CONTEST. . . . .

Hello!!!

The family and I went to Champaign with Dan while he attended a conference for work.  After the conference on Wednesday we headed to Eureka to see some dear friends.  While there I captured a photo, and it needs a caption.

This is where YOU come in.  If you leave a comment with a cool caption and it gets selected, you will win something pretty amazing.  But, YOU MUST write the caption in the comment section.  If you sign in as a guest, that's fine, just leave me a name or something to identify you.

Here is the photo that NEEDS a caption:

Ok.  Comments will be closed tomorrow (Friday the 2nd at 9:00 PM) and a winner will be selected.

Happy Thursday



Beth

Years From Now. . . .

I like to think I am a good planner.  I am semi organized and pay attention to details.  I like to be in control of certain situations and the older I get, and the longer I am a mommy, I realize there are some situations I am not able to 100% control.

In my mind our Christmas card pictures would be flawless and the girls would be smiling and we would be told how wonderful we were to work with.

Not. The.Case. For 2012.

We arrive 5 minutes early (which is always good when you have a toddler and infant) in time to change an accident and comb some hairs.

I brought Thomas and baby for the off chance they might have 2 people helping with pictures considering there is only one camera for the location we were at, but not so.  The extra workers just sat around talking about the latest movies out.  (HELLO, help us get these girls to smile PppppLllllEeeeeAaaaSsssEeeee?!

After all of the shots were taken, poses were struck, and tears were wiped we were able to relax and get to ready to view our portraits.

Do you want this package that is twice the amount of your house payment for the month. . . .ah no thanks.  We just want to use the Groupon and get these girls some dinner.

We had narrowed it down to 3 pictures that we both liked.  Then, it was down to 2.

One was a traditional you stand here, he puts his arm here and the girls don't look at the right time.

OR

I hold one girl, you hold the other. One girl has a semi smile on her face and the other is in a daze from being tossed around like a sack of potatoes. But, included in the picture is the most favorite TOY(did you find it??) of the oldest girl, which in years from now will be something to look back on.

The second choice makes me tear up and so very happy that Dan and I were able to immediately agree that we needed that for our picture package pose.

Merry Christmas from The Harkness Family 2012 :)

(There now I don't have to send you a card, right??  Just kidding.)

In one month this sweet girl will be ONE year old.  That was the fastest year of my entire life.  But, the other day when it was super windy, I decided to head to a local park with the girls and captured some pictures that just melt my heart.  What do ya think??  

Having fun in the leaves. It took her a while to figure out the whole throwing multiple leaves, but she got it!!!

One little monkey sitting in a tree. . . . 

I took this picture for the sole purpose to see how long her lashes are in pictures, and goodness gracious.  Women pay good money for lashes like that!!!  Heart breaker on our hands for sure!

Time to say goodnight and another post will be up soon. . . . .

Blessings,
Beth

(Leave some love in the comment box.)

Memories. . . .

In May of 2011, just months after finding out that we would be parents again, my grandpa passed away.  It was a hard time for all of us.  He was the glue that held our family together, and almost a year and a half later, I still believe that.  But, that is not what I am posting about.

We all have stuff.  We had to go through his things and donate, sell, or take what was in his house.  This was hard for many of my family members, myself included.

I was able to have a few things that meant the most to me:

 A table that was in their kitchen, that my brother and I used to color at.  I will soon have that table in my basement (unless we can make room for it upstairs) for my girls to sit and color at, maybe with their Uncle.

Card tables.  Who uses those anymore??  We do, and for the longest time I had one in my living room, that my grandpa asked to use during a party, and it took me a long time to take it down.

A painting for our kitchen that my grandpa painted by hand.  It was an adult version of color by number. 

My parents took a small table and two chairs that Mike and I used to sit at during Holiday meals.  The "kids" table.  As our family grows, and our girls get older, they will be sitting at that same table during the Holidays.

