Weekend adventure

This past weekend, we decided a trip to Disney World was in order. It has been years since I have made it to Disneyland, and being in Florida, how could we pass it up. Our drive was rather long, so we spent the night, or a few hours at a nearby hotel. Sweet A didn't want to go back to sleep after getting to our hotel near midnight, and kept us up till 2 am. Needless to say, a few hours sleep gave me just enough energy to make it through the day:)

I was overall impressed with the Magic Kingdom. We got there just after opening and were able to get on most of our top list rides without a wait. Always a plus with an excited toddler. I think A was most excited with It's a Small World and Dumbo. Perks to Magic Kingdom for having two dumbo rides, and a play area for kids while they waited. Each family got a pager. The kids played (in a indoor air conditioned room) and they buzzed your pager when it was your turn to ride. Pretty genius if you ask me!

If I had to compare the two parks...I might say that Disneyland comes out on top.  Disney world has spread their attractions out over many parks, with quite a pricey admission cost. Maybe once A is older, she'd be up for a weekend of park hopping...and Disney World would make it to the top:)

Here are a few iPhone pictures from the day!

It's A Small World

Dumbo play area:)

A was pretty amazed with the Main St parade. Especially Mickey!

Zoo Adventure

A and I took an adventure to the Miami Zoo. We were quickly surprised to find only one other visitor waiting at the Zoo gate. I can't remember a time at the zoo's near home, where there wasn't hundreds of people everywhere.

It was nice and quiet.. Minus some loud chimps playing. We walked and walked and walked. I will admit, it was a bit creepy. The place was covered in Halloween decor and a little too quiet for me. We walked for about 20 minutes without seeing another person. My thoughts mixed with all the creepy animal noises let my imagination go wild. By the time we headed out, the park was starting to get busy. A had a great time and loved all the animals... And the cool kiddy playground:)

I couldn't help but to capture this picture on the way out of the park. Now if only someone wanted to stick there head into this backdrop!

Miami

Oops. I thought this had posted early last week...

Were finally settling into Miami. I feel like I'm starting to feel a little more at "home" in our hotel, and getting a lay of the land. The weather has been quite a surprise. Hot, windy and rainy. It's hard to decided what to wear. Tank tops and boots have been the attire. The forecast is looking great for this coming week, so I'm thinking it calls for some relaxing at the beach. 

Today the miss and I surprised Corey with breakfast in bed and party decorations, to ring in 29! We checked out Mosaic Miami, spent some time at the beach with my aunt and uncle ( who just happen to be in Miami after their cruise), and enjoyed some tasty Cuban food for dinner.

Happy Birthday to the most amazing husband and dad. I love you Corey, and thank you for letting me spend the last 9 birthday's with you!

Family

I'm not sure these amazing fall colors in Quebec City could ever get old!

Outdoors

Today we spent some time outdoors. We had some amazing pumpkin pie lattes, took an easy hike and watched the nieces play soccer.

Arkansas

So we're on the road again. This time were in Arkansas. I didn't even get around to finishing my post about our time in Quebec City:(

This trip was planned. We knew back to back would be a little busy, but not as busy as it would get.

As we were packing for our trip, we got word that my husbands work needed his help in Miami. After a few days and many phone calls, they had it all worked out for me and the miss to join him. We decided that flying home, to then fly right back to Miami, was a bit too much with a toddler. So we packed up 3 suitcases, 2 backpacks a carseat and stroller and headed out. We're going straight to Miami for just under 4 weeks.

It should be an adventure, and I'm hoping to blog along the way:) I'm anxious of course for being gone from home so long, but excited to explore a new place!

Montreal

Our first stop was Montreal! We scored this great 3 bedroom condo in Plateau neighborhood. It was great to feel like we lived there. We shopped at local markets, made a few dinner and took the Metro line for transportation.

The city was incredible. The fall colors were breathtaking and the history so rich. We visited touristy spots and explored little neighborhoods. We enjoyed a tasty sandwich for Schwartz Smoked Meats and ate lots of pastries:)

Here's some iPhone snapped pictures!

We made it!

We arrived in Montreal a few hours ago. Miss did well on the flight. She played with her grandparents, watched some movies and took a quick snooze.

I'm off to bed and excited for a day of exploring tomorrow! Bonswa!

