A New Winner and a Wiener

Welp, I never heard from Joanna so that means a redraw was in order.  The new winner is...

JOY ABAD

Congratulations!

Joy, information will be sent to you as to how to claim your prize!!!

Now the new winner has been established, I'm ready to share my wiener story.  Littlest Man has been a pretty good sleeper so far.  Going about 3-4 hours between feedings.  If you're thinking that's not very long, I should let you know Little Miss was up every hour for about a month or two.  She was a rough one.  Thankfully, her sleepless nights (and mine too) have allowed me to really appreciate my 3-4 hours of sleeping at a time.

Even though I'm appreciative of my sleep, it doesn't mean that I don't drag myself out of bed half awake to nurse and care for my baby.  This half awake state I find myself in on numerous nights contributed to quite frankly the most disgusting thing that has happened to me as a mom.

It was about 3am.  I had just finished nursing Littlest Man and gently laid him in his bed.  As I'm walking out of his room I hear the dreaded squirts.  He pooped.  Again.  I got him up, placed him gently on the changing pad and began to change the freshly soiled diaper. Since he was still sleeping I didn't turn his lamp on.  I just used the light from the nightlight.  Big mistake.

As I unfastened his diaper, I couldn't see the loaded missile pointed right at me.  For a second I couldn't figure out what warm liquid could be shooting me in the face.  I wasn't totally awake, but I came to my senses pretty quickly.  I was getting peed on...in the face...by my son.  

I told you it was something gross.  I'm just thankful my mouth was closed.  That would have been a whole other level of grossness!  

I think I've learned my lesson now.  Let Steven change all the diapers.  Kidding.  Although that would be an awesome solution, the lesson learned it to always turn the light on.  Always.  Getting shot in the face isn't an experience I would like to repeat ever again.  But hey, if you're gonna get shot in the face with urine it might as well be from this little guy...

Adjustments

It's been almost two weeks since becoming a family of five.  It's still a little weird to say, "Torres, party of five," but that's us.  All of us.

In the two shorts weeks of having Littlest Man with us, we've had lots of opportunities to be out and about.  Our biggest struggle is getting out the door.  It never fails that a big diaper blow-out occurs right before placing your little bundle of joy into his carseat...OR, you get halfway down the street only to realize you've forgotten a child at home.  Okay, so I'm kidding on the last part.  We have yet to forget a child.  However, I'm not kidding on the diaper blowout part.  For some reason Steven and I seem to produce super pooper babies and they always like to 'unload' at the most inopportune times.

Enough about the poop.  What I really wanted to share today is my first major accomplishment as a carpooling mom of three kids.  Two mornings a week I am responsible for getting Little Man and his best bud down the street to school.  I've been a little concerned that I wouldn't be able to pull off the morning carpool thing.  Thus far, I've had Steven at home to help get the kids ready in the morning.  Let's be real.  He's totally gotten Little Man and Little Miss ready and I've focused on Littlest Man.  However, I pulled it off yesterday!  I let Steven sleep in.  I dragged my exhausted booty out of bed early so I could shower before any of the kids woke up.  I got the oldest two out of bed, fed, dressed, and groomed.  Then I woke Littlest Man and nursed him.  I got it all done and had the kids loaded in the car on time.

I have to admit.  I felt like I just finished an obstacle course on Wipeout.  I'm not sure if I came out entirely okay from the experience, but I did it and I can do it again.

As I'm signing off today from this mindless rant on the newness of my life, I'd like to share these...

 {Little Man in love with Littlest Man}

{Little Miss learning to be a great big sister}

However rushed life can get, it's all worth it when I see how blessed we are as a family.

Reminder:  The winner for the Rhea Lana Gift Certificate is Joanna Cole.  Since the sale begins this week, you'll need to contact me at WispClips@hotmail.com by Tuesday, February 28th to claim your prize.  For all you other ladies, stay tuned.  If I haven't heard from the lucky winner, I'll do a redraw on Wednesday, February 29th! 

Apparently life keeps on rolling even when you have a baby.  As much as I'm trying to freeze time, it's not working.  I've accepted this truth so we're back to a semi-normal routine.  Hence, there is a Menu Monday today.  This will be quite interesting getting back into the cooking since we have had non-stop meals delivered to our house since coming home from the hospital.  I've been a little spoiled by great friends and family.

So without further ado, here's what I'll be fixin'...

