House Cleaning Tips

If you were thinking that you were going to get some super house cleaning tips from this post, you might be a little disappointed. Instead, it's me that needs the tips...and pronto!! So, if you have any advice on the following questions, and I mean ANY, please leave me a comment....I'll love you forever :)

DISHWASHER SPOTS

All of a sudden, my dishes & silverware have spots all over them after they've been run through the dishwasher. I put some cookies in a tupperware to take to my husbands squadron the other day, and I was embarrassed! I had to empty said tupperware and wash it by hand before I actually took it up there...and friends, I just don't have time to do that every single time! What happened?! I used Cascade, just like always. I'm not really sure why this problem decided to rear its ugly head now. Got any ideas on how to nip it in the bud??

WHITES

I've tried EVERYTHING to get my whites really white, and I continue to fail miserably! Bleach just doesn't work for me. I've used OxyClean, but I always follow the directions on the box and put it in the washer AFTER it's started running. Should I put it in at the same time that I put the detergent in? I use All...strictly for budget reasons. But, at this point, I'm totally willing to change if my whites will start looking like they're clean! What do y'all use? I need help, can you tell??

FLOORS

Though Elli isn't crawling yet, I have a feeling that it's just right around the corner. And it's got me really worried about my floors. Okay, not REALLY worried, but it IS something that I think about. We have hardwood floors in our entry and dining room, and tile in our kitchen. What do y'all use on those kinds of surfaces that is okay for little hands (since those little hands so quickly go to little mouths)? I usually use the Swiffer Wet Mop, but I'm kinda thinking that I'd like to use something organic. Or if not organic, at least a little bit more natural. Got any ideas?

POTPOURRI

I have tons of candles in our house, but the only ones I've found that really make the entire room smell good are the Tyler Candles. My personal favorite is "Eggnog"...sounds weird, but it smells sooo good. While I LOVE burning the candles, Chris wants to start using something else b/c of the ash. I think he's hinting that my dusting abilities are severely lacking, but I'm not even going to get into that!! So...do any of you use the Renuzit Crystals, or Plug-Ins? Or do you know of any good potpourri that isn't too strong?

Thanks, in advance, for all of your tips and tricks! I've gotten some GREAT advice from a lot of you in the past, and I'm hoping to find the key to my house-cleaning woes from you as well!!

Happy Wednesday!!

Show Us Your Life...Shopping!!

Now this is a "Show Us Your Life" that I can really get into...SHOPPING!! If you don't know what "SUYL" is, then hop on over to Kelly's Korner to find out. I think you'll love her :) Anyway, back to the task at hand...picking out my favorite stores!!

For Children:

Etsy and a one of my favorite stores there is: Little House Tees

And, of course, Gymboree

And then there is Ella Bella of Southlake (though I can't afford it...no, not even one thing!)

Oh, and "Kid to Kid" Consignment in Arlington...it's like a wonderland in there!!

And in England I LOVED "Next Baby", "Matalans", and "Boots"

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE "The Carousel" in downtown Columbus, and the "Reeds" childrens department...super cute!!

For Women:

The Loft

Zappos for shoes

I'm learning to love Belk too, since we're in Mississippi :)

James Avery for jewelry

Hmm, I'm drawing a blank!! Can you tell that my shopping interests have shifted from myself to my daughter??!! Such is mommy-hood I guess :)

For The Home:

Of course, I love Pottery Barn, & Williams Sonoma; however, I frequent them a lot less often now that we're buying formula & diapers instead of housewares & knives!!

I'm a BIG fan of Target, and I can't ever get out of that place w/o dropping at least $50...it's like a time warp in there! Good thing that the closest one is an hour away!

I've recently discovered my love of all things Hobby Lobby, too! And, the best thing is, if you click in the link you can print out a 40% off coupon.

Apple Annies in Hurst

Sample House in Southlake

And almost ANY booth in Canton on First Monday!!

