Some people get excited when they buy a blank canvas or a new camera. There is something about the thrill of creating your own masterpiece. Me, I get excited when I have a pound of butter in my fridge. The excitement of deciding what yummy treat to create is incredibly fun for me.
Now, imagine my delight at having 3 lbs of butter in my fridge right now!! Braum's is having a sale where if you spend $15 in their fresh market, you get 1lb of butter free. Well, spending $15 is a piece of cake in there and hence, we have 3lbs of butter. I've already made my Sunday Fudge Cake and an Apple Crisp.
I sincerely hope we are able to have a house full of kids because I truly look forward to making desserts and having them inhaled in less than 24 hours! Currently, when I do bake, the freshly baked treasure lingers for days because Clayton and I just can't finish it on our own. I'm sad to say I usually have to throw a lot of it out because it spoils before we can finish it. I get so much more enjoyment watching someone else eat my desserts than I do eating it myself. That is, except for my Sunday Fudge Cake- that concoction of chocolate is absolutely AMAZING. Its hard to share that dessert- its my all time favorite chocolate dessert that I make.
Everyone wants to be known for something. Some people are known for their athletic ability, some for their photography skills, others for their humor. Me, I want to be known for loving Jesus and my ability to blow peoples taste buds with my baking.
Like most things, it takes practice. As long as I have butter, I will keep working towards my dream of becoming a fabulous baker.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Life @ 17 months
Jett is 17 months! There is so much to say about this age. Such a fun time with him.
I LOVE:
His happy feet dance.
When he says, "Mama"
Hearing him yell Bubba or Eddy across the house as he is looking for Teddy.
His giggle when Dada gets home from work.
When he tips his head all the way back and laughs.
Watching him run through the house chasing Tucker
Asking him for a kiss and he turns his cheek close to me so I can kiss him.
Watching him point out his belly button and then having to show him mine.
Being tackled by him. He literally body slammed me the other day and he was so proud of himself.
Having him play independently in his room with his tools and tractors.
His ability to feed himself with a fork or spoon at every meal.
How he gets real quiet and then knocks on the wall trying to get Tucker to bark.
When he 'woofs' at random dogs in the neighborhood.
His passion for giving the most precise and intense 'High Five's'.
His adoration for bubbles.
How he talks all day long.
NOT LOVING:
His loud soprano scream when he doesn't get his way.
Reminding him daily that Tuckers food and treats are not meant for little boys.
Opening the dishwasher and helping himself to the knives
Watching him run from me while he yells NO, NO, NO as I ask him to do something.
The daily injuries that come with a child who is CONSTANTLY in motion and is SOOO curious. (Not the best picture but this is the splint he got at the ER after spraining his hip)
Obviously there is so much more good than bad! All these naughty things are just signs that he is growing up and learning how to be more independent. Its bittersweet watching him change each month. I look back at pictures from just 2 months ago and he's already so different.
I'm so grateful to have such a healthy and happy child. I will gladly take all the frustrations just so we can have so many happy moments.
I LOVE:
His happy feet dance.
When he says, "Mama"
Hearing him yell Bubba or Eddy across the house as he is looking for Teddy.
His giggle when Dada gets home from work.
When he tips his head all the way back and laughs.
Watching him run through the house chasing Tucker
Asking him for a kiss and he turns his cheek close to me so I can kiss him.
Watching him point out his belly button and then having to show him mine.
Being tackled by him. He literally body slammed me the other day and he was so proud of himself.
Having him play independently in his room with his tools and tractors.
His ability to feed himself with a fork or spoon at every meal.
How he gets real quiet and then knocks on the wall trying to get Tucker to bark.
When he 'woofs' at random dogs in the neighborhood.
His passion for giving the most precise and intense 'High Five's'.
His adoration for bubbles.
How he talks all day long.
NOT LOVING:
His loud soprano scream when he doesn't get his way.
Reminding him daily that Tuckers food and treats are not meant for little boys.
Opening the dishwasher and helping himself to the knives
Watching him run from me while he yells NO, NO, NO as I ask him to do something.
The daily injuries that come with a child who is CONSTANTLY in motion and is SOOO curious. (Not the best picture but this is the splint he got at the ER after spraining his hip)
Obviously there is so much more good than bad! All these naughty things are just signs that he is growing up and learning how to be more independent. Its bittersweet watching him change each month. I look back at pictures from just 2 months ago and he's already so different.
I'm so grateful to have such a healthy and happy child. I will gladly take all the frustrations just so we can have so many happy moments.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
My "Target Day"!!!!