Monday-Broiled Salmon, Broccoli and Cheese, and Buttered Bread
Tuesday-Homemade Pizza and Salad with Cheesy Bread
Wednesday-Dinner brought to us by the Jones' (she's a great cook!)
Thursday-Pasta e Fagioli and Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Friday-Out to Dinner for MY BIRTHDAY (I'll be 25...again)!
Saturday-Marlboro Man's 2nd Favorite Sandwich, Potato Wedges, and Fresh Fruit
Sunday-Baked Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, and Corn

Blessed

Introducing our newest addition, Littlest Man...

Born February 16, 2012

7 lbs 7 oz

20 inches

It has been five days since welcoming our third bundle of joy into our family.  We have been so blessed with a fairly easy transition to a family of five.  Littlest Man has been a joy, even during the nights.  Little Man and Little Miss have been the best big brother and big sister to Littlest Man.

The labor and delivery of Littlest Man was a great experience.  I was scheduled to be induced Thursday and very nervous about it.  However, it was the right decision. When we arrived at the hospital at 5am contractions had lightly begun.  The amount of inducing I received is what the nursing staff would give most women who come in during full labor to get things moving a little faster.  After my epidural I dilated super fast.  Within an hour I went from 5cm to 10cm.  Thank goodness for good drugs.  I'm not the kind of woman to tough it out when I don't have to.

We only stayed at the hospital for a day and we immediately came home to our friends and family's generosity. It was very sweet to pull in the driveway and see this...

{Thank you Erica for such a sweet greeting}

Since coming home we have not cooked one meal.  A huge thank you to my friend, Jackie, for coordinating all of our meals.  If you have not heard of Take Them a Meal, I suggest you check it out.  Such a great idea for helping others.  I know I will use it in the future!

I'm not sure if I'll get posts up everyday.  We'll see how each day/night goes.  Right now we're focusing on family and enjoying every minute of it.

Rhea Lana Giveaway Winner UPDATED!

Congratulations to...

Joanna Cole

Please contact me at wispclips@hotmail.com for details on how to claim your prize!

For the rest of you, don't forget to shop the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa sale February 29th-March 3rd.

I've heard it's going to be a good one.  The sale is located at The Shoppes at Regal Plaza on 105th and Memorial.  It's directly behind the Chick-fil-a and faces the Hampton Inn.

If you see me there, please say hi!  Just don't look at the post preggo belly.  It's a little jiggly and just plain gross!

Rhea Lana Giveaway Winner

The winner will be announced later today.  Newborn duties call...

Right Now

Click here to enter the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Giveaway.

Today will be the last post for this week, and there will be no Menu Monday (but the Rhea Lana Giveaway Winner will be announced).  "Why?" you ask.  Because I'm working on getting one of these out right now...

{Not my baby.  Just a baby.  Mine will be even cuter.}

Yep.  It's delivery day.  We get to meet Baby Torres #3. 

Enjoy your weekend.  I know we will.

We Date Each Other. We Date Our Kids.

Would you like a FREE $25 Gift Certificate to Rhea Lana of South Tulsa?  Yes?  Okay, go here!

Now for the blog post o' the day...

I don't think it's really unusual to date your spouse.  If it is unusual for you, I highly recommend trying it out.  You might find out you still like each other :)  But dating your spouse is not what this is about...entirely.

A few weeks back one of the pastors at our church did a message on praying for your kids.  I have to admit, I was nervous before he started.  

Were we praying the right things for our kids? 

 Had we forgotten something?  

Were we covering them enough with effective prayer?  

I had my pen out and ready.  Unfortunately I had left my notebook at home, so I did what any normal person would do.  I wrote on the title page of my bible.  Here's the cliff notes for you...

• Pray for your child to know what they were crafted for.  God designed them to fill a specific purpose.  Ask for wisdom to help uncover their gifts.
• Pray for your child to be a leader and influential.  That they would leave a positive impressionable mark on people that come in contact with them.
• Pray for your child's heart to turn around in times of trouble, because there will be troubled times.
• Pray for your child's future spouse in the same manner you pray for you own children.

All the above points were things that Steven and I have prayed for our kids, but not all of them have we prayed with them at their bedtimes.  I think the one we have left out, because we felt they were too young to understand, was the prayer for their future spouse.

Well, that's changed.  Choosing a spouse ranks right under the acceptance of Christ.  There will be no other person who will know them as intimately as their future spouse will.  And, if that's what we believe then why would we not begin to pray for their spouse together?  So we do.

In addition to praying for Little Man and Little Miss' future spouses (and when I say future I mean F-U-T-U-R-E), Steven and I also felt we needed to begin modeling how they should be treated while dating.  They get to see how Steven and I relate to each other, which on most days is a good example, but we want them to know how they should be treated.  So we booked some dates.