I hope this list makes it easy to browse some of my favorite stores!! I'd love to hear about some of yours!!

Resolving To Do Better!

I have to admit that the resolutions/goals that I set for myself almost 2 weeks ago haven't been as easy to stick to as I had hoped....darn Dr. Pepper!! In all seriousness though, I am committed to bettering myself this year so I thought a little accountability couldn't hurt :)

The gratitude journal and the scripture reading have been the two things that I've consistently been good about completing each day. I can already feel a change in my attitude because of the way that I'm approaching things, and I truly believe that starting the gratitude journal has made all the difference. When I sit down at night to reflect on the blessings of the day, I am amazed at all of the wonderful things that God has given to us. Not only that, but I'm starting to see that even in the trying times, there is underlying goodness. For example, Chris's training has been a lot more demanding than either of us had realized. His 12 hour work-days sometimes stretch even longer, and Saturday work has now become a reality. With a baby at home, it's even harder...on both of us. While it still upsets me that he isn't at home nearly as often as I would like, I can appreciate the time that we do get to be together even more now because I know that it is precious. And at least he has a job, a good job; one that provides insurance for our family, and one that allows me to stay home with Elli. What is there to complain about really? I can see the my own selfishness now, whereas a week ago I couldn't.

And I've started to read 1st Kings, which has been incredibly interesting. I've never read this book before, and honestly didn't know much about Solomon or the blessings the Lord bestowed upon him. When asked by the Lord what he most desired, Solomon answered "a discerning heart" 1Kings 3:9. It got me thinking...what would I ask for? What would you ask for? Would a discerning heart top my list? Or would the things of this world tip the scales a different way? The Lord granted Solomon's request because his desire was pure, and additionally made Solomon wiser than anyone who had come before him or anyone who would come after. This book has really sparked my interest in a way that I've never felt before when reading the Bible...an answered prayer in itself...another entry for the gratitude journal :)

As for the whole "not drinking Dr. Pepper's except on the weekends" thing...well, ummm...I haven't been quite as good about that. OR about the working out at least 30 minutes a day...unless of course you count me walking up to the corner store to buy a Dr. Pepper! See what I mean about having a problem?! It's almost as bad as my Chick-fil-a addiction! But tomorrow is a new day, and I really am resolving to do better!!

Roll 'Em

I got Chris a Flip for his birthday this year, and man does that thing come in handy!! Here's one of the first video's that we took...of course it's of Elli :) Please excuse the cheese-ball commentary, complete with mommy-voice & date stamp!! The next one will be better, I swear!

Oh, and Elli has now learned how to roll from her tummy to her back as well. The other day she was just rollin' her way across the floor. I'm telling you, she's a genius :)

Unshakable

Have you read this??

USA Today Article

or this??

Washington Post Article

I think that both articles are worth a moment of your time.

People in Haiti are praising God. They are setting aside their differences and helping their neighbors. They are clinging to hope, and providing refuge for one another. They are working side by side to care for the wounded, and around the clock to find those who are missing. They are mourning their loved ones, and embracing their friends. Their homes, businesses, churches, schools and hospitals are in ruins, yet they are singing in the streets PRAISING GOD!

Manuel Roig-Franzia (WP) described their praises as, "a symphony of hope in a landscape of despair". What a beautifully eloquent way to describe their united voices. They are praising Jesus, for despite what has happened, He continues to be the hope that they are searching for.

My heart is heavy for the Haitian people. I can't even begin to imagine the utter devastation, not even a tiny piece of it. But their faith is proving to be greater than their circumstances. In the midst of the chaos, they seem to have found something unshakable.