Usually once or twice a week I scour the internet and my own coupon box for coupons that match the deals at local stores in Edmond. My favorites are CVS, Homeland, Crest, Target and Walgreen's.
I compiled all my coupons this morning and decided today was my "Target Day." Target allows you to use a manufacturers coupon as well as Target coupons you can print off their website. I usually prefer to do my bargain shopping when I don't have Jett with me because he has been known to start fussing and then its hard for me to truly focus on my coupon deals. I prayed as we entered the store that God would keep my baby content so I could focus on my plan! Jett couldn't have been any cuter- he played with his feet pretty much the whole time we were in the store. He let out a yelp near the end to remind me that we were past nap time so I quickly headed to the check-out.
I had put quite a bit of thought and preparation into this shopping trip and as I got to the check-out I got a little nervous and then excited! I was hoping and praying that my time spent pouring over coupons and then matching them up with the Target coupons had worked to my advantage as I had planned.
Before coupons, the total was $42.11
After coupons, I paid $3.29 out of my own pocket for all the items in this picture!!!
Yes, it does take some time and thought but how fun to get all this stuff for so darn cheap!! I have so much fun doing this! This is my own little ministry- I love donating bags and bags of stuff like this to people who need help!! What good is it in my closets? I can't stand hoarders!!
I compiled all my coupons this morning and decided today was my "Target Day." Target allows you to use a manufacturers coupon as well as Target coupons you can print off their website. I usually prefer to do my bargain shopping when I don't have Jett with me because he has been known to start fussing and then its hard for me to truly focus on my coupon deals. I prayed as we entered the store that God would keep my baby content so I could focus on my plan! Jett couldn't have been any cuter- he played with his feet pretty much the whole time we were in the store. He let out a yelp near the end to remind me that we were past nap time so I quickly headed to the check-out.
I had put quite a bit of thought and preparation into this shopping trip and as I got to the check-out I got a little nervous and then excited! I was hoping and praying that my time spent pouring over coupons and then matching them up with the Target coupons had worked to my advantage as I had planned.
Before coupons, the total was $42.11
After coupons, I paid $3.29 out of my own pocket for all the items in this picture!!!
Yes, it does take some time and thought but how fun to get all this stuff for so darn cheap!! I have so much fun doing this! This is my own little ministry- I love donating bags and bags of stuff like this to people who need help!! What good is it in my closets? I can't stand hoarders!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
My First Mothers Day
My first Mothers Day was hands down a wonderful day! We had my parents for a couple hours before they headed home, we spent a couple hours outside swimming/tanning and then finished the day with a movie. Jett was so much fun in the water! He just floated around in his floaty with a big ol' grin on his face for quite a while!
After the pool we got cleaned up and watched the first 3 hours of 'Gone With The Wind.' We haven't finished it yet but so far I really like it. I had never seen this movie before so I was stoked to finally watch it. I'm anxious to finish it and see what happens to Scarlett!
While we were laying by the pool on Sunday Clayton and I got thinking back to when I was pregnant and how so many people told us that once we had a child we wouldn't be spending much time by the pool and how our lives would be SO different. I used to just cringe every time someone 'told' me how our life would be once Jett was born. Every baby is different and I'm still clueless why someone would think that just because their baby did or didn't like something they immediately assume every child is like that. There is no doubt that God has blessed us with a baby boy who is pretty laid back and loves cool water! If we want to lay by the pool and Jett's not napping then we put Jett's pack-n-play outside in the shade and when he's not in the water he sits in there with toys. He has a great time playing by himself and standing up trying to throw toys to Tucker.
Random piece of information: Buffalo Ted (our chubby cat) turned 8 on Mothers Day. We rescued him from the humane society in Omaha on Mother's Day 6 years ago and have since declared his birthday to be on Mother's Day!
After the pool we got cleaned up and watched the first 3 hours of 'Gone With The Wind.' We haven't finished it yet but so far I really like it. I had never seen this movie before so I was stoked to finally watch it. I'm anxious to finish it and see what happens to Scarlett!
While we were laying by the pool on Sunday Clayton and I got thinking back to when I was pregnant and how so many people told us that once we had a child we wouldn't be spending much time by the pool and how our lives would be SO different. I used to just cringe every time someone 'told' me how our life would be once Jett was born. Every baby is different and I'm still clueless why someone would think that just because their baby did or didn't like something they immediately assume every child is like that. There is no doubt that God has blessed us with a baby boy who is pretty laid back and loves cool water! If we want to lay by the pool and Jett's not napping then we put Jett's pack-n-play outside in the shade and when he's not in the water he sits in there with toys. He has a great time playing by himself and standing up trying to throw toys to Tucker.
