Our Christmas Fun

We had a fabulous time in Iowa for Christmas. Ever since my mom moved there, she thought camp would be a great place to celebrate Christ's birth, and she was right! No one was around, she doesn't have a TV with an antennae or cable (so we were able to watch movies) and the gravel roads to and from camp were pretty icy, so we stayed put in Heckmann House. It was a great time of chilling and relaxing, playing outside and just being together as a family!

Our first project was decorating Heckmann House. My mom had a little tree, with some of my childhood ornaments, plus we made a lovely paper chain!


Charlotte making the nativity.

One of our little snow bunnies!


Greg went sledding everyday, and often took one of the kids with him, although I don't think they had as much fun as he did. One highlight was sledding on Christmas night with everyone, minus me and Foster baby, although we did join everyone outside!


There were plenty of baking projects! Here, Elijah is chopping nuts for my mom's famous truffles. Below the kids make our birthday cake for Jesus! Another baking project included sugar cookie Christmas tress the kids decorated.



We made a snowman on Christmas Eve!


Our Christmas Eve dinner! We had lasagna (my favorite), homemade bread, and salad, plus truffles for dessert!


The cousins on Christmas Eve.

Merry Christmas!

Today, thanks to CBS, Elijah came home with a very precious handmade Baby Jesus doll. As soon as I heard this I knew Charlotte would love it. And love it she does! She saw it right away and hugged it tight, even neglecting the craft she made with goodies in it!

And as she played with baby Jesus, being Mary and setting him up in his manger and singing to him I couldn't help but remember that that is the way it should be! God sent Jesus so that we can hold on tight to Him and yes, put aside everything, so that we can LOVE Him, hold on to his truths, and follow Him, and of course, know that He is right here loving us!





Oh, and this was not staged at all! Everything was Charlotte's natural doing!

Do you want a chance to pee in your pants too?

My favorite mommy blog, (which really isn't just for moms, but she happens to be a mom who blogs), is giving away a HP TouchSmart computer! I know! A computer! For free! And yes, if I win, I WOULD pee in my pants, which would totally be worth it! Well, I guess if I was home alone and no one had to witness it, or I didn't have to tell anyone about it!

And guess what! If you go here, you get the chance to pee in your pants too! Umm, I mean, win!

Early Start on New Year's Resolution

As of December 1, 2009 we decided to start one of our New Year's resolutions early! It is SO important that is why we decided to. And I'm sharing it on the blog because it IS that important and frankly, I need the accountability!

So, you ask, what could be THAT important that we need to start early and post about it? Well, money of course! Specifically, the budgeting of it! We always start out the month so good, often keeping track of money coming in and going out, but then unfortunately we slack! (I always had the same problem with tracking when I was doing Weight Watchers!) And although we are frugal, we still seem to run out of money before the end of the month.

So, what's our plan?

I have been following Money Saving Mom for quite awhile and she and her husband are saving money to buy a HOUSE with cash-insane, right?!? Anyway, they are 75% of the way there, which I know because she does a monthly financial check up at the end of the month. They are following Dave Ramsey's plan in order to do it (someone else we've looked into recently.)

So, our resolution is to do a debt snowball. Which means that money not spent at the end of the month goes towards bills to pay down interest. I'm very proud to say the ONLY debt we have is my school loans, but still, debt IS debt, so we want to pay that off and soon! (Considering I had a goal when I graduated from undergrad to pay off my loans from 5 years of graduating-2006, and instead I went to grad school, thus accumulating more debt!) So, each month, I will be checking in, sharing how much extra (percentage wise only) is going towards reducing my school loans. And since I will be posting how we are doing, I KNOW that we need to do really well in tracking our spending. So, thank you blog readers for being our accountability partners!

So far, 4 days into it, it's going fabulously! We are underspending for ALL of our budgeting categories. 27 more days to go!

Charlotteisms

I don't want to forget some of the funny things my three-and-a half year old says!

As she spins around and around, "I'm getting busy!" (as opposed to dizzy)

If something is too spicy, like her toothpaste or tacos, she says, "It's too tasty!"