A Jerry (from Tom and Jerry) glass that I had always loved, but was never able to use.  My aunt liked it just as much for her iced tea.  :)

In this picture there are Fudge Striped Cookies.  These cookies are more than delicious.  They are a memory.  My grandma would buy these when my brother and I were coming over.  I would like to think that this is the only time, so Dad if you know otherwise, please don't tell me.  These cookies symbolize something more than just "cookies."  These are a new tradition that my mom has chosen to continue with my girls.  My heart was happy the other day.  When we got home from DC (Dan and I took a very quick trip there), and my mom and dad(HI!!) watched our girls.  When I unpacked their suitcase, I found a small bag of these cookies with a welcome home note.  It's the small gestures like that that make my heart happy, and the fact that my sweet girl shared one of those cookies with her mommy.

*I was shopping one day when Leona was just a new born and Natalia was not having a good day.  I felt like a walking zombie and was ready to call in sick!  We were in an aisle far from cookies, and on a shelf with toothpaste, was. . .. you guessed it, FUDGE STRIPED cookies!!!!   I think it was my grandma saying that though things maybe crazy right now with 2 under 2, it will be ok.  She was right.  I have managed 10 months with 2.  There are days when I go places with God only knows what on my shirt, dishes left in the sink until bedtime, and dust patiently waiting to be wiped away, but making the memories is what this whole mommy thing is about right?**

Miss you Grandma and Grandpa.  I know you would just love your grand daughters and I can only imagine what kind of goodies you would give them to make them feel special, like you did for Mike and I. 

The end.  (when tears start falling, it's no longer safe to type.  I might fry the keyboard or something!)

Generations

I love the closeness I have with my mom and dad.  I love even more that they are able to see their grandbabies often as well.  I don't remember how often I was able to see my grandparents when I was younger, but I don't think it was weekly or twice a week.  I know that my girls are to little to remember this, but they are creating memories for the Mimi and Papa that will last forever.

*I am blessed to have the parents I have.  But, even more blessed to have them be the grandparents of my children.*

They say a picture is worth a thousand words:

*This picture has me in happy tears.  I can't think of just one caption for it.  It makes my heart happy to see this.

This too:

*I can almost hear a conversation between these two:  "Mimi, he is eating lunch."  "He is a slob-o, he spilled hay all over."  My mom is honest and I chuckle when I hear slob-o.


(We spent a few hours walking around the zoo and Natalia and Leona took so much in that day.  Thank you Mom and Dad for spending a Saturday afternoon with us and the stinky animals.




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TEN MONTHS OLD:

How in world is this sweet girl 10 months old already?  She is an absolute sweetheart and I can't imagine her not here.  

*She has 2 teeth fully in, the 3rd is working it's way in.  We found out the 3rd had came down when my mom heard her grinding her little teeth together.  Nail.On.A.Chalkboard.  Ick.

*She army crawls and hand/knee crawls like it's her job.

*She is solely on table food and MUST feed her self, or else she will not eat.  You have been warned future babysitters.

*She pulls up on anything she can get her tiny hands on, even on things that aren't supposed to be pulled up on.

*She is drinking whole milk and looks forward to each and every bottle. 

*She says Mama, dada, baba, lala, goo goo, gaga,

*She sleeps from 8/8:30- 7:15ish, and still takes 2 naps 9:30-10:30 and 1-3:30/4

*She loves to be around her sister most days.

*She recognizes familiar faces and hates when mommy leaves, even for a second.

*She is ATTACHED to her pink elephant snuggle blanket that she sleeps with.  I tried taking it away to wash it, and she felt around for it while her eyes were closed!  Ha.  I like that she loves that elephant.  I had a security blanket for a LONG time, and I turned out ok.

*She is the cuddliest(made up word??) baby I know and I love rocking at night with her.

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Ok.  That is the end of this post.  I need to read and relax before we start another day.  

Blessings,

Beth

Oh, you JUST work at home?

I get asked frequently by random people what I do.  Ha.  Do they really want to know?  If so, they will need to sit down, because as a SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) my list goes on and on, but in the end, I smile and stay I am a stay-at-home mom.  They reply, must be nice.