Elli News

The biggest news of this week is that Elli ROLLED OVER!!! She only goes from her back to her tummy right now, as her arm and neck muscles are a little bit puny from lack of "tummy time". Yes, I know, I should be better about that...but for the first 3 months of her life she screamed every time I put her on her belly! So anyway, did I mention that she ROLLED OVER!! It was so cute! She's been trying to do it for about 3 weeks now, and when she finally got it she just kinda sat there like, "hmmm, what was the big deal?!" I didn't get the first time on video, but I did get the 2nd time...again, if I ever figure out how to do it, I'll upload it :)

She's become a lot more vocal lately as well. When I stop feeding her so that she can burp, or so I can wipe her face...ummm, not happy! She has this shriek-like scream that she does now to let us know when she's angry. It's not a cry, it's more like a howl. I laugh most of the time because it's crazy to me that she's already figured out how to communicate so well. Sure, it's not with words yet, but I absolutely know EXACTLY what she's saying!!

She can also now put her feet in her mouth! She found her feet a long time ago, but it seems that she's just recently decided that they taste good :) So gross, and cute at the same time! And man does she love her Bumbo seat!! There are some days that she just stares at it and whimpers until I move her into it. Again, crazy with the communication!

That's just about it w/ Elli news. She's so much fun to be around, I can hardly remember what my life was like without her!!

Chris turns 30!!!

Since Chris's birthday is on Christmas day, he sometimes misses out on having a big celebration. Since I'm all about birthdays, I have continued his parents tradition of having his "half-birthday" in June...I think I enjoy it more than he does!! But this year, for his 30th, we all thought that it was important to celebrate on the actual day.

Elli and I woke him up early to celebrate with just the 3 of us. We sang, gave him his presents, and Elli showered him with kisses (or slobber, but at least she tried!!). Then we had his birthday breakfast w/ his mom & Mike...I was supposed to make him a breakfast casserole, but somehow I dropped the ball on that one!! Among other things, they gave him tickets to see Robert Earl Keen at Bass Hall...and free babysitting!! WooHoo!! We then headed to his dad's house, where we celebrated Christmas & his birthday with Donna's family. They ordered that great cake, and we almost burned the place down with all the candles :) Just kidding, honey!! His dad got him a remote controlled helicopter that they promptly tried out (and crash landed!) in the front yard. A few days later, Chris had another celebration at his Aunt Shirley's house. After doing Christmas, the kitchen was redecorated with a banner, party hats, & noise makers. We had a great time surprising him, and we filled ourselves up with 3 different kinds of pie!!

I had planned on throwing him a birthday party with all of our friends, but I had to cancel it at the last minute due to weather. Who would have thought that there would be a Winter Wonderland in Texas?! It was a bummer that we had to cancel, we were both really looking forward to seeing everyone, but we're hoping to just bring back the old 1/2 birthday tradition and try it again this summer!

All in all, I think he had a GREAT birthday this year. Our 20's were great, and I think our 30's will be even better :)

Chris & his dad w/ his new helicopter...ask me if it's still working!!

That's A LOT of candles :)

His "surprise" birthday...mmm, 3 pies!!!

Celebrating at Chris's Aunt Shirley's house...gotta love the party hats!!

Fun Give-Away

If you take a look on the right hand side of my blog, you'll find a link to The Nesting Place. I LOVE that blog!! It's filled with all kinds of fun decorating ideas, and the best part is its mantra:

"It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful".

Don't you just love that? Those words can be applied to so many different areas of my life...how about yours? The Nester explains and gives examples of how to make your home more, well...home-y. One of the things she uses to decorate are "word signs". I have one that has our last name and the date that we were married...I'm sure you've all seen what I'm talking about. Anyway, right now, she's giving away a $50 gift certificate to DaySpring. DaySpring and Danielson Design Studio have collaborated to make these gorgeous signs/plaques/picture frames. Click here to look at their gallery. You can customize them any way that you want...how cool is that?? Go to the Nesting Place to find out more about the give-away, or just go to the website to create one of your own. The sign above is one that I made for our home...even if I don't win the gift certificate, I think I'll buy it anyway :)

A Dream Come True!

