Jill on the Journey

Celebrating Spring and Easter

2012-04-12T05:43:00.000-07:00

I should preface this post by warning you there are a lot of pictures and very few words! It should probably be several posts, but who has the time? Not this chic!

It's been a fun and busy past couple of weeks. Asher had his school Easter Party.

Then, it was definitely egg hunting season. We went to several community egg hunts.

We have more candy than I know what to do with...and a belly ache from too many jelly beans!

We celebrated Vaughn's 32nd birthday, April Fool's style of course.

We've gone strawberry picking

and even played in the dirt.

We dyed Easter eggs.

We celebrated the resurrection of our Christ, Lord of Lord, King of Kings.

Happy Spring!

Maryclaire is 15 months!

2012-03-20T21:11:00.010-07:00

Hello Friends!

Guess who turned 15 months old the other day?

That's right-This little sweetie did!

You might not even recognize her she's grown so much!

I am amazed at what leaps and bounds Maryclaire has made in the past 3 months. Seriously amazed. I don't even feel like I have the same sweet baby. Here are just a few fun facts about 15 months.

1. You have 6 teeth. And you've been sick with every one of them. You're not a terrible teether, but your not a great one either.

2. You have gotten HUGE! I don't know your stats, but you've gone from wearing 9 month clothes just a few months ago to wearing 18 month clothes. I've even put you in a few 24 month dresses and they fit fine. Crazy!

3. You finally have a nick name and you'll even respond to it. Before you had this enormous growth spurt, we started calling you "itty bitty" and it just fit you perfectly. You're not so itty bitty anymore, but the name has stuck among our household.

4. Personality. Big Personality. You are so feisty, sassy, and independent. You don't want me to help you do anything! You think and you try to be such a big girl. You won't even hold my hand when you walk. Nana says you must be your mother's daughter.

5. You even have a bit of a mean streak. Especially to your brother. I hate to say it, but you are down right rotten to him. Which bring me to...

6. You are a pincher and a scratcher. If somebody makes you mad, you reach out and either give them a pinch with your little tweezer fingers or a good scratch across the face with your velociraptor claws. You've gotten many pops on the hand for that and your poor brother has gotten many red scratches across the face.

7. You haven't said many new words, but we know you understand most of what we say to you. Right now, you go around saying, "owwwww" for "ouch". It sounds more like a dog howl. Asher inadvertently taught you this one (see #6).

8. You are finally sleeping through the night. Not by your own accord. Basically, we had to turn the monitor off in our bedroom for a few nights. You still have hiccups now and then, but at least I know now they're not out of habit and you really do need me.

9. You love to read books. We sit and read book after book after book during the day. You like to play with your baby dolls and whatever Asher is playing with. You'll pick up a car and make noises with it while you push it along, just like brother does. You like to go outside to play. You love Elmo and I usually let you watch Sesame Street every day...or I at least turn it on and you'll pay attention here and there while you are playing. You like to climb...anything you can. And stand on top of whatever is NOT supposed to be stood on. You are a complete daredevil and I definitely see gymnastics in your future.

10. Jealous. You and Asher are SOOOOOO jealous of each other. It is ridiculous. You'll cry and try to pinch him if I'm loving on him. It's very frustrating and I love you both so much. I know it's normal, but it's not fun and it causes a lot of stress some days.

11. You drink out of a cup with a straw. You don't like sippy cups. You want a regular cup, but I only let you have one when I am right there to help. You are a great eater. You love your veggies and will try anything.

11. Precious. I just love watching you become a little person...seeing your BIG personality come out, watching you develop and hit milestones. It's truly amazing and I am so glad I am home with you to watch you grow!

Blog: Take 3

2012-03-02T20:28:00.007-08:00

You know that feeling when you've blown a diet...again and again (and again) and then you don't even know where and how to start back? Well, that's kind of how I feel with blogging right now.

I was looking back at some posts from a few months ago and I so much enjoyed reading what the kids were doing at the time....things I didn't even remember even though they don't seem like they were that long ago.

So, where to start back? I guess now!

Asher had his 4 yr old check a week and a half ago. He's 4.5, but we got off track a couple of years ago. He was diagnosed with Asthma when he was two, and we pretty much lived in the Dr.'s office for a few months around that time, so we missed his official check-up by 6 months even though we were in and out of the Dr. for about 4 months. So, I guess this is 4.5 yr check up!

He got his eyes checked and his hearing checked and passed both with flying colors. I talked at length to our pediatrician (who I love!) about several things. But, here's the low down.

1. He's still really little. Asher gained a whopping 1lb and grew 3/4 of an inch, which means he weighs 32 lbs and is 38 inches tall.

2. His asthma seems to be getting better, so we're decreasing his dosage. Yay!

3. He is developing allergies. He'll start taking Claritin as needed. And most of you probably know, allergies and colds can aggravate asthma so, that makes me a little nervous. :(

4. He is ready for kindergarten! Dr. Brichant asked him several developmental questions and he made me so proud. When she asked him about the shapes he knew, my boy doesn't talk about circles and squares. He tells her about octagons, hexagons and polygons.

5. The nurses just kept praising how well he followed directions, how brave and calm he was. He really didn't know what was coming with those shots and showed out big time after that. Ha! I promised him a milk shake after the shots and I'm pretty sure he would have cried for an hour had I not bribed him to stop crying before we left the office.

It was a great appt. (minus the shots) and our pedi. did a great job addressing my concerns.

And while I'm talking about Asher, I have to point out a few new things he can do. Drum roll please......he has finally learned how to button and unbutton buttons!!! This is such a milestone for him (and us!!!) that he doesn't need us to help get him dressed and undressed anymore. He's so cute and proud of himself too. As he gets dressed every morning he says, "Mommy look! Watch me do this."

