Monday, December 31, 2012

Hey!

I've been a bit busy since my last blog post. I hope y'all can forgive me! UPDATE: Trav and I are busy packing and such. James is teething. He's started to grind his teeth which makes my ears bleed! I caught a little bit of a stomach bug which is awful by itself. I add in the toddler banging on the bathroom door screaming to get in while I'm sick face. Add that factor in and it's a million times worse. Luckily Trav was home when it was the worst.

It's New Years Eve and my hubby has to work tonight :( But it's all good! I plan on spending my night catching up on this blog, reading, convincing James to sleep in his crib (he's been über attached this past month), and watching Doctor Who episodes once James passes out! Woot! If I'm lucky Trav will make it home in time for a midnight kiss.



Will post resolutions later!



Seriously anyone who actually reads this? I love you and wish you a very Happy New Year!

Monday, December 24, 2012

Christmas Eve

Yesterday was a little insane.


Traveling around the holidays is always crazy, but if you add a toddler and a full heavy diaper bag on top of all of that things get a little intense.

Once we got to the gate it was all good. I spent about two hours...(yeah I got there real early) chasing and playing with James. He met some awesome little boys and played with them for awhile. And then the boys had to get onto another plane. Well that went well as you can imagine... As I like to say "LET THE DRAMA COMMENCE". At this point I'm so hungry I'm like frantically eating his trail mix. (James loves raisins.) And this really nice family with s thick Northern New Mexican accent bought me dinner. I was almost in tears. They could tell I was getting hungry and tired. They figured I needed some energy to keep up with my little one. This was the FIRST act of kindness that ensued this whole trip.

Haven't gotten to eat my food yet, but it's in my bag smelling delicious. We finally get to start boarding and I'm carrying WAY too much plus a toddler who at this point is so tired he is throwing his head back in frustration. The father of the family that bought me dinner boarded the plane with me and helped me with my bags. He made sure I got to my seat okay continuing to amaze me with their generosity...oh he was also with his elderly mother who was in a wheel chair who could probably have used more help than I, but still helped me anyway.

James nurses a little and passes out. I inhale my dinner and as people were boarding they were all pretty much avoiding the sitting next to a baby. I don't blame them. A really nice old man sat next to me and said "You look like you could use some company". I'm thinking "Well shoot do I look that frazzled?" But he was very right. I enjoy meeting strangers on the plane...it's literally my favorite thing about flying. So we talked the whole way!

James woke up about five minutes before we landed. This old man helped me with my bag which I can't stress enough how heavy that thing can get! I was again almost in tears from all this kind people I was meeting.


Baggage Claim:

A mothers traveling alone's worst nightmare. Go figure our car seat and huge suitcase is one of the last to come out. James is kicking and screaming. I'm getting a lot of unapproving looks. Nothing I'm doing is calming him down. He wants to run to the conveyer belt. That's when I had my mommy melt down in a room full of strangers. Tears are flowing down my face as well as my child's.


Up comes a woman who very well could have left with her kids and husband. She grabs my bags tells me she's "been there". While another gentleman probably about twenty carries my carseat outside.

She hands me a tissue and reassures me she's had many public melt downs.


I wait for my mother in law with a screaming child in my hands (didn't take her long to find us haha) and then we laughed about all the crazy in the car.



I can't stop thinking about all those amazing people that helped a frazzled mama out. I can't fully express how grateful I am.
This was truely living out a Christ like example. When we were snuggled in our bed I thanked God for presenting me with such kindness. I'm officially in the Christmas Spirit!




HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Oh! Don't forget to watch the Doctor Who Christmas Special!

Yay evil snowmen!

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Oy

My poor child. We are in Santa Fe NM and it's been beautiful but James is having sort of a rough time. He has some serious separation anxiety soooo anyone who has been through that or going through it now lend me some advice?






I'm trying to introduce a snuggle buddy also knows as a ''lovie''. But I still breast feed so I'm basically the lovie.

