Day of Favorite Things

He LOVES sleeping with his pumpkins!

It's been a hard few weeks.  The hubs has been working very late nights and weekends.  I've been rockin' the "single mom" thing as best I can (my hat is off to those of you who do this on a daily basis).

I'm tired.

Exhausted.

I've missed posting as much as normal.  I've missed reading a lot of your blogs.  I've missed the planning and anticipating and working in forums.

Thankfully, today has been a day full of favorite things.

• Beautiful fall sky - crisp blue with some darker clouds that highlight the gorgeous remaining color
• Caramel hot cocoa - I couldn't find anything I wanted for breakfast so I had a gourmet caramel hot cocoa!
• Playing with the boys - Buggy insisted on napping with his three pumpkins.  He was so cute about it and so careful to carry all three upstairs one at a time that I gave in and let him sleep with them.  He cried when he woke up and thought he had to leave the pumpkins in his crib.  I don't know what we'll do when it comes time to cook them!
• Computer time - I was able to create a "favicon" (the little picture on the browser tab - look up and check it out - I'll do a tutorial one of these days) plus was able to spend some time on Wordpress creating my brother's website.
• Cincinnati Chili - talk about a fantastic fall treat. Yummy Cincy chili over spaghetti with cheese and oyster crackers.
• Visit - a spur of the moment visit from my cousin who lives about 7 hours away. Last time I saw him was a year ago for my dad's surprise 60th birthday party. He popped in for dinner tonight!
• The HUBS! - The Hubs came home at normal time today!  Granted, he sequestered himself in his office to teach a saxophone lesson, but he was IN the HOUSE!  He has tomorrow off too!
• Chat with a friend - while waiting at the dr office this morning (for a yearly not-favorite checkup), I saw a friend who I hadn't chatted with in forever.  It was great to catch up!
• Wine - I am enjoying a nice glass of wine to help decompress after such a busy run of things.

And the weekend holds more favorite things.  My parents are coming to visit. We will go to the Hub's university's football game with the boys in costume (and I won't be the only one chasing Buggy). I'll get to play with my still somewhat new camera at the game - fall colors on the top of a mountain!  Church Saturday night - I get to serve in the nursery with the little ones.  Sunday is a day to sleep in and have some family time and sing happy birthday to my mom!  Then, of course, trick or treating with the boys.  In our neighborhood, the adults all congregate on the sidewalks and just chat.  A few older kids walk from house to house.  It's a great time to get to know the neighbors and have adult conversation.

What are some of your favorite things? Let me know in the comments!



These are all Finer Things!  Head over to Amy's Finer Things to see more!  These things certainly are Simple Pleasures. Go on over to Dayle's place to see other simple pleasures.

Simple Pleasures: Tummy Time

What's better than laying beside your baby as he learns all sorts of new skills?  Not much!  It certainly is a Simple Pleasure and a Finer Thing!  I am so Thankful for my little guy!  How cute is he?!  We are so blessed!  He is nearly 4 months old and already SIXTEEN POUNDS!  Grow, Baby, Grow!

What I Love About Motherhood

soft baby hair snuggled up to my neck

juicy kisses from a toddler

wide eyes in wonder at new discoveries

shrieks of joy

spontaneous giggles

milk comas

mogwai noises from a newborn

child curled in my lap asleep

hearing "mama!"

sweet soft hands of my babes

exuberant hugs

stolen moments rocking to sleep after midnight

Our quiver is filling.  I wouldn't change a thing.  I love being a mom.  It is definitely a Finer Thing.

This post is linked to Gratituesday.

Finer Things Friday - Blessing Others

Please check out Amy's Finer Things for other great stories of Finer Things on this fabulous Friday!

I know this isn't a typical Finer Things Friday post - please bear with me - this organization is definitely worth your attention.




I have a soft spot in my heart for those in need.  I believe that deep down, we all have that soft spot.  I wanted to share with you an organization that is dear to my heart and is definitely a Finer Thing.  This organization is the Free Wheelchair Mission.