It just so happened that our community hosts an annual Daddy Daughter Dance.  Steven signed himself and Little Miss up.  He purchased her a new dress, got dressed up himself, and doted over her before leaving.  At the dance he paid attention to only her, and made her feel like a princess.  In fact her words were, "Daddy was Prince Charming, and I was Snow White."

{Excuse her cheesy smile.  She's in the weird smile phase.}

As for Little Man and I, we headed to a bookstore.  He loves all things Science and we were there to read any and every book he wanted.  As it got later and later into the evening, we finished up with a deep conversation over a gigantic cookie and Fizz drink.  We shared the snack, we laughed over silly stuff,  we talked about what he wanted to talk about, and we smooched.  Now the smooching won't be happening when he starts dating, but I'm his mom.  I can sneak those in anytime!

On both of our dates, we made sure our kids knew they were a priority and we treated them with love and respect.  It is our hopes that spending the time to date our kids now will pay off when they are allowed to date others.  At the very least, we will have built strong bonds with our kids where we will have influence in their decision making when choosing someone of the opposite gender.

Giveaway #2

Guess what?  

It's another giveaway time sponsored by Rhea Lana of South Tulsa!!!

This giveaway is my favorite because it involves a GIFT CERTIFICATE!!!

Did you hear me?  A gift certificate.

$25 to be exact.

AND, let me tell you $25 can go a long way with the fabulous prices at the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Sale.  The sale for the Spring Season will run Wednesday, February 29th through Saturday, March 3rd.  It is located at The Shoppes at Regal Plaza, South Memorial Drive and East 105th St., Tulsa, OK 74133.  Basically, you'll find the deals located behind the Bixby Chick-fil-a, facing the Hampton Inn.

So you want to enter?

Here's what you need to do...

At the very top of this blog, you'll see a button that says, "Share".  Click it and share this post on your Facebook or Twitter account.  Then come back and let me know you did so.  That's all you need to do to enter. 

The giveaway will run through Sunday, February 19th at noon.  

The winner will be announced Monday, February 20th.

If you're not fully convinced that you could spend $25 at the sale, here's some enticement.  Just look at the organization and quality items...

Giveaway Winner and Menu Monday

The winner to the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Early Shopping Pass Giveaway is...

KIMBERLY!!!

Kimberly, please shoot me an email to wispclips@hotmail.com and I'll give you the details of how to claim your prize.

For all you other entries, do not despair!!!  There is another giveaway starting tomorrow and this one involves a  gift card.  Now that's my kind of giveaway!

Now for the menu.  Nothing exciting, but I do strongly suggest you make the Tacos!

Monday-Chicken Tacos, Chips and Pineapple Salsa, Grilled Spicy Veggies and Potatoes

Tuesday-Cilantro Lime Shrimp with Creamy Noodles and Green Beans

Wednesday-Club Salad with Crescents

Thursday-Sunday-You're on your own the rest of the week...I'll be busy ;)

Valentine's Day

I have never been a real big Valentine's Day person.  I think girls get way too focused on the 'things' Valentine's Day has to offer and lose the focus of what Valentine's Day is supposed to be about.  Love. True love. Not 'like for a day' or 'whatcha gonna get me'.

However, I have kids now.  If you have kids you know love on a whole other level.  Since Little Man and Little Miss are getting older, they are beginning to understand the meaning of holidays.  So this year I am super excited for Valentine's Day.

Steven and I spent a little time at Michael's, armed with our $5 off a $5 purchase, looking for the perfect little crafts and trinkets for their Valentine's baskets.  I can't wait for their little cutie pie selves to wake up Tuesday morning to their little baskets and special heart shaped strawberry pancakes, heart shaped bacon, and strawberry milk.  I can't wait.

Not to mention Little Man's Valentine's Party at school.  It's going to be a great day!  A day filled with love.  True love.  My heart is full.  I am in...

Also, if you haven't entered to win the Early Shopping Pass for Rhea Lana of South Tulsa, do it now!  There aren't that many entries so your chances to win are pretty great.  Not to mention this resale sale is going to be a big one.  One where you can score some great deals for your kids!!!  Go here for more details.

For Your Own Viewing Pleasure

Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY going on this week.

I've got a real treat for you today.  Something to make you smile, or better better yet, make fun of.  It's okay.  It makes me laugh too.  I would like to introduce you to the Steven and Amanda Torres of 2001...