My lovie which I still have is a pretty raggedy blanket named Red. Can you guess what color he is? And yes I have always used male pronouns with my baby blanket...not really sure why. I remember I was thinking so very hard about what to name this vibrant blanket...I woke up my parents in the middle of the night after weeks of deciding to tell them ''his name is Red''. I'm sure my parents were thinking they had a real smart girl on their hands. Captain obvious has been one of my nicknames for a reason.
My blanket is always cold no matter what, which I have always liked. It was my Linus blankie and I took that thing EVERYWHERE!

Sometimes if my husband is away for a night I bring it out of its box and admire the cool feeling, the rips, the tear stains that couldn't be thwarted by the washing machine, and the feeling of comfort I get just looking at it. I didn't have to run into my parents room on spooky nights because I had my Red. and that right there is why I'm for a lovie. Its nice to know your buddy will help you out when you are in need.



LONG LIVE THE LOVIES.

You are never too old to hold onto your lovie...it's a wonderful childhood keepsake.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Dear Readers

I'd like to take today's post a little more seriously.
I am so very blessed to have a happy healthy baby boy and my heart aches so very much for the families who lost their children (Including the teachers...they were some one's baby too). I can't imagine the grief they must feel and I pray they find healing and peace. Also send your prayers to the children and staff who had to listen to shots being fired and walk past some gruesome scenes. They will have some trauma when they should just be focusing on being a child.
You shouldn't have to bury your child!

Life is full of tragedies but it's important to take time out of each day to count your blessings. And pray for the criminals that have some serious mental problems. Pray that they get help before they decide to shoot up a place.


Hug your children extra tight!!!



Love,
Sierra Emilie Champion


If you feel like you want to help them somehow, I suggest sending the Elementary school a card for all the children and staff. Letting them know we are with them may help the children who witnessed this horrible act.


Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Moms That Rock

New Segment!!!






Mom of the Week! I'm going to shine the spotlight on a mommy every week! Woot!



I figure I know so many mama's and hey each deserve  a spotlight.



First mama!


Sarah  Bolleter-Gonzales: And of course adorable Sophia Rose Gonzales!

This woman is amazing! We were lucky enough to be pregnnt at the same time. Sophia was born in September and we always joke that James and Sophia will be boyfriend and girlfriend when they are older!
I love how she has always been so passionate when it comes to her family. thehehe they are so cute.

Here is a hilarious photo of Sophia in the flour....yay toddlers!James is seeing his bestie super soon! Cannot wait!

Sarah works so hard as a mommy and wife. We can talk with each other about all the crazy, and wonderful times that comes with our jobs.



GO SARAH! proud to call her a friend! 
We also like girly music and jam it in the car with babies in the back!image

 

Birthday and some other updates

Hey ya'll!
              Been super busy but hey...I have a toddler. I  missed the blogging these past couple days. Seriously people this keeps me sane! Anywho!

Birthday! Travis was awesome and took me to see a wonderful production of A Christmas Carol! It didn't suck at all and the Dallas theater was AMAZING. Nice and cozy. Reminded me of James A Little for all you Santa Feans. Then we went to The Cosmic Cafe. An amazing little restaurant all vegetarian but sooooo yummy! And they had a delicious carrot cake.

He got me an amazing North Face jacket that is super warm but also very stylish.
This man is so good to me!


Santa Feans!! I will be in town the 15th. While i'd like to keep this visit family centered I'd love to see friends! Call me and let's plan something. Remember...I have a toddler on my hip!  


James is teething.... it's awful. I imagine it must feel like thisimage image > this is Cosmic Cafe...orignally Cosmic Cup....sooo cute!

Friday, December 7, 2012

New Hair!!!   Thank you mama in law!
 
You know when you find the perfect hairstylist....this lady GETS me! And she's beautiful. Yay Aveda!!
 
 
 
James is having such a rough time with his teeth lately. Poor little guy! Teething is literally the worst thing in the world.
He still tries to keep his spirits up. He has started saying "was dat?", which is entertaining and adorable. Also he tries to put socks and shoes on his feet by himself. Yay!
 
