After many years of jumping from one house to another and/or picking and choosing which house to spend Thanksgiving, Eric and I have decided to host this year's dinner at our house!
We might have a total of 18 people....yes, 18....at our house for Thanksgiving. Wanna know the guest list?
Eric (Husband)
Me
Gavin (Son)
Dad
Karen (Dad's wife)
Ali (Karen's daughter)
Carina (Karen's daughter)
Mom
Carlos (Mom's husband)
Brandon (Brother)
Renee (Brother's wife)
Grandma
Aunt Judy (Grandma's sister)
Cindy (Mother-in-law)
Heather (Sister-in-law)
Dylan (Nephew)
Mark (Cindy's boyfriend)
Sean (Mark's son)
Do we have the room for all of them? We'll make room! :) Am I cooking? Heeeeck no! Are we expecting our guests to bring food? Ya darn tootin'! Are we doing the Turkey Trot that morning? Yes, for the first time ever and we'd like to keep it a tradition. Can we get the house in order before Thanksgiving? Let's hope so! Praise the Lord for FOOTBALL!!!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thrift Store
Ever since I was in high school, I have always loved thrift stores! Some of my favorite clothes came from a thrift store. So many bags of clothes for so little money. Well, about 3 years ago, I discovered a thrift store/garage sale online. It's called craigslist!
I will admit that I have somewhat of an obsession with craigslist. Just type in something that you want or need and up pops a bunch of people who are trying to get rid of that particular item. Easy as pie (even though I wouldn't know...I never made a pie.) Eric has even sold some of his coral through craigslist as well. That's also where I got Gavin's Nemo costume. One year, I got tickets to Disney AND Islands of Adventure...and they were legit!
Check out craigslist. You might be amazed at what you might find through that online thrift store jungle.
I will admit that I have somewhat of an obsession with craigslist. Just type in something that you want or need and up pops a bunch of people who are trying to get rid of that particular item. Easy as pie (even though I wouldn't know...I never made a pie.) Eric has even sold some of his coral through craigslist as well. That's also where I got Gavin's Nemo costume. One year, I got tickets to Disney AND Islands of Adventure...and they were legit!
Check out craigslist. You might be amazed at what you might find through that online thrift store jungle.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
What's the Difference?
Eric and I have been doing P90X for a little over 2 weeks now. Today was Day 16 and I will admit that we skipped a day here and there for various reasons. But for the most part, we've been sticking to the plan. We're weighing ourselves every Monday just to track our progress. I've always know what I'm about to report but for some reason it's still frustrating....guys lose weight more quickly than women.
WHY?! What's the difference between us? I workout just as hard as Eric does (if not harder). I eat just as much as Eric (if not less). But yet, for some odd reason he loses more weight than I do! Haha!
In all honesty, I'm really not upset at all. So far, I lost 3 pounds and Eric lost 7! I am so proud of Eric and all the effort he's making in losing weight and getting into shape. And in fact, he does work harder than I do because his job requires him to perform a vigorous and strenuous routine.
16 days down, 74 days to go. And did I mention that Eric's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all fall within those days? It's gonna be rough be we're gonna stay strong...X Style!
WHY?! What's the difference between us? I workout just as hard as Eric does (if not harder). I eat just as much as Eric (if not less). But yet, for some odd reason he loses more weight than I do! Haha!
In all honesty, I'm really not upset at all. So far, I lost 3 pounds and Eric lost 7! I am so proud of Eric and all the effort he's making in losing weight and getting into shape. And in fact, he does work harder than I do because his job requires him to perform a vigorous and strenuous routine.
16 days down, 74 days to go. And did I mention that Eric's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years all fall within those days? It's gonna be rough be we're gonna stay strong...X Style!
Monday, November 8, 2010
Do You Hear What I Hear?
