Lessons Learned

I am linking up again with Karen from Celebrate Life for this week's "Lessons Learned." Have I mentioned before that she and her husband recently finalized their adoption and brought home their daughter, Charlotte, from the Ukraine? She is adorable! Plus, they're a military family! That's why I fell in love with her blog, when I came across it. Inspiring, since we are on a similar path... You should check out her blog, as well. Here are some of the lessons I learned this week:

- Sometimes, my child will want his milk in a regular cup and sometimes, he will want it in a sippy cup. Whichever cup I put it in - he will usually want it in the other type of cup. Never fails!

- "Wocwit" = (Translation) = Chocolate

- An old trained beagle will stay around its master outside without a leash on, unless he finally gets to meet the neighbor's dog, that he constantly plays with through the backyard fence. In this case, he will get so excited, that he will take off running down the street, ears flapping in the wind, causing his master to run after him. He will then see a cat in another neighbor's yard... Good thing he's just a baying/barking hound dog, and his master is a PT champ.

- It is enjoyable to see your toddler getting bigger, watching him learn to put his shoes on by himself, learning to pull up his shorts by himself. When your husband comes home from work and remarks that your son's shorts on backwards - that's ok. This is just a sign that he is still my little boy (and that we didn't go out in public). *Tear* *Sigh*

- Apparently, carrots are evil.

- The hubs and I believe our son could live off of condiments alone. We are going to become ketchup and ranch dressing packet hoarders, haha.

Some Etsy Faves

Map Heart Cards

by INKWHIMSY

Pink Tree Owl Boxed Set
by ebeepaperie

You're My Very Favorite Greeting Card
by Sparrownestscript

You're My Favorite Mom (so far) Card

by 4/Four Cards

I really have a love for all things Etsy, so here are some of the shops and cards in my "Favorites" listings. Some cute and some funny - but all handmade and puh-retty lovely.

Hope you enjoy!

If you haven't checked out Etsy, yet - head on over.
Click on the pictures of the cards above or the shop names and get to browsing over there.
You will get hooked!

*Note - I will not be held responsible for any new Etsy addictions that may follow, haha.*

Happy Etsy-ing!

A 50's Housewife?

My day is going to look a whole lot like this:

(minus the sewing and the smiling face, haha)

And by the end of the day, I'm going to look a whole lot like this:

(not blonde, but brunette...and not in a skirt or apron for that matter...and more likely in flip flops)

You get the picture, right?

Why am I going to be running myself ragged around my house, cleaning like a 50's housewife?

Because I'm getting ready for my Dad to come in town!
That's why! Yippee!

Its Hot Today.....

Its Hot Today

Successful Adoption

This book is obviously a topical book and one very close to my heart. It's about adoption, and I purchased the book to gain a little insight into the world of adoption from a Christian point of view. I follow a few blogs written by some awesome Christian gals, some of whom have already adopted, some of whom are adopting again, some who are currently in the process and some, like me, who have not yet begun the actual process. For those currently in the process, saving up for their adoption, or who have ever thought about adoption and have a heart for orphans and wish to adopt in the future, this book is a wonderful resource.

"Successful Adoption: A Guide for Christian Families" by Natalie Nichols Gillespie is a two-fold book, about both domestic and international adoption. She lets prospective parents know what to expect along the way; emotionally, mentally, cost-wise, paperwork-wise (Is that a word? It is now!). She also includes the personal stories of well-known Christians, such as Steven Curtis Chapman, Stormie Omartian, Karen Kingsbury, Nicole C. Mullen and Sandi Patty, among others. At the back of the book, she includes samples of letters and documents, so you can get an idea of what your paper trail will look like. She also lists adoption agencies, websites, ministries, support groups, organizations, financial resources and country-specific information in the Appendix. She basically took all of my past Internet surfing and combined it all in one place. :)

The author's dedication at the beginning of the book tugged at my heart, and I knew then I had made a good choice in purchasing the book. Here is the dedication: "This book is dedicated to the millions of children around the world who wish for nothing more than the love of a family to call their own - and to the families reading this who will bring them home."

We are praying for our little one until the day we bring her home.

"And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."

- Jesus Christ (Matthew 18:5)

I really enjoyed this book. It was an easy read with lots of helpful information. The stories of the families, who have already adopted, were so touching. It is always wonderful to learn of another happy adoption story. I purchased the book at my local Christian store, so go out and get yours today. You will not be disappointed! It will make your heart even more delighted and excited about your adoption journey! I know it did for mine!

