Sesame Street Live

Last weekend Cooper went to see Sesame Street Live with his Mimi and Grandpa.  They got tickets for part of his Christmas present. We were unsure how Cooper would do at this age, but thought it was a fun idea.  And the good news is Cooper did great! They were in the 5th row and Cooper was captivated by the lights, music, and characters.  I am glad Cooper got to have a fun day with his Mimi and Grandpa and they took pictures!

Ready for the show to start!

And he got a sweet little Elmo souvenir that he sleeps with at night.

Had to share

I am sorry for posting two times in one day.  I think I have done that quite a bit lately, but I read something in my daily devotional this morning that I had to share.  I received the book from Kyle's aunt and just started reading it last week.  At first I was reading it at night but each night I think "that was perfect for today, I should could have used this message this morning."  So I am not reading it in the mornings at work and hopefully I will remember to take it home on the weekends.


After talking to my dad yesterday I couldn't believe how today's message fit what I am going through and just had to share!

"I am leading you, step by step, through your life. Hold My hand in trusting dependence, letting Me guide you through this day. Your future looks uncertain and flimsy--even precarious. That is how it should be. Secret things belong to the Lord, and future things are secret things. When you try to figure out the future, your are grasping at things that are Mine. This, like all forms of worry, is an act of rebellion: doubting My promises to take care of you.

Whenever you find yourself worrying about the future, repent and return to Me. I will show you the next step forward, and the one after that, and the one after that. Relax and enjoy the journey in My Presence, trusting Me to open up the way before you as you go."


The first highlighted part hit me like a ton of bricks.  Not only is it unhealthy to worry, but it is actually wrong in the eyes of God.  By worrying we aren't trusting Him.  I don't think of it that way and it really opened my eyes.  I can become consumed with worry.  I think about the future A LOT and become consumed with the 'what ifs.'  This is wrong and I need to be better at this.

I am going to try to follow the second highlighted portion.  If I don't just relax and enjoy today then I am missing out on so much.  I cannot predict the future or figure it out.  I have to trust in His plan and enjoy today.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Cooper has been a big boy lately!!

Yesterday Cooper came home with a special certificate! He went pee pee on the potty for the first time at day-care!  We are so proud of him and were excited to celebrate with him. We did what any good parent would do.  Praised him, cheered, and gave him some candy (hence the big cheeks in this picture)!!

Mommy was eating tortilla chips so Cooper enjoyed some after his candy!

LOVE this picture below!

This morning we put Cooper on the potty as soon as he woke up and he went on the potty at home for the first time! Again we cheered, praised, and gave him candy (at 6:30 in the morning)

Also today marks one week pacifier free!  We put them all away and Cooper is doing great! That transition was easier than we ever expected!

I am so proud of my big boy!

But seriously, what happened to my baby?!?

Update to my my post on Sunday

In red below you can see my update to yesterday's post-

I am having one of those days where I feel like I am failing at everything...


My child has been in his bed for over an hour and will not take a nap. He is driving me insane and I feel like a failure.  I finally accepted that Cooper wasn't going to take a nap.  I loaded him up in the stroller for a walk and he loved it.  I hoped he would fall asleep but he was so excited to point out everything around him.  He was a nice time outside and I got to do some thinking.

My house needs cleaning and laundry needs folding but I really just want a nap and I feel like a failure. When I got back from the walk Kyle and I continued to do laundry and cleaned up around the house.  We are back on track with keeping things clean.

My dogs need a bath and their nails trimmed, and an update on shots at the vet. They really just want to play and want attention but I have trouble making time for them. I feel like a failure. After the walk Cooper didn't want to go inside so we played in the backyard for the dogs.  We took turns throwing the ball for the dogs and Cooper climbed on his toys.  It was gorgeous outside. I also scheduled Riley's checkup and nail trim for tomorrow evening.
I'm tired, fat (prego), and I need to shave my legs. I feel sorry for my understanding husband and I feel like a failure. I went to bed at 8:30 last night so that was nice.  But 3 people have told me that my belly is getting bigger since I arrived at work today which I don't think is a compliment.  I still haven't shaved my legs but hope to do that tonight!


I want to move but it is a lot of work and stress. I still haven't talked to a lender, put our house on the market, or figured out what city we want to live in and I feel like a failure. The realtor is supposed to take pictures of our house this week so we can get it on the market and we have found a potential home to look at. It is further from FW than I would prefer, but the price is good so it is worth looking at.  Not sure when we will do that.

I have a never ending list of pressing items at work, my desk is a wreck, and I need to start preparing for maternity leave. I feel like a failure. I am making a to-do list and trying to prioritize.

