1. Keith heading to the kitchen immediately after presents are done being unwrapped so he can set up his new, beloved, toaster oven. And he thinks I didn't notice all the 1,000 times he mentioned how cool it would be to have one.
2. Natalie singing the Gloria chorus from "Angels we have Heard on High" in the bathtub, at the top of her sweet little lungs.
3. Brady singing, "It's a pillow! It's a pet! It's a pillow pet!" All. day. long.
4. Feeding my family this easy and delicious chicken for our Chinese food feast! yum!
5. Natalie telling me that Santa must really know her, because he sure got her just what she likes! Ha! If only she knew...
6. Getting to be surprised! Keith always has one trick up his sleeve and this year it was a Nintendo DS. I have long had a love with the Nintendo hand held systems, from the time I was in 5th grade and forked out my own money to buy the big gray game boy. Now I have my very PINK one!
7. No fighting between the kids. All. Day. Long. It surely was a Christmas miracle, and I loved every minute of it!
8. Brady's face when he came out to the living room and saw his new Buzz Lightyear bike from Santa. I don't care who you are, getting a bike under the tree for Christmas is pure awesomeness!
9. Being able to share our Christmas with Erin for a second year in a row. It's so nice to have another family member in our home to share the day with. Next year it will be the baby!
10. Speaking of the baby, we also had a little family conference and decided that we are officially going with Wyatt Ezra for our little bean's name. Of course, it may change before he comes, but this just feels right, and for know is what we are sticking with!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Holy crap!
1. I am pregnant! PREGNANT! As in, expecting a THIRD baby! Yeah. Wow. (just in case you forgot...)
2. I am married to a lawyer. Which is crazy, because my parents are lawyers. And they are parents, you know, like, old and stuff. How did I get old enough to be married to a lawyer? A real honest to goodness, people-ask-him-for-lawyerly-advice lawyer. Craziness.
3. Speaking of old. I am 28. TWENTY EIGHT. Um, how on Earth did that happen? For reals.
4. I made these:
2. I am married to a lawyer. Which is crazy, because my parents are lawyers. And they are parents, you know, like, old and stuff. How did I get old enough to be married to a lawyer? A real honest to goodness, people-ask-him-for-lawyerly-advice lawyer. Craziness.
3. Speaking of old. I am 28. TWENTY EIGHT. Um, how on Earth did that happen? For reals.
4. I made these:
(with a little help...)
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Why I...
...thrift! Because today, for less than the cost of one baby sleeper from Target, I got all these cute clothes for our little man. Each one is like new, and all I had to do was dig through a few duds to find some gems! It helps that some of them, already priced low were an additional 50% off. Yay!
Gerber monkey romper (.99), Circo "party in my crib" sleeper ($1.98, the most expensive I will ever pay, but it's cute, and seriously never been worn), Just one Year monkey shirt (.50)
Carter's itty bitty outfit ($1.50, also brand new), Dwell studio onesie (.50)
Gerber monkey romper (.99), Circo "party in my crib" sleeper ($1.98, the most expensive I will ever pay, but it's cute, and seriously never been worn), Just one Year monkey shirt (.50)
All that for $5.50! Makes me happy inside. Is that weird?
Monday, December 13, 2010
Changes
I was thinking today how awesome it is that life changes so much year to year. So many things have happened, for the good, in our lives this past year. And we are in such a different place now than we were then.
Some of the more noteworthy things to happen between last December and now...
...a slew of new, wonderful girlfriends. Seriously. The women in my life right now constantly amaze me with their realness and sweetness and just plain awesomeness. I have said before that I feel that the Lord knows me, and thus has always blessed me with great friends. Right now is no different. And I feel that I am making more special bonds that will last for ages.
...the baby, of COURSE! Last year I was in that sad, never gonna happen to me stage, and it was awful. How to celebrate anything when all I could think about was the fact that the baby Keith and I had been praying for was not yet supposed to be joining us here on Earth. How happy am I this season knowing that in a few short months my life will, yet again, be turned upside down by the arrival of a new little man!
...Natalie is in first grade. Seriously. FIRST GRADE. She has grown so much since last year. She used to be timid and shy, and still mourning the loss of her first school. Now she is beautiful and brave and sassy as can be. Keith and I will look at each other sometimes and just marvel at the fact that this little lady is OURS. And she is just getting better (albeit sassier) with time! I can't believe that next year she will be in second. That is a big milestone for me. Second grade was a tumultuous year for me, and to have a daughter that same age, an age I remember well, will be noteworthy for sure.
