#CatchTheMoment365 Week 5

I know I've been slacking on the "real" posts lately, but things have been so crazy that I feel like telling stories through pictures is about the best I can do at the moment. :) One day this week, something so awesome happened that I had to take a quick video instead of a still photo. Enjoy!

1 - When the kids are finally both in bed, all I want to do is sit and not move.

2 - Reid was my grocery buddy this week. He got a sugar cookie!

3 - Traffic on the way to work. I'm a commuter and spend a lot of time in the car.

4 - This is the face of a boy who was not kind at daycare one day, so he had to wait for his Little Caesars breadstick until we got home instead of eating it in the car. Bless his heart.

5 - Waiting for banana bread to finish baking!

6 - Reid climbs on top of everything. This is new territory and I don't think I like it.

And, without further ado... Reid's new trick! Ahh!!

More to come. ♥

Your Child Can Enjoy a Dental Visit!

February is National Children's Dental Health Month, so today I'm sharing an article written by a friend of mine. Safca Frost is a mother to four, and the sweetest lady you'll ever know. Here, she shares a few tips and tricks about taking your little one to the dentist. Colin had his first dental check-up this year, and he did so well! 

Your Child can Enjoy a Dental Visit! Here's how...

Your child's dental health is extremely important and the recommended dental visits start earlier than most parents realize. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling your child's first appointment by her first birthday or within six months of her first tooth erupting. As parents, we also know that this is the age when children start to exhibit stranger and separation anxiety. In order to ease that anxiety and build a positive relationship between your child and her dentist, follow these simple suggestions; they can help your young child enjoy her dental appointments.

-Brush your young child's teeth twice a day with fluoride-free gel if he is under 2 years of age or a dot of fluoride toothpaste for children 2-5 years of age. While brushing, talk about going to the dentist, count your child's teeth, and let your child take a turn flossing and brushing on his own.

-Take a trip to your library and check out books and movies about going to the dentist.

-Encourage your child to pretend to be the dentist: count her toys' teeth, brush her toys' teeth, and even 'take pictures' of her toys' teeth if X-rays are a part of your child's next appointment.

-When scheduling your child's appointment, pick the time of day when he is at his best. The mornings, after a good night's sleep, are usually the best time. Try to avoid scheduling the appointment during your child's nap time or lunch time.

-On the day of your appointment, have your child pack a small bag of toys and books to play with in the waiting room. While waiting, engage your child. Talk with her, play with her, and put her at ease.

-Introduce your child to the staff and to the dentist.

-Have your young child sit on your lap during the examination; this will ease the feeling of separation.

-Praise your child for sitting well and showing the dentist a big smile.

Starting with your child's first birthday and bringing him in every six months for a visit, combined with regular care at home, your child will feel at ease and enjoy his dental appointments.


Remember the importance of taking care of your little one's teeth! Happy February!

#CatchTheMoment365 Weeks 3 & 4

Confession: This past week has been kind of crazy, and last Friday I totally neglected to put together my #CatchTheMoment365 photos and link up. So this week I'm squeezing two weeks together. Hope you don't mind!


Catch the Moment - Week 3

1 - Happy 3rd Birthday, Colin!

2 - Birthday party day!

3 - I can't get over Reid's eyes.

4 - Hubs and I snuck away for a movie date!

5 - Boxes are the best entertainment.


Catch the Moment - Week 4

6 - We're really not drinkers, but I enjoy the occasional glass of vino.

7 - Is there anything cuter than bath time?

8 - Sick day snuggles (he had a sinus infection).

9 - Baby's first bacon!

10 - Riding bikes together, aww.

11 - I mean really. This boy has the best smile.

12 - Reid is a climber!

13. Daddy and Colin watching the kids' first snowfall!!

14 - SNOW DAY! ♥

Catch the Moment 365 - Week 2

This week's photos are a little Colin-centric, since today is his birthday!

Ahh! My little man is THREE!

1 - Playing with friends before a lunch date!

2 - My little Apple fanboy in the making.

3 - We eat a lot of apples in the Vaughan household.

4 - Waiting for popcorn to pop.

5 - A little Where's Waldo fun before bedtime.
6 (below) - Last bath as a two year old.