I do not attend church regularly, pray before meals, and often forget to pray before bed and I feel like a failure. I read from my daily devotional book that Kyle's aunt gave me, prayed with Cooper before one meal (forgot on the other) and prayed while on the walk with Cooper. I have a long way to go, but I am going to work on it.  Though I just ate my lunch and completely forgot to pray!
I have more things on my list than I can keep up with. And I am constantly stressed. I need to prioritize things in my life and concentrate on my family. I know everything will work out and get better but for now I just feel like a failure.

Kyle was home from Ennis when I got back from the walk and we got a lot done around the house.  We made dinner together and made the most of our evening. I am still very stressed, but it will get better.

Thank you for all of your sweet comments.

Emily, I plan to look into that book.  I just started reading a book about child favoritism that I heard is a good read.

26 Week Pregnancy Update

How Far Along: 26 weeks or 65%!  This sweet boy is going to be here before I know it.  I need to get things done!

Size of baby: Casen is the size of an eggplant (9.2 inches and 2lbs)  Casen's eyes are starting to open.  He is also starting to get my cramped in there has he packs on the weight!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 13.7 pounds.  Only went up half a pound this week which was a shock to me since I ate Chipotle twice and had a pint of Blue Bell Cookies and Cream ice cream! Plus snack day! Well I don't need to list everything I ate but I think you get the point.
Maternity Clothes: Yes

Gender: Sweet boy Casen Andrew!

Movement: Casen is still so active. At times it can be uncomfortable, but not often.  I love all of his movement.

Sleep: Sometimes I get up once to pee and sometimes I don't.  Still switch from hip to hip

Cravings: Chipotle, mexican food, candy, spicy. The usual

Symptoms: Still Braxton Hicks, but other than that I am feeling good. I had about 3 BHs last night before I fell asleep but then they stopped.  I wonder if this boy will make an early appearance.

Best Moment this week: I am just trying to enjoy this pregnancy because I know it will be over before I know it.

Hardest Moment this week: Stress

One of those days..

I am having one of those days where I feel like I am failing at everything...

My child has been in his bed for over an hour and will not take a nap. He is driving me insane and I feel like a failure.

My house needs cleaning and laundry needs folding but I really just want a nap and I feel like a failure.

My dogs need a bath and their nails trimmed, and an update on shots at the vet. They really just want to play and want attention but I have trouble making time for them. I feel like a failure.

I'm tired, fat (prego), and I need to shave my legs. I feel sorry for my understanding husband and I feel like a failure.

I want to move but it is a lot of work and stress. I still haven't talked to a lender, put our house on the market, or figured out what city we want to live in and I feel like a failure.

I have a never ending list of pressing items at work, my desk is a wreck, and I need to start preparing for maternity leave. I feel like a failure.

I do not attend church regularly, pray before meals, and often forget to pray before bed and I feel like a failure.

I have more things on my list than I can keep up with. And I am constantly stressed. I need to prioritize things in my life and concentrate on my family. I know everything will work out and get better but for now I just feel like a failure.

Here comes the bride!

Today Cooper was asked to be the ring bearer in a wedding!  Kyle's cousin Ryan is getting married in August to his sweet girlfriend Natalie.

Can you picture this sweet boy...

...in this?

I think he will pull it off perfectly (or something like it)

It is so sweet of Ryan and Natalie to include Cooper in their special day.  I look forward to celebrating their marriage and having another in-law in the family!

These pictures of Cooper crack me up because I bent down at day-care to take a picture of him and he had to squat down just like me. Man I love this boy!

Sweetest little face!

2 days of no paci and we are doing great! When we put Cooper to bed last night he asked for it and we said no and he laid down and went to sleep.  Slept all night!  Now I am just nervous about going out to a restaurant, grocery store, or church and figuring out how to keep him from a meltdown and causing a scene.  We used to just give him the paci and he was fine!

Wednesday Randoms!

1. Today is snack day at work (we do this monthly to celebrate birthdays) and at 7:57 I have already eaten some yummy food!  I wish we had this every day, but it is a good thing we don't!

2. Last night I tried a new recipe that I got from another blog that was yummy and best of all EASY!!!.  Unfortunately I thought we had soy sauce and didn't so I looked up on the internet that you can substitute Worcestershire sauce for soy sauce so that is what I did.  The meal ended up pretty spicy, but was still good.  The recipe only called for 3/4 lbs of chicken (to serve only two people) and so I still have another 3/4 lb left. I think I will make it again on Thursday and use soy sauce to see how it varies.  I will definitely share the recipe with you soon!