I guess if you don't have kids, you can't fully know what a SAHM mom does all day, can you?  I don't care what anyone thinks, I have NEVER had a bon-bon before and I don't sit on the couch all day.

I am one person with many titles:  Teacher, referee, cook, doctor, boo boo kisser, diaper changer, bottle feeder, clothes washer/folder, organizer, cleaner (to some extent, ha), MOM, Wife, Friend, daughter.

My paycheck does not come in the form of a check, but rather Hugs, kisses, drawings, new discoveries, smiles, and cuddles.

I found a poem that describes how I feel:

A Stay-at-Home Mom Am I

What can I tell you
About the life I am living
Will I impress you
With all the things I did?

It may not mean a lot to you
But my life has meant lots to me
The greatest two days of my life
Was the births of she and she.

Since the days my kids were born
Little girl and little girl
I haven’t worried much about me
I was absorbed with her and her.

Spent days in the kitchen
Cooking up lots of stuff
Spent time playing
Never really cleaned enough.

Never got the cobwebs
Dust seemed to be everywhere
But boy did we have fun
Which was beyond compare.

Watching those Disney movies
Ordering a pizza or two
Playing with our puzzles
Saying “I love you.”

I wouldn’t change a thing
About how my life is lived
Because the best thing of all
Is doing what I do.

Being a mom of two
Watching them both grow
Has brought me so much happiness
More than anyone will ever know.

A stay-at-home mom was I
Not a fancy title did I have
But I have memories I will treasure forever
Of the best life I could have ever had. 

How so very true.  Some of the words were changed to match my current situation, but regardless, she understands, and wrote a poem about it.  I have never regretted giving up my days in a daycare center to be a SAHM.  I do miss the cable TV we once had, but had to get rid of, and not being able to go on vacation this summer, but in the end what matters most is being able to watch my girls grow up.  

I know that some of my readers (Hi CW and KK!!!) are working moms and I am NOT saying that I am better in any way, shape, or form.  I give kudos to the working moms out there too.  I don't know that I would be able to handle working, on top of the household things that I take care of when the girls are napping.  

Regardless if we are a working mom or are able to stay home, we are all after ONE goal:  To give our children the best possible life we can.  So, to the lady who thinks I just stay at home and it must be nice, think again.  It is many jobs/rolled up into one and I bet you get a break at some point in your day, or can use the toilet alone.  That won't happen around here for a long time, and in the end, I would not want to have it any other way. 

Ok.  My "break" is up.  Thanks for reading!

Beth

Identity

Last week our church had 4 night of VBS!  It was a lot of fun and very exhausting.  Natalia came with me 2 nights and assisted in the babysitting class.  Some of the girls in that class happened to be in my photography class, so they were able to meet Natalia.  They came to the class and told me how cute she was.

As the parents were picking up their kiddos, one of the girls walked by and I heard her say to her mom, "That's Natalia's mom!!!!"

I knew the day would come when I would go from Beth, to Mrs. Harkness, to Mrs. Beth, to Natalia's (Leona's) mom.  But, I thought it would be when she was in kindergarten.  I sat back after hearing that, and thought about it.

It is an absolute honor and privilege to be called Natalia's mom.  So, when I hear that again from the girls at church or our neighbor boy, I will smile and say, "Yes, I am Natalia's mom," and make sure that Natalia knows how happy I am to be her mom!

I Hope. . . .

When I go to bed and think about the day and all that was said, or what was done I hope for one thing more than anything. . . . that the girls know how much they are loved.  I can guarantee most parents hope for that one thing with their child(ren) as well.

Natalia says, "I love you," and "love you too," but does she really understand what love is at 2.5?  She knows that I get meals ready, help in the bathroom, read books, color, ensure her safety in parking lots, in the vans, near stairs, etc, but does that equal love to her?

