A Mom's Life

A New Year

2011-01-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New year! Wow- 2011? Really? Im going to get married, my baby is turning two and I will become a registered nurse this year. I'm thinking its going to be a good one! Im bound for it. I decided I need to start the year with a lot of SWEATING, STUDYING, and SAVING. Yes...all "S"'s:o) Not intentional, but a nice fit. The gym needs to become a priority this year, I mean really. Last year I did great for awhile, Im going to try to beat that record and make it past April. Studying- Ive got a lot of it coming in the next 17 weeks or so (15 weeks of actual class- not counting or anything minus this week and minus spring break).
Oh did I mention Im going on a cruise this year too?! WOW. Lastly, saving..its essential. I think I am going to start by making a weeks worth of meals with what we have on hand...Im going to try though we are to bare minimum right now.

I hope all of you have an amazing 2011!!! I will let you know how the week of pantry meals goes.

Tddler making me nuts

2010-08-21T19:47:00.000-07:00

Okay so I know, or well have learned that being the mom you imagined isnt always possible. I love that I am mostly the mom I imagined, but not today. No today I was the mom I never wanted to be. I sat on the couch for much of the day and wanted to be left alone. I did have a tea party and went for a walk but I was lazy. I guess what I should have learned by now is that sometimes when you are an excellent (yeah, I do pride my mothering skills) mom you need a break to be a mediocre mom. I think just about all moms are great in their own way. I cant keep up with some moms in some situations but ya know- I do what I do and I do it well and we keep on rolling with the times. But these times, boy oh boy. Its Sass this and Sass that and whine over this and stomp over that. Arrrgh. Poor girl I know she is just bored sometimes and she isnt feeling real good. I think she is getting an upset stomach from antibiotics that she is on for the ear infection, but I cant always handle the whining. Hah- I guess the quote from my friend hits home today- The true reflection of yourself will be in what your children do and say (or close to it). As I sit here and whine. Ahhh, feels good.

Bradley has been gone since yesterday. He seemed to really be missing home last night but he was able to keep busy today golfing 12 hours and forgot about all his mushy homesickness. He didnt miss me that much when I was gone, but he leaves and its waterfalls of emotion. Ah, I love him. Im gonna marry him, yep on October 14, 2011! Love it! This golf trip is his vacation and I get to go on vacation with some girls in March- a cruise- SOOO EXCITED!

Well I guess Ill end with the wonderful thought of the cruise because that will be nice to dream about. I had to add the picture, its just so nice to dream about. Whats better is I think Im the only one going from North of the FL/GA line and Michigan in March is the worst of the worst weather- dreary, cold, blah! I will sooo need this weeked.
Night
-Aimee'

I WANT IT BAAAAD

2010-08-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

Blogging would be so much easier and waaaaay better if I could just get the new Samsung Vibrant and do it right from there. The amount of fantastic pictures I could take and share with the world would just be fantastic. Not to metion the Kindle app, liveoffice, etc. Well any Android phone would work- but if your going to go big...might as well go flippin expensive too, right??

Oh and how about the new jeggings craze? Yeah, I got some..will I ever wear them? Not sure. Ive decided I may try to dress like it looks like I care from now on...you know on some days. I say this now- before the 6 a.m. alarm clock days have begun. Ahhh well.

Okay off to bed for an hour or so until my bad sleeping wakes me.
Here is an updated picture of the little cupcake:

God I love her<3<3

Summer

2010-08-20T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I wish I could for once start a blog without the introduction of how I am so bad at blogging and staying on it. My summer is coming to a halt in one swift motion. I came into this summer with the main intention to be to spend as much time as possible having fun with Evelyn and to do some really fun stuff with her. So we went to 2 different zoo's, a beach, 4 road trips, aquarium, turtle cove, water parks, lots of parks, libraries, and of course many trips to JoAnn's! This summer has been so amazing with her. She is so spirited and funny and smart. I cant get over the sarcasm that just shines through her smirks and her glaring eyes as she points that chubby little finger and says "No No Momma, No No". Cute....its a good thing! We have gone to KY a lot this summer and its been so fabulous. So much more space for E to run around in and of course its great for her to see her family that cant be here all the time.
I start the last year of the nursing program this week. Im excited to get back in gear. Im just concerned that the support system that I finally built last year isnt ready for the drastic change coming...yeah that means Brad. lol. Poor guy, I know he (nor anyone) hasnt a clue what its like going through this program unless you are the one doing it. Anyways, this year there is no wiggle room for getting the family used to it for a semester before I get the much needed help, these first 8 weeks are probably going to be the most brutal of them all. I didnt get PM clinicals like I wish for, instead I will have to be downtown detroit by 7 a.m. Oh sure....cake.
My aunt and I started an etsy shop and we are loving it. Its not horribly over whelming and we are doing something that we love to do. I am getting much more business than I ever expected with the Boutonnieres I have been making out of buttons. They are super fun to make and my prices so far are pretty competitive. Im thinking about doing a giveaway on a wedding blog, hopefully a Michigan wedding blog. Any ideas?
Lastly Brad and I are getting started into some really fun wedding planning! I am so excited. We have the venue for the reception/cocktail hour/reception booked. And it is just what I had imagined to find, and I actually found it! We will be taking care of the catering next, mmm foood. That should be good.