3. Last week I took my car to the dealership because the check engine light was on.  I got in my car yesterday afternoon and it came on again! I have to take it back to the dealership today  : (  It is covered by warranty but it is still such a hassle.

4. We are also planning on seeing another potential house in the Crowley area.  Based on the pictures this house is super cute!  I am excited to see it but also afraid to fall in love with it.  I have a lot of anxiety about moving and it ultimately gets down to leaving Cooper's day-care and our friends in the area : (  I need to pray on this.

5.  I have been dealing with a lot of medical bill stuff lately because it has been almost a year since my appendix was removed and I still get a bill from one company for over $700.  Due to my insurance I shouldn't owe anything to this company and have been going back and forth over the issue.  I also constantly worry that it will affect my credit. I finally got my insurance to call them directly and I think it is finally resolved 10 months later!!

6. The good news is that thanks to my insurance Cooper's surgery for tubes only cost us a $30 copay and we got our the huge $500 deposit back in the mail this week (well $470 of it!).  I figured we would get it back based on my conversations with insurance but it was still nice to get that check in the mail.

7. My name is Dianna and I have a problem!  I am OBSESSED with Chipotle!  I could eat it every day!  Kyle wanted it on Monday for dinner but I had eaten it for lunch.  So since we will be busy looking at the house tonight we are going to pick Chipotle up for dinner!

8. I had leftovers from last nights dinner to have for lunch today and I forgot them at home.  I guess I will eat it tomorrow for lunch.

9. I am taking Friday off and I can't wait! I plan to get a mani/pedi!

10. And some very exciting news! Yesterday Cooper went all day without his pacifier. I made the decision on Sunday that the time had come to get rid of it and we decided to start weaning him.  Well yesterday his teacher got him to take a nap without it and we decided to try bedtime as well (the only times he normally gets a paci).  After the first 30-45 minutes of getting him to settle in bed he did great.  He went all night without a paci and we didn't have to go in to comfort him at all!  Now lets hope day 2 goes as well as day 1!!

Need your help!!

Someone at work is selling the armoire below for $60.  As soon as I saw it I saw major potential.  I am considering it for Cooper's toddler room, but Kyle is unsure about it.  I thought it would be great to books and toys on the shelves and then use the drawers for sheets/blankets.

This is kinda the look/theme I am going for with Cooper's big boy room.  I am going to have my granny make a similar comforter for his bed out of some fabric I chose which is a whole different post.

Anyway...What do you think?  Should I get the armoire?  One problem is storing it in the interim since we are trying to have our current house ready to sell.

I would love your opinion!

Which grocery store do you shop at?

I am in a bit of a grocery store dilemma. (First world problem!)

I currently shop at Albertsons.  Many say it is more expensive than other stores but it is clean, they have some good sales, they double/triple coupons (when I have them), and most of all I know the layout. 

I don't know about you but knowing the layout is one of the most important things.  Sometimes I like to go up and down every aisle-except the dog food and cat food aisle! Yuck! Even as a dog owner those aisles make me gag and in my opinion should not be allowed in a grocery store.  I can't stand the smell when I go down the aisle.  I usually hold my breath and go as fast as possible on the rare occasion that I have made a wrong turn.

Anyway back to the layout.  Before having Cooper the grocery store was one of my happy places.  I would go every Sunday.  I loved to go by myself with my list in hand and take my time looking for good deals.  I am not one to only 'buy what I need.'  I will be 4 things of deodorant if I have coupons and they are on sale.  Kinda crazy and can be expensive up front, but Kyle rarely had to ask for me to buy deodorant.  Despite my love for sales and using coupons I am not a crazy couponer or a hoarder of groceries like on those shows!  I don't buy 50 mustards despite not eating mustard!!

After Cooper I have realized that I often don't make it to the grocery store every weekend so it leads me to making a quick run after work and just 'buy what I need/want.'  This has increased the importance of knowing the layout so I can get home to my boys.  It has also led to Kyle running out of deodorant because I no longer catch the deals : (  I then spend full price on one deodorant when I could have bought two for the same price.  This bothers me more than him because he doesn't literally run out he just has to tell me to add it to the list because he is running low. 

Anyway so out of convenience and habit I still shop at Albertsons. 

But recently I went to Walmart to get some things and decided to do my grocery shopping while I was there.  It seemed that a lot of my 'essentials' were cheaper here than at Albertsons.  Now if there was a sale at Albertsons then my 'essentials' were probably cheaper at Albertsons but due to my new shopping approach 'buy what you need' I think it would be wiser to shop at Walmart. 

