Counting Blessings 91-100

What a week!


91.  My NEW NEPHEW, Finn!  Actually, Griffin Mayes, but they're calling him Finn.  He's adorable and has totally chubby cheeks.  I can't wait to get my hands on him!

92.  My family all under one roof.  The boys and I spent 2.5 days out and about away from home.  Only being able to see Dave in little spurts here and there was really rough.  I wasn't a fan.  We arrived home for dinner last night, and we're ALL soooo happy to be together again!  (Including the DOG!)

93.  Carpet samples.  I'm picking a carpet for our bedroom from carpet samples.  For some reason this makes me feel so grown up....and like the completion of a few finished bedrooms is on the horizon.

94.  Farm shares.  Melody shared her share with me last week- since they were out of town.  (Thanks, Mel!).  It's interesting to see what you walk away with, and also more interesting to challenge yourself to cook with new and interesting fresh foods.  I dig that.

95.  T-Bone steak.  It's what's for dinner tonight.  Mmmmmm, grass fed beef.  Mmmmmmmm.

96.  Healing.  After last week's scary Sunday night episode with C, I'm happy to report he's on the mend.  He took his last dose of oral steroids on Friday night, and we'll continue breathing treatments through this week....but he's sleeping and eating again.  And he's on the mend.

97.  Tomorrow is a new month.  New month = new (full) envelopes.  The last few months have run short (i.e. too much month at the end of the money).  This is usual for us in the summer....fall usually slows down a bit.  I'm looking forward to that.

98.  Window treatments.  Thanks to pintrest for the inspiration to make window treatments for Baby Girl's room.  Now I just need to get off my bootie and do them.  You know, CAUSE THE LACQUER IS DONE!!!!  Woohoo!

99.  Farmer's Markets.  My mom brought A. to the farmer's market yesterday.  He always gets kettle corn and donuts there.  (yeah....let's talk about irony on that for a second....but the kettle corn is amazing!).  She brought back some Honey Crisp apples for me.  Two of them are as big as my dog's head.  They make me drool.  I'm saving them for a special occasion.  :)

100.   It's almost October!!!  DUE DATE MONTH!!!!  YES YES YES!

5QF- Country edition

There are a few things I learned in my short stint of country living:

1.  The smell of manure in the morning makes me dry heave.

2.  The one hour and 12 minute round trip to drop the boys off at school could get annoying to do everyday.

3.  The drive in is amazing - Michigan leaves are starting to turn- especially the red and yellow ones.

4.  There are many dillweeds behind the wheel on the road early in the morning.

5.  The quiet out here is unparalleled, though.  Beautiful quiet.  :)



Anyway, I'm going to be happy and content with my peaceful city-dirt road abode. :)  And abbreviated commute to ....well, everywhere.  :)

But am totally grateful for a safe place to go with the boys so we can breathe safe air while our house gets polluted.  :)  Thank you, Mel!




1. Do you prefer to drive to your vacation spot or fly?

Depends on where we're going.  Eight hours in the car is pretty much my limit.  So, anywhere farther than an 8 hour drive- hook me up with wings.

That said, I like both means of transportation.  I love a good road trip...but I also love riding in planes.  Just get me travelling!


2. If you could live any where in the world, where would you go and why?
Like "live" permanently?!?!?  Michigan, baby!  I'll admit, I'm smitten with my mitten.  :)  I love seeing all 4 seasons, I love the people here, I love the geography.  And being close to family.

Now, if only we could get the mitten to turn the other color (my happy color) in November....then, I'd truely be in love!


3. Should grown women wear leggings?
I think that there are some women who can pull off leggings to a decent degree.  The problem is, there are too many women who think they are in this category....and they're just....well, not.

I think there's a lot of respect for women who know how to dress age appropriately for their body type- and manage to not look matronly....but not look like they're 65 years old shopping at Express, you know? 


4. If you could change your name to any other name, would you? And what would it be?
I've never really thought about this.  I'm just so used to being Sandy...I can't imagine answering to any other name.

So, no...I wouldn't. 


I guess?



5. What magazines do you have subscriptions to?

I've had a subscription of All You for the past few years.  And I really enjoyed that one, but when the renewal came around....well, we just decided to forego it until the discretionary income frees up a bit.
After I registered for baby items at Babies R Us, all of a sudden, every baby magazine has found its way to my mailbox.  So, essentially, I now have a subscription to every Baby magazine ever written.

next question:  ask me if I read them....

Answer:  not really.

Hodge Podge Thursday- see if you can follow my crazy brain

My friend, Melody, and I went to the Melting Pot on Tuesday night.  I didn't realize how long its been since I've seen her.  Dinners there take 3 hours.  I'm so glad!  It gave us TONS of time to catch up, and we probably could have talked another 3 hours.  Love that girl.

Speaking of Melody, I'm staying at her house tonight.  I packed the boys and dog (and myself) up at 6:30 this morning, and decided to be a transient all day until the boys got out of school.  This means one thing:  lacquer started today!  I drove by the house a few times, and could literally smell the lacquer from the road....in my closed car.  THAT'S how sensitive my nose is.  My dear friend isn't home tonight, so we're essentially house/dog sitting.  However, her lovely dog won't come within 10 feet of me.  I'm trying not to have a complex about it.  I'm really a friendly person, Coda!!!

Today I am 37 weeks pregnant.  Tomorrow my sister-in-law is being induced.  She doesn't know what she's having.  I think it's a boy.  We'll see soon!

I've realized, through being transient today, that I really am a home-body.  I'm totally ok with this revelation.

C. is officially on the mend.  He's down to one breathing treatment a day!  And crazy amounts of steroids still, but hey....mending is mending, right?

I have a list of things left to do at home (i.e. call the Dr. regarding a bill, order the carpeting, etc.)....this list needs to get done this week....but I'm not sure how I'm going to complete it.  Oh well.

