- Lil C loves her baby dolls so much. Last night she insisted on bringing one (not water proof) in to the bathtub with a towel....
- B-man tells me all the time that he wants to play soccer with all his friends - so this summer, it begins. Glad we have a park really close with a reasonably priced program...
- Lil C has the sweetest cutest face that I just want to kiss all the time
- B-man still loves to snuggle
- Potty training is successful in our house! Well, I wouldn't really call is potty training, I call it using the potty when ready - no amount of incentive or reward could make my little man do what he doesn't want to do! He had to decide on his own. Even now, if I suggest he may need to use the bathroom he begs to differ though 3 seconds later may be about to wet his pants and runs to the bathroom, but he thought of it! Lil C likes doing whatever her big bro does so every night when we brush teeth, she also uses the potty - really! Maybe just maybe both will be out of diapers soon?
- Hide and Go Seek is the favorite game in our house - totally cracks me up b.c when one of the kids hide, they squeal until the other finds them and then we all just laugh and squeal... so much for hiding, more like chase and squeal!
- When we are outside all B wants to do is play soccer soccer soccer!
- Lil C just loves her babies - we bring them outside, she puts them to bed on the kitchen floor while we cook dinner, she even nurses them on the couch. It is so sweet and very umprompted by us! Really amazing how it just started happening.
- So soon my baby girl will be 2!
- B-man officially starts in a Pre-K program next year (though he will do that for two years being a Labor Day baby)
- Both kids call Tucker, "my little boy" (Tucker is our dog)
- If given the chance, they would ONLY eat Ramen Noodles and Yogurt and Waffles
- B-man will eat broccoli over meat at dinner
- Lil C eats meat over broccoli at dinner
- They love to accompany me on runs in the double stroller - good workout for me!
- We can't wait to go to the beach
- They love their grandparents and aunts and uncles and cousins so much and talk about them all the time
- Favorite shows in our house - Jack and the Neverland Pirates, Diego, Chugginton
- Favorite movies in our house - Jungle Book, Cat in the Hat (so annoying)
- Favorite books in our house - a random $1 target book about Transformers, anything Dr. Suess, anything pop up!
- Candy? They do just about anything for it.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Random thougth by mama mccool
Friday, April 8, 2011
Family Photo Session
Using an almost expired GROUPON, we finally met up with Mandy Leonards owner of Mandy Leonards Photography to take an urban photo shoot in Broad Ripple (it was funny to be using the back side of bars for good shots but they really turned out great!). Here is a link to Mandy's blog sneak peek - loved it!
http://bodylifeworks.com/photo/families/the-mccool-family-indianapolis-family-photographer/
For those of you familliar with BR, this is the back of the Red Room!
Next up, just bought a Living Social Deal with Holly at Blue Balloon photography - doesn't expire for a year - yay! And yes, referencing my previous budget post, it was within my budget!!!!!!! LOL
http://bodylifeworks.com/photo/families/the-mccool-family-indianapolis-family-photographer/
For those of you familliar with BR, this is the back of the Red Room!
Next up, just bought a Living Social Deal with Holly at Blue Balloon photography - doesn't expire for a year - yay! And yes, referencing my previous budget post, it was within my budget!!!!!!! LOL
Monday, March 28, 2011
Money
Always a taboo topic, but I think it should be out there to discuss!
You know, I wouldn't say that PJ and I are rolling in the dough but I also wouldn't say that we are hurting in a bad way, though it often feels like it! With the recent promotion I had at work, there was a little breathing room though recently we were still feeling the pinch (dang cost of day care - and can I just say I hate when people give the argument that it is cheaper to stay home than it is to work b/c of daycare costs - I mean, unless you are only making 10-15k/year, that is a big fat lie - just say - we are lucky and can afford to have a parent stay home or it is a financial decision that we made b/c of whatever!). As a result, I have decided that we really REALLY needed to take control of our finances. We have always been good but not great. I won't lie, we have some debt, though I would like to think who doesn't? Still paying off part of that beautiful new kitchen we are enjoying. My goal is for us to have nothing but "good debt" (ha, is there such a thing) by summer, which with my plan, is a reality. By good debt I mean - mortgage, car payment, and school loans. That is IT! Nothing else.