...Brady is...well, Brady. He is so so old, but he wants so badly to stay the baby forever. I have been trying to wean us from each other. That is what you get when it's just the two of us, every day, all day. We are the best of buds, and he knows how to tug my heart strings. On more than one occasion these last few weeks he will start to tear up and say how he never wants to get older, and wants to stay little so he can be with me forever. If only those feelings would never go away. I know though, that I will always be his special Mama, and he will always be my special Buddy. Somethings never change though...the kid still loves his Star Wars and Legos!
...Keith is back in school. Last year I never would have thought that we would be doing this stinking school thing AGAIN. Ugg. I hate it, I really do. I am happy now though, because the semester is over and so all Keith has is work and us! And maybe even some free time to hang with some friends. I will be very grateful in a few years when he is completely done, but I know that sticking it out and getting his LLM will be beneficial to steady career placement and to our well being in the future! Gotta think about college and missions!
... and me! I almost forgot about Bits or Bobbins... oops! I can't believe how good opening that store was for me. It gave me something to do, and really validated the use of one of my "talents". It was good to have so much positive feedback on something that I always question the value of. I did put the store on hold in September and it has been nice, though it's constantly nagging the back of my mind. I have decided to open up the first week of January. that will give me time to take pics of new items, and maybe think about putting some of my fun vintage and thrifted finds in a new special section.
Pretty much life is good. Ups and downs appear of course, but it's never something a good long nap or time out can't fix! I feel so blessed. Oh, and I promise a picture post soon!
Some of the more noteworthy things to happen between last December and now...
...a slew of new, wonderful girlfriends. Seriously. The women in my life right now constantly amaze me with their realness and sweetness and just plain awesomeness. I have said before that I feel that the Lord knows me, and thus has always blessed me with great friends. Right now is no different. And I feel that I am making more special bonds that will last for ages.
...the baby, of COURSE! Last year I was in that sad, never gonna happen to me stage, and it was awful. How to celebrate anything when all I could think about was the fact that the baby Keith and I had been praying for was not yet supposed to be joining us here on Earth. How happy am I this season knowing that in a few short months my life will, yet again, be turned upside down by the arrival of a new little man!
...Natalie is in first grade. Seriously. FIRST GRADE. She has grown so much since last year. She used to be timid and shy, and still mourning the loss of her first school. Now she is beautiful and brave and sassy as can be. Keith and I will look at each other sometimes and just marvel at the fact that this little lady is OURS. And she is just getting better (albeit sassier) with time! I can't believe that next year she will be in second. That is a big milestone for me. Second grade was a tumultuous year for me, and to have a daughter that same age, an age I remember well, will be noteworthy for sure.
...Brady is...well, Brady. He is so so old, but he wants so badly to stay the baby forever. I have been trying to wean us from each other. That is what you get when it's just the two of us, every day, all day. We are the best of buds, and he knows how to tug my heart strings. On more than one occasion these last few weeks he will start to tear up and say how he never wants to get older, and wants to stay little so he can be with me forever. If only those feelings would never go away. I know though, that I will always be his special Mama, and he will always be my special Buddy. Somethings never change though...the kid still loves his Star Wars and Legos!
...Keith is back in school. Last year I never would have thought that we would be doing this stinking school thing AGAIN. Ugg. I hate it, I really do. I am happy now though, because the semester is over and so all Keith has is work and us! And maybe even some free time to hang with some friends. I will be very grateful in a few years when he is completely done, but I know that sticking it out and getting his LLM will be beneficial to steady career placement and to our well being in the future! Gotta think about college and missions!
... and me! I almost forgot about Bits or Bobbins... oops! I can't believe how good opening that store was for me. It gave me something to do, and really validated the use of one of my "talents". It was good to have so much positive feedback on something that I always question the value of. I did put the store on hold in September and it has been nice, though it's constantly nagging the back of my mind. I have decided to open up the first week of January. that will give me time to take pics of new items, and maybe think about putting some of my fun vintage and thrifted finds in a new special section.
Pretty much life is good. Ups and downs appear of course, but it's never something a good long nap or time out can't fix! I feel so blessed. Oh, and I promise a picture post soon!
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
chilly!
It is finally starting to feel like winter around here. We are constantly bundled in socks, slippers, sweats, and piles and piles of blankets, and we even have the heat on! Ha! We have been living in Texas so long our bodies aren't used to the cold. Sad day.
