Loving this moment...

Maternity Photos

2011-09-04T19:59:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine, Tiffany, of Anor Photography, offered to do maternity pictures at about 36 weeks. We hadn't even thought about doing them, but they turned out beautifully, and I am so glad that we have them now! Its a little late, but I wanted to share them with you. This past weekend, we went over to her house and did newborn pictures with her and another photographer, Bekah Bowman, of Bekah Bowman Photography. They both wanted to practice on a newborn, and I never pass up on pictures! Anyhow, here is the video of the maternity shoot. I can't decide which is my favorite, they are all so good!

He's Here!

2011-09-04T19:54:00.000-04:00

Bumblebee has arrived, for all of you out there wondering. He is 9 days old today, actually. We are still working on getting settled and into a routine, so I haven't been on the computer AT ALL. Everything has been done from my phone (love that thing!). SO... details!

Name: Jacob Truett Dean Pittman

Born: Friday, August 26, 2011 at 6:33 am

Weight: 8 pounds, 6.3 ounces

Length: 20 inches

I will tell the whole story soon, I promise! I'm working on getting pictures off of the camera and posted to facebook currently. For now, here's one to tease you with!

34-35 weeks

2011-08-01T14:24:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: I am getting things ready! All the baby clothes are washed, and today I'm working on packing the hospital bag.

How Far Along: 35 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee now weighs approximately 5 1/4 lbs, and is about 18 inches long.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: So far, I think we're about 30 pound total gain.

Maternity Clothes: I am down to a pair of shorts, a couple dresses, and my maternity capris and shirts. This baby needs to come soon, or I'm going to run out of appropriate clothing!

Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name! But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints. Nope, not even a little one. Sorry MOM! Well, okay, one... He'll be named after someone in one of our families, keeping in tradition with the girls' names.

Movement: Bumblebee is very active, especially at night. He is moving around a lot between 10 and 2 at night. Scott always says it looks like an alien trying to come out of my stomach because it just bobbles around.

Sleep: Sleep has been better since the doctor prescribed Ambien. I don't take it every night, but I can tell when I'm going to need it, and it works well. I tried Tylenol PM and it does not work for me.

What I miss: Being able to move around easily!

Cravings: Pizza and hot dogs. I know, healthy, right?! I actually tried to avoid the hot dog one day and had a salad instead, and it upset my stomach! Guess I should listen better.

Symptoms: I am experiencing some swelling in the ankles and wrists. Its very unpredictable. When it happens, I have tingling and difficulty sleeping, so I was sleeping almost sitting up in bed for a few nights. Not much appetite, either.

Best Moment This Week: Bella and Bianca are very excited to meet this little boy. We took them with us to the hospital tour, and that made it a bit more real to them. Bella keeps telling me that she 'just wants to hold him!' and Bianca has it all figured out... Daddy will push the stroller and Mommy will hold the girls' hands. She asks a lot of questions, like can he sleep in her room, will he stay with me during church, and she's very excited to be able to teach him all sorts of things, like swimming!

Medically: We are seeing the perinatologist weekly, and the ob every other week (we start our weekly visits this week!) . This week we will be having a growth scan to see how baby Bumblebee is doing growth wise.
Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

30-32 weeks

2011-07-11T18:42:00.000-04:00


past 10 pm on 100 degree day!

Pregnancy Highlights: We're getting closer. Still a very active baby, especially between 10pm and 2 am. We started and pretty much finished our baby registries at Target and Babies R Us in about 2 days (an advantage of doing one for the third child - you know what you want!)

How Far Along: 32 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee now weighs approximately 3.75 lbs (but peri estimated weight to be at 4 lbs 6 oz a week ago!), and is about 16.7 inches long (probably longer, he measured a week ahead).

Total Weight Gain/Loss: So far, I think we're about 25 pound total gain.

Maternity Clothes: I am pretty round in the tummy, and my shorts are getting a bit more fitted than I'm used to.

Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name! But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints. Nope, not even a little one. Sorry MOM! Well, okay, one... He'll be named after someone in one of our families, keeping in tradition with the girls' names.

Movement: Bumblebee is very active, especially at night. He is moving around a lot between 10 and 2 at night. The doctor was surprised at how active he was during the biophysical profile we had a few weeks ago, when he was actually awake for it.

Sleep: Sleep, oh how I miss sleep! I have been super tired, but can't seem to sleep. I wake up every hour feeling like I need to visit the bathroom, but then I don't really need to, its just that he is on my bladder like a trampoline! I also have to have a snack around 2 or 3, if I'm going to sleep anymore the rest of the night.

What I miss: Umm, sleep!

Cravings: Not much lately.

Symptoms: I am tired and irritable lately. I'm feeling the weight of the pregnancy in my back and hips. And I really want to start organizing things to get ready, but I have no where to put anything at this point!

Best Moment This Week: Bianca is very interested suddenly in how we will care for the baby. I have shown her many times how to properly hold her baby doll, how to feed (nurse) her, and how to wrap her up in a blanket. She also says that the baby's name is Bumblebee, and that's what she will be calling him when he is born. I tried to explain to her that we would give him a new name, but she said she would continue to call him Bumblebee because she doesn't know what his new name will be!

Medically: We are seeing the perinatologist weekly, and the ob every other week (though I think this is our last week for that, then weekly). The perinatologist appointment is for a biophysical profile, and they recently did a growth scan at 31 weeks, 4 days, where baby Bumblebee measured 32 weeks 3 days. The biophysical profile is basically an ultrasound where they are looking for breathing practice movements and a few good wiggles. They also measure the amniotic fluid level.
Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Garden Pasta Salad

2011-06-25T15:05:00.000-04:00

I have been in a recipe rut! With the transition from winter to spring to summer, my foods usually change, but I haven't been so good at that since I have not been the one doing the grocery shopping (THANK YOU, Delia!). This week, I was on my own. I perused my recipe box, found some fresh garden sides, made my list, and went shopping! Next time I will shop for a shorter period of time. I did a week of groceries, and even with Bella helping push the cart, and both girls putting stuff in for me, I still managed to start contracting, and have been a little uncomfortable ever since. Of course, my uterus became irritated after it took 2 hours to get it all! She still won't settle down, and then Bumblebee gets irritated from that, starts squirming, and they just go back and forth. Its not too bad, knowing that this may be what it takes for me to go into labor on my own, except for sleep... but I digress!

photo courtesy of Red Gold

One of the recipes I dug out is from way back at the beginning of our marriage. We lived in a small town in Indiana, called Alexandria. Its sister town was Orestes, which is known for its tomato fields and for serving as the corporate headquarters of Red Gold. Many people we knew there were employed through Red Gold, and I have been a loyal customer ever since. Red Gold is a family owned business, and though it isn't local to me here in Kansas, I still feel that I should buy that brand whenever possible! (I'm loyal, what can I say?!) I have never been disappointed in a dish made with the Red Gold product. So the recipe I found was from a can of Red Gold Diced Tomatoes. Its been SOME TIME since I've made it, but it was delicious! The only thing I would add is cheese (and I see they have added that as an option). Chunky cheese cubes. It is fresh, cold, and yummy!

Following is the recipe copy and pasted from the Red Gold website. Take some time to peruse the site, there are lots of recipes there!

Recipe Overview:

Servings:	8
Preparation Time:	25 minutes
Cook Time:	0 minutes

photo courtesy of Red Gold

Ingredients

1	(12 ounce) package	tri-color spiral pasta
1/2	cup	sliced carrots
2		celery stalks, chopped
1/2	cup	chopped green bell pepper
1/2	cup	chopped red bell pepper
1/2	cup	peeled and thinly sliced cucumber
1/4	cup	chopped onion
2	(14.5 ounce) can	Red Gold® Diced Tomatoes, drained or 2 (14.5 ounce) cans Red Gold® Petite Diced Tomatoes, drained
1	(8 ounce) bottle	fat free Italian salad dressing

Directions:

In a large pan cook pasta in boiling water until tender; rinse under cold water and drain. In a large bowl combine carrots, celery, peppers, cucumber, onion and RED GOLD® DICED TOMATOES . Pour dressing over mixture; toss until evenly coated. Chill until ready to serve.
Variation: For another texture and flavor add ¾ cup of shredded Mozzarella cheese before adding the dressing.
This zesty pasta salad is bursting with flavor and is liberally dotted with lots of crunch vegetables.

Nutritional facts per serving:

Calories 200
Fat 1.00g
Trans Fat 0.00g
Cholesterol 0.00mg
Sodium 290.00mg
Carbohydrate 42.00g

Fiber 4.00g
Protein 7.00g
Vitamin A 120%
Vitamin C 40%
Calcium 4%
Iron 15%

Cooking Hint:

To seed a cucumber, first halve it lengthwise. Use the tip of a spoon to scrape the seeds from each half. If you have a grapefruit spoon, you will find that the sharp tip works well for this task.

Special Diets:

Low Fat
Vegetarian

A Little Boy's Prayers Are Answered!

2011-06-24T12:54:00.000-04:00

If you have been with me for a couple months, you will remember my posts about Vanya. Vanya is a little boy in an orphanage in Ukraine who asks every day if his family is coming to get him. I'm excited to say that he is about to hear the answer he has hoped for for so long tomorrow! Vanya's family is going to meet him! He doesn't yet know that they are coming. Here is a short conversation from Vanya:

The director asked Vanya, “What if a family was coming for you?” and he got very excited. She then asked, “What if they came from a different country and didn’t speak your language even?” and he said “That’s OK, my momma and papa will teach me.”

God is answering this little boy's prayer! He has worked in His ways to bring this little boy the family he has always wanted, one who will show him Christ's love. What an answer to so many prayers from around the world! Though in our earthly eyes, time was running short for Vanya, God knew just the right timing for him. To Him be the Glory!

To keep up with Vanya and his new family, follow their blog at

6 Fishies

Essential Baby Products... I'm out of the loop!

2011-06-23T16:24:00.001-04:00

Its been ~~three~~ almost 4 years since I had a baby. And I KNOW that there are new things out there on the market since Bianca was a newborn. We decided to reduce our amount of baby items when moving out to Pennsylvania from Indianapolis a few years ago, so we have a very used pack-n-play and a Baby Einstein stationary walker. That's about it as far as equipment. I got rid of almost everything else, except the girls' clothes and my baby sling. So I'm wondering what is the good stuff on the market now?

I tend to be a minimalist when it comes to stuff. I have been very blessed when it comes to baby boy clothing. This little boy has more clothes than his Daddy and I together! My sister gave me a lot of stuff, up to size 2T, and my mom and I struck gold on two friends who recently had baby boys and were selling their clothing. (Thanks, Val and Jessica!) We have a few blankets from the girls that will cross over, but most of them were pink or purple.

So in thinking over what I think we need, here's what I come up with. My pregnancy brain will probably leave some things out, so just comment on what I'm forgetting!

Carseat
stroller
a few bottles
breast pump
bassinet (maybe)
pack-n-play (maybe)
blankets
cloth diapers
monitor

Now, I'm sure that there are plenty of other things that could be considered a need, but this is my list of absolute needs. I could add many things to it, but I want to know what products YOU love! And if there is one on that list that you could recommend, that would be greatly appreciated. I really feel like a first timer with all of this stuff. I really haven't spent much time looking at it this time around, and I don't know what is out there.

I do have a dream stroller, if we decide to not go with a double. (that's a debate.. Bianca will just be 4, and we're not sure if we'll have one more or not, so...) If money were no issue, I'd probably go with a Bug a Boo, they are so versatile, but they are also very pricey! I would love to have a stroller that allows baby to face either direction (forward, or towards me) at any age, but the cheapest one I can find is Graco's newest model, the Graco Signature Series 3-in-1 Modular Stroller, coming in at $299. Still a bit high, in my opinion. I like a lot about it, except that it appears that in order to fold it up, the seat has to be removed. I'm curious as to how easy that is to accomplish.

Moby Wrap

Baby K'tan


Maya Ring Sling

One other item that I am thinking of is the Moby Wrap. I used my Maya Ring Sling excessively with Bianca, but at times it was difficult for me to get adjusted and comfortable. I am also thinking about the Baby K'tan. I'm not sure what would be more useful, and I know that everyone has their opinions, so please share them! I know that I prefer babywearing over a stroller in the beginning, just to keep hands off of baby (though that doesn't stop everyone!), so I do the newborn snuggle carry a lot. With Bianca, she was not a snuggler, so after she was aware of her ability to move around, she was not thrilled with the carrier, and we didn't use it long enough to even do the hip carry. I'm hoping Bumblebee will be more apt to liking the carrier longer. So what do you think? Or is there one that you like better that I have not mentioned?

Please share your essential baby items and preferred models! I'm starting my research a bit late compared to my previous experience, and am taking suggestions :)

All pictures are credited to Amazon.com or the website linked in the picture caption.

29 weeks

2011-06-20T14:47:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: He's currently head down! I'm hoping he stays that way, because we discovered this week that I have an irritable uterus (more on this further down) that gets irritated every time he starts flipping and doing somersaults!

How Far Along: 29 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is now weighs about two and a half pounds, and measures a little over 15 inches head to heel.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'll be checking that out next week at the doctor!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me!

Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name! But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints. Nope, not even a little one. Sorry MOM! Well, okay, one... He'll be named after someone in one of our families, keeping in tradition with the girls' names.

Movement: Bumblebee is active when he's awake. I've been noticing that he's quieter during the day, unless its almost time to eat. That's when he starts moving around. Of course, when I have my perinatologist appointments, he is sound asleep!

Sleep: Sleep has been good! I wake up about once a night to go to the bathroom, and then sometimes I have trouble going back to sleep. Otherwise, unless someone wakes me up, its sweet dreams for me.

What I miss: I'm enjoying this pregnancy, so there's not much I miss!

Cravings: Ice chips

Symptoms: I am getting to the point where I can't eat too much at once. I have had some contractions, but they are not affecting my cervix, so that's good. We were in Labor and Delivery on Monday last week to be monitored. We got a pretty good dry run of going into the hospital for delivery. They even put me in a room! (I'll be taking my own toilet paper when I go in next time! That stuff was rough!) Everything settled down once I was off my feet, got some water, and Bumblebee quit rolling around. They termed my diagnosis as "Irritable Uterus". Something I've experienced every pregnancy, though not usually this early (@ 30 and 32 weeks with the girls), and not painful like a few of these were. Basically, they told me to drink lots of water and listen to my body. Which is what I assumed would be the end result, especially since the doctor and i had already discussed this very thing and decided not to medicate unless there was cervical change, but they do like to monitor!

Best Moment This Week: The girls and I got to spend most of the past week at 'home' in Illinois. If only the weather had been better, we would have been in the pool everyday. We enjoyed seeing all the aunts and uncles and playing with the cousins, Jackson and Emersyn.

Medically: I've had two weekly appointments with the perinatologist now. Its basically an ultrasound where they are looking for breathing practice movements and a few good wiggles. They also measure the amniotic fluid level. This is usually not very long, but Bumblebee has not been cooperating, and has decided that Monday mornings are a very good time for a nap! We have to watch him for a good 20 minutes before they see everything they want. Not that I'm complaining!
I have one more monthly appointment with my OB, and then I'll start biweekly appointments with him. Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

28 weeks

2011-06-13T23:22:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: Baby Bumblebee has been sideways for sometime. It got pretty uncomfortable for a bit. But last weekend (at 27 weeks), he became very active (I got some painful kicks!), and flipped himself head down. He fits better that way! Yes, I have feet and a rear end in my ribs every once in a while, but its so much better than him trying to stretch those legs out the side of my stomach!

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is now weighs about two and a quarter pounds (Dr. estimated 2 lbs, 6 oz on Monday), and measures about 14.8 inches head to heel. On Monday's ultrasound, Bumblebee was matching the numbers exactly for my due date, the doctor was quite impressed!

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've gained somewhere around 18 pounds so far, right on schedule!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me, there are few things that still fit from my old wardrobe. I'm learning to be creative.

Gender: It's a BOY! And I am pretty sure we have a name! But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints. Nope, not even a little one. Sorry MOM!

Movement: This is one active little boy. The doctor even commented on it last week! He does not like the poking and prodding that comes with the ultrasound, and he pokes back. ha! Doctor had some trouble getting his measurements because Bumblebee kept moving around on him. Sometimes my stomach looks like one of those bags you see on cartoons where one or two animals are caught in a knapsack and they are fighting, with the arms and legs flying out everywhere... yeah, that's my tummy!

Sleep: I've been getting more sleep, when its not interrupted by an exercising boy. Generally, I'm aiming for about 9 hours a night. Its been very good this week!

What I miss: I'm enjoying this pregnancy, so there's not much I miss!

Cravings: Ice chips, and chocolate chip cookies.