He continues to bless my heart the way he loves God. When Jesus talked about faith like a child, I KNOW he was thinking about kids like Asher. He loves Jesus, he loves to pray, and he loves to read his bible. He never ceases to amaze me.

He tries so hard with Maryclaire! And she is so rotten to him! They are both just as jealous as they can be over one another. He has revived his Sesame Street underwear b/c she loves S.S so much. He puts it on, runs to her room, and shakes his little booty in her face so she can see. It's a small act, but so sweet and funny!

The Hand of God

2012-02-18T03:27:00.004-08:00

Watching the hand of God work is an amazing thing to witness, no matter if he's working in your life or another. There have been several times in my life where I KNEW, without a shadow of doubt, that God was moving and orchestrating big events in our life. I have experienced exactly that kind of movement this past week.

First, thank you so much for those of you who have been praying for our family.

Matthew 18:20

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

The evening of my last post we found out Vaughn was going to keep his job. Halleluiah! Answered prayers? Absolutely.

The past month, the church we have been visiting has been doing a series on finances called "Broke." It's been very fitting and relevant for where we are right now. I have to say, Vaughn and I have both learned so much about what God expects of us through our finances. I think one of the huge realizations for us was that our money is not ours, it's God's. This one really hit Vaughn hard, and as the head of our household, he felt greatly convicted. We have always been "givers" to the church, but have never made an effort of give a monthly/weekly tithe. I was elated that God put this on Vaughn's heart as something we should make a priority.

Vaughn wrote his 10% tithing check and I gave 10% of my side business proceeds on January 29th. We rarely have enough to cover our expenses as it is each month, but this wasn't as scary as it sounds. Actually, it didn't cause us any stress at all.
Trusting God...

We also decided to quit using our credit cards. Every month when things didn't add up, it's the first place we went...automatically. We decided we needed to stand on our own two feet and give God room to work in our finances. This part was a little more stressful for us. Money in does not equal money out. But, we are following God's lead, trusting, and giving him room to glorify himself through us.

Ready for it? Because it's really amazing.

This month my etsy store sales have sky rocketed. I went from 3 orders/month for the past 3 months to 22 ORDERS and COUNTING JUST FOR THIS MONTH. And the month is not over, people! I am booked 4 weeks out, and even have orders coming in for March, April and May.That's a lot of cookies! It is more than the difference between income in and income out.

Oh, but then of course, Murphy' Law step in.

Last week, my car decided it needed a new transmission. A $2100 transmission. This, of course, right after we swore off using our credit cards. How were we going to pay for a $2100 transmission? Credit? It didn't take long to decided, we just weren't going to get it fixed until we had the money (there goes my tooth money, I thought!). We would trust God...that he would allow us a way to get where we needed to get and do what we needed to do.

I rationalized that lots of families are a one car family and they somehow make it work. The biggest hurdle was how we were going to pick up Asher from preschool 3 days a week, but we trusted something would work out, even if we had to ask for help from friends and family.

Just a few hours later, we had a family member offer us a loaner car they weren't using. Wow! I was elated. Look how God works when you let him.

When the loaner car arrived the next day, the title to the car was brought with it and handed over to us. Are you following me here? Someone was GIVING us a car...to have...to keep...and folks, it is definitely an upgrade from what I've been driving. I have never been so shocked in my entire life...there were some major tears of joy. Now, a car if a HUGE gift and we aren't really sure if we can even accept something that major, but the offer is there.

I have more.

We filed our taxes this weekend so we could have the refund money to fix my car. We were praying it would be enough to get the car fixed, even if we had to add in the money I had been saving to get my tooth fixed.

Our return was more than 3.5 times what it was going to cost to fix the car. Enough to fix the car, fix my tooth, pay off Maryclaire (you know, our debt from her birth) and put some away in savings.

This not even the kind of stuff you can make up. This is definitely not the kind of stuff that happens to us. This is not luck. None of this is by our accord, but by the grace and glory of God.

I am reminded of his glory, his power, his provision...especially when you trust and obey Him...when you allow him room to work in your life, even the areas you think are beyond his reach. They're not.

In the words of my 4.5 yr old, "God can do anything, Mommy. Anything He wants."
Amen, and Amen!

Bueller? Bueller?

2012-02-14T10:02:00.002-08:00

I've been taking an accidentally-on-purpose break from blogging.
I'm busy. Incredibly busy with a business I can't keep up with.
I'm distracted. Oh so distracted.

And I'm about to get very REAL.

Blogging is usually that sunny picture of how grand life is, and while it is very grand, there are some very real life things our family has been going through.

This might become the skeletons out of the closet post. It's about the hardships, the struggles and the blessings that currently consume our life.

It also might be the longest post I've ever written. So, bear with me. Skim if you must.

I'll start with the business that is growing in way I never imagined. Back in November, I opened an Etsy store to sell my cookies. In the past two months, it's become more than I can handle...literally, I turn down a handful of orders each month b/c I am a one woman operation and I just can't do it all. Blessing? Absolutely! I have prayed for a means to help make ends meet in our finances and God is opening doors and windows in a way I NEVER imagined.

But, in this is also a struggle to balance family. I am consumed by work...and working from home while also caring full time for two tots is enough to send even the strongest woman to the loony bin. I find myself obsessing over what I need to get done during naps, after the kids go to bed, and any time in between when I can steal a moment away from them.

I've cried in my car in the Wal-Mart parking lot b/c I'm just so overwhelmed.

I DO feel like my mom/wife duties are taking a backseat and that's tough for me. Stressful. Guilty. But, it's keeping us a float.

I've taken maybe 15 pictures of my kids the past month and 150 of cookies of I've made. And that speaks volumes.

Why you may wonder am I taking on so much business if staying home with my kids is my number one priority?

And the answer is simple: Finances.

To say things have been tight is an understatement. And to be even more real, it is a real possibility my husband might not even have a job at the end of this month. It's incredibly scary.

We are trusting God....that he has already walked this for us.

