TV, if someone says yay, or if he does something he thinks is cool, he starts clapping and smiling.

He waves goodbye really adorably, sometimes with both hands.

He points at everything and asks, "Szat?" (What's that?).

He still spins around for dancing, but also bounces up and down and marches. If he hears any music, he starts dancing.

He knows where his belly button, nose, and toes are.

He likes to stand up in his high chair, stand on regular chairs, climb on everything still, and fall down on our bed.

He loves the playground and is absolutely fearless going down slides, running across the shaky bridge, and climbing up and down.

He can follow directions, though he doesn't always do so. His favorite thing to do is get his socks because then he knows we are going outside.

He is still very clingy, but he is getting better.

He loves staying in Nursery while I set up and gets upset when I take him out. I hope it lasts once it's really time for him to go in!

He loves, loves butter. If something has butter on or in it, he'll eat it.

He eats more adult food and only eats vegetable/meat baby food, though sometimes I can get him to eat the real deal if I'm eating it or if it's mixed in with rice. If he doesn't like it, he has no qualms spitting it out. Gross!

He makes his goldfish swim before putting them into his mouth.

He is obsessed with spoons and has to hold one all the time. If he sees a spoon, he wants it.

He knows how to use a play phone. It's so cute seeing him try to put it to his ear but miss and get the back of his neck instead.

He dumps all the water out his bathtub with a cup and then likes to fill up his cup when I refill the tub.

He likes to hide in my closet, behind doors, or under blankets and play peek-a-boo.

He is back to sleeping in his crib during naptime and a couple hours at night. He has been sleeping in a lot lately. Yesterday he slept in until 10!

He likes to push our nose and hear us say honk or beep.

He is getting two more top teeth. Once I figured that out, he started sleeping better.

He likes to turn on and off the lights. He likes to turn off the power cord (and thus the computer). I let him do it at night, but sometimes he sneaks up on me and does it during the day too, like right now.

Yesterday he started knocking on doors and walls.

He tries to comb his hair with Justin's comb.

He signs milk and please all the time, potty and all done sometimes, and more rarely. I'm trying to teach him eat again and he does it after I do it, but not on his own.

He knows when he misbehaves and laughs mischeviously. When I want him to calm down when he's throwing a tantrum, he laughs whiningly instead. If I tell him not to go somewhere he'll do it so I will chase him. We're working on not screaming. If I ask him to ask for something nicely he will, but he usually screams first. Overall, he's a very silly, energetic, headstrong kid with a sweet side.

Breaking Dawn

Last one:

*All these years I've heard the hype over a supposed sex scene. I should've listened to Kaitlyn, my former movie/book screener. As she said, it was all implied.
*I enjoyed reading from Jacob's point of view. Until the birth scene. Parents are worried about the honeymoon? The birth was extremely graphic and disturbing (not a normal human birth).
*And the book gets even more twisted. I feel like there was a huge maturity jump from book three to book four. The first three books were teen romances. The fourth is more adult themed and dark. People say the same about Harry Potter, but I disagree. Harry Potter's knowledge and responsibilities mature as he matures in order to defeat Voldemort. The dark undertones were always there, but were made more manifest as the time got closer for Harry to battle You-Know-Who. However, each book also remains fun and enjoyable for all ages.
*Debating whether or not to finish reading the book . . . nope, not finishing it. I have better ways to spend my time. I'll just ask my friend how it ends.
*Overall: Weird and disturbing.

*Series Overall: The first three were entertaining. I probably would have enjoyed them more as a middle schooler, when I was into teen romances. I still don't understand the obsession in women my age or older. I may watch the first two or three movies, but maybe not. The saga was nowhere near as genius or addicting as the Harry Potter series. Apples to oranges? Maybe. But HP forever for me!

Eclipse

Finished Eclipse last night:
*Edward is too overprotective and controlling.
*Minus points for Jacob for the forced kiss; plus points for Edward for defending her and for being more civil and flexible. Although Jacob shouldn't have kissed her and he deserved the punch, Bella overreacted overall.
*I don't have problems with Bella's insecurities. I hate how incredibly manipulative and selfish she is and that she knows it and hates it, but not enough to change. What do those guys see in her, really?
*Too much mushy stuff. Let's get to the action!
*Poor Jacob.
*Never mind. Didn't like how he manipulated Bella. On the other hand, it was nice seeing her have a taste of her own medicine.
*I'm liking Edward more, but I'm still team Jacob.
*Finally some action!
*Alice is my favorite character.

