Tidbits.

So, I'm taking this post from a recent post of my friend, Jess. Here are a few tidbits from my week thus far...

• I had lunch with a friend today, which was very enjoyable.
• Finnegan is finally deciding he likes regular whole milk. Thanks to the suggestions of some dear friends on how to get him accustom to the new taste.
  
• I've been consumed with trying to find a solution to a problem that isn't mine. Isn't that horrible? I know that it's not my problem, but I feel that I have to fix it.
  
• I bought lip gloss today. Both tinted, but one tastes like pancakes and the other has a minty flavor... Yummy, Bath and Body Works. :)
• I've been busy researching online photo storage locations... Can't find one that I want to use to store all my photos before my computer dies. Any suggestions?
  
• An acquaintance from college passed away this weekend. Very sad to hear. Pray for Kelly and her family after the loss of her husband, Mike.
  
• Finnegan is starting to walk. He has taken a few steps here and there. But no huge developments of him strolling across the living room.

What are your tidbits from the week, so far??

Finnegan's Downfall

So far, Finnegan has been a pretty easy going little boy. I joke that he has his daddy's personality and temperament. And even has daddy's appetite... He could eat what ever he wanted and never gain a pound. Well, up until recently, Finnegan hasn't really ever put up a fight for something (or to get away from something). He's been a great eater up until now and loves formula. Yesterday, I began the switch from formula to whole milk. And let me tell you... He HATES it!! I attempted to just make the switch, and he wasn't having it... So, I mixed 2oz of whole in with 4 oz of forumla. He wouldn't touch it. So last night I thought perhaps part of the "tantrum" was because he was teething and didn't want anything. So I refrigerated it, and brought it back this morning. Just looking at the cup made his skin crawl and I couldn't do anything to get the cup near him. He wouldn't take it, he wouldn't have anything to do with it. Finally, Ken got him to drink about 3 oz of it out of the cup. I was ok with that... at least he's getting something. Then I mixed it into his cereal this morning. He ate the cereal with no problem.

So, as I've been preaching all along... Just because a child is good at one thing, doesn't mean he'll be good at everything... Case in point... Just because Finnegan has a good temperment or has been a "happy baby", doesn't mean he will be always pleasant, and we are seeing this first hand :) And I can hear all the other mothers say, "Welcome to toddlerhood" :)

Pregnant??

Ladies (sorry to be exclusive), do you have those days that you wake up and you think... I haven't had my period in a while.... And I felt really crappy yesterday... And I'm SO hungry... And all I want to do is sleep...and then it occurs to you "Could I be pregnant?"

I had that moment several times this week. And the longer the feeling lingers on and on, the more the cards stack in one particular corner, rather than the other.

I was even confronted with the request that I not be so scared this time around when I find out that I am... Poor husband had to deal with an anxious wife last time, as it can be frightening at first, because there's no turning back, and everything happens at once! But back to the subject... I must say that this time I wasn't as scared to have those thoughts of "could I be pregnant?" I had a few moments of panic, and then I realized that I did it once and was very much blessed and, I can do it again and be just as blessed.

But then, after 6 days of waiting (yes, I know that's a long time, but that is what stress will do to a lady), the negative pregnancy test results were confirmed by a visit from "the Aunt". :) I must say that I was mostly relieved, because I don't think I was ready, but am definitely looking forward to when the test comes back positive with positive results. In a few months time, perhaps, if the Lord deems it right!

We'll keep you posted!! xoxo :)

(For those of you who skimmed through the post to find the answer... NO, I'm not pregnant...yet) :)

Calm after the storm??

It has been one full day since all of our guests left and I must say that my house is still a reck! I tried to clean as much as I could before they left, as I knew that I'd still be working on it after they left! Yesterday, we pretty much just relaxation and a quick doctor's appt for Finnegan (his one year appointment). He is now 22lb 10oz heavy, and 31 inches tall... (not much of a growth since coming in a 21.3lbs and 30 inches at 9months). And he also got his MMR shot. He's actually been doing pretty well. He cried as always, cause this one is said to sting pretty bad. But was fine the rest of the night, no fever, no crying, no fussy eating. Today, he is a bit but I think its more teething than anything. We'll continue to watch him over the next week or two and I've marked my calander to remind me that I might see other side effects later.

Today, although we've had gymboree, we've just been playing with toys. I haven't really been working or cleaning (sorry, hubby). When you don't have people over very often, you forget how much it takes to prepare and entertain. And although I LOVE it, it also is very tiring to my spirit. I don't sleep well and although I've planned fully, I still get concerned that I've missed something. I need to entertian more, and then I won't feel like this.