Finances. I know everyone has to deal with this on some level, and maybe someone else reading this can identity with our struggle.

I currently have $1200 worth of dental work that I need to get done and no dental insurance.

Last year after Maryclaire was born, when things really started to get tough, we found ourselves not being about to make the $250/month payment to the hospital for her birth (our insurance sucks....$6,000 deductible b/f anything besides well care is covered). And now, I owe a collection agency over $2,000. We make a joke out of it around our house, but in reality, it makes me want to cry.

I've lost nearly 20 lbs this past year, unintentionally. At my well visit a few weeks ago, my Dr. chalked it up to hormones leveling out after pregnancy. I am usually a "have to work at it" kind of girl to maintain a 130lbs....which is a normal weight for my 5'6 frame. While I not complaining about being so thin, it's a little worrisome. Stress? Thyroid? I'm getting some bloodwork done soon, but I have to wait a bit longer so my Dr. can code it under my well visit and it not come out of my pocket.

Did I mention I got the flu 2 weeks ago. I was flat on my back in bed for two whole days and my hubby had to take two days off of work to care for the kids. While it was a BIG eye opener for him to have complete responsibility of the kids, there couldn't have been worse timing.

$15,000 worth of credit card debt. That's what we've racked up this year buying groceries and gas.

You might think we live too extravagantly. We don't. My kids wear clothes from consignment, Vaughn's last work clothes came from Goodwill, even the kid's Christmas presents were second hand this year. They definitely didn't notice, and I'm so glad they're too little to right now to know the difference.

We actually laughed out loud when we got Vaughn's W-2 in the mail a few weeks ago. His job as a commission only financial advisor is rocky. But, it's one of those jobs where it could change in a heartbeat if he came across the right client (you know, one that had lots of money he was willing to invest-ha!). We always try to think "it will be better next month."

Inhale. Exhale. Deep breaths. Trust the Lord.

If I'm sounding ungrateful, forgive me. It's not how I mean to come off. In fact, I'm incredibly excited about my new business ventures. It's all I can talk about with my husband when he gets home from work.

But, it comes at a great cost and I can't shake the feeling I am stealing time from my family.

So, you see how it might be hard for me to sit down at the computer to blog about how funny and perfect and fabulous our life is, to maintain an image of some "do it all and do it fabulously" mom.

Because lately at the end of the day, I just don't have the energy to even pretend things are all rosy.

And I have a feeling, I might regret this post later. BEING REAL IS HARD. But, I'm a heart on my sleeve kind of girl. And I pray God can use my struggles to glorify HIM and maybe even help others...only if it's just knowing they're not alone in their struggles.

Asher and The Trouble with Teeth

2012-01-21T12:02:00.000-08:00

I just had the biggest sigh as I sat down the type this post.

Teeth trouble.

My face is presently experiencing spastic cringing as I think about our little visit to the dentist. If read my post here about fears, you'll notice the dentist was one of them (and now it's all too validated!)

I took Asher to the dentist for a cleaning this week. Vaughn and I had noticed some darkening in the crevices of his back molars while we brush his teeth that we were a little worried about, but we were still hopeful...after all, they are just baby teeth, right?

After his cleaning (which he did great!) the dentist calls me in and proceeds to show me a number of cavities in sweet boy's beautiful smile...as in multiple (i.e.many, several, numerous) cavities. I'm still so horrified I can't even share it with the blog world.

The dentist then begins to talk in code about the procedures (again, plural!) because he doesn't want to scare Asher and he advises ME not to talk to him about the details of drill and fill.

Terrifying, right? I can only imagine what goes through a 4 yr olds mind as they sit in a big dental chair for an extended amount of time getting shots, drilled and filled.

It absolutely makes me sick to my stomach.

I'm ushered back the waiting room, digesting just how Asher could have X amount of cavities.

And you know when small kids have cavities, who does the finger get
pointed at????

A beaming Asher gets delivered back to me by the hygienist. He has a new superhero toy from the treasure chest.

Ready for the part where go from horrified to mortified?

Hygienist: Did Asher go to bed with the bottle when he was a baby?
What I said: NO! Never!

What I thought? Omg, they think I am completely retarded. Doesn't everybody know you're not supposed to put the baby to bed with a bottle? Should I tell her I nursed Asher for a whole year and then he went to a sippy cup with the exception of ONE bottle we kept at bedtime until he was 18 months old?

Hygienist: Does Asher drink excessive amounts of juice?
Me: No! He gets one cup of juice, one cup of milk and the rest water.
Hygienist: You can always water down the juice he gets.

What I'm thought? Omg, I cannot believe this!!! She totally thinks I am the worst mom ever. Should I tell her we already do water down the juice? We always have....mostly in the effort to make it go further because it's one way I can cut our grocery bill down. My niece even refuses to drink the juice at Aunt Jill's house because it's watered down.

And here's where I go from mortified to miffed.

Hygienist: Does he drink a lot of coke?
Me: NO! We are very strict about what he eats and drinks.

What I'm thinking? OMG, I'm gonna crap my pants. Coke? Who gives their kid coke? I've never ever given Asher a coke. He doesn't even know what a coke is! Vaughn and I do try so hard not to feed Asher junk all day. I don't even let him have chocolate milk!

Hygienist: Make sure you are brushing his teeth twice a day, especially before bedtime.

At this point, I have no words. Obviously, she thinks I am lacking some pretty basic parenting skills and I don't really feel the need to give a play by play of our day (from brushing teeth after breakfast, to the lack of coke drinking, to brushing our teeth again before bed) to a complete stranger who probably won't believe me anyway.

Mortified. Horrified.

I called Vaughn and told him and he's in disbelief too.