Now I am faced with the dilemma of leaving my beloved Albertsons for better prices.  And I have to learn a new layout because boy did I waste time backtracking to find some of my items at Walmart (but I also didn't have a real list that day).  And did I mention that Albertsons just started their monopoly game and I love playing (despite that after 3-4 years I have never won more than $2.) 

Overall I know I should switch to Walmart, but I will have to break the habit because that is really all it is.  I made the decision a week ago to switch to Walmart and yesterday as I made a quick trip to the grocery store 'to buy what I need' I automatically drove into Albertsons!  Oops!

Did I mention that when I shopped at Walmart I spent $90 total and $30 of that was from the non grocery side?....Maybe grocery shopping at Walmart isn't cheaper : )

25 Weeks!

How Far Along: 25 weeks or 62.5%!!! I cannot believe how far along I am already!! I am almost out of my second trimester.


Size of baby: Baby C is the size of an eggplant (9 inches and 1.7lbs)

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 13.2 pounds total

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Gender: Sweet boy Casen Andrew!

Movement: Casen is a mover and a shaker and I love it!

Sleep: Normal flipping from hip to hip.

Cravings: Chipotle.  I had it twice last week and for lunch today.  I can't get enough of it!

Symptoms: Still Braxton Hicks, but other than that I am feeling good.

Best Moment this week: I enjoyed my doctor appointment and am anxious to see if I continue to measure big or if things balance out.

Hardest Moment this week: Feeling the pressure of getting things done before Casen's arrival, but trying to take one day at a time.

Our Weekend!

On Friday evening we picked up my car from the dealership and dropped Kyle's off for some routine maintenance.  Luckily all of the stuff on my car was covered so that was good!Then we picked up Rosa's and headed home.

I sat with Cooper at his little table.  He loves beans and rice mixed together!  I like to dump my tacos out and make a taco salad.  Then I use the shells to eat it.  Cooper decided he needed to do the same thing with his beans and rice.

 

Love this sweet picture!

Friday night was a rough night because our dog Ranger kept coughing and I got very little sleep.  We ran errands Saturday morning and then cleaned our guest room all afternoon.  Here are the after pictures.  I didn't take any before pictures and even if I did I wouldn't share them on here.  Just imagine EVERY surface covered with junk and no visible carpet AT ALL!! It was horrible and long overdue.  It hasn't been this clean since we moved in almost 5 years ago!

It looks great now and was worth the hard work.  Please ignore the horns in the corner.  My husband cannot wait for us to move so he can hang them somewhere.  (Smack my head and roll my eyes).

Saturday evening we met my parents, my sister, BIL, and MacKenzie for dinner.  My parents were in town for a church conference so we jumped on the chance to see them! My dinner was DELICIOUS and Cooper enjoyed another corn dog dipped (COVERED) in ranch.  After dinner we all went to Cabela's and while the boys looked the girls took the kids to the various exhibits and aquarium.

Sunday we did more chores around the house and Cooper's best friend came over for a play date.  The boys see each other everyday but the moms don't so we enjoy getting together.  The boys ran around like crazy and it was so nice to have easy entertainment for a couple of hours.  Cooper was so tired after they played that he didn't want to eat lunch and took a two hour nap.

After Cooper got up from his nap the boys dropped me off at the movies to see Safe Haven with the girls on Kyle's side of the family.  The movie was really good but very different from the book.  I was really surprised how different it was, because Nicholas Sparks tries to keep things pretty close when his books get made into movies.  Did anyone else see it and read the book? What did you think?

After dinner we went back to Mimi and Grandpa's house for hamburgers and playtime. Cooper and Kyle had hung out there during the movie with Grandpa.

Mimi bought some new toys for Cooper and one of them included this wagon with blocks on it.  Cooper decided instead of building with the blocks that he would rather ride the wagon.  It was hilarious and tiring for those who pulled him.  I think we created a monster!

Funny thing is that Cooper would wave at the dogs like he was in a parade! Too cute!

We had a wonderful and productive weekend.  I am thinking about taking a day off this week to get some things done and just enjoy myself.  I just have to figure out which day due to meetings and the rainy weather we are expecting.

Friday Favs/Randoms!

1. This Monday Cooper's daily report said that he did a puzzle all by himself at day-care! I have no clue what the puzzle was or how many pieces, but this puzzle loving mommy was proud! I am sure my Granny would be proud too!

2. I went to a different grocery store (a whole post in itself!) on Monday than normal and ordered lunch meat from the deli for Kyle.  I asked for shaved and after she completed my order held up one piece and said 'is that good?'  Well first of all why did you ask me after you already did it all and it is too late?  Second of all, no that wasn't good! It wasn't shaved.  But I said, yes and accepted it.  The funny thing is our usual grocery store does the same thing.  They cut one piece (not all of it) and hold it up and it is clearly not shaved.  I have to then ask for it to be thinner.  Not sure why this is so hard. Am I using the wrong term?  Maybe I should ask my cousin Corey who used to work in a deli.

