We're making the switch!

To....

cloth diapers!



Yes you read that right, I am going green I guess you can say. I'm not one to do the whole, green thing, but this will really help our pocket book, especially when we move to the states! I am very excited. It will be tough at first, to get all used to it but I think it will be totally worth it.

This has been on my mind for a few months now and I finally got up the nerve to order and test and then say yes! Nick is on board, but he's kinda like, whatever at this point. We honeslty haven't had to buy many diapers at all since B was born. At my shower we recieved a wide variety of sizes and then my friend Tiffany has a son that is older than B and she always gives me his un-used, too small diapers. So I think that Nick doesn't realize how much diapers acutally are. We have a pack and a half left, so I decided this is a great time to switch. We should have enough left of the disposables to get us by before the cloth ones come in the mail.

And, aren't they just the cutest?! We only have this one, its red. But in my order we're getting some cute prints along with colors and whites. So I am pretty excited to start this new form of diapering! And to think, we'll never have to buy diapers again....for any more babies to come as well! I haven't thought much about reusable wipes just yet. I think I'm going to get the hang of the dipes before I switch from disposable wipes just yet. Hehe. I just wanted to share my excited, and a few pics of my chunky bottom, cloth diapered cutie!

Thanksgiving & Salzburg

Our Thanksgiving was great. We hosted it at our house with some friends. Not a lot of people but just enough. We all pitched in for the food. Nick did the turkey, ham and yams. I did cherry pie, pumpkin spice pudding pie, lemon-cranberry cookies, and oatmeal raisin cinnamon chip cookies. Then all our guests brought something to share. Everything was so yummy and I felt so fat after we ate! After dinner we just hung out, played PIT, and then some of the guys played Call of Duty and Guitar Hero. It was a good end to our Thanksgivings in Italy. Next year is excited, since we'll be stateside and most likely be with some family!

The day after Thanksgiving, we didn't do the norm-Black Friday. We chose to drive to Salzburg Austria for their Christmas Market. We went with the Heisner's. We rented a car, since neither of us have a truly reliable one at the moment. Then we took off at 6a. We arrived in Salzburg at 10a. I only remember the time because we stopped at McDonalds when we got there and wanted lunch and they were still serving breakfast till 1030, lol. Isn't is sad that one of the major highlights of our adventures is McDonalds! Its true though. We don't have them here like we do in the states. So we only get McDonalds when we're traveling. Most people are like, wow why wouldn't you eat at a good restaurant and what not. Well, we live in Italy so we can easily eat Italian whenever. So when we travel, we take the easy road, McDonalds. We know what they have, its fast, cheaper then sitting down in a restaurant most times, and a major plus...they have a potty you don't have to pay for!

So we waited for lunch to start, ordered and ate. Let Brynlee stretch out and play in the booth some, before getting back in the car seat. It started to snow pretty good while we were eating. We then headed out to find parking for the market. Walked to the market and started browsing. It was so neat all the decorations and such. Made you really feel in the Holiday mood! The snow really helped that too!

Once we browsed we went back to the stands we wanted to purchase things from. I got a sign with a moose on it with some pine trees that says Merry Christmas in German. I wanted one in Italian but couldn't find one. Thats my favorite purchase. I love moose. I'll have to post a pic with the other thing I got, because I don't know what its called or how to explain it. Hehe.

After we were done with the shopping we headed back to the car so we could go see the Maribel Gardens. I've seen pictures of them in the summer and they are gorgeous, and they were still very pretty with all the snow on them. I'm a sucker for snow though. We walked around there for a bit then decided we'd head home.

So we decided, once again, we should eat before getting in the car( in Europe, there aren't stops with fast food places everywhere along the interstate like there is stateside) So McDonald's it was! We ate then headed out back to Italy.

This is where the fun begins. About 2 hours into our drive....while it was snowing and dark of course....Holly and I thought we started to slide on a sheet of ice, when really what happened was our front passenger tire blew out entirely. Oh boy did Nick do a great job of keeping that car on the road and get it to the side. We all got out, and saw the tire. Or the rim. Since there was no more tire. Well it was a rental, so we assumed there was a spare. There was, but only a donut. Oh, we still had over 200miles to go. When a donut is only suppose to travel 50miles. Kinda made Holly and I worry the rest of the trip. Not to mention, you can't drive faster than 30 mph on a donut....that made for a long 200+ miles!