My little angel is sleeping right now so I am going sit and listen to this fabulous pandora radio and catch up on my blog reading. Hope to be back soon!
-Aimee'

The big 1!

2010-03-08T05:24:00.000-08:00

Well today its is the tru medical test of one year. Evelyn turned one almost a full month ago and today we go to the Dr. for the one year check up. What an amazing change...over the course of one year this tiny baby grew up more than she will in the next 20 years of her life (or so it seems). She is cruising around on two thick thighs that I love to squeeze and kiss! Im hoping for a positive appointment, I have no doubts.
The first birthday party was a blast in all its cupcake glory! I had a cupcake bar complete with cute little cupcake boxes so that all of E's party guests could decorate a cupcake and take it home. Of course we had cake for eating there as well!

We have a big week planned, since mommy is off of school! Tomorrow we are going to visit our very favorites to sew, and late this week we are going again to make some play-dough out of kool-aid(organic!).

I will update after the Dr. Appointment. Oh and Evelyn LOVES the outside, Ill have to take some pics today when we go out to play as it is sooo nice:o)

Busy

2009-12-17T17:11:00.001-08:00

Where have I been? I have so badly wanted to be a great blogger, and I cant even keep up. Well one semester down and a three week break to boot. I am working on so many projects right now, I hope to keep them done in time for Christmas- CRAP Christmas is next week- no literally a week from tomorrow is CHRISTMAS DAY. Man O Man I need to get going. Anyways I have a couple of non sewing projects as well. Time to put in the storm windows, do a top to bottomw scrub of the house, and to get this baby back to sleeping normal again. Lets guess how much of it will get done? hah. Well I am working on a fabulous dress for Evelyn, I will post pictures; it is the style and under the assistance of Tiffany Jewel who is so talented! Well I hope to be frequently updated this blog world with my life:o)

Canning!

2009-10-10T19:53:00.000-07:00

Can I just say how fun and rewarding this was. We first spent the morning at Eastern Market in Detroit and then came home to CAN!!! It was my dad and I and soo much fun:o)
First we started with LOTS and LOTS of tomatoes! All grown in our garden in the back yard.

Then we peeled, seeded, and SQUEEZED....
Then we cooked and simmered for hours and seasoned with our own blend of seasoning ((yumm))
Then we processed the cans....and we are done!

In addition to spaghetti sauce (above) we made jam with strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and rasberries....al bought from EM for super cheap.

We also bought 75 ears of corn for 10 dollars and boiled, husked and froze the corn. And we have since eaten in and YUMM-O!!! This frozen corn tastes JUST like corn on the cob...didnt even need butter. Mmmm talking about it makes me want some.

We also bought a bushel of fresh picked green beans. We took some to all of our family members and friends in the area, and still has 13 servings (enough to go with dinner) to freeze. For these we just put them in triple thick brown paper bags and rolled them up and froze them in the deep freeze. These also taste AMAZING:o) Oh and did I mention the entire bushel only cost $4.00!

So here is the breakdown of what we bought/made

Tomatoes -Free
Spices-On hand
Fruit-8.50
Corn-10.00
Green Beans-10.00
Canning Tools-12.00(reuseable)
Cans-15.00 (reuseable)

Total Spent-55.50

If bought at store:
15 cans of corn- 15.00
13 cans of beans- 13.00
20 jars of jelly -44.00
14 jars of spaghetti sauce - 28.00 (on sale)

Money saved: 45.00!

I'd say that is a great deal, and time worth spending..not to mention how much fun it was!

Oh and of course, much of the Jam will be presents.

Im baaack

2009-10-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

Im back, and in full swing. My life got a bit crazy but Im used to it now and will continue to update. My projects are still going great and Im loving the new craft of sewing.

Our little Evelyn is getting around on all fours now, and man its keepin momma busy. She has recently started to pull herself up on the furniture and attack the sleeping cats, its super cute. On Monday she had to have her clogged tear duct probed. It wasnt a fun day for any party involved, but it looks like that ol' crusty eye is doing better everyday. In the end it was very much worth it.

We have a special weekend coming up! Brads mom and stepdad and possibly his little brother are coming for a visit, it should be fun. Then on Sunday is my little brother Sean's 6th birthday party at Pump It Up. Evelyn will love it!

School is going well for me, Im getting good grades and Im staying ahead of the game, this first semester is at least half over now, we will be in the hospital starting next Friday, super fun!

Well that is all I've got for now. I will post some fun stuff soon.

-Aimee'

My creations~!

2009-08-13T13:19:00.001-07:00

So I have been borrowing a sewing machine, and sewing I have been doing!! I am just sooo excited at what I can do. Of course its very novice but I WILL get better. I havent used any patterns, so these things are all from my head (or common sense!). So what do ya think?

There they are! A onsie....turned into an all in one outfit, a skirt, and a dress....all made with 4 bandanas.

I had orientation today for the nursing program....they robbed us of all of our money for uniforms. I need a stethoscope next, ugh.

