I’m getting a lot of searches for “tired eyes” that lead to this blog, so I thought I’d help out. And boy, let me tell you, I know about some tired eyes. Some days, it looks like my eyes have packed their bags and waiting to go on vacation (therefore making it look like I need a vacation).

1. The easiest way to get rid tired eye bags?

Cold. Many mornings I take 2 whole ice cubes from the freezer and place them horizontally in a line (imagine where the eyes will go) on a wash cloth. Fold the wash cloth over it so that the ice won’t fall out but still be in a line, run it under cold water, hold it on my eyes for about 10 minutes (or until the ice melts). Ta-da! It doesn’t totally cure it (and isn’t obvious right away) but it definitely helps make things more presentable.

2. For REALLY tired eyes?

Cold tea bags. Seriously, tea bags are what saved my wedding day. I didn’t get much sleep at all the night before, so little sleep that my eye bags had eye bags. So I tried ice, didn’t help. Tried these little pre-packed cucumber slices I bought, didn’t help. Finally I found some tea bags in the hotel lobby and it worked miracles.

I usually use a caffeine tea because I think I heard some where that that is what makes it so effective. Make sure that it’s just plain tea with NO flavors (not Earl Gray or peppermint or anything else. Trust me, it burns. Ouch). I take two tea bags and place them in a cup of ice and water until they are fulling soaked (doesn’t take but a few seconds). I then squeeze the excess water gently, making sure not to rip it. Lay back and relax for about 10 minutes (longer if needed).

Suggestions:

I use the ice method more often because I don’t have to lay down necessarily like with the tea bag method, even though it’s not quite as effective. Which means, I can sit here at my computer and check the weather or keep an eye on Savannah while I battle the bags. Also, using two tea bags a day just to use on eyes is pretty wasteful and not budget friendly, while ice and wash cloth can be reused. I only use the tea bags when I really, really need it or have a special occasion where I know pictures will be taken. I also always use these prior to taking a shower because 1) Tea bags leave, well, tea on your face 2) The shower seems to help some how, if only to wake me up and refresh.

Hope that helps, at least to let you know that you’re not alone with tired eyes!

Behold…

The key to giving a small child a hair cut: A sucker! Pulling hair and all…she was into that sucker and would not let it go for anything, especially not to cry.

I highly suggest this method if you’ve got a wiggle worm like my daughter. It beats screaming, whining, and getting a bad hair cut because she wouldn’t stop moving!

This amazing girl right here? Is one of my best friends, Jessica. We’ve got quite a story of friendship, starting way back in Kindergarten. I don’t remember when or how exactly we met, except that we were in the same class together. I remember our birthdays were close together, both in September, and I thought that was pretty cool. I remember going to her house and playing with Barbies in her closet and drinking Cream Soda. Sadly though, in the middle of 1st grade I moved. We tried to keep contact with letters, she sent me a picture of her and Lion King ear rings, but eventually it faded. (Man, do I have a vivid memory or what?)

I searched for her for years, trying to find her parent’s names and telephone numbers online. My Mom was sure she had long moved away from the town we lived in and we wouldn’t know where she was. But when I entered college my freshman year which happened to be in that same town we went to school in as children, I felt a little heart tug. Look her up in the school directory. So I did, and there she was. Nearly 13 years since meeting as 5 year olds, we met again. We clicked again immediately. I told her about Kaylee and her adoption and I was glad to find out she had become a Christian as well over the years. By spring we were set to get an apartment together for the next semester. Which eh…didn’t work out since Savannah came along but yet she was still there throughout everything I went through, always encouraging me.

And now? She’s spending the entire summer in Africa helping to teach children. I can’t lie, I miss her being over here in the states, giving me an excuse to go to the mountains for a visit and girl time. But, I know she’s doing God’s work right now and He’s called great things of her over there. Jessica is always leaving me emails and comments saying how proud she is of me (and Mark), how we depend on God and get through every rough patch is life stronger.

Well, Jessica, I’m proud of you, too. I’m not strong enough to put myself in a new country with foreign people and languages. I’m not strong enough to leave all my friends, family and fiancee back in another country for 3 months. But you are, and I know it will make a difference in their lives in Africa and you’ve certainly left imprints on many lives over here. I love and miss you!

Doesn’t this picture just speak loads about her and this adventure she’s on? The hard work, the poverty she sees, the sadness it brings her, the people she misses, the joy that she has this opportunity. And still she pushes on for the glory of God, I can tell this trip will bring change to her life and God will reveal big things in her heart. It’s a beautiful picture, she’s beautiful.

