Confession Number 107: I've Fallen Off the Wagon

I've written before about how one of my saving graces when life gets busy is meal planning.  It is so nice to not have to "think", at least about dinner.  In the past I have meal planned a week at a time with a big grocery shopping trip once a week.  Lately, I've totally and completely fallen off the wagon and that is so hard when I'm not able, or have the energy, to stop by the store at a moment's notice.  It results in lots of standing in the pantry and usually ultimately ends up in pizza or our favorite local Mexican joint.  After noticing that my freezer was actually over flowing with freezer meals and packages of meat I had picked up on sale, all buried under other stuff I had thrown in there on a whim, I knew it was time to do some planning and use it up before it was ruined. 

This spurred me to meal plan for two weeks.  I usually DREAD meal planning and often get stuck in an idea rut, but this actually went fast.  It has only taken me about 30 minutes to plan and make out a grocery list this morning.  Not too shabby.  I started by printing out a cute little calendar.  It makes me smile.  I found mine here.  And it's FREE.  Cause I'm cheap like that!  :)

I looked through my freezer and took into consideration meals I had already stashed and meats I had already purchased.  Sigh.  This makes me feel so.  much.  better.  This isn't written in stone.  It will switch around based on whatever trips our trigger and there will still be nights we go love on some queso at the Mexican joint, but overall this helps so much! 

Do you meal plan?  What's on your menu?

On the menu:
Crab cakes, asparagus, roasted potatoes
BBQ grilled chicken, corn on the cob, salad
Bistro chicken, masked potatoes, fried okra
Pasta e Fagoli Soup (from freezer stash)
Crock pot roast, potatoes and carrots
Lasagna, bread and salad (half will go into the freezer)
Chili (half will go into freezer)
Savory Pepper Steak with rice and salad (half will go into freezer)
Ruby's chicken, corn and green beans
Pasta half and half, salad and bread

Confession Number 106: Boys Are Harder

I know, I know.  All of you out there with a mix of boys and girls in your family will disagree with me.  You all say boys are hands down easier to raise.  That may be so, but in the beginning, I have to say, these boys have been harder.  Harder to name.  Harder to plan for.  Harder to chase. 

Boy names just don't have the cute little ring to them of girl names.  Boy nurseries are, well, basically boring.  There just aren't many new, fresh ideas with boys.  It makes these first few months of decision making hard on a momma.  With all of that being said, Dustin and I have recently made two BIG decisions in regards to Baby Brother 2.0.  That's what I've been calling him lately.  Cute, huh?? 

First is his name.  Going into the ultrasound we really didn't even have a boy name "short list".  I don't know if we couldn't come up with anything or if we were hedging our bets that we would be seeing a hamburger rather than a hot dog on that little black and white screen, but we had nuthin'.  There were several discussions with our families and one name kept coming up from Dustin.

Wyatt

 

If this were a girl, we had already decided that somewhere in her name would be "Claire" as a nod to my mom, Clarese.  That didn't seem to work for a boy much and after a day or so my sister made a great recommendation.  My mom's maiden name is Kreiger, and she suggested..

 

Kreig

 

We both liked it rather quickly and have drug it along with us since Christmas.  Holding on to it for the past couple of weeks, we have started calling him Wyatt and KJ even added Baby Wyatt to her nightly prayers.  We recently decided that we loved it and that it has stuck.  So, this spring we will welcome our little

Wyatt Kreig

 

After what seems like forever looking over, what I kept thinking, were somewhat girly boy nursery themes, I found one the other night I felt was worthy enough to take to Dustin.  He was immediately in love.  The inspiration came from, of course, a link I found on Pinterest.

 

 

 

We love the calm, neutral colors with a few, subtle vintage OSU and sports details.  It isn't obnoxiously orange.  It isn't the same as Cole's sports room, but since they will be connected by the Jack and Jill bath, they will compliment each other perfectly.  And what better way to celebrate a little boy named Wyatt than with a few cowboy details in his room?  You can find more pictures from our inspiration room here.  And follow me on Pinterest here.

Confession Number 105: I Don't Do Resolutions

New Year's Resolutions really aren't my thing.  Kind of strange when I think of it, considering I'm such a goal oriented person.  However, this year, I can't help but find myself considering a few new goals for the coming months.  In no particular order...drumroll please!