The big kicker this past week was that we have a car that needs LOTS of work - to the point that you start wondering, what is the tipping point - should we get a new car vs fix the old? We are still working through that but accepting that we will be without a car for a while either way - not sure how long. No need to rent one and we are absolutely not buying anything new until our cards are totally paid off AND we feel we are in a better spot. So... instead we will carpool and as needed, take the city bus. You know, people may turn their noses up at that, but in all reality I am really excited about this new adventure. We have a great transit system in Indy and the bus route is just about 1 block away from our house - no reason not too. Plus I just think of all the $ we will be saving in gas (maybe it is a blessing that our gas guzzler is going caput!)! Yes, we will be inconvenienced, but in all reality, there are more important things in life than being inconvenienced by not having a car or using the bus. If PJ were need our one car and I were home with the kids, I can easily walk all the places we may need to go (park, Target, grocery, library) - (another reason I just LOVE where I live!). Bottom line, we have to make sacrifices.
So where I work they have this program called Cash Course which is designed for students to create budgets and make plans - well I decided, why not try it out - and honestly it was so helpful! I put in our monthly income and monthly bills and can see how and where we spend. Graphs, charts, tips, etc... Also very timely was a money saving email from Real Simple so I signed up for those tips too. I know a lot of people already do this but I just hadn't ever looked in to it - but now is the time!
I honestly hate thinking about money. It makes me uncomfortable. I just want it to be there when I need it. And I want to be able to buy what I want when I want. But reality is that we cannot operate like that - so taking charge, as hard has it may be, especially when you have to make hard decisions, it absolutely necessary. So I am dealing with the pit in my stomach in facing certain realities.
Overall I am proud to say that we are excellent retirement planners, have college savings for our children, and also are strategic in other financial ways - but it is time to take it to the next level - to get honest about what we need vs have vs how we spend and what it important. I have to keep in mind that our long term goals include some major house updates and eventually moving - and keeping my eye on that goal is WAY more important than having that new shirt or eating out. It's all about choices.
You know, I wouldn't say that PJ and I are rolling in the dough but I also wouldn't say that we are hurting in a bad way, though it often feels like it! With the recent promotion I had at work, there was a little breathing room though recently we were still feeling the pinch (dang cost of day care - and can I just say I hate when people give the argument that it is cheaper to stay home than it is to work b/c of daycare costs - I mean, unless you are only making 10-15k/year, that is a big fat lie - just say - we are lucky and can afford to have a parent stay home or it is a financial decision that we made b/c of whatever!). As a result, I have decided that we really REALLY needed to take control of our finances. We have always been good but not great. I won't lie, we have some debt, though I would like to think who doesn't? Still paying off part of that beautiful new kitchen we are enjoying. My goal is for us to have nothing but "good debt" (ha, is there such a thing) by summer, which with my plan, is a reality. By good debt I mean - mortgage, car payment, and school loans. That is IT! Nothing else.
The big kicker this past week was that we have a car that needs LOTS of work - to the point that you start wondering, what is the tipping point - should we get a new car vs fix the old? We are still working through that but accepting that we will be without a car for a while either way - not sure how long. No need to rent one and we are absolutely not buying anything new until our cards are totally paid off AND we feel we are in a better spot. So... instead we will carpool and as needed, take the city bus. You know, people may turn their noses up at that, but in all reality I am really excited about this new adventure. We have a great transit system in Indy and the bus route is just about 1 block away from our house - no reason not too. Plus I just think of all the $ we will be saving in gas (maybe it is a blessing that our gas guzzler is going caput!)! Yes, we will be inconvenienced, but in all reality, there are more important things in life than being inconvenienced by not having a car or using the bus. If PJ were need our one car and I were home with the kids, I can easily walk all the places we may need to go (park, Target, grocery, library) - (another reason I just LOVE where I live!). Bottom line, we have to make sacrifices.
So where I work they have this program called Cash Course which is designed for students to create budgets and make plans - well I decided, why not try it out - and honestly it was so helpful! I put in our monthly income and monthly bills and can see how and where we spend. Graphs, charts, tips, etc... Also very timely was a money saving email from Real Simple so I signed up for those tips too. I know a lot of people already do this but I just hadn't ever looked in to it - but now is the time!
I honestly hate thinking about money. It makes me uncomfortable. I just want it to be there when I need it. And I want to be able to buy what I want when I want. But reality is that we cannot operate like that - so taking charge, as hard has it may be, especially when you have to make hard decisions, it absolutely necessary. So I am dealing with the pit in my stomach in facing certain realities.