Busy busy

Sorry for the lack of anything exciting the last few days. We are gearing up for a family vacation and leave Thursday. We're off to explore Montreal and Quebec City. We've been doing lots of shopping, laundry and packing up. We're excited to explore some new land and beat this ugly summer heat that's hanging around. I'll hopefully get to post some pictures along the way:)

Couponing

I have never been one to clip coupons. I would occasionally snatch one if it was something I needed, but it was a rarity. A few months ago I stumbled across moneysavingmom.com. I was reading up on ways to save more and stay within a budget. I was so surprised on how much this website offers. They take all the work out of couponing. You simply choose the store you plan to shop at and you will be shown whats on sale this week, and what coupons are available.

I choose to try out couponing at CVS. Too much of the grocery store sale items/coupons, where not for items we would use. CVS however has weekly deals on household and personal items. This week I scored my husband a new razor and even made $4.00. It took me about 5 minutes to peak and the Sunday paper and clip the coupon.

Here's the little scenerio of how it worked for me:) CVS has something called ECB or Extra Care Bucks. Its money back towards your next shopping trip that you get from purchasing certain items, and it prints out on your receipt. I started out with $5 ECB from last weeks shopping.  I bought a Gillette razor for $11.49. There was a coupon in the paper for $5 off. I also had my $5 ECB from the week before...making the price $1.49. CVS was also offering $5 ECB with purchase. That means I payed $1.79 out of pocket and got $5 off my next shopping trip. Not to shabby. Oh, and I'll use this ECB towards any future deals!

I also should add...I don't shop every week, and my goal is to not buy anything we don't need. For me, the small effort doesn't add to the business  of my day and I'm saving a few extra bucks along the way!

Coming back.

The last few months have been a little crazy. I decided to take some time away from blogging. Enjoy friends and family and a beautiful summer. I actually had no plans to return to blogging. I stumbled across my blog tonight, and spent some time re-reading post. I realized that I do enjoy blogging, sharing about life's journey, things that inspire, and hopefully encouraging other along the way. So I'm going to try and dive back in. It might take me a few days to get back in to the swing of things..but here it goes:)

Metro adventure

My friend Robin and I decided to try out the new Expo metro line and take the little ones to the Science Center. I was pleasantly surprised how nice it was to jump on the train and bypass LA traffic and parking.

The science center had great areas for little ones to learn and explore. We snuck away for a quick bite to eat at Chick-fil-A, and let the kids burn some energy running around the rose gardens.

I think the day was an overall success. I love that the Expo line is moving further west and becoming more accessible. I'm a huge fan of public transit...though it's not that great, but getting better in Los Angeles. I'm sure some more train rides are in the horizon.

Etsy

So it's official! I opened my Etsy shop today:) I finally got around to snapping some picture and getting the shop set up.

So go and check it out!


www.etsy.com/shop/kimberlyinLA

internet encouragement

A few days ago, I stumbled across a blog that has been filling me with encouragement. Years ago I use to follow along this same blog, but some how in the midst of busy life, I drifted away.

This blog has encouragement for people of all ages...but specifically lot's of wisdom and guidance for Moms.

I'm so thankful that the internet has given us an endless amount of places to seek God's word!

www.desiringgod.org/blog

Warmer days

The weather has been incredible, a little teaser of whats to come this summer. We have been spending a ton of time outside. Daily morning walks, watering our vegetable garden and of course, evening walks too!

My BFF and I decide that we should capitalize on the warm days and take our little ones to the beach for this first time this year.

We invited some friend, collected the beach toys, packed the snacks and made a lunch run through In-N-Out for the mommas.

I was a little hesitant how the girl would do, since her last summer at the beach she was only 9 months old. But she did great, and it was such a relaxing time! The little ones were all intimidated by the water, so they stayed close. They had lots of sand playing and bird watching fun.

We finished the day up with 1/2 priced delicious drinks at Startbucks. Can't wait for some more beach time fun!

Oh, and I can't forget...every little girl needs her first pair of pink flip flops too:)

My calling

My friend Kelly recently shared a link to an encouraging article. Becoming a mom is life changing in so many incredible ways, but we all have challenging days. Sleepless nights, cranky babies, whinny toddlers...it's bound to happen.

For me, becoming a mom was, and continues to be amazing. But with that came challenges too. I began to see more of my own pride and selfishness sneak out. There are days when I just want to sleep in and be lazy. I realized my dependence on prayer and the need to find strength in Christ.

We are surrounded by culture and media, and so much of this tells us where we find our worth and success. I can't actually recall the last time something in the media encouraged me about my calling as a mother.

I'm thankful for articles like this. Godly women who share and encourage us in our walks with Christ and as we become moms.

I hope you will find encouragement as well!