3. I saw these adorable letters at this blog and love them! I am going to see if my granny will make some for Cooper along with my two nieces! I think they are so fun and cute! Plus my granny has a TON of fabric so I think it would be cute to use scraps of her older fabric!

4. Go to this blog to see a cute valentine idea for boys! I know it is a day late but I might keep this in mind down the road!

5.  I am IN LOVE with this Living Locket! It is similar to the key chain I got a while back (example below) but this time it is a necklace which is really what I wanted.  My key chain got broken so I don't get to carry it anymore.  I think the necklace is so sweet!

6. My motto for February is "Clean Freak February."  It just started on Monday which was already the 11th but after we spent a lot of time cleaning Friday and Saturday I really wanted to keep things clean.  Each night I cleaned up the clutter before bed so things didn't pile up.  I did good until last night because we were late putting Cooper to bed, watched a show, and went to bed ourselves.  EXCUSES I know, but I will fix it tonight.  Last weekend was spent 'cleaning up' and now this weekend will be 'cleaning out.'  I am going to start with the pantry, fridge, and freezer, then we have to tackle our guest room/junk room!

7. My cousin Savannah did a post yesterday on Lent and I loved it.  Visit her here to read it yourself! 

8. I love this project that a blogger shared a while back.  Anyone want to do this for Cooper's big boy room?  I am thinking a dark blue night stand or bookshelf for his room!

 9.  Cooper LOVES dipping his food in a sauce.  He likes ketchup, barbecue sauce, ranch, and would probably like mustard, but I don't eat mustard so he hasn't really been exposed to it.  He gets this from me because I always ask for ranch for my fries and also wing/buffalo sauce if they have it.  Last night for dinner we went to a burger joint and Cooper loved his corn dog dipped in ranch! He ate almost the entire corn dog plus all of his ice cream!

10.  I am soooo glad it is Friday!  This has been a hectic week!  Have a wonderful weekend!

My Mini Valentine

This morning I wanted to get a picture of Cooper in his Valentine's shirt.  As soon as I mentioned it is said "No!" and took off running.  He came back from the bathroom with his potty and insisted on sitting on it for the picture!  I did not pose him!

I then told him it was time to go bye bye and put on this coat.  On his way to put on the coat I asked him to smile and got the precious picture below!  I couldn't have asked for a cuter mini valentine!

My heart feels like it will explode at the thought that next year I will have two mini valentines!

This morning Cooper carried his valentines into class in the little box from his Mimi.  He was so proud and loved carrying it!  In fact when he gave it to the teacher he was concerned what she was going to do with it.  He is giving fruit snack valentine's to his classmates.

This is Cooper's first holiday party where parents could sign up to bring something.  We signed up for cheese cubes!  Love!!

And as a little Throwback Thursday!

Here is a picture of my mini valentine last year! My sweet roly poly boy!

Tonight we are dropping my car off at the dealership (check engine light came on and I need an oil change), grabbing dinner, and then having ice cream to celebrate as a family!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Frisco, Colorado Part 1

I am finally sharing some pictures from our trip to Colorado at the beginning of December!

On the way to Frisco we stopped at this gun shop that is on a reality tv show that Kyle watches.  We were both surprised on how small the shop was and not much to see.

As we first started our drive from Denver there was no snow to be seen anywhere!

Then we found snow! And a lot of snow was coming down as we drove.

Bathroom at the hotel

And our room

When we got to Frisco there wasn't any snow on the ground but that all changed by the next day! Frisco got its first official snow of the season while we were in town and ended up getting about 14 inches total during our trip.

We enjoyed walking around the little town and trying local places including the place below for breakfast!

This was our hotel

Love the mountains in the background of this picture.

I got to use my new camera while I was there but didn't change the setting so the pictures of the gorgeous Christmas trees didn't turn out like I had hoped.

We had a really nice time in Frisco.  We went shopping at the outlet mall, saw a movie, walked around Breckenridge, watched skiers in Keystone, ate at a lot of local places (some good and some not so good), took a sleigh ride in the snow, and spent a lot of time relaxing.  Overall we were a little disappointed in the trip because when we booked it I wasn't pregnant.  I would love to go back to Colorado someday with a group of people to ski, snowboard, and sled with.  Being pregnant in Colorado was not ideal during ski season.  But we still enjoyed the getaway.