Only one more to go! And then the movies.

Bikinis

If I've offended anybody, I'm not sorry! I am just so shocked how many LDS women wear bikinis. (Clarification: I'm not judging converts' or members' rebellious pasts, but you should know better now.) I thought bikinis being immodest was a "duh" fact. I'm glad I have never worn a bikini. I have worn a tankini, but the top covered my tummy and the bottom was boy shorts. What is so wrong with a one piece anyway? There are so many cute styles these days.

New Moon

So I just finished the second book in the Twilight series. Thoughts:

*I am so team Jacob. I won't go into detail, but I like him so much more than Edward. I think Edward is an idiot. Too bad I already know Bella chooses him instead.
*I wish the author explained more about werewolves like she did with vampires in the first book. So many unanswered questions.
*I like Bella better in this book. She is more complex, interesting, and real.
*And the vampires return. I was liking the werewolf storyline better. Maybe I'm a little biased because I have a hot Native American husband. Nah, I would still like it better.
*The Volturi part was dumb.
*The ending was even dumber.
*Overall: More intriguing and well written than the first.

Twilight

In all these years, I've escaped reading and watching the Twilight series. My curiosity finally got the better of me and I decided to read Twilight. I finished it a week ago and now I am reading New Moon. I will post my thoughts on each book, so here is what I was thinking while reading the first:

*Not understanding the tree of knowledge reference and apple on the cover. Some help please?
*Is this all going to be high school, love-triangle drama? I feel so juvenile reading this. Why are so many women older than me obsessed?
*Edward isn't as romantic as everyone has made him out to be.
*We're on page a million and what and nothing's happened yet? On the other hand, I appreciate all the dialogue and the explanations of the vampire world. It's fascinating discovering the author's made-up world.
*Finally some action and suspense!
*The end is like a Law & Order: SVU episode but with vampires.
*Overall: Good book and very entertaining, but I don't get the huge cult following.

I like to watch movie versions of books immediately after reading the book to compare and contrast them, especially in a series when I'm likely to forget more details, but I don't know who has the movies. I'll have to figure that out soon.

I'll let you know what I'm thinking of New Moon once I finish it, but I will say that so far it is better than Twilight!

I Feel Loved

Thank you for all the sweet, encouraging replies! I got a little teary-eyed. I feel so loved and I love you all too!

I Feel Like a Loser

Last night was a Relief Society holiday exchange night. Everyone was invited to bring a holiday craft or recipe to share with others. Because I am in Nursery, I wasn't informed until this week, and therefore had limited time and resources to use. I had already searched online for easy ornament crafts and found some cute ones on Disney's Family Fun site. I decided to make one of the kid-friendly, cheap crafts for that night since there are so many kids in our ward--perfect family activity, I thought. I chose the retro ornament, or cardboard snowflake as I called it, because it was the only one I had all the supplies for.  Here is the photo from the site:

They're just cardboard tubes threaded on pipe cleaners. I only had plain white, not glittery, pipe cleaners, but I amped up the tubes by covering them in wintery paper. Mine doesn't even look like the photo above, though in my defense, I had to make it really fast! If I had had more time, I would have done multiple colors and evened out the spacing.




 I felt a little silly displaying my craft next to all the other fancy ones, but I tried not to think about it. The night was really fun. We started with talking about being grateful and shared family holiday traditions. Then we browsed the crafts and treats and took copies of the ones we liked. We chatted for a long time. Caden did great in the kids' class. He didn't cry for me; in fact, he didn't want to leave. When it was time to go, I got my craft and noticed the large stack of copies still there. I don't think anyone took a copy, except for me to use for future reference. I was very hurt. Yeah, it wasn't amazing, even for a kid craft, but I thought maybe someone would like it for their kids since it was so easy and cheap. I guess not.

I got home and started blogging about it to vent my feelings while Caden played in the bathtub. Then Justin got home as I started to wash Caden and asked me how it went. I leaned against the tub and burst into tears. Poor Justin handled it very well.

Sometimes I feel that the women (and even some men) in our church put too much value on sewing and crafting ability, making unskilled people like me feel inferior. I feel as if my worth is lower in their eyes because I can't do those things. (I wrote about it on my LDS blog a while ago.)