Today as I was setting up our Christmas tree she asked, "Mom, can we put the instruments on the tree yet?"

And if she doesn't eat all of her meal, her next snack needs to be healthy, like a piece of fruit or cheese and crackers, to which she usually replies, "I don't want anything healthy, I want something from the pantry." (I guess she thinks our pantry is filled with unhealthy stuff!)

Happy Birthday Nana!

Today is Greg's Mom's birthday.

Here's a little video to put a smile on your face today, until the gift arrives. Enjoy!

30 loves

In honor of my 30th birthday just 6 days ago, I wanted to compile a list of 30 things I love. Too often when I blog or scrapbook, I focus on the kids, and this time it's all about me! I learned this at a scrapbooking retreat a couple of years ago, that as one of God's perfect and beautiful creations, it is important to appreciate me, as one of God's creations!

These items are in no particular order, by the way.
I love...
1. the way Greg loves me (cheesy I know, as this is a country song.)
2. that I have a relationship with my Lord Jesus Christ and assured freedom through Him.
3. hearing Charlotte's feet pitter patter in the early morning as she runs into our bedroom.
4. Elijah's very sweet, open mouth kisses that he accents with the "smack" noise every time.
5. making Charlotte and Elijah laugh.
6. to smile, although it is giving me premature wrinkles.
7. completing puzzles with Greg.
8. enjoying a good meal, especially if it is cooked by someone else.
9. to scrapbook.
10. watching Grey's Anatomy.
11. German Chocolate Blizzards from Dairy Queen.
12. supercouponing.
13. curling up with a good book, including children's ones.
14. to sing in the shower
15. having Foster Family Dance parties.
16. playing board games.
17. to bake.
18. hanging out with friends.
19. talking with Kimberly everyday on the phone. (Remember, K, I said this list is in no particular order, so don't complain you are number 19.)
20. attending my new Bible Study and the accountability it provides in getting me into God's Word.
21. finding awesome deals, including free things.
22. great rummage sales.
23. hanging out with friends.
24. going to Village Creek Bible Camp for Family Camp.
25. watching The Amazing Race.
26. that I am turning out to be like my mother (most of the time!)
27. to teach.
28. giving birth (with an epidural of course!)
29. kisses from my husband and other, shall I say, loving activities.
30. facebooking.

My Mobile Kids

Elijah took his first steps on Friday, September 4, right before having his procedure done at the hospital. And now he walks a lot reverting to crawling only occasionally. And Eli toddling about is the cutest thing ever!



Charlotte got a bike with training wheels for her birthday, and it would be safe to say she was petrified of it. (It's a good thing she also got a big house for the backyard which she loves for her birthday, otherwise 15 years from now she'd be seeing a shrink saying we got her an awful gift.) Anyway, our friends were also getting rid of a tricycle so I snatched that up and she was very comfortable riding that. We never pushed her to ride the bike, but occasionally we would ask her to just sit on it, which she would, and then she'd immediately get off. Not even having the kids on our block riding their bikes would entice her enough. Well, on Thursday, Charlotte got on her bike and started riding it. Just like that! And she was a natural. She didn't even have her helmet on because she just sat on the bike and I was anticipating that she'd be getting right off. While, then she started riding and I had to run and get her helmet quick to put on her head. Here she is riding up our street waiting to show Greg her new skill!

A Lunch Conversation

Charlotte: I'm eating my ham mom.

Me: Well, actually it's turkey, Charlotte.

Charlotte: Turkeys live on a farm, you silly!

True, true.

I chose not to get into that whole we eat the animals that used to live on a farm conversation.

An Untitled Post

This post is untitled because there are so many thoughts and feelings traveling throughout my brain that I truly have no idea what to call this post.

When Elijah was born he was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease. A disease that would be treated with surgery. Back then, we went through all the fears of subjecting our 6 week old to surgery. We were assured he would be all better after surgery. And we praised God that he was!!! We met with the pediatric surgeon every 3 months who gave a thumbs up every time we saw him.