Jenney asked how I made the cake... It was pretty simple (and I did have some cake construction help from my mom). We baked two cake mixes into a angel food cake pan and baked them until they were cooked (about an hour). We also baked 1.5 cake mixes in a metal bowl, for the top. We cooled them over night, and then frosted them with a Hungarian frosting recipe that my mom used to use for our cakes when I was a little girl. Yummy!! We frosted the bottom and put a layer inbetween the two layers. Then put the top on and frosted it. The cupcake foil is just a long piece of foil that we crimped back and forth and cut to size. I used Mike and Ike's for the sprinkles. I was gonna take a cupcake and smoosh it into a ball and frost it red, for the cherry but thought that I'd add a cupcake instead. Easy enough!!! I was really afraid that the cupcake theme was gonna be too girly, but I think that it turned out very nice for a first birthday, for a boy or girl. It would have been cute to frost the whole top blue or whatever color to match a theme, but I think it turned out cute.

Finnegan got some wonderful toys for his birthday and a few clothes items. He's not walking yet but still cruising everything. Hopefully he'll walk in a couple of weeks. We keep gently encouraging him, but we know he'll walk by the time he goes to college, so no worries :)

Have a great week everyone!

Happy Birthday Finnegan!!

This weekend was the much anticipated Birthday party for my sweet Finnegan. The theme was cupcakes, cause he's our little cupcake. We served Chili to our guests, and it proved to be helpful on our rainy and blustery day. The kids enjoyed some toys and the adults had a good time chatting. Finnegan loved his cupcakes and all the frosting. He got some great toys and loves each of them. He is such a spoiled little boy and it is great to see him grow and reflect on the past year. It's been a great year and my little baby is now a toddler. **Sniff** Enjoy some photos from our fun weekend, with both sets of grandparents from MI


Our sweet family at the party.
The cake is everywhere!!
All of us together!


Finn and Daddy, having fun!Finnegan at Snoqualmie Falls. Chillin' with Moosey.

With Dad at the falls. Enjoying the toys after the party. This is the slide from Mana and Papa (Stepleton).


The bike from Grandma and Grandpa Morgan

Babysitter??

So for all you mom's out there, here are a few questions I've been toying with. Do you have a babysitter for you little one? If so, how old is she? What qualifications do you use in choosing a babysitter?

Here's my reasoning, and perhaps you can comment on these as well. I have found a gal that goes to our church who works in the nursery. Finnegan is 1 year old and pretty mobile (although, not walking yet). The gal from our church is 12 years old and interested in watching Finnegan from time to time. Most likely, she would only watch him for an hour or two (and then put him to bed), while Ken and I go out to dinner or a movie. How do I know that she'd be ok with him at our house for a while? I'm not so much worried about him, but her. Can a 12 year old handle a one year old?

What are your thoughts?

Ace of Cakes

So, I have a reputation for wanting to make my own cakes for loved ones birthdays. I made two guitar shaped cakes in college for fellow classmates, and that was super fun. A couple of years ago, I made a laptop cake for Ken.





So, this year, I'm taking on two cakes. One for Ken and one for Finnegan. The cake for Ken is of the same vein as the first one that I did... It is a set of controllers for the Wii. Actually, it is controller and a nun-chuck. I'm carving them out of pound cake, and covering them with whipped cream. Then, on birthday day, we'll top them with strawberries, Ken's favorite.

For Finnegan, I'm taking this idea and making it my own. I'm doing the same shape, but not using angel food cake, but real cake in the shape of angel food cake. And then the top will be cake as well, but baked in a metal bowl so it will be taller and rounder. I am then gonna make cupcakes and spell out "Happy Birthday" on them. Finnegan's little cake will also be cupcakes (one stacked ontop of three others). I think they should turn out pretty cute. And if the big cake doesn't turn out, we'll at least have the cupcakes for everyone to enjoy!!

And as I write this, Finnegan is taking his first taste of cake, but not by my wishes. Tonight, I've carved the pound cakes for Ken's cake and have small pieces left over. I took the small pieces to Ken to munch on and Finnegan has now found them next to his daddy on the coffee table. I have some photos, I'll post later... Boys!!

That's another mystery solved, my dear Watson!

