Splash Pad

Looking for an inexpensive place to take your children this summer? Head over to the Splash Pad at Rancho Jurupa Park. Adults are $3 and children 3 and up are $2. Children of all ages have a blast running around getting wet. Kaden observed all the kids running around and did not get wet at all. Shocking! Grab your towel, picnic lunch and you are set for an afternoon of fun!

Packing Light!

I have never been the type of person that packs only the essentials for any trip. Whether it is an overnight trip to a two week trip I make sure I take everything. To me the essentials include: make-up (all of it), curling iron, straightener, hairspray, gel, mousse, comb, brush, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, and the list goes on... Now that we are traveling as family of three it is a little complicated. We need to take the essentials but still have a free hand to carry our precious boy. When we went to Cancun in January, Kaden was 10 months old. It took hours of organization to make sure we were not forgetting anything critical such as jars of baby food. You can purchase essentials at the local grocery store but we wanted to relax and not have to worry about details like this while on vacation. We are now venturing on an 11 day trip to Florida and even though I am very excited I am spending hours organizing and thinking through every detail.

Since 2007 I have used duct tape to place on my suitcases. I think 80% of the suitcases at an airport are black and since I have all black luggage I needed something to place on my bags. I have seen loofahs on luggage (prior to departure), not sure if they are still in tact; string and ribbon but they never make the trip! Duct tape works wonders, and it is always in place and helps me find me luggage every time. On your next trip make a pit stop at any local store and buy duct tape in any color that your desire. I started off with hot pink and then I found this lovely print.....

Here are four tips for Orlando Florida that I have come across and are very handy:
1. If traveling with a child (stroller age) you can rent a stroller at a very reasonable price through Babies R Us. It may come as a shock but yes you can rent strollers, car seats, high chairs, etc... The cost to rent at Disney World is $15 a day plus a $100 deposit. I was not willing to shell out that kind of cash, not even at the Happiest Place on Earth. Through Babies R Us we are renting a stroller that has been sanitized and comes with food tray and rain cover for only $6 a day!! What a steal! We are also going to need a car seat and since I do not want to carry a car seat through the airport and onto the plane (or worse need to pay to check in the car seat), I opted to rent a car seat too. Ready for the price... $5 a day! The rental car company was going to charge us $15 a day. I am noticing a trend with the amount of $15. If you happen to be in hot spots of Florida and need baby essentials give Babies R Us rentals a try! They will deliver your items to the hotel and will pick them up too, talk about awesome customer service. I have also arranged for them to drop off a pack of diapers (won't be spending an arm and a leg at the convenience store), I am still in shock at how easy this process is!
2. I am a huge fan of guide books, especially Frommers! I read the Guide Book to Walt Disney World from cover to cover and I highlighted everything that is important. This tip is not only good for Florida but for any destination.
3. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Speak to the concierge at your hotel and get acquainted with what is nearby and make the most of your trip. I know I will have more tips once we return.
4. Take advantage of staying at a Disney Hotel or selected partner hotel. By doing so you can take part of the Magic Hours. Certain park(s) open early or extended their evening for you, the special guest. We will be taking a part of this!

We will be ready for the adventure! We leave in two days and the packing is not anywhere close to being done!

Found this adorable tape (Dollar Tree) to distinguish my suitcase.

Let the packing begin! One of the largest suitcases I own.

Jesus loves the little children

On Friday Kaden and I had the pleasure to head over to Loma Linda Hospital (Murrieta) to have lunch with Matt. He works there once-twice per week. As we approached the entrance I wanted to snap a few photos of Kaden with the Jesus statue. He was very hesitant and would not go near Jesus. I kept telling K "touch Jesus' knee" but he refused.