Right before Elijah's 8 month birthday, mother's instinct alerted me to something being wrong, when Elijah would grunt and get beet red in the face every time he had a bowel movement. We visited the pediatrician and I asked for a GI specialist recommendation, considering Elijah's history with Hirschsprung's. We talked about what was going on, I showed her a video of Eli's straining, a sample of his stool. Why not, back to the surgeon though, she asked? He gives the impression that surgery is done, everything surgically looks good, that's it and all that matters-a surgeon mentality I called it. I need a second opinion. Sure thing, our pediatrician said and then we were off to see a GI specialist who put Elijah on a laxative to see how things go. Initially, things went great. Eli stopped straining so much and we saw some really big poops. Had another appointment with the pedaitric surgeon-everything great, he said. At that appointment he said to bring Elijah back when he was 1, but probably not to him, since he would be retiring. GI specialist also said to bring Eli back when he was 1, after pediatric surgeon appointment. Colon probably needs to mature. At 1 we'll see how things go, and can hopefully start tapering down the laxative dosage.

This past week, we saw Elijah in a lot of pain every time he stooled even being on the laxative.

We're going to the pediatric surgeon on Friday, I kept telling myself. We'll get a lot of answers then. Prayed for answers. Got answers.

Elijah has Hirschsprung's Disease. Surgery is a treatment, not a cure. What I didn't know, what the first surgeon didn't tell me, what our own pediatrician or GI specialist didn't tell us, is that although the part of the colon with no ganglia cells is removed, then internal sphincter also has no ganglia cells and can't be removed, thus why Hirschsprung's is a lifelong disease. And thus why of late, Elijah has been constipated.

New surgeon told us there is no reason why a 1 year old with Hirschsprung's should be on a laxative. Also said that she constantly talks with Hirschsprung's patients throughout their life-unlike our previous appointments with the surgeon who gave the internal exam and said everything was fine; looking good; great. No communication.

Now what?

Either irrigations in other cases, but not for Elijah, or dilation surgery. Maybe once a year, twice a year, up to 10 times a year potentially.

Room spun. I cried. Got answers, although not exactly what I was hoping for.

I AM relieved. We have a doctor who explained EVERYTHING to me.

I am also angry. Anger at doctors for not helping me to fully understand this disease.

I AM thankful God gives maternal instincts (Holy Spirit) to guide us and make me jump to action.

Now what?

Lots of prayer this weekend.

Lots of communication with three doctors-pediatrician, GI specialist, pediatric surgeon, making sure they are all on the same page regarding Eli's care.

And lots of thankfulness. For my beautiful family, for the smiles that light up our life from 2 great, strong, fun, adorable, kids. For maternal instinct. For doctors who care. For Elijah (and Charlotte) being perfectly and wonderfully made.

Growing Up!

Today I sent my firstborn off to preschool. To full day preschool. With a backpack and lunchbox. And new shoes. And a new "first day of school" outfit.

And she did fine.

So much so, that she ran right into the fire truck she could drive and the baby dolls she could care for. So much so, that I got nary a hug or a kiss. I was stunned! I could have snuck out without her even noticing. I could have stayed there all day hiding in a corner, too, without her noticing.

I did give her a kiss, but had to pull her away from her babies to do it. And even then, I couldn't say goodbye fast enough, as I was keeping her away from fun and her 3 year old duty.

This is my baby. The one we made sure was buckled safe and secure when we brought her home from the hospital. Greg driving like 25 miles per hour the whole way home and mad at himself for picking the route that had him going over train tracks.

Now, she buckles herself into her car seat and even pointed out when I forgot to completely buckle Elijah into his seat (that only happened once!)

I'm fine, really I am.

This is my baby. The one I used to dress in clothes multiple times a day because of the massive amount of spitting up she did. Now she dresses herself multiple times a day just because she feels like it.

Man, why is the computer screen all blurry?

This is my baby. The one who I used to supply nourishment to, from my body. Today, Greg made her lunch (peanut butter and jelly, yogurt, string cheese, honey wheat Pringles sticks, and a Special K chocolate and raspberry bar.)