1, 2, 3 - Muffin Tin Monday

It's Monday, and that means it's time for another Muffin Tin Monday! Yay! This week I went with a numbers theme, but not all numbers, just 1, 2 & 3. Waylon knows how to count and can count pretty high. With small amounts, though, he tends to keep on going past what is in front of him. If there are three items, he keeps on counting - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 - just pointing at the same item over again. No, love, there are only three. :) Not bad at all though; he's only 2 1/2. I'm proud of my little too-high counter. So, here is our 1, 2, 3 Muffin Tin:


Top Row: 1, 2, 3 Baby Carrots w/ Ranch, Applesauce, 1, 2, 3 Shaped Number Crackers
Bottom Row: #1 Shaped Cheese, #2 Shaped Bologna, #3 Shaped WhiteWheat Bread

Lessons Learned

I am linking up with Karen again over at Celebrate Life for this week's Lessons Learned. Here are some of the lessons I learned over the past week or so:

- Stepping out in faith and going to the church we have been interested in attending was such a blessing! Silly us for not going before!

- "Popasicles" make a busted lip better and make the tears dry quicker, too!

- When toddler is helping daddy install a storm door, daddy needs to make sure not to put the screws in between his lips for easier access when he's working up high. What will toddler do next? One guess. Monkey See...Monkey Do. How would you explain that one to the EMT's?

- Watching Ghost Adventures on the Travel Channel on Saturday nights will certainly make you start to think you are hearing/seeing/feeling things in the night.

- Sometimes, people will surprise you with their loving kindness and generosity, leaving you feeling blessed and on the right path.

Sweet Sunday

What I'm Lovin' About Sunday:

Going to a new church,
Finishing up all the looooads of laundry,
Law & Order: Criminal Intent DVR Marathon,
Crockpot dinner,
Planning a Muffin Tin,
Cuddling with Waylon on the couch,
Prepping for Downtown Market,
An afternoon nap,
Going to bed early.

What does your Sunday look like?

Valentine Flower Basket Wallpapers

Gift these gift basket and flower basket to your someone special on this valentine's day to express your in-heart emotions, feel and sentiments. Clicking any of these Valentine Flower Basket Wallpapers will lead to download of such nice picture based backgrounds where one can see gift boxes, chocolates, hearts and much more.

Colorful Valentine Hearts Wallpaper

Add colors in your life and make your heart full of excitement and vibrant beauty as like displayed below in the form of Colorful Valentine Hearts Wallpaper available here for free. Animated colored hearts, flying hearts, picture of blooming hearts, floral looks and more. Select by clicking and accessing any of your choice.

Tigger Valentine Wallpapers

Select from these below displayed Winnie the Pooh cartoon series main character - Tigger showcasing him posing with a heart to express love feel. Select any of these Tigger Valentine Wallpapers for forwarding to others who love this cute tiger as part of Pooh team.

Get in to select

Valentine's Day Movie Wallpaper, Blue Valentine Movie

Experience the beautiful character role played by these Hollywood actor and actress in the movie - Valentine's Day Movie and Blue Valentine Movie for sweet loving couples who share such chemistry in their relation. Select by clicking, downloading and saving these free wallpapers.

Valentine's Day Animal Wallpaper

Peep in to watch these cute animals posing for Valentine's day celebration in a couple style, squirrels proposing each other, rabbits sleeping in a heart shaped box, white dog with a heart on this body and many more. Browse these Valentine's Day Animal Wallpaper for free download option to set on screen.

Popsicle to the Rescue!

Waylon has become Mr. Independent right before our eyes, and he wants to help do EVERYTHING. Last night, he wanted to help carry the big tub of animal crackers from the garage to the kitchen. I obliged, since I had a load of laundry to do, and his daddy was getting some chicken ready to marinate for the next evening's dinner. Much to my dismay, the next thing I know, I hear a thud and a scream, which is not followed by an, "I ok!"

I run inside to find him in Daddy's arms, crying so hard; he had tripped on a dang ol' tractor. After stroking his back for about a minute, I just had to take him into my own arms, (it's a Mommy thing) and I cuddled him on the couch. That's when Daddy noticed he had a busted lip. His first one. Oh no! And unfortunately, probably not his last. We tried to use one of the boo-boo ice packs, but he didn't want anything to do with it.

So, we gave him a popsicle. He chose the purple one. And boy, did that lift his spirits! He loved his "Popasicle!" He was smackin' away on that thing; it was crackin' us up! I think he even forgot his lip hurt, which, I guess, is the purpose. Sometimes, a sweet little sugar-free frozen treat is the best medicine for a big boo-boo...besides big hugs from Mommy and Daddy, of course!

5 Love Languages

Who knew there were five love languages? And that if you could figure out the love language of your spouse, it would make for a happy spouse, and that if they could figure out your love language, it would make for a happy YOU!

This guy did...

Gary Chapman.

Author of "The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts."

Here's the gist of what he has to say.
There are five different ways in which we, as humans, wish to be loved on, in other words,

The 5 Love Languages:

Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch.