All this cold weather makes me want to cook WARM things. Though I would prefer to eat a nice hoagie sandwich every night, the family gets sick of it. Enter chili. I have never been a scratch chili maker, we always got the good stuff in the can, or jar and were satisfied with that. I have seen the error of my ways and have now been converted to the ease and yumminess that is crockpot chili. It's different every time, but always good.
I have a batch going right now that is:
1 pkg Jimmy Dean's breakfast sausage, browned well
1 lb. hamburger, browned well
2 cans chili beans, undrained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can tomato sauce
1 pkg of fajita seasonings...I didn't have a pkg of chili seasonings! Yikes! Smells good though, and I think the lime in the fajita stuff will add a little something special.
Throw it all in the crockpot and let simmer all day.
Best part about chili is you can serve it a million ways. We have eaten it over rice with cheese, over Frito's with cheese and sour cream, topped with cheese and a side of cornbread...the list goes on!
How do you like your chili? And do you have a favorite, easy recipe? Please share!
All this cold weather makes me want to cook WARM things. Though I would prefer to eat a nice hoagie sandwich every night, the family gets sick of it. Enter chili. I have never been a scratch chili maker, we always got the good stuff in the can, or jar and were satisfied with that. I have seen the error of my ways and have now been converted to the ease and yumminess that is crockpot chili. It's different every time, but always good.
I have a batch going right now that is:
1 pkg Jimmy Dean's breakfast sausage, browned well
1 lb. hamburger, browned well
2 cans chili beans, undrained
1 can black beans, drained
1 can kidney beans, drained
1 can tomato sauce
1 pkg of fajita seasonings...I didn't have a pkg of chili seasonings! Yikes! Smells good though, and I think the lime in the fajita stuff will add a little something special.
Throw it all in the crockpot and let simmer all day.
Best part about chili is you can serve it a million ways. We have eaten it over rice with cheese, over Frito's with cheese and sour cream, topped with cheese and a side of cornbread...the list goes on!
How do you like your chili? And do you have a favorite, easy recipe? Please share!
Monday, December 6, 2010
window screen shopping
Of course the first thing I did after we found out my growing bean is a boy, was find some time to do some online window shopping! Keith and I were able to look together one night, and that makes it even better. We found a bedding set we both love, and then I went a bit wild from there. Here are some cute things that are inspiring me for this baby boy!
Here is the bedding we like. It's a little muted on the colors, so I don't know if we will get this, but we both love the idea of the little woodland creatures. Plus of course, it's semi-unisex...just in case! ;)
And I have had these clothing dividers in my favorites on Etsy for ages and ages. They are so clever, and especially adorable! Such a smart way to keep tabs on what you have and what you need!
And I am so in love with these prints from Lee ArtHaus. I love almost every single one, these are just a few of the many I have my eye on. Wouldn't these add such a bright whimsical touch to a nursery? And they are cool enough to grow with him, at least for a little bit!
And maybe a little something something for mama! I love these "chomping necklaces" specially made for teething babies. So cute! I know a few Mamas now that would benefit from these...hmm...very good Christmas ideas. :)
Here is the bedding we like. It's a little muted on the colors, so I don't know if we will get this, but we both love the idea of the little woodland creatures. Plus of course, it's semi-unisex...just in case! ;)
Saturday, December 4, 2010
blogging fail and a birthday weekend!
So obviously, posting every day in December isn't happening. Whatever. I have been busy sleeping working hard on keeping the house clean...ish.
Anywho. Yesterday was my birthday. The big 2-8. And I have to say it was probably the best birthday (including today) that I have ever had. Ever.
The day started out with sweet birthday wishes from my kids and Keith, and a surprise present in the form of a mix "tape" made just for me by my honey! He actually listened to me this year! I told him, he didn't have to spend money, just time, and it would be fabulous. I love the CD, and it's nice to know that he hand picked each song for a special reason.
After dropping Natalie off at school and napping with Brady for a bit we headed to the OB for the BIG ultrasound. You know the one. Where we check to make sure the baby is healthy, and the spine is straight, and the palate is formed, oh yeah, and the SEX OF THE BABY! I could barely sleep Thursday night, I was so nervous! After a very thorough US confirming that I am growing a healthy, whole, baby the nurse told us it was time to check. As soon as she put that wand where it was supposed to be and those little legs and tushy popped up, I knew. Ain't no mistaking those "boy parts" (as the tech called them). Anywho, it is a boy! 100%. To be honest I was sad. Really sad. But we were happy about the health, and after a few sad moments and a check with my OB we headed out.