What I really wish I could find was the picture of us on my birthday back in 1997.  That pic screams awesomeness.  Really, it does.  I have bangs and my sweater is tucked into my jeans.  Hotness all around.

Aside from my 1997 hotness, I really want to talk about my husband.  He's like a fine wine.  He gets better with age.  Just check him out now...

This is as close to a swimsuit shot I can get you.  He's probably going to kill me for even posting this one, but I can't help it.  He's in great shape.  I like to show him off, because I sure is heck won't be showing me off in a swimsuit.  Seriously, would you want to see this in a swimsuit?

I didn't think so!

Anyway, you can obviously tell a weight difference in Steven from the past 10 years.  As most people get fatter (like me who has gained and kept 10 lbs in 10 years), my husband has lost and maintained the loss of 60 lbs in the last 10 years.  In fact, he lost 40 lbs in a matter of four months. 

Once he finished his senior season of football, he decided to take up running.  He wanted to look slim and trim for our upcoming wedding.  Every evening he would hit the training room and run and run and run.  When I think about what he accomplished now, it makes me really proud.  It also makes me wonder what in the world is wrong with me.  He got skinnier.  I got fatter.  There is something seriously wrong with this picture.

I guess after this baby is born, I'm going to have to get my college body back.  Yep, I'm gonna do it.  At least it sounds like a good plan now...maybe not so much later...

Getting Ready

Click here to enter the Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Early Shopping Pass

37 1/2 weeks.  Yes, it's important that I add the 1/2 in there.  When you're at the end of your pregnancy the half counts.  It counts big time.

I have mixed emotions about the end of this pregnancy.  On one hand I'm ready to meet this baby who moves and grooves so often, but on the other hand I'm trying to enjoy the end.  This is quite possibly our last baby.  I've enjoyed the miracle of each movement even through the aches and pains.  I've tried to stop in quickness of life to realize that I have been blessed to be able to carry my child with me for this period of time. 

Last night I made the shirts for the kids to wear at the hospital...Big Brother, Big Sister, and Little Brother.  Seeing their little outfits laid out gets me ready.  

{iron ons purchased at Hobby Lobby}

I know I've mentioned before how I mourned Little Man not being the only child anymore the night before his sister was born.  This time around I only feel joy for the kids.  They are so excited.  Little Miss was excited to see her new title and Little Man was excited to gain another notch on the Big Brother Belt.

It's just all so exciting!

Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Giveaway!

It's Rhea Lana of South Tulsa Time!!!

If you remember as far back as Summer of 2011 (I know, really strain those brain cells OR go back and read all the benefits of Rhea Lana of South Tulsa), you know the girls of Rhea Lana of South Tulsa offered two really awesome giveaways on this blog.  Well, Rhea Lana of South Tulsa is at it again.  Pushing to give stuff away.  

The first of two giveaways start TODAY!  Are you slightly curious?  Good.  Here's the deets on the first giveaway...

Prize 

1 Early Shopper Pass for February 28th from 6-10pm
(Regular shoppers go February 29-March 1)

How To Enter

Go to Rhea Lana of South Tulsa's Facebook page and like them.  Come back and tell me you did so.  (Gets you ONE entry)

~AND/OR~

Go to Rhea Lana of South Tulsa's website and join their Mailing List. (Gets you ONE entry)

Do both for two entries or do one for one, but be sure to come back and let me know what you've done!  Either leave a comment on this page or leave a comment that links up to my facebook page.  I'll get the entries tallied and randomly select the winner on Sunday, February 12th @ 6pm. 

(Winner will be announced Monday, February 13th)

Now go!  Enter to win, and be prepared to shop some great deals!

Menu Monday

Does anyone really want to think about food after yesterday?  We did a big binge fest at our house.  Date night Saturday meant burgers, fries, pop, popcorn, pizza, and salad covered in ranch.  I don't even want to discuss what was consumed during the Super Bowl.  I can't go back.  It's too painful.  All I know is I'll have some regrets about 9:30 this morning.  I'll be at my 37 week dr. appt. weighin' in.  I feel like Bob Harper will be standing there asking what happened.  Of course I'll lie.

I just don't understand.  I've been doing well.

Psh!  I've been doing horrible.  Oh well!  I'm fully prepared to do the work after this baby's born, and I'm still under the weight I gained with the other two.  I'm right around 30 lbs, which is great for me.

Even though I feel like going on a vegan diet after eating a bunch of junk, I'm a realist.  I would never want to do that.  I like my carbs and meat.  What can I say?  So here's my menu...