Rolos are gluten free.  Awesomeness.

I'm grateful for wi-fi...and wireless cards.  I can take work anywhere.

I arrived to my boy's school for pick up exactly one hour too early.  I had no where else to go, and didn't want to spend anymore money at stores.  So, I parked, reclined my seat, hiked my belly to the side, and took a nap.  I'm not sure if I was snoring or not...I don't really care.  I awoke in time to hit the bathroom before pick up.  I consider that awesome.

I'm wishing the boys didn't have school tomorrow.  I could use another day hanging out with them.

I'm almost wondering if Baby Girl's room will possibly be ready before her arrival?  This is a remote possibility now.  But I'm still not sure it will happen.  All the stars and planets would have to align.

A. has his first book report due tomorrow.  I'm glad it's finished and packed away in his backpack.  Third grade is hard.

I have one hour left until the boys' bedtime, so I'm off for some quality cuddle time!

Bad news/ good news

Good news:  C. is on the mend.
Bad news:  He's so jacked up on steroids, the poor boy will probably be awake and wired until October.


Good news:  I had an AWESOME time with Melody at The Melting Pot last night!!!
Bad news:  Apparently, I'm not used to hoity toity bathrooms, and accidentally squirted MOUTH WASH on my hands (instead of soap).  And even after multiple washes and a shower, my right hand is still smelling minty fresh.


Good news:  My husband has never been busier with work.
Bad news:  It's all going to go to medical bills.  (i.e. we're still broke)


Good news:  Lacquer gets sprayed this week (with a bit fat HOPEFULLY behind it!!!)
Bad news:  We need to move out for a few days- especially now that C. is having breathing issues.... meaning our family will be separated for a bit.


Good news:  My friend has offered her house during the school week. 
Bad news:  She won't be there, and I'll miss her.  :(


Good news: It's taco night tonight.
Bad news:  What?  There's no bad news with taco night....other than the heartburn that comes with it!  But, since it's a low-maintenance dinner, I get a nap!  (again, big fat hopefully!) 


Good news:  Many of my pregnant friends are past their due dates....meaning by law of proportions or ratios (or whatever), that should increase my chances of going at least a few days early, right?!?!?!  (Thanks for pointing that out in the first place, Michelle!)
Bad news:  My friends are a tad cranky at my pointing this out.  And are probably now praying that I go 3 weeks late.  (GAH!)


Good news:  the state of cleanliness in my house is enough to drive me to the brink of insanity.
Bad news:  Insanity doesn't necessarily equal motivation.  **yawn**


Good news:  C. is sleeping well, eating again, and appears to be on the mend from his cold virus.
Bad news:  He has given it to me....and, I think his brother.  Or it could be allergies.  Time will tell. 


Good news:  It's been about 3 weeks since Ally's last potty-in-the-house incident!
Bad news:  We're about to mess her schedule and safety net up for the next 4-5 days....this usually results in some rebellious behavior.  Time will tell.

Good news:  After my blog post and facebook post on C's breathing condition Sunday night, we've received so many calls, cards, and emails offering help, love and prayers.  Our little family feels so loved.
Thanks, everyone!!!

Ten on Tuesday

Or just another name for a random list....  that's numbered.


1.  A high school friend had her baby two days ago.  She was due a week after me.  I'm fighting bitterness.  But am happy to report that baby Sophia is healthy.

2.  Last week, a 33 year old acquaintance passed away.  In her sleep.  She was a good friend of my sister-in-law.  The autopsy was inconclusive.  She had 5 kids.  This is a tragic thing, breaks my heart, and scares me out of my wits.  I'm so sad for her friends and family trying to make sense of it all, and pray that this brings them closer to God.

3.  Another high school acquaintance's baby daughter received her heart transplant yesterday.  I remember her from high school, but didn't know her well.  But I've been praying for Hannah Mae.  This morning, she's recovering in the NICU with a new healthy beating heart!  We praise God for this miracle, and keep the family of her angel in our prayers.  What a gift.

4.  C. had a pretty good night last night.  Praise God!  He's still home with me today since he still has breathing treatments every 6 hours through tonight.  Hopefully, he'll be ready to go back tomorrow.  I must tell you....thinking about the other night still scares the crap out of me.  He was so gray.  I hope that never happens again.

5.  My husband texts now.  (did I mention that yet?  Well, he has since last Dec....)  I love it.  I love flirting with him on text.  And joking with him.  It's a good thing he knows I'm obnoxious.  :)

6.  I had a nice visit with an old friend last week.  But in spending that time with her, I realized why we're not that close anymore.  Which made me say a prayer of thanks for where I'm at now and the wonderful people God has placed in my life at this very time.

7.  Something is up with my Facebook feed, and I can see all these stranger's updates- because some of my friends either commented on them or liked them.  This is annoying to the highest degree.

8.  I have a fun night planned with one of my favorite people!  Oh how I love fondue.  :)  And Melody.

9.  Over the weekend, I decided to pack some bags for the hospital (one for me, one for her...they're small bags).  This only means one thing:  she's going to be late.

10.  I feel like I'm behind in everything:  MOPS stuff, PTL stuff, work stuff, cleaning stuff, everything.  Other than taking a nap and pretending these things don't exist, I'm not sure how to rectify this situation.  Sigh.  Then again, that's what got me into this situation in the first place.  That, and my inability to say "NO."

Scary night= exhausted morning

What started as a simple stuffy nose yesterday...


....ended up as a scary situation.


So scary, in fact, that we dialed 911.

This has only happened once before.

(When C. was an infant)


C. slept great in his bed from 7-11.


Then....all hell broke loose.


We did an inhaler treatment, nothing.

It got worse, he got more and more scared (so did we!)

And his color started to get more pale....retraction in his ribs....

So, we called 911.

We waited outside hoping the cold air would bring some relief....nope.