He called his cousin, who is a dentist in his hometown, to tell him the situation and ask what he thought. He asked us our teeth care regime, which our dentist never did. He assured Vaughn it sounded like our oral healthcare routine with Asher was just fine and that some dentists are more aggressive at treating even the smallest signs of tooth decay. He also urged us to get a 2nd opinion from a trusted dentist if we could.

We've already decided we're going to travel the 3 hrs to south GA and let Vaughn's cousin give us a second opinion. It's someone we trust and even if the news is still bad, at least we we know it's not for an over aggressive dentist with a drill!

Party like a Superhero

2012-01-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

When I blogged my Top 5 Posts of 2011 I realized that Superhero parties are in hot demand. I made a long and detailed post about Superhero Party Ideas here. However, when I posted about the actual party, I focused more on my little man and less about the details like decorations, etc.

I wanted to go back and give some detailed pictures of what we did so maybe this can be helpful to other people planning their own little Superhero party.

The adult tables. There was one more not pictured that hadn't been set up yet...nothing like waiting until the last minute, right?

Close up of the tables.

The kids table. I made each kid a cape that is placed under their plate. The one closest to you in the pic is pink for my niece.

The table is not finished in this picture, but you can see the Gotham City scape we made out of cardboard.

Superhero's Only! sign for the front door.

Gift bags for party guests. I don't even remember what we put in the "Little Superhero" bags, but we put a yummy trail mix in the bags for "Big Superheros."

Banner I made out of scrapbook paper, red ribbon and superhero clipart I found on the internet. I still have all the images on file, so if you are interested, I can email them to you.

No party is complete without a Superhero cake. Asher requested Spiderman, Batman and The Hulk. He loved it!

And if you're in the Atlanta area, don't forget I can make this cake for YOU too!

You can see my cake and cookies blog here at The Happy Caker!

I was at max crafting potential for his party. There were so many other things I wanted to do, but ran out of time! All in all, I thought his party was a hit and Asher did too!

I can't believe we're closer to his 5th birthday now than his 4th. He's already told me he wants it to be about BUGS!!!

10 Day You Challenge-7 Wants

2012-01-15T18:50:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm going to need to make this one short and sweet. I've spent way too much time blogging about myself instead of my sweet family. Maybe it's been a nice change of pace for the 10 people who read my blog! Ha!

1. I want a healthy family. I guess I should say I want my family to remain healthy

2. I want to be adored...by my children, my husband. I want them to think I'm the best thing since sliced bread. I want to be a woman whose actions are worthy of such adoration.

3. I want to be financially sound. And I'm hoping this doesn't require me going to work outside the home to get there!

4. I want to be a better friend (Thanks, Shaped by Grace!). I have all the excuses in the world why I'm not and none of them are good!

5. I want to put others before myself, be more thoughtful and less selfish.
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.

6. I want to be successful in my endeavors. Wife, Mom, Daughter, Friend, Business.

7. I want to be content just where I am...presently. Too often I find myself thinking and hoping for tomorrow and future days, and I fear (oops, that was a whole 'nother post, wasn't it?) I miss out on the here and now.

Told you it would be short and sweet. Up next, 6 places!
BUT, I think I need to shine the light on my sweet kids next and what we've been up to!

Back in the Swing of Things

2012-01-10T19:01:00.000-08:00

We've not been up to much lately. Just trying to get back into the routine of things after the holidays.

I loved how Mc and Asher were playing (nicely!) the other day. It was so sweet!

I was really sad to take down my Christmas stuff. I always seem to feel this let down after the Christmas season is over. I love all the gatherings, the excitement, the build-up, the twinkling lights, cheerfulness...Don't get me wrong; I know the reason for the season is in my heart all year long. But after Christmas, we have to suffer through bleak, cold winter days. It's just not my thing.

Maryclaire LOVES her new baby dolls.

Maryclaire is wearing me out. She's been sleeping terrible for weeks now and I'm tired. And it's winter and it's cold which just makes me want to stay in bed and hibernate!

Little sister on big brother's heels-Love it!

Oh, but these cute things seem to get me out of bed every morning...even if it takes me a couple of cups of coffee until I can really enjoy them!

10 Day YOU Challenge-8 Fears

2012-01-10T18:30:00.000-08:00

These first few fears come rather easily. I don't think I'm alone in many of these.

1. Someone in my family getting sick or hurt. My parents, my husband...my children. Day after day we are inundated with stories of sickness and tragic accidents and I DAILY give thanks to God for his protection over my family.

2. Spiders. Seriously. If it's bigger than the size of my little pinky nail, it terrifies me. I can't even get close enough to stomp them death. I usually throw things at it... mostly shoes. Other times I try to coax Asher into killing it...and often he'll cry and tell me he wants to put it in a jar. If neither of those two work, I get out a can of Lysol or some other cleaning substance and spray the heck out it until it stops moving.

3. Being out of control. I have serious issues. 'Nuff said.

4. Failure.

5. And along those same lines, I fear what other people think of me...especially if I fail.

6. The Dentist. While my teeth might look ok, I've always struggled with healthy teeth no matter how much I brush and floss. I seriously fear the dentist...like white knuckles/death grip on the chair fear.

7. I fear getting sick...cancer or some other debilitating disease that might make me unable to care for my children, my family the way I'm supposed to...the way I desire to.

8. Being a parent. Or not being a good enough parent...scarring my children through some unthoughtful action, not investing enough in them, failing them on some level, not being able to protect them them from this (sometimes) cruel world.

Up next, 7 wants (only 7???) Kidding!

10 Day YOU Challenge-9 Loves

2012-01-07T18:50:00.000-08:00

Nine things I love...wow, seems easy, but it's not???? I mean, OF COURSE, I love my family, God, my kids, my hubby...duh! Totally a given, right?

So, I'm trying to dig a little deeper here and it's a little more difficult than one would imagine. Here goes...

1. I love the last 10% of decorating cakes and cookies the most. Weird? No, not really. The last 10% is adding in all those little details that really make all the difference...really make what you're creating come together.