I try to do what I can and share it, but still feel silly because no one appreciates the attempt. That's why I love kid crafts so much. Kids don't care; they don't have expectations or pretentions. They can have fun making anything out of junk, which I'm good at (also blogged about that a couple years ago). That's not to say that I'm not trying to learn, just that I'm slow at it and can't create things on my own. For that reason, I didn't want to bring anything, but I decided that participating was more important. Kind of regret that now.

I feel silly too for feeling this way, but those feelings are very real. I'm not looking for sympathy or pity. Just want to remind you crafty girls to be patient with and understanding toward us artistically challenged women!

New PJs

Grandma Nishimoto got Caden six winter pajamas. They fit him perfectly and he looks adorable. He, however, is not too fond of them. He hasn't worn footsie pajamas since he was seven months old. He kept trying to take off the feet and got mad that they wouldn't come off. Haha. She also got him some fabric play food in a picnic basket, which he played with right away. (Sorry, the photo won't load.)

The Dreaded "N" Word

Caden has learned the dreaded n word: no. He doesn't say it like I do, sharp and clear one time. He mumbles it over and over: nononono. It's kind of funny. On a more polite note, he's learned to sign please, though it looks like he's scratching his chest. He's signing milk again too. Caden interested in feeding himself with the spoon. He mostly likes to play with the spoon, so I still have to help him feed himself, which he doesn't always like. Sleep is getting better. Caden's back in the crib for most of nap time and part of night time. We've stopped using cloth diapers because he kept taking them off. Sometimes he tells me he has to go potty, and he loves sitting on the big potty and unrolling the toilet paper!

Strange Things Are Happening

I, Mrs. Scrooge/Grinch, have not only been known to be humming, whistling, or singing Christmas songs lately, but also doing so before Thanksgiving! And I even baked last night. Someone might want to check the sky for flying pigs.

Secondhand

I love buying things secondhand. I found a great kitchen for Caden a couple weeks ago. And I did all his Christmas shopping secondhand. I've gotten him a gazillion books from the thrift store (best place to find board books in great condition and really cheap!) and some more books, wooden puzzles, a walker/rider, and a booster seat (ok, so that's not for Christmas) from Craigslist. The stuff from Craigslist totalled $18!

Babyhood is the perfect time to buy secondhand: babies outgrow things quickly, so things are hardly or never used; babies don't know or care that their things are used; and people are so desperate to get rid of their baby stuff that they sell it for cheap or give it to you for free! The only thing you have to be careful about is to make sure the stuff meets current safety standards.

I also love buying books for me and kitchen/household items secondhand. I only buy shoes if they're brand new and clothes if they're not faded, ripped, or stained. What do you like buying secondhand, if at all?

A Spook-tacular Weekend

After working during Halloween two years ago and missing the festivities last year, I was set on making the most of Halloween this year. Friday night was the ward party. There were games for the kids followed by trunk-or-treating. Caden did the cake walk and won a mini cupcake which he gobbled right up, minus the frosting.

He also did the fishing game and got a glow bracelet and the ball toss and got a pencil. The rest of the time he was just interested in stepping on and off the sidewalk to the grass. He thinks he's so cool because he can climb small steps.

Justin took him trunk or treating while I passed out candy; then we switched. There were no desserts at the party (seriously!) so we stopped for treats at the gas station afterwards and watched the rest of Harry Potter 4 at home.


Justin is Indiana Jones, I'm a witch, and Caden is a bat.



Saturday Caden and I went to a Halloween baby shower. It was too hot for him to wear his costume, but I wore mine. I was the only one besides the hostess and a couple little girls.

Monday we went to a sugar-free Halloween party; Justin met us there straight from work, so he didn't dress up. I helped with the games. The kids had a lot of fun. Caden got to taste apple cider and liked it. I made whole-wheat blueberry muffins that I actually liked (not a fan of blueberries).

The campus party started later than we thought, so we went there next. We took Caden trunk-or-treating again. The rest of the time he spent on the playground--you guessed it--stepping up and down the sidewalk to the sand. He loved the taste of cotton candy Justin gave him.

He had a lot of fun playing and was sad to leave. Overall, it was a great Halloween!

