Busy!

Just a quick update today. I have been so exhausted this week, thank goodness for naps! There is so much going and I was just looking at the December calendar and it's booked solid until we leave for Green Bay! Jim's 30th birthday is Sunday, Gabe's very first school-Christmas program is coming up, and my big ultrasound is 2 weeks away!! We are also making lists and trying to get our shopping done for Christmas. I thought we had a ton of time but I realized that December is HERE and I need to get moving!:) Over the weekend I ordered some new maternity clothes from Babystyle and I have to say, if you are in the market for baby or preggo items, now is a great time to save! My only gripe is the models NEVER even look remotely pregnant so it's very difficult to visualize how the clothes would fit a normal person. Lol. Why do they do that....no one looks like that in the real world at 20-30 weeks! But I digress. Anyway, they have great quality items and I found a shirt for like $2.00 (usually $30) so we are talkin' GOOD deals! I still have an entire box of mat. clothes sitting in our old house in Green Bay so it's been slim pickins' for the past few weeks as my belly has slowly gotten bigger. Well I have to start supper and take the boys to the Y so my time is up! Enjoy the last day of November!!
The website is: www.babystyle.com

Home is Where the Heart Is

Last night I received an unexpected phone call and it was great! My neighbor in WI, Beth called to catch up. I miss her so much and feel so completely blessed that I was able to know during the time we lived there. She is a few years older than me so she would always give me her parenting tips and advice on life in general. I’ve always wanted a sister and she is probably the closest I will ever get in this lifetime. We would run over to each other’s house almost daily to borrow eggs, milk, or whatever we were out of. We would grab groceries for each other if one of us went to the store. The kids would play almost every day and she was always there for everything. It was such a fun conversation last night but it really made me miss her, and our home. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE finally being back in Ohio near family but a part of my heart will always be there too. That was our very first house and we made so many awesome memories in every nook and cranny of that home! It was where we celebrated birthday’s, brought Grant home from the hospital for the first time, and grew as a family. When we left in September it was very difficult but I knew we would be back again to finish packing so it wasn’t so bad. Now I feel this sense of loss at having to actually face the fact we are going back for the last time. It’s a closure that I’m not sure I’m really ready for. Since Jim and I have been married we’ve lived in 3 different states but every place we’ve gone I left a piece of myself there too. A month from today we will be in our brand new house, officially starting yet another new chapter in our lives. I guess that is what the journey is all about but sometimes the happiness is bittersweet. All I can pray is that hopefully there will be a kindred spirit in my new neighborhood, and if she’s anything like Beth, I will be in good shape.:)

MMMMM Mint!

I've been meaning to post this for a while, this is such a great little find!! It's Mentha Lip Shine from Bath & Body Works by C.O. Bigelow. Not only does this little power-packed gloss give you moisture and shine, but it also freshens your breath too! I have the clear shine but you can also buy it in various colors too!

Comparing Bellies

I have yet to post a picture of my growing belly but I think I found someone that looks similar!! I ran across a photo of Gwenyth Paltrow (who is also rumored to be due in May, but no announcement has been made). Obviously she is gorgeous and slim, so that part I am not comparing!:) Still, it's almost the "spare-tire" look (gosh that sounds horrible) but it's the only comparison I could think of. This is pretty much what my belly looks like at this point. I'm unable to post the actual picture due to copyright laws but, here is the link if you are interested!! Obviously you can tell I have some time on my hands today.:)