Overall I am proud to say that we are excellent retirement planners, have college savings for our children, and also are strategic in other financial ways - but it is time to take it to the next level - to get honest about what we need vs have vs how we spend and what it important. I have to keep in mind that our long term goals include some major house updates and eventually moving - and keeping my eye on that goal is WAY more important than having that new shirt or eating out. It's all about choices.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Random thoughts
So I just haven't felt much like blogging lately. Not sure why. Maybe because it is way easier to just upload little comments to Facebook. Maybe because I just don't have time at work anymore. Maybe because according to the technies, blogging is quickly becoming a thing of the past. BUT there are lots of things that I have to say and share and sometimes FB just isn't the place for them. So today I am updating my blog again. Now don't go getting all excited like this is going to be a regular thing - it isn't - blogging for me is going to be VERY random and just because. That is how it started anyway for me.
How about some updates on the kiddos:
Lil C - oh man, she is a piece of work. The cutest little thing you have ever seen. I love her cute little blond bob and precious smile BUT she is a sassypants! She loves the word NO (said with vigor and force) and she is an independent little girl. Many days I share with her the following, "Lil miss, you challenge me - every part of me - but what I can see is that you are JUST like me!". She is obviously destined for great great things. LOL! She has sooooo many words at 21 months and is fearless! Is it a product of having an older brother? Is it just who she is? I love watching her b/c she is just soo little and tiny but has such power and ability. It amazes me.
So we were at the park this weekend (first time moms, don't take offense) and there were first time parents there with their son. Now B-man and Lil C are just all over the place - running, climbing, sliding, swinging and I am watching and interacting when they want. But they have trust in their own capabilities and I have trust that they know their limits too! And when they think they can do more but cannot, I step in if safety is a concern. Anyway.... these parents were just freaking out all the time regarding their son - watch him, oh no, there he is, where did he go, help him - anyway, it was just funny to watch b/c then through a short convo, we found out lil c and this lil one were the EXACT same age to the day. I just had to chuckle - it wasn't bad, it was just a first time parent vs a second. I have no doubt I probably was a nervous wreck with B-man at this age at the park too - though maybe not. I personally like to think of myself as a parent who sets boundaries but puts trust in my kids to try things. If they fall, before I run to them, I always wait to see how they are going to react b/c the more I freak out, the more they will and USUALLY it is nothing. Like at this same park trip when Lil C totally fell face first off the slide, but she caught herself, was slightly surprised, but then stood up and kept going. No need for me to intervene. If there isn't blood involved (and even sometimes when there is), you know, just let your child take the lead.....they are amazingly resilient.
B is such a great little kid - so observant, so polite, yet also a crazy three year old who LOVES to run and jump and chase and tackle and yell and sometimes say not so nice things. We continue to work on that. It was funny yesterday at the park - B's best friend IJ came to play and the two of them were HAYWIRE! All over the place - to the point that A and I looked at each other and thought, OMG we have those kid at the park! Out of control. But they had sooo much fun. The problem was this particular park is very small (which is often a great thing) but it was so super crowded mainly with little kids that B and IJ were the biggest kids there and had no concept of watching out for the little ones. We worked through it.
B continues to LOVE LOVE LOVE school and is doing well. His cognitive abilities are really progessing - just the things he says to me sometimes and the connections that he makes - it is amazing. I love watching him learn and grow and be curious about his world. Oh and FINALLY we are making potty training headway - to the point that I think we are just about there. We had been struggling with B telling us when he has to go - now he runs to me and says, "I think I am going to wet my pants" to which I respond, "then go to the bathroom". It is like he needs permission. Cute. Lil C is starting on this path too! Maybe this summer I won't have to buy diapers except for at night????? Can I wish, dream, hope?!
B and C as siblings are interesting. Being so close in age means that we have lots of challenges - fighting, hitting, pushing, always wanting what the other one wants. BUT it also means we have lots of love - hugging, giggling, sharing looks that only they understand. They were cracking me up in the bathtub last night - as they were "swimming" and just looking at each other and laughing so hard - I have no idea what was so funny but they were laughing so I was laughing and we all were just laughing!