I have no clue what we are doing for my birthday but my husband just instructed me that I need a very nice outfit. So I'm hoping I have something in my closet but if not then I get to indulge in a little shoppin!
 
Goals: Finish Christmas cards get out by tuesday the latest (Sorry ya'll we've been bus!). Finish the 8-to page paper for my husband by Monday so he can correct all my mistakes on Tuesday and then turn it in on Wednesdy. haha :)
 
Have a great weekend!!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Ow.

Ow. owowow image This is me today. Really messed up my knee somehow...

Don't you love how you never realize how important a body part is and how much you use it until something is wrong with it. I can barely bend down to pick up James. Thank goodness for ice and warming balm.



Today was good other than all of that. Oh....HAPPY NATIONAL COOKIE DAY! Photo: OMG COOKIES!
<3<3 The Doctor  




yay!

Monday, December 3, 2012

My Husband


 Look at my stud muffin.

 Travis James Champion is a passionate, beautiful person. This man works late and is in school full time. He manages to keep his spirits up when times are tough. He knows that if we are true to ourselves, nothing can get in our way.

 He's sensitive but strong. Encouraging but also very very romantic. He constantly helps me be the best person I can be.Not to mention all the fun and goofy times we have!  This man should be an inspiration to all fathers.
 I'm so grateful he sacrifices so much for me to stay at home with our son. The way these boys play together now forshadows the strong friendship they will have.
Travis is my very best friend and I am so blessed to have such a wonderful life partner, friend, and father to our son
 
 
 
This man deserves an award! image
 
 

He bought me flowers and chocolate to kick off my birthday week. What a guy!

Moons,Junes and Ferris Wheels

 So I didn't sleep last night because this was in my head ALL freaking night. I wanted to cry. Plus Travis and James snore so loud! But the little sleep I did manage was fantastic. I had a dream J K Rowling was doing a book signing for Casual Vacancy (which I haven't read yet) at Barnes and Knobles. She signed my diaper bag. Have to admit i'm super bummed that didn't actually happen. :/


Do you have Netflix? Watch the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular! James was dancing to the music the whole time and maybe my hormones are still all wack but it made me cry. Only when they zoomed in on the children's faces in awe. Wish I could kick that high...ahh once upon a time.

James is doing fantastic today...napping currently. We ask him where his ears and toes are and he points to them! He is getting really good at climbing up and down the play structures at the park. I'm hoping to have Christmas cards finished and made by Tuesday or Wednesday so friends and family who asked for one expect it soon! Yay!

Here is a completely better song.




ahh Joni you make this Mama feel all the feels.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

December baby


Gooooooood morning DECEMBER! So happy for this month. Why you may ask?
 
1. MY BIRTHDAY
2. Christmas station pandora...(which i'll admit i've been listening to since last week
3. Holidays in general.
4. Starting new traditions with my husband....we are going to build ginger bread houses!
5. I seriously can't wait to show everyone what i'm doing for Travis this year. Be patient. It's seriously fun and cute.
6. Hot Chocolate
7. Colder weather...seriously Dallas. Why are you so warm today?!
8. Did I mention my birthday?
9. James will probably get some realllllly adorable warm clothes
10. I'll be in Santa Fe with my family starting December 15th.
11.My mom is putting up her tree for James which is just fantastic
12. My mothers mashed potatoes, gravy, and comfort food. I might cry when I take my first bite into those taters.
13. James will see SNOW! Hopefully we will play in it as much as possible.
14. Ringo our dog is coming on the trip and he loves snow. like a lot. So i know he is excited to go on a snow hike with his daddy!
15. Christmas cookies
16. Decorating Christmas cookies
17. Eating Christmas cookies.
18. Tree House Cafe and Pastry Shop. AKA my home away from home.
19. I get to see Maria my mentor who owns Tree House. This woman is amazing.
20. James gets to have playdates with New Mexico babies!
21. Jess Clark brother time. It's long overdue.
22. I get to see my daddy!
23. The New Mexico Christmas CD i've listened to since I was born. It's fantastic because it's all 80's out. And my dad is playing on it.
24. Christmas sing along with Grandpa Mark, James, Travis and I.
25. Elf, Christmas Vacation, Christmas Carol, Christmas Story, Rudolph, Frosty, Elf again,image Love Actually, Charlie Brown Christmas like eight or nine times and It's A Wonderful Life.
snow animated 111ww.gif photo
 