I have a list of I hopes. . . . ..read or don't, it may cause tears for some (m&d)

*I hope Natalia and Leona know how much we love them, regardless of what they do in life.
*I hope I never forget this stage of life, even the sleepless nights
*I hope that I can always remember their birth story, because that is one story that there is only one of.
*I hope I can always remember how they smell (sounds gross, but when Natalia is away for a night, I sneak into her room and grab her blanket.  I sleep better that way.)
*I hope I never forgot how they sleep.  N is a back sleeper and L is a tummy sleeper.
*I hope I always remember their giggles
*I hope I always remember their sweet pre-toddler voice
*I hope I always remember their first time walking
*I hope I tell them enough during the day how much I love them and how happy they make me
*I hope whatever they do in life is honoring God
*I hope I never forget the way Natalia says certain words
*I hope I never forget how Leona moves her hand when she is playing with toys on the floor
*I hope I am alive when they get married so I know for certain that they married someone like their daddy and Papa.
*I hope they know how special their names are and why they were named after each person.  Natalie, Rachel, Grandpa Leonard, and Grandma Marie---It was an absolute honor to have our girls named after the four of you.
*I hope that there is at least one tradition that Dan and I start that they continue with their families someday

Some photos to look at while I wipe some tears away. . . . ..

The joys of motherhood are never fully experienced until the children as in bed.  Author  unknown.

 Children are great imitators, so give them something great to imitate.  Natalia will be a great mommy someday.

 I hope I never forget this toothless grin she gives out frequently.  Her eyes tell a whole story.

 I hope I never forget the tiny features that make Leona who she is.  Her lips, the dimple in her arm, the blue vein across her nose. .

 Neither child will ever be lonely, for they have each other, always.

 Big and little sister splashing around during bath time.  Yes, Natalia has a cookie, don't judge.

My baby is 6+ months now. . . this photo was taken by yours truly.

I look into her eyes and a see such a bright future.  I love you Natalia for all that you are, and all that you will be.  

Celebrate

Well, we meet again. Thank you to all those that read my blog. It's for my sanity that I "blog" but knowing that my friends (CW!!) and family (mom and Dad) read it, makes me want to write that much more. So, Natalia is 28 months old and I figured it was about time to get her out of the diapers and into some big girl panties!! I kept pushing it off and finally, I decided it needed to be done. So, on Monday (June 18) we woke up and took off the last diaper that she will EVER wear (until she is old and then it's necessary again.) It was a bitter sweet moment for me. My baby is growing by leaps and bounds and it has been truly amazing to see everything unfold. So, back to this whole potty training thing. I had NO idea where to even begin. I set a timer, asked her and in a very nice and pleasant way to head to the bathroom every 30 min. I felt like we lived in there the whole day on Monday. Thank goodness Leona is a laid back baby and took naps when I put her down and played while we took trips to and from the bathroom. By Monday early evening I was frustrated and felt like we had gotten no where. I was searching on google and seeking advice from anywhere and every where. A friend suggested looking into 3daypottytraining.com. She had success with it as well as a few other friends. So, Dan and I bit that bullet and bought the ebook. 56 pages later I felt like I was ready to take potty training head on come Tuesday. I followed her guidelines step-by-step and Lora (the author) delivered! Natalia is potty trained! We still have the night time to work on, but during the day she is doing a fantastic job. She told her Mimi she wanted ice cream and cake for not wearing diapers anymore and going on the potty. Well, my parents (Hi Mom and Dad!!) came over today and we celebrated! Celebrated Natalia. She went from diapers and a crib to big girl panties and a toddler bed!!! She did great with that transition. We went all out with this celebration!! See..... *We bring out the fine china to celebrate milestones and to just celebrate life* *Til (nickname) We R so proud of you!!!* *The 100th time on the potty in 2.5 days. She will just LOVE me one day for taking this picture and posting it on the net.* So, Natalia, Daddy and I are so very proud of you and your huge accomplishment this week. You and I make a good team. With hard work, and consistency you now get to wear Elmo panties!!! You're a big kid now!!!!! I love you Tilda Beans. So, we can't forget about Leona (LeLe.) She is 6.5 months and just a cutie patootie! She is a great baby (we were blessed with 2 laid back babes!) While I was potty training N, I decided to "sleep train" L. What does that mean anyways?? Normally during the week we are out and about with friends or running errands (which will still happen) but while we were at home for the 4 days, I decided to pay closer attention to L and how she "tells" me she is tired. Day 1 she took 2 long naps and then slept from 8:30 PM until 8:45. The next day was no different. One thing I will never forget as long as I have a baby living in our house is that "Sleep begets sleep." It's the honest truth. When she gets a few good naps in during the day she sleeps 100x's better at night. So, I need to pay attention to the cues so that Dan and I can get back to sleeping longer than 2 hours at a time. *6 month picture taken by. . . . ME!! I love it* *Hi mommy! What are you doing up there? Bye for now family and friends. Feel free to comment. Don't judge on the whole 3daypottytraining.com idea. It worked in 2.5 days and I didn't have a single adult beverage during the whole process.

