Right Now ...

I should be cleaning up my messy messy -- God, if someone other than a family member walked in right now I'd crawl into a hole and die -- house.

Truly. It's kind of disgusting.

But, I had to race out the door as soon as I put Landon to bed so that I could get my grocery shopping done before they closed. Then, of course, I had to watch American Idol, which I DVR'd. And now, if I'm going to stay up until midnight, it sure as heck isn't going to be cleaning. You know what I'm saying?

Really, I'm not as terrible of a housekeeper as I sound. Or am I?? Frankly, I don't even care. All I know is that spring has SPRUNG!! We made it through winter (I think)! Tanner has a slight sunburn on his face from being outside ALL. DAY. LONG. My windows are open and my house smells like sunshine and fresh air.

And I feel like a new woman.

AMEN. I'm goin' to bed.

Couponing and the Couch Potato

I'm very disappointed in my blogging as of late.

However ... instead of taking responsibility for it, I'm just going to blame it all on Shelby. That's right ... it's completely her fault. You see, she wrote this awesome tutorial on super-couponing a few weeks back and ever since I've been spending most of my "computer" time pouring over these money-saving websites:

Hip2Save
Totally Target
Mashup Mom
Krazy Coupon Lady

And even though, I'm not as good at all of this as Shelby, I'm pretty proud of all the money I've been saving lately! I saved $125 on my grocery bill just this week! Just to warn you -- I hope it's not too late -- do NOT visit Hip2Save unless you want to become an addict just like me. I'm such a STALKER!!!


Anyways ... I have been doing other things besides stalking deal websites.

I've been watching American Idol.

And Dancing with the Stars.

And Modern Family.

And Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice.

Oh ... and Season 1 of Big Love from Netflix.

Can I blame all of that on Shelby, too? Hmm ... probably not.



Still, I PROMISE that I haven't been just sitting in front of the computer or television all day long. We've been playing outside and spending lots of time with friends. Tanner is still blossoming in school. He loves it and I am always so excited to pick him up and see his smiling face. He has really been behaving well at home lately and I am so thankful. He is such a fantastic big brother to Landon. I just can't get over how kind he is to him and how often he includes him in his play. Landon is a lucky guy, that's for sure!



Speaking of the little guy ... he turns one in just two days. I can't believe it! Where has the year gone? I remember going into labor and delivering him just like it was yesterday. What a complete joy he's been in my life! He still isn't walking, but moves around so FAST and is into anything that could possibly make a mess or be dangerous. He's so rough and tumble and completely fearless. He really reminds me a lot of his Uncle Pat in personality and action. I can't wait until the two of them can meet!

Well, I'm off to relax a little bit (in front of the tv) before I head off to bed. Here's a little video to help you start your weekend with a smile. He's such a stinker.

Heat Wave

Oh yes, you read that correctly.

It's been almost 60 degrees here for the past few days and we are finally starting to thaw out! There are toys strewn about the backyard and we have already spent a few afternoons at the park and even had a picnic. Never mind that it's supposed to snow again this weekend! Our windows were open for most of the day yesterday, and even though it was a tad chilly inside, the fresh air felt and smelled amazing. We can't wait until the warm weather is here to stay!

My mission is to get this little guy walking before then,

and to stock up on plenty of "bubble juice" to keep this guy happy for the summer.

Oh, and a fabulous bikini body for me would be nice, too.
But, I'm not going to hold my breath.

Thank Goodness ...

... for preschool teachers!!

Especially the ones who already have 4 kids at home, are pregnant with their fifth, and are still excited to welcome my little tornado into their classroom twice a week.

This class has truly been a godsend for the whole family. Tanner's happy to have something of his own to do. I'm happy because I feel much less stressed knowing I have a few hours each week to run some errands and do things that wouldn't otherwise be possible. Jon's happy to come home to a cheerful wife once again. And Landon's happy ... well, he's pretty much always happy.

Tanner and I are getting along famously these days. This may have a lot to do with the fact that he's sleeping better since we've gone back to locking his bedroom door at night and nap-time. Which, in turn, means that I'm getting better sleep, too! Just a little over a week ago, I couldn't WAIT to put him to bed each night. These days, I'm really enjoying that special time together. We talk, laugh, sing ... he showers me with hugs and kisses, then says "Goodnight, Mama!" as I shut the door. I'm completely aware that this could be related to the whole preschool/sleeping better thing ... or not. We could just be on a high right now, coming off of a super-long low. Parenting has those, too, you know, just like marriage does. Or, this all could be the result of Grammy's prayers -- that's what she says, anyways. And we know one thing ... Grammy is usually right!

