Only When I'm Pregnant - Week 10

This week has been looking up!  No more nausea, less food aversions....... but on the down side all my "regular" jeans are getting really tight (half I can't even wear), and everything I eat seems to be sticking to me! Every time I step on the scale it goes up by at least a pound.  That's pretty discouraging.  I've tried to eat healthier this week - well sort of.  I bought lots of fruit then I decided I needed to make fruit dip to go with it, and that isn't healthy.  It was good though! :)  I have a soft spot for seasonal candy, and this week I pretty much devoured a bag of RainBlo egg gum (I made sure to floss a few times this week since I ate so much sugar), and the SweetTart gummy bunnies are what I have my eye on next!  Oh right... I'm supposed to be eating healthy......
The other fun thing I did was buy Baby their first new thing!  I found a very sweet/soft/cuddly blanket at TjMaxx that's white and green.  Allie has two blankets similar to it (that are pink and white) and she loves them, so I actually may go back at some point and buy a second one!  We do still have some bigger things we want to buy (new bottles, possibly a breast pump, bedding) so I'm trying not to get carried away with the "little" stuff that we already have.

Garden?

The last two summers I've really wanted to have my own vegetable garden.  The idea of "living off the land" sounds so cool to me (the secret Amish woman in me is coming out)!  The problem isn't the desire to have a garden, it's rather, I have no idea where to start on such a huge project.  It seems like every other house in the summer has a garden, so I keep thinking it can't be that hard.... but when I start to research where to begin I just give up and feel overwhelmed. The second biggest problem is it's going to require a lot of man hours to get the beds built.  Since I'm pretty much relying on Kevin to do 100% of the manual building work, I've got to get him  motivated to have this garden too!

I know I like the look of a raised garden bed the best.  Actually our backyard has zero landscape and I think it would be pretty to have something like this!  (I really like the painted ones best but I don't see the husband agreeing). 

I want to start out easy.... I thought about growing cucumbers, zucchini, and possibly tomatoes (for homemade pizza/spaghetti sauce and salsa!).  Maybe in year #2, I'd try some peppers, corn, and strawberries!  I'd also really like to grow our own pumpkins for the fall too!  Not sure where I'll get with these gardening plans this summer, but I'd love to start the process soon!  Any tips or suggestions you have - pass my way, please!

Happy 40th Anniversary

My in-laws celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary last week.  We went to dinner at the Log Inn to celebrate.  After a 2 hour wait to be seated, and an hour wait for the food, we were ready to eat... and the food was worth the wait!  It was great!  Happy Anniversary Margaret & Jerry!

Hayden's Haircut

I do many things around the house, and 4 years ago, I added hair dresser to my list of duties!  I started by cutting Kevin's hair... with scissors only (someone at work asked him if his hair dresser had turrets... his first couple hair cuts weren't the best!), so we decided to invest in a nice set of clippers.  They cost about $45 but have paid for themselves multiple times now!  I also cut Hayden's hair.  He is very squirmy and doesn't love getting it cut so we don't do it too often.  But, momma decided it was time!  Here's his before and after pics. 

 A little bug-eyed in the after pic, but he looks so much better!

Enjoying the *SuNsHiNe*

It's been beautiful the last two days here (sunny & almost 60*)!  Yesterday we went for a walk by the river, and today we just played outside while Kevin did some work on his jeep.  I'm so antsy for spring and summer to get here so the kids can spend their days and evenings outside enjoying the fresh air!  We also have a long list of yard work that needs done, and I think we're going to start on some of that this weekend.  Here are a few of my favorite pics of the kids from this afternoon...

They found our new fishing poles... made for some good entertainment!

Chips&Cheese&TacoSauce

One of my favorite snacks (especially lately) is one I've eaten for as long as I can remember!  My dad use to fix plates of chips & cheese & taco sauce to go with our Sunday lunches, or for a snack.  It is SO good!  I'm not sure where the idea originated, but I will give the credit to my dad... My favorite brands of ingredients for this are: Tostito chips, colby/jack cheese, and Ortega Mild taco sauce.  Kevin and both of the kids love to eat these too.... we never make just one plate... usually 2 or 3!  Give them a try next time you want a snack!

