Parenthood changes aspects of your friendships

Over the last week we were able to hook up with two couples or I should say families that are dear and near to our heart. We have known these individuals even before they were married.

While hanging out with both couples I realized how are relationship dynamics have changed. When getting together with these couples we use to meet up and watch a movie, play board games, and other fun things. Now are hangouts are centered around watching, playing, and loving on the kids. One other major thing that has changed is our conversation topics. Here are some examples of our conversations that I remembered from the past and observed now in the present :

Past conversation topics(as Non-Parents)

• Dynamics of marriage life
• Extended family
• Movies we seen lately
• Where we want to go on our next vacation
• World Events
• Dreams and Goals
• God
• Work

Present Conversation Topics(as Parents)

• Babies daily routines
• Feeding schedules
• Sleep deprivation
• Babies weight patterns
• Immunizations
• Breast Feeding
• Marriage dynamics with the kids
• Passing along gently used baby clothes
• Believing God for provision for a growing family 

I am glad I can still call these wonderful couples friends, despite life changes. And I feel blessed to be adventuring through Parenthood with great friends.

We met the Stoke's Family for Coffee and Dessert. The Fellowship and Dessert was so good and refreshing!!!

We were invited to the Osborne's Annual Barbeque!!! We took a plate home and smiling hearts after spending time with them.

Grandparents Day 2011!

I have never heard of Grandparents Day until this year. One day last month I walked into Target and seen Grandparents Day Cards on display with the date 9-11-11 under it. At first I thought it was Hallmarks way to make more money. But after thorough research I realized that I was wrong.....

National Grandparents Day originated with Marian McQuade, a housewife in Fayette County, West Virginia. Her primary motivation was to champion the cause of lonely elderly in nursing homes. She also hoped to persuade grandchildren to tap the wisdom and heritage their grandparents could provide. President Jimmy Carter, in 1978, proclaimed that National Grandparents Day would be celebrated every year on the first Sunday after Labor Day. 

I am a firm believer that you are accountable for what you know. With that being said my husband and I decided to show recognition to our kids Grandparents this year( since my kiddos are too young to do it themselves). We blessed the Grandparents by taking them out to eat and spending quality time....exactly what they wanted and enjoyed.My In-laws and my Parents have been there to support, encourage, and help from the very beginning. Beginning, being when we found out we were pregnant with our first. I think that it is great that Grandparents get their own day because they deserve it!!

The Kiddo's and I took Mama to MiMi's for Lunch.

The Bells had a great time over Pavlo's Pizza!

If only my Dad and Mama-Frances was in the same state..... we would of treated them too!

Oh how he loves him some PB&J!

As you can see from the pictures above PB&J(Peanut Butter& Jelly) is a favorite for my kid. PB&J sandwich is delicious, but not necessarily always healthy. When PB&J sandwiches are made, they usually contain peanut butter that has a lot of salt and sugar, jelly that has a lot of sugar, and white bread that’s very low in fiber. There’s a way to make this sandwich healthier, while also keeping it delicious!

Here are 3 ways I am attempting to make a healthier PB&J Sandwich...

Because just adjusting the three main ingredients in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich can greatly decrease the amount of sugar intake, while also increasing the amount of fiber in the sandwich. Which is all good for my boys growing body!!!

• 1. Looking for a high fiber whole grain bread that comes with 3-4 grams of fiber per slice.
• 2. When choosing peanut butter, get natural peanut butter. You’ll know it’s natural, because it will have oil that’s floated to the top of the container.
• 3. When choosing jellies, get a jelly that is made with all fruit, and don’t have any added sweeteners.

Changing my focus and thinking!!!

I had a rough night at work last night. While driving home I replayed everything that I felt went wrong with the night. I felt horrible. Then I heard God say I had a choice to dwell and focus on the night or to choose to move on. I chose to move on after sharing it with my husband. I realized that I learned a lot at work despite it being rough. I decided not to talk about it any longer and that it was in the past. I chose to live in the now and enjoy the rest of my day.

I am so glad I did this and I ended up not missing one of the best moments with my kids. I took them to the park in the late afternoon. We swung on the swings, went down the slide, and had a fruit picnic as we watched a kids soccer practice. Both kids were great, the weather was great, the fruit was great, and I then remembered that life is great!