Tomorrow is Colin's birthday party. Eek! More to come. :)

English Muffin Pizzas!

Today I'm linking up with Erin at The View From Five Ten (who I just adore) for Life Created Tuesdays.

This isn't revolutionary, and I'm sure it isn't a new idea, but it is one of the easiest, most kid-pleasing meals I've thought up in a while. Allow me to present... English muffin pizzas!

Ingredients: English muffins, pizza sauce, shredded cheese, desired ingredients.

Assemble, cook, and eat. :) I baked mine on a pizza stone at 400 for about 10 minutes.

See? Two happy campers!

Bonus: You get two for about 7 Weight Watchers points!

Catch the Moment 365 - Week 1

Here's my first full Catch the Moment 365 post; a week's worth of photos documenting the ups and downs of my everyday life. (Yes, I know they're not in order)

1 - Reid likes to sit on his race track toy.
2 - City traffic; a typical work day.
3 - Colin & Reid playing on Sunday morning before church.
4 - Snuggles with my big boy as he plays on the iPad.
5 - Being silly under the covers. We were hiding from bears.
6 - Stuck behind a car at daycare pick-up.
7 - Nursing my sweet boy before bed.
8 - TGIF!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

Since I love hearing about what other moms are into, I've put together a list of just a few of the things I'm loving right now. Whether they make my life easier or just make me happy, these are the things I've been thankful to have lately.

Wet Ones Wipes

If you're a working mom like me who uses childcare, and possibly even if you're not, you have PTSD from past cold and flu seasons, and you've developed full fledged germophobia. You can't walk into a public place without thinking about the fact that it's probably crawling with viruses and bacteria. That's why we use Wet Ones Wipes on our hands during cold and flu season to lower our chances of being "that family" that is constantly sick. So far... knock on wood... I think it has helped!

doTERRA Oils

And speaking of staying healthy, a good friend of mine, Corinne, was kind enough to send me a few essential oils to try. Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants (from the doTERRA website). Corinne sent me some peppermint oil, a "cold and flu bomb" blend, "DigestZen," and a "Happy Mommy" blend with a lovely lavender scent.

Each oil has a variety of uses, from staving off nausea, to encouraging sleep, to soothe a headache... and countless others. The one I've used the most is the cold & flu bomb. I rubbed some on Reid's feet to help him through a cold. I was skeptical at first, I'll admit, but per Corinne's instructions, I applied it every couple hours during the day. When I used it, his mucus was clear and runny. When I didn't, it was thick and green. I believe the oils helped keep his cold from turning into a sinus infection, which is kind of amazing.

I have also used the lavender blend on both Reid and myself to help us relax and fall asleep more easily. I can't be sure it's the oil, but he has gone to sleep without any crying over the past week or so.

If you're interested in doTERRA oils, check out Corinne's website or shoot her an e-mail at corinnep27@yahoo.com. She would be happy to answer any questions you might have.


Cozy car seat blankets

This just in: IT'S COLD OUTSIDE. When my sweet friend, Kim, recently had a giveaway for her new shop, Amelia Bee, I entered and won! I was so excited! Colin loves his blanket. You can't tell from this picture, but it's also embroidered with his name. It keeps him nice and warm, and has sleeves so he can still eat breakfast on the way to daycare.

Visit Amelia Bee on Etsy and Facebook!

Bath & Body Works Body Butter

In the winter, my skin gets so dry. Like, beyond the realm of normal dryness, to the point where my fingertips and heels are cracking and sore. The only thing that has saved me this year has been Bath & Body Works Intense Moisture Body Butter. I have it in Moonlight Path, my favorite scent. It smells amazing and feels so good on my skin. I seriously love this stuff, and a little bit goes a long way. I'm not really into perfume, but I do love the way I smell when I'm using a nice lotion.


Just a note, I have not been compensated in any way for this post, other than the oil samples Corinne sent me to try. These really are just some things I've been using and loving lately. I never plug a product or company I don't believe in. I've actually had to turn down some opportunities because I'd rather not write a bad review, or worse, lie and try to sell you on a product I don't use or love.


More to come. Stay warm, friends!