 
I AM SO TAKING THIS MONTH ONE DAY AT A TIME. I get so sad when it's all said and done.
 
I hope your first day of December is magical
 
falling snow thSnow.gif photo

Friday, November 30, 2012

Sooo Today

Today was just one thing after another.  I was all high strung on emotions and my hormones from the very start of the day were crazyyyyyyyyy. So when I FINALLY got the baby and I dressed to go out to eat at Whole Foods I was so not wanting to be judged by the employee making my burrito. Here's how the conversation went
 
James and I walk up to the burrito station
Woman employee: wow...How old are you?image
Me: Me?
Employee: Yeah
Me: Old enough
Employee: You just look like reallly really young.
Me: Yes I get that a lot...I figure it will all pay off once i'm about 40.  Okay in my head I was literally doing this 
image
        
EXCUSE ME! HAS IT EVER CROSSED YOUR MIND THAT MY AGE IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS?! NO....IT HASN'T. HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED THAT I'M A GREAT MOTHER? NO BECAUSE YOU ALREADY DECIDED THAT BECAUSE I'M YOUNG I MUST BE TERRIBLE AT MY JOB. AND THAT I'VE THROWN MY LIFE AWAY.


But I didn't say that and kept my cool. I ate my burrito. and then went in my car and cried.....
  I told you I was a having a terrible time with my hormones!

So we dealt with some other drama during the day and the James and I collapsed image We had an awsome nap. We got some stuff done....the day was ending
image
So we turned Christmas music on an danced
 
 
and now he is faaaast asleep.
I know tomorrow will be awsome because if it's not i'mma cry...again

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Moms that Rock part 1

My mother Lisa Clark. We have come sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo far. I love her to death. She constantly makes me proud as she challenges herself to live life to the fullest everyday. I'll never forget the snuggles we shared, the hot chocolate we drank, the giggles that are constantly had, and the bond that we share. She encourages and inspires not only me but thousands of people.  My Mother Rocks!
Karen Champion- Mother- in Law. She welcomed me with open arms when I had no where else to turn. She inspires me daily. Four amazing children were brought into this world by Karen...one being my Husband Travis. She made him the most loving, caring, respectful man in the world and I am so grateful for this. Any question I have about James she will answer with wisdom and love. My Mother in Law Rocks!

Jillian and Ethan Brown. First.....look at that little guys face. Second. We met at the park down the street and found we have a ridiculous amount in common. Our babies are so close in age....6 days actually. We are both from New Mexico and frankly we are kind of the same person personality wise. I see the love she has for her son and husband and it's amazing! There is an age difference between us but not once has she looked down on me as a mommy or treated me differently because of it. We share our mommy stories and gab like i've never gabbed before. She inspires me not only as a mom, but also as a friend. 

Leigh Anne O'Toole.....Sister in law. Alright alright. I know she is not a mommy yet, but I know that when she is a mother she will be wonderful! And just look at these two....their children will be beautiful!




More mothers to come! Probably tomorrow! Okay bye!