Last Friday was a very special day. As many of you know, Chris has wanted to be a military pilot for as long as he can remember. He got his private pilot's license in 2005, but the dream of flying a military plane still remained. He became a WSO that same year, and flew in the backseat of the F-15E until July of this year when we made the trip back to the US. The reason we came back is that he got a pilot slot...the first step in accomplishing his life-long goal. Well, last Friday was his first solo flight. He said he sat on the runway before he took off just thinking, "I can't believe this is really happening!"...a dream that started over 25 years ago was coming true!! He did great (of course), and milked that flight for all that it was worth! I think if they had let him, he would have flown all night!

The tradition is that when you complete your first solo flight, you get dunked in your class dunk tank. If you'll recall, the weather conditions on Friday weren't ideal for a casual swim! They initially called off the dunking, but thanks to a very zealous instructor Chris was dunked after all!! Though I was a little paranoid about him catching pneumonia, I know that Chris wouldn't have had it any other way!! I am so very proud of him for what he has accomplished, and I am so excited to be a part of this journey!

Chris's plane...the T-6

Chris looking pretty stoked!

Yes, it was really 20 degrees outside!!

The dunk-tank...completely frozen!
The ice was at least 2 inches thick! They had to break it up before they dunked him!

Chris back at the squadron, about to get dunked!

And there he goes!!!

More Christmas Pics...

Our family on Christmas Day

Elli & Nana on Christmas Eve

Opening her stocking on Christmas morning at GG's

Mommy & Elli...hungry girl!
Grandad Mike & Elli
My sweet niece-dog, Brooklyn. LOVE her outfit :)

Elli & her new friend...I think he likes her!!

A White Christmas in Texas...I can't believe it!!

New Year's Resolutions

I never make resolutions. It's not that I don't believe in them, but I just have always figured that if there is something that I want to change about myself/my life, I just change it when it comes up. This past year; however, I've learned that I really thrive on goals. I am so much better about completing things if I sit down and make a list of goals on how I want to achieve them. So, for the first time in a VERY long time, I'll actually be making some New Year's Resolutions.

1. Become a more "glass half-full" kinda girl

Start a Gratitude Journal

I know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I am a very blessed woman. I have a wonderful husband, a precious daughter, and a great extended family. Really, what more could I ask for? But, that doesn't stop me from being pessimistic and unhappy with our circumstances sometimes. All too often, I notice myself comparing my life to my friends lives...their possessions, relationships, attitudes, etc. That's not an easy thing to admit, and I'm definitely not proud of it...but it's the truth. This year I've decided to start a Gratitude Journal. Every night before bed, I'll write down a list of things that I was grateful for that day in hopes that by taking a moment to reflect on the things that truly matter, my "yearning for more" heart will start to change as well.

2. Improve my relationship with the Lord

Read the Word each and every day

I often say that there is not enough time in the day to get everything accomplished. I rush, rush, rush around so much that I think I'd forget my head sometimes if it wasn't attached to my body! I have list upon list of things that I need to buy/do/read/watch/etc. Sadly, the thing that seems to always fall to the bottom of the pile is the time I spend with God. I intend on getting up early to do it, only to have Elli wake up just a little earlier. I say I'll do it before bed, only to be so exhausted that I sometimes forget to take off my socks before I crawl between the sheets. There is always an excuse, and none of them are good enough anymore. Though I pray multiple times daily, I don't think I listen quite as much as I talk. Reading the bible is a priority...now I need to live like it's a priority. PLUS, Chris got me a GREAT new bible for Christmas and I'm anxious to use it to it's full potential. It's a devotional bible, and it's super easy to use. There's one specifically for mother's...which is where I intend on starting :)

3. Be a better friend

Phone Calls, Cards, and Notes ARE Important!