So, as many of readers have noticed, I've had one thought for the past week... Where the heck is my landscaper and why does it seem that he just skipped out of our job?? Well, the mystery has been solved and he's been found. It's a long and involved story and really none of my business to air his dirty laundry among the internet (although he told me the full story without any prodding). And he may not be here today to work on the job, but his co-worker will be here later in the week to work and complete the job for us. And although it probably won't be done before our guests arrive, or before Finnegan's birthday party, I am just glad to know that Matt (our landscaper and neighbor) is safe and well.

If you think of it, be praying for him, Matt, as he is going through a bit of a rough patch in his life.

1st Birthday Photos

Here are the photos of my darling boy. There are two tied for my favorite... the standing ones. and then the one with the frog is 2nd :) Enjoy!

Party Planning in full swing

UPDATED--

One week from today, Finnegan turns 1 year old. That means in one wee from tomorrow I will have a house full of guests here to celebrate, including four out of town parents :)

I am in full swing of executing my plans for the party. Yesterday I took Finnegan for his year photos, and they turned out very well. I'll post them when Ken returns with the CORRECT CD with FINNEGAN's photos, not some random child. :) I've been cleaning and doing laundry this week trying to prep the house for the last minute cleaning and all we'll do this week.

This weekend we have a birthday party to attend and then I'll be in full planning and preparing mode. Today we'll go to Sam's and get some frozen and non-perishable goods. Next week it's off to grocery store and the florist and balloon place. I'll be making meals and cakes and cupcakes next week, along with hosting my husband birthday dinner and dessert. Oh, all of it just makes me nervous just talking about it.

The Landscaper returned yesterday morning bright and early. I had a short conversation with him and he told me that he'd be working on our job until it was done. He'd had some other things that came up to take care of, but he was back and would be working till things were done. I explained to him that I had house guests coming next week and he said that things should be done by then. I later over-heard him explaining to a buddy about someone who'd done him wrong... I was curious to know if it was an employee (because he owns his own business) and perhaps that is why he's not given his attention to our job. Anyway, we arrived back from our photo outing and he was gone, and didn't return the rest of the day. And he hasn't arrived yet today. I just try to keep calm about it, and gracious, but I have guests coming!!! AHHH!! He could have been almost done if he would have worked all day yesterday. The job is only a 3-4 day job, and he's already put one full day in. He's so close!! I'll keep you posted, if I don't have an ulcer first!! :)

(Let me just say, that I know it is silly to worry about it, and I continue to give it to the Lord and then take it back... It's a constant struggle with me, as you know!! Take each thought captive and surrender it to the Lord.)

Oh, I just saw a commercial for the new Biggest Loser show... I can't wait. It starts this week. Will you be watching? It is so exciting and encouraging to watch those people lose weight! Hopefully they'll encourage me this time too to keep going!! 15lbs so far... and stuck again! But I'll figure it out sooner or later! :)

Secretary Needed??

So our neighbor, who owns his own landscaping and construction business (for the past 20 yrs), is installing our sprinkler system in our lawn. He came two weeks ago and quoted us a price and seemed surprised that we decided to do it on the spot. He told us that he would be finished with his current project in a couple of days and would begin our job on Monday or Tuesday of last week. Well, Monday was a holiday, so I thought that I'd give him a day or two of work to finish and then call if he hadn't shown up. By Friday, last week, he still hadn't shown up at our home so I gave him a call. He was just finishing up that day at that job and would begin our job on Monday. Sure enough, he showed up on Monday morning, and cut the grass for the trenches in the front and back yards and then began working in the back yard. He got about 3/4 of the back yard finished and was promptly gone by 4pm, while leaving his tools (shovels of all sizes, pipes and other tools) all over our back yard. Our hose was even strung out into the yard. Ken was ok with the mess because he saw no need to clean up if he was coming back in the morning to finish. I wasn't ok with the mess that he left, but understood and was ok with it for the night. It is now Wednesday morning and he has yet to return. Because he lives down the street, I can see his truck in the driveway, so I know he hasn't gone far... But it is just sort of weird. I don't want to rush him, but want him to get the work done, as I'm having house guests and hosting a party next week.

My problem with the whole thing is that there has not been any communication. He told us he'd start a week ago and didn't. I had to call him and find out what was going on. Then, he doesn't show up for 2 days and there is no word of why. I think he needs to get a secretary or an assistant to help with the communication of his business. Even a call to say that he needed to tie up loose ends at another project and he'll be back on this day, would be better than not hearing anything at all, and having the customer inquire about it... That's all I have to say about that.