Our firefighter medics arrived within 1 minute of our call.

They gave him oxygen, but it doesn't help when his airways aren't moving.

The ambulance showed- where they got him a good breathing treatment.

In the ER, his oxygen levels were still low, and his breathing was still so shallow and labored, they did yet another breathing treatment.

Chest x-ray....

Prednizone....

Over 4 hours later, his pulse/ ox was back up to 98.

So, we were sent home with a load of prescriptions....

....and instructions on when/if to come back.

Got home around 3:30ish....my husband's alarm for work went off at 4:40. 

C. and I slept until 7:30....when Ally jumped all over us on the bed.

Our family is beat this morning, so we're laying low.

All except for my hard-working husband.

And me...working on the computer this morning (thank goodness I can do audits in my pajamas!).

At least the little guy is getting some well-earned rest.

Counting Blessings 81-90

81.  A grandma who is willing to take my boys overnight.

82.  Date night  with my hottie-boy anniversary date (see #81).

83.  Indoor plumbing.  (Yes, random...but imagine life without it?!?!?)

84.  Beef.  Herb-crusted rib eye steak, anyone?!?!?!

85.  Kleenex.  Cold and allergy season is upon us.

86.  MOPS.

87.  Highlights and lowlights.  And how they make me feel like a new woman.

88.  The Gap Outlet

89.  $10 off coupons from Kohl's (that they accept after the expiration date!!!)

90.  Warm fuzzy blankets- perfect for taking a nap under.


What are you thankful for this week?

Eleven

Eleven years.

I'd marry him again.

In a heartbeat.

Happy 5QF- Crazy Weekend Edition!!!

GAH!  Seriously, I left the house this morning to drop my boys off at school.


And I haven't been home yet.

I'm sitting in the school office - waiting to pick my boys up from school- writing this blog post.

Cause I don't have enough time to head home and back before they get out....

...and you know, why not?


It's a totally crazy busy weekend coming up...


...and a big day for Dave and I tomorrow (hint, it celebrates something that happened 11 years ago tomorrow), and no kids!  (yay!)

So...let's get to some questions, shall we?

1. What is one grammar issue you cannot let go without correction?

 

This depends.

 

If the grammar is spoken, it's a double negative that just floors me.

 

"I don't got none."  GAH!!!  I'll usually put a big obnoxious smile on my face and say "Oh, so you have some, or you don't have any....because I'm confused."

 

Gosh, I'm obnoxious.  :)

 

Written word pet peeves include the improper use of their, there and they're. 

 

Or you're and your

 

or It's and its

 

and two, too and to.

 

Yes, I'm a grammer snob.  I blame my private school eduction for this. 

 

It's a burden I must bare.  (places hand to forehead)

 

2. What's your favorite thing about fall?

Cooler temps.  Honey crisp apples.  Crispy air.  Colorful trees.

Really, what's not to like about fall?

3. What's your favourite dish to take to a potluck?

Anything gluten free!  Potlucks are like russian roulette with my gut.  So, if I know there's something safe for me, I'm all about it.

4. When do you start Christmas (Holiday) shopping?

 

Ok...  this is literally causing me anxiety.  I'm usually half done by now.  This year, I haven't even started!  And I'm having a baby in about 4 weeks....perhaps that's why I'm not sleeping well at night!

 

5. Did you move homes a lot growing up?

 

NOPE!  My childhood was the epitome of the word "stable."  I never moved houses, never even moved bedrooms!  I moved from my childhood bedroom into my husband's house.  Although, I probably should have tried living on my own for a bit, the timing never worked out for me to head out on my own.  Besides, I was already head-strong and stuck-in-my-ways enough....without putting some individual habits in there.  :)

36 weeks! One month left!!

So, I have four weeks left.

One month.

YES!

So, yesterday was my bi-weekly check up and a we had a few interesting developments.

- I got my Tdap vaccine- which now means that all of baby girl's parents and grandparents are COVERED!  Thanks, guys, for loving this little one enough to make sure you're covered.  :)

-  I lost 3 of the 4 pounds I gained last time.  (minus the "scale fix").  This loss includes a late-afternoon weigh in (after always having early morning weigh ins), heavier clothing, and a lot of bloating.  So, I'm considering that a WIN.

-  I had to have the Group B Strep test- which I wasn't actually prepared for (cause I didn't shave above the knee...oops)....but then the Dr. checked me

-  I'm already dilated to 1.5 cm!  I understand this really doesn't mean much....cause I could have been walking around like this for the past 5 weeks.  And I could walk around like this for another 6 weeks (God forbid).  And since it's my 3rd delivery, he was expecting at least SOME sort of head start.  (He actually said he would have been concerned if there was nothing).  But, at least it means things are going in the right direction.  That makes me happy.

-  Baby Girl is crazy active.  I had Dave put BOTH hands on my stomach last night just so he could feel that when she moves, EVERYTHING moves...not just in one spot.  His eyes got SO BIG!  That smile he gets still just turns me into a pile of goo.  We're both looking forward to meeting her.  :)


Anyway, I don't have much else to report.  I don't have anything ready for her, and I don't have a bag packed...at all. 

I'm trying to wait until after the lacquer is sprayed because I don't want those fumes in all our stuff.  So, all her items...and a lot of mine....are safely tucked away, and will be washed as soon as the fumes allow.

Which may be late next week sometime?

But that is always subject to change....sigh.

Things I'm lovin' lately

There's a few things happenin' in our house lately

that makes me just love life that much more.

Little things like this that make me smile.

So, I took pictures:

Our dinner schedule:

I do this monthly.

But you can clearly see, I got a late start on this month.

However, it takes the guess work out of dinner,

helps control my budget,

and helps me keep a plan for sanity during the dinner hour.

I challenge myself to try 2-3 new dinners a month,

and this month have included 3 dinners that I can cook in bulk-

so I'll have some freezer meals for after baby. 

