Vacuum ideas anyone????

When I was pregnant with Lily I thought I would NEVER get anything done. Especially cleaning. Tonight was fun and successful. With the two of them in tow, (following me around) I managed to clean up the kitchen and vacuum out all the nooks and cranny's around the floor. (It was incredibly gross - lily was picking up most of it with her pants while crawling.) Lily loves to follow the cord of the vacuum and isn't scared by the noise. When I would try to pull the cord she would hang on like a water skier. Cute!
While cleaning up the house, I realized how horrible my vacuum is. It took forever to pick things up and I just changed the bag. Does anyone have a vacuum they love? I know the Dyson is great, thinking about the Dyson Slim. Is there a cheaper option? I like the cannister vacs too. Too many options out there. Ughh.
BTW - after they went to bed, I scrubbed my floors. I haven't done it myself in several months. My wonderful mom usually does it when she visits.

Christmas photos are in

I need your help to pick the best one. I think there are numbers at the top. I can't decide between sending out a family one or just a girls one...leaning towards just the girls.

thanks

Nana's Christmas Gift

I am so excited. I have wanted these for at least a year. Nana is buying the red ones with their names written in white. I can't wait to take a picture of my cute girls enjoying their chairs.

my favorite videos

I finally figured out, about 6 months ago, that my digital camera had a video option. I wish I would have known about it when Eloise was born, I would have taken tons of short video's. Oh well, now we get to videotape new memories. Here are a few of the recent ones. They aren't the best quality but they're funny. Enjoy!

#1 somersault




#2 - special treats

deceptively fabulous

This is my new favorite cookbook, Deceptively Delicious by Jessica Seinfeld. This is the best cookbook for kids and it fits well with out healthy lifestyle. I made the chicken nuggets today and I can't wait to try the brownies. She is funny, informative and speaks my language of love - organization. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who has kids.

spillage

Today eloise spent the morning in her big girl panties. I asked her if she wanted to go potty and she said no. 10 seconds later she was peeing down her leg. She looked down and said, "oops mama, I spilled. Mama, uh oh, I spilled"

top 10

Randomonium: I'm borrowing this great idea from Jodi via Cutzi. Here are some thoughts milling around my mind for a while

1. I'm loving bible study this fall. My friend and mentor Jody Mayhew has been teaching on Hebrews. Hebrews 3 has been the best. And if you want to, you can listen to it online. Listen to the first and second section of Hebrews 3, it will blow you away. my favorite thoughts:
"In the day of trial in the wilderness, what he said he will be, he will be. You can ask for help in the midst of trial, but DO NOT TEST! He is who he says he is, regardless of suffering".

2. Eloise is potty training and today she went poo on the potty. I'm dragging my feet. She is asking me to go potty, loves her potty treats and loves wearing big girls panties. She is ready, I'm not. This is the first child rearing activity that I have played no part in controlling. I have not read ONE book on this subject and people who know me, know that is an accomplishment. Jenny L. - You are right, they do train themselves. Wise words from a mom of 4.

3. I'm working on a project with Jody that is rocking my world as a mom. I can't go into it now, but let's just say that the Lord is asking me to walk a path that is difficult to walk as a mom, but I'm being obedient to the call and taking the risk.

4. We had a women's day of prayer 2 weeks ago for all the women at Montavilla. I went for a friend, for time away, and to meet with other women. What I got was alot of words from the Lord.

5. okay, to lighten up. I want a Honda odyssey van. I'm obsessed with it. I cannot wait to sell the Volvo and get this van. I look on craigslist daily, refuse to spend money on worthless things, and dream about life with a van (no more conking my kids heads when I put them in their carseats, I can nurse in the car, change diapers, ahhhhh....bliss) And I NEVER wanted to drive a van. Now I can hardly wait!

6. My last 6 lbs of weight is taking FOREVER to come off, but it's my fault. I need to get back on plan. Two more holiday hurdles to jump.

7. I'm obsessed with Sugar Free/Fat Free pudding. I eat way to much of it, but it's my nightly treat with lite whipped cream. We ran out yesterday and our new budget month started today so tomorrow is the day to stock up.

8. Eloise is in a "I do myself" stage and it's hard to not take it personal or feel like she is being defiant. I firmly believe in raising independent children. If it takes a little longer for us to get dressed, then so be it.

9. My favorite drink at Starbucks (right now) is a half decaf drip coffee with carmel syrup and room for cream. LOVE IT! (half-decaf b/c full caffeine makes me crazy)

10. I lied to dave this morning. I made half - decaf coffee and when he asked if it was "his" (full caffeine), I told him yes. I didn't want to make another pot and I knew he would whine about it all day if I made him drink mine.

this concludes the top 10 random thoughts.