Family has been the word year for us! We had Gma and Gpa Hunt visit, followed by MeMaw and Gpa Rick, followed by a weekend to E-Ville to see Gaga and Papa and see our cousins (see http://www.gaudingossip.blogspot.com/ for a recap of that weekend!) and then this past weekend Aunt Nae Nae came to visit. The kids just love having all of these people shower them with attention and love. It is so special to me that they have so many people that care so much for them. Soon we are going to visit one of my dear friends from college and have a super fun weekend with her little boy and girl too!
Aunt nae nae took some great pics this weekend, here we go!
How about some updates on the kiddos:
Lil C - oh man, she is a piece of work. The cutest little thing you have ever seen. I love her cute little blond bob and precious smile BUT she is a sassypants! She loves the word NO (said with vigor and force) and she is an independent little girl. Many days I share with her the following, "Lil miss, you challenge me - every part of me - but what I can see is that you are JUST like me!". She is obviously destined for great great things. LOL! She has sooooo many words at 21 months and is fearless! Is it a product of having an older brother? Is it just who she is? I love watching her b/c she is just soo little and tiny but has such power and ability. It amazes me.
So we were at the park this weekend (first time moms, don't take offense) and there were first time parents there with their son. Now B-man and Lil C are just all over the place - running, climbing, sliding, swinging and I am watching and interacting when they want. But they have trust in their own capabilities and I have trust that they know their limits too! And when they think they can do more but cannot, I step in if safety is a concern. Anyway.... these parents were just freaking out all the time regarding their son - watch him, oh no, there he is, where did he go, help him - anyway, it was just funny to watch b/c then through a short convo, we found out lil c and this lil one were the EXACT same age to the day. I just had to chuckle - it wasn't bad, it was just a first time parent vs a second. I have no doubt I probably was a nervous wreck with B-man at this age at the park too - though maybe not. I personally like to think of myself as a parent who sets boundaries but puts trust in my kids to try things. If they fall, before I run to them, I always wait to see how they are going to react b/c the more I freak out, the more they will and USUALLY it is nothing. Like at this same park trip when Lil C totally fell face first off the slide, but she caught herself, was slightly surprised, but then stood up and kept going. No need for me to intervene. If there isn't blood involved (and even sometimes when there is), you know, just let your child take the lead.....they are amazingly resilient.
B is such a great little kid - so observant, so polite, yet also a crazy three year old who LOVES to run and jump and chase and tackle and yell and sometimes say not so nice things. We continue to work on that. It was funny yesterday at the park - B's best friend IJ came to play and the two of them were HAYWIRE! All over the place - to the point that A and I looked at each other and thought, OMG we have those kid at the park! Out of control. But they had sooo much fun. The problem was this particular park is very small (which is often a great thing) but it was so super crowded mainly with little kids that B and IJ were the biggest kids there and had no concept of watching out for the little ones. We worked through it.
B continues to LOVE LOVE LOVE school and is doing well. His cognitive abilities are really progessing - just the things he says to me sometimes and the connections that he makes - it is amazing. I love watching him learn and grow and be curious about his world. Oh and FINALLY we are making potty training headway - to the point that I think we are just about there. We had been struggling with B telling us when he has to go - now he runs to me and says, "I think I am going to wet my pants" to which I respond, "then go to the bathroom". It is like he needs permission. Cute. Lil C is starting on this path too! Maybe this summer I won't have to buy diapers except for at night????? Can I wish, dream, hope?!
B and C as siblings are interesting. Being so close in age means that we have lots of challenges - fighting, hitting, pushing, always wanting what the other one wants. BUT it also means we have lots of love - hugging, giggling, sharing looks that only they understand. They were cracking me up in the bathtub last night - as they were "swimming" and just looking at each other and laughing so hard - I have no idea what was so funny but they were laughing so I was laughing and we all were just laughing!
Family has been the word year for us! We had Gma and Gpa Hunt visit, followed by MeMaw and Gpa Rick, followed by a weekend to E-Ville to see Gaga and Papa and see our cousins (see http://www.gaudingossip.blogspot.com/ for a recap of that weekend!) and then this past weekend Aunt Nae Nae came to visit. The kids just love having all of these people shower them with attention and love. It is so special to me that they have so many people that care so much for them. Soon we are going to visit one of my dear friends from college and have a super fun weekend with her little boy and girl too!
Aunt nae nae took some great pics this weekend, here we go!
My two favorite Cs!
Very focused on her St. Patty's day hat.
Time to slide!
Weeeeeeeeee
Always the climber! Doesn't he have a GREAT smile (yes, I am biased!)