Did you know that all over the world are people that are confined to homes/huts due to physical disabilities because they have no wheelchair?  Did you know that people around the world drag themselves across the ground or have friends and family carry them just to get around because of their disabilities and no wheelchair?  Where is the dignity for those people?  What about those injured in Haiti?  One of the biggest needs in Haiti right now is wheelchairs.  So many people were severely injured and cannot get around.

Did you know that just $59.20 provides a wheelchair for one who desperately needs it.  I am hoping to do a small part to help.  I hope to raise $200 over the next few months to provide 3 wheelchairs to those in need.

Would you like to help?  I have created a donation page through the Free Wheelchair Mission where those who desire to help can donate safely.  I never come in contact with the funds - all money goes straight to the Mission.  Please feel free to pass along the donation link to anyone who might like to help.

Over the next few months, I will feature people who have helped to distribute the wheelchairs.  I will provide more information, more ways to help, and more insight into this grave need around the world.


Here is some more information about this organization:

Free Wheelchair Mission is an international, humanitarian, faith-based, nonprofit organization dedicated to providing wheelchairs for people with disabilities living in poverty in developing countries. Working in partnership with a network of like-minded organizations, FWM has sent wheelchairs to hundreds of thousands of people around the world, providing not only the gift of mobility, but those of dignity, independence, and hope.

Finer Things Friday - Blessings through Bed Rest

Make sure to click over to Amy's Finer Things to read more stories of the finer things in life this fabulous Friday!

Also, check out what is in store in the future for this blog, download a FREE scripture memory verse, and enter to win one of 4 fantastic giveaways that close on Monday!

Well, I've been telling y'all about my recent adventures as a mommy to a toddler who happens to be on pregnancy bed rest.  I'm on day 12 right now and have nearly hit our first big goal - 34 weeks!  Praying for at least 35 weeks at this point - if we make it into May, I will be thrilled!

On this Friday, I wanted to reflect on all the blessings amidst this trial.  The blessings were hard to see at first - hard to see through the fear and despair that set in early on.  God has been so faithful and has helped me open my eyes to see through that fear and see how His hand is on this sweet little baby.  He has set so many wonderful people in my path to care for me and my precious cargo.  Here are just SOME of the blessings of this trial.

• I have a fantastic Hubby who is willing to do anything in his power to care for me and Buggy.  He has dropped everything at work and come running to meet us at the hospital.  He calls during the day to make sure we are doing well.  He has rearranged his schedule to be as available as possible during the crazy end of the semester.  He has taken over all lifting plus most of the care for Buggy including every night waking. What a loving daddy and hubby.
• Buggy has been fabulous with all the upheavals to his schedule.  He happily welcomes my friends each day (2-4 different friends each day to help, more on that later).  He plays contentedly on his own when I am too tired to sit and play with him.  He spent the first week sick and is still teething (8 teeth coming in).  We have had some sleep regression, some nightmares, and occasional night terrors.  We've had some extra discipline opportunities as he has started biting - mainly just biting Mommy.  Those are such small issues compared to what he COULD be doing during this crazy time!
• My parents.  My parents took turns taking off work to spend the first week here so I was not alone at all.  They did all the night wakings with Buggy, cleaned the house, and basically just did everything including taking me back to the hospital to stop more contractions.
• My friends have been fantastic.  They threw me a surprise baby shower a week ago (and feared I wouldn't make it since I was in the hospital the day before).  They offered to help any way they could so that my parents could go back to work to save some vacation days for when Baby gets here.  All I do is create a schedule of where/how I will need help and post in google docs.  They sign up for what they can do.  I've had hot meals delivered every day, friends here to clean and care for Buggy so I can rest, and friends to offer support and to pray.  It's been amazing.  I have had to learn to accept help - to sit by humbly while friends do my dishes and laundry and clean my bathroom.

All of those blessings are definitely Finer Things.  What are some of your finer things in life?