I'm terrible about the phone. I hardly ever hear it ringing, and if I do, I feel like I'm always right in the middle of something. And then when the caller leaves a message, I'm terrible about returning the call! Isn't that a terrible thing to admit? Ugh, I feel bad just writing it! But I know how much it means to me when I get a card in the mail, or when a friend just calls to check and see how I'm doing. It really makes my day. I want to be that kind of friend...one who remembers birthdays, and kids birthdays. One who sends a card for no reason at all. One who at least answers the phone every now and then!! And this year, I vow to be better about that. I have so many amazing friends...I think they all deserve at least that much :)

4. Get Healthy (because what is a NY Resolution w/o something about weight?!)

Excercise, Eat Better, DON'T Drink my Calories!!

Though I lost all of the "baby weight" relatively quickly, that pesky weight around my mid-section that was there before I got pregnant still wants to hang around for awhile! I drink entirely too many Dr. Peppers. Seriously. I think I have a problem. I resolve to only drink Dr. Pepper's on the weekends, to walk/run/exercise for 30 min every day, and to start counting calories again...Starting Monday. Heehee, did you catch that? Just wanted to see if you were still reading!! But seriously, I'd like to lose 20 lbs by June...I think it's do-able!

And there you have it. Not too hard, yet EXACTLY what I need to do to become a healthier, happier, more spiritually rich woman in 2010!

Happy 4 Month Birthday, Elliana!!

We had our 4 month "well baby" appointment on Wednesday, and everything seems to be looking good for our girl! She's weighing in at a whopping 15lbs 5 oz (90th percentile), and is 25 inches tall (75th percentile)! The Dr. said she's perfectly proportioned, so I'm not too concerned that she's been putting on a few extra rolls around those sweet legs :) She's not rolling over yet, but she's so close she can almost taste it! She can lift/hold her head up really well, and she's working on lifting her body up & supporting herself on her arms/hands. She still loves her bouncy chair, and now that she has a Bumbo (thanks GG!!), she loves that too!! It's so crazy to see her sitting up in that thing...she looks too much like a little girl, and not enough like my tiny baby! She's "talking" all the time now, and smiles & laughs a lot more, too. If I can ever figure out how to do the video thing on here, I'll post a cute one of her laughing...it gets me every time!

We also started sleep training again, and it's been fantastic! This time we went with the Ferber Method. A few days ago, when we put her to bed at 8, she cried for about an hour (us checking on her every 10 min). She then slept from 10pm - 5am, and then from 5:30am-9am (when I woke her up!). She had also had her shots that day, so I think that's why she was so sleepy! But then the next night she only cried for about 15 min (with us checking on her at the 10min mark), and then she was down...she ate her "dream-feed" at 10, and slept from then til 3:30am and then went back to sleep until 7:30. Though I don't want to jinx it by saying this, but I think it has been a success. My goal was for her to only wake up once per night, and she's doing great!

She's learning new things every day, and she is truly the happiest baby I've ever seen! I'm one proud Mama :)

First Attempt at Rice Cereal...

After talking with the pediatrician, we decided to start Elli on rice cereal the other day. It was pretty funny!! She liked it at first, then liked it a little less, and by the end, she was just NOT going to do it anymore! We've since decided that she's not really ready yet, so check back in about a month for our 2nd "first attempt"!!

Yay for Rice Cereal!!

Hmm, this stuff is okay...I think I like it!

Ehhh, not so much anymore!!

Give me that bottle!!

A Texas Christmas

Though we had some illness while at home in Texas for Christmas, we still managed to have a GREAT time celebrating with our families. Because both of our parents are divorced, we always have lots of houses to visit...and this year, with Elli, we had even more stops to make! It was so great getting to show her off...err, I mean, "introducing her" to so many people :) And I think she loved all the attention too! I'm not sure she was ever put down during our entire 10 day stay!! We had a wide range of "Christmas dinners", from BBQ to Soup/Salad to traditional. It was fantastic, and we didn't get completely tired of turkey & dressing either! Santa was very good to all of us as well. Elli got more toys than she will ever know what to do with (her daddy is hoping that people do college fund money next year!) and Chris & I got some wonderful things as well. And to make it even more fun, Chris turned 30 on Christmas day!! Don't worry, I'll post some pics of that later...