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms. Nothing too bad. But I feel huge, and the back pains are starting to confirm that feeling. I've been wearing a pregnancy support belt off and on that helps, and staying off of my feet this week. Having some pains that are seeming like contractions, but nothing enough to worry about yet.

Best Moment This Week: Bella and Bianca are finally getting very interested in little Bumblebee. They are always asking if he's awake and moving, and if I say no, they ask if they can wake him up. They want to feel him moving all the time!

Medically: Gestational diabetes test is over! I don't think I'll ever be able to stomach a green popsicle again, though. Apparently I did okay, because I never heard anything from the doctor. Also, I start weekly appointments with the perinatologist - every Monday, I'm in for a biophysical profile. That means they'll be monitoring the baby's heart rate, movement, amniotic fluid, etc., to be sure the placenta is functioning properly and that baby is doing well. This is all due to the Prothrombin 20210/Factor II Mutation (genetic disorder) that I have. I have one more monthly appointment with my OB, and then I'll start biweekly appointments with him. Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Sweet Sleep

2011-06-09T18:00:00.003-04:00

We are doing well with getting the girls to sleep at night now. For as long as I can remember, its been a struggle. Scott would take one, I would take the other, and for different periods of time, this was because one of us needed a break every other night away from putting one of them to bed. They would take turns being difficult, and it could take up to 2 hours before they would be asleep from the time we brushed their teeth. We did some research, and started a new routine, and as long as it is followed, they go to bed easy-breezy (unless they really are hungry, then they go to bed with some goldfish!... which is rare, because they usually get a bedtime snack if supper was more than an hour earlier.).

We usually start around 7:30 with brushing teeth, potty, and pajamas, then we all meet in Bella's bed for reading time. (We've read through the Wizard of Oz and are currently working on Ramona Quimby, Age 8) We try to do one chapter a night, though sometimes its cut short, and sometimes we do a few extra pages. Then Bianca goes straight to her bed. She doesn't want cuddles, songs, or anything! Just turn on her music, pray, and leave her alone. She listens to the kids' songs randomly shuffled on my Zune, and watches the pictures change with each song. Bella still wants a little time to chat, cuddle, pray, and sing, but it is SO much shorter than it used to be, usually around 10 minutes or less. In general, we are done with bedtime around 8:30-9, depending on the night and starting time, and we have an hour or so to relax before we head to bed. We used to be on pins and needles waiting for one to sneak out of their room, but they are usually asleep within 10 minutes. It has been rather wonderful!

What is working for you? I know that bedtime is different for everyone. When my girls were babies, they could sleep anywhere. Now I'm trying to keep them from sleeping anywhere except in their beds! As soon as they moved into toddler beds (or not long after), it became a struggle for us. I'm so glad that we've found something that is working!

Summertime

2011-06-09T11:31:00.001-04:00

We are on our summer schedule... which means I've been kinda lazy! I'm keeping up with laundry, and school, and that's about it. Our afternoon goal is to be out in the backyard at the little 2 foot deep pool that Daddy so graciously empties and fills for us once a week. I've not been online much, at least not when my thoughts are coherent! And I'm soaking up all of the sleep I can get, for I know it won't be long until I am up more than once a night, for long stretches. The heat has been getting to me a bit, and I've spent more time than usual with my feet up. I'm not sure if its contractions or Braxton-Hicks, but the doctor isn't going to do much for contractions right now (unless they are sending me into labor), so I've not bothered calling about it. They aren't regular, and last less than a minute. No big deal. Just drinking lots of water, and sitting as much as possible. It probably hasn't helped that the temperatures have been in the 90s for the last week or so!

We are still doing school. Currently, we are working through the Get Ready for the Code books, as well as some supplement activities. I am also focusing on numbers this summer. My ultimate goal is getting Bella to read, and she is finally showing signs that she is ready for that. The letter sounds are soaking in, and she's starting to write more words in her drawings, as well as ask what things say. I'm so excited for her! Reading is one of my favorite pastimes.

I have some pictures to upload and blogs to get done, but all of my available time recently has been spent outdoors, running errands, crocheting a baby blanket, or during a time when its a struggle to put two coherent thoughts together. The past week or so has been very busy with home showings and Bella's birthday. I'm looking forward to and enjoying our lazy days of summer after this week.

Money Secrets of the Amish by Lorilee Craker (Book Review)

2011-06-06T23:19:00.001-04:00

I had the privilege to review Lorilee Craker's Money Secrets of the Amish: Finding True Abundance in Simplicity, Sharing, and Saving. This is a 220 page paperback book which has a suggested retail price of $15.99. Lorilee Craker is the author of eleven books, including The Wide-Eyed Wonder Years: A Mommy Guide to Preschool Daze, We Should Do This More Often: A Parents Guide to Romance, Passion, and Other Pre-Child Activities You Vaguely Recall, and Date Night in A Minivan: Revving Up Your Marriage After Kids Arrive.

Impacted by the economic downturn, Lorilee Craker tuned in to an NPR broadcast that stated the Amish had successfully, as a subculture, emerged from a year of financial mess in the United States. As a journalist, she decided to research what and how the Amish managed to do so, without, it seems, changing their ways and traditions they have held for so many years. Her research, as well as some interesting and surprising stories, is found in this book.

I enjoyed reading this book. I wasn't sure at first sight how it was going to go, but, as I have found with all of her books I have read, Craker kept it light and entertaining, making it an easy read. Her research into how the Amish have survived the economic downturn so well is woven in through stories from her meetings with the Amish, as well as her own experiments with the findings of her research.

As one who has always lived on a tight budget, I did not find many new ideas for saving money. However, I still enjoyed the reading, and learned much about the reasons behind why the Amish live the way they do. The book serves as a good reminder of simple ways to conserve money and enjoy what we have and the life we live. It also includes many tips and tricks of reusing, recycling, and repurposing. The Amish live a 'green' life amidst all of their ways and traditions. Craker does a good job of listening to how the Amish save money, and then incorporating it into the 'English' world.

Altogether, if you are looking for some great reminders of ways to save money and tighten the belt at home, this is a great book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Booksneeze book reviewers blog program for the purpose of writing an honest review. I received no other compensation. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

6 years...

2011-06-02T23:45:00.001-04:00

Dear Bella,

Today, you are six years old. The past six years have gone by very fast, it seems, but in the moment, they seemed to move so slow. There were days and nights I thought we may never get through, but here we are. We have been through a lot as a family, but it has only built us closer, tighter, stronger.

You are six. You are full of life. You experience everything in its fullness emotionally. You love to laugh and tell jokes. You like to do new things (unless it's tasting new foods). Today, you want to be a rock star, after you are done being a mommy, of course.

You are very sensitive to others who are hurting around you, and those you do not know. Recently, there was a tragic tornado in Joplin, MO, and I hesitated to tell you anything about it because we've been dealing with your fear of tornadoes for a while. However, I decided that to educate you about tornadoes may be more helpful, so we talked about them, the tragedy, and looked at some pictures. As soon as you realized you were looking at what used to be the homes of strangers, you started out loud praying for these people. You wanted to see more, and prayed for the people represented in each picture you saw. We had warnings going off around us, and you wanted to watch the news so you could pray for the people. Rather than letting your fear stop you, you ran it over with prayer. I pray that you will continue to live your life this way. That fear will never be a barrier to what God would have you accomplish in your life.

You love to do things your way (you are your mother's daughter). You like to figure it out, and do not want me to show you. You love to tell your sister what and how to do it. You really love it when she listens, and you are learning to deal with your frustration when she doesn't. You are learning to negotiate with her in your games of pretend. There are many days that you will gather your things and go outside or play in your room together for hours on end. (You also enjoy your 'alone time', much like your mother.) Sometimes I hear one of you calling, "Mommy," only to realize that I am not being called, but its a game of pretend. I pray that your friendship with your sister stays this way, that you always prefer each other's company, and that you continue to confide in and challenge one another.

You are making good friends. You light up whenever you see them, and I love to see you sitting together playing and telling secrets. There are times when you disagree, but it only takes about five minutes for your frustration to relax, and you are back together again.

You are very excited about your new little brother on the way. You wanted to name him Sophia if he was a girl, but you say you don't have any boy names in your head. That's probably a good thing, since Mommy and Daddy will be choosing his name!

You, at six years old, are becoming a prayer warrior. Your faith amazes me. You have prayed for Baby Bumblebee to be healthy and strong for as long as you've known of him. When my faith faltered, wondering if I should teach you to pray differently, wondering what I should tell you if something unexpected happens, you continue to just trust that God will care for us. You have prayed for the orphans in Haiti, even asking if we could bring one to live with us, so we could share what we have with them. You prayed for the people of Japan in the earthquake and tsunami, and you continue to pray for anyone you hear who may be in need.

You teach me more about God than you even understand. I see lessons of His love in your life. He uses you to show me how much He loves me. And your questions are often deeper than I feel prepared to answer. I pray that the Lord will lead and guide your Daddy and me in the best way to teach you about our Savior and His love for us, and how that understanding impacts our lives.

You are six years old. You are His beautiful creation. You are perfectly named - Isabella Rose - A Rose consecrated to God. May you always allow Him to work in your life and use you to His glory. I love you.
Happy Sixth Birthday!

26 weeks

2011-05-31T10:32:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: Its official. I look pregnant. Enough that strangers are starting to ask when I am due. And my girls think my belly is pretty big. Yesterday, Bianca asked how I would go to the hospital when its time for the baby to come because she thought I would be too big to fit in a car!

How Far Along: 26 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is now weighs about a pound and two-thirds and measures 14 inches (an English hothouse cucumber) from head to heel.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Obviously getting a battery for our scale is not a priority! Still no battery, and I go to the doctor this Thursday, so I don't know.

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me, there are few things that still fit from my old wardrobe. I'm learning to be creative.

Gender: It's a BOY! And I think we have a name. But don't bother asking, because we are not giving hints. Nope, not even a little one.

Movement: The past week has brought flips and kicks. Last night, I'm pretty sure he was doing tae bo while I was trying to sleep. There were limbs coming from every direction!

Sleep: I've been getting more sleep, when its not interrupted by an exercising boy. Generally, I'm aiming for about 9 hours a night.

What I miss: I'm enjoying this pregnancy, so there's not much I miss!

Cravings: Food. What sounds good is getting healthier. I don't really want anything greasy or heavy.

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms. Nothing too bad. But I feel huge, and the back pains are starting to confirm that feeling.

Best Moment This Week: The girls decided that the baby must come out of my belly button. They've not asked about it since then. So I'm going with it. I didn't confirm or deny that conclusion!

Medically: My monthly appointment is this Thursday. And it includes the Gestational Diabetes test. Yay. Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Crazy Beautiful Life

2011-05-28T11:49:00.000-04:00

Blogging has been off of my radar this week. Sorry for the silence. I'm not sure of the exact reason, but I think there are a few things that have contributed to it. I have been thinking a lot and praying for the families in Joplin, and the other many towns that have been hit with tornadoes. My friend, Crissyanna, over at Created for Home, lives in Joplin. While she, her family, and their home are all okay, they have been working in crisis management all week at their church, and are trying to establish a new normal in their lives. My heart is breaking for this town, and I so wish that I could go down and help her serve. However, this week has reminded me that I am 26 weeks pregnant, and at risk for preterm labor (both pregnancies, it started at 30 and 32 weeks), so I am limiting my activities. I don't think removing rubble would be the greatest of ideas for me! However, I have been in constant prayer for these families.

We started off by spending the weekend at my parents in Illinois. We came back on Monday, so Tuesday was spent trying to get things put away (and working around window installers) so that if we had a showing on the house, we would be ready. Good thing, because Wednesday was spent trying to stay out of the house. We got up late, and then immediately got a phone call that requested a showing in an hour. That meant showering, eating, and getting girls ready to leave the house, in addition to having a house ready to be shown. This time was also spent listening to tornado sirens going off (thankfully, it was not for our specific area, but it was close by). Being from Illinois, if the siren is going off, that means (in my mind) that we need to hit the basement, but my oh-so-experienced-husband-from-Kansas informed me that here we don't panic, and we don't go downstairs until it really is west of us. Silly me for panicking when I heard tornado sirens, especially after all of the action recently in Tornado Alley! So, the girls and I made it a practice run while Scott cleaned windows. Bella is especially scared of tornadoes, but she really wanted to watch the news covering the storms, and has gotten better about it this week. I think that being educated about them has helped her a bit. I put off telling her too much about what could happen, and showing her pictures, but she has been more relaxed about the whole ordeal since seeing the weather reports and pictures. Somehow, the opportunity for her to pray for the people who have suffered has eased her fear.

After our adventurous hour, we headed to Walmart to pick up some things for school and such, plus I needed to get some storage bins to organize my wonderful stash of baby boy clothing I was blessed with on our trip to Illinois. (Baby Bumblebee now has clothing up to size 2T!) I apparently found the perfect time to go shopping: in between severe thunderstorms. I've never seen Walmart so quiet! So we spent some extra time there checking out all of their baby items. Pretty soon, Scott called to tell me there was another storm headed this way, so we should head towards home. We were home all of 20 minutes, maybe, when he called to let me know that there was yet another showing now scheduled, so the girls got their pencil boxes put together and colored a bit while I tried to vacuum the carpet. This time while we had to leave the house, we went to McDonald's for lunch and playtime. I think all the busyness got to me, because I wasn't drinking enough water, and I was terribly sore by the end of the day. I sat with my feet up for the rest of the evening, minus that half hour where I took the girls to church, only to find out that I missed the memo that there were no children's activities!

The rest of the week has been relatively quiet, as far as I can remember. I did take the girls to Target on Thursday to pick up a birthday present and get some new swimsuits. I was dreading the swimsuit shopping, but we did pretty well, and were out of the store in an hour. That is good, considering that Bella takes forever to pick out birthday presents for her friends. I can't blame her, I am the same way! We just want to pick out the best present possible, and its so agonizing! We also went to Scott's first volleyball game. He is playing in our church's league this summer. I would love to play also, but my balance is just a little off right now. :) So we go to ~~watch Scott play~~ socialize.

Friday was pajama day here mostly. At 26 weeks pregnant, I am starting to leave the 'honeymoon' stage, and am feeling some aches and pains, and am ~~tired~~ exhausted without 9 hours of sleep! The girls and I attended a birthday party at a friends house, and then we went to Party City to scout out Toy Story party decorations (Bella's party is next Saturday!) and Walmart to see about a pool (a small kiddie pool), since its going to be in the 80s all week.

watch the new Yogi Bear movie that we got from Red Box last night! Have a great Memorial Day weekend! Hopefully I can find a time that I feel decent enough to get my pregnancy picture taken this week, but mostly I want to just rest.

Favorite Homemade Dish - Lasagna Toss

2011-05-20T23:23:00.004-04:00

I've posted a few recipes, and I always say that my family loves them. And we do! But this is one that even my picky eater will admit to liking, even if its just a little bit. I know my mom makes it a lot. My recipe has been adapted to what amounts I actually use. You know, how after you make a recipe for a while, you kind of start 'winging it' and increasing or decreasing amounts? Yeah, that's what mine has become. And I think I like it! So I paid attention this time when I made it, and I'll give you my version of the recipe.

Lasagna Toss

1 lb ground beef
3 cups spaghetti sauce (My favorite is Ragu's Tomato, Garlic, Onion. I use it always!)
3 oz rotini
2 cups mozzarella
2 cups cottage cheese
Parmesan cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

First, brown the ground beef, drain grease, and add spaghetti sauce.

Meanwhile, cook rotini according to cooking directions.

Remove 1 cup of meat sauce and set aside.

Drain rotini and add to meat sauce remaining in skillet.

Transfer half of noodle/sauce mixture in skillet to greased 1 1/2 quart pan.

Cover with cottage cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella.

Add remaining noodle/sauce mixture to top the cheese layer, then add the 1 cup of meat sauce that was set aside earlier.

Cover this layer with 1 cup of mozzarella and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Cover and bake @ 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes, then serve.

What is your favorite recipe? I'm always trying new ones, and I would love to hear yours! Please share :)

Wordless Wednesday.... Baby Blanket #2

2011-05-18T13:31:00.000-04:00

These yarns....

Are coming together to make this square, times about 40.....

To make a blanket that will come together something like this....

For our Baby Bumblebee.

Bianca's sleep

2011-05-17T20:00:00.002-04:00

I am ready for a newborn. My three year old has made sure of that! She has always been the one who was ready for sleep at an early time. Usually around 7 or 7:30, she would start ASKING to go to bed as a toddler. We started a really long bedtime routine for her sister, unknowingly, so we were relieved a bit when she would just ask you to tuck her in, say a prayer, sing a song, and tell you to leave. However, things have changed, and I think it has a lot to do with all of the transition our lives have been in over the past 1.5-2 years.