Finally we made it home. The rental place didn't make us pay anything, so that was good. All in all, it was a trip to remember for sure! Ohhh the memories!

Day 29 & 30

In the past month, what have you learned.

Um. Lets see. I have learned that when you go to the gym/track all the time...and are in great shape...and then all of a sudden your car breaks and you have to stop going...you feel really lazy! I hate it. I had so much energy when I was working out 4ish times a week. I miss it so much. I learned that exercise does a body good. Haha. I mean I knew that before, but I was so into it and now I'm not. I can totally see and feel the difference. Thats what I learned lately.

Your favorite song.

I honestly don't have a favorite song. I love a lot of songs!

Day 28

A picture of you last year and this year and how you've changed.

Well, last year around this time, I was 20 weeks pregnant with Brynlee. So I've physically changed quite a bit! It was just Nick and I and our fur babies at that time. We were preparing for our family expanding. That was pretty much all we were focused on this time last year.

This year, we have a beautiful baby girl in our lives. All in all we're the same, except we have her. And wouldn't give anything to go back and be just us!

Brynlee-7months

Day 27

Why are you doing this 30 day challenge?

Um, I thought it would be a little change to the random posts I usually post and kinda fun. It has been for the most part, some days have been a little dumb, but other than that, I've enjoyed it! Some of them get you thinking!

Day 26

What I think about my friends.

Well honestly, I love my friends. I do have some closer then others yes, but if I call you my friend, you are special to me in one way or another. I love having great friends and don't take the word lightly. A friend is someone you can count on, in any circumstance, and know that whatever it may be they aren't going to judge you or think differently of you. I have seen this quote or saying before...it goes something like...A great friend likes you even after know you and your faults. I know thats not the exact saying, but its similar. I love it. Its so true. Noones perfect so you just gotta take it. I miss the very few friends I had in the states. Now I don't say that because I wish I had more. I don't. I'd rather a few great friends then tons of just friends that I really don't know much.

Shutterfly Promo: Bloggers get 50 free cards!

I love shutterfly products, all of them. I especially love their holiday cards. Any cards they have to offer really. This year's 2010 designs are pretty great. I love how in a lot of the cards you can choose between one photo or three or sometimes even six! Pictures are worth a million words and shutterfly knows how to do holiday cards with lots of picture opportunities! Also they have some religious ones, and very modern looking ones, to very traditional ones. Lots and lots of options. They also have the option to do folded greeting cards or the flat photo ones in either 4x8 or 5x7. I love how in the folded greeting cards you can put an extra picture inside the card in most cards! Its a bonus! I plan on doing a folded greeting card this year I believe. I am not that good of a decision maker when it comes to thousands of beautiful options! I am super excited to do my cards this year, its one of my favorite things about the holidays!


Here are a few of my favorite cards this year, but I'm not giving away which one I might use!
This One
& This One
&This One

Thats just a few of course, I could go on and on and on...
Here are a few of my favorite products they offer too!
Their calendars..especially their new designs!
Luggage Tags..for us who travel lots! I have these with my dogs on them.

The of course, my all time favorite, as well as many others out there..the beloved Photo Book!
I have 9 of them from our wedding, to summers in Italy to our first borns birth! I can't get enough of them!

If you want to join in on this awesome promotion, go HERE!

Crunchy Whole-Grain Chicken Bites

So, all I can say is YUMMMY! These were very easy and yet super good. I am always hesitant to try new things, but this one I took a chance and will definatly be making it again! Not so into the slaw, but thats just me. I'll make the chicken and probably the sauce without the slaw next time.

This is actually a Pampered Chef recipe. If you are interested in it. Let me know, I just don't feel the need to post the ingredients and details right now, plus I have a baby that needs to go down for a nap. These however did remind me of a resaurant's crunchy chicken bites!

Day 25

What you will find in my bag.

Easy: Diapers. Wipes. PJs. Gas drops. Burp cloth. Bib. Hand sanitizer. Sanitizing wipes. Dirty diaper baggies. Fingernail clippers. Nose sucker. 2/3 toys. Pacifiers. Formula. Bottle. Chapstick. Camera. Wallet.

That sums it up. I must say I miss carrying a purse! I just got a new one actually and have yet to use it. I don't see the point in carrying a diaper bag and a purse. Thats me though.

Day 24

A letter to your parents

Honestly, I don't think I'm gonna write it here, not that I have anything to hide as to what I'd say, but I think I just feel like I am gonna send them a letter, like I would on here..but not for the world to see. Mmkay.