Microwave the chips and cheese for 20-30 seconds, then add the Ortega and voila!

Only When I'm Pregnant - Week 9

As I was eating dinner tonight, thinking about my lack of blogging lately, and not wanting to just keep writing about the baby, I decided I'd do a weekly post pertaining to my pregnancy.  There are certain things I wear more frequently when I'm pregnant, and weird things I crave when I'm pregnant, so I thought it would be fun to share those!

First, let me start by telling you a horribly embarrassing story!  Tonight I was feeling a bit sluggish (maybe due to the fact I only got 3-4 hours of sleep last night) and decided I didn't want to cook dinner.  Chick Fil A was sounding pretty tasty, so I went through the drive through and ordered my usual (chicken sandwich and lemonade).  As I pulled up to the window I had my debit card and Swisa card (for my free sandwich) ready to hand to the lady.  The lady said she didn't need to see my Swisa card and it kind of threw me off because they always check the expiration date.  She started handing me the food I ordered, my card back...I took the bag of food and she said, "Have a nice day!"  I smiled and said, "Oh, you forgot to give me my lemonade!" (I wasn't about to leave with out it!)  She looked at me like I was nut and said, ".....Oh.... Ok."  I thought listen crazy lady, give me my lemonade and don't look at me like I'm dumb!  She hands me a cup of lemonade and I went to set it in my cup holder.... but there was already a big glass of lemonade there!  She must have handed it to me while I was giving her my debit card and feeling flustered from her not taking my Swisa card, I must have set it down still thinking about why she didn't even look at my card!  So, very awkwardly, I said, "I'm sorry you did give me my lemonade, so you can have this one back." As I'm handing it back through the window, feeling like I've really lost it, she said it was ok, I could just keep it because they would have to throw it away.  I said no really, here you go.... and I zoomed off and went home feeling like the biggest moron!!!  Let's hope those "pregnancy brain" (or sleep deprived) moments don't happen too often!

So, one thing I tend to do, only when I'm pregnant is wear my Ugg slippers ALL the time!  If you run in to me at Walmart, a fast food restaurant, or running errands, I will probably be wearing these if it's cold out!  Kevin bought them for me while I was pregnant with Hayden and I LOVE them!  Something about them being expensive "house shoes" makes me feel like they are ok to wear in public, even though lots of people that love me tell me I should really only wear them at home....

Bedding

I promise not to make every post from now on about Baby, but I'm still on a high from our good check up yesterday! :)  I'm also really embracing this idea of not finding out the sex.  Last night while I was baking away, I started thinking about Baby's room.  There is a crib set that I've loved since I was pregnant with Hayden.  You can still find it new online, and I'm almost convinced this will be Baby's bedding!  It's called Alaphabet Soup.  I love the bright colors and it's very gender neutral!  Kevin tried to convince me we should use a Jeep theme, but that's not going to happen!  I'm probably going to look and make sure there is nothing I like better, but I have a sneaky suspicion this will be the one I, I mean we, choose!

Surprise!

I have kept a secret for 33 days!  That's pretty hard for me to do, especially when it's a good secret that I'm excited about.  On January 20th, I took a positive pregnancy test!  That was just 5 weeks after my recent miscarriage and I was shocked/surprised/floored/worried... I pretty much felt every emotion those next few days!  The same day I took the positive test, I called my doctor and had blood work done.  That Friday my hCG (pregnancy hormone) was 100 and the next Monday it went to 523.  What a relief (it's supposed to double every 48 hours)!  I was hesitant on letting myself get too excited, but I was definitely feeling drained and out of energy all day, everyday and thanked God for that!  I knew it was a good sign.  Today confirmed the positive news.  We had our first ultrasound and got to see our little kidney bean moving around in my uterus.  Hearing that heart beat (which was 175) calmed any doubt of fear in me.  I know we are still early in the pregnancy... I will be 9 weeks tomorrow, but what a surprise and a blessing!