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/motherhood-is-a-calling-and-where-your-children-rank
(sorry about not linking this. Blogger was giving me some issues)

Kony 2012

Last Friday we hit the streets sporting our Kony t-shirts and posters in hand. Our goal- continue to raise awareness in the hopes of getting Joseph Kony captured.

We have been supporters of Invisible Children since 2005. They have done incredible things for the people of Uganda, and we hope to see it continue. We scored by getting 40+ posters put up in local businesses in Santa Monica. It was an incredible afternoon meeting new people and spreading the word!

Vacation update!

Please forgive me for playing catch up again! These last few weeks have flown by. Here's a peak at out April family getaway. Our four day camping adventures in Big Sur turned into one. The weather was so chilly and camping with a 17 month old was quite interesting. We decided to head to San Fransisco instead. It's one of our favorite places to visit. The weather was great, and we had a fabulous time exploring the city!

On the road again...

Well almost. We are heading out in the morning for a camping trip up the coast. We are going on a whim. No real plans or reservations, though we're hoping to spend two days in San Francisco.

Hopefully we will have Internet access and some point and Incan post a picture or two:)

Mommas Group

We had a little Easter celebration at our Mommas group today. Easter egg hunt, egg salad sandwiches, sand/water table playing and story reading. What a blessing it is to share life (and our second Easter celebration:) with so many incredible Mommas and babies.

Devotion

Two Christmas's ago, my brother in law's finance got me the Busy Mom's Bible. For some time it sat quietly on my nightstand, as I already had another Bible. Just a few months ago I flipped through the pages, seeing if this Bible would help me in morning devotions, now that most days, I feel like a busy mom!

I feel like life is going so fast, and some days I struggle to keep up. I want our home to be a place of rest. A home kept clean (of course, not perfect), open doors for friends and family, and most importantly, a home that serves Jesus. I want this to be something that I model for my husband and children. I have recently decided that during A's morning nap, I wasn't going to rush around and clean every moment that she was sleeping, but take time to read, reflect and pray.

This morning devotion was a constant reminder to me.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children." Deut 6:5-7

The following two questions were asked in my devotion.

1. How natural is it for you to take about God with your children? 2. Would your children say that God is the center of your life?

This definitely caused me to reflect. To take a moment of quiet and get my focus back on Jesus. And to realize that even though A is only 17 months old, Jesus can, and I hope is, speaking into her life, and that our life is a reflection of Him. I hope they can be an encouragement for you!

Randomness

Sorry for the delay in post. This last week has flown by.

Friday night we had friends over for warm drinks and sweet treats.

Last weekend we had some great family time and enjoyed the rain. Real hard rain. Definitely a rarity in southern California. It rained so hard, that while having lunch with friends after church, we were getting rained on inside the restaurant. Los Angeles just doesn't handle rain very well.

We have been spending time with close friends. Enjoying the outdoors, and teaching miss how to master the puzzle.


We visited the California Science Center yesterday. A and her friends had a great time. They have designated areas for little ones that rock. Already planning our next trip.

Oh, I'm opening up my first Etsy shop in the next few days. I'm getting excited.

Here are some pictures from the week:)

St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

What a fun and relaxing day at home! We took two much needed naps, stayed in our pj's until lunch, built a fort, visited friends and just relaxed at home while watching the rain. Best St. Patrick's day yet!

Everyone needs a little festive necklace to celebrate the holiday.

Oh, and A is perfecting her climbing skills. Today she learned that she can launch herself into the recliner using the handle on the side. Oh my!

Just one day?

If you know me, I am a fan of Toms Shoes. And if you don't own a pair...your missing out. They are incredibly comfortable and support an incredible cause. Oh, and I don't own a pair yet, but they just came out with some pretty cute looking ballet flats. Check out their website @www.toms.com!

What would it look like to go through one day without shoes? Crazy thought eh? But want to give it a try and raise awareness? Join me and miss on April 10th 2012 as we go a day, partial day, or even a hour without shoes! Don't feel up to it? Check out onedaywithoutshoes.com to learn other ways to spread the word.

Even if only one person notices your bare feet, take the opportunity to share and encourage them to support Toms Shoes.

Discipline and Parenting

It's hard to believe that our little miss is already 16 months old and that we are having to talk about discipline. I nievely thought this would come later...maybe around the "terrible two's".

In the last month, A has become quite the little personality. She has a opinion but can't always communicate it... this has become frustrating for the both of us. Not to mention, we now have a climber. She loves to climb, and stand on everything.