http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2005540743,00.html

Big Bargains

Happy shopping day! I say a big old “ick” to all that black Friday nonsense, but I know it’s a BIG deal and fun for the people who decide to hit the deals. I would rather order online than try to fight the crowds and stand in line for 45 minutes but, maybe I’m just a shopping Scrooge.:) Yesterday we sat down with about 15 ads for major retailers and mapped out all the items we were going to try and snag. Jim was going to brave the crowds and do the 5am thing but after feeling totally overwhelmed by the 50 things we want to buy, we decided to just forget it, and not buy ANYTHING!! Lol. Everything is just focused on the house (which will be done in less than a month now…wohooo) so we are really trying to get only the necessities for Christmas. The boys aren’t going to have much to open under the tree but, Gabe is getting a new bunk bed and bedroom set so hopefully he’ll be somewhat excited even though it won’t be wrapped.
On another note, I need to order a few new maternity clothes and I am so frustrated with how ridiculous the prices are! I say that every pregnancy and it sure hasn’t changed since Grant was born! My favorite maternity site is NOM (Naissance on Melrose) but it’s just so hard to justify spending 60-$80 for a measly shirt!! I LOVE everything they make though and the quality is fantastic so, every now and then I splurge. I think it’s time for another purchase soon because I’ve been feeling quite frumpy and huge. I’m only 15 ½ weeks so it’s still at the akward “is-she-pregnant-or just-getting-chubby” stage. Nothing fits right and either the mat. clothes hang off me and add 10 pounds, or my regular outfits are super tight and I look like a stuffed sausage.:) I haven’t felt the baby kick yet either which is making me nervous. The doctor said not to even expect to feel movement until 17-18 weeks but I get worried easily so I hope it happens soon.:) Well I better run, Jim wants to hit Target for a few deals (did you see they are selling the Original Big Wheel)?! Hopefully we can get in and out of there unscathed!:) Have a wonderful weekend.:)

Full of Thanks

Isn’t it amazing how much can happen in a year? Ever since Jim and I got married it has been such an incredible ride and we are still getting surprises all the time!! All I know is that for the past 5 Thanksgivings I longed to share our love, food, and home with our families and it never happened because of distance and timing. We always made the most of the day and laughed and appreciated each other, but something was missing because we couldn’t smile across the table from our parents and siblings too. Twelve months ago I really never imagined we would be back in Ohio and here to share the big day with everyone but once again….surprise!! The only way the day could be more perfect is if Jim’s family were here to share it also. They are in Florida and I’ve heard their feasts are legendary and I wish we could be there too!!:) Still, I am so excited for the boys to wake up to a FULL house of people, music, the smell of turkey and stuffing, and the promise of a day with no rushing, stress, or commitments. Each year Jim and I write down 20 things we are thankful for in the past year (well, I basically make him do it and he rolls his eyes) haha. This year I sat down to do that and had to stop in the middle of it because I was so emotional. We just never know how much time we have with family and friends, and I’m just overwhelmed when I think of all God has provided in the past year. We are not rich, but we are so wealthy in blessings and I, too easily forget that. Every single day my healthy children and husband find new ways to make me laugh and we share so many giggles and special moments. That alone is worth more than any million-dollar paycheck or new big house. Earlier this week I was getting so frustrated with Grant because he hasn’t been napping (and mommy only sleeps when Grants sleeps)! The same day I took Gabe to swimming lessons and sat in the lobby reading an article about a mom who lost her daughter. After getting severe strep throat, this woman’s sweet sticky-handed 5 year old little girl had died. That put it into perspective for me, how precious our time is, and how important it is to cherish every moment and not sweat the small stuff. Anyway, I better sign off before I start to break down again.:) I hope that your Thanksgiving is wonderful, YUMMY, blessed, and full of fun….even if it’s dysfunctional (like my family) Lol!!:) Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Vantastic!!!

Here we are celebrating our NEW VAN!! Wohoooo, how exciting!:) This poor photo is a mess; I overslept and have no make-up on, Grant is still wearing his pj's, and Gabe is squished in the background but we are thrilled anyway! I just had to post the update and say I am finally a mini-van mamma! I have to tell you, I'm already wishing we would've bought one a long time ago! It drives like a dream and even though we also have a Suburban, I was still impressed by all the cargo room in the back! It's a Town &Country with the Stow & Go seating. Once again I have more to write but not time to update! The boys are riled up because it's snowing and they've been waiting to go outside and catch snow flakes!