Keith had to go back to work and Brady and I headed over to my friend's house for lunch with a few of my most favorite ladies. Which is where I broke down and cried it out for my hopes of having a girl being dashed. I would have preferred to cry it out at home, in private, but such is life! It was nice though to be surrounded by friends that get it and didn't judge. After crying they proceeded to spoil me by making me lunch and pretty much treating me like a princess. Love you girls! Thanks for a wonderful birthday afternoon!
Then...after all that excitement, Brady and I picked up Natalie, told her the news (she was neutral) and headed home to get changed for dinner out at Red Robin. But not just any dinner out, dinner with friends and spouses and kids. 17 in all, I think? It was a crazy fun time. And that was definitely helped by the fact that all the men sacrificed and squeezed into a corner booth with ALL the kids, sans a few babies. Seriously. And all for me. They rock! Proof that there are great men out there! It was a nice night, with lots of chatting, seriously good food, and just what I needed.
And, since I am making this post the longest one ever I will sum up Saturday morning as fast as I can. Keith let me sleep in, then I headed out for a little Christmas shopping and breakfast, by myself(!!), while he stayed home and cleaned. And not just cleaned, but CLEANED, the bathrooms. I almost fainted with delight. I was also granted a nap, with lunch ready when I woke up, AND he mowed the lawn. I told him he was setting himself up for failure every other year because he truly outdid himself this year. And he didn't have to spend a dime! That is my kind of birthday.
Oh, and this morning I am totally excited about the fact that it's a boy kicking it around in my stomach. I even bought him his first pair of shoes! Now it's time to get ready, only a few more (quick) months till he makes his arrival.
Baby's first photos:
Anywho. Yesterday was my birthday. The big 2-8. And I have to say it was probably the best birthday (including today) that I have ever had. Ever.
The day started out with sweet birthday wishes from my kids and Keith, and a surprise present in the form of a mix "tape" made just for me by my honey! He actually listened to me this year! I told him, he didn't have to spend money, just time, and it would be fabulous. I love the CD, and it's nice to know that he hand picked each song for a special reason.
After dropping Natalie off at school and napping with Brady for a bit we headed to the OB for the BIG ultrasound. You know the one. Where we check to make sure the baby is healthy, and the spine is straight, and the palate is formed, oh yeah, and the SEX OF THE BABY! I could barely sleep Thursday night, I was so nervous! After a very thorough US confirming that I am growing a healthy, whole, baby the nurse told us it was time to check. As soon as she put that wand where it was supposed to be and those little legs and tushy popped up, I knew. Ain't no mistaking those "boy parts" (as the tech called them). Anywho, it is a boy! 100%. To be honest I was sad. Really sad. But we were happy about the health, and after a few sad moments and a check with my OB we headed out.
Keith had to go back to work and Brady and I headed over to my friend's house for lunch with a few of my most favorite ladies. Which is where I broke down and cried it out for my hopes of having a girl being dashed. I would have preferred to cry it out at home, in private, but such is life! It was nice though to be surrounded by friends that get it and didn't judge. After crying they proceeded to spoil me by making me lunch and pretty much treating me like a princess. Love you girls! Thanks for a wonderful birthday afternoon!
Then...after all that excitement, Brady and I picked up Natalie, told her the news (she was neutral) and headed home to get changed for dinner out at Red Robin. But not just any dinner out, dinner with friends and spouses and kids. 17 in all, I think? It was a crazy fun time. And that was definitely helped by the fact that all the men sacrificed and squeezed into a corner booth with ALL the kids, sans a few babies. Seriously. And all for me. They rock! Proof that there are great men out there! It was a nice night, with lots of chatting, seriously good food, and just what I needed.
And, since I am making this post the longest one ever I will sum up Saturday morning as fast as I can. Keith let me sleep in, then I headed out for a little Christmas shopping and breakfast, by myself(!!), while he stayed home and cleaned. And not just cleaned, but CLEANED, the bathrooms. I almost fainted with delight. I was also granted a nap, with lunch ready when I woke up, AND he mowed the lawn. I told him he was setting himself up for failure every other year because he truly outdid himself this year. And he didn't have to spend a dime! That is my kind of birthday.
Oh, and this morning I am totally excited about the fact that it's a boy kicking it around in my stomach. I even bought him his first pair of shoes! Now it's time to get ready, only a few more (quick) months till he makes his arrival.
Baby's first photos:
profile shot. button nose!
Looking right at the camera!