Day 22 & Day 23

What makes me different for everyone else?

This is kinda a weird question. I don't like talking about myself. Facts; thats easy. This...not so much. Lets see. I think I'm different from a lot of people because I really do care. I care if I hurt you with my words or lack thereof. I care if my daughter is around certain people with bad language; even at this young of an age. I don't want that. I'd rather do something for you then you do something for me. I like doing that. I like giving. Also, I am a Christian. So I am suppose to be different then all others, unbelievers that is. I have a faith that, unfortunatly, a lot of people can't say they have. I try to do God's will. I know, I don't always do the right thing, I do try though. I try to be the light and show Jesus through me. I think thats all really. Oh, one more: I am a very positive person. I think very little negative thoughts and I think that really helps me be a happy, uplifting person I should be!

Something I crave for often.

Hm. First thing I think of is pregnancy cravings, which I didn't even have really. I had maybe 2 and it wasn't over and over. So nevermind there. I crave people interaction. When I haven't seen or been around anyone, besides Brynlee and Nick, I want to be around people, even if we just walk around the BX and talk to noone. Haha. I also crave the things from the U.S. of A. I know, we take it for granted. So maybe I don't crave it. I just miss it a lot. Such as, late night runs to Wal-mart for ice cream. (shoppette here closes at 11.with not many options) When you realize you are very low on gas and have to pick someone up from the airport at dawn, you don't have to worry you won't be able to fill up. (gas stations here close at like 7p-ish and don't usually open till 8a-maybe-and we can only go to two brands) So yes. Ohhh I've got a good one. As of right now, I crave a real house with non-cement walls so I can decorate and redecorate and not worry about the walls crumbling. I crave a yard, for my dogs and soon Brynlee to run around in. I crave Christmas time feeling. And cannot wait for next Christmas because it will be stateside and feel much more Christmas-y. I am pretty sure. Ok, I've babbled enough about not much.

Day 21

A picture of something that makes you happy.

My dogs haven't been in many posts, and before Brynlee they were my life. They kept me company while Nick was at work. They love to cuddle. They love to play. I mean they are always there for me. Although I want to strangle Kodi sometimes, I could not get rid of him by any means! Part of it was because he was set in his ways when we got him. He was 15m old. He has gotten 110% better from the first weeks we had him though! Kaci is a good girl. We have had her since she was born, literally. She was born next door, so it was easy to see and play with her from day one. Kodi is actually her dad. Now of course, since they know no different, we call them brother and sister. There ya go, my dogs make me happy!

Day 20

Someone you see yourself marrying/being with in the future or about your spouse.

Well, since I am married already, and don't plan on getting married again, I will talk about my wonderful husband for a bit. Hehe.

We've known each other since 2003. We met when we both worked at the movie theatre(first job) and started dating in Aug of 2004. Nick asked me to marry him on Christmas day 2005. We had a pretty long engagement, and I can't even tell you why. It wasn't intentional, probably because we didn't really have much means of supporting ourselves..haha..what would be the point of getting married if we still had to live at home!? Anywho..we got married in May 2007. Coming up on 4 years ago, whew! We have a gorgeous daughter, born April 1,2010. We plan on having one more...who knows when. Nick is in the Air Force and we've called Italy our home for the last (almost) 3 years. We just got our assignment to move to Moody AFB in Georgia. We are pretty excited, but yet nervous. Italy was our first home together...(he left for Basic a month after being married, gone for 6m then we moved to Italy) so it will be sad to leave. Its the life. Nick is a great husband and daddy. Brynlee is so in love with him...and he always is saying how pretty she is and adorable and kisses her and plays with her when he gets home. I love watching them together. Oh, I'm actually older then Nick. By 11 months. Haha. He graduated a year later then me, so when we started dating I had already graduated and he was starting his Senior year of HS. Yeah yeah. Now that this is all mumble jumbled together and such, I'm done. I love my husband more than words can express, 'nuff said.

Day 19

Nicknames you have and why you have them.

Well I don't have many. Lets see, my dad calls me Tiffy, always has. My mom calls me Doll or Dolly..to this day lol. Tiff-people that I don't even know well call me that...its an obvious one though. I think thats really it. Besides the pet names Nick calls me. Hehe.

Awe

Here is a video of Brynlee while we were at my mom's & nana and papa's house in Sept/Oct. This was the first couple times she did this. For a long while we couldn't get her to do it again, but just this week she started doing it again! Nick was very excited since he didn't get to see her in person do this and now she does!