In the meantime, here are some of my favorite shots of our time back in Texas. Hope you all enjoy!

You can't see it, but that's a giant Texas behind us. We had to get a shot of us crossing into the best state in the US, especially since it was Elli's first trip!

With her awesome A&M blanket...thanks Grandaddy!
Pooped out from too much Christmas
Elli & her Great-Grandad Duncan
Papa, Elli & I

My Hero...

Some Heroes wear capes,

mine wears a

FLIGHT SUIT!!

**Thanks, Nana, for the super cute outfit!!**

1-2-3 RSV

Though we had a great time back in Texas over the Christmas break, we definitely had our fair share of drama...in the wonderful form of sickness!

First, it was me. This animal-loving girl is allergic to just about everything...including cats & dogs! That wouldn't be a big problem except that we celebrated Christmas at 5 different houses where a total of 7 dogs and 2 cats reside. Yeah...it was a disaster waiting to happen. I single-handedly improved the Claritin & Mucinex stock index last week! It was insane!

Then, it was Chris. The Texas weather (70 degrees when we arrived and 43 degrees the next day!), the mountain cedar, and the dry air really did him in. That then turned into a nasty upper respiratory mess, and by our 5th day at home he was coughing up a storm!

And lastly, Miss Elli. We took her to Cook's Children's Urgent Care on the 29th because she seemed like she was having trouble breathing. They stuck a long tube down her nose and into her throat to suction out enough mucus to test for RSV. It was terrible. There is nothing worse than seeing your child go through that much discomfort. But she was a trooper, and only cried for about 30 seconds while the tube was in her nose...me, on the other hand...I cried a little longer! Then it was off for some chest x-rays. Another traumatic event for our little girl. We had to hold her down on the table, and hold her tiny arms over her head. Again with the tears...so sad. And finally, the Dr. came back in and told us that she did, in fact, have RSV. For those of you who don't know about it, RSV is basically an upper respiratory infection, but for babies it can be very dangerous. It can very easily turn into Bronchitis, or Pneumonia so you have to be very careful. We thought we'd be given some sort of medication...ummm, no. They just tell you to go home and watch to make sure she doesn't get worse.

So, what's worse than the wheezing, coughing, chest-rattling, runny-nose, and difficulty breathing? Well, they can't really tell you. Our Dr. said if her lips start to turn blue, or if she's gasping for breath, that we should bring her back in. Are you kidding me?? Not going to happen. Needless to say, we were back in their office on the 31st because, in my opinion, she was worse. Apparently, she wasn't, but I wasn't about to wait until she turned blue to take her back in! They suctioned her nose again, gave her a breathing treatment, and even gave us a nebulizer to take home with us. Since I have asthma, I had innumerable breathing treatments as a child, and I absolutely hated that we were already giving Elli her first one at 4 months old. It just broke my heart. After a thorough checking out, they sent us home once again.

Fast forward about 7 hours. At exactly 1AM on Jan 1st we pull into the ER at the Children's Hospital in Ft. Worth because Elli now has a temp of 103. Panic!! We were seen very quickly, and we were informed that she now had an ear infection on top of the RSV. I can't tell you how badly I was feeling for our girl. They gave us ear drops, amoxicillin, and a run-through of how to suction out her nose effectively. We were out of the ER by 3AM, and we braved the "crazy New Year's Eve'ers" as we made our way back home once again.

Even though she was so sick, she was just as pleasant as she could be..."talking" to us, smiling, and just being her normal sweet self. Even during her breathing treatment, she just coo'ed, and tried to eat the plastic mask. If it hadn't been so sad, I probably would have laughed!

Here's our baby on New Year's Eve...hopefully the year can only get better from here :)