Did I mention that Landon has been sleeping all the way until 6:30 or 7:00 each morning as well?? I know, I know -- that only took 11 months, right??!! Geez! This guy has really upped his game against me this past week. He is ALL OVER THE PLACE!!! Such a little monkey -- climbing on everything. We're still not sure how he got all the way up here:

and I have a feeling he's not going to tell us, either.

He's become SUPER cuddly after his nap each afternoon and I'm just soaking up every moment of it. If you've ever met Landon, you know that cuddly is one thing he's NOT. He's a mover and a shaker and doesn't like to be restricted to anyone's arms or lap. So, I'm totally lovin' all this unexpected lovin'! Especially since I know that as soon as big brother wakes up I'm chopped liver. I keep asking myself -- "How is it that he's already turning ONE??" What a bright spot he's been in my days this past year!

So glad to be back in a place where I'm lovin' time with my boys again! Thank you so much for all the encouragement! And keep the prayers comin', Grammy!

Progress Report

TUESDAY:
First day of school! Tanner was upset when he saw the bus drive by our house. He still thought he was going to be riding that thing to school!! When we got there, we waited with the rest of the kids and their parents outside of the classroom. As soon as the teacher opened the door, he ran right in and started playing. He barely even gave me a kiss goodbye -- I practically had to go in and beg for one! When I picked him up, the teacher told me he did great. She said it was like he'd always been a part of the class. YAY, Tanner!!




WEDNESDAY:
We had MOPS at church. Tanner whined all the way home:

"I don't WANT to go home! Take me to my class at SCHOOL!!! I want to go to my class!!"

"Sorry, honey. No school today!"

"Take me to McDonalds!!!"

Oh, geez ...




THURSDAY:
Second day of school.

"I don't WANT to go to school! I want to stay home!!!"

We arrive at school and Tanner slumps down in the hallway and won't go into the classroom. Goodness grief. I pick him up and take him into the classroom. We do a puzzle together.

"Okay, Mom. You leave. Gotta go to your own class."

Hmpff!

He receives another glowing report from his teacher upon pickup. I take the boys to McDonald's on the way home. The only one between school and home has a playplace, but it's new and clean, so I think it will probably be okay. (Why am I so stupid??)

Tanner climbs all the way to the very top. He sits on a platform at the top, whining for about 15 minutes that he's stuck. I ask a little girl if she would mind climbing up there to help him down. She helps him. He immediately climbs right back up to the same platform. Yes ... by now it's a full-blown scene. I strap Landon into his stroller, climb up that playplace holding my breath that there is no weight limit, and drag him down, kicking and screaming.

I try to put him down for a nap when we get home. After about an hour, he is still awake, so I go up to get him. He has destroyed the special Bible that Grammy got him for his baby dedication. I say a quick prayer for him, hoping he can still get into heaven.

Fortunately, our day improves from there. After all ... he did get a good report from his teacher, so I can't hold a grudge.

I Always Tell People ...

One of the best things about having my boys close together is that they truly seem to enjoy each others' company. I know this isn't always the case, so I consider myself pretty lucky in this area. Tanner has definitely had some, err, moments, during this crazy year of being two, but I have to say ... he is the BEST big brother a kid could ask for. When it comes to Landon, he is super gentle, sensitive, playful, protective, and loving. As soon as he sees his "little guy" he grins from ear to ear. (Okay, okay! I do, too! I can't help it!) At this stage in life, I can honestly say, they are the BEST of friends. And I pray every night that they'll continue to love each other this much!

They came up with this little game all on their own the other night:

What I'm Thinking ...

First of all, because he called all the way from Afghanistan this morning just to beg for more pictures, these are for you, Uncle Pat. We can't wait until you get home.

Now, are you ready for some rambling?

It has been quite a week. Last week just kind of stunk, actually. Tanner and I pretty much butted heads all day, everyday. I was irritable. He wasn't obeying. A recipe for disaster, I guess you could say. On Wednesday morning, he was up at 4:55 am. For. The. Day. By 9:00, we had eaten breakfast, cooked together, had a few timeouts, done a few projects, watched a few shows, had some snacks. And he was still whining at me. Finally, at 9:15, I locked myself in the laundry room and turned the dryer on to block out the noise. Tanner sat outside where the light switches are and flipped them on and off. Nice. I prayed. It went a little something like this:

"Are you there, God? It's me, Rachel. Here I am with my cup of coffee, which I've already had to microwave 16 times this morning. You've gotta help me here. Is it ALWAYS going to be like this?