So in Love

....with this outfit!! Is girl clothing really this adorable?! Quite honestly, I never look because I just have blinders on for the boys dept. I don't even like to browse the pink clothes just because I'm too focused on shopping for Gabe and Grant. Well, I have officially put this outfit in the "If it's a girl..." category! So many of my friends, family, even Jim are telling me this baby will be our daughter but I'm seriously just trying not to listen or feel influenced by any of that. It seems like everyone said that last time, and I went I heard "looks like a little boy" during my ultrasound, there was actually a small part in the back of my mind that felt sad. I am ashamed to admit that, and obviously I fell head over heels in love with Grant from that day forward but still, I regret listening to people and believe it was a girl before I really knew for sure. So this time I don't know, I don't care, and either way we will be over the moon with happiness!:)
Yesterday I met with my oldest friend in the whole world! My best friend Beth and I re-connected after losing touch for the past 10 years. After I moved away to WI we drifted apart but she was able to track me down once she saw my commercial and we finally got together! Wow what a fantastic time. She is just as hilarious as I remember and we laughed non-stop about old memories and stuff that has happened in our lives over the past decade. That was the best time I've had in so long! Well I have an update on the mini-van situation but I have to run because the boys are hungry and I need to start supper. I'll be back soon with the latest!:)

Mini-Van Madness!

What a funny topic! For the past week or so we've been seriously considering trading in our new wagon for a van. At the same time, I've always been an SUV kind of girl so I just didn't know if I could go for the mini-van. It's been so fun to take calls from other mom's (and dads) who refuse to ever drive one! I never would've imagined there were so many people dead-set against a mini-van! Haha. Still, we probably received equal feedback from parents who LOVE their mini-van and swear by it. Jim and I have been looking, comparing, and researching the market and I think so far I like the Chrysler Town and Country the best. Our recent Kiplinger's mag. says the Honda Odyssey is the "Best in Class". They voted the Kia Sedona "Best New Minivan", and the Toyota Sienna "First for Safety". I am lovin' the stow-and-go seating of the Town and Country though so that's my fave but, we'll just keep searchin'!:) I have a remote at Junction Auto this weekend, maybe I can test drive a few while I'm there.:) On a different note, I've gotten LOADS of e-mails from people asking me where to get the advanced sale ads for Black Friday (for the day-after Thanksgiving shopping sales). This is the website: www.blackfriday.gottadeal.com. I have a ton of stuff written down that I want to get from Best Buy! They also have Target, Sears, Wal-Mart, Toys R Us and pretty much all the major retailers with EARLY editions of the sale ads! Okay the boys and I are needing a nap. It's such a good day to take a quick pit stop and cuddle up in a cozy bed!!

Doctor Visit!

Today I saw my Dr. and everything looks great! Whew. This is usually about the time I first start to breathe easy and I can't tell you what a relief it was to hear a strong heartbeat! The boys were excited too and Gabe's eyes got so big when he realized what it was.:) He wants to name the baby: Carrot Eliza. Hmm, I wonder if that means we are having an orange-haired little girl?! A month from now we'll know girl/boy! I was also given the news that I have gained a total of 5 pounds in 14 weeks. Ugh, that stinks! Even more shocking, I can't believe I just posted that for the world to see!! Lol. It's really not a big deal but if you followed my last pregnancy you'll remember how closely I watched my weight before too. It all started with my first pregnancy when I gained over 50 lbs and learned the HARD way that it's not easy to take that off!! Apparently I went overboard with the oreos and junk food but I learned my lesson from then on. So I'm not obsessive about my pregnancy weight, I just try to be smart and careful with what I eat. Well that is the update for now!!:) I have a little window while the boys are sleeping to lay down and nap too...I better go!:)

Big Birthday!!

I just realized that it's less than 3 weeks until Jim's birthday and I only have one present planned! Usually that would be it, but he is turning 30!!! That's a big deal and I have been wracking my brain trying to think of some way to show my appreciation and excitement that he's turning the big 3-0. He works so hard and always puts his family first and I just haven't found a way to convey how grateful we are, and how much we really love him. Darn, I wish I was better at plotting a big life-changing event or major party for him!!! All of his family and Army buddies are scattered all over the country so I can't do a surprise party but that would be my ideal wish. He keeps saying that our house is the big gift he's waiting for, but I want something just for HIM. He sacrifices so much so that we are taken care of, he really needs something all to himself. Hmmmm, back to brainstorming I guess. On another note, I think we might trade in the wagon and get a mini van. I know we JUST bought the station wagon but the more I think about it, I just don't think it will be practical with 3 car seats and having to bend in and out and buckle everyone. I feel so bad because my heart was set on the wagon but, we'll see. I have more to write but it's a gorgeous day so the boys and I are headed outside to enjoy it!! Have a great Monday.:)

All in One, Double the Fun!