Helpful hint:  pencil is your friend on these.

This adorable outfit for baby girl: 

This was given to me from my friend, Sue, at my shower.

I honestly think you can never go wrong at Baby Gap.

The dress itself is totally cute...but the headband and boots?!?!?

SERIOUSLY! 

Cute accessory overload!

We received some other REALLY cute things too, but since this is 0-3 mo, it's the only one

that's easily accessible.

GAH!  So cute!!!

Boots!

Gorgeous weather: 

I cannot express how happy I am now that cooler temperatures are upon us.

I LOVE IT!

Also, you like our make-shift goal post out there?

Yep....red necks to the core.

I'm ok with that.  :)

Honey Crisp Apples: 

Yet one more reason to LOVE fall.

I'm an apple addict.

Seriously- kind of going through 3-5 a day.

They're like candy.

It's insane.

Mmmmmm apple.

Coffee.  (Decaf, obviously) 

But I love it just the same.

Painter Dave came yesterday! 

Thanks to some rain the night before, the surfaces he was scheduled to paint yesterday

were too wet.

So he came to the Love Shack!

I was SO happy to see his van.

So far, he's stained the trim and 2 doors.

More staining tomorrow.

And then (fingers crossed!) spraying lacquer Friday!

Whoot!

Lucy's gluten free cookies. 

I keep them in the fridge...not sure why.

Perhaps I like cold cookies?

Anyway, I tried these at a gluten free fair, and fell in LOVE with them.

The texture is perfect, the calorie count is nice and low

(hello, serving size= 4 cookies!)

The cinnamon thins are totally yummy (especially made into s'mores, but that's a whole 'nother post)

but I tried these Ginger Snaps, and I haven't been able to find them anywhere since I sampled them.

And....finally.....last week, I found them.

They SANG to me from the aisle!

These ginger snaps are legen- (wait for it) dary.

Why?

THEY PUT A TOUCH OF TOBASCO SAUCE IN THEM!

Talk about SNAP!

Oh....they are soooo sooooo good.

Could it be my pregnant taste buds?

Could be, but these hum-dingers are amazing.

Picking paint chips:

With Painter Dave in the house,

I'm on the fast track to picking out colors too!

We have colors picked for her room and ours.

As you can see, I'm not intimidated by color.

Bring it on.  :)

Hand-me-downs: 

On Sunday, C turned to me at church and said his feet were

squished in his Sunday shoes.

I looked...yep, a size and a half too small.

So, I went into the "shoe bin" and

grabbed the size 13 church shoes.

Wah-lah, C.'s feet no longer hurt.

Love this!

(By the way, I'm well aware that 4 of the 6 pairs of shoes shown in this pic are mine.)

I'm ok with that.  :)

My make-shift sewing area: 

It's in the future dining area,

but D. says I can keep it set up until I'm done sewing.

Half of the reason I don't sew more

is because it's a PAIN to pack it all up,

and then drag it all out again

just for 45 minutes of work.

So, now when I have a spare hour, I just sit down, plug in and start sewing.

Lovely. :)

Monday Morning Quaterback

I used to work in office furniture.

If you know my relative geographic location....it's not surprising.

It's like saying I live in Detroit and worked in the automotive field.

Anyway, while I was doing my internship, we were expected to give a report on the

Monday Morning Quarterback.


It was an email that circulated throughout the office furniture industry.

It was set up like a newsletter,

and kept everyone updated on big stuff.

Upcoming trade shows,

new launches,

upcoming legislation that may affect our sales/ manufacturing, etc.

So, anyway...this is just a long way for me to let you know that I'm
writing a new random list of updates for today.

• I do believe the long-awaited nesting-instinct is starting to kick in.  I normally feel unorganized, but lately I feel scattered, unorganized, and unclean.  And it's starting to drive me nuts.  I'm even noticing dirt on my light plates.  Ugh.  I'm hoping instinct= motivation.  I've hit the mud room and organized that, but I still have a few follow up things to do in there.  I also spent a LONG time in the boys' room today purging and organizing toys.  There will probably be tears shed later, but they will be ORGANIZED tears.

• I had a FANTASTIC political talk with a friend this morning.  We're normally on different sides of the aisle- she's a moderate....I'm pretty conservative.  Our discussion was done with respect, honor, and words were spoken in love.  No accusations...just "this is how I interpret it...." or "well, I think about this instead...."  There were things I never thought about, and things she's never even heard of (she admittedly only listens to the news reports on TV...so her viewpoint will be skewed and not substantiated).  She's promised to do more in-depth research, and I've promised to keep communications open with her.  It was great.  Why can't everyone talk about politics this way?

• In reference to the last point, I am pro-politics....anti-politician.

• The power company is trimming trees in our area.  This frustrates me.  They totally butcher those poor trees.

• The nausea I had during the first trimester is coming back in this home stretch.  Ugh.  Seriously.... one bout per pregnancy is ENOUGH!!!

• There's a company called Jack's Wholesale Windows in my area that has the most AWFUL commercials in the whole wide world.  Seriously.....it's just darn annoying.  I change the channel every time they come on.  And I'd never shop there- regardless of their prices....just out of spite.  Just so annoyed.

• There's a cold front coming through later today.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't unbelievably excited about this!

• I'm praying for LOTS of rain this week.  Why?  Because if it does rain, our painter can't do the job he's scheduled to do this week.....which means his schedule frees up so he can come HERE to the love shack for stain and lacquer.  WOOHOO!  Bad thing = I will only have a tad less than 24 hours notice to get out of the house for a few days.  I will have a dog and two kids with me- and need Internet access for work.  Thankfully, I have an amazing friend with an extra room who is willing to put us up with short notice.  She's awesome.  :)

• This means that there's a slight chance that we could be totally trimmed up by the end of this week, and possibly painted by the end of next week!  YEAH!  This could be going faster than I anticipated.  However, I am the contractor's wife.  I understand that unexpected delays can (and usually do) happen.  So...not counting chickens before they're hatched.