Windchimes. I have always loved the beautiful sound of windchimes. Windchimes were one of my late stepmother's favorite things. I remember falling alseep on a lazy day to the sound of her battery operated windchimes. Just very relaxing and soothing. Naturally, I inherited, more or less just took, these precious and meaningful windchimes and they've been in my possession for 5 years now. Well, Gavin found them this morning and sorta disconnected it. No worries though because it's an easy fix. Here's Gavin trying to put it back together so he can hear the beautiful sound Connie adored.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
What Not To Wear
As we were getting ready for church, I needed to find a jacket for Gavin because it's freezing in Florida. I remembered that he got one from Papa Jeff before he was born. I put it on Gavin and I think he still needs to grow a little bit more before he wears it out in public.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Bubbles
Gavin has a new word and activity: Bubbles! Actually it's not really "new" because he's been enthralled with them for awhile now but I FINALLY got it on video and through pictures. He says "Bubbles" and "Aw maaan". There's also a video where he's talking to Grandpa Jeff; not to be confused with Papa Jeff. For those of you that don't know my dad and Eric's dad are both named Jeff. Grandpa Jeff is in Korea and probably the main reason why I keep up with this blog. We can't wait to see you in December! :)
Friday, November 5, 2010
Jamboree
We're getting ready to go to the Jamboree at First Baptist Church of Indian Rocks. It's kinda like a carnival/fair/fall festival on church property. Unfortunately, a certain temptation will be there: carnival food. I don't think it will be that much of a temptation because 1. we don't have any money 2. we're eating dinner before we go. 3. we have to do P90X when we get back home.
Not sure about the rest of the country but it's stinkin' cold and windy in Florida! Being natives, we're not used to this drop in temperature so quickly. It's almost as if we need a slight transition into colder weather; you can't just go from 85 to 60 over night! Who does that?! :)
Well, I haven't taken any pictures or videos lately because my camera battery died and I can't find the charger. But soon....
Have a great weekend!
Not sure about the rest of the country but it's stinkin' cold and windy in Florida! Being natives, we're not used to this drop in temperature so quickly. It's almost as if we need a slight transition into colder weather; you can't just go from 85 to 60 over night! Who does that?! :)
Well, I haven't taken any pictures or videos lately because my camera battery died and I can't find the charger. But soon....
Have a great weekend!
Jamboree 2009
Thursday, November 4, 2010
No Sleep For Me
Last night, I maybe had 2 hours of sleep. It wasn't Gavin that kept me up. It wasn't Ava making a ruckus either. It wasn't even a tv show that I had to watch. It was fear and my fear alone.
Eric left Tuesday afternoon southbound to Naples. He stayed two nights. The first night was ok. Went to bed late but at least I received 7 hours of sleep. Last night, I purposely watched 2 movies so I could stay awake in case someone were to try and break in. Here's the thing: I was being an idiot and read the local news online. Wouldn't you know it that there were burglaries, home invasions, shootings, hit-and-runs, etc. Those stories get in my mind and then it invites fear in. Not that this matters but it was raining too. The extra sound outside made it more difficult for me to listen for intruders!
I really had nothing to fear about though. I prayed and prayed last night that God would protect Gavin and me, that He would surround our house with His angels. Of course this prayer didn't come till about 2:30 a.m. but I did finally come to my senses: God is in control!
I talked to Eric this morning and told him about my night/morning. He wondered why I didn't call him because he would've stayed up with me. Next time I will definitely do that! Then he texted "love u. im excited to come home!" My response was "Me too so I can get some sleep! Love you!"
Eric left Tuesday afternoon southbound to Naples. He stayed two nights. The first night was ok. Went to bed late but at least I received 7 hours of sleep. Last night, I purposely watched 2 movies so I could stay awake in case someone were to try and break in. Here's the thing: I was being an idiot and read the local news online. Wouldn't you know it that there were burglaries, home invasions, shootings, hit-and-runs, etc. Those stories get in my mind and then it invites fear in. Not that this matters but it was raining too. The extra sound outside made it more difficult for me to listen for intruders!
I really had nothing to fear about though. I prayed and prayed last night that God would protect Gavin and me, that He would surround our house with His angels. Of course this prayer didn't come till about 2:30 a.m. but I did finally come to my senses: God is in control!
I talked to Eric this morning and told him about my night/morning. He wondered why I didn't call him because he would've stayed up with me. Next time I will definitely do that! Then he texted "love u. im excited to come home!" My response was "Me too so I can get some sleep! Love you!"
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Superhero
This past Saturday afternoon, Gavin and I attended our friends' son's FIRST birthday party. The theme? Superheroes! The location? The park. The decorations and activities? AWESOME! The birthday boy? Gabe Costa, our little Superhero.