Oh B
Anything can become a sword (like a placemat!)
Good morning Aunt Nae Nae! Can we come jump on you and tackle you to wake you up????????
Thursday, February 3, 2011
2011 - starting off busy!
I used to be so good at posting on a regular basis - not so much anymore. Oh well - life is busy, sometimes blogging isn't my top priority. In addition to the kids just getting older, which doesn't necessarily mean they need more of my time, they just need my time in a different way, I also started a new job. I am still at the university (IUPUI) but started with a new school and have a new role. This is a great change for me - something that I had been ready for, though I will say it is challenging. As the "boss" my level of responsibility has changed and I look at things in a much different way than I used to - which is good I think. It's only been one month, so I am still feeling my way thru the job and am trying to give myself a good year to really get it - sometimes in the scope of university life, I think a year is a good gage. Every term and season is a little bit different and sometimes you don't realize that you do something until the time is upon you to do it! The great thing about starting a new position within the same organization is that my benefits didn't change - and in this case I am talking about lifestyle benefits (though I am very happy with my medical and such as well!!!!). I was able to keep my same schedule, which my husband and I have fine tuned over the past three years (in general, he takes the kids to daycare, I pick up, he gets home just before us and starts dinner, we walk in and are ready to eat!). I miss my old job in some ways, but am loving the challenges of the new one.
January was a busy month for us too! Let me try to recap thru pictures all that we have had going on. First off, we want to welcome our new neice, Molly, who is just precious (at least from her pics!) - we cannot wait till we get to meet her this spring! From Toy Story on Ice, to swim lessons, to snow/ice days, to just enjoying the days we have been BUSY!!!!
Okay - warning, some of these photos are from my phone, and the quality isn't that great. Also - I cannot figure out how to rotate those even though I saved them rotated on my computer. And they are not in my preferred order. oh well.
Eating at Joe's Crab Shack- we had so much fun! B-man danced and wiggled when the wait staff turned down the lights, turned up the music and danced danced danced! He loved eating his shrimp popcorn. LOL
Oh this little miss - she is forever eating. always in the pantry, always pulling out food and asking for a NAK even if we just ate!
We had three days of no school/work - the ice was crazy - probably a good two inches of slick slick ice but we made the best of it - after doing some indoor sledding, we went outside and slid down the street for a while. No joke, my neighbor's daughter busted out the ice skates and beautifully skated up and down the street!
Our great friends invited us to see Toy Story on Ice since they had some extra tickets - we had a great time. I wasn't so sure about it but we all liked it. Here are B and Me (bad English - ehh).
The Buck's!
B and I just getting their groove on!
Sometimes on weekend, B will go to I's house or vice versa. Above is a pic from when I came over and we just had to get outside since the sun was shining - though it was still cold cold cold!
Out of order, but here are more dancing pics from Toy Story on Ice!
Back to our outdoor fun day - big wheel races!
Lil C enjoying a snack (as usual!) and just exploring the snowy yard. notice Tucker, he is waiting for food to fall...
During the ice/snow storm, we entertained ourselves in lots of ways - one of them included indoor sledding!
Swim lessons started this month - so far so good - above is a pic of the kids all bundled up and ready to start Swim School!!!! B is in a class without parents, which we were not so sure about, but it is going great. 3 must be the magic age... Lil C, in true fashion, loves swimming too!
Earlier this month, we headed down to E-ville for a quick trip to see the grandparents - here is the one picture i took!
Another snowy day activity - painting the pirate ship that we got for Christmas! Hours of entertainment with this thing - seriously - great investment (thanks zulily!)
January was a busy month for us too! Let me try to recap thru pictures all that we have had going on. First off, we want to welcome our new neice, Molly, who is just precious (at least from her pics!) - we cannot wait till we get to meet her this spring! From Toy Story on Ice, to swim lessons, to snow/ice days, to just enjoying the days we have been BUSY!!!!
Okay - warning, some of these photos are from my phone, and the quality isn't that great. Also - I cannot figure out how to rotate those even though I saved them rotated on my computer. And they are not in my preferred order. oh well.
Back to Joe's - here is little miss, ready for her Popcorn Shrimp to arrive too!
That is a quick snapshot of how we are spending out winter - fun so far and staying busy!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
MIA
I'm MIA again - sorry all! Started a new job and life is just super busy. Someday I'll be back on a regular basis.......
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