Matt and I knew from the very moment that we were having a baby that it was important to raise our child in a home that knew about our Savior Jesus Christ. We love to sing to K, especially Jesus loves the little children, This little light of mine, and Jesus is the rock of my salvation. I have made a decision to switch from BSF Monday nights to BSF Tuesday mornings so that I can take K to BSF. I can't wait for September to be here so that I can take him to his class and he will tell me all that he learned. While Jesus was preaching to a the crowd of people in his ministry, the children came to him. The disciples didn't want the children to bother Jesus but our loving Jesus welcomed the children by saying "let the children come to me" Matthew 19:14. We too must be like children and come to Jesus! Will you take that step of faith? Jesus loves you and will always be there for you. We are sharing Christ's love to our son and we are eager to share it with others too. If you are interested in Bible Study Fellowship, check out their website on www.bsfinternational.org They have classes around the world for men, women, young adults, and children. I encourage you to join me in September for the study of Genesis!

Get your shape on

People come in all shapes and sizes but our society is inclined toward thin people. I have fallen into the mentality that I need to be very thin. I have made every excuse in the book why I can't get out to run or complete a workout video. "I am too tired," "I am still sore," "I have a headache," "it's too cold," "it's too hot," "the wind will blow me away," and the list goes on. I wish that someone could make my meals and also motivate me to get out and run and do a workout video. I should pray that God will motivate me to get in shape so that I can model that lifestyle for Kaden. One step at a time!

Find it on Pinterest

I think maybe half of the people I know have a good understanding of Pinterest. If you enjoy do it yourself (DIY), crafts, food, decorating, fashion, and health then Pinterest is your addiction. I heard about Pinterest a year ago and took the plunge about 7 months ago. It is like a pin board that you gather tips, how to, and just about anything your little heart desires. People post and you can re-pin their creation. I have found tons of ideas for birthday parties and holidays and not to mention the limitless amounts of delicious recipes from appetizers to desserts and drinks. I have made a scrumptious chicken tortilla soup in the crock pot, organization, and Scrapbooking all from Pinterest. If you have not joined I urge you to give it a try and I am sure you will be addicted. Who knows you might get ideas for your future wedding or home, it is a one stop place to get it all!!!

The picture below is a creation that I will be making for a bridal shower I am throwing. More pictures and a blog to follow!

First time.....

I am still in shock that yesterday was our first time going to the movies since Kaden was born! I think it has been 18 months or more since we stepped foot into a movie theater. Our day was filled with lots of fun! All three of us went to the Nordstrom Sale (can't miss these), and had lunch at the Nordstrom Cafe (another K's favorite). My family picked up K from the mall so that we could watch a movie...much needed!! I picked out a non chick flick because my hubby already has to put up with my shows that I have on the DVR and quite frankly I think he has had enough of 16 and pregnant and My big fat gypsy wedding! I picked the movie the Avengers. I have to give it two thumbs up for action and the story line was good. I especially loved seeing the Shawarma restaurant in the background and Tony Stark wanting to eat Shawarma! If you are looking for a date night recommendation then this is it... The Avengers followed by some scrumptious chicken Shawarma!!!

Happiness is...

I took a few minutes to reflect on the many moments of happiness!
Happiness is:
*having a Savior that loves me no matter what. He reminds me that I need to stop and look at the bigger picture and point others to Him.
*having a loving husband that provides and having a career so that I can be a stay at home mommy. He is generous, caring, loving, and an awesome daddy!
*having an adorable little boy that I can spend everyday with. He is a glimpse of God's awesome work. I am proud and happy that I get some extra snuggle time with him when he is nursing. Yes, even at 14 months old!
*having parents, family, friends, and a church family that I can surround myself! They lift up your spirits, encourage, guide, cry with you, and burst out laughing in the funny moments.

Beyond blessed and thankful!

He is not a baby

Today I truly realized that we now have a toddler! I have been trying to come to terms with the fact that he is not a baby and growing up so fast. Kaden and I went to lunch and celebrated a belated Mother's Day lunch. I took advantage of using my Olive Garden gift card. He sat in a booster seat, all by himself and was a good boy for the majority of the time. Sitting still for a long period is a struggle at restaurants. He wants to explore the restaurant and chat with people. He did eat all of his broccoli which is great since eating veggies can be tough for this boy.

At dinner today he used his spoon to feed himself. It wasn't a meal that he enjoyed but attempted and was successful to get food into his mouth! Horray for giant steps (they are giant to me)!

