Diaper Bag...

Not much to type on this blog... I made myself a new diaper bag after using 3 different ones since Garrison's arrival (all of which I like but dislike for various reasons). This is the first official bag that I have made. I am pleased with how it came out. I decided to use a couple different types of fabric and love how it turned out.

front view with flap open

side view with pocket

back view with back pocket

inside view with two pockets

More Shots Please...

Today we were at the doctor's office having Garrison's ears checked. He has had 3 ear infections in the last 2 1/2 months, so anytime I fear an ear infection is around I have his ears checked! Anyway, while there the doctor informed me the flu shot was available for both kids (Ava and Garrison were the only ones with meat the time). So I agreed and had Garrison's first of two doses given and Ava's one and only flu shot given! Later in the afternoon Ava removed her bandaid and said "Mommy that wasn't so bad, that shot didn't hurt that bad". I then went on and asked her if she was going to get more shots again and not cry. She responded with a very sharp yes! A few hours later it was time to pick up Dillon and Liliana from school. Since our dr's office is right around the corner I decided to stop by and have the older two get their shots as well! Ava had fallen asleep in the car. It was a good thing she did, because I didn't want the older two to know that they were on their way to get shots! My kids always freak out when they hear the word, nevermind if they have to get one! As I pulled into the parking lot, Ava woke up. Once she realized where we were she said "Mommy I need to see Dr Davis so he can give me more shots." Well the older two were listening and quickly put two and two together that they were, in fact, going to be receiving shots! I had to practically pull both kids out of the back seat and push them to the door, all while holding Garrison and his 30 lb car seat! Once in the waiting room both Liliana and Dillon were squished in the corner crying and moaning "I don't need a shot, mommy don't make us, its gonna hurt" I do feel bad that for a short 2 seconds they are in a little bit of pain but its better than if they were to come down with the illness they are being vaccinated for and in pain for days or weeks with no end in sight!
While we piled into the room awaiting for the nurse to administer the shots, Ava walked ever so calmly up to Dr Davis, looked up at him, and asked very politely "Dr Davis I need another shot can I please have one?" He is not a very emotional man and didn't find her question the least bit entertaining. He looked down at her, asked if she has 1 shot already. After Ava answered a faint yes, he said "No you can't have anymore sweetheart only 1 shot per day, you will have to come back tomorrow!" Ava just stared at him as he turned back to his computer and continued working! Once his response sunk in, the flood gates were open! She began to cry, big alligator tears streamed down her face. The nurses and secretaries immediately ran to her rescue. None of them knew why she was crying! The one nurse bent down and asked Ava what was wrong. She was still crying so she would say a word then sob...word, sob, word sob! I believe it was "Dr. sob Davis sob wont sob give sob me sob more sob shots!" The nurse gave her a big ol bear hug, scratch and sniff sticker, and told her it would be ok. Ava dried up her tears and said "Ok but can I have a "wollipop"! Such a stinker she is!! She got her "wollipop" our of that nurse EASILY!
While Ava was pre-occupied with her drama...Liliana and Dillon received and survived their shots. After all those tears everyone was happy and smiling as we exited the drs office! 4 shots down 1 more to go (for Garrison's second dose)!

Renewing Our Vows...

Plans might be changing. For those of you that didn't know, Marc and I are renewing our vows. I wanted to do it this year since this December is 10 years BUT dates, time, and me being confirmed put the vows on the back burner until 2011! Well at least that's what I had believed up until yesterdays visit with Richard (our parishes sacrament director).

A little background info for those wondering...

I was raised catholic, but never made my confirmation. For years now, I have wanted to be confirmed but the timing was never right for when our parishes offered classes. This coming Jan-May would work out perfectly. Marc's work schedule will allow him to be home with the kids while I go to class and if he has to work for some odd reason, his parents would be around to help out! For those wondering why I am going on and on about being confirmed when this blog is about Marc and I renewing our wedding vows... well its quite simple. Traditionally those that are catholic must complete all sacraments INCLUDING confirmation before being married in a catholic church by a catholic priest!

Marc and I were married over 9 years ago but NOT in a church and NOT by a priest! It has NEVER sat well with me! Renewing our vows is something I said from day 1 we would do but knew before we could do that I had/wanted to get confirmed.