OK, I better go now and look at scrapbooks from Charlotte's first year.

Family Camp 3

I wanted to come up with a top ten list for our vacation to Village Creek Bible Camp, to attend Family Camp 3, but really that list would be WAYYYYYYYYYYYY longer than 10 items! So here's a glimpse into some of the fun things we did, and just know that next year, you'll have to join us!

Since we take the trip multiple times a year, we decided to mix it up and go the more scenic route thru Galena, IL, Dubuque, IA and up the Great River Road. We stopped at Chestnut Mountain Ridge to go down their unbelievably fast alpine slide!



Lots of family time!


Elijah's first pony ride


Pony rides everyday!


Kayaking down the Mississippi. (This photo is of almost all of the adults that actually were a part of our group at camp. Our group made up 7 of the 16 families who attended VCBC. Next year, we want to fill the camp!)


Bungee trampoline. Ranked right up there as one of my favorite activities at camp. The other was this.


Softball!


Hayrack ride to trail breakfast and heart attack toast!


Getting ready to do the multi-vine challenge on the high ropes course.

That's Sick!

I really should be blogging about our restful, fun-filled, family and friend-filled vacation, but instead here's a glimpse into our afternoon and evening.

We had a great time at a friend's birthday party this afternoon and were heading to a second birthday party in the car on the Dan Ryan on a Sunday evening. For those from Chicago, you know that this equals bad traffic. Our bad dream quickly turned into a nightmare as Charlotte was squirming in her car seat saying her tummy didn't feel well. Not many options existed as 1. we were stuck in traffic and 2. if we could get off the expressway, who knew where to take her because we were on the south side (some not safe neighborhoods) and why doesn't Chicago have those nice blue signs that tell you which way fast food restaurants and gas stations are? I, however, like to think of myself as a quick thinker and told her to let me know when she had to absolutely, without a doubt had to go potty, and then we would put one of Eli's diapers on her. And then Charlotte feel asleep-the calm before the storm. And I guess I'll say now that I'm not a quick thinker because I wasn't really prepared for what came next as Charlotte vommited all over herself, her car seat, and the back of Greg's seat. Why, oh why did I assume that the bodily function would come out the other end?!?!
So, now Charlotte is sitting covered in pink, chunky vomit, in the middle of the very packed Dan Ryan Expressway, Eli is mimicking her by blowing lots and lots of raspberries (why do boys do that, make fun of girls at their lowest points?), I'm panicking because we have nothing in the car to clean her up with except today's paper, which I really didn't think would be too effective, when our own personal superhero AKA Dad takes off his shirt to remove his undershirt to give to Charlotte. Whew, what quick thinking!!!! Wow, I love that guy. He totally kept his cool and didn't think anything about giving up his shirt. (of course, I would have given up my shirt, but ahem, not very appropriate!) Then an hour later and one more throw-up episode later, we are home. Charlotte was bathed, car seat and car was scrubbed, laundry is in the washer, and I really should be showering, but don't you all really want to hear about our vacation?

Birthday Celebration #1

A little over a year ago, July 28, 2008 was Elijah's due date. Or maybe it was July 29-I can't remember, but that's not important anyway, since I do remember that Elijah's due date came and went without him being born. What I do remember is that on July 30, 2008 (a Wednesday, and thus Foster Family Fun Day) we went to see Veggie Tales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything movie. I ate popcorn and drank a big caffeniated Coke all with the hopes of getting my little guy really moving and come out. I also remember having contractions throughout that day and calling my mom who said, "You might as well just wait until tomorrow when the baby can be born on Grampa's birthday." Um, sure mom, I'll get right on that! And, I was thinking that would be a splendid idea. Elijah must have thought that to, as he was born on the morning on July 31, 2008 on my grampa's 74th! I still remember calling my grandpa to wish him a happy birthday and saying something like "Elijah Wesley Henry wishes you a happy birthday." Or maybe it was "Happy Birthday from all 4 of us!" Can't remember exactly, after all it was a year ago!

So, fast forward to July 31, 2009 when Elijah and Grampa Henry (yes, we named Elijah after my grampa once we knew he was going to be born on my Grampa's birthday) celebrated their birthdays together!