• We also had all the bedrooms measured for carpet last week.  They agreed to give us the same "contractor's deal" that they gave us last time....which we were totally thankful for.  I just need to wait for some samples from the representatives, and we'll be all set to order carpet!

• I have a pile mountain of laundry that needs to be folded and ironed.  Anyone want to volunteer to come do that for me?  I just love those 12 seconds you have when all the laundry is done- before you discover that you need to do yet another load.  12 seconds of sheer bliss.

• I have decided to keep my daily to-do lists at 12 items long.  Never longer.  I never finish a list anyway, and having a list that shows 35 undone things makes me feel like a failure....so only showing 3-4 undone things...well, that makes me feel more like I accomplished a majority of things I meant to do that day.  Actually, one day last week, I completed the entire list- for the first time.  I felt like a million bucks, I tell ya.  So....yep- 12 items long.  That's it.

• Dave and I made a decision to forgo fall sports.  The boys will be involved with a few programs, but no big time commitments or sports.  This is a decision we made for a few reasons:  1) baby on the way....the biggest reason.  2) We feel like we're always being pulling in a million different directions.  We'd like to focus on transitioning C. into full time school, and keep time separate for family stuff.  They're only small for so long- and having that strong family bond is important to establish right now.  3)  I'm tired!  I don't want to be shuffling schedules and shuttling kids here and there and everywhere.  Yes, call me selfish.  I'm ok with that.

• Continuing with limited or no- screen time has really been going well in our house!  I'm surprised!  But, the boys are playing better together- this is translating into playing better with others, and I'm noticing a BIG difference in their listening skills when screens are on vs. off.  They're more imaginative, and just less anxious in general.  I'm really lovin' it!  Who knew?

• I believe I'm obsessed with honey crisp apples.  I cannot get enough.  I'm totally blowing the grocery budget to buy them (due to spring frost, our Michigan apple crop was pretty much killed off....supply/demand thingy...wahlah, apples cost more in the fall), but I don't care!  I've already had THREE apples today!  And planning on eating another after school today.  Oh so GOOD!

• I made this recipe on Saturday night:

Source: life-as-a-lofthouse.blogspot.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Guys, it's nothing short of AMAZING!  It is involved, so be forewarned.  I didn't realize it would take as long as it did to make.  So, the boys ate peanut butter sandwiches at 6pm, and Dave and I inhaled this goodness around 7:30.  BUT...it was TOTALLY worth the effort.  And it makes a LOT.  BEST DINNER EVER!  My belly thanks me every time I have left overs right now.  :)

Gluten free modifications:  I used Bragg's Amino Acids in place of soy sauce.  That's it!    I highly recommend it....SO GOOD!!!!

• I'm feeling antsy to change my hair style/ color again.  I understand this is a popular feeling in pregnancy/ post partum.  I'm going to try to resist the urge to do anything drastic....but a wee bit of change can't be all bad, right?

• Ok, I have 8 more things on my to-do list to finish before the end of the day.  They're not getting themselves done....and your retinas are probably burning....so Happy Monday!

Counting Blessings 71-80

Another week of counting blessings.

And showing gratitude.

I'm feeling more wealthy by the week!

71.  I'm so thankful for a mom who loves my joints enough to grant me a birthday wish.

72.  For fun people who leave sweet generous gifts here and there....and everywhere.  Making me and this little one feel so loved.

73.  For MOPS starting this coming week!  Whoot!

74.  For being one week closer to meeting my daughter.

75.  For that unabashedly warm-fuzzy smile my husband gets on his face when he feels the baby kick in response to his voice.  Ohhhhhh, melt my heart!

76.  For rain in the upcoming forecast.  (Not wanting to count chickens before they're hatched, but if you could pray for LOTS of rain, that would be GREAT!  I'll explain later).

77.  For an AMAZING recipe found on Pintrest.  Amazing.  Oh, my belly is so happy.  More on that later.

78.  For date night.  With the hottest guy on the planet.  :)

79.  For neighbors who drop fresh garden grown veggies off on our door every Sunday morning.

80.  For Q-Doba allowing me to combine tons of coupons- resulting in feeding my family of 4.6 (plus appetizer!) for $7.62.  Awesome.

5QF- 35 week edition

I had a busy busy day yesterday.

So, I forgot to do a pregnancy update.

So, here goes a quick recap:

• I'm now 35 weeks pregnant
• Yes, I'm ready to be done.
• No, I'm not sleeping well.
• Yes, I have heartburn and gas pains.
• No, her room is not ready. 
• Yes, I'm ok with that.
• Yeah, I'm excited about having a girl (now, I am), but my lifelong happiness was not directly contingent on it.  But, yes...I am excited.
• Yes, she's active.
• Yes, I am ornery (most or some of the time).
• No, according to my Dr, I don't have cankles.
• Yes, I still need a pedicure.

Ok, let's answer some questions!!!

1. How long did it take for you to find your wedding dress? (Wedding dress pics anyone?)

Hmmmm, that was a while ago.  I probably went to at least 4-5 boutiques before I found my dress.  My mom and I went to a few here and there, but we finally found it at a place that my friend, Gina, found her dress at.  I remembered that I wanted to go there because they had higher-end dresses with better quality material and better cuts.  Of course, I find my dress there too.  Of course, it was 3x the cost of many of the others I had tried on....yep.

But it was beautiful, and it felt like it was made for me.  And the material was really high quality, not too much bling, the cut was perfect for my body type...and the off-the-rack dress fit me like a glove.  So, we purchased it off-the-rack for a decent discount, and later found out that the dress was a limited edition, so only 200 of them exist.  :)

So, here's my dress from the front/side.  My scanner is old...so sorry the details aren't as crispy as they should be.  But anyway...it had a boat neckline, and a cute belt along the middle that matched the neckline.  They both met in the back - where the neckline went into a deep V, and went almost down to the belt.