Justin

It's been a while since I've talked about my husband! He recently got a promotion at work, which included a pay raise and teaching private golf lessons. He is very stressed out, however, due to coworkers and management (they have yet to replace the head pro, who moved to Carlsbad). Justin is also taking five classes and has a lot of homework. He has one semester left with only three classes before he is done!

Caden's Cuteness



Eating spaghetti for the first--and last--time.

Caden's cuteness never ceases. Remember he learned to say "uh-oh"? Now he's learned when to say it: whenever he or I drop something. He's really good at imitating now. He copied my playing with his truck, saying "hroom" instead of "vroom." I taught him to raise his arms up high to mean "pick me up." And all our hard work cleaning up his toys every night before bed for months has paid off. He knows that clean up means to put away the toys and he helps now. It's so cute! He's also started clapping when we say "yay," something we didn't teach him. He is a very observant child. And mischievous. Church is torture now. Gone are the days he would sit contentedly in my lap and play with toys. He's into climbing everything. We took him to the park for the first time on Monday. He was mostly interested in the dirt. I took him again Friday. Some four-year-old boys were running around, and Caden got so excited. He wanted to run with them so badly, but they were too fast and not interested in playing with him. We returned Saturday for a baby shower and he was excited by all the boys riding their bikes. He wants to be a big kid so badly! 

He has progressed to one long nap in the early afternoon. The timing is still off though, because he still is tired by dinner and we have to keep him up to ensure he doesn't take another nap and stay up late. However, he refuses to sleep in the crib. He used to nap in the crib during the day without waking, sleep in his crib for a few hours at night, and then sleep with us the rest of the night. Now he wakes up during his nap and won't go back to sleep unless I lie down with him. I'll sneak off, he might wake again later, and I'll have to cuddle him back to sleep (as I wrote this yesterday, he slept in his crib for two hours!). But he sleeps for 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 hours total. At night, he rarely lasts more than half an hour in his crib before wanting to go to bed with us. I don't know what happened.


The step stool is one of his favorite toys.

 Caden's tastes are unique. Musically speaking, he doesn't like pop or rock or R&B. He loves disco! Truly his mother's son. Whenever I play some boogie tunes, he gets excited and starts spinning in circles. As for food, he still likes baby food. I feed him Beechnut stage 3 meals. The solid foods he does eat are mostly mushy (oatmeal, yogurt, cheese, applesauce, berries, cereal bars), though he does like rice, tortilla chips, corn tortillas, and popcorn. He's a picky snacker too. His tastes change weekly, but he always likes his rice puffs. In his birthday post I said he didn't like the cupcake, but I think he may have a little sweet tooth. At Friday night's ward Halloween party, he had a mini cupcake and gobbled it up! Except the frosting. And last night he eagerly nibbled at a mini rice krispie treat he got from trunk-or-treating.

Caden is my little cutie and I love him so much, even though I admit he sometimes drives me crazy!

My mom caught it on camera!

Read on my giveaway blog an update on infant potty training.

First Birthday Party

The first Saturday in September was Caden's first birthday party. My mom and sister came earlier in the week and my dad drove up for the weekend. We invited some families from church. It was a simple party: food, balloons, presents, and cupcakes and ice cream. The theme was monsters: I bought the tablecloth and plates for 97 cents each at Wal-mart and made construction-paper monsters to put on the walls. Caden's outfit says "Daddy's little monster."

I made cupcakes and frosting from scratch. I rarely bake, and usually from a box, so this was a huge step for me. The cupcakes were dense and the frosting was too sweet. Still, I was very proud of myself!

Caden wasn't too fond of his cupcake. I forced some in his mouth, but he didn't like it. I can't complain about having a baby who doesn't like sweets. That's fine with me!

We got him him the hammer and nails and a felt toolbelt with tools from IKEA. He got lots of toys from my parents, lots of clothes from all Justin's family, and books, a DVD, and clothes from his friends.

Little Miss Indecisive

Remember my post on purse shopping? Well, shortly thereafter I decided I didn't like my purse. A few days later, when I finally had the car and time, I went back to Kohl's and looked at my second favorite again. I transferred items from one purse to the other to compare the feel. I still didn't like the small outer pockets of the other one, but liked the larger interior, cuter style, and cheaper price. I decided to get it. I went to customer service to ask about their exchange policy since I had used a gift card and coupon. The lady said I would have to return the purse and then buy the other one. The gift card money would be given back as store credit, but I still needed another coupon; the one I had gotten in my email had expired a day earlier. I left with the original purse. To my delight, a few days later I received another coupon. I went back to the store, this time Justin also with me and Caden, and did one last check before I bought the purse. Of course, I changed my mind again. I decided the purse I bought was definitely more comfortable and the big pockets were so convenient. After all that, I kept the original purse, and I love it now too.