Grampa showing Eli his teeth-and by teeth, I mean dentures! (I made him do it because we have a photo of him showing his teeth to Charlotte and I wanted one with Eli too!)


Mommy, daddy and the birthday boy! (my hair looks awful here as I am trying to grow it out, and I'm still not entirely sure why I am!)


Eating cake!

1 Year Old!

My, oh my, how does time fly! Our little guy is now one and has been for the last 9 days! We had a very busy week leading up to Elijah's birthday and then this past week. And I will post pictures of all of the festivities (and yes, us Foster's do tend to have many celebrations around one birthday-except we did get to celebrate 2 birthdays on July 31st-Grampa's and Elijah's!!

Anyway, I wanted to post our letters to Eli. We got him the book, The Little Mouse, The red, Ripe Strawberry, and The Big, Hungry Bear for his birthday following this tradition.

To My Sweet Elijah,

Very often I find myself asking you the same question asked on the mouse-"What are you doing?" You are so curious! With that comes the determination to relentlessly go after the things you find intriguing! And just like the mouse you are not going to let an obstacle get in your way-be it the stairs, toilet lid, safety locks, or the drawers of the art table!

And also just like the mouse, you love strawberries-all berries in fact! At your young age you've already been blueberry picking, and we can't forget raspberries from our garden. Oh, yes, you do always share!

I love you my sweet, sweet boy!

Mommy

Dear Elijah,

Happy birthday my son! Your first year has been truly an amazing journey. When you were born your mom and I were so happy to meet you and welcome you into our family. I can still remember it like it was yesterday-riding the train up to Evanston and roller blading to the hospital to visit you. Shortly after you were born the doctors discovered that you needed surgery in order to correct a problem with your belly. You could not have bowel movements on your own at first. Mommy and I helped you out, thanks in large part to a lot of prayer and patience that only came from Jesus. After six weeks, the doctors performed a perfect surgery and you recovered beautifully. Now you stool a lot and often I find myself complaining-shame on me. Your first year has been wonderful; yes, tough at times, but all together a success. You are a healthy, happy, and active young man. Your smile as you recognize me me after a long day has the ability to brighten up any day.

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Daddy

When God's People Pray

I received a phone call this morning on my cell phone which just said California. I was anticipating it to be a solicitor or telemarketer as it usually is when I get out of state calls on my cell phone. This time it was my favorite radio station which I happened to be listening to at the moment! (Good thing I also answered the phone nicely. Usually when it is a solicitor, I answer pretty rudely.) So, then of course I start thinking I won something. But then of course, I remembered that I would have had to call in to win. So things were happening a little backwards! Then I thought that maybe they didn't get our monthly support check, but then I KNOW Greg is very good about our finances and keeping up with those commitments. So, then why did they call? To ask me if I had any prayer requests. Just out of the blue, they wanted to know if I had any prayer requests. Doesn't that rock?!? (And this is why we will now continue to support KLOVE!) Anyway, I had to think quickly. No one is ill, Greg is employed, we have a house and food on the table. Nothing drastic or life changing that I seem to think people would share with their radio station. But, I did say, "Well, thanks to God for his provision and for the ways he has provided for us. However, clarity for a job for me. I'm trying to figure out if I should go back to work part time next year or stay home, and what that job would be."

So fast forward to about a half hour ago, when my friend Jenny calls. We're having small talk about babysitting, going over to her house tomorrow, and oh yeah, Jenny has news. A school in a suburb close to me is looking for a part-time kindergarten teacher! What's even more amazing is that I was able to use this opportunity to share with Jenny my prayer request to the radio station. And then 15 minutes ago, I got an email from an organization I submitted my resume to for a phone interview tomorrow!

So, thank you KLOVE for your prayers and thank you, Lord Jesus for hearing our prayers and for the clarity you have given! Now, Lord, I pray I wouldn't be so nervous or anxious! AMEN!

Better than Krispy Kremes!