There was a little bead-age on the top, but not too much.  I really loved the cut of the dress, though.  The seams were stitched perfectly, and it was just made for me.  Loved it.

Here's a kinda-view of the back.  If you can see through the veil. 

I had a cathedral-length veil - to dress it up a bit for the church. 

Here's another...a little closer up.

With my big huge bouquet.  :)

2. Someone in your general vicinity releases a NASTY smelling fart. Do you say anything or blow it off?

Ok, M.....I gave you FIVE questions last night on twitter to choose from....and THIS is the one of mine you PICK?!?!?!? 

Ok, this one depends on the situation.  If we're out with close friends, I'd be like, "Whoa...what did you EAT?!?!?"  Or moderately close friends, I'd be like, "Are you feeling ok?  Do you need to visit the restroom before we leave?"

The nasty church fart is probably the most offensive one.  Cause you're stuck in the pew!  However, my kids have really put a kabosh on flatulent people around us....they announce really loudly, "WHO FARTED!?!?!?!?  UGH!"  Yep...those are my kids!

If I'm out with a bunch of ladies, or whatever, and I smell something, I'll either try to blow it off....or (in my sensitive pregnancy-nose state), I'll remove myself from the area before I start to dry-heave.

This is a fun time to bring up a certain trip to Paris.  Let me preface this by saying I'm not particularly impressed with Paris.  It's a big city, dirty, and full of rude people.    So, anyway...we're on our way down from the top of the Eiffel Tower- there are 35 of us smashed in this elevator.  I'm smelling BO from 3 different directions....and then it hits.....someone let out a NASTY horribly heinous - worst smell of my life fart.  Dave smelled it too- we look at each other,  we looked around....and noticed my sister-in-law covering her nose, and then looked at my brother.

His face was red.

His head was red.

His EARS were red.

We found the perpetrator.

It.was.my.brother. 

Seriously....ugh.

Even my dad - who normally would have let something like that go- was saying stuff to my brother.

Guys...it was bad.

So bad that all the french people were dying to get off the elevator.

You know it's bad when your brother stinks out 35 rude stinky french people in an elevator.

Awesome.

UPDATE:  A friend of mine just shared this blog post on Facebook.  I was laughing so hard, I had TEARS running down my face.  You know, if you find that sort of thing funny.  Which I do...judge accordingly.  But laugh first.  :)


3. What is the scariest thing that happened to you or scared you recently?

Other than really stupid people driving on the road - and almost getting into three crashes this morning on the way to school?!?!?  THREE!  None of them would have been my fault either! 

After the first, we were thankful.

After the second, we said a prayer.

After the third, I started praying and never stopped until I got home!

Seriously....stupid people just need to stay off the dang road!



4. Favorite brand and flavor of ice cream.

Hershey's Ice Cream used to carry this flavor that was Amaretto Cappuccino Crunch.  It was chocolate with amaretto flavoring and chocolate covered cappuccino chips and swirled with marshmallow.  Oh, was it good!  I had it twice in the last year, and the next time we went there - it had been discontinued.  Sad face.

Otherwise, I'm usually a Mint Chocolate Chip fan.  I like Bryers natural ice cream - because it's pretty plain ingredients, and I know its safe for me to eat.

Also, anyone try the vanilla flavor from Costco lately?  Whoa!  It's good!  VERY creamy - my husband can't get enough!

5. Are you able to sleep well in hotels?

Yep!  I can sleep just about anywhere.

I do prefer my own bed...but for a night or two, I'm good anywhere.

My high-maintenance birthday wish list

I am NOT a high-maintenance woman, by nature.

I'm more of a practical head-on-straight (most of the time) gal.

I don't need a lot of stuff....

I don't care to impress people around me....

I'm not impressed by people with stuff....

But a friend of mine asked me a question the other day....

...and my answer led me to believe that I've grown a tad bit

high maintenance in these late stages of pregnancy.

At least, I'll blame it on the pregnancy, and hope that I return to

                                                                   normal, practical Sandy afterward.  :)

She asked me:

"What's on your ultimate 36th Birthday wish list?!?!?"

My *ultimate* list?!?!?

Hmmmm, I started to think.

A housekeeper.

Source: via Sandy on Pinterest

Just a one-time-only deep clean.  That's it.  I normally take great pride in taking care of our home.  I found a decent schedule to keep up with is, but this pregnancy and work and kids and ....just life..... has left me floundering.  Life is just so busy, and I'm far behind.  I'll look at everything that needs to be done, and want to cry.  I just need someone to come in, deep clean, and give me a good clean slate to start over.

A pedicure.

Source: google.com via Sandy on Pinterest

My old pedicure from Emily, and the one I gave myself after that have long since worn off.

The whole pedi-thing has a funny story.  When I was pregnant with A, I treated myself to a pedicure shortly before I was due.  Dave (who had never heard of me getting a pedi before) was a tad put off by the cost, but didn't complain too loudly- since I fit it into the monthly envelopes.  He snarkily said, "Like you're going to be in the throes of labor thinking 'gee, I'm so glad I got that pedicure."

So...there I was in the middle of pushing- during a *rest* period, and I said, "Hey babe....I'm so glad I got that pedicure."  He laughed!

So, for a Mother's Day present when I was pregnant with C, he gave me a gift certificate for a pedicure.  (Probably knowing I would spend the money anyway....he just got credit that way- he's a smart, smart man!).  I saved the certificate to use closer to my due date- for which he was grateful.  Again, middle of labor, "Honey...so glad I have pretty feet."

Yeah, I'm almost 5 weeks away from having my feet in the air...and they are NOT pretty feet.  I'd like to have pretty feet.  However, there are calluses, nasty chipped polish, and just general ugliness.  I think this one *could* be considered a necessity.  Right?