Do you see what I see? Yep! It's a boy! (I like how she wrote "boy parts". Ha!)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
My heart is full...
I have decided that December for me is going to be the month that I kick start this bad blog again! My own personal BloPoMo (or blog posting month, if you aren't weird like me who knows that such a thing exists...). Anywho.
Tonight my heart is so full! And what a great way to start off a wonderful, spirit filled month. I hope to do a little something to serve the Lord and his children each day this month. I have been blessed beyond measure in my life, sometimes I wonder to myself, "why me?". Why do I deserve all these blessings? But we all deserve to be blessed! I just need to remember to be grateful and show that gratitude more often and to spread the wealth around with service!
I was able to be surrounded by some wonderful ladies tonight at my church's Relief Society Christmas party. We ate good food, heard good words, and had a rousing game to top it off. It's fun for me to see the Sister's in my ward grow closer together, and it's really fun for me to get to spend time with my awesome friends! I have been blessed with beautiful friends, that love me even if I get snippy or sassy, and they make me smile on a daily basis. Some say that good friends are hard to find, but these ladies fell into my lap and I scooped them up and don't know what I would do without them! Love you girls!
As I was driving home I had to say a little prayer of thanks or I thought my heart would seriously explode. *enter cheese here* I have a husband that is my perfect help meet, puts up with all my crap and my ups and downs, and lets me know when I need to simmer down. He is proof that the Lord loves me, because without Keith...let's face it, I would be a mess. My kids are pretty much made for me. They know how to drive me crazy, but I just can't get enough of them! I love to watch them grow and think and interact with each other. It pretty much doesn't get old, well, unless I am tired and cranky, of course, but even then, when they come in the room I can't help but smile, and I am always up for a cuddle! And don't even get me started on my little bean! (Yes, I am pregnant!!! That is definitely a major factor in my recent disapearance, all free time was spent sleeping the last 3 months, rather than writing) I just can't believe it's finally my turn, AND we get to find out what we are having on Friday! It's hard to contain myself actually, and I am surprised my friends are still talking to me. Ha!
Anywho, I know this post is quite possibly incoherent and downright rambly, but I had to put down all these thoughts before I fall asleep! I guess my point is, that even through struggles and hardships (and I do have those, don't get me wrong) there is always always something to be grateful for! And right now for me it's a beautiful family, blossoming new life, wonderful caring friends, and a Gospel that has helped me to fill my life with love abounding!
Tonight my heart is so full! And what a great way to start off a wonderful, spirit filled month. I hope to do a little something to serve the Lord and his children each day this month. I have been blessed beyond measure in my life, sometimes I wonder to myself, "why me?". Why do I deserve all these blessings? But we all deserve to be blessed! I just need to remember to be grateful and show that gratitude more often and to spread the wealth around with service!
I was able to be surrounded by some wonderful ladies tonight at my church's Relief Society Christmas party. We ate good food, heard good words, and had a rousing game to top it off. It's fun for me to see the Sister's in my ward grow closer together, and it's really fun for me to get to spend time with my awesome friends! I have been blessed with beautiful friends, that love me even if I get snippy or sassy, and they make me smile on a daily basis. Some say that good friends are hard to find, but these ladies fell into my lap and I scooped them up and don't know what I would do without them! Love you girls!
As I was driving home I had to say a little prayer of thanks or I thought my heart would seriously explode. *enter cheese here* I have a husband that is my perfect help meet, puts up with all my crap and my ups and downs, and lets me know when I need to simmer down. He is proof that the Lord loves me, because without Keith...let's face it, I would be a mess. My kids are pretty much made for me. They know how to drive me crazy, but I just can't get enough of them! I love to watch them grow and think and interact with each other. It pretty much doesn't get old, well, unless I am tired and cranky, of course, but even then, when they come in the room I can't help but smile, and I am always up for a cuddle! And don't even get me started on my little bean! (Yes, I am pregnant!!! That is definitely a major factor in my recent disapearance, all free time was spent sleeping the last 3 months, rather than writing) I just can't believe it's finally my turn, AND we get to find out what we are having on Friday! It's hard to contain myself actually, and I am surprised my friends are still talking to me. Ha!
Anywho, I know this post is quite possibly incoherent and downright rambly, but I had to put down all these thoughts before I fall asleep! I guess my point is, that even through struggles and hardships (and I do have those, don't get me wrong) there is always always something to be grateful for! And right now for me it's a beautiful family, blossoming new life, wonderful caring friends, and a Gospel that has helped me to fill my life with love abounding!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