I Will Miss This. . .

I WILL MISS THIS---Yes, the mess that N and L create on a daily basis

Am I going to miss stepping on an Easter egg or a fork from the tea party set? Heck no, but I will miss playing tea party and watching N's face light up when the Easter eggs come out for a rainy day. Both girls were in bed by 8:30 tonight (huge accomplishment on our part) and by 8:35 the tiniest Harkness tot decided she needed some extra cuddles to fall asleep. So, I scooped her up, kissed her bald head and we headed to our room with the rocking chair. As soon as I started rocking, the little stinker was sound asleep. I could of easily went and put her down, but I choose to rock her. To enjoy these moments where she still wants to be rocked and cuddled. I know all to well that in the near future she will be going to bed on her own without needing her mommy and that just breaks my heart. I love this "help me stage" and at the same time I love the "I can do it on my own" stage that we are experiencing with N. By the looks of our pictures you would think a tornado ran though our living room. Rest assured, it was just a very happy, energetic toddler (that still doesn't understand "clean up.") I clean up the living room most nights, and there are times when I just leave it for the morning. I hope that whomever reads this knows what I mean and that you will miss or do miss when your kids were younger and you had legos spread all over your living room floor. Enjoy them while they are little, because all too soon you will find yourself saying "I'll Miss This!"

I am doing something right. . . .

As a mom of 2 now, I pray every morning while I am getting ready, that my girls know how much they are loved by their daddy and I and that all we want for them is to be happy girls. I read a blog today about how all our children want is US. They don't care about the curtains, paint colors, lack of decorations, etc. Natalia and Leona just want Dan and I to be present in their lives and teaching them all that we possibly can.

I decided to make grilled cheese and soup for lunch. Not a hard task right---it turned into one, when Leona decided she needed to eat at that exact moment and I was trying to juggle grilled cheese (with Turkey), soup, a bottle, and cereal with apples. Grilled cheese doesn't have the same taste when mommy burns the bread. Natalia must of known that I burnt it and that I was sad. She looked into my eyes and with her sweet innocence said, "It's Ok, love you." I sent that to my mom via text and she replied, "Children live what they learn."

It's so true, the other day she colored on the carpet in the dining room with "washable" markers and instead of getting mad or upset, I said, "It's ok, I love you." There are times when we do get upset about things (biting her sister, throwing a sippy cup at sisters head. . . )but when it's something that small, like coloring on the carpet, all I can do is smile, tell her we color on the paper and clean it up. There is still a small pink mark on the carpet that is not going anywhere and when I vacuum I see it, smile, and know that all too soon I will miss having little hands coloring on my carpet.

So, for now I just want to be present in their lives, I want them to say to me someday,"Mom, thank you for being a part of our lives when we were growing up and not getting upset when we did some not-so-smart things."

(Thank you mom/dad for not getting upset at ME when I was younger for doing some pretty not-so-smart-things, but choosing to love me instead.)

Blessings,
Beth