That little ring above baby isn't a halo, although that's what it looks like.  It's the yolk sac. 

Something we have decided to do different this go around...... we aren't going to find out the sex!  For any of you that know me well, I'm sure you think that's impossible, but Kevin, my BFF Amy, and my good friend Sarah have all convinced me it's the way to go!  We already have just about everything we need - girl or boy!  I already have my guess on what the baby is, but I'm going to keep my mouth shut - starting now :)

I also said I wasn't going to gain another 50lbs this pregnancy, buuuuut it seems my body goes into starvation mode for 9 months and I have a hard time convincing myself I don't need 12 oreos, or a super-sized chocolate milkshake, or that basket of hot wings.... Maybe blogging will help me keep the weight down!  My goal is to gain no more than 40lbs!  Let's see if I can do it!  If not, no big deal... it's all come off after I had Hayden and Allie so I'm (going to try) not to beat myself up about it.

I'm due Septmber 26.........expect many more posts about cravings/mood swings/and preparing for #3 to come! :)

Valentines Photo Shoot

I like to have a little photo shoot with the kids on every holiday!  We had a busy Valentines day and it was right before I left for dinner I realized I hadn't taken their pictures yet.  I asked them both to sit next to the fire place and they both were extra excited to get their picture taken.  I also didn't notice the banana muffin on Allie's chin, and Hayden's nose that needed wiped until after I was done taking pictures.... oh well, that's real life!

February's Mid Month Update

Outside my window . . .very foggy

I am thinking . . .why are both of the kids still asleep?  Hayden is usually up before 7.

I am thankful for . . .being healthy.  I had the flu on Sunday and trying to take care of both kids, let Kevin sleep, and keep from feeling like I was dying was a hard task.  Thankfully my parents grabbed Hayden for a few hours and I got a good nap while Allie napped.  

In the kitchen . . .my homemade sour dough bread is rising. 

I am wearing . . .jeans and a long sleeve v-neck shirt.  My feet are cold so I need to put on socks. 

I am creating . . .a list of pros and cons whether or not Kevin should mow again this year.  (He asked me to.)

I am going . . .to take the kids to the library today.  I just realized the last week or two I've been keeping busy and not reading to the kids as much as I should have. 

I am wondering . . .if my sister in law is having a boy or girl!  We'll find out Monday! 

I am reading . . .Finding the Hero in Your Husband

I am hoping . . .tonight goes by fast.  I'm ready for Kevin to get a few days off work. 

I am looking forward to . . . Allie's 4 new teeth finally coming through.  The girl has been a down right monster!  (I'm really not exaggerating!)

I am hearing . . .noises from Allie's room.  I think she's waking up...

Around the house . . .there are pillows everywhere.  Hayden had a pillow fight last night and I just realized I didn't pick up the pillows before I went to bed.  I will let him do that when he wakes up :)

One of my favorite things . . .to eat, is strawberry pretzel salad.  I'm making it on Monday and it's sounded good for several days!

A few plans for the rest of the week . . .tomorrow we're taking my in-laws to Log Inn to celebrate their 40th anniversary, Sunday we're going to mom and dads for lunch or dinner, Monday we are finding out the gender of my new neice/nephew AND eating strawberry pretzel salad :) 

#1 Role

Who or what makes you feel complete?

This is a tough question to answer honestly!  I know the answer IS God, but sometimes my little mind gets sidetracked from the bigger picture.  The kids have a tough day which means I have a tough day.  I feel drained.  Kevin is working a lot which leaves us very little time to even have a real conversation.  I feel empty.  I don't prioritize my day well and when the day is done, I feel mad at myself for not accomplishing anything that needed to get done.  Doing day-to-day life and relying on others for your happiness is an uphill battle!