In that time, we moved from IN to PA, lived with a family for a month, moved to our own home, I started working for a semester, I was home for the summer, we moved to KS, and now we are getting ready for another move. Wow, I know its been a lot for us, but I don't realize how much exactly until I write it all down!

So, Bianca does not want us to leave her in her room. Actually, she does not want to go to bed. Period. We have been so frustrated by her behavior, and have used every method we know of to get her to sleep, or even just stay in her room so that WE can sleep. Even if we stayed in there, albeit, falling asleep, she would move and talk and play as long as she could keep her eyelids partway open. I gave up. I finally admitted I had no idea of what to do next, so I did what every intelligent mother does - consult your friends. Since my friends are all over the United States these days, I went to Facebook. And I got some really good suggestions.

Thus far, we've had 2 nights of pretty good sleep. The first night, Scott tried getting her in bed, doing her song and prayer, cuddling a bit, and then letting her know that he would be back in one minute to check on her. That was good, except that she was up playing with the nightlight. So he put her back in bed and told her he would be back in 3 minutes. She was good with that, and she stayed in bed after this, finally going to sleep at the 5 minute interval.

So last night was my night alone, as Scott was doing real estate work to get a house to closing on time. These are the hardest, because we cannot divide and conquer at the same time. This means that at some point, I have to leave Bianca to get Bella to bed before 10 pm. And she knows it. Bianca knows that when I put her to bed, that Bella is still up, and that is obviously not fair in a 3 year old's mind. She also knows that if I leave her, I am giving attention to her sister. CAN YOU BELIEVE THAT?! So, first, Bianca and I had to have a conversation about why Bella gets to keep her light on longer than her. That led to her asking why Memaw gets to stay up later! ha! Well, she was happy when I told her that Baby Bumblebee will be younger than her, and she will get to stay up later than him. (I'm praying that he is a good sleeper!)

Bianca has started asking for us to make up stories for her at bedtime. Its one of her ploys to keep herself awake and prolong the routine. Last night, I got my MP3 player set up for her to listen to stories while she went to sleep (with a speaker, not headphones!). That seemed to work pretty well once it was in a place where she could see the picture on the screen (even though it never changed), and she was asleep quickly with no tears, and no fight. It was marvelous. Except when she woke up at 2:30. Yeah, I got her back in bed, tucked in, was almost back to sleep, when she was up asking of her stories. I got up, started her story again, and went back to bed. She slept until 9 am, which is pretty good, considering all things. I would love for her to sleep through the night, but she doesn't do that when things are changing, and I also think that it has to do with her age. Her sister, who slept through the night at 5 weeks old, started getting up every night from about age 2 to 4 (the transition of a new sister was also taking place then).

Today, I await the arrival of a book for more help. I know, I know. I don't read parenting books. I just never have. I don't know why, but every time Scott would suggest that we should read a book, I would kind of turn up my nose at that. Yeah, I'm stubborn. These are my kids. Surely I can figure out what to do with them without consulting some so-called expert! I've slowly come around. And I was so frustrated the other night that I had almost ordered the book before Scott came home from work that evening. I'll let you know if I learn anything new from it. And when we start sleeping again. Of course, she'll probably sleep through the night on the first night that Baby Bumblebee comes home!

ETA: I posted an update on this here. Things are going so much better!

A little bit of this, A little bit of that

2011-05-17T12:40:00.002-04:00

Some random thoughts I've got going on right now.....

I have been working on increasing my readership in hopes of becoming a place of reviews, giveaways, and fun stuff, as well as a small income from affiliate programs. SO, I've been doing bloghops, commenting like crazy, following, and it just doesn't seem to be working. I'm just curious what has worked for you? I've been doing lots of research as well, and working on lists for topic ideas.

I would like to get my own domain name. The problem is, I'm not sure where to host it. Nor do I feel qualified to do the research on this, as every time I find a host sight, I feel as though I am reading a foreign language. Maybe I should start majoring in that! I'm also thinking of switching from blogger to wordpress, or somewhere I can do advertisements that I choose. Any suggestions in this area are VERY welcomed!

On a totally different topic, I am SO grateful to my inlaws who are allowing us to stay with them until Scott gets this real estate thing off the ground. (He's doing AWESOME, by the way!) However, I am SO wanting to have my own home again, to decorate with my things, and just feel really settled. It's very comforting to me to have my things around me, and not feel that we are living out of boxes. I know that some of this is impatience, and some is nesting, but mostly, we haven't fully unpacked our boxes in over 2 years. Its frustrating, but I know that it is what is best right now. Pray that I have patience. I have faith that God will provide for us. He gave us the nursery decor I have wanted for years (really random story I'll share another time), so I'm trusting He will provide the room!

I'm trying to figure out what to do with myself this summer. I am not the outgoing type, I like to hang back and see what's happening, but I'm also new in town. Though I've met a lot of people, and made some friends, I don't exactly feel established. Playdates are few and far between, and with the house on the market, I need to get creative (I can't have a house full of friends and get an hour's notice that we have a showing scheduled!). I've been thinking of starting a women's Bible study, or a book club, or something of the like. Well, really, ANYTHING that would be regular and help me get to know some other moms better. I also think Bella and Bianca would greatly benefit from having some good friends. They love to play together, but Bella gets tired of Bianca always being right there, and Bianca doesn't really know what to do with herself without Bella most of the time. Bianca will be attending part time preschool in the fall, and I'm sure Bella will enjoy that!

We are starting homeschool again, after taking about 3 weeks off for home improvement/cleaning projects. (Scott's parents decided to put their house up for sale about a month ago, and we've been working hard at getting it ready. Its finally listed!) I plan to continue through the summer. Currently, we are focusing on letter sounds and numbers. I want to get Bella reading, and Bianca familiar with her numbers and letters. I'll pick up science and history in the fall again. We briefly discussed sending Bella to public schools this fall. It was during a time of high frustration for me. Since then, I have been connected with a homeschool group in the area on facebook. I haven't actually done anything with them, but its nice to know that they are there, and I'm starting to establish a support group that I didn't have before. I also met a new friend who is also in her first year of homeschooling, and having the same frustrations as I, so I think we'll be a good encouragement for one another. Prior to these, I felt like I was the only one here who was homeschooling. Its going to take stepping out of my comfort zone to get the support and encouragement I need, but I know that it will be worth it!

The Sayings of Little Girls

2011-05-16T20:58:00.000-04:00

The girls have been talking a lot lately. I have a feeling its going to be a rare moment that we have peace and quiet in our home for a long time! But I enjoy it so much. They have such interesting insights and things to say. Their conclusions and assumptions are entertaining as they try to make sense of things they see in the world and reconcile them with what they already know. Bianca has been on a roll recently....

Recently, with all the nice weather, we have seen a number of cars with their convertible tops down to enjoy the warmth and sun. Bianca keeps pointing them out, saying, "That car doesn't have any TOPPINGS!"

We were out with the whole family (that includes Memaw and Papa) one evening (honestly, I can't remember where we went!), and on the way home, Memaw said to the girls, "You were so good tonight!" to which Bianca replied, "I know."

When we are tucking Bianca in to bed at night, her most recent trick is to move and talk just to keep herself awake as long as possible. As I'm trying to settle her down, I told her it was quiet time, so she needed to stop talking. Bianca replied, with her eyes squeezed closed, in a whisper, "Mommy, I'm sleep talking."

Bianca loves to be upside down. She really likes to watch tv that way. In her words, she is "side up!"

And of course, Bella has had her moments as well. She recently told me that when I hit bumps in the road it makes her tummy hurt, followed up with, "Mommy, have you ever heard of road sickness?"

Recently, I was getting ready to take a shower. Bianca is suddenly very interested in what Baby Bumblebee is doing, so she asked if he was going to take a shower also. When I said yes, she thought that was really funny, and ran to tell Bella, who also had to come check this out. I guess they never thought about it before, that I don't put Baby Bumblebee down just to take a shower. In addition, Bianca has asked if I raise my arm, does Baby Bumblebee raise his arm too?

I'm linking up in the Homemakers by Choice Bloghop.....

Seek Him (ultra-sound pictures)

2011-05-12T10:32:00.000-04:00

Whose profile do you think this resembles?

¹¹ For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD,

I see the chin that we noticed with both girls.

“plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Baby Bumblebee is a boy, and we are so excited!

¹² Then you will call on me and come and pray to me,

I can't wait to see what a boy will do to the feminine dynamic of our family!

and I will listen to you.

Bumblebee did not wish to cooperate with the doctor, and so he was kicking the 'mouse,' and this was the best footprint we could get!

¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Lilies in Moonlight Book Review

2011-05-11T11:07:00.001-04:00

I love reading books! If I'm not reading, I must be extremely busy. A blogger friend of mine had a link on her website for "Blogging for Books" program, so I looked into it and decided to try it out. Following is my first review.

I am reviewing Allison Pittman's novel, "Lilies in Moonlight." It is a paperback novel of 338 pages, as well as a readers guide and author's note. Its suggested retail price is $14.99. Allison Pittman is also the author of "For Time and Eternity," Crossroads of Grace series, "The Bridegrooms," and "Stealing Home."

Lilie Margolis is a young girl trying to make her own way in the Roaring '20s. She encounters two people, Cullen and his mother Betty Ruth, who unknowingly begin to show her the true and real meaning of love. This storyline is set among characters with real problems and issues in their own lives, one dealing with scars of a life that was not what his parents had planned for him, and the other living in her own reality due to selective amnesia.
It is a light and enjoyable read, one at times that I could not keep my interest in (the beginning and character development was a bit slow), and others when I could not put it down. There are many twists and turns in the story, some expected, others very unexpected, and while it does have a happy ending, not all of the problems are resolved as one would expect.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishers for the purpose of writing an honest review. I received no other compensation.

Gratituesday: My Mother's Day

2011-05-10T12:35:00.001-04:00

This Mother's day seems to have been most memorable. Honestly, I can't remember many Mother's Days. I know we celebrated, that there were cards, pictures, dinners, etc., but they just weren't all that memorable. This year was memorable. We spent it together. As a family. We worked together, and we played together. And I thoroughly enjoyed it!

We began by attending church together. This week was family worship, and I love having all the children sitting with their families. It's just fun. Usually, I make sure I have my 'survival bag', armed with snacks and activities, but we didn't bring it this week, and the girls were so well behaved. The church gave out carnations to all of the mothers. I mention this because of what happened when at this time. The pastor was asking for the kids the children's pastor had asked to help pass out the flowers to come down, but apparently my girls misunderstood what he was asking, and they joined the others. So they helped pass out flowers also. I think at first, Bella thought she was bringing 3 or 4 flowers to me, and was very proud of herself, but I had to explain that she needed to go give them to all the other mothers as well. So both girls passed out flowers.

Also, our pastor's wife spoke at the service. She used a scripture that really spoke to me, Jeremiah 17:5-8. I think it impacted me more because of the liberty she took to replace man with woman, etc. She read it as follows:

This is what the LORD says:

"Cursed is the woman who trusts in man,

who depends on flesh for her strength

and whose heart turns away from the LORD.

She will be like a bush in the wastelands;

she will not see prosperity when it comes.

She will dwell in the parched places of the desert,

in a salt land where no one lives.

But blessed is the woman who trusts in the LORD,

whose confidence is in him.

She will be like a tree planted by the water

that sends out its roots by the stream.

She does not fear when heat comes;

its leaves are always green.

It has no worries in a year of drought

and never fails to bear fruit."

Scott decided he was going to do lunch for everyone. The menu included:

Blue Cheese topped Rib eye Steak,

grilled veggies with feta cheese, baked potatoes,

and strawberry feta salad with homemade dressing. We all pitched in to get dinner made. It was fun!

The girls got the spinach torn for the salad, Scott did the steaks, and I chopped whatever needed to be chopped. The dinner was de. lic. ious. I could have sat and ate ALL DAY. In fact, I had the same meal for lunch on Monday.

Also, in between cooking, we attempted a family picture. (I was going to show you all of the attempts, or at least the best of the worst, but nothing is cooperating with me, so I'll just show you the best one.) We have trouble getting a good picture, usually because Bianca has an interesting 'pirate' face that she makes when she's trying to smile. She's getting better, but its still an interesting face (as you can see in the above photo!). This time, it was because Bella thought it was too bright outside to actually open her eyes. Its not the best, but I'll take what I can get!

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

23 Weeks

2011-05-08T23:46:00.001-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: I got my doppler this week! I came across a blog that had a link to an organization called Tiny Heartbeats that lends a doppler to women who have experienced multiple losses. I was hoping to get it during the first trimester, but the waiting list was longer, so it just came this week. Now we can listen to Baby Bumblebee's heartbeat anytime we want! He doesn't enjoy it so much. Both at the doctor's office and at home he has kicked and pushed against the doppler when we try to listen!

How Far Along: 23 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is more than 11 inches long, and weighs just over a pound, about as much as a large mango.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: So I went to the doctor this week... and got on the scale. I was dreading this, because I had no idea what to expect, but it wasn't too bad. They are usually a few pounds ahead of what I weigh in at home, but according to their scale, I 've gained 16 pounds so far.

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me. Except for one outfit, the one in the picture about! That is my normal clothing.

Gender: It's a BOY! Still no names. We've been teasing the girls telling them we are going to name him Melky, after Melky Cabrerra from the Royals. I started a list this week.

Movement: Hiccups have slowed, or at least have become less noticeable. He's definitely sideways, and I can tell when he wakes up and starts stretching out!

Sleep: Has been better this week, but with all the projects going on around the house, we've been staying up late just to relax. My goal for this week is to get to bed earlier.

What I miss: My clothes! Nothing ever fits the same as the last time I put it on, even my maternity things. I'm getting a little worried over the size of this boy! And it all seems to be in the belly.

Cravings: Chocolate. And still pizza, and red meat. I told Scott I feel like I could eat a Whopper or a Big Mac every meal and I would be happy!

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms. Nothing too bad. There have been times this week when I have even felt normal!

Best Moment This Week: Bianca is very curious as to how Baby Bumblebee will be coming out of Mommy's tummy. We're still trying to figure out how to handle that question from a 3 1/2 year old. So far, the answer has been that he'll stay in until he grows enough, and then we'll go to the hospital and the doctor will help with that.

Medically: I had a regular appointment this week. Next ultrasound is tomorrow, Monday:) I thought it was this week as well, but when I finally found my calendar, I realized I had missed it last week, and it was the one time that they did not call with a reminder. Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

And for your entertainment, since I am wearing the same outfit as I was at 19 weeks....

A Mother's Day gift to you - A favorite recipe

2011-05-07T23:12:00.000-04:00

I LOVE trying new recipes! When Scott and I were first married, I only had a few. Generally, it was roast, spaghetti, tacos, and umm... oh steak! Can you tell I grew up on a farm that had lots of beef? Honestly, I had no idea how much meat cost, nor how to go about picking out the best cuts, etc, when we first got married. I had always just gone to the freezer to grab the cut of meat that Mom needed. I have learned A LOT about cooking and shopping since then.

Anyhow, I started trying new recipes early on, considering that Scott got tired of spaghetti and tacos early on, and then banned my beloved Hamburger Helper meals. Following is one of my favorite, though maybe not healthiest, recipes. I like to use a roasting hen for this one. I put it in the crock pot on day 1 with celery, onion, poultry seasoning, and a little (maybe a cup) water, on low for about 6 hours. We have 'roasted' chicken for supper that evening, then I use the leftover chicken for this recipe on day 2.

Creamed Chicken and Biscuits

1/2 large onion

1 1/2 teaspoon butter

4 cups shredded or chunky chicken, cooked

1/2 cup milk

1 cup sour cream

1 can cream of chicken soup

6 biscuits (I use all 8 that are usually in the can)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350'F.

Saute the onion in the butter. Combine onion, chicken, milk, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup in mixing bowl. Spoon into greased 11 x 7 dish (again, to use all 8 biscuits, you need 11 x 13 dish. Bake for 15 minutes. Sprinkle w 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese. Arrange biscuits in single layer over top, and sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake approximately 20 minutes more, until biscuits are golden.

For all the Mothers out there.....

2011-05-05T12:05:00.000-04:00

Have a laugh today :) I couldn't resist!

Hoo Are You? Bloghop

2011-05-04T07:00:00.005-04:00

Joining in on another blog hop! I love these things, I always find another inspiring blog to enjoy!

1. Are you a mom and if so how many kids do you have? Yes! And that's just about all I blog about! I am Mommy to two little girls, Bella and Bianca, and soon to be baby boy, currently referred to as Baby Bumblebee.

2. List 3 qualities that you love about your mom! She's become so much more than my Mom, she's my friend; She showed me how to be a loving, caring, involved mother, and she inspires me.