Random piece of information: Buffalo Ted (our chubby cat) turned 8 on Mothers Day. We rescued him from the humane society in Omaha on Mother's Day 6 years ago and have since declared his birthday to be on Mother's Day!
I'm so insanely grateful that on August 1, 2010 God gave us a healthy baby boy!
I love being Jett's Mama and look forward to watching him grow up!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Jett's First Swimming Lesson
It is official, Jett Cooper IS my child.
Yesterday afternoon he was getting a smidge fussy and we still had 1 hour before nap time so I decided to take him outside to sit by the pool. We sat down on the side and I put my feet on the top step while he just watched. Pretty quickly I realized that he had no intention of just 'looking' at the water so I took his pants off and left him in his onesie. I slowly started lowering his cute little legs in the water until he was standing on the first step. At this point the water is up to his shin. As I was holding him he started to lean forward so he could put his hands in the water and splash.
I was worried that all his splashing was going to get all my clothes wet so I scooped him up and went inside so I could put my swim suit on and took his clothes and diaper off as well. I put him back on the top step in the pool and within the next few minutes it got crazy. I so wish I could have recorded the next 10 minutes. It was the funniest thing to see Jett stark naked and white as can be splashing on the steps.
I honestly had no intention of giving Jett his first swimming lesson on March 22 when the pool temperature was 71 degrees but ya' know- it just happened. As he was standing on the step splashing water onto the patio I was dripping water higher and higher on his back. Every single time I would do that he would turn his head to face me and give me the biggest grin! He LOVED it!! So, I grabbed him and flipped him onto his belly and he went wild! His little feet were kicking while his hands were splashing out in front of him while I swooshed him around in the water. He was giggling and squealing the whole time! I was laughing pretty loudly because my child was straight up hilarious!
When I was pregnant with Jett I would spend hours and hours a day just swimming and floating around in the pool and he was always so still while I was in the water. Once I would get out he would kick around for a very long time. I always knew he was going to love the water! I just didn't think he would share my love of cool water at such a young age! I can spend hours in the water when its only 68 degrees. Due to the nerve pain in my foot I can't be in water cooler than 65 or its extremely painful for my foot.
I was always the kid who would cry when my parents would make me get out of the water and then start BEGGING to go swimming again once we were in the car. I can remember spending weeks with my grandparents in the summer and swimming in the lake with my cousins the entire day. Those are some of my favorite summer memories. I remember when we bought this house I was so crazy excited because I finally had my OWN pool and no one was ever going to tell me I had to get out and leave!! Definitely a dream come true for me to have a sweet pool in my backyard!
Those fifteen minutes with Jett in the pool yesterday definitely make it on the list of my top 5 happiest moments with Jett!
Yesterday afternoon he was getting a smidge fussy and we still had 1 hour before nap time so I decided to take him outside to sit by the pool. We sat down on the side and I put my feet on the top step while he just watched. Pretty quickly I realized that he had no intention of just 'looking' at the water so I took his pants off and left him in his onesie. I slowly started lowering his cute little legs in the water until he was standing on the first step. At this point the water is up to his shin. As I was holding him he started to lean forward so he could put his hands in the water and splash.
I was worried that all his splashing was going to get all my clothes wet so I scooped him up and went inside so I could put my swim suit on and took his clothes and diaper off as well. I put him back on the top step in the pool and within the next few minutes it got crazy. I so wish I could have recorded the next 10 minutes. It was the funniest thing to see Jett stark naked and white as can be splashing on the steps.
I honestly had no intention of giving Jett his first swimming lesson on March 22 when the pool temperature was 71 degrees but ya' know- it just happened. As he was standing on the step splashing water onto the patio I was dripping water higher and higher on his back. Every single time I would do that he would turn his head to face me and give me the biggest grin! He LOVED it!! So, I grabbed him and flipped him onto his belly and he went wild! His little feet were kicking while his hands were splashing out in front of him while I swooshed him around in the water. He was giggling and squealing the whole time! I was laughing pretty loudly because my child was straight up hilarious!
When I was pregnant with Jett I would spend hours and hours a day just swimming and floating around in the pool and he was always so still while I was in the water. Once I would get out he would kick around for a very long time. I always knew he was going to love the water! I just didn't think he would share my love of cool water at such a young age! I can spend hours in the water when its only 68 degrees. Due to the nerve pain in my foot I can't be in water cooler than 65 or its extremely painful for my foot.
I was always the kid who would cry when my parents would make me get out of the water and then start BEGGING to go swimming again once we were in the car. I can remember spending weeks with my grandparents in the summer and swimming in the lake with my cousins the entire day. Those are some of my favorite summer memories. I remember when we bought this house I was so crazy excited because I finally had my OWN pool and no one was ever going to tell me I had to get out and leave!! Definitely a dream come true for me to have a sweet pool in my backyard!