Finer Things Friday - Playtime with Daddy

Wow - I can't believe it's Friday already! We've had a week of illness plus Buggy working on 8 new teeth. Poor guy is still a drooly and uncomfortable mess. We have been enjoying this fantastic spring weather though! Last night, we had the thrill of having the whole family home together for a few hours (very busy season until school is out in May) yesterday evening. I was able to put together a "roller coaster" from a friend so we could take Buggy out to try it. Only ONCE did he need Daddy to hold him on. Now, he just needs help getting on the car.

What a blessing - to be able to play outside with Daddy even for just a little bit! We all had a blast!



Playing as a family is DEFINITELY a Finer Thing! Click over to Amy's Finer Things for more great stories!
Don't forget to enter to win $30 worth of books from Zonderkidz on the Psalms for your children! Giveaway ends on Monday.

Lastly, click over to Penny Pinching Penguin to learn how to save a bunch of money on upcoming sales - especially on diapers and on eye glasses!

Finer Things Friday - Spring is HERE!

After a record breaking month of snow, spring has finally arrived!  I admit, though, it is a bit strange to be outside in 60* weather with snow on the ground still!

It was such a blessing to be outside this week.  We were able to spend some time at the local park a few days ago and then we spent the morning out on the back deck yesterday.  Buggy has learned to climb up and go down his playcenter and slide all by himself.  Where does time go?  He should still be crawling, shouldn't he???

Thank you, Lord, for the beauty of spring after the desolation of winter.

Head over to Amy's Finer Things to see more Finer Things on this fine Friday!

Finer Things Friday - Finding My Desk!

I wanted to thank you all for holding me accountable!  By posting about my "home hot spot" yesterday, I felt compelled to finally address the issue. A clean desk and office area is DEFINITELY a "Finer Thing!"

Buggy has been phasing out one of his two morning naps so finding time during the day has been challenging. We never know when he'll give in for a nap.  By evening when he's in bed, I am too exhausted to work on house projects!

Well, yesterday, Buggy took a nearly two-hour nap!  I jumped on the chance to get things organized.  It's still not anywhere near where I want it to be, but we're moving in the right direction!

Here is a "before" shot (see my previous post for all the unorganized goodness)

 

 Here's an "after" shot!

And another one:

Most of the work was done in the filing cabinet.  I did take quite a few toys to the basement.  I did throw away a bunch of paperwork we didn't need to save.  Here's a picture of all the files that will be heading to basement storage (neatly in bankers boxes) that came from my file cabinet:

 

 A few months back, I started a system that made a lot of sense.  I saw this idea posted on someone's blog (I apologize if it was yours - I didn't mark where the idea came from!).  The premise was that we need to do something RIGHT AWAY with our mail so that it doesn't accumulate and cause more clutter.  Mail that isn't organized often contains bills that may be overlooked and may cause late fees!  The blogger mentioned that we will be more likely to stick to a system if it is PRETTY!  

I went out and bought some pretty folders on clearance at Michaels for a total of $1.25.  I used a wire magazine rack that we already had. It's pretty! It's now organized!  I had been using this system as my file cabinet since I couldn't fit anything else in the cabinet.  Now, all the files are clean and we're ready to move forward!

I have visions of adding artwork, more toy storage, pretty magazine storage to replace the garage sale specials I currently have, and adding some vertical storage (I may need to move the desk away from the window).  I hope to add some pretty pocket storage (using shoe storage bags that hang over doors - cut into strips - I'll post when I finish this project) for pens and pencils and such.

How is your hot spot coming?  Do you have any ideas for mine?

Check out Amy's Finer Things for more Finer Things!

Lastly, please click over to vote for this sweet gal's MS Awareness car!  Two days left to vote - vote daily.  Help her reach the top 10 for round 2!  You don't even need an email address!

Finer Things Friday - Snowed-in Family Time

This has been a hard winter.  We live in a very mountainous region and have gotten a good bit of snow and ice.  You can see some pictures of our hill in this previous post about blessing others while being snowed in.  Hubby teaches at a university up in the mountains.  Today is the first day they have had classes in a WEEK! 

