Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes!

Unbelievable...the little man was just getting up on his knees sometime last week, started doing the "army-crawling" thing over the weekend, and is now all over the place!

Seriously, just this morning I've been finding him in various places (such as underneath the kitchen table, as shown above). He's mainly doing the "army-crawling", but he does do some regular crawling. I'm in shock as to how quickly this happened! Time to break out the baby gates and do some major baby-proofing (including a location change for Hungry, Hungry Hippos and their little white marbles). :o)

The Philly Excursion

This past Saturday we took a little trip of sorts. I wanted to do something special for the upcoming 3-0, so we packed up the kiddos, hopped on an Amtrak train, and met up with my sister and brother-in-law in Philly for the day! The highlight for Peanut was the train. She was beyond excited!

Danae right before we boarded

Mommy and Danae on the train

I, like most school-age children, learned all about America's history and those involved in forming this country while in elementary school. However, probably unlike most people, my memory is absolutely horrendous and I couldn't tell you names or events from that time if my life depended on it! Lately I've had this nagging desire to re-learn U.S. history when I have time. So, I wanted to visit the historic district of Philadelphia and see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and whatever else we could take in while the kids remained somewhat calm. Here's some photos of the day. Thank God the weather cooperated!

In other news...my little man is on the verge of crawling! AGH! He gets up on all fours, sometimes does a push up or two, and can even straighten his legs (with hands still on the ground). But, no organized crawling yet. I'll try to get video on here soon (once I figure out how to make it work on the new computer).

Turning 30

Happy St. Patty's Day to you all! Hope you are wearin' your green today! ;o)


Today is my 30th birthday. Yup, I'm a regular Puertorican Leprechaun (or so they nicknamed me in college). ;o)

It's kind of weird to think I'm 30. Seriously, where DID the 20's go??? There are times that I wish I was still 20-something, not much responsibilities, free to do what I want. But, I see how much I've grown since those confusing, lack-of-direction times, and I'm grateful (REALLY grateful) for who I am and what I am today. God's awesome like that!

So, enjoy today, make some Irish Soda Bread, and don't get pinched for not wearin' green! ;o)

Your Opinion is Needed!

I've been looking at vacuums lately. Just looking...not seriously buying yet. It's on my birthday list, and Hubby says I need to be more specific instead of just putting "vacuum".

I currently have a Hoover Windtunnel Light (upright with bag), and despite the fact that the hoses are cracked and accessories chewed and broken, the suction is still decent. Actually, I've never had anything to compare it to, so it could be downright horrible for all I know. I just thought it might be time to upgrade soon, maybe get a vacuum that doesn't stink up a room if I suck up old Cheerios and then run it a few days later.

Right now I'm eyeing the Dyson DC14, a great vacuum for us allergy sufferers. However, at over $500, I'm thinking that it's waaay out of my league.

SO - I need ideas! I can research vacuums all day, but when it comes down to it, I like to hear what others have, what they've tried, bagged vs. bagless...that sort of thing. So, bring it! Your opinion is needed and appreciated! :o)

Time to let go

Lately I have this desire to sew things...you know, like make things for my kids, have the ability to fix or hem my husband's pants, make something for myself, etc. I'm not talking high-fashion, big time stuff, just maybe make it a little hobby for now and then. The problem is that I don't own my own machine, but my very giving and loving mother-in-law graciously lets me borrow her machine.

BUT, here's the other problem: the above-mentioned sewing machine and I are bitter enemies. It cringes when I touch it, and I just want to chuck it out the window whenever I try using it. Thread ends up everywhere I don't want it to be and the needle de-threads itself from time to time.

Now, I will admit: deep down I know it's me that's the problem. My foot pedal skills stink, as do my "keep your finger away from the needle when sewing" skills. I tend to get my nail smashed by some do-hicky part on the needle-thing every time, and my foot seems to have only two speeds on the pedal: way too slow or mach-speed. UGH!

I was/am in the process of replacing some of the tabs on my son's cloth diapers. This morning I made one last-ditch effort to sew the new tabs on myself. After sitting in front of the machine for almost an hour and getting only one diaper done, (and seeing the pile of white, knotted thread on the floor next to me), I called it quits. Really, I wanted it all to work out and for me to be some kind of awesome seamstress, but you just gotta know when to let go.