Will he EVER obey me? I'm trying so hard. Please help me to be a good mom. You wanna know my worst fear? I mean ... you already know, but I'm gonna say it anyway. My worst fear is that he'll be the naughty kid in school. I KNOW ... it's so stupid! But I just hated the naughty kids in school and I don't want him to be one of them! Can you help me out here? Please? Otherwise, I just might stay in here all day, which wouldn't be good because Landon is climbing up onto TABLES and things now, and I don't want him to hurt himself. Okay, thanks. AMEN."



It turns out I had a playdate scheduled with another family at a children's museum nearby ... which was good, because it forced me to come out of the laundry room, get sippy cups and diapers together, wrestle socks, shoes, and coats on my kids, and leave the house.

God must have been listening to me because something good happened at the museum. I ran into another good friend who was picking her son up from the preschool that is housed in the same building. He goes to a special class for 2 and 3 year-olds. It's a drop-off program where kids aren't required to be potty trained. It's just 2 hours, 2 days a week. She had told me about the program several times before, but I have always dismissed it. Even though a lot of my friends send their children to programs like this, I've been very resistant towards it. I've always felt that the best place for Tanner was home with me. And I honestly think it was ... until about 3 weeks ago. And sadly, I think that now he needs something more. In some ways, that makes me excited for him. And in others, it makes me feel like a total failure.



I guess I had this vision that my home would be like a little classroom for my kids. Like a little preschool where we were always reading, singing, playing games, doing crafts and artwork. And as hard as I tried, between the mountains of laundry, all the nursing and diapers, cooking 3 meals a day and then cleaning them up, I just couldn't make it happen like that.

Anyways, this friend asked how we were doing, and I told her. She really encouraged me to look into this program. And I did. Tomorrow is officially Tanner's first day at "school." Since I signed him up at the end of last week, I have felt such a RELIEF. We have been getting along so much better. I have been appreciating him so much more. And I've been carefully planning what I'm going to do with TWO WHOLE HOURS and just one child.


Tanner, on the other hand, has been a little concerned about how he's going to be delivered to school. The bus stops right in front of our house each morning and he's always loved watching the kids get on. He's very worried right now that he is going to have to ride the bus to school and that he's going to fall and hit his head in the process. He wants to make sure that I hold him on the bus, that Daddy drives the bus, and that Daddy holds Landon ... while he's driving. Did you get all that? I keep reassuring him that Mommy is going to take him to school in her VAN, but he's not really getting it. Hopefully after tomorrow, he'll feel better about the transportation situation.




Are you still reading this? Wanna know what else is going on?

1) The other night during bathtime, little brother pulled the little lever that starts the shower. And the water hit big brother right between the eyes. Now big brother is freaked out during bathtime and constantly trying to jump out of the tub ... "NO!!! It's gonna RAIN!! It's gonna RAIN!!"

2) Little brother has watched big brother jump out of the bathtub so often that he wants to do it, too. So, he lifts his little fat leg up just high enough to propel him over the edge. He's like a little greased pig and it's all I can do to catch him before he hits the floor. Between the two of them, I'm constantly tossing SOMEONE back into the bathtub.


3) I had to start giving Landon formula about two weeks ago, which was kind of a bummer. Only because I made it 10.5 months and I really only had 6 weeks to go. But, I couldn't let him starve, so formula it is! And, I actually think he prefers the bottle. He even drinks it cold! He's so independent that I think he likes feeding himself instead of having to involve me in the whole process.

4) We've had enough of the early morning wake-ups from Tanner. His door is back to being locked at night now, and the whole family (Tanner included) is sleeping much better. My mom told me to tell him that the doctor said he had to have his door locked until he turned 4. I totally laughed at her when she said that ... "Ummm ... okay, Mom. Like THAT's going to work?" But, it did. I'll totally be using THAT trick again! Just wait until he knows what a POLICE OFFICER is ... then I'll really have some leverage!

Are you sick of scrolling down? Because I'm tired of writing. And I need to get to bed. After all ... tomorrow is a big day ... the first day of SCHOOL!!!