In the past week…

1. I turned into a look-a-like of my Aunt Kay (from the 90′s though, maybe?) thanks to a recent hair cut. Not that I don’t want to look like my Aunt, she’s a beautiful woman, but the round soccer mom bob? Not for me. At least at this point in my life when I’m only 20. Today was the first day I’ve thought it was more hip looking since I flat ironed things down more and added a ribbon headband. Expect a whole hair post flash back soon!

2. We’ve traveled to my parents and back (hence my quietness). It was wonderful to see them again! They put up a toddler swing and cleaned off the old toddler slide and she was in toddler heaven. There were many melt downs when we had to come inside or we couldn’t go outside at that point in the day. Oy.

3. Mark and I had a date night out with our friends Josh and Katelyn. We ate a wonderful meal at O’Charley’s, where I had shrimp scampi that I’m surprised didn’t make them pass out with my garlic breath. And, where Mark and Josh battled over the rolls: Mark ate 6, Josh at 5 1/2. Oh, boys.

4. Savannah is spouting four more teeth at one time. Double oy. Actually, she’s not been that bad considering, the ear infections a few weeks ago were much worse. Except, the child will not fall asleep unless we are in the room, which then we have to sneak out quietly. Or, Mark will just fall asleep on the floor until the wee hours of the morning.

5. Savannah pooped in the bath tub for the first time ever. That was uh…interesting.

6. Her vocabulary is going through the roof now. Just within the time we’ve been visiting my parents she added: One, two, three, diaper, swing, twinkle (twinkle little star, the song), pat, (I’m sure there is more). She’s even been saying some sentences like, “Where’d it go?” and “I want that” for a while now. She makes me so proud, I had to brag.

7. I bought a really super cute work out fit with a red and black polka dot skirt. Now…if only I had a job to wear it to. hm!

Coming up this week:

1. The hair flash back post.

2. Mark and I’s first wedding anniversary is tomorrow!

3. Mark starts work back. Here’s to hoping I can keep sane with him not around as much.

4. I’ll be attempting my first trip to the library with Savannah. I’m scared. But I really, desperately want to read some books. It’s what summer is for to me! Any suggestions on some good books? I love Christian Fiction, but I’m open to anything.

See you tomorrow!

Well, that vacation I needed/wanted?  Not happening now.  Savannah has been running a temperature for the past 2 and half days with no other symptoms (besides not eating much).  Mark took her into the Dr. while I went to classes today and he told us she has the flu or something like it. Lovely.

And then Jessica called me (who I was going to visit this weekend) and she has the same thing! So, either way I’ll be around sick people, and it’s better to be around here to take care of my own child.  My little mommy heart would of felt guilty if I left her for the weekend. I know Mark could have taken care of her just fine, but still, I’d want to be here comforting her.

Speaking of comforting. I’m not doing a good job right now.  She’s in her crib crying because we’ve been fighting for the past hour, my nerves needed a break. She is completely exhausted and will. not. sleep.  Yesterday she napped for four hours! What happened to that?  I know when I’m sick all I want to do is rest/sleep.

*sigh* I better go collect my patience, say a quick prayer and head back into battle.

This weekend we have the house to ourselves. Living with my in-laws has been a huge blessing in our lives, but there certainly are times when you just want to be alone; to have our own space, aside from our bedrooms. This is the first time since we’ve been married/living together that it’s been just us a family for an entire weekend. It feels good.

Our typical Saturday usually includes trips to Target or the mall, simply just to get out of the house, see different scenery, or to pick up more baby things and spend money on things not really needed (though, we are doing good at our budgeting!).  Not today though.

Today, we’re having a lazy Saturday. We’re all sitting on the living room floor (thank you lap top and wireless!) in our PJ’s, watching college football (er…the husband is), Savannah content rolling around and playing with her toys, and myself writing. We’re all together, enjoying each other’s company, even if we’re all doing different things we love.

I love lazy days. Quite honestly, Mark and I work hard and these days are well deserved and don’t happen often. Savannah is being extremely good and content today which also makes things easier on us! She slept well last night, and that helps too. Mark got up with her at 7 am, and that helps me and my recovering-cold (not to mention, my mood). It’s only Saturday at 12:45pm (and yes, we are still in our PJ’s), and it’s already been a great weekend. Full of nothing but good company.

This is family. This is love.

Savannah has quickly learned to love her veggies, which is a good thing!   She started with sweet potatoes, tried squash, and now has had green peas in her diet.  We’re still testing things one at a time, watching not only her facial expressions, but checking for allergic reactions. So far so good.  After her first bite, there is the typical, “What in the world is this in my mouth?!” look, and then, I guess she figures it’s alright after all and gobbles every last bite up!