Tomorrow it is more sewing....diapers! Wooop woooop.
Off to sell a camera:o)

BUSY BUSY

2009-08-01T18:57:00.000-07:00

The verdict on laundry detergent made at home; EXCELLENT. I will say that I am more careful to use Shout, or other spot treatment, but its not like I go through a bottle a load- or even a few months for that matter.

The cloth diaper making is finally coming along
it took LOTS of pattern changes, and some aggravation, but I think we have it down. I of course am just an observer at this point. Now that the method works and they are perfect I will be able to learn how to make them. For now I am making the cloth wipes. I cant wait for Evelyn to have just the cutest butt ever! I am awaiting PUL (special diaper making fabric) and snap pliers (from CHINA!) and then we can really get moving, and then do dresses and curtains and everything else I decide to do.

I went with my 2 Aunts and Grandma to Dixieland flea market today-pretty much a let down. It is advertised like crazy. One good thing was the people watching. Im not much for judging but there are definitly some interesting people lingering around there.

Im thinking about going to the Jazzfest tomorrow-fun stuff!

Here is a precious picture of my baby cakes being sleepy and snugglie and me loving every minute!!!
Not my best shot, but goodness look at that baby! I just cant get enough of her, its like her every move is just the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed. I wish everyone could have the joy that I get everyday from my daughter.

Well I hope you all have a great
weekend! Love always- Momma Aimee'

Saving money

2009-07-23T14:50:00.000-07:00

Hello! So Today I am making my laundry detergent. I havent done the math but Im pretty sure Ill get about 25 gallons for about 7 bucks!!! I made it and it is in the "setting" mode now. I had an unexpected explosion while cooking the soup, lol. Other than that it was SUPER easy. Hope it works.
Brad and I have decided to cloth diaper. I should be getting fabric in the next couple days and then I will be making her diapers and wipes!!! Isnt that awesome? Who wouldnt want to do that??? I of course will post pictures.

Happy saving!

Lazy day

2009-07-15T15:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday. Brad was off today so we spent some time together and did some grocery shopping. Yesterday I went WAY out of my comfort zone and went to a playgroup. I found it online at meetup.com. Its a little over 50 moms in my area. I was so happy to see that most of them breastfeed, babywear, and even cloth diaper! Ive been wanting to CD but I dont know alot about it and dont know anyone who does it...so Im excited to learn. I'm hoping by 6 months we can be on the CD train.
Also I set up dates with my grandma to learn to sew, SO excited:o) Of course Ill post pics next week.

Homemade Baby Food

2009-07-13T19:51:00.000-07:00

Okay here it is:

Tools:
Food processor of some sort (I use magic bullet)
Steamer basket (not for a microwave)
Ice cube trays (either with cover or seran wrap)
Pot to steam in
Food

1. Pick your food...preferably Organic. Frozen is just as good in this case.
2. Steam or bake food until desired tenderness. Steam about 5-8 minutes and for things to bake you can google it depending on the food.
3. Add the soft, cooked food to the food processor, and desired amount of breast milk, water, or formula.
4. Puree until desired consistancy.
5. Spoon into ice cube trays, these will be about one serving size each once thawed.

6. Freeze. Once frozen, pop out of trays and put in ziplock freezer bag.

Today I made peas and sweet potatoes. Remember that with bananas and Avocado no prep is needed, just mash and serve:o) Also Apples are cheaper if you just but Organic Unsweetened Applesauce(ingredients are apples and water:o)).

I will modify instructions for different foods as I get there.

Lastly,

ENJOY!!!
(Mom, your too slow give me the spoon!)

Monday

2009-07-13T19:31:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday. Just got the baby to bed and now Im with my bradley watching the Homerun Derby.
We had a fun weekend....had a bonfire one night (mmm s'mores). On Saturday we went to a bowling fundraiser for one of Brad's friends that is going through a rough time. Sunday we had a graduation party and a family reunion. Phew...it was busy but very fun. Today I made my first batch of homemade baby food. I am so proud of myself. It was SUPER easy and sooo much cheaper than buying it and it doesn't taste bad. Most important to me is I know EXACTLY what Im giving Evelyn...no preservatives no crazy chemicals, no hormones, no fish oils (seriouslly-check your ingredient list). I will post pictures and a how-to in my next post.

Intro

2009-07-12T08:41:00.001-07:00

Hello! I guess Ill use my first entry to introduce myself. I am Aimee, 21 years old and a mother to the world's most beautiful 5 month old, Evelyn. I live in Michigan- Downriver. I am in love with the most amazing man ever and have been since I knew what love was. We are raising our daughter with values that we both were raised with. We are two stubborn people and have great intentions and hate when people question our abilities. Yada-yada, I take the fall when people think we are crazy but I am okay with that.

I found out yesterday that Evie is capable of putting herself to sleep, so she is sleeping right now and boy did she need it! We have a graduation party today and a family BBQ so it will be busy and a nap was in order!

Im excited for the coming week, I plan on making my very first batch of laundry detergent, start making exciting new foods for the baby, and making her baby wipes.

Have a great Sunday!