I haven't been this indecisive in a long time! Ever since I got married, I have been really good about shopping quickly and only buying things I am 200 percent in love with. I don't know what happened this time.

"Provo, UT Girls"

Man, I miss BYU! I wish I had gone to more Divine Comedy shows.

First Birthday Photos

We decided to take professional photos of Caden for his first birthday since we didn't do newborn ones. We got them done at JC Penney. Here are the collages with the best poses.

He had a red mark on his cheek from a bump or something that he got the day before the shoot.

Don't like the way I look, of course. I love the kissing one.

Outfit from Grandma and Grandpa Nishimoto. The pants were a little big. Overall, a good experience and cute photos.

Purse Shopping

I had been looking around for a purse the last few months. The one I have I love, but it is four years old and faded, and the strap is about the break. And I wanted something a bit bigger.

I got in the mail a couple weeks ago a $10 gift card to Kohl's. I had checked a Kohl's recently not to find anything, but last Thursday I decided to check the one close to us since I had the gift card and a 15-percent-off coupon. To my surprise, I found many I liked. But not loved. While I am trying to be more stylish, especially in accessories, practicality is my weakness. None of the purses had all the features I wanted: size, style, organization (the biggest factor), and price. I got it down to four:

1. Chaps purse in leopard print. Gorgeous. Very sophisticated. Too small. Side pockets lacked a closure--items may fall out easily. Pricey.

2. Nine & Co. purse. Similar exterior design and shape as my current purse. Plenty of compartments. Great price. Zippered main compartment; wanted snap. Too safe in style. Not easy to retrieve items while holding Caden.

3. Nine & Co. purse in black, not silver, which is a little too out of my comfort zone. Very stylish (love the rouching), large, compartmentalized, easy to reach inside. Great price. Outside pockets way too small.

4. Apt. 9 purse in black, not ugly tan. Slightly smaller than aforementioned purse but same interior design. Outside pockets large enough for water bottle (I always have one with me). Very comfortable. Not as pretty and a bit more expensive.

I finally narrowed it down to the last two. They were basically the same in design, just slight differences, the biggest being the style. Of course, practicality won. I got the last one because it was very comfortable and could hold a water bottle and sippy cup. I'm still getting used to it. It's much larger than my previous purse. I still like the third purse better, but I know I would not have been completely happy with it either. I'd rather be unhappy with style than function, which is why I did not choose that purse. Which would you have chosen?

To My Ladies

Dear Keshia,

Thanks for the reply post! I tried leaving comments several times over the past few days but it won't work for some reason (same problem on someone else's blog too--anyone else experiencing this?). You're right: my life is Caden and Justin. I feel like I don't really have any news about me to share.

I checked out that project and decided that once my life is less busy I will apply to be a copy editor. I miss editing. And they use Chicago, the style I learned. Thanks for the suggestion!

Dear Francine,

I agree it's time for me to have a new calling. I've been in Nursery for nearly two years, and in Primary for a year before that. But I don't want to ask to be released. Yet I have a feeling I'll be in it for much longer because I am so good at my job. Don't you hate when that happens?

I can't wait for Biggest Loser to come back on! Love that show. As for craft projects, mostly scrapbooking, card making, and learning how to do cooler stuff with my Cricut Expression.

Dear Lissy,

Thanks! I was really proud of myself for pumping out so many ideas. I checked out all the past year's issues of Highlights to update myself on what they are publishing these days, and in the process came up with possible submissions. I'm still waiting to hear back on my last one. I'm afraid of not getting a reply because I moved, although I sent them an address change note. Once I get done with all my Highlights stuff, I will try other magazines.

Love you ladies!
Francesca

Terrible Twos Already

Caden is a little monster! Lately he has been throwing real tantrums over everything, hitting and pushing, "talking" back, spitting out food and refusing to eat, and making mean pouty faces. My mom says he's testing his boundaries. I am not ready for this!