1- Work on my relationships.  Relationships with my kids, husband, friends, God.  The list goes on and on.  I particularly have let my friendships slide for the most part since going back to work.  When I would whine about it (as I often did) Dustin would remind me that friendship is something you have to work toward.  It doesn't just happen.  Sigh.  So, here I am, recommitting myself to calling or texting friends out of the blue, getting together for playdates and mommy dates and making MOPS a priority.  The relationships I made with women there are invaluable.  This goal also includes more quiet time with God and more meaningful time with my husband and children.  The time I have with them should be special and fun, not momma always spending her time marking things off on her to do list.  How to find all of this time?  Well, I'm still working on that, but at least I'm working on it, right??  The first step is half the battle.  At least that is what I'm telling myself.

2- Be flexible.  With "Baby Charli" on the way, I do believe this goal may be the key to my existence.  This means not getting my tail in a knot when things don't go how I think they should.  Embracing being late to church.  At least we are there.  Hugging on my children even when they don't get a bath every single night.  A little dirt under the nails makes them healthier.  Leaving the house with out make up.  Who am I kidding?  I do this frequently anyway!  Realizing that work is work and leaving it there.  Something I will *struggle* with as testing approaches this spring.  Going with the flow when the schedule changes unexpectedly.  This one sometimes throws me for a loop and can  turn a good mood sour. 

3- Pray for clarity.  It seems each year I struggle with realizing God's plan for my life.  This year is no different.  Yesterday in our small group at church, our leader, Lance, asked what our prayer for the year was.  So many went through my head.  A strong marriage.  A healthy Baby Charli.  Health for my family.  One kept standing out among all the others.  Clarity.  For God's plan.  For God's will.  For God to expose Himself to me in a way he never has before. 

So, yeah.  I guess I'm doing resolutions this year.  I hate it when I'm wrong.   

Confession Number 104: It's A Boy!!

We had such a fun time the day after Christmas.  We had an appointment with the great Dr. Dietz mid morning and we were so hoping that baby would cooperate so we could break the gender news to both families in person.  Dustin's parents had gone with us and were with Cole in the waiting room while KJ went in to see Baby Charli on the screen herself.  I was so excited for her to get to make this memory!  My family waited in Enid as we were heading there straight from the appointment. 

It took a little while to get Charli to cooperate.  He was literally sitting criss cross applesauce in my tummy, but after some coaxing, just like his older brother, he was more than happy to share the goods!

 

The first words out of Kennedy's mouth were, "well, maybe the next one will be a girl!".  I'm not so sure about that, but we'll see!  Dustin's parents, were, of course, ecstatic and we had fun sharing the news with my family.  I called my oldest sister Cindy and told her, she then made a cake and later that night we shared the news with everyone.  Weezie did the honors of cutting into the cake.  This will make grandbaby #11 for her! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have to say, Weezie called this one early on in my pregnancy.  She actually has predicted the gender of all of my kids within the first 8 weeks of each of the pregnancies.  Come to think of it, she always knows I'm pregnant before I tell her, too.  Creepy.  Mom intuition, I guess!

 

So, now we are on to room planning, name discussing and wondering how in the world we will manage two Cole's.  :)  I mean, really, he's a full time job as it is!!  But now he will have a buddy to play with!  Yay!!!

Confession Number 103: I Love This Time of Year

Merry Christmas Eve friends!  I have to say, for a few days, it seemed as if this holiday season was going to be characterized with a big, black cloud of grief, shock and fear.  In addition to the soul rocking shooting at Sandy Hook elementary, there were other various events around us that just brought us down.  Then, Saturday night, as my church, the bestest church ever, COS, celebrated Christmas Eve, Eve, Eve our pastor said no matter what has gone on throughout the year, this season gives us a chance to end the year in utter celebration.  What on earth could be better than to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ!!!  I have to say, it turned my bah humbug attitude right around.  No matter how dark our world may seem at times, the only thing that matters is that God sent us The Light to break the darkness!  May we celebrate His Light throughout the year!!

The last day or so with Kennedy has been very special.  She is so into everything this Christmas season, it is truly awesome to create so many memories and traditions with both of the kids.  This is our first Christmas morning to spend in our own home, and we are all so excited.  Now, if the weather will just cooperate for us to travel after the big day.  Speaking of the day after, stay tuned for a great big announcement!  In addition to all of the Christmas hoopla, we are hoping to find out the gender of Baby #3 on Wednesday.  We have big plans in sharing the news, so you won't want the miss the big reveal.  To think this time next year we will have another crawler in the house is a little overwhelming, but exciting.  Until then, here is a belly shot to get you by.  Oh!  And Merry Christmas!