This is where my DOK class comes in to give me a slap upside the head.  This last Wednesday we were talking about when my husband doesn't meet all my (thousands of) expectations, when he disappoints me (even though we all know I'm impossible to please).... I blame him (or the kids) for my bad mood and disappointment!  And really, I am the one to blame.  Ouch.  God never intended Kevin to make me feel complete.  Only He can do that.  He wants to make me whole.  Kevin, although he is an amazing husband, and really does everything he can think of to make me happy, it will never be enough to fill the spot only God can fill.

The book we are studying is "Finding the Hero in Your Husband" and let me tell you this book is much more about changing ME (rather than me changing him, which that seems like it would be easier)!  I'm learning a lot.  I want to grow a lot too.  When I start my day asking God to fill me up, I end the days thanking him for his faithfulness.  The days I get too busy to do that, I find myself feeling utterly drained and thinking "Why didn't I just ask God for help?"

First and foremost, I am a child of God.  Then I am a wife and a mother.  (Not to mention a daughter and sister and friend.)  For all those relationships and roles to happen the way they were intended, I need take care of my #1 role first!  It makes so much sense to me now, I just need to keep putting it in practice!

Cavanaughs

Kevin and I celebrated our Valentines day at Cavanaughs, which also happens to be the place he proposed to me. We usually go there about once a year for a special dinner.  It's a very nice upscale restaurant with a beautiful view of the river.  Kevin arranged a babysitter and made reservations all without my knowledge (extra points for that!).  I get the exact same meal every time I go.  Everything is a la carte.  I do usually switch up the dessert I get.  Dessert is a MUST when you go!  It is expensive, but definitely worth it!

Warm bread

Butter and roasted garlic for your bread.

Their ranch is my all time FAVORITE!  It's amazing.  The salad has large chunks of carrots and cucumbers, which I love.

Between salad and the main course they serve sorbet.  Last nights was lemon sorbet and I wanted to ask for an extra scoop!

Kevin is always trying something new there.  He had their rib eye and he really liked it.  He also got a twice baked potato. 

My 8oz sirloin, butterflied, and well done!  It's the most tender, well done steak around!  LOVE IT!  I also got a twice baked potato.

A steak isn't a steak without A1!  I love the little gravy boat they served it in.

Alleluia!  The dessert tray.  They had 11 choices last night.  At this point I was thinking I should have skipped dinner and ordered 4 desserts!

I told Kevin over and over I wanted cheesecake, because I haven't had any in forever.  They had a creme brulee cheesecake and a turtle cheesecake.  I told our server "I am trying to decide between the creme brulee and the turtle.."  After a pause I told her I wanted the creme brulee.  This is what she brought me out.  I was a little puzzled, but though ok, maybe they serve it in a bowl?  I took one bite, gagged, then realized she gave me creme brulee, not creme brulee cheesecake.  I was frustrated that I didn't communicate better.

After I dug into the "creme brulee"  they certainly weren't going to take it back, so Kevin insisted I reorder and get what I wanted originally.  He really didn't have to persuade me too heard, and I'm glad I got the cheesecake!  It was exactly what I wanted it to be! :)

Before we left, I got a rose.  Perfect ending to a perfect dinner and a great day!

Happy Valentines Day

To start off the morning, I made some *pink* banana nut muffins :)  It really helped to put me in a Valentines mood bright and early this morning!!!  I have never tinted this muffin recipe but I was happy with how they turned out!  Kevin got home from work this morning and arrived with a box of Stephen Libbs chocolate turtles.  He knows how to make his Valentine happy!!  We are going to dinner tonight to finish off the evening.  Hope you all have a lovely day too! <3

Lambert's Cafe - Home of the Throwed Rolls

I visited the Lamberts Cafe in Alabama about 10 years ago.  I remember enjoying the food and atmosphere, but that's about all I could recall from my first visit.  When we went to Missouri last week, I had google searched some of the best restaurants in the area and was pleasantly surprised to see there was a Lambert's Cafe between Springfield and Branson.