Dear Keshia

You asked what has been going on in my life. Nursery. That's what's been going on. I've been avoiding talking about it, hence the many posts about Caden (besides him being cute and the center of my universe right now). Why avoid it, you may ask? 1.) I'm all vented out, 2.) even if I weren't, it would only make me feel worse, not better, and 3.) we all know what supportive (not) feedback I get on my blog when I vent. I will only say that it's over--for now, anyway. I get a little break before stressing out again in December preparing for changes in January and finding subs for all the out-of-town teachers who don't do it ahead of time.

I've also been really fatigued lately and can't get through the day without a nap. The weather is finally cooling down a little, so I'm trying to get back into an exercise routine. Justin is swamped with work and school, and with all the Nursery stuff that went on the past month, we've had little time together.

Tuesdays I go grocery shopping and Thursdays I babysit. The rest of the week I clean, track finances, and care for Caden. I've been really good about not watching TV and have enjoyed reading everyday while Caden plays. Currently I'm rereading the Harry Potter series and then want to move on to nonfiction. I want to work on some craft projects soon, but I need to finish putting things in storage first. It's hard to get things done with Caden because he's super clingy and emotional right now.

A few weeks ago, I was doing really well with reading my scriptures every day but fell out of the habit and haven't gotten back into it yet. I need to send off some manuscripts to Highlights; I was on a writing spree a couple months ago. My giveaway blog is on hold right now, though I do have two giveaways lined up for next month--hopefully they go through.

Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog. I hope to see you again sometime!

Love, Francesca

Random Thoughts

The only thing I miss about Facebook is keeping track of my random thoughts through statuses. What's been on my mind lately:

Why are cilantro and spinach sold in such huge amounts? I only need a little and the rest goes bad. Almost makes me want to start my own garden.

Sometimes I surprise myself at how much I can eat. I may be a small person, but I can pack it down like a large one!

Why do most new TV show episodes air so late? And why do some channels rerun it the next day or so and some don't show reruns until the last episode or after the season ends?

I think it's funny that they show packaged-food commercials on the Food Network.

I hate when people wear too much perfume, scented lotions, etc. Makes me want to throw up. I almost did on a recent Sunday when the couple next to us was lotioning each other's hands with the most disgusting and strongest fragrance Bath & Body Works has yet created.

I have been so emotional lately that I took two pregancy tests the last few months, both of which were negative. I guess it is a permanent result of motherhood.

No More Chunky Monkey

9 months

Justin has this old photo of Caden on the potty as his wallpaper on the computer. Caden had so many rolls! I didn't realize how much he has thinned out since he started walking. He's no longer my "big, fat belly man," as I like to call him.

12 months

In relation to my previous post, Caden has exhibited more boy humor. Justin was watching Wipeout (people have to get through an obstacle course that usually results in them falling or getting hurt in a hilarious manner), and Caden started watching from his highchair. A giant boxing glove popped out of nowhere and knocked over a contestant, and next thing I knew, Caden was cracking up!

Right now he is also obsessed with drinking from water bottles. He used to just love rolling them, then playing with empty ones. Now he gets upset if I don't share mine or take it away after a few sips or a spill. His latest word is uh-oh, though he doesn't use it in the right context. I never say it, so I'm not sure where he picked it up. He's also been saying Mama for over a month now (not sure when the first time was), though only when he's upset and wants me.

Someday I'll upload a few months worth of photos of this cute boy. I'm so behind, but right now I'm swamped with other stuff.

Such a Boy

Caden is such a boy. One day Justin made pretend "potty noises" while Caden was on the potty and Caden busted up laughing. Now he thinks farting and burping are funny too--at first only when Daddy did it, but now when he does it too!

One

First photo after birth

My baby turned One on Sunday. On the one hand, it seems like forever ago when he was a tiny newborn. On the other hand, I can't believe his first birthday already came and went. We didn't do anything special Sunday since he is having a party on Saturday.

I love all the new developments that have come with One, but I am sad knowing babyhood is forever behind him. I already went through his clothes and toys, taking out the last of the baby things to pack away. I think Two will be harder, because then he really won't be a baby anymore. He will talk and do more things by himself and be too big to cradle in my arms.

On a lighter note, Saturday night as we were about to say prayer before scripture study, Caden folded his arms all by himself! We have never taught him that; he picked it up on his own. At first we thought it was a fluke, but he did it again! I love my baby!

On his birthday