Now back to my meeting with Richard. I had to meet with him to decide which set of confirmation classes I needed to be signed up for! (They offer 2 different sets of months) While talking to him about the classes I decided to ask about an article I read a couple weeks ago on marital classes. Long story short, I basically wanted to know if we had to do the new extended classes that the diocese plan on making ALL do when getting married. I figured we would probably get a free pass from the classes given we have been married for almost 10 yrs now but there's never any harm in checking! So as I am standing up from my chair he says "So wait...you and your husband aren't married in a catholic church?" I answer "No" and he says "You may want to sit down Jillian"!

He goes on to tell me that the Bishop can NOT confirm me this coming May until Marc and I renew our vows in the catholic church?!

HUH?

What?

Wait a Minute?

I know Marc and I went against all we were raised in believing when we married outside the church BUT confirmation was always to be BEFORE marriage??!!

I was baffled. I asked Richard SEVERAL times over to make sure I was understanding him correctly! And in fact I was... Marc and I MUST say I do BEFORE the parish will confirm me?!

I left his office a little disappointed! I will gladly renew my wedding vows with Marc. Ten times every year if need be HOWEVER being married by our priest in our church BEFORE I am confirmed just correct to me?!

After coming home and letting all this new information sink in I decided to email Father Greg and ask for a meeting. The meeting is set for this coming Tuesday and I can't wait to sit and talk with him.

After speaking with him I will update you all on whether the renewal will happen before the new year (which according to several fellow parishioners it sounds like it for sure will) or not.

In the end, regardless of what I have grown up believing, I have to do what the parish is asking of us. I am waiting to talk to Father Greg and find out more details on pushing up the renewal to THIS DECEMBER! I will keep everyone posted!

All Black and White...

Black and White Cake

About a month ago, a friend asked if I would be interested in making her daughter's birthday cake. Her daughter would be turning 1 year old! I asked the obvious questions... color, size, quantity of people, flavors of cake and filling, ect! Her response was quite simple... "Don't care I just want it to be 4 tiers high and all black and white!"

After a couple weeks of thinking out options for how the cake would look, my friend and I got to together and came up the "plans"

4 round tiers

marble cake with buttercream filling

chocolate cake with bavarian choc cream filling

yellow cake with vanilla custard filling

and

devils food cake with bavarian choc cream filling

I won't list how the exterior of the cake was expected to look since I took a picture.

On top of making this large tiered cake I made a smasher cake to match. I didn't take a picture of that however! It was just a small 6 inch round single layer cake frosted in white buttercream with black polka dots all over. A polka dot ribbon along the bottom with a #1 and the little girls name on the top finished off the "smasher"!

Black and White Invitation, Present, and Attire

To my surprise a couple weeks ago, our entire family was invited to this "fancy" event. I am friends with this person through the MOMS Club. I didn't expect to be invited as her kids are younger than mine. We are friends but don't talk on a regular basis outside of the MOMS Club. So with that being said, inside my mailbox was this invitation! On the bottom of this very "fancy" invitation says "We request that you wear black and white but it is not required". I always knew she LOVED everything black and white when it comes to her very cute and precious little girl but the entire party AND GUESTS??!! I am one to go with the flow so black and white attire it was!! Once I finished reading the invitation and brainstorming what each of us might have in our closets to wear, I realized... present??!!

I saw this friend a few times over the next couple weeks and asked if she needed/wanted anything specific... of course she insisted I buy nothing and that she didn't need anything!

Gosh how I HATE when people say that! Those that know me KNOW I very rarely come empty handed! So after thinking long and hard about what I would get I decided I would make her a dress and matching hair clips! I LOVE making things for people! I knew if I made something it would be appreciated, since this friend ALWAYS comments on Liliana and Ava's dresses that I have made! Before making her a dress I would need her measurements... luckily I saw this friend at a few events and snagged the little girl's measurements! My friend was none the wiser, I just told her it was for another friend that had a little girl the same size! (Yes she totally fell for it) I found the cutest pattern that I just knew she would love! Decided I would use black and white fabric and in just 2 short hours had a very cute dress all sewn up! Next were the hair clips. These hairclips are so beyond simple to make its ridiculous that I didn't do this for my girls years ago! To go with the black and white theme I found a very cute flowery black and white print bag and stuffed it with white tissue paper!

I think I got a little carried away with the whole black and white theme just a tad but it was all in good fun!