3. What is your favorite thing your mother cooks? Italian Beef.

4. What do you love about being a mom? Seeing the laughter and smiles, the imagination of a child, and everything they teach me about God.

5. What are your plans for Mother's day? I'm hoping to be surprised with some! (HINT, HINT!)

Gratituesday: Blogging

2011-05-03T10:42:00.000-04:00

Bianca's birth

Maybe its my pregnancy hormones. Maybe its my age. Maybe its because my children are no longer babies. I have been rather emotional recently, and have been looking back at old posts and comments, and am SO glad that I started blogging.

Morning traditions

My girls' baby books have very little written in them. I know Bella's has her footprints in it. I'm ~~not~~ pretty sure Bianca's does not (oops!). Anyhow, I've been awful about keeping them. I've thought about getting them out and working on them, but that would mean first locating the boxes they are in, ~~asking~~ ~~convincing~~ ~~nagging~~ begging Scott into bringing them in, and also finding the right pen to use in them. And then finding the words to truly describe how and what happened (and remembering when!) is completely overwhelming to me. Basically, my perfection is winning out.

Sister teaching sister

Bella playing dress-up

So I haven't ~~been~~ ~~perfect~~ ~~good at~~ begun keeping up the baby books. I still have the blog. I have my ~~hundreds~~ ~~thousand~~ millions of pictures. I have my posts that describe the difficulties of getting Bella to sleep, potty training, moving, God's faithfulness, and so much more! These posts share so many more things that have happened in our lives and emotions we've experienced than any baby book would ever allow or have space for.

Bella, Autumn '08

I have even made some 'friends' through blogging. I have found women whose postings are encouraging to me every time I read them, posts that challenge me and push me to grow beyond what I thought possible. I love reading through my list of blogs (and always adding to it!) and seeing what each individual is thinking about. Every day is a new adventure in my thought processes and learning. I am not in school any more, but I learn every day, and many times I take what I have learned through the blog world and research and think and turn it over in my mind for days on end. Sometimes, I just have to sit down with Scott and say, "Here's what I'm thinking about...." and he looks at me ~~at times~~ usually as though he has no idea where this or that came from! ha! Poor guy...

Autumn 2010

So I was a ~~little~~ lot timid about starting a blog. I remember thinking, "What in the world do I have to say that others would be the in the least remotely interested in reading?" But the longer I write, the more I realize its not for you, its for me. I can look back and see what my goals were, what I was thinking about, and what has been happening in my life. I am so thankful that its there. Its healing, encouraging, and a reminder that God has been weaving it all together for our good.

Summer 2009

Join us for Gratituesday at Heavenly Homemakers!

22 Weeks

2011-05-02T15:01:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: The girls have let me know this week that they think my baby belly is BIG. They laugh every time they see it!

How Far Along: 22 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is almost one pound and is approximately 11 inches long, about the length of a spaghetti squash.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still don't know... and my scale at home never agrees with the one at the doctors office (I use my scale b/c I wear the same thing every time I weigh). I'm not sure if the batteries in the scaled being dead is a good thing or a bad thing. Guess we'll find out when I get new ones!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me.

Gender: It's a BOY! Still no names. We've been teasing the girls telling them we are going to name him Melky, after Melky Cabrerra from the Royals.

Movement: Like I said, the hiccups come often. It makes me laugh! Bumblebee is starting to get some knobby knees and elbows too. The pokes have started, and every once in a while, its a little uncomfortable. He was pretty much on a schedule of movement until this past week, and now the only regularity is that if I'm trying to go to sleep, he's moving!

Sleep: Still dealing with Bianca and sleep. Her schedule is off now, so we are trying to get her back on it. The hard part is that she really needs a nap in the late afternoon (b/c she gets cranky!), but if she gets it, then its midnight bedtime again, and it starts all over. So we're down to 30 minutes of napping yesterday, and she was asleep by 10 last night. However, with the rain, and the busy weekend, we all slept in today, and it was 9 am before she was waking up!

What I miss: My clothes! Nothing ever fits the same as the last time I put it on, even my maternity things. I'm getting a little worried over the size of this boy! And it all seems to be in the belly.

Cravings: Always pizza, and red meat. I told Scott I feel like I could eat a Whopper or a Big Mac every meal and I would be happy! And this week I have been starving.

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms. Nothing too bad. There have been times this week when I have even felt normal!

Best Moment This Week: Bianca thinks the arrival of the baby is imminent. Every thing is going to happen 'after the baby comes'. Also, I looked down during church yesterday, and saw my belly moving around!

Medically: Nothing this week. I have a regular appointment this week. Next ultrasound is Thursday :) Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Our weekend

2011-05-02T07:00:00.003-04:00

What a weekend! We had so much fun at the Royals game Friday night. We ALL needed a night of relaxation and rest after all the work we've been doing around the house trying to get it ready to put up for sale, so Scott came home at the beginning of the week with tickets to the Royals/Twins game. It was Dollar Night as well, so we all enjoyed hot dogs and soda. The girls were so good, and they stayed awake for the whole game. Bianca kind of surprised me by staying awake, though she did get a little slap happy towards the end. Afterwards they had fireworks, so we stayed even later to enjoy the show.

Saturday started with Bella's soccer game. It was really hard to get the girls awake this morning. Bella had team pictures, and I'm pretty sure her eyes were swollen for it. Bianca just could not wake up, so Daddy had to take Bella to the game, while I stayed home with Bianca to get her up and going. We did make it in time for the start of the game, however. Bella was pretty tired, but she tried to keep up. Luckily her teammate, Caleb, was ON IT today, and they won the game. I got to work concession stand after the game, so Bella stayed with me at the fields to play with some friends.

Sunday was pretty busy as well. We had a special service at church concerning our future. We are planning to build soon, and today was a service all about the vision and the details of building plans. It is all very exciting. They have been praying, planning and working on all the details for a LONG time. We followed the service with a potluck dinner, what we do best! I love having that time to sit and chat with friends and see our kids deepen their friendships with others children their age! And of course, the food is always delicious!

After church, Scott had an open house, so the girls and I went by to see the home. I love touring homes! Every time I walk through one, I get a better idea of what I like and dislike, and get decorating ideas. Its fun to see how others decorate their homes. Afterward, the girls rested and watched a movie while I worked on packing up some things in our room. We're almost there! We're hoping to get windows and carpet done on Friday, and be officially on the market next week! What a relief that will be, when all the projects are done.

We also went with Scott later in the day to look at some acreage near Wellsville. Its so pretty and open out there. I'm still trying to convince Scott that we need to buy a few acres so we can live sustainably, with our own chickens, goats, cattle, and garden. He's not catching the vision, but give him time, I think he'll come around eventually! ha! We had supper in Hillsdale at the Hillsdale Bank BBQ, a small place that you wonder about a bit when you pull up, but it was SO good. Scott had been there before, so it wasn't a total gamble. I loved the homemade buns, they had the homemade bread flavor, yum! I could eat that all day! Part of their building is an old train car, which is where we sat, all by ourselves. The girls loved it! They had a small area where the girls could climb up a short ladder and sit in train seats.

I'll work on the 22 week pregnancy post tomorrow. I keep trying to remember to get a picture, but usually by the time I remember, Scott is working on another project, and I'm exhausted, and looking it!

Ekisa... Grace

2011-04-30T19:51:00.001-04:00

I just have to share about a ministry that I've been praying for and following for a while. Emily was in our youth group when we were in Indianapolis. I remember the first time she talked about wanting to go on a mission trip at the tender age of 16. I also remember how her mom was a little nervous about her, as a teenager, leaving the country with a group of people she didn't know well. Well, maybe she was a more than a little nervous, but I fully understand that now, as a mother myself! She agreed that Emily could go, IF her father agreed to go with her, assuming that he would say no without discussion. To everyone's amazement, he said YES, without discussion. (Interestingly, when it came time for the trip, he was delayed, and Emily was there without him for a week.)

God was definitely working in this young girl's life. She was in love with the country of Uganda and its children when she returned, and immediately started making plans to spend her entire summer there following her next year of high school. Emily spent both of her remaining summers between school years in Uganda, volunteering at an orphanage there.

God has used Emily's passion for these children, specifically orphans with disabilities, to create a new ministry. Right out of high school, Emily, has opened an orphanage in Uganda called Ekisa, which means 'grace' in Luganda, the local language of Uganda. At the age of 31, I can't even imagine what to do to begin that process, but Emily has trusted the Lord to guide her, and has given Him control of the turns her life takes. What faith, trust, and selflessness for this girl to give up what so many her age are enjoying right now to give everything she has to these children so that they can know His Love. What an inspiration to my walk with Christ and learning to trust that He can handle all the details of whatever He calls me to in this life.

Currently, they are in Uganda, have a home there, have hired staff, and have taken in 10, yes TEN, children. They are in the process of registering as a Non-Governmental Organization so that their children can be adopted and placed in forever homes. They are also looking forward to being filled to capacity, and need additional sponsors to help them cover the expense that goes along with that. You can keep up with what is happening at Ekisa on their website as well as their blog. Emily has shared prayer requests on their blog as well.

*All pictures are property of Ekisa Ministries.

Easter Sunday

2011-04-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

Our Easter weekend was so fun! We started off Saturday with coloring Easter eggs. This year the girls were really into it. Bianca doesn't remember doing it before, so Bella enjoyed showing her how to do it!

The girls watch as Mommy showed them how to put an egg into the coloring without getting color everywhere.

Bianca actually posed for a picture!

Daddy took some time off from the projects around the house to join in.

Bella loved drawing on the eggs with the invisible crayon.

A few of the finished products!

After coloring eggs, we attended our church's Easter egg hunt. It was great! The kids had so much fun. They got to play a few games, eat some cookies, see their friends, get a tattoo on their hand, and search for an egg or two.

Bella received a note and $5 towards her savings for a ToyStory Bullseye.


Bianca received a dress.

We planned on going to the Easter breakfast at our church on Sunday morning because Scott was singing in the Easter choir and had to be there early, but Bianca would not go to bed on Saturday night. It was pretty dramatic, but she eventually fell asleep around 12:30, so I wasn't going to get them (or myself!) up any earlier than was necessary. We got the girls up just before Scott had to go to choir rehearsal so he could see them with their basket. They each got a Beatrix Potter book, and a disk swing to share, along with a bit of candy.

Our church service was so refreshing, and a good reminder of the meaning of Easter. Jesus Christ came to be our Savior, and to die for us on the cross so that we can have a relationship with Him. We celebrate his resurrection on Easter Sunday, and also every day. Without His Resurrection, our faith would be pointless. He did not come to be a political leader or even a 'good' man. Jesus Christ rose from the dead, conquering death itself.

After church on Sunday morning, we did family pictures. I have one little girl who LOVES to pose for pictures, and one whom I can barely get to make a smile for the pictures. She has a good pirate face down, along with a few others, but we're still working on the smile. And we had a pretend pet doggie for the day as well, who, of course, had to be in the pictures!

Recipe: Chicken and Rice Casserole

2011-04-29T11:58:00.001-04:00

I have no memories of eating rice growing up. I'm pretty sure that I never ate it until Scott and I were married and he insisted on making Chicken Fried Rice (unless of course, it was during that first visit to Kansas with him to meet his family, and I convinced them that I did, in fact, like Chinese; they learned differently when I was still hungry an hour or two later!). It's still not my favorite thing, as I can never predict how well it will turn out when I make it. Sometimes it's dry, sometimes it's crunchy, sometimes it's mushy, and sometimes I get it just right. But I seem to be able to get it right with this recipe, maybe because it cooks more in the casserole. I don't know. I just know that this is one of our favorite dinners!

Chicken and Rice Casserole

1 1/2 cup chicken, cooked, drained, and chopped or shredded (we prefer chopped)
1 1/2 cup raw rice, cooked
1 can cream of chicken soup (or cream of celery)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 cup celery diced
1/2 cup slivered almonds

After preparing the chicken and rice, combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Pour into greased 9 x 13 dish. Bake at 400 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

I've started experimenting periodically with adding in extra veggies. Mostly frozen broccoli or peas... we liked the peas, but I think the verdict is still out on the broccoli.

I have no idea where this recipe came from, I usually mark my cards but there is no note of that on this one!

21 weeks

2011-04-25T11:30:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: I just love feeling this little one flip and kick and hiccup all of the time.... except for that nightly 2 am workout!

How Far Along: 21 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around three-quarters of a pound and is approximately 10 1/2 inches long, about the length of a carrot.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still don't know... and my scale at home never agrees with the one at the doctors office (I use my scale b/c I wear the same thing every time I weigh). I'm not sure if the batteries in the scaled being dead is a good thing or a bad thing. Guess we'll find out when I get new ones!

Maternity Clothes: It's all maternity wear for me. Even most of the shirts I was wearing just last week are now too short to work anymore!

Gender: It's a BOY! Still no names. Scott really likes Jacob, but its SO popular, so we're still searching. I finally found my baby name books this week, so I've got to start the list. I've been asked to present a short list of names to Scott to discuss, instead of randomly throwing out names ALL the time. You know us women, we're always multi-tasking, and names come to mind during really random moments. :)

Movement: Like I said, the hiccups come often. It makes me laugh! Bumblebee is starting to get some knobby knees and elbows too. The pokes have started, and every once in a while, its a little uncomfortable. He was pretty much on a schedule of movement until this past week, and now the only regularity is that if I'm trying to go to sleep, he's moving!

Sleep: Still dealing with Bianca and sleep. Her schedule is off now, so we are trying to get her back on it. The hard part is that she really needs a nap in the late afternoon (b/c she gets cranky!), but if she gets it, then its midnight bedtime again, and it starts all over. So we're down to 30 minutes of napping yesterday, and she was asleep by 10 last night. However, with the rain, and the busy weekend, we all slept in today, and it was 9 am before she was waking up!

What I miss: My clothes! Nothing ever fits the same as the last time I put it on, even my maternity things. I'm getting a little worried over the size of this boy! And it all seems to be in the belly.

Cravings: Pizza and big meals. I'm either really hungry, or not at all!

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms. Nothing too bad. There have been times this week when I have even felt normal!

Best Moment This Week: Apparently, I 'popped' this week. Other people are starting to notice that I am pregnant now. Can't wait to hear what perfect strangers now think.....

Medically: Nothing this week. I think I have a regular appointment this week, but I'll have to check my calendar for sure! Next ultrasound is next week :) Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Vanya has a Family!

2011-04-22T08:00:00.002-04:00

I just have to share with you an update on Vanya that was sent out this morning. I am SO EXCITED! I shared with you about a week ago that a little boy named Vanya desperately needed a home before he was moved from a transition center to an adult institution where he would no longer be available for adoption. He would be raised in a center meant for adults, in conditions we cannot even begin to imagine, from the age of 8 years old. But Adeye put out the call for God's people to pray and ask God for his mercies and guidance, and the LORD has answered, even in what our human eyes saw as possibly being 'too late', HE had a plan. So, here is the email I received this morning...

What an amazing 2 weeks! For an amazing little boy! When Adeye Salem emailed me a couple of weeks ago that she wanted to advocated for a little boy and that the little boy she wanted to advocate for was Vanya, I knew something special was going to happen. If you never read the original post, you can view that here. This post included a letter from someone who works closely with Vanya and knows him well.

In just about 10 days, more than $15,000 was raised by more than 370 contributors! And then, more than ONE HUNDREDfamilies responded that they might like to adopt Vanya. The reason are getting this email--- you responded about Vanya (maybe just inquiring...maybe wanting to commit to adopt him). There were MANY families who hadn't ever begun the process of getting a home study or any other adoption documents, there were some that had lots of paperwork done (for other countries) and there were some who checked in to making appointments for getting a home study started.

As last week went on, we received word that the country where Vanya lives is going to be making some changes in their procedures and what government office handles adoptions. Therefore, they will be closing the office in early June and will be closed for an undetermined amount of time (probably 3-4 months or more). Last time they closed for this reason, it was much longer. It's been anticipated that it will happen, but the timing was never known. So it was a bit of a surprise only because we didn't know when it would happen.

So why did Vanya's situation become more urgent? He is currently living in a transition center where he will not be able to stay long. In fact, missionary friends in his country have lobbied the direct to hold him because Adeye was advocating and we were sure we could find a family for him. They agreed if we could hurry. Obviously, if the government stopped accepting petitions for adoptions for months, that's not "hurrying" and there is little chance they would/could hold him. We know where he would be transferred and he would become unreachable at that point. We couldn't let that happen! So we put out the word that we needed a family with PAPERS READY. On Tuesday, we worked with a family all day to verify they had what they needed and could get the certain documents updated quickly. They did and they can. Their initial paperwork will be arriving in Ukraine on Monday morning. Our team in Vanya's country will be meeting with the proper authorities to get things underway and the rest of their documents will be mailed soon.