2. I love those people you meet that you automatically feel connected to. I hope that doesn't sound weird. You know, when you meet someone and the conversation flows so gently, like someone you've known all your life? I love that.

3. Mail. Real Mail. Like letters and cards. I think I've gotten less than 1/2 dozen REAL pieces of mail this whole year. I loved everyone of them.

4. I love special days like Valentine's, St. Patrick's, July 4th, Easter, etc. Really, anything that gives me an excuse to do something cute and crafty with my kids and celebrate with a special treat or small gift.

5. The feeling of finishing a project or marking something off my to do list, even if it's just catching up all the laundry (come on, mama's...you know what an good feeling that is...even if it's just for a moment). I am very task orientated and love the feeling of getting "stuff" done.

6. I love waking up and drinking my coffee before my kids wake up. Do I usually do it? No way! The rarity of it probably has something to do with why I savor it so much!

7. Hotels. Nice hotels. I am not referring to your local Super 8. I love staying in nice hotels, having someone else make the bed and tidy up, bring you fresh towels, those little bottles of soap...it relaxes me just thinking about it!

8. The beach. Love, love, love the beach. I get giddy like a 5 yr old about making sand castles and then something about the drone of the waves just relaxes my soul. It's by far my most favorite place.

9. I love being doted on. Who doesn't? It's the simple thing like when my hubby fixes me a cup of coffee in the morning or my mama sends me home with a meal so I don't have to cook. I don't mean being doted on with expensive gifts ...I'm not that type of girl.

Next on the 10 day YOU challenge, Fears!

10 Day YOU Challange

2012-01-07T07:37:00.000-08:00

I'm already behind on getting to this "assignment" (story of my LIFE these days, right?) but I think it's a really neat idea. I got this idea from Shaped by Grace . Don't know her? You should! Please check her blog out here or her facebook page here. I promise, she won't disappoint. So, the challenge looks like this:

Follow me? I'm hoping to get all 10 posts done by the end of January. Wish me luck. This will definitely be a challenge as my time for blogging seems to get shorter and shorter as the days fly by.

So, without further ado, here are 10 secrets....you know blog worthy secrets...not skeleton in the closet secrets (who me? skeletons in the closet...don't pretend you don't have them either-haha!)

1. I like hip hop/pop music. Really, I do...Black Eyed Peas, Beyonce, Kanye, M.I.A., Eminem, Drake, etc. In the words of my hubby, I'll listen to whatever "the man feeds me." In my defense, I do not to listen inappropriate music when little ears are also listening. It's just for me.

2. I am cheap....and thrifty. Really, really, cheap and thrifty. Partly because I'm broke and partly because it's the way I am. My newest favorite store is Goodwill. I am not kidding.

My sweater? From Goodwill!

3. I like beer. Yep, that's right...a well crafted beer. Not real girly, is it? I know. I mean, I'm not talking I sit down with a 6 pack here. I like to enjoy the taste of a good beer...one at a time. I'm a complete lightweight!

4. I hide sweets. From my hubby, from my kids. If you know my hubby, you know why I have to hide my sweets!

5. I am terribly messy. The clutter queen. It's a bad habit I'm trying to tame this year. I've already taken 5 boxes of stuff to goodwill this year...I am trying.

See all my kitchen clutter?

6. I love to sing. I did not say I have a good voice. For the most part, it's my kids who get to listen to me...and they're not really partial at this age, so I don't practice a lot of reserve. Maybe I'm teaching them it's good to have a song in your heart...

7. And dance. I love to dance. Like, shake your booty dance. Again, something only my kids and ***sometimes*** hubby get to see...and only my hubs if I am feeling extra goofy.

8. I have a temper. Me? Sweet, little ole me? Embarrassingly, yes. If you are very close to me, you've probably seen it a time or two. It's not something I'm terribly proud of and something I try to keep a lid on.

9. Along with that temper is a sarcastic smart mouth. Again, those close to me know what I'm referring to...especially my hubby.

This sweet little thing has FOR SURE been sporting her Mama's sassy attitude lately.

Hmmm, can I think of a positive secret??? Seems like I've put a negative spin on the past couple.

10. I am addicted to coffee, sugar and facebook. Those aren't so bad, right? In my defense, I still get up with Mc almost every night and I use facebook to promote and manage my budding cake/cookie/sweets business (<----Click me, click me!). And the sugar bit, well, no excuses there. Thank the Lord I have a quick metabolism and two little ones to run after!

The next blog challenge? 9 Loves!

The Year (Mrs.) Santa Clause Got Caught

2011-12-31T19:23:00.000-08:00

"What are you building, Aunt Jill?"

These are not the words you want to hear as you are getting Santa presents ready for your children late on Christmas Eve.

First, a little background: We spend the night at my parent's house on Christmas Eve along with my sister, her husband and two kids. There is plenty of room at their house...4 bedrooms upstairs. Almost everyone gets their own room-Maryclaire has her own room with a crib, Asher and Maddie (both 4) share a room and Lucas (2.5) still fits in a pack and play in a room with my sister and her husband.

Asher and Maddie always give us a hard time going to bed when they spend the night together at Nana and Grandbuddy's. A parent, or two, usually has to lay down with them to get them to go to sleep. Christmas Eve was no exception. Vaughn laid down with Asher until he was sound asleep and we ***THOUGHT*** Maddie was asleep as well.

It was late already and we were eager to get Santa started to we could all go to bed. My sister and I has discussed putting this little bell on the kid's door so we would hear them if they came out. Somehow, the ball got dropped and no one actually did it.

Hmmm, Maybe Mc wasn't such a good girl this year!

So what do you do?

The next few moments are like slow motion to me. "Maddie! What are you doing???" I exclaim as I jump up and in one swoop grab her up and run out of the room.

