4

I know I always use the excuse that life is crazy for not blogging, and it's true, but I've realized it's just life, and I'm not sure it's going to get any less crazy any time soon. 

So, the big deal around here recently is that Aiden turned 4 on Sunday.  I cannot believe he is 4.  I love this kid...

I have to admit that I have some guilt about his birthday last year.  If you remember, I was terribly sick with migraines from pregnancy.  It was probably the most difficult time of my life.  I know that sounds a bit dramatic, but to be so sick like that and not able to take care of my family, it was really difficult.  And these past few weeks have made me remember that time last year.  I remember having to cancel Aiden's friend birthday party because I was too sick.  I remember the day of his family birthday party, when we announced I was pregnant.  I got one of the worst headaches that morning and I remember sitting on the edge of our bed wondering how I was going to get myself downstairs.  I remember sending Aiden to school for his Valentine's party and feeling guilty about the lack of effort put into his Valentine's.  

Remembering that season in life, I feel overwhelmed with joy about the blessing that came out of that....

and I would definitely do it all over again.  But, I feel so blessed with where we are now, the family we have, and being healthy is an amazing blessing in and of itself.  

So, this year, I've decided to go all out for Aiden's birthday.  He really gets it this year, so it's been so fun to plan things with him and see the excitement he has.  He also is just so sweet and appreciative, which makes doing things for him so fun.

So last Saturday we had his "friend" party at the YMCA, and it was a success.  

He had a blast and we really enjoyed getting to see him with all his friends.  

I also was able to help out with Aiden's Valentine's Day party at school, which I loved doing.  He's growing up so fast.   I love seeing him interract with his teachers and peers.  I am a very proud mama.  

Tomorrow we are having family over to celebrate and I'm planning on doing a bubblegum-themed party because we made a big deal about Aiden not being allowed to chew gum until he turned 4.  He now asks for gum from the time he wakes up in the morning.

So, I'm hoping to be back soon with more pictures.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!  

Surviving Winter: Dry Skin

Writing this post seems a little silly since it has not felt like winter around here at all recently.  It was 64 degrees yesterday...it's strange, but I like it because I really do loathe winter.  I loved being able to run out yesterday with no jacket on, no heating up the car.  I'm sure we have some cold days ahead, but I will enjoy the mild winter as long as it lasts.

On that note, one of the reasons I have a hard time with winter is my skin.  I have terribly dry skin and in the winter it is horrible, and I hate it.  So I thought I would share a couple of my go-to products.

Rosebud salve

This stuff is awesome.  I have been using it for years and in the winter I basically use it anywhere that I have dry skin.  At night I often slather it on my cheeks or under my eyes before bed because I get really dry in those areas.  Also, right now I have a cold and have that horrible under-the-nose raw skin.  So I put it there too.  It also says on the package that you can use it for diaper rash- which I've never tried but wouldn't doubt that it would work.  Also, this little tin lasts forever, like years.

Neutrogena hand cream

I will attribute using this to my mother.  She informed me of this stuff way back in the day- probably while I was in high school.  My hands get so dry in the winter they often crack and bleed.  I use this every night before bed because it is kind of greasy and it usually keeps my hands moisturized through the next day.  I still try and use just regular hand lotion during the day, but this is the stuff that I need to use every night or my hands will start to crack.  Also, a little goes a long way, so it also lasts a long time.

Neutrogena body oil

I don't have this issue all the time, but sometimes the skin on my body gets so dry that body lotion just doesn't cut it.  When I was pregnant with Aiden (who was born in February) my skin was so dry and itchy it was awful.  I used this stuff every day.  Again, I find it best to use at night before bed.  I shower and then while your skin is damp you slather it on.  My skin has to be pretty dry and bothersome to do this, but if it is, this stuff works great.  The next morning when I wake up, I feel so much better.  It also has this very light scent that I love.

As I write this, I'm realizing that all of these things I use at night so they can work while I'm sleeping.  And by sleeping I mean nursing Brady.

So, there is my 2 cents on battling dry skin.  I hope like me, you are enjoying the more mild weather so  far.  And, Happy Groundhog Day! Apparently he saw his shadow.