 

Baby Number 3 at 17 weeks

Confession Number 102: I Struggled

As a lot of you know, our family is about to grow by two more little feet.  Matthews Baby Number Three, or Charli, as Kennedy's calls it, is due sometime in May.  We are excited and nervous and a tinsy bit scared, but oh, so happy!  I mean who isn't happy when you aren't sick, your bump is tiny and cute and your boobs are getting bigger by the day!! 

 

Baby "Charli" at 13 weeks

 



We are enjoying day dreaming about boy and girl names, nursery themes and living through the occasional "how the heck are we going to do this?!?".  I have to say, it took me awhile to get there, though.  I struggled with the acceptance of this pregnancy...a lot.   After I did the whole psychoanalysis on myself (oh the joys of being a counselor), I realized my struggles were growing roots right in the evil of simple fear.  None of those fears, however, were that I didn't think we could handle three kids under the age of six.  Although, now that I've typed that......sheesh!!!!  I could control that.  I could change the way our family runs and incorporate a third little one with just a little hard work.  No, my fears were centered on things I couldn't control and those of you who know me personally know I'm kinda sorta, in a big way, a control freak.

 We hadn't necessarily planned this pregnancy.  That was another sticking point with me.  I thought God and I were on the same page.  I thought we understood where the other stood.  A third baby was going to be great.  In another year or so AND not due during testing at school.  Humph.  I guess God showed me just how much my opinion counted.  :)  Surprises are often the best gifts.  I was a surprise.  And I'm a dang good gift!!!  I came around to God's way of thinking rather quickly. 

The other fears?  It took me a little longer to get to the place where I knew I needed to be the entire time.  Two major fears plagued the first few weeks of this pregnancy.  The first was, this baby was conceived right around the time I broke my nose.  That means that very early on this baby could have been exposed to anesthesia, morphine, antibiotics and tons of other drugs.  The second fear is what I like to call the "Cole Factor".  To say that my pregnancy with Cole was complicated is an understatement.  If you are new to these parts, you can catch yourself up by reading the story here, here and here.  The story ends with a very healthy, almost 9 pound baby boy being born at 37 weeks, but getting there was a trial, to say the least.  During that ordeal, God covered me with a peace.  A peace of knowing He was in total control.  Not me.  I have to say, that peace returned about a month ago.  God has plans for us.  For this little life in my belly.  He says in Jeremiah 29:11,

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

 

So, here I am, living in God's plan and I'm hoping to find time to share it with you here more.  I don't have many stories or pictures from either of my other pregnancies, so I hope to change that this time around.  I hope you'll join me in reading and in praying for "Charli's" health.

 

Confession Number 101: I'm 6 Months Late- Little Man Birthday Bash

Considering most of my readers are mothers, I know you will understand my tardiness.  I know you also have hundreds of pictures hanging out in virtual space that you have taken and done nothing with.  I know you do.  Don't you?  Once again, I turn to you to validate my motherly short comings.  Now, almost 6 months late, I finally find myself going through the pictures from Cole's Little Man 1st Birthday party.  It was an awesome party, if I do say so myself.  It is always fun to experience those 1 year ago discussions in the days leading up to my kid's birthdays.  I must say, with all of the drama in getting him here safe and sound, those days were even more special.  With no further delay, here is a sneak peak into my little man's special day!

From his entry into this big world, people have said Cole just looks like a little old man.  I think it is his hair.  He may have set a record for hair cuts in the first year at 8!!!  With that being a common statement about him, we decided to have a Little Man Birthday Bash, complete with mustaches and neckties!

This was our center table.  All of my printables came from Gretchen at Three Little Monkeys Studio.  She was wonderful to work with!  We served pulled pork and ribs from the Mayor of Grove himself, Marty Follis.  It was scrumptous, as usual!  We also had fresh fruits and veggies and chips and dip.
 

His cakes were adorable!  All of our cakes are done by Julie Smith at Tasty Creations by Julie.  She is spectacular! 

 

It was so much fun to put together Cole's first year in photos.  Bless him, he truly is a second child.  I just don't have the mass quantity of pictures of him that I do when KJ was this age.  I must say, the garland was one of my favorite parts of his party!  And when you are born in mid-March you will pretty much always celebrate your birthday with March Madness in the background.  Luckily, I don't think he will mind!

He found his favorite present pretty early.

 

Sadly, that little orange football recently died at the teeth of Bella, our puppy.  Baaaad Bella......

 

 

He didn't really understand why everyone was singing at him.  Poor guy!

He got over it pretty quickly though!!

 

 

All done!!!

 

Happy Birthday, Little Man!

We love you!!