Dear Readers

Organization has always been this terrifying thing to me.I'd say it's my worst enemy....Think The Doctor and The Dalek's....Harry Potter and Voldemort.  Why? Well I feel it stems from a long time ago. Lazy 13 year old Sierra sat on Myspace (helllllo flashback) and socialized almost twenty four seven...She rarely did homework. She rarely studied. Sierra needed some serious help. And her parents did try and reach out. "no going out till you clean the bomb that went off in your room". That got her to clean up a little and she did feel better when things weren't so hectic, but she never really learned how to get everything in her life in order. Sierra has always been a stuff everything anywhere you can manage to fit it kind of girl. This haunted her all through high school up until a week ago. Yes...a week ago. My poor husband has tried to  encourage me to get clean, neat and orderly probably since we first moved in together. My mother in law who can't breathe when the dishes aren't done has tried also. The first time should have been enough for me to whip myself into shape. And i'm having a hard time coming up with reasons why it's taken me so long. I know part of it is post partum depression, but I mean it's been 13 months since i've had a baby. I don't even know if that qualify's anymore. Point being, these are some things i'm trying out to help me not be a total wreck.

1. To Do Lists. Have you ever noticed how satisfying it is to cross something off a list? No? Well try it. It's fantastic. Almost like the satisfaction my husband gets from popping every bone in his body...maybe even more. I literally have a book that i've been filling with to do lists. Everything I can think of goes on the lists. Shower, Getting up before the baby, taking James to the park, Laundry which includes washing, folding, and putting away. Literally anything you can think of should go on the list. It's very strange how crossing one thing off the list can give you enough of a lift to help you tackle the chores you need to get done.

2. Goals. Set goals. but like actual ones you know you can do. Make them fun!. I'm making homemade ornaments and Christmas Cards. I've started a blog! Put those in the same notebook on the back of the page of your to do list. When your lists have been crossed off you can reward yourself by tackling the goals list.

3. Whistle While you work. We are currently getting ready for a move so nothing gets me motivated to get things nice and neat like blasting fun music that appropriate for myself and James. James enjoys it. I enjoy it. The house is at ease while I put my butt to work.

4. I'm seriously going to buy a label machine. Once we have a  bit more money....or use masking tape and a sharpie in any color. Label while you organize. It not only helps you remember where you are putting things but it will help your husband who comes home and is like...."great...so thankful you did all of this...now where the heck are my favorite headphones".

5. Invest in some giant Tupperware. I know. I know. You promised yourself you would never do this. It's scary going into Target all by yourself to buy these sort of things. You can't see over the basket because they are stacked so high and you think anyone who passes by you is wondering if you are about to pull a Walter White from Breaking Bad and use the giant tupperware to dispose of the person you just murdered.  Eeeeeeeeeeeeeee bro Just calm down, take a deep breath, and remember you are using them for the clothes that are out of season. Maybe get a Tall calming Tea from Starbucks you crazy lady.


Anyway. I'm sure I have more tips to learn....Share some in the comments if you'd like. Remember...No one can make you change. You have to do it yourself. Slap yourself outta your funk!


Sierra "Lucy" Champion
Hello!
    Have you ever felt like everyone is trying to figure out if your child is actually your child? No? Lucky you!
   I appreciate when people just keep that question to themselves. And I find it hilarious that anyone would think otherwise. James is literally a twin version of me. Besides the stout body and huge ears he gets from daddy.That's the Lithuanian, but everything else really is me! At the park today a five year old asked if I was his nanny. *head desk! *face palm *head desk  

By the way...

Who said my child was allowed to be a crazy toddler?!   When did this happen? James is 13 months and such a trouble maker. He put my cell phone in the fridge today. I was looking all over for it and finally Travis found it. Then he spilled his sippy cup ALL over my phone. So it's drying out. I tried so hard to keep it out of his reach but at this point i'm convinced he can move objects with his mind. A little bewitched nose twitch and BAM he has my phone.


I'm feeling incredibly lethargic which is probably coming across in my writing so I appologize. I shall post more interesting things later!

Ask me questions! Share a story and I'll post it! Are you a young mom? How has everything worked out for you so far?


Sierra "Lucy" Champion....yes...you read that right...my last name is Champion. :)


Oh and if you are wondering why this blog is called the Lucy Ricardo Blog the answer is pretty obvious if we've met. I am her. She is me. I am still learning how to be a home maker and too often my life reflects the most magical sitcom in the world!