Dear Landon,

You've totally killed my workouts ...

... but you're so worth it :)

Have I Ever Told You ...

... how wonderful my parents are?

I'm sure I have, but just in case ...

This weekend I loaded up the boys and headed to my mom and dad's house. Jon was out of town for a "dudes only" ski trip, and I didn't want to be alone for the whole weekend, so it was a great excuse to go home. My mom and dad were terrific, of course. They got up early (EARLY) every morning with the boys, played with them, fed us, loved on us ... It was great.

My parents have always been really good parents. They taught us right from wrong, how to behave, how to excel in school and sports, how to treat others. It seemed like they always had all four of us under control. (Well, maybe except for Kat during her senior year ... lol!) And a lot of times I feel like I have some pretty big shoes to fill. If I could only do it half as good as them, I would be happy. I'm learning more and more that this whole discipline thing is way harder than I ever thought it would be. And my little Tanner just has a mind of his own. I'm frustrated a lot of the time and can't help questioning myself ... Did I miss the boat somewhere? What am I doing wrong? Why won't he just mind me? Is it always going to be such a struggle?

More than once during my trip home, I felt so embarrassed by his behavior. I was sure that my parents were secretly cheering inside once we left.

Imagine my surprise when I received this email from my mom after arriving home:


Hi Rachel:

Just thinking what a great weekend it was with you and the kids. I feel so lucky that we can spend time with you and I already miss my little bubbies. I loved getting up with Tanner in the mornings, having him all to myself. It was our special time together and I just keep thinking how much I loved it. I know you think he doesn't behave, but he is still learning and the important things are there. He loves the people around him and cares about others. He loves to snuggle and is really very bright. He just has a mind of his own! You are doing a good job. I know it gets frustrating, but just keep letting him know you are in charge. I am still laughing thinking about some of the things he did. The little whisper "be quiet" and one you didn't see -- After I spanked him when he wouldn't get on the couch he started wiping the back of his pants with his hand. I asked him what he was doing and he said he was "wipe off the spank". It was everything Dad and I could do to keep a straight face. And you know it wasn't 5 minutes after I spanked him he came up to me and put his arms up to me and said "up". I melted. That little guy just has my heart. It just brings tears to my eyes to think I spanked him. Just like it did with you kids. I just love the boys so much, I miss them already.

The house is so quiet without the little shrieks from Landon. Dah! Dah! Dad had so much fun with him. I really enjoyed watching that. He just keeps his little self so busy and smiles all the time. He radiates happiness. I can't wait till summer when they can enjoy being here outside with so much more to do. Dad and I just felt so sad after you left that they didn' spend time out in the snow. Dad kept saying Tanner could have gone sledding and built a snowman. I know he got bored here and would have enjoyed that so much. I feel so bad he missed out on that. Next time.

Also Dad and I want you to know we can totaly handle taking care of the boys for a weekend this summer. Please consider taking a weekend to go somewhere without the kids and letting Dad and I take them. Honestly Rachel, I think you need a weekend off with your husband and no kids. We really can handle it. Dad agreed we could do it. So please think about it. Summer would probably be better when they can go outside and we can do more things with them, so would you consider it?

You are such a great Mom and I am just so happy we got to spend time with you. Give those little boys a kiss from their Grammy. I will be remembering little things they did all week. They will be behind all my smiles!.

Love and Miss you already,

MOM


I told you they were great, didn't I?

Famous Last Words

The last thing I heard this morning before Jon walked out the door:

"Bachelor's on tonight!!"

How funny is that? :)

On the Verge ...

of TODDLERHOOD!

Are you melting?

I AM!!

Bedtime Funnies

Lately, I'm finding that everything I say is coming right back at me! We had a little episode of that right before bed tonight.

Whenever Tanner wants something, he always repeats it and repeats it and repeats it until I do something about it. (I'm sure your kids never do this. Some people refer to it as whining.) He'll tell me he wants a snack 50 times in a row. So sometimes I'll say, "I heard you the first time, Tanner!" Tonight when it was time to go to bed, I told him to pick out two books and take them upstairs. Before I could say another word, he held up his hand and said "I heard you, Mom! I heard you!"

I thought this was hilarious. And I'm feeling a little encouraged that he actually listened to something I had to say! Going to bed on a high note tonight!