For this we are praising God! He has provided for Vanya in so many ways and we know that He is not finished yet!! Some of you were already feeling that Vanya was "your" son. We understand that and we know the emotional roller coaster you have been on. We too have been in the same situation and know that it is not an easy journey. But be encouraged that GOD is in control and HE is the one Who opened your hearts to this little boy.

But let me assert this...perhaps Vanya is a face that you were able to put on the call that God is placing on your family. Maybe He plans to lead you on a journey to rescue one of the MANY other children just as desperate as Vanya. As special as Vanya is, he is one of so many.

So you might think there are not enough Vanya's to go around...but THERE ARE. Each one of you could rescue a child just like Vanya and we have still only begun to meet this desperate need!

What are the next steps for you? If you want to be READY, get your passports, get a home study started that is general when it comes to special needs of a child, include HIV in the list of special needs you are willing to accept and include it in the recommendation. Contact us if you are interested and we'll walk you through the initial steps and provide you with LOTS of kids for God to open your heart and family to.

Below is a letter from some friends in Vanya's country who know him well and work with many other precious children like him...

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your interest in Vanya. His dream is now coming true...he will soon be living as a loved son in a family that hand-picked him. It seems the whole world was praying for this boy and God has certainly answered. I can't wait to see his face when he learns the news!
Vanya is not just a face of adoption: He is a real boy with real desires for real love and a real family. And though he is not simply a face of adoption, his story has stirred the hearts of so many. Honestly, we could take down Vanya's picture and put up another picture every hour on the hour and not run out of pictures worldwide for years. My prayer is that many of you who were touched by Vanya's story would remain open to adopt another of these precious children. I pray that all of you would share what you have learned about the status of HIV+ so that we can finally reduce the stigma associated with this diagnosis.
I thank God upon every remembrance of you.

While our family is not thinking of adoption in the immediate future, it is something That is on my heart, and you may hear me mention it periodically. It is something that we are praying about. I don't know what the future holds for us concerning this issue, but I know that I am willing and able with the help and strength of my Lord to be used by Him, either just to advocate the situation of the orphans, or to open our home and family to the least of these. He will provide all my needs far and above anything we could ever imagine!

Everyday Miracles

2011-04-21T11:58:00.000-04:00

Miracles...

When I first started thinking of this, I could think of nothing! NOTHING! I mean, I'm not one to discount the hand of God in my life, but I've also not had one of those moments where I had a miraculous healing or saved from some great disaster. But once I started thinking about it, I'm sure I've had miracles in my life that I will see someday when I finally see how all the details of my life have worked out. They just aren't as obvious to my human eyes. Besides, wikipedia has defined miracle, among other definitions, as "simply a "wonderful" occurrence, regardless of likelihood, such as a birth." So I've decided to list my 'miracles' in my life, in no particular order.

-My children. Of course, being pregnant and having experienced multiple miscarriages, along with the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation diagnosis, makes me so aware of this supremely large miracle. I am amazed at all that must work together to form a human being, all of the complicated processes and timing of each minute detail. It is enough to confirm to me that there is a God, if there was ever any question. God has a hand in how and when each child comes into our lives, and every time it is a miracle.

-The blessing of being at home with my children. My husband has been a youth pastor up until very recently in our lives. Youth ministry is not a vocation you enter because of the money! It was his calling, and we were faithful. My calling is to be with my children, and God has been faithful. There have been so many times when our budget would not make sense, when we could not explain how it all fit together, but it does. Early on, we were told that we were naive to think that we could live on a youth pastor's income alone, and while I have provided a small supplemental income at times through childcare, it has been done mainly on his income. Yes, there are sacrifices. We've only had cable television for 3 months of that time, we don't go on vacations often, we don't have new clothes all of the time, but we have what matters, and I would not trade it for anything in the world!

This is from WAY back when, our first year married :)

-My marriage. Words cannot describe the love and respect I have for my husband.

-Having no income for nearly 5 months. As I said, until recently, my husband was in youth ministry. We recently made a move from Pennsylvania to his hometown, Kansas City, Kansas, where he entered the world of real estate. He became a licensed realtor, and began building his career. This was a move we planned for 2 months, and were on limited income in saving up for it. We were not planning on him entering a career that would not have immediate, regular income, but God has provided every step.

-My relationship with Christ. God sent his only Son to die for me, and He rose again, overcoming death. I have a relationship with Him, and its more than a decision I made one time. It is life changing for me, all the time. I am constantly being challenged and changed.

Okay, so once I got started, I can name many miracles in my life. I am thankful for every one, and all of those I don't even have time or room to mention. Thank you, God, for every miracle you have given me, and especially those I am unaware of!

Wordless Wednesday.... Baby Blanket

2011-04-20T07:00:00.000-04:00

For Juliana Elizabeth, our new(est) niece.

There's a New Sheriff in Town!

2011-04-19T12:20:00.000-04:00

We went shopping recently, and Bianca spotted a monkey. She LOVES monkeys. There's one on her mimi (blankie) that she 'cuddles' with all the time.

So we stopped to look at it. And thought, "How appropriate. We have to get this!" Its our first purchase for Baby Bumblebee.

Bianca has been the "sheriff" in the family (at least in her eyes) for what will nearly be 4 years when Bumblebee makes his appearance. And she has quite the rude awakening coming her way. Bianca still clings to Mama every time there is a baby nearby. Its like she just isn't sure what to think about them. She is starting to go for Daddy over Mama, but it is very slow in coming.

Our first purchase for Baby Bumblebee :)

Halfway - 20 weeks

2011-04-18T11:03:00.002-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: Baby Bumblebee has the hiccups ALL the time! And Bella got to feel him bouncing around during one of those many episodes. She wasn't overly excited about it, just said, "Yep, I felt it."

How Far Along: 20 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 10 ounces, and is somewhere between 10 inches long crown to heel, about the length of a banana.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Still don't know... and my scale at home never agrees with the one at the doctors office (I use my scale b/c I wear the same thing every time I weigh). I'm not sure if the batteries in the scaled being dead is a good thing or a bad thing. Guess we'll find out when I get new ones!

Maternity Clothes: I am wearing mostly only maternity pants, but am still able to wear some of my pre-pregnancy shirts, thought they are getting fewer in number. Gonna have to go shopping soon!

Gender: It's a BOY! And we have NO idea what we are going to name him. This seems to be SO much harder than it was for the girls!

Movement: Like I said, the hiccups come often. It makes me laugh! Bumblebee is starting to get some knobby knees and elbows too. The pokes have started, and every once in a while, its a little uncomfortable. He's been kicking my bladder or something this weekend, and it hurts!

Sleep: Its not been great this week, but unfortunately, that hasn't been due to pregnancy. Bianca has not wanted to be in her bed this week, and its made for some late nights.

What I miss: This week we have started packing up my in-laws house to get it ready for sale, and I just can't do everything I am used to being able to do! I have to depend on Scott to move things and do a lot more for me. He's not used to that either.

Cravings: Bread (and I never love bread), meat, and pasta. And Pizza, oh sweet pizza! I've been trying to eat more salads and fresh veggies. It helps to have them chopped and ready in the fridge, along with some veggie dip.

Symptoms: Typical pregnancy symptoms. Nothing too bad.

Best Moment This Week: We laid in bed one night watching my stomach bounce around while Bumblebee had the hiccups. Yep, we could SEE it! I'm a little worried about what it will be like in 20 weeks, if we can see it now....

Medically: I had some pain in my calf that was bothering me and was unexplainable (I've not been exercising or doing anything different), and it was starting to worry me about a possible blood clot. This pain was not like a cramp, because it didn't hurt all of the time, only when I was up on it. I could even massage it without any pain. So I called the doctor, and they went ahead and had me come in for an ultrasound on my leg. First time for that! Thankfully, it was nothing, and the doctor chalked it up to muscle strain, but who knows from what! Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

A Little Boy's Dream

2011-04-12T13:28:00.001-04:00

A little boy in Ukraine has a dream. Many bloggers and others are coming together to help him find his family. When I clicked over and saw those big blue eyes, my heart melted and I fell in love. Vanya is 8 years old, and needs to find a home soon. Time is of the essence, because he has been placed on a list to be moved to an adult institution, where he will never be adopted. He has captured my heart, and I, hopefully along with many others are praying that he will be united with a forever family soon. Maybe its pregnancy hormones, maybe its the nudging of the Spirit, but I must admit that I am asking God if we are it.
\It would be crazy, it would be unexpected, it would be another surprise that God had in store for our family. But how can we not be open to such things when He told us to care for the orphans and widows? Adoption has been on my mind for some time, but its always been when we are finished with our pregnancies. But maybe that just isn't God's plan for us.

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations,

for ever and ever!
Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-22

It really would just fit perfect with the seemingly recurring theme in our family's lives. I think its just something that each and every Christian should prayerfully consider... how do we fulfill the command in our life to care for the orphans and widows? While you contemplate what that looks like in your life, hop on over and read about Vanya! Adeye is fundraising for Vanya's adoption so that when Vanya finds his family, money will not be a factor.

19 Weeks

2011-04-10T22:09:00.000-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: Scott got to feel the baby kick this week!

How Far Along: 19 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 7-8 oz, and is somewhere between 5-6 inches crown to rump, about the size of a large heirloom tomato..

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I don't know this week! The batteries on our scale are out, but I'm thinking around 5 or 6 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: I've given up on trying to get into my regular jeans. I think I still can do it, but its just not comfortable. I have a few pairs of cotton/polyester capris that I've been wearing with my Bella Band, and a few shirts that I can wear. I'm on the hunt for some more spring/summer shirts, though. My maternity summer things are size large, and I probably need medium tops for now.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: This is one strong boy... I'm pretty sure I started feeling movement (flutters) around 13 weeks (call me crazy!). He does not like anything pushing on my stomach, so he got irritated with Scott trying to feel him moving around enough that he knocked a hard kick/punch. Even this morning during church, my Bible was on my lap, and he was kicking at that.

Sleep: I got my Boppy pillow this week! And I have been sleeping very good this week.

What I miss: I have a lot of ambition to get things done, but my energy tuckers out before I can accomplish it all!

Cravings: Bread (and I never love bread), meat, and pasta. And Pizza, oh sweet pizza!

Symptoms: I have lower back pain every morning, and I've been having some swelling,mostly in my ankles on the very hot days (like we've even experienced the summer temps yet! ha!). I've never had swelling (except for one day with Bella - Mother's day, no less!), so this just continues the differences in this pregnancy versus those of the girls!

Best Moment This Week: I felt comfortable enough this week to schedule my next OB appointment for 4 weeks out!

Medically: Nothing new this week! Refer to week 17 post for the perinatologist appointment about the Prothrombin/Factor II Mutation.

Marriage and Mentoring

2011-04-05T17:04:00.001-04:00

A solid marriage is something that is very important to me. When marriage is as God intended it to be, it is a place of safety, encouragement, acceptance, and love. We can only fully experience the love for our spouse when we allow God to work in our hearts and show us how to love.

I think that in our fast paced society, we have often lost the relational links that help us understand how to achieve good marriage, as well as have started seeing many things that promote an unhealthy marriage. This is a whole 'nother post that I think I could go on about, but for now, we'll leave it at that. Mentoring from Godly women of wisdom is not as common, though it is needed more than ever. I had a short taste of this while living in Indianapolis. I was involved in a program through our church called "Woman to Woman Mentoring," but the women in my life at that time mentored me more than any of them could have ever been aware of, without even meaning to do so, I believe. It was just a product of our relationships. And it was not just women who were years older than myself, either, but also women my own age or even younger who would challenge me to think beyond what I knew or had been taught, and to seek out what God would have for my life.

Since we have moved away from Indianapolis, I have greatly missed these relationships. I have been praying that God will lead me into similar relationships where I am. One route that I am seeing this come to fruition is the internet, believe it or not! Women of all ages are beginning to blog about their lives and lessons, and we can all learn from one another. Which brings me to the reason for this post! My friend, Crissyanna, shares this passion. It is to begin a website dedicated to helping women thrive in their marriages, in a multitude of ways, namely, bettering themselves in the vocation of wifehood. The topics cover many areas, including respecting one's husband, running a home, child rearing, and intimate issues, and all will be held up in the light of the Word. I believe that this is the sort of resource women young and old would find very helpful.

Crissyanna has recently entered a contest for a grant to help her get started on the website, and she needs YOUR votes! You can vote here once every 24 hours for the next ten days. I'm so encouraged by Crissyanna's heart and her willingness to allow God to use her this way. I pray that she will be encouraged by each of you along the way! You can visit Crissyanna at Created For Home.

This post was written of my own will and accord, and was not solicited in any way by the recipient.

And So It Begins...

2011-04-05T00:06:00.001-04:00

I am officially a ~~hip young mom~~ soccer mom. Bella started her first organized sport this past weekend. She's playing soccer in the community league our church sponsors. Her division is five and six year olds, and its rather ~~competitive~~ entertaining!

After the warm-up and prayer time with the coach, which I missed getting a picture of, the team gathered together by themselves for their own five year old pep talk. It went something like this:

It doesn't matter if we win, just how you play! Yeah, let's have fun and run after the ball!

I think all of us moms shed a small tear when we saw this, then shared a laugh.

Their teams play three on three, with basically no goalie. One kid will ~~protect the goal with their life~~ sometimes remember to keep it out of their goal when the coach reminds them. But its pretty much a free for all on that ball.

Let's get this party started!!

I'm not sure which they had more fun doing... actually playing soccer or cheering on their team. And especially trying to help out a teammate from the sidelines with an extra kick here or there!

Did I mention Bella has her Mama's ~~awesome soccer skills~~ knack for hitting the turf?! Sometimes she was down even when no one else was around. I understand when there are five other kids' feet kicking at the same soccer ball, but when no one else is nearby? Yep, that's my girl!

18 weeks

2011-04-01T17:45:00.008-04:00

Pregnancy Highlights: That we've made it to 18 weeks! And that I don't have to do Lovenox injections so far.

How Far Along: 18 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 6 oz, and is close to 5 1/2 inches crown to rump, about the size of a grapefruit.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Total weight gain of 3 lbs so far.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity jeans are my life nowadays. I can still wear the old regular jeans, but I am definitely more comfortable in maternity pants. I am still wearing regular shirts, though, as my rounded tummy is still too little to fill out the maternity shirts, for the most part. I have a few that are smaller that I can wear.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: Baby Bumblebee is making himself better known this week. I've noticed twice that while Bianca was on my lap, she was being kicked at, even though she can't feel it yet. I have a feeling that will be a regular occurrence, even after birth! ha!

Sleep: Sleep was better this week. I am awaiting the arrival of my Boppy Body Pillow. I currently have a regular body pillow and regular pillow running the length of the bed on either side of me to support my back and belly. Scott doesn't have much room for himself in the bed!

What I miss: My old sleep schedule! I suddenly have a burst of energy or insomnia from about 9-midnight every night. I have got to get over this, because my girls like to take turns getting up at 7 am every morning. I also realized last night that I can no longer sit on the floor with my knees pulled up and my chin on my knees. Very sad, because that is my favorite way to sit!

Cravings: I haven't had many this week. I've been able to get more fresh salads and such in, though. And Pepsi has started to kind of taste funny to me.

Symptoms: I've had a couple mornings this week where I felt like I had morning sickness again, but other than that I've been feeling good!

Best Moment This Week: Witnessing the sibling rivalry already between Bianca and Baby Bumblebee. He was kicking her for sitting on my lap, and she's getting upset that I can't carry her as much.

Medically: Nothing new for me this week, except that I DID NOT see the doctor this week. That's the first time since my first appointment (at 6 weeks) that I have not seen a doctor every week. I'm finally getting to the point where I can feel movement daily, so I don't feel the need to go in for a heartbeat check this week. I'll see the doctor next week. I may or may not be scheduling my 20 week ultrasound with Dr. Snider. I'm not sure if they will do one at his office, since the perinatologist, Dr. Cowles, will be doing regular ultrasounds every 4 weeks, starting at 22 weeks.

The Ultimate Blog Party

2011-04-01T16:54:00.011-04:00

I'm so excited! This is my first Ultimate Blog Party (UBP), and I can't wait to have some fun! So, this is post is to tell you all a little bit about myself. Grab a coke (or some ice cream!) and have a seat, make yourself comfortable, and let's get to know each other.

First, a little about me. I am a mother, a wife, a friend, a daughter, a sister, a child of God. At 31, I feel that I am finally getting to know myself! I love peaceful evenings with the hubby, game night with the kiddos, and a good chic flick now and then, as well as those Bond/Mission Impossible type movies. I love to be creative, and my forum changes every so often. Currently, I'm enjoying exploring the world of crochet. I taught myself a few years ago from a book (Chicks with Sticks), and haven't met a challenge I'm not willing to take on. Actually, that's a statement I could make about much of my life... if there is something I want to learn or know, I'll figure out how, and if you present something to me as a challenge, I'll be determined to conquer it!