I ran to the kitchen with her not having a clue what to do. Cy, her Dad, was in the next room putting together a toy and then all in the same moment Vaughn comes rounding the corner with Asher's bike from Santa. He's not usually very observant, but he got really wide eyed and practically ran back to the garage with the bike.

Jen and Cy showed up in a second and spent the next 30 minutes trying to calm her down. She didn't really know what was happening, but she knew something was amiss and my reaction was definitely off from my usual demeanor. I about jumped out of my skin when I saw her!

What Mc's Santa was supposed to be!

We quickly decided Maryclaire's santa gift just couldn't be. Maryclaire wouldn't know the difference this year what she got but Maddie sure would know what Mc got from Santa!

My sweet mom let us use the toys they bought for Maryclaire as her Santa. We managed to find a baby doll and some books under in the sea of wrapped presents under the tree.

As for the Mc's big Santa gift, we just stuck it in the other room with the other wrapped gifts and none of the kids even batted an eye.

Disaster averted, lesson learned. I won't say I wasn't really SAD over it because I was. Two weeks later, I'm glad I can laugh and think it's hilarious.

And I'm certain Santa will be overly cautious at at our stop next year!

Christmas 2011

2011-12-31T13:17:00.000-08:00

I can't believe Christmas came and went already. December seems like it was just one big blur of a month sprinkled with happiness. The last thing I feel like I REALLY remember is putting up our Christmas tree...and then things took off into warp speed and didn't slow down until this week.

I've missed so much blogging I really don't even know where to start. I took the week before Christmas off from baking (you know, my little night job that I'm only supposed to do after the kids go to bed....ha....not so much these past 6 weeks!). I am so glad I did and don't have any regrets. I envisioned spending it making cutesy little crafts with the kids and assembling gingerbread houses, but alas, we simply just hung out and it was PERFECT! I enjoyed having Asher home from school so much.

I also had to do just about all my Christmas shopping. So, between my mom watching the kids for me one morning and running out after the kids went to bed, I got it done. I love wrapping presents, but this year I was in such a rush it looked like a 5 yr old wrapped most of the gifts under the tree. Oh well, no bother, and in the end, I don't think anyone cared.

I carved out time to take Asher to see "Arthur Christmas" on Friday and it was such a cute movie. I loved having a little date with him, minus little sister.

Saturday morning we had our annual Christmas brunch at our house with Vaughn's family. The morning flew by and soon we were in a mad dash to get out the door for our Christmas Eve service.

Wrangling two small, squirmy children for 1.5 hours was not exactly the religious experience one would hope for, but it is what is is! We actually left a few minutes early in an effort to NOT lose our minds and to get to our next party destination, my aunt's house.

Christmas Eve is such rush cramming in church, my aunt's house, and then getting back to my parent's house (where we spend the night) at a decent hour for the kid's bedtimes. I wouldn't change a minute of it, but it's not exactly relaxing!

We visited for a bit at my aunt's and made it to Nana and Granbud's house around 9. My kid's usually go to bed around 8 if that tells you anything. My sister and her crew had just arrived so ALL 4 kids went WILD for the next hour. It was a mad dash for baths, pj's, putting out Santa cookies, bedtime stories, etc.

Finally, the impossible happened and all the kids were in bed asleep...OR SO WE THOUGHT (more on that later!).

Out came the hidden boxes to be assembled, the toys to be carefully laid out, the stockings to be filled...you know, the fun part for us adults.

We worked like eager little elves trying to please a jolly old man until finally everything was ready to roll for the next morning. Morning came much too soon when you figure in several night waking from Maryclaire and even one from Asher. Bleary eyed, we watched as the kids enjoyed (and fought over) their gifts from Santa and we all opened gifts from one another.

My mom hosted dinner for my entire extended family so we didn't have much down time before we got busy getting ready for company. I love Christmas, but boy is ours exhausting!

We stayed one more night at my parent's house and Vaughn and I stayed up and watched Elf after everyone went to bed. It was the perfect end to an wonderfully exciting and exhausting day!

Up next, just how did Santa, or should I say Mrs. Clause, get caught? And by who? You'll want to read this one...even if it's just for the learning curve!

Happy 12 Months, Maryclaire!

2011-12-23T20:07:00.000-08:00

I am almost two weeks late with this post. Shame on me! I owe my sweet, baby girl so much better. In my defense, it IS the busiest, most exhausting time of the year!

Better late than never, I guess.

Oh Maryclaire, you get more and more spunky everyday and I LOVE seeing your BIG personality come out. You absolutely amaze me these days.

At 12 months you, 1. Weigh 16.9 lbs and are 28 inches tall. That's 1% for weight and 30% for height. I think you'll be two before we turn you around in the carseat, which is great since you like looking at big brother so much!

2. You are wearing size 3 diaper and 9 and 12 month clothes. You wear a size 3 shoe.But, you look so chunky lately, I was so surprised you don't weigh more. Your little face is getting round and chubby and you are belly first when you walk!

3. You go to bed between 7:45 and 8:15 and sleep until 6:45-7:45 the next morning. You are still waking once or twice a night...teething has been rough on you lately at night. You always want a bottle when you wake up and I am not ready to fight that battle yet, so eat you do! You take 1 or two naps a day. It depends on what we have planned for the day and how late you sleep.

4. You are eating all table foods, Your tastes change everyday. You are not consistent with what you like...you seem to love mixed veggies lately, anything in tomato sauce and ground meats like sausage, hamburger, ground turkey,etc. 5. You are walking everywhere. You started about a week before your birthday. You still fall down a lot and you look like Frankenstein while walking, but you are doing good. I'm so proud of you. You are a determined little girl!

6. You understand so much of what we say to you. I am really impressed with your cognitive and verbal skills. You will even follow simple directions. We call you "baby" much of time and will tell you to go sit in baby's chair and you'll go sit in your little chair. You go to the bath when we tell you it's bath time. You grab at your diaper when I tell you it's time for a change. You feed the doggies their food piece by piece when we tell you to feed the puppies. You got baby dolls for Christmas and Nana taught you how to give the baby love. Cutest. thing. ever.