Poor Aaron Spelling

I think that Aaron Spelling is rolling over in his grave after watching two episodes of the new hit on CW "90210". After last weeks 2 hour premire episode, I thought perhaps it was freshman gitters, but after this weeks episode, I have one conclusion... Super BAD acting!! These kids just can't act. The gal that plays the snotty, rich, disfunctional girl (AnnaLynne McCord) is absolutely horrible. Her facial expression and timing and even body placement (where she puts her arms etc while delivering her lines) is just horrible. The story lines aren't much different than they were 15 years ago. It is always nice to see the "old gang" again on the screen and they fill the roles that they played oh so many years ago.

Although I don't feel the outlook for the show is great, I'll still continue to watch from time to time to see what the kids are up to.

Party weekend Photos.

FYI: Photo Overload!! :)

Here are some photos of Finnegan on his Retro Rocket!



Playing with Daddy!

Enjoying some milk with Tootsie near by!New haircut this week.
At the fair with new baby chicks.

Here's my super photo of the cannonball man. It was great!


Waitin' for the Muttin' Bustin' with Liam.
After the fair, Finnegan enjoyed his new chair from cousin Bryson. He was proudly sporting his McCain sticker.

At Makena's Birthday party.



At Henry's Birthday party.




My stud... Will be 1 in just a 2 weeks. Crazy!!

Party Weekend!

I think this has been the busiest weekend of the summer for us!!

Friday, we had a wonderful day! It was the first day of the Puyallup Fair, and they have a great tradition... for the first 2 hours of the fair, on the first day, anyone can get in free. Tickets are normally $10 a person, so it's a great way to enjoy the fair for free!! The gates opened at 10am and free admission was until noon, so we thought we'd leave about 10:30 and arrive into the fair around 11:30, with time to spare. Well, we had a few mishaps that set our time schedule back a bit. Luckily, we decided to travel through town, rather than traveling the interstate, so that saved us some time. But, I hadn't looked at the map close enough to realize that there was a 5th Ave on the east and the west side of the fair grounds. So, our first attempt, landed us right down in the mess of the fair. So, we had to circle back through town, to make the attempt again. Luckily, the second attempt was successful and we found a parking spot, and arrived inside the fair gates with 10 mintues to spare (before we would have had to pay).

Ken and I aren't really "fair" kind of people. My folks never took us to the fair and neither did ken's folks. My parents had always told us that the rides were unsafe and from my experience, you never really know what kind of people you're gonna have at the fair (i.e. "the carney"). But, although the crowd was unusally large that day, we had a nice time. We met some friends and enjoyed watching our buddy Liam go on a few rides. We also got to witness the "Muttin' Bustin'" in person, so that was pretty neat. Essentially, it is the "bull riding" for little guys... under the age of 6 and under 60 lbs. They put these little kids on the back of a sheep and open the door. The sheep run down to the opposite end and the children fall off, normally within the first 8ft out of the gate. We enjoyed the fair fare... fries and burgers, Ken had a wonderful slice of strawberry and rhubarb pie, while I enjoyed my fair favorite, the "Krusty Pup", otherwise known as the Corn Dog. We both also had a local fair treat, a nice warm scone with raspberry jam. Oh, they were wonderful!! There is nothing like a fair scone! Finnegan enjoyed himself too. He saw his first real cow, chicken, rabbit, sheep and horse. That was neat. He was very mesmerized by them. Daddy gave him a small piece of rhubarb from his pie, and mommy gave him a small piece of her scone.

Saturday, we enjoyed Philip Henry's Birthday party at a local park by Puget Sound. It was a beautiful day and it was very exciting to see all the children, outside of Gymboree, playing together. It was a fun day. Henry got lots of fun toys and books and even a few very nice clothes. After his party, we all had a nice long nap, as we were still tired from the hours of walking the fair.

Today, we all slept in, about 2 hours late. I couldn't believe that!! We have another birthday party today to celebrate Makena's birthday. Ken is currently out working on the lawn, and I am, well, blogging.

There is 2 weeks until Finnegan's birthday and our beloved birthday guests arrive. So, I've been busy planning and over planning. I have been writing out grocery lists, and lists for Sam's Club. I have one week to focus my attention on the house, and then the last week to focus on preparing the food and the last minute preparations for our house guests.

So much excitement. Perhaps I'll post some photos from our fair day and the birthday parties a little later. I have some very exciting ones to share!

Finnegan's Retro Rocket