Danskos

Source: amazon.com via Sandy on Pinterest

I am a big fan of Dansko shoes.  I found them 4 years ago after I started having ankle/knee/ and hip pain.  I have extremely flat feet.....EXTREMELY- and wearing cheap shoes had affected my joint alignment.

My friend, Alisha, turned me on to Danskos, and I love them.  Bad thing- they're NOT cheap.  I've worn my Danskos for 4 years now, and I had hoped to get a 5th year out of them...but no go.  The souls are unevenly worn, and the addition of our puppy has added some shredding on the back of both shoes.  They need to go.  I need arch support.  Size 43 please.

I saw these tooled clogs in Kentucky- on my cousin Kate's feet.  And I fell in love with them!  (I have the plain jane black ones) Unfortunately, they're not on the discount sites online....and they're rarely on sale.

But I LOVE them!  And I need arch support!
Again, a necessity, perhaps?

Bathroom stuff

We're pretty close to having enough to finish the addition on the addition of the house.

Except for the expensive stuff.  This includes lighting, vanity, vanity top and mirror.  It doesn't help that I have specific tastes in decorating, and I really don't want to settle.  Sure, we could do it inexpensively....but it will look cheap.  We've spent 7 1/2 years doing this house- only to make it look cheap?  Nah.  So, if we need to wait a year to do it right, we will....but if some birthday fairy wants to send these things my way, well, I won't complain one bit.


Wanna see some of my favorites?

This is my favorite lighting piece.  However, Dave and I just talked about it last night, and think that there won't be enough light coming off this piece.  Other than the shower light, this is the only light in the entire bathroom.  I love the mirror too! 

Source: shadesoflight.com via Sandy on Pinterest

So, we may have to go with something like this:

Source: shadesoflight.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Along the same lines....just a brighter shade.

And the vanity I've got my eye on:  (sorry for the blur!  You can check it out on homedepot.com if you need a crisp pic- it's on sale for ONLY $690- gah!)

Source: homedepot.com via Sandy on Pinterest

Other smaller things include:

- date night with my husband (already on the calendar!)

- fondue night with Melody (again, already on the calendar!)

And totally unnecessary things, but still in the back of my mind are:

- portrait and fish-eye lenses for my camera

- a weekend get away

- ice cream cake  :)

Even though these are things I like  LOVE, they are just that- things.

Having them will make life fun, yes....but in reality, they're not exactly necessities.

I know this.

So, come October 6, I know that my having a great birthday is

not directly contingent

on my receiving any of these things mentioned above.

I'm so fortunate already.

So, just the fact that I have a fantastic family, a daughter on the way, amazing friends, and lots of love surrounding me...

well, what more could a girl possibly ask for?!?!?

How much does 11 years affect a memory?

It's been more than a decade.

But, like most generations, it was a day that our generation will always remember.

Where we were.

What we felt.

How we found out.

Like JFK

The day your world was rocked...and you felt

helpless

small

scared.

How much do you remember?

I remember how I first found out:

I had left the house early that day.  I was working as a Marketing and Admissions Manager for a Skilled Nursing Facility.  There was a questionable potential admission coming from the hospital, so I got up early to head to the hospital and  talk to the Dr's during rounds, peak in this guy's chart, and give my nurses a heads-up as to what was coming in.  I left the hospital, and stopped at Walgreen's.  I was getting married in 11 days, and I had something to purchase there- what?  I can't remember.  I got back in the car to hear Rick Beckett (a local radio personality) go very somber (unusual for him), and read the AP report.

I got back to the facility, and remember wondering if this would affect my brother and sister-in-law's flight.  They were leaving Germany to fly in for the wedding- "they should actually be in the air at this very minute", I thought.

I headed into my office when one of our patients sat at my door, and just bawled.  She was scared.  She was one of my favorites, so I hugged her- and we said a prayer together.  Then we walked to the TV room to watch the coverage.

Where we saw the second tower get hit- live on TV.

This was no longer an accident.

It was here that I realized my country was under attack.

I felt so helpless.

So small.

So insignificant.

Then news of United flight 93 came in.

More fear.

Someone is targeting my country- attacking it on it's own soil.

Someone who hates America that much.

I just felt evil was upon us.

Dave called me- wondering about my brother and sister-in-law (still no news from them).

My mom called me - just to touch base with one of her kids (the other one was on a plane somewhere).

I called my sister-in-law's mother - she hadn't heard anything from her daughter either.

Our older residents (some of which were veterans of wars) felt a "call to action,", so we went out and purchased whatever patriotic craft/flag things we could find.  It felt like so little.

That night, I was slated to head to "sales camp" which was essentially a fine-tuning sales training for those of us in the medical field.  I was expecting it to be cancelled.  (Knowing that company like I do now, I'm not surprised they still made us go).  So, that night, I headed out to Indiana with 6 other women- shocked and astounded that we had to leave our families and head out to learn how to sell services- that we've already been selling for over a year.  (No, I'm not bitter about that, why do you ask?!?!?)

I'm 11 days away from being married.

My country has just been attacked.

I still haven't heard from my brother.

I'm headed to sales camp.

(One of these things is doing it's own thing...one of these things does not belong....).


We were only allowed to watch the news in 5 minute snippets for the next 48 hours- which I guess was a blessing, cause it would have really taken up much of my heart- if left to my own devices.

I found out that my brother and his wife were stuck on a tarmac in a plane for 8 hours that day.  They were only getting small snippets of information- most of which was one-lined.  "A plane went down in New York City, stay tuned." (a few hours later)  "Two planes went down."  (again, a few hours later) "New York is under attack."  "All flights into the US have been cancelled.  We're heading back to the terminal."

We were almost positive that Dan's leave from the USAF would be cancelled, but his Commanding Officer made sure he was on the first flight into the US - which was only 2 days before our wedding (instead of the 11 we originally planned).