If you know anyone who has the knowledge and patience to put my new tabs on, a good working relationship with his/her sewing machine, and the availability and willingness to work on 10 or so diapers, let me know.

SNOW!

Hubby and I awoke to the pitter-patter of little feet in our room, the rustling of our window blinds, and the exclamation, "SNOOOOOWWW!" Needless to say, Peanut was beyond excited about this lovely storm that brought about 4-5 inches (much more in the drifts behind the house) of fluffy white stuff.

The first attempt at snow play was this morning, just before Baby's naptime. Boy, was he miserable. Here's our little angry snowman:

Still, we had a great time of angel-making, picture-taking, and snow-throwing. Peanut, Hubby, and I even went back out after the baby fell asleep for his afternoon nap, and we got some sledding in. I'm not usually a fan of this cold, dreary weather, but there's something about playing in the snow that makes you feel young again. And since lately I've been feeling a little blue about leaving the grand 20's in a couple weeks, I'll take all the young-feeling activities I can get! ;o)

Here are a few more pics for you to enjoy. Stay safe, and enjoy today!

25 Random Things

I was recently tagged on Facebook by a college buddy to write "25 Random Things" about myself...things, facts, habits, goals, etc. I'm sure that the entire Facebook community has done this by now...I'm just a little on the slow side. Like most things (such as debating, arguing, deep discussions, etc.), I need time to process my thoughts, and I can usually get back to you within a week or two. Yeah, don't ask me to be on your debate team...ever. ;o)

Anywho, I thought I'd put my "25 Things" on here as well. Makes for an interesting post...


Have a happy Monday!

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"25 Random Things"


1) I'm half Puertorican and half Irish...thus the college nickname "The Puertorican Leprechaun".

2) To add to the nickname mentioned in #1: my birthday is on St. Patrick's Day. Makes the nickname even more appropriate. My lack of excessive height also made it stick.

3) I secretly wish I owned a bakery where I created and sold good-for-you cookies, cakes, pies, smoothies...and other creations that I come up with.

4) I love to cook and bake for lots of people. Planning my parents'/aunt's/uncle's joint birthday party last year and making food for it was a high for me.

5) I LOVE it when my house is completely clean and organized. It's a wonderful feeling.

6) I am much more open to God's will in my life now than I ever was before. If He wants us to be missionaries, I'm all for it!

7) Running is my release...release of stress, worries, sweat, you name it.

8) I love the Spanish language and can understand it pretty well. I need to brush up on my speaking skills, though.

9) I MUCH prefer warm weather to cold...unless it's 90-something degrees out. That just makes me feel like I'm going to pass out.

10) I would really, really like to go on a missions trip to a Spanish-speaking country.

11) I grew up around Long Beach Island and love the beach, even though we don't get there nearly as much as I'd like to.

12) Thanks to growing up in the sun, Irish skin, and possibly cancerous genes, I had stage 1 melanoma when I was 20 years old, plus several pre-cancerous removals. None recently, though!

13) I love sports, especially soccer, and really enjoy watching them. Baseball bores me somewhat, although I will still go to a game and have fun.

14) I really like Australian accents and would love to visit Australia someday. If only it weren't so expensive!

15) I gave birth to my first child in the hospital and my second in a birth center. My labor and birth of each was completely opposite of one another (drugs vs. no drugs, length, etc.), but I truly believe that God planned them that way for a reason and has shown that to us.

16) My long-term memory is not so great. I can't remember much from my childhood, unless something sparks it. My husband thinks I'm suppressing something. :o)

17) I really don't like my feet. Enough said.

18) I had my tongue pierced for 6 months when I was in college. Two chipped teeth and Steph's dad bribing me with $20 was enough for me to take it out.

19) I love to snuggle.

20) I have a hard time sitting still and doing one thing, even if it's to watch a movie. I need to be doing something else at the same time. Multi-tasking should be my middle name.

21) Speaking of middle names: I don't have one. If you think of a good one for me, I'll consider it.


22) I had my first job when I was 14. Just like 10% of the people in this country, I worked at McDonald's for a few years. I pretty much have always had a job since then.

23) One job I'd like to have: work for Runner's World magazine.

24) Your birthday is the one day of the year that is meant for you and should be celebrated!

25) I believe God's doing some big things in my life right now...and He's not done yet. :o)