Researching discipline/parenting, and what that looks like from a Christian perspective, can be overwhelming. There is lot's a great principles on the mindset and purpose behind discipline, even some tangible was to put it to use.

The challenge is coming up with with best works or our little one at the stage she is in. I am so lucky to have some amazing friends, many who have many more years of parenting experience on me, to share ideas with and get insight. We have yet to decide on a method...and were learning each day what might work, and what clearly doesn't.

A friend recently challenge with to think about the thought of "otherness" in regards to parenting. Philippians chapter 2 really focuses on being like Christ by living a life of selflessness. There are some incredible verses in this chapter, that I feel play a vital role in raising children, and why discipline needs to occur.

I'm hopeful that in the next few weeks I can come back to this topic and share with you all that I've learned and how to have the most perfectly behaved child. Haha...just kidding of course:)

Saturday adventures

I love relaxed Saturdays...especially when we don't have plans and can be spontaneous. Today was one of those days:)

Since the weather was just beautiful, we decided to enjoy the outdoors. So grateful we did. Here's a few phone pictures from the day!

A little glimpse of that HUGE rock that made it to the final destination last night.

Pieces from the Berlin wall on display made for some fun climbing.

Lunch- We finally have a Chick- Fil -A not to far from home...in Hollywood. We couldn't resist.

@ the LACMA

The perfect day for comfy Toms.

La Brea Tar Pits

Our little adventurer.

Kony 2012

Invisible Childrens next step- Let's rally our political leaders and culturemakers, and get Joseph Kony arrested. Sign the petition, spread the word, and join this incredible cause.

www.Kony2012.com

Week recap

This week I was reminded once again, what incredible weather we have in California.

We took a quick trip down to San Diego to visit friends and have a few family picture taken.

A lot of time was spent outside, soaking up the sun and visiting our incredible friends... Who now happen to be neighboors:)

We got a dishwasher. I know, so silly posting about a dishwasher... But if you live in LA, you know what a rarity it is. We contemplated it for months, but after spreading an hour a day doing dishes, we succumbed and found a great deal on Craigslist.

I convinced, though it wasn't very hard, my husband to join me and the workout DVD. We were both barely moving by the end, but had a great time together. I'm hoping we can keep it up.

Exercising lady...

So I decided that it was time to get my bum off the couch and get working out. Well actually, I think that's not a totally true statement. Not much of my time is spent on the couch these days with a busy toddler in the house. I'm constantly on the go.

When A was first born, and the few months following, exercise was not even a thought. Sleeping was the priority. As she got older, we walked often around town, met friends at the park, and I kept busy around the house. I felt like that was enough "exercise" for me. Plus, when was there time in the day for true exercise.

I feel pretty lucky that I didn't struggle with losing weight after pregnancy. For some reason, my metabolism and a nursing baby, quickly shed the pounds, and even a few more then expected. I didn't have the motivation to get out there and lose weight.

One thing i've not recuperated since pregnancy was tone and strength. With time to fit in exercise still a struggle, I looked into a home workout DVD. I'll admit, at times i'm afraid i"ll give up before finishing, and not push myself as hard because no ones watching.

I'm not sure if anyone really follows this blog, but I was hoping to post a bit to this blog along the journey, and use it as an inspiration to keep it up.

After reviewing some workout DVDs I decided to stick with Jillian's Micheals; Tone the Trouble Spots. The reviews looked great on Amazon.

So even though we're still a day away from March, I kicked off my routine tonight. Honesty, it kicked my bum! I was barely making it to the end, and had to cut some corners to get that far. I'm setting myself a goal of working out 4 nights a week. I'm hoping to look back in a month, and see some pretty exciting changes:)



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Curls and bows

Heres a little peek of miss sporting her new hair clips I've been making. Oh, and I love that her hair is starting to fill in and curl up on the bottom... Such a cutie!

Recipe

Last night I didn't feel like cooking much. I grabbed a mix of random items in the cabinet and fridge and came up with a surprisingly delicious meal. Thought it was worth a share for other busy mom's like me.

Ingredients:

Or whatever you have around the house:)

1. Box of Near East Couscous ( I had olive oil and garlic flavored)

2. Cucumber, diced

3. Almonds

4. Feta cheese

5. Carrots, thinly sliced

6. Garbanzo beans

7. Dried cranberries

8. Cilantro, chopped

9. Ground pepper

10. Balsamic vinegar dressing- about a tablespoon.

Cook your couscous, let cool and add in all your ingredients. Enjoy