Difference of a Dining Table

Our old dining table didn't fit it in our new house. The truth is we never really liked that table anyway. Hardly used it. Sat in front of the TV with our food and ate.

While we were at Ikea we found a perfect table for the space we have now.


(Ours is actually black)

Ash was so excited about the new table that he actually fulfilled one of my latest dreams... we now eat at the dining table!

I know... why didn't we do it before?

It actually makes a world of difference in how Ash eats. He is more focused on his food and eats better. Without half the prodding we used to have to give him. It is awesome.

I told him we would sit there and talk about what we did that day, so the first night he gets up in the chair and says "so what you do today mama?" So cute.

Mommy Tip: Spoiling your kids

That's right... this tip is how to spoil your kids (rather than the obvious NOT spoiling your kids).

I'm writing it this way because I don't know any better. I've spoiled my little guy ROTTEN. What I'm hoping is that by showing all the ways you CAN spoil your kids, that maybe some of us (*cough* me included *cough cough*) will learn how to reign it in and gain control of the spoiling situation.

So... here's how I tend to spoil my child:

* buy 5 million x-mas, birthday, and assorted holiday presents
* make special trips every now and then to the toy store just to buy a new toy
* try to get all the Disney Cars (they made one for almost EVERY car in the movie)
* allow your child to visit the toy section of every store you visit and then purchase any toy they REALLY like. (umm... they always REALLY like at least one)
* look at every toy you pass by wondering if your child would REALLY like it
* notice how they REALLY like a friends toy and run right out to purchase it
* use toys as bribes (see post below)

I thought for sure I was on the path to a cure before Christmas. I had decided only to purchase the toys on my child's letter to Santa. That was before I took my child to the store and saw how much he also loved like three more toys that weren't on his list and also purchased those.

I'm not sure I'll ever learn... maybe when I have more kids it will get easier.

As for now... we're just happy we have a whole room to throw all those toys in.

Hide My Credit Cards

Have you discovered the awesomeness of etsy.com?

I am a newbie.

It all started with the house hunt. The idea of walls that I can actually paint and hang things on had me dreaming of decorations in all varieties. Oh, the excitement of color swatches and paint samples. I'm actually really excited.

My first purchase is for Ash's room... I decided to go with a "Where the Wild Things Are" theme. (Since he loves the Wild Things) I found this and I think it's perfect.


It does look at a little scary, but the book IS A LITTLE SCARY. Ash still loves it. I showed him this picture and he said "MAX!"

We've made an offer on a house... if it all works out this might be the very first thing I frame and hang. I'm so excited and nervous. We told Ash he might be moving to a new house and he said, "but this where Asher live, mama." Then I explained about the trampoline at the new house and he quickly changed his mind.

"Asher's new house have trampoline, mama."

House Hunting

Now that the house market has settled down we have decided to look for a home to purchase. This is a BIG step for us. Our first house!

When Tom and I got married, Tom was just trying to get into pharmacy school. We had no idea where he'd end up going to school, so we decided to just rent for a year until we figured it out. By the time we found out Tom got accepted to the U of U, the market went OUT OF CONTROL.

We couldn't afford ANYTHING (being starving students and all).

I'd constantly check the house prices, and finally one day *HOORAY* there were houses we could actually afford.

I got a nice Realtor (he's my parent's home teacher and they gave him two thumbs up). His name is Lonnie. Every house we go to Asher screams "where's Lonnie" anytime he gets out of eye site. He says they are 'buddies.' Sometimes he even calls him DAD. That was a little awkward.

Ash has been a trooper through the house hunt. He actually likes it. Every house has stuff to look at (sometimes play with if I'm not watching close enough... lots of hand wipes were used) or couches to jump on.

I think we are getting close to finding something. It's really exciting to think about. Oh the space! I can just imagine it now. Room to breathe without toys crowding me, and a BACKYARD. Yes, a BACKYARD!

One day soon... I can't wait!