Black and White Party

Today was the party, I must admit I was a bit nervous about transporting this beast of a cake. It had to have weighed in at a good 30 lbs. My biggest fear was that something would happen to it and there would be no backup! As 4:30pm approached I began to get all things together for the party. 4:45pm we were all loaded into the van and in route this this friend's home! 4:55pm we arrived and the cake in one piece. After placing it on its very own table for all to see once entering this friend's home, all one could hear was "Oh my gosh who made the cake?" I must admit it felt very good to hear so many complimenting of this cake. Especially after spending 12 hours baking and decorating it! I did NOT make this cake for compliments though! I made it for a friend to add to this very precious little girl's birthday! 6:30 pm After birthday singing and smasher cake smashing it was time to cut the cake. Who better to cut the beastly cake than the person that made it, at least thats what my friend thought! I cut into all four tiers of cake while it was being handed out one plate at a time! It felt awesome each and every time someone took a bite and moaned! I was in heaven that not only did everyone like the exterior of this cake, but that they were enjoying the actual cake and filling! I know my baking skills are up to par but whenever I make something whether food, clothing, craft projects, ect I always feel nervous about the "what ifs"! What if the cake filling tastes gross (even though I tasted it before filling the layer), what if it doesn't cut well (even though the support beams were in place), what if the cake was over-cooked (even though I baked them as carefully and as perfectly as humanly possible)! I let out a HUGE sigh and was relieved all went well for not only the cake and gift giving part of the party but the whole party in general! This friend worked very very hard to ensure the most perfect party for her angelic 1 yr old's birthday and did a wonderful job! I am glad that I can say I was a part of such a memorable, special day!

The Best Electronic Babysitter...

Sunday...

Our typical morning routine on a Sunday is to wake up, get showered/bathed, put on our church clothes, head downstairs, eat breakfast, and head to church.

Today was no different. We woke up, showered, put on our clothes, headed downstairs to eat breakfast, and PLAYED VIDEO GAMES??!!

Last night, the kids each bought 1 new Nintendo DS game with their own money they had been saving for the last couple months! By the time we got home from our long day it was time for bed, so the kids didn't have much time to enjoy their newly purchased games! Needless to say, they were beyond anxious to play them this morning! So anxious, that they were dressed and ready to head downstairs for breakfast in record time. Once at the table all plates/bowls were empty as fast I put them onto the table! When I finished feeding Garrison, I began to look for the older 3. I wanted to make sure they all had their shoes on so that when it was time to leave we would have no issues! As I was looking around the house for them, it was amazing how silent it was! I turned the corner and saw all the kids sitting in a circle on the floor glued to their DS'! I must have said each of their names at least 2-3 times before I got any type of response! Its very rare that they play their DS' all at the same time nevermind that they are that into it, to not hear me talking to them!

For those that aren't familiar with my parenting style...

I limit television and video game hours to a minimum. Its very rare that I allow the tv to be on for hours on end. Video games are played from time to time but my children are not usually glued to them! I like them to play creatively together whether it be playing board games, doing puzzles, drawing, doing some sort of craft project, or READING ( stress reading the most).

There are always those days where the tv is on a bit more than normal but its on occassion that it happens! I think on those certain days where I need some silence around the house, the DS is a GREAT electronic babysitter! I would never allow them to play it for hours upon hours, day after day but from time to time... they definitely have my permission!

Luckily this morning, they were all ready for church before they picked up their DS' otherwise they probably would have had them taken away! Thank goodness for morning routines right?!

Great, It's Already Starting...

Like everyday this week, the kids came home from school and were sharing stories about their day. It amazes me how things change in one year! Last year Liliana wouldn't share a single thing. This year she won't stop talking. I will gladly listen though! I think the reason she wants to speak up this year is because of Dillon and the word COMPETITION. They compete in the car ride to and from school, who can talk the loudest and get a response from mommy in the car first!
With that being said, today was no different. A very loud competition between both of them occurred on the way home from school. "mommy I had snack at recess" "mommy I played this at recess" "mommy my teacher said this" mommy my teacher said that" And so the competition went on until we got home, where snacks were being inserted into their hungry little mouths which kept the air quiet for a short while.
After dinner, Marc started to pry at Dillon about his day. While the boys were talking, Liliana came over to me and struck up a conversation about her school day. She talked about the normal things that happen in her day, then went on to describe a very funny conversation that took place afterschool while waiting for me to pick her up! She says "Mommy one of Dillon's friends asked me to kiss him on the cheek and told me he thought I was hot! Why do boys do that?" I quickly told her to tell Marc exactly what she had told me. Dillon was still sitting with Marc and listened as Liliana retold the story. Before Marc could even respond, Dillon said "See dad I told you my best friend thinks Liliana is hot, I don't know why he keeps saying it hes weird"
Marc and I were trying our hardest to not laugh. Luckily Liliana isn't too overly grossed out or bothered by this little boys words. After we sent the kids upstairs to get their pj's on Marc and I couldn't help but say "Great, It's starting already" and chuckle a bit!