What I'm Thinking

It's about 9:30 and I'm just watching the end of Grey's Anatomy before I head up to bed for the night. Most nights around this time there's two things I want to do.

First, I want to crawl in bed with my little big boy. I want to snuggle up next to him and tell him how happy I am to be his mommy. I want to apologize for all the times I raised my voice at him today. ("Don't LOUD!" He always tells me.) I want to hold him close and tell him that I think he's brilliant and funny and that I love him so very much.

Then I want to sneak into the next room, steal my baby from his crib, and take him into my bed with me. I want to cuddle up next to him and smell his freshly-bathed skin. I want to sing him lullabies and watch his expressions change as he dreams. And I want to tell him what a sweet sweet blessing he's been in my life, then plead with him to stop growing so fast.

Neither of these things ever happen for fear that I will actually wake them (and there is just something so precious about a sleeping little boy, who is busy busy busy all day long.) So I'll just have to settle for tucking them in and giving them one last kiss for the day.

Sweet dreams, my little loves!

Who's The Boss?

If I didn't know any better, I might think it was this little guy:

We are in the midst of a battle of wills these days, and let me tell you ... his is pretty strong. I told him yesterday that I was the boss. He got up nice and close to me, shoved his fat little finger in my face and said "No, I'M the Boss!" Seriously.

I'm going to win this battle. I mean, I have to. This is serious business. And really ... he wants me to win. I've been reading books, trying a few different discipline tactics, laying in bed and worrying about it at night. He's not a bad boy, really he is very sweet. He loves to cuddle, he is kind to his brother. He just doesn't listen or follow directions AT ALL. But I'm trying.

And now that I spent and hour getting him to take a nap, this little guy has woken up.


Dang. There goes my workout.

Dinner and a Movie -- Idol Style

Despite a few difficulties early on, Jon was able to recover quickly and we had a GREAT Saturday celebrating my birthday. I came downstairs to this:

Tanner picked out some special earrings to get me from Target, which was absolutely the cutest thing ever. My parents got in around lunchtime and we were able to just relax (and eat cake!!) with them before we left for our big date.

I have to chuckle a little at the words big date. It was a HUGE deal to us to be able to go to dinner (SUSHI!!) and a movie, and we had the restaurant and the movie picked out WAY in advance ... we were so excited! We left around 4:00, because we wanted to be able to eat an early dinner and catch an early movie. We laughed over dinner at how much our lives have changed since having kids. We used to go out to dinner ALL THE TIME and think nothing of it. And we went to a movie (or two) every weekend! Now it's a huge production. And most of the time, by the time we eat dinner, we're too tired to go to a movie afterwards! Not this time, though!

Anyways, here are my thoughts about our selections ... Idol Style:

Dinner: SUSHI

Simon: Uh ... NO.

Kara: I'm sorry honey, but it's a no.

Randy: No, Dawg. Sushi just ain't your thing.

Guest Judge, Katie Perry: You make me feel dirty.

I tried! I really really did! But I just didn't like it.

MOVIE: The Blind Side

Simon: Quite possibly the best movie I've seen so far this year.

Kara: I LOOOOVED it. A hundred and ten percent yes.

Randy: A Ba-zillion percent yes, Dawg.

Joe Jonas: Yeah ...

I Loved it. Loved it. Loved it. Loved it.

We were home by 10:00. In bed by 11:00. My kinda date. My kinda birthday. :)

What Really Happened

So, my assumptions about what happened yesterday morning were mostly correct. However, the details of what really went down make the whole thing so much more entertaining.

Jon did take both boys to Target for some last minute birthday surprises ... in their PAJAMAS! (and Tanner's were most definitely of the summer variety)

Tanner was allowed to walk on his own inside the store. "He had to touch EVERYTHING! And he was at least 20 steps behind me the whole time. That kid doesn't listen one bit!"

Here's the best part. When they got to the car, Tanner didn't want to sit down in his carseat. "No, Daddy! I got poopies!" (This recognition of having messy pants and not wanting to sit in them is new, BTW) Jon said "too bad" and wrestled him into his seat. Disaster struck. Poop was everywhere. Think 2.5 year-old blowout. Of course they didn't think to bring the diaper bag. Luckily, I keep some wipes in the car. Jon had Tanner in the parking lot, completely naked, trying to clean him off. (yeah ... it was about 19 degrees outside) Tanner was freaking out. Landon was in his seat screaming. There was poop on the car, the carseat, Jon even had poop inside his coat. My little boy rode home naked, in his yucky carseat in the cold car.