I am very thankful for our time being snowed in.  Buggy (little man) got to see Daddy a ton and they had a lot of great bonding time.  Buggy has been sleeping better at night and has been receptive to someone other than MOMMY doing soothing after a bump or bruise.   Buggy also got to help mommy vacuum a lot and even better, help Daddy shovel snow!

I had two favorite times during our seclusion.  One was when we had no power.  We got to have a candlelit dinner around the table as a family.  I got to learn how to cook hamburgers by FEEL rather than sight!  I was even happier when power came back on shortly after so we had heat that night when temps dropped to the single digits.  The second favorite was a family walk.  We opted to leave the dog at home.  Hubby didn't want to risk Buggy's safety by being pulled over on the icy sidewalks by a crazy pooch plus we decided that being pregnant, I certainly shouldn't take the dog or the toddler on my back.

While I am thankful for the time at home as a family without the normal hectic schedule, I am CERTAINLY looking forward to spring.  I am also looking forward to the day we replace our beater car with something that has four wheel drive!

Want to read about more finer things?  Head on over to Amy's Finer Things for some fantastic stories!

Finer Things Friday - Baby Snuggles!

This happened Thursday morning (actually happens many mornings), but it is most definitely a Finer Thing!  Head over to Amy's Finer Things to read more stories!

Thursday morning was simply so sweet.  I brought Little Man in to our bed around 6:15.  Hubby was already up for the day.  I let Little Man nurse and then I heard Hubby in the shower.  Little Man and I just snuggled.  I love his sweet breath as he sleeps sweetly.  I love the feel of his fuzzy head on my cheek as he snuggles close.  I love the feel of his tiny hands as they rub my arms.  I love his juicy, messy kisses.  I love his big grin after a hug.  I love his baby chatter as he discovers new things in the room.  I love how he intently watches his Daddy get ready for work.  I love how he tries to immitate his Daddy by "doing his hair."

There is just nothing better than baby snuggles in the morning!  What are your Finer Things?

I do want to share my favorite holiday recipe to go along with the Bloggy Progressive Dinner!  I absolutely LOVE these treasures!  They are so easy to make and simply divine!

Oreo Truffles!

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
• 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened
• 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions

1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
2. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
3. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.

Footnotes

• How to How to Easily Dip Truffles
• Place truffle ball in melted chocolate to coat; roll if necessary. Lift truffle from chocolate using 2 forks (this will allow excess chocolate to run off) before placing on wax paper.

Finer Things Friday: Car Repairs and Washer Warranties

Ahhh.  We are finally getting ahead financially.  Things have been really tight since we moved just over a year ago.  Not only did we move across the country, but we had our first baby and I started being an at-home mom.

We had two events this week that we feared would bring us back to ground zero financially.  My old car (the "viper" - Hubby drives this now - 1996 Mitsubishi Galant that is limping along) started making a new and frightening noise.  The oil change guy thought it might be our timing belt. We had recently replaced the beltS (this car has two).  Well, we took the car to the shop a few days ago and heard back yesterday evening.  The a/c compressor was shot (we replaced it about 50,000 miles ago).  A replacement would run us at least $650.  The mechanic, aware that we aren't putting much money in this car from here on out, researched installing a pulley to bypass the compressor but realized that we didn't even need that.  By simply removing the belt, the noise would stop and would prevent any other damage.  Total cost - $16!

About the same time we took the "viper" to the shop, I found that my new washer was broken (I posted about this earlier this week).  I spent yesterday at the laundromat getting caught up so we have clothes to wear.  I called about the washer and learned it was still well under warranty.  I made an appointment with a repairman.  I was given the lovely window of any time between 8am and 5pm Friday.  Well, imagine my surprise when I got a call right at 9am asking if now was a good time for the repairman to come!  We learned that the entire main computer board is fried as well as the door sensor.  I do have to wait until sometime next week for the part to come in, but it is covered 100% under warranty.  Now to just make sure this doesn't happen again after the warranty is up!