Our wedding was a beautiful day - 11 days later.  A few people opted not to travel, which was completely understandable.  We went to Maine for our honeymoon, and had the worst taxi driver who was talking about Mohammed Atta (we flew into the airport he originally flew out of), and haz-mat suits.

 I'm still glowing from my wedding, and this dude was talking about haz-mat suits?!?!?!

Even 11 years later, it's easy to feel like it was yesterday.

But, we've all grown, and a lot has changed since then.

How scared we all felt.

How helpless.

How small.

Wondering how something so evil could be so successful at hurting so many people.

Eleven years later,

there's still evil out there.

But, I think we're a little more aware of it.

No longer wandering around in our happy little worlds.

Those worlds were rocked that day,

and will never be the same.

9-11-2001

Never forget.

Random randomness

Today, I just have a bunch of total randomness....

....cause that's about all my mind is capable of.

It is in posts like this that you will truely see just how ADD I can be.

• I think I broke my middle toe (on my right) foot last night.  I ran it into a wall.  It's huge, swollen, and purple.  I heard a snap-crunch when it hit.  And it doesn't bend like the others anymore.  And it hurts.  I can't wear shoes right now.  Yes, there is a reason Dave's nickname for me is "Grace."

• Today, I am feeling inundated with things to get done.  Work is top on the list, and unfortunately, it's getting last place attention.  I need to fix that- or else I'm going to be up until midnight tonight.

• I met a friend for coffee this morning.  I think I need to make more time for coffee with friends.  It was so nice to chit chat with her, and before I knew it, 2 hours had gone by!  I love it when a conversation flows naturally.  Friends like that are fun.

• Since Dave is self-employed, we have to write out quarterly taxes and send in checks to the government.  I think EVERYONE needs to do this- it would really make people pay more attention to just where their tax money goes.  I think there's a level of apathy in our country right now (toward government, and politics in general....kind of an ostrich/head-in-sand thing) and it's rather frustrating.

• Dave is almost done with the trim in our room and the baby's room.  Then painter Dave comes to stain and lacquor.  That's when I move out for a few days.  This should be interesting.

• I've picked out wall colors for the two rooms, and I'm excited to see them come together!  I'm hoping this will happen when I'm off on maternity leave from work- and I can really enjoy furniture placement, decorations, etc.  Having work and baby together I think would be too much with it all.  I'm not a great multi-tasker, by nature.

• We stayed local this weekend (instead of going to my parents).  Ally ended up acting kinda squirrely, so we took her to a dog park close(ish) to us.  We met the neatest people there!  Ally had a blast, and on the way home, I stopped and picked up some Honey Crisp Apples from a farm stand.  All in all, it was a fantastic Saturday morning.  Mmmmm, honey crisp.

• Thanks to my friends (here and on FB) for your support with my non-political soap box post last week.  It really is a scary season to bring a new born into the world!  I'm happy to report that our immediate family is 1/2 covered already.  The others have Dr's appts already scheduled, and we'll be 100% covered by the time baby girl arrives.  Now, aunts and uncles.....are you covered too?  I'll be asking you next!  I'm doing my best to keep this baby out of the NICU.  Most of my close friends are covered, and some are making appts this week.  I'm feeling loved and supported in this endeavor. 

• This is the season for babies.  Seriously, I know a LOT of people who are having them...another one just delivered this past weekend.  I kinda feel like I'm standing in line on a high-dive or something....we're all lined up in order of due date, and they just keep jumping off into the "land of delivery."  Then, I get to step closer to the ledge.  As of right now, I have 4 more people in line ahead of me.  Actually, #4 is due right around the same time....so, it could be only 3....but I'm not counting on it.

• Last night, I made a batch of Monster cookies.  C was helping me.  After the dough was made, he turned to me in all seriousness and said, "Mom, I'll lick the beater for you, cause in this house, we don't waste food."  Yep....thanks for taking one for the team there, buddy.  He just cracks me right up.

•   Dave and I have really buckled down on screen time for the boys during the week.  I've really noticed a big difference with that!  a) I'm more attentive (out of necessity)  b) they're much more imaginative (legos vs. video games)  c) they're getting along better (playing together instead of co-existing on the couch).    I thought I would loathe it- cause, really, I do let them watch too much TV, and I tend to be lazy....but it's really been a blessing.

• Over the weekend, we had a birthday party for my nephew- turning 4.  C. decided on Saturday morning that he was going to bring his Bible to read it to Jaden.  I wasn't sure how it would go over, but he insisted.  He said, "He doesn't have bibles in his house, so I want to share mine with him."  Oh, bless his little heart.  I thought he'd forget about it by the time the party came around, but he didn't.  He was stuck to that Bible like white-on-rice.  Of course, being the birthday boy, my nephew wanted nothing to do with sitting down with a book...but it didn't stop C. from trying- more than once.  I love that little evangelist.  :)

• I'm signed up to bring a MOPS tablemate dinner tonight.  So, I decided to do the bulk-thing and make it for ourselves for tonight...and see if I had enough left over for a feezer meal for after baby girl comes.  Not only did I have enough for a freezer meal, I had enough for FOUR meals- on top of the 2 meals scheduled to be eaten tonight!  The only reason I had to stop is that I ran out of gf bacon.  But- seriously- FOUR extra meals!  I'm feeling awesome about that.

• Dave is allowing me to set up a sewing station in the kitchen addition.  I say "allowing" only because homeboy is a tad OCD( I say that with the utmost love and respect, by the way...) ..and me and my sewing gets messy...and stays set up for a while.  So anyway, I'm looking forward to setting up my sewing station this week (sometime), and starting my projects for baby girl's room!  Now that the window molding is up, I can get a more accurate measurement on what I'll need for her window treatments.  I can't wait to see it all come together.