7. You say mommy, baby, blankie, nana, and I swear I've heard your say a lot more. Or it could just be that your babbling sounds like a lot of other words! :) You don't say bubba much anymore, but thats ok because I am trying to phase out bubba and teach you Asher. You daddy's feeling are hurt you don't say daddy yet, but I remind him I waited 18 months for Asher to say mama!

8. I can definitely tell you have an older brother! You love your baby dolls, but you also love cars and boy toys. You've even started making little sounds when you play with Asher's cars.

9. You seem to have a little stranger anxiety again. It comes out more at men and when you are tired, but sometimes it seems to have no rhyme or reason. You flipped out on this sweet little old lady while we were eating out the other night. I felt so bad for both of you!

10. We are teaching you body parts and you have learned where your belly is. We tell you to wash your belly when we're in the tub and you rub, rub, rub that big belly you are sporting these days.

11. You have definitely developed an attitude! You have been so mean to your brother at times this past month. One day, you clawed the mess out of his face and left him with a nice scratch under his eye. You get mad when we tell you no! It's so funny. I can't believe how early these sibling rifts begin!

12. You got 3 teeth this last month. Your gummy smile just got real goofy looking! You were sick through all three teeth and didn't sleep well at all. It was rough!

It seems like everyday you learn something new and it excites me so much. You are so sweet, funny, spunky, and neat! I love you so much and I can't believe how quickly how the past year has gone by!

Maryclaire turns ONE!!!!

2011-12-21T03:20:00.000-08:00

I can't believe my baby girl turned ONE! It seems like just yesterday she was making her (very quick) debut into this world on the coldest day of the year. Time has gone by too quickly, especially these past few months.

We had you the sweetest party a few days before your birthday. I decided to go with a brunch and everything was dainty, pretty, sweet, and petite just like my little girl.

My mom, sister and wonderful aunts all helped me out and brought goodies...the only thing I made was the cake, party favor cookies and roasted potato bites. I felt bad I didn't do more, but what a blessing it was.

We worked so hard getting the house ready since no one had seen it yet. We were packed in since it's so small, but it was a wonderful feeling having everyone here.

You have such an amazing family that loves you so much, sweet girl. I hope with all my heart that you are able to comprehend that at an early age.

You got some cute outfits, neat toys and a fabulous chair for your birthday! You were in a very clingy mood the whole time and wouldn't leave my arms. I joke you are my little monkey. I was hoping you would show off your walking skills for everyone, but you wouldn't have it.

You wouldn't even get in your highchair to eat your smash cake on the first try. You finally gave it a try after you made sure you weren't in the spot light anymore. Funny girl. And then you made a gigantic mess playing in all that frosting.

I love the way your cake turned out....the colors were a little off than what I had visioned in my mind, but I loved it. And I never want to put stripes on a cake again!

I wish I had more pictures, but Vaughn was in charge on the camera since I was 1. playing hostess and 2.had my arms full of a baby girl the whole time.

I'll post your 12 month post before the end of the week. You have made leaps and bounds of development the past month and I can't wait to share it.

Happy, Happy First Birthday my sweetest baby girl!

And if anyone can help me fix my header picture to be centered I would be forever thankful! Not sure why I started to mess with something that was already fine, but I did!

Where in the world is Jill on the Journey?

2011-12-17T18:17:00.001-08:00

Can you believe I'm beginning another blog with the words, "I've been so busy"?? No, Not me! ;)

Almost three weeks without a peep so you know it's been INSANE!

You know that Target holiday commercial where everyone is getting their tasks "Done." I love that one, so to follow suite, here goes what we've been up to.

1. Atlanta Christmas parade: Done
2. Getting lost on the way to parade: Done
3. Conquering weeks of sickness with the kids: Done
4. Losing my voice completely for 3 days: Done
5. Baby girl sprouts another tooth:Done
6. Baby girl learns to walk: Done
7. Throw fabulous 1st birthday party for baby girl: Done
8. Finish countless house projects for party: Done
9. Spend lots of quality time with my sister and her kids:Done
10. Asher's school Christmas party and last day school until the new year: Done
11. Make 2 awesome cakes, 72 mini cupcakes, dozens of marshmallow pops and cakes balls, and 500 decorated cookies (and I'm currently turning down orders!): DONE!!!

I could add so much more to this list, but I'll keep it short and simple. And now to play catch up on all the daily stuff that didn't get done last week, add in some unfinished Christmas shopping, and making some Christmas memories with my sweet kids.

And I hate that I don't have more pictures with this post, but our internet connection has been wacky and I can't stay connected long enough to upload more. But, when I can, watch out....I have much blogging to unload!

Our Family Photo Shoot

2011-12-02T11:38:00.000-08:00

My brother took our family pictures about a month ago. It's the first shoot we've had done since Maryclaire was born. They turned out AMAZING.

My brother is ridiculously talented. BUT, he doesn't really "do" family shoots. I'm lucky enough I'm his sister and I can play the family card...on occasion!

He went to this really cool school in Atlanta called The Circus School. He now teaches at the school and is a free lance photographer. He generally only works with professional models.

I joke that I think we're pretty close...Ha!

There are so many good ones it's hard to pick a favorite!

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

2011-11-30T03:18:00.000-08:00

Every year I paint this magical scene in my head about what Christmastime is going to be like in our house. Picking and decorating the perfect tree, snuggling up to Asher while we watch old school Rudolph, baking cookies...you get the picture right? I mean, it's probably pretty unreal.