I’m glad she’s loving her veggies.  Mark is one of those picky eaters that basically only eats green beans if he has to have a vegetable. I really, really hope Savannah learns to love more of a variety than that!  I personally love squash, okra (though…frying it probably doesn’t make it too good for me, hm?), zucchini, peppers, carrots, onions, etc.  Just none of those weird things like brussle spouts for me, please.

My only complaint?  Her diapers now smell.  (Yes, I’m about to talk about poo, so if you just ate lunch, click away now.) For the past 5 months we’ve had it easy with the classic breast-fed baby poo; yellow, runny, and not much of a smell. Well, the runny explosive poos aren’t that fun or easy, but, at least they don’t smell awful!

Now since adding solids to her diet, things aren’t a rosy.  Her room has become well, smelly.  We were only using a regular trash can for her diapers since they weren’t really stinky.  And then! I remembered that we had a Diaper Genie II stashed away.  Hopefully that will at least help with the room smell, seeing how she will only be eating more and more solids as the months progress.

I think we may also will have to resort to the “Daddy Tool Box” Breanna gave us at our baby shower last December, parts of it pictured left.  The mask already has been in use. Ha.  We may look funny changing diapers, but it works ;-) It reminds me of when my Dad would change my little brother’s diapers with a bandanna wrapped around his face, much like a cowboy.

As we speak (er…me type), I think she’s pooping. I hear some grunting. How appropriate, Savannah.  Good thing I got that Diaper Genie out an hour ago!

Then, we’re off to visit my ex-cowboy Dad.   See you next week!

I love traveling. It’s exciting, it’s a chance to meet new people, see old friends and family, enjoy a different view, and eat different food. I’ve been many places throughout the good ole USA, though mainly on the Eastern coast. I’ve flown to finally meet close online friends face to face. I’ve flown to see family and vacation at Disney World. I’ve even flown to Utah to see the 2002 Olympics! Traveling thrills me.

Obviously, since finding out I was pregnant last summer, having a baby, and now a new wife, things have settled down more. And, money has gotten tighter. But, we still do make our family car trips to visit others. Our family and college friends are a good 2-3 and half hours away all across our state. Not too bad driving wise no matter where we chose to grace others with our appearance (or…mainly Savannah since everyone just cares about the baby now! Just kidding…).

But, as much as I love our visits, I dread them. Tonight, the thought of packing for our trip tomorrow to see my family is hovering over me. I dislike packing, but I especially hate the unpacking because the mess usually stays here for at least a week. Actually, there is still a pile of laundry and suitcases from last weekend’s excursion. It will only get worse, seeing how we will be gone to the beach next weekend as well.

I also dread the sitting in a car for hours, knowing that our daughter is getting a HUGE nap that will interfere with her night time sleep. Great. With so much time in the car, the radio stations keep playing the same music that gets very old. Our CDs are old and boring, but why buy more when they will just become old and boring, too?

Yes, we’re a busy, visiting family. We make our rounds each month for one reason or another, it seems. Birthdays, holidays, football games, just plain missing family, friends or certain scenery. But, as soon as we pull up in the driveway of our destination and we’re greeted with hugs and smiles, it’s all worth it. I’d rather have a life time of boring CDs and yes, even horrible sleep, then not see the people and places we love.

That said, we’ll be away for the weekend enjoying family! Well, me and Savannah will be. Mark will be playing Xbox360 Pro Football the entire weekend since we don’t have one our selves. I don’t think the boy will sleep, seriously.

Dear Lurkers,

I’m confused.  I’ve been writing and writing, keeping you guys up to date on our busy lives. But, besides my voice, no one else is heard.  Everyday, plenty of people view our family website, some days up to 95, but no one comments.  5 comments…since November?  That makes my heart hurt a little.

Lurkers, it’s time to step out of the cyber-world!  Who are you?  Why do you read this blog?  Is this your first time here, or do you regularly come back? How did you find us?  What’s your story?
This includes you, family of mine.

Sincerly,

Comment Deprived Blogger Mom

Isn’t it funny how you can have ideas floating around all day but when you sit down to actually form the words in writing, nothing? Blank?

I apologize for my lack of posting these past few days. A combination of writers block and just plain being busy. Hopefully I’ll get past that soon.

“Santa” is bringing Mark a new digital camera for Christmas. But really, who takes all that pictures? That would be me. But we’ll call the camera his for his own pleasure, I’m just the photographer. Men and their electronics, geez. But! That means, now you guys can look forward to oddles of great looking pictures of little Savannah once she decides to come into this world. And needless to say, I’m excited about that thought. A new camera and a cute little girl? What could be better. I can already tell I’ll be one of those mom’s who spams people with a million pictures of their kids. Because, of course, they have the cutest kid in the world ;-)

I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow I am heading to my Dad’s for the weekend while Mark works his butt off, I’m sure.

Good night!