God has been so good in blessing us.  In addition to these two scenarios, Hubby got a check from a gig he played recently - $25 more than he expected!  I filled in at a wind ensemble concert last night and was given a check for $75!  I wasn't expecting anything!  He was so good in blessing us earlier this year during the tough and tight times - He used those times to teach us more about ourselves and about Him.

God is good!  Click on over to Amy's Finer Things for more great stories!

Finer Things Friday - Major Stress Release

Whew!  What a fantastic morning!  We have spent this past week battling a fraudulent charge in our bank account from someone using Hubby's debit card number.  You can read more about this fun adventure on my other blog.   Basically, there was about $650 pending all week.  We could not access the money in our checking account. 

Well..... I checked my account this morning after a family walk (yet another FINER THING - an early morning walk as a family) and saw that the charge was GONE!  Not processed, not pending, just GONE!  The bank called to confirm.  I am still trying to get a few bits of information for the multiple fraud departments, the detective, and the FBI so that whoever used this number can be brought to justice and not defraud others.

What an amazing feeling - all the stress of the week just melting away!  Definitely a FINER THING!

Visit Amy's Finer Things to see a link-up of other Finer Things on this Friday!

Finer Things Friday: Trick or Treating with Little Man

I am not a big fan of Halloween. I don't like the scary costumes. I don't like the blood and guts. I don't like the greed on the kids faces when they are only given one piece of candy when they want to take a handful when they say "trick or treat." I don't like the worry about pranks being pulled that damage property. I don't like the emphasis on witchcraft.

Last year, I did take Baby (who I'll be calling "Little Man" now that we have another baby on the way) to a few houses dressed as a skeleton. He was 3 weeks old - not even to his due date yet.

I also dressed him as a pumpkin.

I decided to take him out again this year. We had been given a super cute Pooh Bumble Bee costume. Honestly, I was worried about the atmosphere. I really had nothing to worry about on our street. All the kids that came by were great - were polite and thankful for their bounty. Little Man had a great time walking up and down the hill. I got to stand outside chatting with neighbors while he played with neighbor children. All in all, we had a very enjoyable night!




Just wanted to share a video of my sweet little man! Click over to Amy's Finer Things for more Finer Things on this Friday!

Finer Things Friday - Sleeping Baby!!!

Oh, sweet blessings!  Those of you who know me or have been reading for awhile probably know how my son is NOT a sleeper.  At 12 months old, it is normal a GOOD night if he wakes 3 times.  Naps are just about as good.  When left on his own in the crib or pack n play, a 30 minute nap would be fantastic.  To get better night sleep, he would nap on me during the day and would nap about an hour twice.  We tried the No-Cry Sleep Solution.  We tried Cry-It-Out.  CIO worked - for one whole week after extreme trauma on both our parts.  I just didn't have it in me to do it again.

Well.....  for the SECOND DAY in a row, I put him in his pack n play when he was sleepy.  He could see me the whole time.  He played a bit and then got quiet.  When I looked over, he was OUT COLD!  Yesterday, his nap lasted about 30 minutes, but he FELL ASLEEP ON HIS OWN WITH NO SCREAMING OR INTESTINAL DISTRESS!  He finished his nap on me.

Today, he FELL ASLEEP ON HIS OWN and slept for nearly 3 HOURS!  ON HIS OWN!  Oh - this is such an answer to prayer!  I am so exhausted with this pregnancy.  I just pray that this new trend continues.  I lock the dog in our room so she doesn't bark in his face and wake him up.

I think one big thing that has helped is that he has given up his morning nap.  He's also walking.  Please, Lord, help this new sleep trend to continue and carry over into night time sleep!

Join Amy over at Finer Things to see all sorts of fantastic stories!

Finer Things Friday - Walk at a Local Resort

Earlier this week, I was able to take Baby for a walk at a local resort.  Between the leaf mold smell, the vibrant colors, the gorgeous weather, and tine with Baby, this is certainly a Finer Thing!  Go to The Finer Things in Life to see other finer things!