I met Gabe's mother, Brandi, during boot camp April 2008. I joined because I had to get in shape for my wedding in August that year. After our first month, I think it's safe to say that we were the top two in that class. :) We decided to do it for one more month before the summer heat really got to us. I think we should've quit while we were ahead because it was HOT! But during the second month of boot camp, Brandi and I really got to know each other. We realized that we were both believers of Jesus and everything seemed to click from there. After the camp, we kept in touch; especially when we both found out we were pregnant! Brandi's pregnancy was a little more complicated and it's a story I can't even explain. Read about it here.
Their faith through this whole process has been astounding! We were getting updates month after month of this little child's developments. We just prayed and will continue to pray for this sweet, God-fearing family! We were honored to celebrate Gabe's first birthday with them and we can't wait to celebrate many more to come. May the Lord continue to bless the Costa family as they faithfully follow His will! We love you guys! :)
I met Gabe's mother, Brandi, during boot camp April 2008. I joined because I had to get in shape for my wedding in August that year. After our first month, I think it's safe to say that we were the top two in that class. :) We decided to do it for one more month before the summer heat really got to us. I think we should've quit while we were ahead because it was HOT! But during the second month of boot camp, Brandi and I really got to know each other. We realized that we were both believers of Jesus and everything seemed to click from there. After the camp, we kept in touch; especially when we both found out we were pregnant! Brandi's pregnancy was a little more complicated and it's a story I can't even explain. Read about it here.
Their faith through this whole process has been astounding! We were getting updates month after month of this little child's developments. We just prayed and will continue to pray for this sweet, God-fearing family! We were honored to celebrate Gabe's first birthday with them and we can't wait to celebrate many more to come. May the Lord continue to bless the Costa family as they faithfully follow His will! We love you guys! :)
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Almost 30 Moments
Monday night, my little family took a walk down to the Rec Center so Gavin could play on the playground. When we got there, some junior high kids were in their corner goofing around. My thought was that they're a little too big to hang out in a playground. But that didn't bother Gavin whatsoever. He ran around like he owned the place; climbing up the stairs and sliding down the slide. He was literally in his own little world.
Well, these kids starting to throw around a football. This concerned me because they had no control over the ball at all. One kid threw it and it hit the pole and bounced near Gavin and into my leg. Yeah, it kinda hurt so I could only imagine what would've happen if it hit Gavin. I took the ball and tossed it back to them. Then I think I got more upset by their response than I did them horsing around. They said, "Thank you, Ma'am." CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! My old weak knees almost gave out on me because I knew that I was the "Ma'am." Once Eric figured out why I was upset, he just laughed at me!
Well, these kids starting to throw around a football. This concerned me because they had no control over the ball at all. One kid threw it and it hit the pole and bounced near Gavin and into my leg. Yeah, it kinda hurt so I could only imagine what would've happen if it hit Gavin. I took the ball and tossed it back to them. Then I think I got more upset by their response than I did them horsing around. They said, "Thank you, Ma'am." CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! My old weak knees almost gave out on me because I knew that I was the "Ma'am." Once Eric figured out why I was upset, he just laughed at me!
Monday, November 1, 2010
Workout Likes and Dislikes
I like working out with my husband.
I dislike push-ups.
I like the sore feeling after working out.
I dislike push-ups.
I like thinking about the results that may come.
I dislike push-ups.
I dislike push-ups.
I like the sore feeling after working out.
I dislike push-ups.
I like thinking about the results that may come.
I dislike push-ups.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Friends Come and Go
Just to warn you, I'm about to get a little personal....
I've been struggling with the idea of "friends" lately. I'm struggling with it so much that I become depressed, friendless and alone. Why is it that once you get married and have children then your friends disappear? Why do they automatically assume that I'm too busy for them or can't fit in social time? And let me add that this is after I put myself out there and say, "Hey, let's get together..." The whole concept frustrates me and I honestly don't know how to change it.
But do I need to change it? Why can't I be content with the people that are in my life right now? The people that actually care enough to call, text or email just to say hi. The people that do what they say they're going to do. The people that visit me. The people that say "I love you." I love my family and I love the fact that they've become my friends.
Most importantly, I need to know that I am never alone. God surrounds me with His love and constantly reminds me that He's ALWAYS there. I have to confess that I haven't been spending much time with the Lord and that's probably the reason why I feel so alone and depressed. It's not my friends' fault that we don't get together all the time. It's not their fault that I struggle with my emotions. And it's definitely not their fault for having their own lives. I love my friends and when I see them all those frustrations disappear. The lesson I've learned is to take advantage of my free time and give it back to the Lord. He deserves most of my time anyway. :) Friends may come and go but God always remains the same.