I am in love with a washer/dryer! :) Leave it to LG to do something groundbreaking they this, that is such an innovative company! We were browsing in Best Buy yesterday and I see this beaut displayed: an all-in-one washer/dryer! This is ALL you need! No transferring the clothes to the dryer because it's all self-contained! Not to mention it would free up a ton of space in the laundry room too. I know it's hard to tell with some super new gadgets like this, I mean the quality might be lacking but knowing LG I seriously doubt it. Still, we'll wait until Consumer Reports has time to review this before we rush out and buy it, but ...kudos on the great idea!! You can learn more by checking out: www.lge.com

6 Weeks Until Christmas!!!

Can you believe it?!?! I think life flies by us at warp speed, and the holidays are the only time time I ever sit down to take a deep breath and try to absorb it all. Most of the time it's all a big blur but I think every now and then it's important to sit down and take stock of all the blessings, god/bad events, and memories over the past year. Yesterday we went shopping for house accessories and it was so nice to hear Christmas music in all the stores. I'm sure in 6 weeks I will be totally sick of it but for now, it is so comforting! We also bought a Christmas tree...well more of a wanna-be-Christmas tree really.:) We have two trees in our house up in Wisconsin but we aren't going back there until AFTER Christmas so, looks like we are stuck! My parents have a huge tree but since they are now in a condo, it's too big and they don't put one up anymore since the kids are all grown anyway. Still, I was not about to let my boys go without a tree this year just because we are displaced from a home (hehe) so we compromised. We bought a tiny, tacky looking gold glitter tree on sale for a few bucks. It's hilarious and if nothing else, we'll have a good laugh when we look back at hold photos of this Christmas. Besides, it's not the tree that makes the holiday anyway..it's about Jesus, family, and the spirit of giving (to us anyway) so I know it will be a great time no matter what. We found out yesterday that we won't be in our new house until Dec. 28 th though (boohoooo!!!) I was SO bummed out! Originally it was Dec. 15th, then they told Jim to "guarantee" it would be no later than Dec. 26th. Now we got the official paper work and closing dates, etc and sure enough, it's the 28th. I know that building a home is anything but predictable so I totally understand, it's just hard because I am so anxious to have our own place again. I guess that's pretty much the update. Jim is off all weekend and it's the first time since we moved that we can hang out as a family with NO commitments or scheduled events! It is SOOOOO nice to just go with the flow and not feel stressed out or rushed, just nice relaxing family bonding time.:) Speaking of which, I better get back to the boys!! Have a great weekend.

A New Chapter

I am sitting down tonight hoping to convey my thanks, knowing I only have about 5 minutes before one of my boys breaks in and steals my train of thought.:) It has been so nice to receive the encouraging e-mails and words of wisdom from fellow parents and other well-wishers. Also thank you for the comments at the end of my last post too! So many times I feel like listeners are actually an extended family and this is definitely one of those times. Although it's funny, some people are like "are you almost DONE having kids yet"?! Every now and then a rude comment will sneak in (usually from a relative or friend if you can believe that)! I just laugh though and take it with a grain of salt. I guess having baby #3 isn't as magical to some people as the first pregnancy! Lol. But I digress. Things have been going wonderfully this time around and now that I am past the morning sickness I am really feeling energized and more settled. Next month we'll be getting the big ultrasound and hopefully finding out if it's a girl or boy!! In my heart I would love a girl but my boys are amazing too, so I would easily take three. After having three miscarriages I am just extraordinarily grateful to have gotten this far so the rest is just chocolate icing on the cake.:) Brenda e-mailed me with a funny suggestion that the theme of my life right now is: "NEW NEW NEW"! New jobs, new state, new house, and new baby! Good call Brenda!:) Life is funny and God is good, and hopefully he'll provide me with the patience I need to get through it all!:) It's a little mind blowing when I think about having 3 kids in 4 1/2 years, but I wouldn't have it any other way.:) Jim has been incredible, and always just seems to know what to say and do during my preggo months of being uncomfortable and emotional.:) I know he would love a daddy's girl, and the doctor says he has a 50/50 chance of getting a daughter. Lol. So as it stands, I'm 13 weeks but probably LOOK about 20. I've heard you show sooner with each child and apparently that's the case here! Well my window just passed! Grant just ran in with a fresh diaper and he's obviously giving me a hint.:) Thanks again for the wonderful comments! It really means a lot.