I'm the oldest of 6 children. I was nearly 16 when my mom gave birth to twins, the youngest in the family, so I always had a lot of experience, and I have always felt called to be a wife and mother before anything else. I grew up on and around farms, and am always looking for ways to make it from scratch or make it healthier. I can be extreme in my thinking that way, but my hubby, Scott, always brings me back from the edge!

Scott and I have been married almost 9 years! It has been a fun adventure with him. We have had many life experiences in those 9 years, and they have only served to strengthen our marriage. Scott is an amazing man of God, and I love seeing him search after God, allowing Him to stretch and grow Scott beyond his comfort zone, and in turn leading our family the same.

Isabella, or Bella, is our oldest, who is just about to turn 6 in a few months. She is SO much like me. We've spent her kindergarten year learning at home. Bella loves her friends and her little sister. She also likes to be a part of the action. This year is her first year to play soccer and she definitely gets her skills from her mama! She is a mothering girl, very compassionate and cuddly.

Bianca is our 3 1/2 year old. She is starting to move past the terrible 2s and 3s, and the emotions are beginning to calm down a bit. She loves to pretend she is a dog, baby, mommy, or a princess. Bianca is a Mama's Girl, and doesn't want anyone else. As a baby, she didn't know a stranger, but has since become more reserved, and would rather hang around with mama than to have to meet new friends. She does want to do everything Big Sister does, so that pulls her out of her shell. Bianca likes verbal affirmation, and while she doesn't like to cuddle up, she'll tell me a hundred times a day that she loves me.

My blog is a whole lot about what I'm thinking about or going through at the current time, with a few recipes and how-to posts scattered in there. Currently, I'm pregnant for the sixth time, and after 3 miscarriages, am a high risk pregnancy due to a diagnosis of Factor II mutation/Prothrombin. We are feeling very blessed to have our two precious little girls, and expecting a boy! This will be another new and exciting adventure for us all!

So, there's a bit about myself and my family. Feel free to stick around and check out some more posts to learn more. And I can't wait to get to know you, so leave me some comment love with your link so I can come visit you!

David's Bag of Stones

2011-03-29T22:11:00.006-04:00

We have been attending Knowing Moms at College Church since November, and what a blessing it has been! Thank you, Laura, for the invite!! I have met new friends, and have been able to have Mommy time while my girls are learning about Jesus with their friends. This week's lesson in Knowing Kids was David and Goliath, which I thought was awesome, because we just read that story during our Bible reading at home. The girls came home telling me all about their story, and excited to eat their stones (which were giant marshmallows, just in case anyone tried to relive the story!).

"David's Bag of Stones
God uses people whether they are big or little"

Bella was definitely used by God that day. She did the sweetest thing! I was exhausted that day (as I am many days), and as soon as I mentioned how tired I was, she suggested that I take a nap. Well, a nap did sound nice, but with two little mischief finders, quite impossible. I did however, agree to a rest time. She was very insistent that I get that in, and I couldn't help but wonder what idea she had up her sleeve for that time, but I really needed it. So, I put in a movie and got them settled in to watch while I took a quick warm bath. When I got out, I found a bag outside the bathroom door waiting for me. Bella had filled the bag with healthy treats - a banana, apple, and a granola bar. I was so surprised, and it was so cute! She worked hard to finish coloring her bag at home, and then put the bag together all by herself! What a thoughtful thing to do for her tired mommy.

It made me realize that it's the little things. God uses people, whether big or little. Even when we're feeling small, God can use us. In our homes or work, wherever we are. We just have to be listening for what those things are. Bella was listening that day.

All about Bella and Bianca

2011-03-28T21:55:00.002-04:00

1. Bella is liking math again. We abandoned our Horizons curriculum for the time being, and are reviewing what we've learned so far, using, GASP, the preschool workbook I bought at Wal*mart. And she loves it! Its colorful and simple, one problem/skill per page. In fact, she begged to do it yesterday, on Sunday, and sat there for about 45 minutes doing multiple pages. Yippee! Now maybe I can sneak in a few new skills from the curriculum and get her going again.

2. Bianca is a Mama's Girl, capital M, capital G. If she isn't playing with Bella, she is my shadow. She likes to be the 'cooker' and has started making her own sandwiches (with Mama's help). Maybe she'll be the next celebrity chef! Her favorites are peanut butter and jelly, and ham and cheese with mayonnaise (not ketchup, as I learned after sneaking it on because I didn't feel like searching for the mayo, when I had to subsequently scrape it off and cover it will mayo). She loves a good lettuce and spinach salad, especially when you put tomatoes on it. I have to hide when I eat mine, or she'll eat ALL of it!

3. My girls tend to get injured when I leave them. No, really! Last time, Bella fell of a bar stool and hurt her knee. This time I leave for an hour, and I get a phone call that began with, "Bianca's okay." Apparently our "Walking Collision Course" as we so lovingly call her, got tripped up in the wrong place and lost a battle with a small end table. This picture is the next day, but even today, it looks more like she's wearing purple eyeshadow. Oh well, I guess maybe they are just gently preparing me for my boy.

4. I forgot to get a picture of them today, but they love playing princess (especially Bianca) and dog. Or mommy and baby. Or baby and kid, with a pretend mommy. So all day today, I heard Bianca say, "Moooooommmmmyyyy!" and I got into lots of trouble for answering her! "Not YOU! My other mommy!" I guess I've been replaced.....

17 weeks

2011-03-26T13:08:00.004-04:00

(Please excuse the big baggy maternity jeans (they're just comfy!), and the exhausted look. Thursday and Friday were very full days for our family!)

Pregnancy Highlights: The big ultrasound was this week, and we found out that we are having a BOY! We are all excited! The girls really wanted a brother. Well, Bianca decided she did after big sister convinced her a few weeks ago :)

How Far Along: 17 weeks

Size of Baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 5 oz, and is close to 5 inches crown to rump, about the size of a red onion.

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Total weight gain of 3 lbs so far.

Maternity Clothes: Maternity jeans are much more comfortable than my regular jeans, though they are a little big, but I can still wear a few pairs of jeans (I bought a few one size big right after I found out I was pregnant, so I could wear them longer!). I can still wear my regular shirts mostly, if I have a long tank under them.

Gender: It's a BOY!

Movement: This baby is moving! Its starting to feel a bit more like kicks rather than flutters. I especially feel movement at night, around 10 pm, but also at other random times throughout the day.

Sleep: Sleep has been pretty good, if I get my pillows arranged right (all 4 of them!). Starting to wake up for bathroom breaks again, but that may be because I've been drinking more water later in the evening. I always wake up with very low back pain, but it usually is better after a warm shower. I'm thinking of using my Amazon gift cards I've earned from Swagbucks to get a pregnancy pillow! It looks so comfy!

What I miss: Being able to wear anything I pull out of my closet! And being able to wear my contacts ALL day long. My eyes are starting to get really dry mid afternoon these days.

Cravings: Lately, I think I've become a carnivore! I want beef, pizza, and junk food. This is SO different from pregnancies with my girls, when I wanted fresh veggies, fruits, and salads (no grease!). And this week, I'm suddenly on a pretzel kick... can't get enough of those salty things!

Symptoms: The nausea is pretty much gone. Lower back pain is still there in the mornings, and anytime I wake up at night.

Best Moment This Week: Sleeping this morning! Scott got up with the girls today, and let me sleep:) He's the best!

Medically: We saw Dr. Cowles, our perinatologist, on Thursday. She did measurements on Baby Bumblebee, and everything looks good! We'll be having Biophysical Profile Ultrasounds done every 4 weeks, starting in 5 weeks (at 22 weeks). They'll be watching for growth restriction, indicating that they placenta is not functioning at full capacity. Still on baby aspirin daily.

The Big Ultrasound

2011-03-25T17:34:00.007-04:00

Well, yesterday was a big day in our household! We had an appointment with the perinatologist, Dr. Cowles, for an ultrasound to get measurements.

Everything measured well, and she was able to get a good look at the baby's heart, she was a little surprised at how well! She said they usually can't see much until the 22nd week, but baby was most cooperative in that area, mostly sleeping through the ultrasound, I think, even though I made sure I had my Pepsi just before that!

We discussed the plan for my pregnancy, that it will be closely monitored due to the Factor II mutation. I'll start having Biophysical Profile ultrasounds done every 4 weeks to check for proper growth, or restriction thereof. Growth restriction is an indicator of the placenta not fully functioning due to blood clots. I'm currently only on baby aspirin, and will not start Lovenox shots unless something occurs indicating the need for them. We are all hopeful that this will not be necessary!

In about the middle of the ultrasound, Dr. Cowles asked if we knew what we were having or if we wanted to know. We said we didn't know yet, but would like to if its possible. Baby was not so cooperative at first in this area, as the legs were crossed at the ankles and pulled up tight, but with some prodding, HE gave us a very clear view! Dr. Cowles said, "I'm thinking its a boy, lets try to get a better look." I looked at Scott and saw a grin from ear to ear! We are so excited, even two little girls who can't wait to dote and pick on and wrestle with their little brother! Bella and I are very ready to go shopping. Scott just wants to buy footballs and basketballs, but I don't think he'd be very happy to see his little boy dressed in pink. ha!

Now to come up with names. We briefly discussed boys names previously, but knowing both previous times that we were having a girl, we've never actually picked a boys name. When we talked a little earlier in the pregnancy, we decided we liked Jacob Edward, (Edward being Scott's Grandpa Snowbarger's middle name) but all you Twilight fans out there will know why we are not going to use that one! We would have Bella, Jacob, and Edward. I don't want people thinking we named our kids after the Twilight theme. I was looking at names last night again, and came across Emmett, which I also like, but again... Twilight cursed. So, we'll be on the hunt, and probably won't know until he is born, but if we do decide, we'll probably stick to our tradition and not tell names until then.

Oh, and for those of you who were wondering, I made them check early on to make sure there was only one baby in there! :)

Babies, sickness, freebies, and consequences

2011-03-24T13:40:00.006-04:00

It's been a long week! Sorry for the lack of postings, I had a sick little one, and then trying to recover myself from the lack of sleep that brought has been time consuming.

Bianca started out Sunday night losing her supper in bed. I'm not even sure she knew that's what happened. She was pretty out of it by the time she made it into our room. It happened again 2-3 more times before morning. She did NOT like that happening, and the poor girl did everything in her power to stop it. Not fun. Monday afternoon she ate a couple crackers and some toast, but by bedtime she was running a temperature again. That proved to be another sleepless night, as she woke up every 45 minutes or so, until I kept her in bed with us for about 3 hours. By then her fever started to go down, and she slept well until morning. Thank goodness no one else has shown any symptoms of this so far, and since we are 2 days out, I think we may be safe.

So, I'm starting in again on the baby items. I feel like its been a long time since we had a baby, even though its only been 3 1/2 years. I know we need a new stroller, car seat, high chair, swing, and possibly a pack and play. We got rid of these things when we moved to PA as they took up so much space, and we were only storing them. Anyhow, I've been collecting Pampers Gifts to Grow Points again, without even buying any Pampers. The Frugal Girls blog posts codes that everyone can use, so I am up to nearly 400 without purchasing one thing! That's exciting, because that means free stuff. I'm planning to use them to get pictures or photo books from Shutterfly.

The weather has been so nice for about the past week. Yesterday was cool, and today is downright cold. Its very hard to go outside when its 3o some degrees, after you been out in shorts and flip flops in 70 degree weather! At least we aren't getting snow today. I know its still a possibility for this weekend, and I'm not looking forward to it, especially since Bella's first soccer game is Saturday morning!

I am not sure if I mentioned previously that Scott has been seeing a chiropractor/naturopath recently who is helping him with his health. He has high cholesterol, among some other complicated issues. Nothing super major, but he doesn't really want to be on medication for that the rest of his life. Anyhow, a year or so ago, we took Bella to a GI specialist to try to figure out her 'issues'. Well, their only explanation was to put her on Miralax until she 'grows out of it', and I've not really been satisfied with that answer. So I called this doctor yesterday and chatted with him about this. We are going to try to figure out the root of the problem. Much of it is probably due to her diet, which I suspected from the beginning, but she is SO picky. The GI doctor and pediatrician kept telling us it would also be something she would grow out of and get better at as she got older, but she is at the age where its time to play hardball with her and food. The naturopath is suspecting a possible milk allergy, causing the constipation, among other bad food choices. I know he cares a lot, from our experiences and from that of friends, but he also has to be the 'bad guy' and be pretty blunt about some things. Like the fact that giving your 1 year old pizza and hot dogs could have led to this pickiness. We've done our best for our children, and while I am learning more everyday about our food choices and improving them, I did the best I knew at the time. So now to deal with the consequences. I was rather surprised there was little reaction from Bella this morning as she got out of bed and asked for her chocolate milk (this is like an adult's coffee to her), and I told her she couldn't have it. Last night at dinner didn't go so well. She knew what we were having for dinner (homemade chicken pot pie), and decided she would rather not eat anything, spend that time in her room, and miss her class at church, than come and eat a few bites of supper. She was hungry when it was bedtime, but she also knew not to ask for anything! I wonder how many nights of going to bed hungry (and missing activities she enjoys) she'll endure before trying something new.

16 weeks

2011-03-18T11:03:00.006-04:00

I'm 16 weeks!

Pregnancy Highlights: First, the great 'surprise' of this baby! And finding a doctor that I really like :)
When I was pregnant with Bianca, Bella nicknamed her Baby Sunshine because we always sang "You are my Sunshine." This time she's calling this baby, Baby Bumblebee, though I'm not sure why. Scott nicknamed Bella, Ebenezer, Ebby for short during pregnancy.

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of baby: Baby Bumblebee is around 3 1/4 oz

Total Weight Gain/Loss: Gained 1 lb (Lost 4 lbs, gained 5 lbs)

Maternity Clothes: I'm starting to wear maternity jeans. I can still wear a couple pairs of jeans with a Bella band, since I can no longer button them! Still wearing regular shirts, mostly.

Gender: Still waiting to find out! I wasn't sure I wanted to know at first, but I can't wait to find out!

Movement: I started feeling movement sporadically around 13 weeks. Its getting stronger everyday, though it still catches me off guard sometimes.

Sleep: Is getting better. I had really bad insomnia at the beginning, but now I'm so tired I just sleep all night.

What I miss: My appetite. I'm not really hungry much, or I'm absolutely starving. And when I'm starving, I have no patience to cook!

Cravings: For a few weeks, it was Pepsi. Now.... well, I'm always up for a Big Mac Meal :)

Symptoms: The nausea is getting less and less. I have a runny nose all the time, and lower back pain. Among other things I won't embarrass myself with by posting on the internet!

Best Moment this week: Bianca doesn't get how long the pregnancy will be yet.... She asked if the baby was coming out of my tummy on Friday, and if it likes the shirt I am wearing. Ha! I also started crocheting a baby blanket, but I'm not sure if it will be for our baby or not. Guess we'll have to wait and see what Baby Bumblebee is first, a boy or a girl.

Medically: Due to a Factor II mutation (genetic, aka Prothrombin), I am on a baby aspirin daily, and had to see a perinatologist at 6 weeks. We'll be seeing the perinatologist next week as well.

Credits to Kelly @KellysKornerBlog for the format of this blog:)

Thankful to be Frazzled

2011-03-14T21:19:00.008-04:00

I am a frazzled mother. I sit here listening to my 3 year old cry because suddenly she is starving at bedtime, I just reassembled 2 beds that were torn apart children who were 'playing', their bedroom is an organizer's dream (as in, they can't wait to get their hands on it), and I'm exhausted. And I think, what am I going to do when the baby is here? I need a plan of attack. How do mothers of large families do it?! THAT is what my mission has become: To find out how large families function.

I know that this is going to challenge me. I hate schedules. I'm creative, I like to do what sounds attractive at the time. I have a list usually in my head, but no apparent order to it. It drives my husband nuts. I like the freedom. But I need a routine. I think there is a difference. Routines are an order, schedules are locked in times to accomplish said activities. At least, that's what I tell myself to make me feel better.

I've been reading a new blog, Raising Arrows. It appeals to me. I have always been intrigued by the verse that talks about that verse in the Bible that talks of children being a blessing.

Psalm 127: 3-5 says,

“Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
So are the children of one’s youth.
Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them;
They shall not be ashamed,
But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.”

Amy at Raising Arrows shares how her family of 5 children function and live life to the fullest in a small family world of thought. I am learning it is a great resource for multiple parts of our lives, from family life, to grieving the loss of a child, to homeschooling (yes, she homeschools all 5 children, she must be my hero!). I still haven't explored all of it, but have been checking it out often this weekend.