Dillon's Second Day Of School...

Ok so I HAVE to blog about this for the record. Today was Dillon and Liliana's second day of school. Everyday when I pick the kids up I always ask how their day was. I was very anxious to hear what they had to say. Liliana said she made more friends and left it at that. She is getting to the age where she limits how much she tells me! Where as Dillon is brutally honest.

He first starts by saying he did NOT have a good day. "No days are good at school!" he said! Then he goes on in a very excited voice to say "But I have 3 best friends now!" So then I asked what their names were. He replied "I can't remember but 1 of them has a E then L then L then A or I"! So then I start saying names like Eli, Ella, Ellie. Then I ask if its a boy or girl. He says "Ugh mom its a girl name my new best friend!" So I ask the obvious "Is she gonna be your girlfriend?" He gets all red in the face and says "No mom I know that I can not have any girlfriends" He continues to tell me about his lunch, playground time, pictures, and learning worksheets he did in school. By this time we arrive home. As he is eating his afterschool snack, I am looking through his take home folder and pull out a numbers worksheet. There were 8 raccoons with different numbers printed on their bodies. The children were to draw in stripes if needed to match the number written on the raccoons! Dillon had them all correct, so I said "Good job buddy you got them all right!" He responded with "Well I got them right cause I copied my best friend but I knew some of them cause I used my brain"

I am not sure where he gets this stuff but it just cracks me up! Hopefully he didn't seriously copy his "best friend" but if he did at least he was honest about it!!

Later in the evening Marc was getting the kids ready for bed and Dillon informed Marc that his best friend thinks Liliana is "hot". We aren't sure where this comment came from as well but it never ends with him!

First Day Of School...

First Day Of School...

For some reasons I do not remember my first day of school in my younger years! Probably because it was such a high stress, nerve racking, and scary day! New year, new routine, new classmates, and new teacher. Its tough growing up!!

All the "news" of another school year is nerve racking enough but to top that off Liliana and Dillon had 1 added stress... NEW SCHOOL!

7AM

Despite their nerves they both woke up anxious for the day to begin! Our morning routine before school is very simple. We wake up, shower, get dressed, take care of beds and bedrooms, and then all together head downstairs to eat! Once breakfast is done lunches are put in backpacks and everyone gets ready to leave! Our routine was executed perfectly this morning! I had it planned so that I would not have to take Ava and Garrison with me when dropping the older two off at school! Main reason being the heat! It was 101 degrees at 8:45AM (their drop off time)!! Marc had to work so Papa was nice enough to come over and stay with the younger two.

8:35AM

Once at school, Liliana and Dillon posed for a nice picture in front of a tile collage on the front buildings wall. After pictures, it was time to find their teachers. We first went looking for Liliana's teacher. Once we found her, Liliana took a quick picture, put her backpack on the ground, kissed me goodbye, hugged Dillon while telling him to have a good day and then ran to the playground!

Next it was time to find Dillon's teacher. As we approached the kindergarten area, I noticed his teacher was no where to be found. I was informed a few minutes later that she was on duty in another area of the school yard. Dillon at this point was getting a little nervous. I tried to convince him to play on the playground with the other kids but he wasn't interested. He just stood right next to me with at least one part of his body glued to me! Once the school bell rang, he was curled up in front of me with his head nestled on my stomach! All he said was "Mommy I want to go home!" I am not the crying/teary eyed type but he was making me feel awful with those words. His teacher soon appeared from around the corner and called for her class to line up! Dillon was slow to stand in line but did so without any tears. As all the parents around me said their goodbyes, there stood Dillon with his hands folded together, sad puppy dog eyes, and head looking down at the ground. Before heading into school, the teacher told all the kids to turn towards the parents, smile, and wave goodbye. Almost all the kids around Dillon did as the teacher asked, while Dillon still stood with his head down! I knew this would be an interesting day for my little guy!