What a Wonderful World

Suprise, suprise...that has been the theme of the past year! The latest and greatest unexpected news is: we are pregnant!!! It's true, baby #3 is on the way and we are so grateful and excited! I'm 13 weeks (almost 14) and although it's early to announce the news, I just couldn't wait any longer because I cannot keep a secret.:) The blessed bundle is due in early May (which seems like forever at this point)! So far things are going great though and the heartbeat is strong, the baby is healthy and I'm already getting huge.:) I have the cutest little poem that my friend sent me to to help find a creative way of telling family and friends. I will be back later to post that. Anyway, I hope you won't mind my pregnant ramblings during this journey over the next 6 months. Thank you for the great support and encouraging e-mails! I need to go raid the vending machine now, my chocolate cravings are worse than ever!!:)

Boy Stuff

Well, I finally bought the bedding for the boys! Here is a picture of Grant's set that will go in his room. It has little dogs on it with puppy sheets which is great because he LOVES dogs so I was able to incorporate that in a subtle way BUT, without going crazy with a theme. Gabe's room has a similar quilt but with different colors. It is such a relief to finally have something squared away for the house and start lining things up! What happens is that I don't want to ever buy the wrong thing, or spend too much, so I just end up not buying anything at all.:) My timeline was to get the bedding a month ago! Lol. We have a budget, a wish-list, and a goal for what items we hope to get, aside from the must-purchase stuff like blinds and window treatments. I forgot all the basic things you need to buy when you are building a new home vs. buying a pre-existing house. The thing is, when we got married we had virtually nothing, and couldn't afford to even buy a table from Big Lots let alone anything else! All of the boys beds are used, or given to us from relatives or friends. It's really a mish-mash of antiques and furniture. So the last few years we've been trying to buy new things here and there and we finally got to the point where things actually match!:) Lol. Gabe still has a pretty shoddy bed set though so that will be our other gift to him, which is buying a new dresser, nightstand, bunk bed, etc. So as you can see, my thoughts are pretty consumed with the house and everything that goes in it! Oh yeah, I also have other news but that is for another time. Right now I need to go hang out with Jim and the boys before my appearance at Virginia Marti College of Art and Design later today!! Have a great weekend.

Candy Bandit!

Get a load of this sweet snatcher! You'll notice TWO buckets (one for each boy) well, today Grant snuck into the pantry, grabbed the buckets, dumped ALL of Gabe's candy out, and started putting it into HIS bucket!! What a little stinker. Hmmm, I wonder where he got the sweet tooth? I just love how innocent he tries to look here!:)

Crunch Time

I only have a quick second but I wanted to update while I have a little window of opportunity. 6 weeks and counting until we are supposed to move into our new house! I am excited but at this point I’m also a nervous wreck because they haven’t even STARTED building it yet!! Ahhhhh!!! The contractor said it’s because of the rain and bad weather but not to worry because they still plan on having it ready December 15. I’m sure everything will be fine and I know it will work out, I just tend to get anxious over things like that. It’s also hit me that I need to really start getting some of the smaller items now, like bedding for the boys rooms, accessories, etc. I did have a plan to decorate Gabe’s room in a sports theme but now I’m not sure. Pottery Barn Kids has a really neat wall-mural of a world map and Gabe says he likes that too. My cousin (the interior designer) said NOT to go crazy on a specific theme because chances are we would get sick of it and have to change it anyway. She said to just paint the wall in a basic color, get versatile bedding, and create the theme with accessories instead. So I’m on the fence with that one because if we go for the wall mural I am definitely making a commitment to that theme! Anyway, just a few of my thoughts and my brain tries to figure out the house-stuff. The kids are doing great, Jim likes his job, and life has been good! We have been going to the Y just about every day and it’s been a great little escape, especially during the indoor-weather days. I’ve been really consistent in my workouts although I do admit I really miss “The Firm” but I left all my videos and equipment in WI. We are going back up next month to get the rest of our stuff and pack up the house so I only have a few more weeks to wait. That’s it, time’s up, gotta go or I’ll be late for work!:)