Words of Affirmation is obviously praise, such as, "You look nice in that," "I'm proud of you for your hard work," "I appreciate you," "Great job." You know, an atta' boy or a you go, girl on a fairly regular basis. Quality Time is just that. Quality time. Going for a walk together, meeting each other for lunch, talking with each other, uninterrupted, about your days, spending family time together doing fun activities. Receiving Gifts can be a visual symbol of love for some people. Gifts don't have to be expensive; they can be handmade, something found in nature, a note, something small, but meaningful enough to let the person know you are thinking of them. Acts of Service can range from filling up the car with gas, to folding all the clothes, to doing the one chore you know the other hates to do. Physical Touch is just what it sounds like, although the author notes that sex is not a part of this. Sex in marriage is a no-brainer. The author means physical touch throughout the day; a hug, holding of hands, a pat on the back, running your fingers through their hair, a neck rub, a kiss hello, goodbye and goodnight.

At the end of the book, there is a personal profile for both you and your spouse to take, which tell you what your love languages are. Hubs and I both took it. We are...

Drumroll please...

I am a Quality Timer & Hubs is a Physical Toucher.

Both of our runners-up was...
Words of Affirmation.

We have been working on spending some quality time together. It has definitely been a lot easier since he's been home from Afghanistan. (Go figure, right?) I have to work on the physical touch. I didn't grow up in a touchy-feely-hugs-all-around-kinda family, so my bad. :) And we are both working on the words of affirmation, as well. For both of us, it was just one point away from being tied with our number one choice, so we figured it was pretty important, too.

So, atta boy & you go, girl! Woot!

Now, go buy the book, and learn your spouse's love language. I recommend it!

Rawhide Likes Bananas!

Ever wonder how a turtle eats a banana?

Wonder no more...

Baby Girl Kisses a Baby Boy Wallpaper

Baby Girl Kisses a Baby Boy who is upset Wallpaper

Baby Walking In Street Water Wallpaper

A Cute American Baby Walking In Street Water Wallpaper

Baby Trying To Catch Water Balls Wallpaper

A Beautiful Baby Trying To Catch Water Balls Wallpaper

Baby With His Dad and Toy Wallpaper

Baby in happy mood With His Dad and Toy Wallpaper

Baby Sleeping On Towels Wallpaper

Lovely Baby Sleeping On Many White Towels Wallpaper

Fat Baby In Sleep Wallpaper

A Lovely Fat Baby In Sleep Wallpaper

Excited Baby In White Cap Wallpaper

Excited Baby In White Cap smiling at something Wallpaper

Cute Baby Girl Gets Upset Wallpaper

Cute Baby Girl Gets Upset due to something Wallpaper

Baby Cleaning His Teeth Wallpaper

A Baby Cleaning His Teeth in  Bathroom Basin Wallpaper

Baby Sees Himself In Mirror Wallpaper

Baby Sees Himself In Mirror and gets confused Wallpaper

Cute Baby With Tongue Out Of Mouth Wallpaper

Cute British Baby With His Tongue Out Of Mouth Wallpaper

All About Mater - Muffin Tin Monday

This week, I am back with another Muffin Tin Monday. I chose this week's theme after taking my son to see Cars 2, because the kid has a love for all things Mater. The hubs and I like this, because Mater is a lovable character...a normal, aw shucks, kinda guy. When we took him to see the movie and Mater came on the screen, Waylon patted his chest (because he was wearing a Mater t-shirt), and yelled, "My Mater!" Gotta love a kid that loves a rusty old tow truck. I was also happy to find a new - well new for me, but it's really an old muffin tin - at Goodwill, for $2. Woot! And forgive the almost completely non-healthy meal. It was movie-themed, and nothing you get at the movies is healthy, anyway. :)


From Top Clockwise: SugarFree Chocolate Pudding Oil Spill, Mini Oreo Cookie Tires, Cars Shaped Mac 'N' Cheese, Wheat Bread Movie Villain Jalopy, Cars Shaped SpaghettiOs, Cars Fruit Snacks, Mater Teeth Sucker

*Thank you, Disney, for such elaborate advertising, which made this muffin tin possible!*

Lessons Learned

I am linking up with Karen over at Celebrate Life for "Lessons Learned." Here are some things I learned this week, that may be of value to other parents:

- When your 2 1/2 year old learns how to turn the bathroom light on and off, by standing on his tippy-toes and using the verrrry end of his fingertip, he will insist that it be his job...from that moment on. Do NOT forget that!

- When Little Mr. Independent insists on throwing away his own diaper and has issues with the trashcan lid, if he asks for help, don't just say, "It's ok, we can fix it later." This will cause him to bring the garbage can lid in to the living room around his body, holding the other part, both of which will then be deposited onto the coffee table.

- Time-out is still effective even when your toddler starts to say "One, two, three, four...Go time-out!" To you...haha. And then you come home to a door that is hard to open; to learn that three of his toys were put in time-out. And they were facing the door. I guess they were misbehaving.