The day progressed in a very interesting way. Ava told me several times she missed her sister and brother. Garrison was in a "weird" mood. The house just didn't feel normal with both older children gone at school all day!

3:25pm

Marc came home early so that he could go with me to pick up the kids from school! The bell for dismissal doesn't sound until 3:50PM but most students at this school are picked up by parents and the area for picking up is rather small. This makes for one long line of cars waiting for pickup. As we entered the pickup "zone", I immediately spotted Liliana and Dillon standing on the sidewalk area. Liliana had her arm around Dillon and as we pulled up they quickly ran over to the van anxious to get inside! Both were asked how their days went...

Liliana replied with "Ok, I made a friend she is the daughter of Dillon's teacher... I like my new school but miss my old school a tiny bit because I know more people... I am not bringing my chicken lunchables anymore because they don't have a microwave for kids to use...I don't have any homework but will have some tomorrow...I guess my day went good!"

Dillon on the other hand replied with "I don't like school... I only made 1 friend and I can't remember his name... I have to sit in a girl spot because there were no more boy spots... I spilled my applesauce all over my sandwich at lunch and on my seat and knee...I played outside and ate my snack"

Marc and I decided to take the kids for a slushy from Sonic before heading home. As the kids ate their after school snack, I went through their take home folders. Liliana had a note saying that the day went well and to expect homework starting tomorrow! Dillon's folder had a couple colored pictures and a "certificate". On the certificate was Dillon's name at the top, followed by the words "had a great first day at school", along with the teachers signature and todays date. While this certificate was in my hand Dillon starts to talk... "Mommy I don't know why the teacher gave me that paper, she asked us to raise our hand if we had a great first day of school and I didN'T raise my hand. Then she gave us that piece of paper and told us to show our parents that we had a great day. I told her I didn't have a great day but she didn't listen to me"

The things he comes up with to say and the way he explains them!! Priceless! I felt bad that he was positive about his NOT great day but I know it will get better as time passes!

I would say despite Dillon's little "negative"story about not having a GREAT day, both kids had a good first day.

Power Boats...

Today was the Power Boat craft at our local Lowe's! The kids were very excited once hearing it was a power boat. Just like all the other crafts we have done, we lined all the kids up at a work area, showed them what piece to hammer where, completed the craft, received our patch and certificate, and off we went to enjoy the rest of our Saturday!

These crafts NEVER get old to the kids!

Ready For School...

Tonight was "Meet The Teacher Night". Hence the name, this is the night Liliana and Dillon were able to meet their teachers for this upcoming school year! We first went to Dillon's classroom where his friendly teacher attempted to talk to him, but he shyly put his head down and didn't say a word in response! After touring his classroom, we said or goodbyes and headed toward the 3rd grade classrooms! Liliana was VERY anxious to meet her new teacher! Her "meet the teacher" experience was far from the same as her younger brother! She inciated conversation, introduced her family, asked questions, and even checked out every nook and cranny of her soon to be desk! After guessing how many candies were in the teachers glass jar she said her goodbyes... but not soon enough because Ava was sitting on the teachers LAP! Ava had walked up to the teacher and said "HI". The teacher asked Ava her name. Ava replied "A-V-A. The teacher looked at Ava and said "You know your name what a smart little girl you are" I could see the jealousy brewing on Liliana's face! As I tried to round up all 3 kids (Garrison was in his stroller) I noticed the teacher had struck up a conversation with another family. Meanwhile, there was my Ava, still on the teachers lap! She so badly wants to go to school! I just hope her desire remains as the next two years pass before she is old enough for kindergarten! Liliana was content knowing she had a packet of paperwork and a "small homework assignment" inside! As soon as we arrived home, the packet was opened! Liliana quickly grabbed the two assignments! First she was to complete a name crossword puzzle. It had all her classmate's names in the puzzle! Second was a blank bookmark, which she was draw and color on. She sat at the kitchen table and completed both assignments rather quickly! She is very excited for this school year. I think she senses my relief of being at a better school environment!

Garrison's New Facial Expressions...

As Garrison grows, he continues to amaze us with the variety of facial expressions he makes on a daily basis! From his "cheesy" smile (as the kids call it) to his sad little curled lip, they are all so cute! Some of these faces, Dillon actually made when he was Garrison's age! It is so crazy how much he looks like Dillon sometimes!