Yesterday, I pulled out my step stool and reached very high to the top shelf of a kitchen cabinet to pull down our deep fryer (this should tell you how often we use it!) so the kids and I could make doughnuts!

Charlotte was an expert roller! All the years she's rolled her playdoh helped!


Cutting the holes.



Waiting patiently for the finished product. (So worth the wait, by the way!)


Eli was all smiles as he watched us make the doughnuts. I think he knew he'd be having a special treat really soon!


Can you say yummy?


I think this picture says it all!

Increasing My Odds

Anybody who knows me, knows that I love to save money, and even more than save money, I love free things. So, my ears perked up yesterday when I was watching The Today Show and they had a segment about getting things for free, yippee! I don't think I have ever promoted another website on my blog before (other blogs, yes) but never actual websites and figured it was about time I do! So, madberries.com was talked about on The Today Show as a website where you can enter to win free things-free, cool things-no strings attached! So, of course I had to check it out. You have to register, but no more than any of the coupon sites that I look at-just the basic info (and I did give my alternate email address) and each day you can enter to win fabulous things like an Espirit skirt, Toms brand shoes, gift cards, jewelry, scarves, hair accessories, DVDs-so cool! I've entered drawings both today and yesterday (which is super easy-you just click "Win It" and your size if needed) and I have NOT seen an influx of spam or email in my inbox!
So, check it out! I'm hoping that soon I'll be winning some swanky fun stuff!

Charlotteism

Charlotte calls VBS (Vacation Bible School) CVS (as in the store). Hopefully by the end of the week, she'll get it right. And even if she doesn't, I know she's learning about the Bible. Today she told me that Adam and Eve ate the apple. They disobeyed God and got a spanking.

Flower Girl for Hire

An experienced flower girl is looking for future work.

This beauty has gorgeous curly locks


will smile beautifully for pictures (there is an extra charge for the cookies which are highly recommended you include in her services),


will solicit a lot of ooohs and ahhs as she walks down the aisle at the perfect pace, while smiling and throwing flowers at perfect intervals
(sorry don't have a copy of the picture yet)

will stand with you on your most important day (there is an extra charge for the momma who will also be required to stand in support of the bride and groom)


will get along wonderfully with the ring bearer


and will get others dancing on the dance floor.


Basic flower girl fee=$500.00
Seeing Charlotte have a blast being the most adorable flower girl you have ever seen=priceless

Nicole Foster Wins Mom of the Year Award

Charlotte and I headed outside today during Eli's nap to fill the pool (which I broke), pull weeds, pollinate the zucchini, and Charlotte wanted to ride her bike. Helmet on head, sunscreen slathered over her body, we headed out front so she could ride up and down the sidewalk. I positioned myself on the sidewalk leading up to our house, because when I was sitting on the front stoop, I couldn't see Charlotte beyond our neighbor's minivan.

For the above things, don't you think I deserve mom of the year? Well, I guess except for the exception of breaking the pool.

Charlotte knows she can only go as far as Marion's house (2 doors down). I was working on a project (Charlotte's chore chart) and was looking up periodically. She was right by Marion's and turning her bike around, so I went back to putting together the chore chart. Soon, I hear "Mommy," and it wasn't a panicked, "MOMMY!" So, I say, "Yes, Charlotte, " without looking up. Mistake #1. So she says again, "Mommy," again very calmly. And so I say "Yes, Charlotte," this time looking up to find Charlotte pedaling her bike towards me IN the street!

It seems as she turned her bike around by Marion's house, she ended up coasting down her driveway into the street. Fortunately, no cars were coming, and as she was riding towards me, she was staying close to the curb!

My New Favorite Picture

Is that so bad?

By the way, he is and was fine. I wouldn't say it's my new favorite photo if he was actually in pain. Elijah slightly bumped his head against the brick wall, which made him cry, and as he cried, he'd then bump his head back against the wall, thus crying more, and thus more head bumping. This all happened in a span of like 30 seconds and once he was in momma's arms he stopped.

Another quote of the day

Ok, so this isn't really from today or yesterday, even. It is from last week, and I don't want to forget so I figured I'd post it. So, maybe I should have titled this posting, "Quote of last week."