Can I just say I'm so glad I was asleep in bed, oblivious to the whole thing? That was like 10 times worse than when I lost my keys in Target and had to wait around there for 90 minutes AFTER I had finished shopping with both boys.

I do feel a little bit bad that this happened to Jon, when his intentions for the whole outing were so good. But I have to be honest and say that it was somewhat comforting to know that he had a rough time of it. It makes me feel like so much less of a failure for all the times I have a rough time of it (um ... more often than not). And I think that was the best "birthday surprise" he could've given me.

Birthday Smiles

This morning I got to sleep in.

I mean - it IS my birthday weekend after all.

I awoke about 20 minutes ago to hear a bathtub running and kids squealing/screaming. By the time I got out of bed, everyone was downstairs again. I walked in amongst Target bags being quickly stashed and instructions from Jon that I was not to buy Tanner any more pull-ups. It seems there is now a big yucky mess in my mini-van. Jon also reminded me that Tanner does not obey. Then I was sent back upstairs.

Here's what I think went down:

Jon took both boys with him to Target to get some last minute birthday surprises.
He allowed Tanner to "walk" instead of ride. I'm pretty sure this is where the "Tanner doesn't obey" came in. They got in the car and Jon didn't realize that Tanner also pooped while he was on the store. (Remember those two minutes when he actually stood STILL so you could shop?) He pulled in the garage to find a stinky mess all over Tanner, his clothes, and his new carseat. At this point, he's wondering how in the heck he's going to get both kids inside, get one in the bathtub, and get everything cleaned up all without waking me. I'm totally laughing right now because just imagining it all is so hilarious to me. We'll see what actually happened.

Landon is now napping and I'm waiting in my room for the okay to come downstairs. I hear lots of little boy yelling about birthdays and balloons and Jon saying "Shhhhh!" I can''t wait to see what its all about! Hope your morning is off to a good start!

*Okay, I just heard the real story, and it's SO MUCH more hilarious. I'll fill you in later!"

Milestones

Four years ago, I started writing this blog. I was just turning 26. Jon was in Iraq. We had no children. Our life was so very different.

Today I turned 30.

And celebrated 7 years of being married to my sweetheart, who still wants to make out with me, despite the yummy mixture of dried goldfish-chunk-spit-up and snot all over my shirt (thank you, boys).

I loved my 20's, and can't believe all the huge life changes I experienced in the last decade. But, I'm excited to see what my 30's have in store for me. Hopefully, it will be filled with sweet memories of watching my little family grow together. It can't get much better than that, can it?

Jon and I are officially celebrating my birthday this weekend with sushi and a movie. (My first sushi experience ... I'm so excited!) By normal standards, today would have been a little rotten ... an EARLY morning wake-up, cranky kids, the beginning of getting sick ... But I had birthday wishes flowing in all day, which made the day seem so much more special! And made me reflect on how very blessed I am to have such thoughtful friends. Thank you for all the well wishes!

I spent most of the morning using my camera to spy on my boys. This one was looking especially cute, after having perked up a bit since starting his antibiotics yesterday. :)

Here's to a new decade filled with sweet smiles and kisses from my boys. The following decade, my kiddos will be teenagers and probably not so willing to show their affection, so I'll take all I can get now! XOXO

Under the Weather

Two Boys

Four Infected Ears

One Sinus Infection

Somebody must be praying for us, because we're hangin' in there!

(Is it you, Grammy?)

Pumpkin Bread

Want the recipe for the delicious pumpkin bread that's been on my mind for days now? (I finally made some today!) I hope you like it as much as my boys and I do!

Pumpkin Bread
3 cups flour (I use 1.5 cups white mixed with 1.5 cups wheat)
1.5 tsp salt
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp nutmeg
2 tsp cinnamon
3 cups sugar
1 cup oil
4 eggs
2/3 cups water
1 can (15oz) pumpkin

1) In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, and cinnamon. Set aside.
2) In a large bowl, combine sugar and oil. Add in eggs, water, and pumpkin.
3) Gradually add in flour mixture and mix well.
4) Divide between two greased loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-55 minutes.

I usually put one loaf in the freezer for later. It freezes really well!

*p.s. My littlest love was sick today! Poor thing ... looks like we're headed back to the doctor tomorrow.*