I started the beginnings of a routine (not a schedule, you see!) this morning, by having everyone up by 8 (my goal is 7), and dressed by 10 (we are easing into it!). We were doing really well until my pregnant self decided to remind me that I had been awake since 5:30, and was exhausted when, at 10:30 am, I had showered, fed everyone breakfast, started laundry (2 loads, in fact!), stripped and made a bed, bathed two giggling girls, and vacuumed a living room/hallway/dining room. That was when I decided it was time for some free play so Mommy could take a rest. One of those "I'm sleeping but I can still hear what's going on" kind of naps.

Then the day sort of went back to my "do what needs to be done at this very moment routine." And ended with children ripping clean, freshly washed sheets, feather bed, mattress cover, and foam pad off of my bed, while I thought they were playing so well in their own room. I almost lost it.

But then I remembered the sermon Pastor John shared yesterday, particularly the main verse.

"Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."
1 Thessalonians 5:18

And I thought, "Its really hard to be thankful when I am irritated, Lord!" "I know," is the answer I heard in my heart. "Oh, so now you want me to be thankful that I have to put two children in time out and remake my bed?!" "Yes." Ouch.

You see, I have children and stuff to be frazzled over. I am thankful for that. I am thankful for a bed that has to be remade. I am thankful for giggling children. I will even be thankful that even after they were put in their rooms for tearing my bed apart, they tore their beds apart as well. I am thankful for children who love to take beds apart. (well, I will be, when I relax a little!)

After all the pregnancy troubles and losses I have been through, I know that these girls are two huge miracles in my life.

And I am thankful to just be a frazzled, hormone loaded, pregnant mother right now.

Changes on the Farm

2011-03-10T18:46:00.004-05:00

My sister posted this on Facebook, and I just have to share it. The barn was a place of exploration for me as far back as I can remember. It will be very different to go home and not have it there anymore. Granted I am very emotional this pregnancy, reading this brought me to tears. Its a part of my childhood memories that my children will not recall or experience. It always makes me sad to see history come down. I understand the reasons, as it has become a safety hazard - its been propped up on the side by 4 x 4s for some time. Its just another part of the world moving forward.

I came home tonight to find my dad sitting in the recliner. Which is not unusual after a long day of working, especially lately with all the projects going on around our house. He called me over and asked me to read something.
This is what he had written:

Recently we have begun the task of tearing down a barn on our farm that dates back well into the 1800’s to make room for a modern farm shop that our current farm operation is in desperate need of. With that task has come a flood of memories of a childhood spent within the confines of one of these grand structures. It would be fair to assume that most any farm kid born on any kind of a livestock farm before the 1970’s would also have spent a significant portion of their youth in a barn.

This place which was only a few yards from the house could transport a young man to a world only limited by his imagination. It was a place where a work ethic was learned that could not be attained by any “town kid”. Yes they came to help buck bales up to the hay mow in the heat of summer, but they were not around the rest of the year to clean out of the barn the results of the feedstuffs and bedding that went into the mow. The responsibilities learned when your life span is still measured in single digits can be replaced in precious few other settings. Having a cow to milk by hand 2 times a day every day at the age of 6 is something not forgotten.
It was a place where heartache and rejoice were often experienced, sometimes within minutes of one another. The satisfaction of the birth of a litter of 12 nice pigs could quickly be offset by the loss of your best sow overcome by heat during farrowing. A beautiful Guernsey cow giving birth to a healthy calf and then being hit with a case of mastitis. A young man could experience the satisfaction of feeding a steer to finished weight to take to the fair, and then realize that the steer to which he had given so much effort and attention would not be coming back to the barn after the livestock auction.
Even when we were not “building character” it was the place we went to play. The forts and rooms we could build out of straw bales were enjoyed by us farm kids as well as our cousins from another state. It seemed to be their choice of playtime activity when they came to visit. It never crossed our minds that there were many places cooler than a hay mow to play.
Somehow it doesn’t seem feasible to expect a building that we will construct today using modern construction methods to still be standing 120 years from now. We will fuss about engineering a new building for snow load and wind load specs, while this one constructed in the post civil war era still stands, however worn, sitting on boulders with its hand hewn mortise and tenon timbers held together by wooden pins. The wind was rattling the siding boards today, but the timbers 35 feet in the air are still imposing. The men and their families who built these structures were people to admire, and they did not have the mechanical means available to me.
To even consider the changes this structure has witnessed would take some time. Just during my 53 years, as a child I sat on the seat of an 8N ford tractor dreaming of tractor pulls, I could not have imagined GPS, auto steer, 24 row planters, 12 row combines, 4 wheel drive tractors, and 1000 bu grain carts that have led to the demise of this type of structure.
It seems each board reminds of an event or story of what was done here or there. My children have been reveled in stories of Grandpa Mellert and how things were done back in the day. My father at 83 years of age and a farming career that has spanned 64 years, has been here helping. Although he has firsthand knowledge of almost every nook and cranny in this barn, there are a few items even he has not seen used or has hung on the same peg since he began farming for his grandfather here. I can only hope that I will give the attention to each board and each timber that it deserves before a decision is made to burn or save for another use. As a living tree these timbers were probably alive at the time of the American Revolution and George Washington.
What is most amazing right now is the introspection that is occurring: am I doing the right thing for the generations to come? Although “The Barn” has been an eyesore for several years, it’s role as a tool of learning will not soon be forgotten.
-Dennis Smith

Blogs I Enjoy

2011-03-09T06:00:00.002-05:00

I've been exploring the blogosphere lately, and stumbled across some amazing women who are sharing their journeys through blogging. I thought it would be fun to share a few, and find out what some of your favorites are (though I found some of these through you!). I'll start with my faves, though!

Of course, I have been a daily reader of Kelly over at Kelly's Korner Blog for over 2 years. She is a woman of God who has dealt with infertility and faced losing her firstborn. Her posts always make me smile.

Then there's Shari. Shari is a dear friend of mine. Our husbands were on staff together at a church in Indianapolis, and we spent much time together. They have two beautiful girls, and Shari shares about life as a pastor's wife, mother, and living with the blessing of Down Syndrome over at Beauty for Ashes. She always inspires me to be a better person, mother, and to journey towards a stronger faith.

While beginning my journey of exploring organic food, green home cleaning, homeschooling, and many other things, I found Laura on Heavenly Homemaker. She is the mother of 4 boys who manages to do more in a day that I am sure I do in a month! She's posted a variety of topics, among which are making your own sour dough bread, mozzarella, cooking, and life with boys. She also has some amazing recipes posted! I also came across Keeper of the Home and Naturally Simple, which are similar, but less about life at home and more about healthier living.

Crystal is a friend from high school with whom I have reconnected. We are on similar journeys. I laughed when I read her about me section of her blog, even made Scott read it, because it sounds SO much like me. I enjoy reading her insights to life with two girls and homeschooling, among other things at Created For Home.

There are a few that I enjoy checking in on for their deals and ideas.

Frugal girls,

Tip Junkie,

and

Meal Planning Mommies are a few.

These are a few that I can be found stalking. What are your favorites? I'm always on the lookout for a great blog!

Life is now

2011-03-08T12:03:00.003-05:00

Its been a week of enjoying life. I am moving on to the point in pregnancy where I feel like we really are going to have a baby. That's a good spot to be! (and yes, I realize that there are all kinds of things that could come up, but for my history, this is my less stressful time) My morning sickness is getting better (but still here, even as I type!), and my energy is returning. I'm even starting to feel some flutters! Early, I know, but by the third pregnancy, I'm SURE that's what that is! And, in about 2 weeks, we have an ultrasound with the perinatologist, where I'm hoping we'll know what gender the baby is.

The girls are looking forward to spring, and so am I. Today is a dreary, cold, rainy day, so we're relaxing a bit, and playing a lot. Yesterday was very productive. We (and by we, I mean I mainly) got 4 loads of laundry washed, dried, folded and put away, schooling done, house picked up, dishwasher unloaded and reloaded, and dinner. I think we get a down day after that! Soccer practice is starting soon for Bella. She is excited about that! I am excited that maybe she'll run some energy off.

I finally got pictures from Christmas loaded onto the computer last night. Unfortunately, the computer is with Scott, so I can't share them here, but you can check them out on Facebook. I've been working on a crochet piece for my niece that I'm hoping to finish up in the next couple weeks. Its so close to being completed, but I can't tell you about it because its a surprise! When I finish that one up, I have another project I'm hoping to start on. I accidentally ordered blue yarn when I wanted green, but I decided to take a risk and keep it, and make a blanket out of it. Maybe it will be for our little one! I guess we'll see soon.

School is going well. Bella was struggling with the language arts section of the Sonlight curriculum. I didn't feel that there was enough material for her to really learn to read. I think they are pretty relaxed about when the child actually learns to read. However, Bella really wants to learn, and was getting frustrated at the difficulty she was having. I just learned recently of a local store, Mardels, that carries a lot of curriculum and books, so we took a little trip to check it out. They have so many things! I could spend all day and a lot of money in that place! I behaved myself and came out with only one extra book, aside from what I planned to purchase. We bought the first three books of the Explode the Code series, and one book of reproducibles with little books for each letter plus suggested activities, books, and poems. Bella is really catching on with the Explode book, and flying through it. I have to make her quit just so we can do the rest of her tasks. I can already tell that this is going to greatly help her. Bianca likes it as well. If I can sit one on one with her, she is also able to do the pages verbally, though she can't quite write letters yet. She is trying though.

Math is coming along. At first, it was Bella's favorite, but it was really easy for her then. Now we are getting into addition, and she just drags it out. She's starting to do better, but she tries to shut down when she sees those problems. We may have to look at a different program for her for next year in this area.

Science and history are good. I don't even feel like we are "doing" history usually, its just reading, which is great! I have learned new things right along with the girls. Science is about mammals and fish right now. We read two pages from the encyclopedia and then answer some questions. All in all, pretty simple.

It's an Emotional Journey

2011-02-27T15:06:00.004-05:00

I have a lot of emotions swirling around.

A few years ago when we experienced our third miscarriage, I decided to be honest about all of my feelings in dealing with that loss and the others. These previous losses cause much anxiety for me through my current pregnancy. As my morning sickness improves, my anxiety increases. I am 13 weeks pregnant, supposedly past the risk of miscarriage, but that really means nothing to me. Every week (well, nearly every week) I've asked the doctor, "Are we in the clear yet?" And as much as I love him, he is not giving me the answer I want to hear. And he can't. I know that. So I've stopped asking him. Instead, I've started asking the Great Physician to give me a peace and a calm to handle whatever comes our way. Really, I've been asking that all along. But every once in a while, Satan creeps in and starts planting doubt in my heart. Could I really handle 'it' again?

When we first learned of this pregnancy, for the first time I was the one who wasn't immediately excited. I was extremely anxious. Rather than imagining a brand new baby in my arms, I started asking myself, "Can I do this? Am I really ready to go through this again? What if I miscarry again?" and on and on. I remember saying to Scott that I did not feel ready for this again. More specifically, I remember seeing the excitement on his face and the questions in his eyes and asking, "Is it so wrong of me to not assume I will be holding a baby at the end of it all?" These are the emotions and feelings that I have to lay down at the feet of Christ nearly everyday.

Let me back up a little and say that this pregnancy was not something that we dreamed and thought about and planned. We knew we would have more children. We just didn't think it would be right now, due to our living situation and all of the changes we've experienced. So I didn't feel emotionally prepared prior to that immediate big fat positive pregnancy test. If you've read far enough back in this blog, you know that due to the discovery of my having Prothrombin, birth control is not much of an option for me, so I have been charting as described in "Taking Control of your Fertility" for the past 18 months. I was getting a little confident in that technique, and I believe Someone thought that I needed to be shown who was really in charge! Being off in my cycle by one day changed everything. So, though I won't say this was a 'surprise', it was definitely not a stop on our map right now! Now, as much as I do try to protect myself from the pain, Christ has shown me that this is my child, and I have loved it from day one. This child is deeply and truly loved, and I daydream of what it will be, who will it look like, what will life be like. But it wasn't our plan.

So I'm just at that weird spot in pregnancy for me, where everyone assumes I'm past the point of the risk of miscarriage, but I still have that fear. And I don't have the constant (somewhat reassurance of) morning sickness, but still not feeling movement yet. So we are still seeing the doctor every week and holding our breath and praying.

Also, a side note of something I'm thinking about.... I ran across an organization called Tiny Heartbeats. If you meet their qualifications, you will receive a doppler free of charge at 12 weeks pregnant. All they ask is that you return it within 10 days of giving birth to your child. Here is their description of themselves:

Tiny Heartbeats is a non profit organization for pregnant women. We provide fetal monitors to pregnant women who have previously been through fetal miscarriage, fetal demise, ectopic pregnancy or stillbirths, lost a child to complications from pregnancy, or those women in high risk pregnancies.

Busy, Busy, Busy, and a Question For YOU!

2011-02-23T11:06:00.004-05:00

We have been very busy this week compared to most weeks. I have a feeling its a precursor of what's to come with my little social butterfly getting to be 6 years old! We signed Bella up for spring soccer through our church program, Bridges. She is SO excited about that. It will be starting in a few weeks. I guess Uncle Reed's efforts are coming to fruition... he gave her a soccer ball, I think as soon as she was born!

Anyhow, Monday night our church, Living Hope, was having a fundraiser at a local restaurant, so we of course had a reason to go out to eat. Also, Scott's sister, Jessica, returned to Hawaii after an extended visit, so we made it her going away dinner. Altogether there were 11 family members around one big table for dinner. It was fun!

On Tuesday, the girls and I went to a local high school basketball game to watch Scott's cousin, Addy, perform on the dance team. (Scott started working at Papa John's delivering pizzas this week, so he missed out!) We enjoyed the game (the score was low, but close all 4 quarters, but our team won), and got to spend some time with Aunt Jill and Uncle David, Sam, and Addy.

Today, I have another doctor appointment. Did I mention I love my doctor? I LOVE my doctor! (And he had high expectations to live up to, I absolutely loved my doctor in Indianapolis!) Due to my previous experiences with what is termed "missed" miscarriages, he asked me if I would like to come in every week. Ummm.... YES! So I've been in every week since around 5 weeks. Its usually only about 10 minute appointment, consisting of a blood pressure check and an ultrasound, though more recently he's been using the Doppler instead. (I forgot to mention yesterday exactly why I don't have to take the shots of Lovenox..... it's due to the fact that I nor anyone else in my family have had a blood clot, and that I only have one copy of the mutation.)

Also tonight there are church activities. Scott and I are taking a 2 week class called, "Finding your ministry heartbeat," and the girls love seeing all their friends and their teachers in their class. They also enjoy (mostly Bianca) that on Wednesdays, they are in the same class this year. Bianca is having some separation anxiety, so she likes having Bella with her. It makes leaving mama and daddy a little easier.

So, I am blogging again! I am very excited about that! I've wanted to do so over the past few months, but just didn't have the time to get it done. Now I'm making it a priority. So, I have a few questions for you! (I hear those groans!) Actually, only one. See, it's not so bad! How is this font working for you? Is it too hard to read? (oops, I had 2!) I think its really cute, but I don't want to hurt your eyes. I love, love, love the background, with the crochet and buttons! So cute! Oh, and I'll try to be a good blogger and get some pictures for you. I know that is what at least one certain aunt and Nina would like to see! Well, I'm off to get some children bathed and dressed, fed, and schooled! Wish me luck:)

Hello World! What have you been up to?

2011-02-22T15:33:00.008-05:00

Well, here we are again. I have so much to tell you, and so few words to tell it in. Life has changed much since my last post in September. There were many things going on then, there are many things going on now. But at least I can talk about them now. Back then, I didn't feel that I could share much in a healthy way, so I just resisted sharing.

We now live in Kansas. Wow, never thought I'd say that one, but then, I'm learning that God has many surprises planned for our lives, and that they really shouldn't be surprising to me anymore! We're also living with my in-laws (see, there's another surprise!). We're homeschooling. And I'm pregnant (they just keep coming, don't they?!).

So let's break this down....

Living in Kansas... This one wasn't really hard when it came down to it. We felt called to do ministry in Pennsylvania. We also didn't feel that it would be our home forever, we just didn't know it would only be a year. It was a year filled with learning, new experiences, meeting some great people, and some difficult times. We couldn't wait to get a taste of life outside of the Midwest, only to learn that we really truly are Midwesterners through and through. Living out east gave us a new perspective and appreciation for living in the Midwest, near our families (mainly our parents). (We did have some family with 2-4 hours out east, which we really enjoyed) We realized that it is very important for us to be closer to our family, where our girls would enjoy knowing their aunts and uncles. It was hard to leave the relationships we formed in Pennsylvania, and even harder to know that what we were doing didn't make much sense to most people, but we knew in our hearts that it was the right move for our family, and that God was fully leading our lives.