Charlotte has become fascinated with how old people are or how old they are going to be (makes sense since we just talked about her turning 3.) However, when she asks how old you are going to be, shes asks, "How you be?

I know, that in itself is cute.

Charlotte: How you be mommy?

Me: I'll be 30 in September.

Charlotte: Oh, and then you be?

Me: Well, then next year I'll be 31, and then the year after that, 32.

Charlotte: Oh. Daddy, how you be?

Greg: Well, Charlotte, I'll be 32 next year.

After a brief pause.

Charlotte: Oh, 32! OH MY GOSH!!!

Greg: What, does that mean you think I'm old?

Charlotte says absolutely nothing. We take her silence as a yes!

Quote of the day

Greg to Elijah: Don't touch me dude! It looks like you came out of a macaroni and cheese pile.

Um, that wouldn't have happened if you didn't give our 10 month old a bowl of mac and cheese to feed himself.

Cloth Diapering

Well, folks, we've done it-we've moved to cloth diapering Elijah! It's been a couple of weeks, thanks to a friend who lent us her cloth diapers, but now I can say it's official because I bought cloth diapers! And, of course, being the frugal gal I am, bought them used from craigslist. Since we are still very new to the cloth diapering scene, I've been doing some research and happened upon Simple Mom, from one of my favorite websites Money Saving Mom. All this week, Simple Mom was posting about cloth diapering, which was super useful, and yes, has given me cloth diaper jealousy, because she has such cute cloth diapers! (the ones we got are pretty generic, white with velcro, except for 1 Fuzzi Bunz-score!) We are excited about this new venture in the cloth diapering world, and it has been pretty easy so far to adjust to. It helps that I LOVE doing laundry so I don't mind the extra loads I have to do.

Charlotte's Birthday Celebrations

Yes, that's right, no errors there, Charlotte had many a birthday celebrations as she turned three. Over Memorial Day weekend, Grampa and Grammy came to visit to babysit while we attended a wedding and to celebrate Charlotte and Grammy's birthdays together. We did this up by my grandparents house for a small family celebration. There Charlotte received an awesome puppet theatre made lovingly by my grampa, and furnished with puppets by my grandparents and Grampa and Grammy. (And unfortunately I have no pictures of the puppet theatre yet, because I am usually the one doing the puppet show!)


Charlotte with the adorable bunny puppet that Grammy made.

On the eve of Charlotte's birthday we took her to see a FREE concert by the Chicago Children's Concert. Charlotte was absolutely enthralled, and even got to stay up way past her bedtime. We did have to leave the concert early just because Charlotte would not have made it through the whole concert.


On Charlotte's birthday we first headed to the doctor's office for Charlotte's 3 year check up. (I felt completely OK doing this, as I knew she wasn't going to get any shots.) Plus, because it was her birthday she got a TON of stickers! Oh, and she cried, yes, cried, because she didn't get any shots! I guess we have her pretend doctor's kit to thank for her being absolutely comfortable with wanting shots. I'll have to remind her of this next year when she is scheduled to get shots! Then we headed to Pump It Up with Charlotte's best friend Ava. It was great that it was a fabulous day in Chicago because Pump It Up was empty! We had the place to ourselves for the first and last 20 minutes of jumping, and when there were others there it was just two other families. Afterwards we enjoyed pizza at Pizza Hut.






Saturday was Charlotte's tea party birthday party attended by girlfriends and their moms. It was so fun to plan and enjoy the little (and big) ladies, doing such girly things as playing house, making jewelry, drinking tea and lemonade, and of course, dancing!


I'm including the picture of the cake I made, just because I am so proud of it! It's a black forest cake (Charlotte picked the flavor) with gummy butterflies on top (courtesy of my mom, who, it seems, always has those great finds!)



Playing in the "hit" birthday present. Got this FREE from someone from church who was getting rid of it. Charlotte absolutely loves it, and we're glad she does, since she seems to hate the bike (which we paid for) that we got her.

Now, it's on to planning Elijah's 1st birthday celebration!