Monday-Stir Fry, Brown Rice and Pineapple
Tuesday-Beef Tater Bake, Flaky Honey Butter Croissants
Wednesday-Mexican Casserole and Corn
Thursday-Creamy Taquitos and Homemade Guacamole
Friday-BBQ Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Snap Peas
Saturday-Daddy/Daughter and Mommy/Son Date Night
Sunday-Dinner @ Mom's?

Be sure to tune in tomorrow...it's the start of a giveaway!!!

Perspective

I have a short story for you today that may or may not have happened on Wednesday night.  Just a little diddy...

It's a little diddy about Jack and Diane. 

Two American kids growing up in the heartland.  

Whoa-ooo....

Kidding!  Here's the story for you about two parents and their perspectives of waking up at night.

The first parent is 9 months pregnant.  She often gets up to pee in the night.  On average, she goes about 3-5 times depending on the water consumption for the day.  One night she only got up twice to pee.  This was her comment when she woke up...

Wow!  I feel so well rested.  I only got up twice last night.

The other parent is not 9 months pregnant.  He rarely gets up at night unless it's to take a certain 5 year old boy to potty who still refuses to use the one right outside his room in the middle of the night (but that's a whole other blog post).  Even still, he rarely wakes up and usually falls back asleep instantaneously.  However, on the same night the 9 month preggo parent only woke up two times, the man parent also woke up two times.  Once for a crying daughter and the second time for a pee pee 5 year old. This was his comment in the morning after his loving wife asked why he was being Captain Cranky...

I'm so tired.  I had to get up twice last night.

Since the 9 month pregnant wife is so considerate and loving, she cracked up laughing...in his face.  This did not help Captain Cranky change his mood.  Apparently the parents had two very different perspectives on what makes a good night's rest.  These two parents, however, will very soon be on the same page as the newest bundle of joy makes his arrival.  Yep, it's all about perspective.

This Time Around

When this one was born, I didn't have any thought other than him.

{Little Man}

One child to focus on and one husband.  I thought it would be easier, but it wasn't.  He had a serious case of acid reflux for about a month.  That was the hardest month of Steven and I's marriage.  We were both exhausted and losing patience.  Needless to say, having a baby was a big transition.

As time went on, we got better at the parenting thing and learned how to work together after a few weeks of selfishness.  We were elated that Little Man had been healed from the acid reflux and he began sleeping through the night at a very early age.  He became easy.  

We knew we wanted another child, but we didn't expect to have them so close together. In our perfect world our next child wouldn't come along until Little Man was 3.  Oops!  We had this one 3 weeks before Little Man turned 2.

{Little Miss}

I remember looking at Little Man the night before she was born and thinking, "What have we done to this precious boy?"  I was so emotional thinking about splitting my attention.  For almost 2 years, he had been the center of our universe.  Now my time with him would be lessened from this new little life.

My fears were relieved, though, the moment Little Man came up to the hospital to meet his new little sister.  He was so excited.

Now that we are nearing the birth of our third baby, I am nothing but excited.  I've experienced the joy a sibling can bring you through the eyes of my children.  They are each other's best playmates and love each other deeper than I've ever known siblings to love (except for their daddy and uncle...they've got that weird twin bond).  

I'm excited to meet Baby #3, but I'm what really makes my heart soar is the thought of Little Man and Little Miss' excitement.  Just the other day we got out the infant car seat to make sure everything was going to fit snug in the car.  Little Man and Little Miss hopped up in their car seats and began to talk like their new baby brother was sitting right there.  They go in his room and 'oh and ah' over the tiny diapers and clothing.  They talk about him to strangers, and love on my tummy.  It's the most amazing experience.

So this time around, I have not one ounce of sadness of how our family will change,  I'm excited.

Old Fashion Sloppy Joes

There are two ways to make Sloppy Joes...the old fashion way and the seasoning packet way.  Both ways get the job done, but there's just something about the oldies that are goodies.

Unfortunately, I don't have a pic for you, but honestly...how different can Sloppy Joes look?  You've seen one, you've seen them all.  However, it's the taste that matters.  After trying multiple recipes over the years, this is the combo our family ended up with.  It's quite the hit.  I even think Adam Sandler would be proud.

Old Fashion Sloppy Joes


1 1/2 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 can tomato paste
1 cup water
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp distilled white vinegar
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper

• Brown meat, then add onion, red bell pepper until they are tender.  Drain fat.
• Mix in tomato paste, paprika, cumin, vinegar, brown sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. 
• Continue to hear for 5-10 minutes, or until mixture is thick and stew like.
• Serve over browned hamburger buns.

Happy Cooking!!!