Our 2nd night, we had made plans to have dinner there.  We arrived around 5 hoping we there wouldn't be a wait.  We were able to walk right in.  Kevin immediately fell in love with the restaurant because they were playing "oldies" (and he is a 60 year old man at heart and LOVES that kind of music!).  Their menu seemed to have a little bit of everything, but I decided on the dumplings, corn, and mashed potatoes with gravy.  Kevin ordered the chef salad, not knowing it was big enough to feed our whole family of 4.  Hayden picked out a cheeseburger, applesauce and peaches.  I got Allie dumplings, corn, and mashed potatoes. 

While we were waiting on the food, the little high school boy, with his curly hair and suspenders announced "Hot Rolls!"  Kevin put his arms up and caught our first roll.  I was starving at that point (we usually eat at 4 because of his work schedule) so I split the roll in half.  I took one half and gave the kids the other half.  The bread was SO good!  Probably the closest thing I've had to my mom's sour dough bread.  I told Kevin he had to catch us some more!  He caught another one and fell in love with the bread too!  As we were devouring our bread, random servers came by with pots of food.  We were offered:  fried potatoes and onions, fried okra, and macaroni and tomatoes.  We did get all 3, but I only tried the friend potatoes (which were excellent!).

We weren't let down at all by our food.  It was GREAT!  I think Hayden ate more cheeseburger that night than he ever has!  We also decided from now on we'd stop ordering Allie food at restaurants because she rarely eats any of it.  She let her plate go cold and didn't try a thing we ordered for her.  Kevin ate and ate and ate on his salad but you couldn't tell he touched it when he was done.  It was huge.  I polished off my plate and considered dessert, but finished my thrown roll and was full enough :)

Here are some pictures from our visit to Lamberts.  I can't wait to go back to another one!!!

The roll thrower (in the red hat) and a roll being thrown (by the purple balloon).

Me & my buddy.  We also loved the huge drinking glasses :)

100% delicious

Kevin's huge salad in a bread bowl.

Hayden eating his "pittle".

My dumplings and sides

Fried okra

Fried potatoes and onions

We put the macaroni and tomatoes on Allies plate, and she didn't try them.  (Kevin and I aren't tomato eaters).

Big Cedar Lodge 2012

We still don't have our computer fixed, but after not using it for a week, it seems more refreshed and I hope I'm able to make it through this whole posting!

We took a mini vacation to the Ozark Mountains in Missouri this week.  I'd never been and it seemed like a perfect trial run for our Florida vacation that is coming up.  I was anxious to see how the kids did in a longer car ride (7 hours, which was actually around 10 after we stopped for food twice and stopped to let the kids run through Walmart).  The scenery was beautiful and we're looking forward to going back during the spring or summer of another year.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the lodge :)

View from our balcony - overlooking Table Rock Lake

Family/tv room

Kevin wanted to take the table and chairs home.

Bedroom with king sized bed and lots of windows!

The waterfall outside our window.

We had 2 full bathrooms.  This was one of them :)

The lodge we stayed at

Our only family picture - thanks to the self timer on our camera!

I loved the lines in the parking lot!

Pretty buildings

I saw these S&P shakers I thought I'd get my mom...$260!  Yikes!

Pretty stained glass

A closer view of Table Rock Lake

The huge bass was on their miniature golf course.

Allie getting a kissy sandwich

Me & Allie

Hayden checking out the giant goldfish in the little pond.

Another beautiful waterfall (that you drove over).

They have "cookie ladies" on staff that every night bring you fresh baked cookies!

The Truman Cafe at the Lodge was Excellent!!!  WHEN we go back, we'll eat there everyday for breakfast!

Inside the cozy little Cafe

Biscuits and gravy and sausage

One of the most delicious banana nut muffins I've ever had.

Cinnamon crumb cake