In Kaden's World

At a young 14 months old Kaden has made it clear what he likes and dislikes. He wakes up between 5:30-6am everyday! He never sleeps in which means he is an early bird. He loves to pick up the remotes and change tv channels, turning on and off the receiver. We have to be very careful because he will run off with the remotes. He loves to dance and when he hears music anywhere he says "dan" and starts dancing. He cracks us up.
For the last few weeks he has an addiction to cucumbers, Cliff Bars, and snap pea crisps. The biggest addiction that has lasted for months is chicken Shawarma. Matt and I have to go at least 2 to 3 times a week to get Kaden's addiction. When I was pregnant I would eat it that many times a week and it doesn't surprise me that he LOVES it!! He doesn't like other chicken so we give in, it is healthy and delicious so we don't feel that bad. Going outside in his new car is the highlight of his day. Playing with the giant red ball and his shovel in the back yard is a must.
He has been taking two naps a day which is good. Just a few weeks ago he was taking one giant nap in the afternoon. Things change! He still only has 6 teeth, 4 on top and 2 on the bottom. His vocabulary expands everyday with new attempts to say words like cookie, cracker, fish, dog, tree... "Oh WOW", "that", "this", are the ones we can clearly understand. I remind him that it is mommy & daddy's house. He finds great excitement barging into our master bedroom and race straight to the closet to find treasure! We put up a gate to block him from the formal living room & dining room. It was a traumatic event! Poor thing he kept crying because he wanted to run around.
Kaden still loves seeing Mickey and we occasionally let him run around at the Disney store. Disneyland is a monthly treat for him and seeing Mickey in person is beyond a delight! Seeing him light up makes us smile. I think back at a year ago and my how do things change so fast. He was our tiny preemie baby boy and now he is a very active toddler. Did I mention that he likes to lift my weights? Listening to LMAFO "I workout", that's Kaden!

Happy Mother's Day

Hope every momma had a wonderful day! I spent a quiet day at home with my little guy. I have been having gallbladder pain so I relaxed most of the day. My parents and sisters came over and brought In-n-Out for lunch! Another Kaden favorite "French fries!" Kaden (with help from daddy) selected a card and a gift certificate to one of our places to eat which is Olive Garden. My mom lovingly got me a Nordstrom gift card and I can't wait to find something new at their Anniversary Sale this month.
I was able to go shopping and got myself a mother's day gift on Friday. I was blessed to have an entire day of shopping, food, and fun with my friend Adrianne. I have been on a search for a pair of wedges. I finally found them and impressed with my new Franco Sarto black wedges (since my BP pair have a cute little rattle sound in one of the heels). Lunch and shopping at Nordstrom was much needed without our kiddos.
On Saturday I became new! A stunning new haircut!!! After my makeover I had lunch with Natalie and baby B. Simple Simons is always a must!!! I have to say I had an amazing weekend!

Studying...

I am a student of God's word and I am excited to have completed another study with Bible Study Fellowship! This year we studied Acts and the Apostles and I have learned so MUCH! Looking forward to next years study of Genesis. It is a blessing to see how God works in your life and the many ways to apply what you have learned. This year was difficult with life in general. I am still trying to get the hang of being a mom, full time stay at home, and everything that goes along with that. With the passing of my grandma in February I have found key verses that have helped me. Studying the word has rooted me and in turn given me strength and words to help others. Would you like to be a part of a life changing study? Being a student of God's word and growing to be more like him sets us apart and we can be a light in a very dark place! Check out BSF International and join me for the study of Genesis in the Fall.

Confession of a Shopaholic?!

I have to admit that I have read every single Shopaholic book by Sophie Kinsella. With that said I might have a tiny bit of shopaholic syndrome. Not only did I subject myself to standing in a huge line to wait for the grand opening of the Nordstrom Rack in Temecula, Kaden had to wait. Poor little guy he had to wait over 25 minutes for us to finally get into the store. All in all it was a fun experience! He took a nap while the fiasco (organized chaos) was happening inside the store. I bought a pair of new sandals (which look similar to those that are at Target), two dresses, a pair of board shorts for K, a small backpack for K, an adorable pair of Havaianas for K, and a pair of sandals for Matt. Thank goodness I was able to make these purchases because when I returned all of these items were gone and not replenished.