Day 18

Plans/dreams/goals I have.

Hmm. I'd like to take some photography classes to boost my confidence and ability. Also to learn the ins and outs of my camera better. And possibly a couple Photoshop ones as well. One day I would love to open my own photography buisness. It'd be perfect to be able to do what I love to do and stay home with the kid(s). That is my number one goal in life though, to stay home and raise our children. I have always thought and hoped to be a stay at home mommy, and now that I am blessed to be able to do so, I am forever grateful. So, to sum it up; be the best wife I can be, the worlds greatest mommy, then comes my photo stuff. Granted, the first two are going to take up a lifetime to fullfill. Fine by me, in the mean time, I hope I can accomplish the photography classes and possibly buisness in the end.

Day 17

Someone you'd want to trade lives with for a day and why.

This one's tough. Because I love my life and wouldn't trade it for anything. I think I'm gonna go with the Queen of England. She gets lots of respect and is known everywhere. Hey its just a day, I could do it!

Day 16

Another picture of yourself.

This is at my dad's house this past September. My dad and I were about to go on a motorcycle ride. I miss those! Dad and I used to go on rides a lot when I lived at home still.

Day 15

Put your ipod on shuffle and the first 10 songs that play.

-I Got You: Third Day

-When You Got a Good Thing: Lady Antebellum

-Mighty is the Power of the Cross: Chris Tomlin

-Unapologize: Carrie Underwood

-Slow Fade: Casting Crowns

-Fearless: Taylor Swift

-Independance Day: Martina McBride

-She's Country: Jason Aldean

-Love Song: Third Day

-All Bow Down: Chris Tomlin

Yeah its not much of a variety. I did however, just have to erase my whole ipod and get new music. So I don't have a ton, but its all my favorites. Worship and Country. LOL. Thats me!

Day 14

A picture of you and your family

Top one is our little family now. Minus the puppies.

(we have yet to get one of all 5 of us)

Technically, the bottom one is of all 5 of us, Brynlee is in my belly! That was Winter of 2009.

Day 13

A letter to someone that has hurt you recently.

I've opted out of this one. For two reasons. One, noone has really hurt me lately, and two, its not the worlds buisness to know about it anywho!

Another month gone by...

**Updated**

*7 months old*

What Miss Brynlee has been up to:

*She is 16 pounds and 26 inches.
She absotlutely loves to talk and sing.
She still wears size 2 diapers.
She loves to stand, and stands holding things, doesn't pull up herself though.
She can wear lots of different size clothes. Ranging from 0-3/3-6/6-9.
She rolls everywhere.
She scoots somehow, lol.
She eats cereal in the morning and loves it (with applesauce)
She has eaten sweet potatos, sweet carrots, avacado, mashed potatos, and pears.(baby food)
Doesn't care for avacado and mashed potatos (those were actually NOT baby food)
She loves apples in her teether feeder.
She adores her puppies, they walk in the room and she smiles so big.
Everything goes in her mouth.
Her first tooth has made its breakthrough. Still hard to see, but you can feel it.
Takes 4 naps a day still. Which Mama loves! hehe.
She is a people watcher, just like her parents.
Still sleeps through the night. Again, mama loves that too!

I love her so much and love seeing all the things she learns everyday. She is so smart and can make a bad day good with just her big gummy smile. I am sad to see her grow because I love how she's my baby, but can't wait to see the little lady she turns into. Love you B!

Day 12

How I found out about Blogger and why I made one.

I actually remember reading my friend Arlene's blog for awhile before I decided to make one. I made a Photography one first, then ended up making a family one. I love it for keeping in touch with the U.S. while we are here in Italy. I love blog hopping and being able to go back and see old posts and so on. I think its fun and I don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon!

Home is where the Air Force sends us....

...and our new home is going to be...

Moody AFB

We are pretty excited! Neither of us has ever lived in the East Coast, so that will be a change in itself. I'm pretty excited that Brynlee will probably have some sort of southern accent, since she will be starting to talk when we move. We are leaving this gorgeous country of Italy in February. We have been so blessed to be able to live here and enjoy the perks of traveling around Europe. We are excited to get back to the states, to be closer to family. Or at least easier to get to family (no ocean to jump) but we will miss Aviano. Maybe not the base itself, but the area and most definatly the great friends we have made here. Ohhh the life of the military family.