((((Big Sigh)))))

We ended up at a new tree farm this year...small, quaint, nice...picked a good tree in 75 degree weather. (failing in my mind #1...sweating)

I asked my hubby 5 times if he thought our tree stand was big enough. All 5 times he said yes. (Back up a year ago, we eventually had to cut TWO feet off our tree AND nail it to the ceiling with wire so it would quit falling over. There were many broken ornaments and an over-emotional pregnant lady involved).

By the time Vaughn got the tree in the stand this year (and after I sent him out to buy a bigger one after a unsteady moments with new tree!) the moment was nothing magical...more along the lines of grumpy. (Failing in my mind #2)

We kept Asher up until 10:30 decorating the tree (failing in my mind #4). I forgot to put his Christmas jammies on him (failing #5).

He had a great time, but still not the way I had played it out in my head!

We are going to the Christmas parade this Saturday in Atlanta. Magical, right? I know something will go awry...most likely it will have to do with getting there...on time...I digress.

I realize none of these things is what the season is all about. I am in constant prayer that God would help to focus on celebrating the Divine birth of Jesus Christ, and not all the "magical" moments I build up in my head.

Here's to having fun, but focusing on what CHRISTmas is all about!

And to leave you on a funny note...a couple from Asher.

Mistletoe? We have the mistleTOAD!

Candy Canes? How 'bout Candy Corns!

Mommy, "I heard my name in a Christmas song! (You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and...)

12 Days of Thanksgiving Catch Up

2011-11-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

I have NEVER been so busy before in my life. Seriously ever. In the past 3 days I have made 1 Harry Potter birthday cake, 12 cupcakes more than 50 cakes balls, and around 125 decorated sugar cookies.

I have been up WAY past my bedtime (still am!) and waking up at the crack of dawn to get busy again. I even had to hire a babysitter yesterday...the first time EVER someone other than family has watched the kids. Insane. I am pooped big time.

And all this cake and cookie business has a mean learning curve. I shipped 40 cookies to Ohio and lost $10 on shipping b/c of the Thursday holiday. And my profit margin is not great enough to eat $10. I seriously paid myself about .50 an hour for 15 hours . Yes, very mean learning curve.

Oh, ok, back to the 12 days of Thankgiving. I'm going to wrap it up in the post b/c I just don't see it happening tomorrow.

Day 10 - I am thankful for the seasons. I love Fall, but I am excited about welcoming the Winter weather too. As Asher and I took a walk the other day I commented on how I wished the leaves could always be so pretty. The moment I said it I thought that if they always looked so beautiful, colorful and perfect, I certainly wouldn't appreciate them the way I do now. And so is life, don't you think?

Day 11 - I am thankful for good health for my entire family. At times, I am plagued by fearful thoughts of something happening to myself, vaughn, the kids, my parents, etc. , and I am so blessed we are all healthy. Seriously Thankful.

Day 12 - I am thankful for God given perseverance and seemingly endless energy. He will supply my every need, and give me rest in him when I can no longer go. But until then, I give thanks for running the race...uphill, through the rain, past the nut house....ha! :) Really, it's only by God's giving that I make it through some days.

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody!

12 Days of Thanksgiving-Day 8 and 9

2011-11-20T21:23:00.000-08:00

Ah, I knew it would happen. Blogging everyday for 12 days was definitely a near impossible task. And here I am in the wee hours trying to get 2 days worth of thanksgiving thoughts out. But, this one is easy. At least in my head it is....hopefully my tired eyes can type coherently.

So, on day 8 and 9 of the 12 days of Thanksgiving I am thankful for my family and my brand spanking new Kitchen Aid mixer they all pitched in to get me for my birthday (which in fact is already today seeing as it is past midnight!)

I hope the mixer doesn't make me sound materialistic! But with the hours I am spending in the kitchen these days baking, it is such a blessing. I mean a major upgrade-I was using a Sunbeam that was 20yrs old.

I mean really, how awesome is my family?

I love them dearly with or without the mixer :)

Ah, Thankful...so very thankful am I.

And how boring is this post without pictures??? I forgot my camera at my parent's house over the weekend. And I'm sure there were some good ones of our little birthday celebration!

12 Days of Thanksgiving- Day 7

2011-11-18T19:22:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for this little guy.

He's my source of energy.

What gets me out of bed and moving in the morning.

He's goofy, silly, loud, rambunctious.

All things little boy.

I love the way he mixes up The Lord's Prayer and The Pledge of Allegiance when he's saying his bedtime prayers.

I love how he needs me so...

And I love him more than I can put into words.

So very thankful.

12 Days of Thanksgiving-Day 6

2011-11-17T17:45:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for opportunity.

Many of you might know I have a hobby/passion for edible art. In other words, I love designing and decorating cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.

A few months ago, after much encouragement from my friends, I decided to put myself out there for hire...by people I don't know. Scary...on so many levels for me.

Some weeks are slow, some weeks are crazy, but God continues to bless me with opportunity. Opportunity to build my skills, meet new people, network, fulfill my need to be creative and help me provide for my family.

And for that, I am very thankful!

12 Days of Thanksgiving-Day 5

2011-11-16T18:02:00.000-08:00

Today I am thankful for rest.

Seems like 75% of the time now, we go (or at least I go) 90 to nothing. Our days start and end pretty blurry! We're up, coffee, breakfast, school, errands, play time, chores, chores, chores, emails, phone calls, more errands, dinner, bath, bedtime routines. I love it all (ok, maybe not the chores), but it sure doesn't leave me worn out and weary on occasion.

Once the kids are down, I usually have some sort of project to work on...cakes, cookies, decorating, home projects, still unpacking boxes, the list is endless. And finally, bed.

For a few hours at least until waking once or twice for sweet Maryclaire who is not yet sleeping through the night.

But on occasion (like 5 occasions so far!) I will get a glorious 6 hours when little Miss sleeps like an Angel. And I do mean glorious...I'm pretty sure I can hear the Hallelujah chorus when I wake up. And last night, dear readers, was one of those nights.

And for that, I am very thankful.