I've been struggling with the idea of "friends" lately. I'm struggling with it so much that I become depressed, friendless and alone. Why is it that once you get married and have children then your friends disappear? Why do they automatically assume that I'm too busy for them or can't fit in social time? And let me add that this is after I put myself out there and say, "Hey, let's get together..." The whole concept frustrates me and I honestly don't know how to change it.
But do I need to change it? Why can't I be content with the people that are in my life right now? The people that actually care enough to call, text or email just to say hi. The people that do what they say they're going to do. The people that visit me. The people that say "I love you." I love my family and I love the fact that they've become my friends.
Most importantly, I need to know that I am never alone. God surrounds me with His love and constantly reminds me that He's ALWAYS there. I have to confess that I haven't been spending much time with the Lord and that's probably the reason why I feel so alone and depressed. It's not my friends' fault that we don't get together all the time. It's not their fault that I struggle with my emotions. And it's definitely not their fault for having their own lives. I love my friends and when I see them all those frustrations disappear. The lesson I've learned is to take advantage of my free time and give it back to the Lord. He deserves most of my time anyway. :) Friends may come and go but God always remains the same.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Mr. Personality
It's amazing to witness this kid develop his own little personality. Some days it's really cute and adorable then other days the whining really gets to me. I'm starting to think that he's already entering the Terrible Two's at 1 1/2! Or he gets his mood swings from his Mommy. :)
Here are a few videos of my jibber jabber boy....
Here are a few videos of my jibber jabber boy....
Talking to Aunt Heather
Morning Routine
Scolding Ava
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes, Knees and Toes
Last night's workout was Shoulders, Arms and Abs. Not gonna lie, it was fairly easy to accomplish probably because I didn't have the correct weight to lift. I should be lifting heavier but I was curling 5 pounds. Woo hoo. Eric used the weight bands, which I am not a fan of, and he as well was not challenged. So, that's something we can put on our list of things to get....Dumbbells.
I have the cutest video of Gavin answering my phone and trying to talk to Aunt Heather. I put her on speakerphone and his facial expressions and jibber jabber are just too adorable to describe. I forgot to upload the video on youtube but it will be here shortly.
I still have yet to find Gavin a costume. I'm waiting to hear if I can borrow one rather than buy a new one that he'll only wear for a couple hours (if that). Eric wanted to dress Gavin up like himself, kinda like a Minime. Cute idea but it's like that everyday...so what's the difference?! :)
Tonight...Yoga.
I have the cutest video of Gavin answering my phone and trying to talk to Aunt Heather. I put her on speakerphone and his facial expressions and jibber jabber are just too adorable to describe. I forgot to upload the video on youtube but it will be here shortly.
I still have yet to find Gavin a costume. I'm waiting to hear if I can borrow one rather than buy a new one that he'll only wear for a couple hours (if that). Eric wanted to dress Gavin up like himself, kinda like a Minime. Cute idea but it's like that everyday...so what's the difference?! :)
Tonight...Yoga.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Plyometrics
Fifty-eight minutes of squatting, jumping, sweating and hurting....that pretty much sums up the Plyometrics portion of P90X. But we did it though! Today, I'm feeling sore from Monday's exercises rather than last night's. However, I'm sure I'll feel pain all over if we have to do this every day. Eric mentioned how he's glad that we can do these workouts in the comfort of our own home because we probably look really ridiculous! How true.
Tonight, if I'm not mistaken, we are to accomplish shoulders and arms. Since Eric has class tonight, he SHOULD do it before he leaves and I will do it after Gavin goes to bed. I will say that it's a lot easier and more motivating when we're doing P90X together. We push each other to keep going even when we feel like collapsing on the floor.
Alright....wish us luck!
Tonight, if I'm not mistaken, we are to accomplish shoulders and arms. Since Eric has class tonight, he SHOULD do it before he leaves and I will do it after Gavin goes to bed. I will say that it's a lot easier and more motivating when we're doing P90X together. We push each other to keep going even when we feel like collapsing on the floor.
Alright....wish us luck!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Birthday, House, Video and P90X
Birthday: I had a nice birthday weekend. I got a bunch of calls and texts from friends and family. Eric got home around 4:30 Saturday afternoon. We went to that Brazilian restaurant we wanted to go to for our anniversary. This time we had a gift card thanks to our dear friends the Godwin's. :) After an amazing, meaty dinner, we drove over to our friend's house to watch the UFC fight. Sunday, we had a cookout at my dad's.