Those fifteen minutes with Jett in the pool yesterday definitely make it on the list of my top 5 happiest moments with Jett!
This was the night before his swimming lesson. The water was 68.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Morning Time
Have I mentioned before how much I love Baby Wise?? Last night Jett slept 13 hours! We are so extremely blessed to have such a terrific baby!
Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions about "Baby Wise" but it worked for us. We followed it pretty hard core from the time Jett was about 3 weeks old. He had some serious eating issues the first month so it was hard following it at first but once we got him to start eating and actually gaining weight it worked like a charm!
This morning when he woke up I took the camera in with me to record him. I don't ever want to forget how fun and precious he is in the morning. He always greets me with an enormous smile and usually starts jabbering away! He can now crawl around in his crib so when he wakes up he usually plays around a bit before he lets me know he is ready for me.
Everyone has their own thoughts and opinions about "Baby Wise" but it worked for us. We followed it pretty hard core from the time Jett was about 3 weeks old. He had some serious eating issues the first month so it was hard following it at first but once we got him to start eating and actually gaining weight it worked like a charm!
This morning when he woke up I took the camera in with me to record him. I don't ever want to forget how fun and precious he is in the morning. He always greets me with an enormous smile and usually starts jabbering away! He can now crawl around in his crib so when he wakes up he usually plays around a bit before he lets me know he is ready for me.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Foot Update.
I went to my foot Dr yesterday for a check-up. He had put me on nerve medication in January for a 3 month trial to see if it helped control my pain better. Thankfully it has. At my appointment yesterday he said I had two options.
1. Continue on the medications long term and see if the medication over several years would fix the problem.
2. Surgery #8... I would have to go to an Orthopedic and they would remove even more of my sural nerve. My Dr cannot legally go any higher on my ankle due to being a Podiatrist.
We talked about both options and obviously I do NOT want another surgery- especially one as painful that. If I were to chose option 1 that would mean if I got pregnant I would not be able to take any of those medications as they are not safe for a baby. I would be on bed rest the entire pregnancy and in significant pain. I've had the nerve removal surgery twice now and it was so incredibly painful. I can still remember that pain. My Dr feels very strongly that if they can remove more of the sural nerve up higher in a much healthier area it would make the pain much more tolerable. I simply adore my Podiatrist and love his staff. He is such a great Dr and I trust him completely.
So, I told him I would chose option 2 if we can find a Dr to do it. He said he was going to call an Ortho that he knows and see if he would take me on as a patient and give me a second opinion. If the second opinion Dr agrees with my Dr's recommendation I want to be able to get this done immediately! Due to all the history with my foot many Dr's are very hesitant to take it on.
God obviously has a purpose for the last 5 1/2 years of my foot issues. I'm so thankful that we live in America and have access to medical care and have such wonderful health insurance. I am in a lot of pain every day but I try very hard not to complain about it or let the pain control my attitude. I'm praying that we will be able to find a Dr to give a second opinion and if he agrees I need another surgery that we can get it taken care of quickly!!
1. Continue on the medications long term and see if the medication over several years would fix the problem.
2. Surgery #8... I would have to go to an Orthopedic and they would remove even more of my sural nerve. My Dr cannot legally go any higher on my ankle due to being a Podiatrist.
We talked about both options and obviously I do NOT want another surgery- especially one as painful that. If I were to chose option 1 that would mean if I got pregnant I would not be able to take any of those medications as they are not safe for a baby. I would be on bed rest the entire pregnancy and in significant pain. I've had the nerve removal surgery twice now and it was so incredibly painful. I can still remember that pain. My Dr feels very strongly that if they can remove more of the sural nerve up higher in a much healthier area it would make the pain much more tolerable. I simply adore my Podiatrist and love his staff. He is such a great Dr and I trust him completely.
So, I told him I would chose option 2 if we can find a Dr to do it. He said he was going to call an Ortho that he knows and see if he would take me on as a patient and give me a second opinion. If the second opinion Dr agrees with my Dr's recommendation I want to be able to get this done immediately! Due to all the history with my foot many Dr's are very hesitant to take it on.
God obviously has a purpose for the last 5 1/2 years of my foot issues. I'm so thankful that we live in America and have access to medical care and have such wonderful health insurance. I am in a lot of pain every day but I try very hard not to complain about it or let the pain control my attitude. I'm praying that we will be able to find a Dr to give a second opinion and if he agrees I need another surgery that we can get it taken care of quickly!!
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