House: So my surprises for Eric all had to do with the house! We had a hideous tree in our front yard and I asked my dad and my brother to chop it down before Eric got home. That they did! I also repainted our bedroom, moved furniture, redecorated our bathroom, and painted more of our kitchen (which Eric didn't want me to do). I also got his car an oil change. And wouldn't you know it, Eric recognized every single change....even the oil! I'll show before and after pictures later.
Video: Here's a video of Gavin. :) Enjoy!
P90X: Eric, yet again, has made a bet with a friend to see who can lose more weight. That usually jumpstarts his workout motivation. :) This time, he dragged me into it. We started P90X last night and even though he has less than 60 days, he should see improvements around that time. We took before pictures and our measurements. We set up our house like a gym for the night and did over 60 minutes of P90X. Chest, back and abs! Tonight...plyometrics. Remember, we have to do this EVERY day for 90 days. Also remember that we have a 17 month old. :)
House: So my surprises for Eric all had to do with the house! We had a hideous tree in our front yard and I asked my dad and my brother to chop it down before Eric got home. That they did! I also repainted our bedroom, moved furniture, redecorated our bathroom, and painted more of our kitchen (which Eric didn't want me to do). I also got his car an oil change. And wouldn't you know it, Eric recognized every single change....even the oil! I'll show before and after pictures later.
Video: Here's a video of Gavin. :) Enjoy!
P90X: Eric, yet again, has made a bet with a friend to see who can lose more weight. That usually jumpstarts his workout motivation. :) This time, he dragged me into it. We started P90X last night and even though he has less than 60 days, he should see improvements around that time. We took before pictures and our measurements. We set up our house like a gym for the night and did over 60 minutes of P90X. Chest, back and abs! Tonight...plyometrics. Remember, we have to do this EVERY day for 90 days. Also remember that we have a 17 month old. :)
Friday, October 22, 2010
First Blood
There was a little accident this morning. While I was taking a shower, little Gavin lost his balance and fell; hitting his face on the toilet. His cry was a huge silent one until he caught his breath and was able to use his vocal chords. I immediately stopped my shower (thankfully I just rinsed out the shampoo) and jumped out to hold my hurt little boy. Then the blood came....
Gavin's top gums were a little bloody. I think (I'm not exactly certain) that this was the first time he had a bleeding wound. Thankfully I did not freak out as much as I thought I would. After I tried to rinse his mouth out, he did not want me to let him go. Do you know how difficult it is to put your clothes on and put your hair up (not conditioned by the way) with one arm let alone holding a 17 month old baby?! The second I bend over to possibly put him down the screaming starts. But we got through it. Gavin has a very slight fat lip but he'll be fine.
Tonight, I'm finishing up the surprises for Eric! It should only take ALL night....geez. The things I do for this man. :) But I honestly can't wait to see his expression.
Just a side note: tomorrow is my birthday and I'm really not all that excited about it. 1. My husband's out of town. 2. I'll be one year shy of that BIG number 3-0. 3. I have a huge crater on my chin.
happy birthday to me.
Gavin's top gums were a little bloody. I think (I'm not exactly certain) that this was the first time he had a bleeding wound. Thankfully I did not freak out as much as I thought I would. After I tried to rinse his mouth out, he did not want me to let him go. Do you know how difficult it is to put your clothes on and put your hair up (not conditioned by the way) with one arm let alone holding a 17 month old baby?! The second I bend over to possibly put him down the screaming starts. But we got through it. Gavin has a very slight fat lip but he'll be fine.
Tonight, I'm finishing up the surprises for Eric! It should only take ALL night....geez. The things I do for this man. :) But I honestly can't wait to see his expression.
Just a side note: tomorrow is my birthday and I'm really not all that excited about it. 1. My husband's out of town. 2. I'll be one year shy of that BIG number 3-0. 3. I have a huge crater on my chin.
happy birthday to me.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Can You Keep A Secret?
....so can I and that's why I can't tell you what I'm doing until Eric gets home Saturday night. :) Why? Because I have a feeling that he occasionally reads my blog and I want to keep it a surprise. But to hold you over, I have a video of Gavin and Dylan. Enjoy!
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