Living with my in-laws.... Has been a blessing! Scott was feeling unsure of his next move in ministry, since the 'normal' thing for a youth pastor to do when you reach an undetermined age was to become a senior pastor, which was not in his calling. He still wishes to have a ministry, just not in the typical format of full time position. So he started job hunting. And that led to a few really good opportunities, of which I know there are people out there begging for, and for which we were very thankful. But they didn't seem to fit into our life. So we kept waiting and praying, and exploring. Thankfully, we were able to move into a few spare bedrooms at his parents' home. This allowed Scott to fully explore his interests and not feel as though he had to go out and get a J-O-B, but search for something he could really enjoy. One day we were walking through some model homes in nearby new neighborhoods, and Scott turned to me and said, "Man, I really wish I could get a job where I could just look at houses all the time." Well, duh?! Isn't that called a Realtor? And so, about 2 weeks later, I was married to a licensed Realtor of Keller Williams Realty (his name is Scott, have you met him?). I'm so proud of him for taking this new adventure. He is so excited about his job, and I, along with others, can see that he really enjoys helping others find their new home.

We're homeschooling... And we're all enjoying it. We went with Sonlight Kindergarten curriculum. I really like that it is literature based, so there are no textbooks, but lots of fiction and nonfiction reading. I've been supplementing the reading portions with some Hooked On Phonics, and I'm thinking of adding the Get Set for the Code books as well. Everyday is different for us, whether its our location, time, or subject. I try to change it up a bit to keep it interesting for the girls. While we're really only formally schooling Bella, Bianca is listening in and learning some of the same things as well.

I'm pregnant... God truly has a sense of humor. This was one surprise I really didn't see coming! Usually its Scott who is in denial for a few weeks, but it was definitely me this time. It doesn't make sense, we don't have room, we barely got insurance in time, but it is all working out. I know that God has a plan for this child, and I am in love with it. We have an awesome doctor, and I know that we are being taken care of well. I have been seen by a high risk doctor once, and the doctors concurred that I do not need the Lovenox shots as we thought previously would be required, but that a baby aspirin regimen would be sufficient. Recent studies have shown that the risks of having Factor 2 Mutation/Prothrombin is more for the mother due to the increased risk of blood clots during pregnancy, and not to the baby. (So, we still do not really know why I've had 3 miscarriages, we just know that I have this condition because they went looking for something.) That being said, I will see the high risk doctor at least one more time at around 16-17 weeks (in about 4 weeks). My due date is September 2nd.

Well, that is where we are right now. I would include some pictures, but Scott has them all with him right now, so that will wait til later. I'm also looking forward to sharing with you some projects on which I am working, mostly crochet items!

Oh, and if you need a good Realtor, or help finding one, contact Scott! (Shameless plug, I know:)

Self-imposed hiatus

2010-09-02T20:34:00.003-04:00

I lied. I'm not back. In fact, I'm not planning on coming back anytime soon. So let's just all be honest here. There are things going on, and I don't have time to do this. I'm on a self-imposed hiatus until further notice. Just in case you were wondering.... for all three of you who were.

I think I'm Back....

2010-07-31T09:42:00.003-04:00

Its time for an update. I've been crazy busy, and just barely keeping my head above water. But things are getting back to somewhat normal again, and I am so glad! The past year has been big changes, and I'm still not sure that is finished, but we are learning to adjust. We moved to the Philadelphia area, into a very old farmhouse from a 15 year old home in Indianapolis; we are far from family for the first time; Scott started a new position at Fairview Village Church as Associate Pastor of College and Middle School; and, I worked from January to mid-June in daycare/preschool, and the girls also attended there for the first time. I recently resigned from my preschool position (while having the summer off) because we feel strongly that I should be at home with the girls, and we will be homeschooling Bella for kindergarten.

More recently, Scott was on a missions trip to Port Arthur, TX, with the senior high youth from our church, and the girls and I drove 12.5 hours back to Illinois to spend that time with my family. At the end of that week, we started our traditional Smith Family vacation. All 13 of us packed up 3 cars and trekked to our home in PA. We were 14 in total once Scott joined us at home. We had fun and enjoyed being together, but man, we just kept going, and we were all exhausted after that week! I'll tell you about those two weeks soon!

Hearts at Home Conference in Normal, IL

2010-03-07T21:31:00.006-05:00

I know, its been forever, right?! Well, we are still adjusting to many things around here. Blogging has been put on the back burner. But I wanted to share this post with you. I got the chance to attend this last year. It was the best! I had so much fun with my girlfriends, and I came back refreshed in so many ways. My entire family benefited from this conference in some way. So, if you are able, I would encourage you to make every effort to attend!

Mom, do you know how valuable you are?

Do you want to be inspired and encouraged?

Are you in need of refreshment or rejuvenation?

Do you want to laugh?

A Hearts at Home conference gives moms the unique opportunity to pause along their mothering journey to refresh, refocus, and renew themselves. The 2010 National Conference, Mom’s the Word, is being held at the Bone Student Center of Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois on March 12-13.

See what others are saying about a Hearts at Home conference:

“I attended the conference this year for the first time. I enjoyed it immensely. I was lifted up, instructed, convicted, encouraged, and brought to tears, sometimes all at the same time.”

“I loved it. I feel so full of information. I need to sit and read my notes and just process it. It was really encouraging to hear all the speakers and be with all of those moms. Thanks so much! “

“This past weekend was awesome and life changing. This was my first Hearts at Home Conference and I am telling everyone about it. “

“I want to thank you all for keeping these conferences going each year and for making them so refreshing for women at various stages in their parenting.”

Hearts at Home wants all mothers to know how valuable they are! Check out this video for a small dose of encouragement from Nicole Johnson and be sure to join us March 12th-13th for more!

Featured guests include Nicole Johnson, author & motivational speaker, a favorite at Women of Faith, Jill Savage, author, international speaker, CEO & founder of Hearts at Home, and Christy Nockles, Dove Award nominee & formerly of Watermark.

Visit www.hearts-at-home.org for more information.

Living with Less Contest

2010-01-23T16:01:00.001-05:00

I am excited to share a fun opportunity with you!

To celebrate the release of Hearts at Home’s newest book: Living With Less So Your Family Has More, by Jill and Mark Savage, the Hearts at Home blog is launching the Living with Less Contest.

Email Hearts at Home a story or money-saving tip that gives a peek into your daily experiences representing the humor, richness, or spiritual aspects of what it’s like to live with less.

Better yet, blog readers will benefit as many of the money-saving entries will be posted on the Heart’s blog throughout the month of February!

For contest details go here!

Where were you ten years ago?

2010-01-20T23:46:00.002-05:00

Ten years ago, I was 19, about to turn 20. Wow! How things have changed! So here's a look back....
I've graduated from college, got married, left my hometown, lived in 6 different homes (including our temporary housing), bought and sold two homes, and been blessed with two precious little girls and three angel babies. I've made numerous friends, some who were for a season, and some I'll have for life, though we may not keep in touch as well as we wish.

I've learned a lot of things, some important, some not so important. I traveled out of the country. I've lived in three states. I gave birth with no medication. Three babies passed from my heart into heaven and the arms of Jesus. These are all things I didn't foresee in the year 1999, and they have all changed my life.

I look forward to what the next decade, my thirties, soon, will bring. The last one was good, very good, but I'm sure God will only build upon it. I pray that whatever may come, it will only bring glory to His name, that I will be a vehicle for His love to shine on the lives of others.

A Change will do you good...

2010-01-19T17:42:00.001-05:00

Well, things they are a-changing at our house. I am going back to work.

Yep. A full 35 hours a week.

The girls are going to school.

And I'm continually hearing Dave Ramsey chant in my head, "Short term sacrifice for long term gain!"

And my husband, too.

Because we decided this is going to be the year that we become debt free. There are no excuses now. We've been limping along, trying to pay things off, but its just not been working the way we've been doing it. Our budget was just too tight, and something always happened. So I'm going to widen the gap.

And really, its the best situation we could have asked for. I'll be working at the teacher of the Redbirds class at our church. Bella's room will be right across the hallway, as is Bianca's also. And Scott is right upstairs. Since Scott is on staff, we get a discount rate on childcare/school, so that helps us out a lot on childcare costs.

Aside from the huge change that is about to occur, I'm really very excited that I'll finally be putting that college degree to work again! Scott, as my parents like to say, was a very expensive catch:) (we met in college, and while my degree helped in grabbing my first job, it was not a prerequisite, and so I'm technically getting paid $$ for my degree for the first time;) So now he's getting less and less expensive, right?

We did lots of themed curriculum writing in college, so I'll finally be putting all of that to use, since that is how we teach at the school. I'm very excited about that. We've been dragging a couple crates of them around since college, so I'm sure Scott is excited about that too! And I've always had this secret dream of writing theme curriculum. And now I get to!

Its just another way that God is working things out in our lives. And its such a joy to see Him at work!

Winter boredom

2010-01-07T19:20:00.003-05:00

Today was one of those days. It lasted FOREVER! Not because girls were arguing or not listening, not because anyone was sick, not because there was nothing to do (because we all know that there can never be nothing to do for a mom of two, especially after moving to a new home!), but mostly, I believe, because we have been holed up in this house without much going on. We just came off of two weeks of visitors, parties, shopping, presents, and food, and this week, we (as in myself and the girls) have not left the house except to take Bella to school. I was gazing out the window longing for warm weather to go outside and enjoy possibly even more than the little ones. I know Bella asked at least three times if she could go outside as she stared at the ice chunks that were dumped out of her sled before Christmas, and watched the wind blow.

So what do you do on these days? Today, the girls had a tea party, I did every piece of laundry imaginable, colored, we played Candy Land, cleaned out the toy room, colored, even play ball in the house, eventually pulled out the play dough, and colored some more! I need some ideas. Because, despite what one news station led me to believe earlier this evening, every other weather forecaster is becoming a broken record. And its getting very old.

I'm dreaming of a trip to someplace very warm, very sunny, very lay on the beach and soak up the sun.

Tomato Pasta

2010-01-06T20:30:00.003-05:00

Two days in a row now, I've worked out. I did a little longer workout today, and I'm feeling it! That's good, though, right?! Bianca watched today, and she had a pretty funny look on her face. I'm not sure she knew exactly what was going on! Ha! By they way, I forgot to mention, I got the Biggest Loser for Wii. I don't have a balance board, but I haven't run into any exercises I haven't been able to do (or get credit on the game) without it. Still, add that to my wish list!:)

I've also set a challenge for myself in the kitchen: I'm not going shopping for things other than milk until I absolutely have to. Taking into consideration that we just moved into this house November first, it seems a little challenging to me, but so far, so good. I sent Scott to the store for a few things yesterday, but today starts the no shopping. We tried a new recipe tonight, Tomato Pasta. It was pretty good. Bianca really liked it! I think she ate more than I did. She must be getting close to a growth spurt. Here's the recipe if you want to try it...

Tomato Pasta

3 cp Rotini pasta uncooked (I used penne b/c we were out of rotini)
1 medium onion chopped
2 cloves minced garlic
1/4 cp balsamic vinaigrette dressing or Zesty Italian (again, had neither, so I used sun-dried tomato vinaigrette)
4 cp coarsely chopped tomatoes
1/2 cp chopped fresh basil
1/2 cp Parmesan cheese

Cook pasta and drain. Combine onions, garlic, and dressing in skillet, and cook 2 minutes or until onions are tender. Stir in tomatoes and cook 2 minutes more.
Add to pasta, along with remaining ingredients, and mix lightly.

I honestly have no idea where I got this recipe, or I would give credit where due! It was super easy, taking 20 minutes or so total time (and I had a 2 year old helping me!). Bianca even helped 'chop' a tomato, using her fist to squeeze it when I turned my back. If only there were a video camera running!

Tuesday Cold, Biggest Loser, and Bachelor....

2010-01-05T19:44:00.008-05:00

Is it really only Tuesday? It's been so cold here. And I say that knowing that its in the 20s, while where we just moved from is having below zero wind chills! I've been spoiled already:) This cold spell has set me on a mission of finding out how to keep this old farmhouse warm. We did figure out that we should close off the doors to the kitchen, so it stays warmer in there, and keeps the (rest of the) house thermostat more accurate, so we aren't as cold upstairs now. We've already sealed the windows in the girls' with plastic, but we may do another layer, since the first layer has sprung some leaks, thanks to some poky fingers. I'm thinking of also adding liner curtains to them as well. Bella will be getting flannel sheets soon, and Bianca is actually staying covered up more recently (the girl can't stand warm toes!).
In an effort to tone up a little, I took advantage of the sale at Best Buy and got Biggest Loser. For some odd reason, I LOVE to watch that show while eating a bowl of ice cream. Ha! I'm looking forward to the premiere tonight.
Well, Bella thought we were playing a game today while I was doing the workout. It wasn't as bad as I thought, but I'm also doing the lighter workouts to just tone. She tried really hard to do the exercises with me. I'm giving this a shot, since its costly and a little difficult to get to the gym right now.And did you watch the premiere of the Bachelor last night?! There will definitely be high drama this season! I know, I've gotten hooked. But I just can't get into the Bachelorette. Its one of those guilty pleasures. I am interested to see exactly what this 'good' boy image plays out to be. We shall see...

Warning!! Spoiler alert for all you who DVR'd this....

Can you believe he kept Michelle? I could have picked a few others far and above her. Keeping her just guarantees drama when she could hardly handle the first night!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

2010-01-04T10:03:00.012-05:00

I've been out of the blogging mood. Even now, I can't think of anything to blog. I'm sure if I would just get started, I would think of lots of things to post, it's the getting started that is the hard part. And there is just SO much to get done still in this house. Have I told you that I am glad its not mine? Because I would be ripping the place down to studs and starting over. There are so many things I would do to this house. But I love that I don't have to worry about that, because its just 'ours' temporarily!

Well, now that our Christmas letters have all arrived (after Christmas, but they went out before!), I thought I would post it here. If I could afford all of the stamps, I would have sent one to you all, so consider this YOUR letter:) Here goes....

Merry Christmas, Friends! We hope that this first Christmas letter from our family finds you resting in His peace and enjoying the season of celebrating Christ’s birth. We, along with our church, have joined in Advent Conspiracy, and are focusing on Worshiping fully, Spending less, Giving more, and Loving all this season. It is allowing us to build on our relationships with one another, spread the love of Christ, and focus on the meaning of Christmas more fully.

This year has been an eventful one in our family, and brought many changes. We began the year enjoying the pregnancy of another baby girl, but she joined our loved ones in heaven before we held her in our arms. While we grieve this loss, we thank God for the happiness and joy she was able to bring to us during the few weeks we were aware of her presence. This third miscarriage took us on a medical journey, and we are hoping that we have found some answers to these losses.

February began a long journey that God is still leading us in. We started feeling Him move in our hearts that He was preparing a new place of ministry for our family. Through many closed doors, and a trip to New Jersey, God led us to Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene in Eagleville, Pennsylvania, about 20 miles northwest of Philadelphia. We felt at home there from the first meeting we had, and Scott agreed to come on staff in late August. Thus began the task of figuring out how to move a family of four across country to a place we’ve only visited once for three days! After packing 160+ boxes, and with the help of many dear friends in Indianapolis, the 26 foot truck was loaded to the hilt and we were headed out of town the last weekend of September. In a miraculous answer to prayer, our house in Indianapolis was on the market for five days, with three showings, and we received two full price offers! We closed on the house, loaded the truck, and headed out of town all in 24 hours time.

We started our time in Eagleville staying with the Executive Pastor, Bryan Heil, and his wife, Linda. We were SO appreciative of their hospitality and willingness to allow us to bring two little girls into their once quiet home! We stayed with them for about 4 weeks before we found a rental home surrounded by horse pastures. Though we are only four miles from the church (about a 10 minute drive!), we feel as though we are out in the middle of nowhere! It is so peaceful here, and was very pretty in the fall, and during the first snow (which melted 3 days later!). We hope to make many memories and start some new traditions in our new home. (Picture above was taken from our bedroom window.)

Isabella is now 4 ½ years old and started preschool at the church three half days per week right after we moved. She is making many friends and enjoys her time in class, and at Children of the Word (COW), while Mommy is at Women of the Word (WOW). Her favorite thing is to play house, whether she is the mommy, sister, baby, or dog, and attempting to play Nintendo Wii with Daddy. Bella is a very girly girl, and wears only dresses. On a rare occasion, she will dawn pants, and we act like we don’t know who she is!

Bianca is now 2 years old, and growing fast! If she keeps up, she and her sister may be sharing clothing soon! She is enjoying her time alone with Mommy for the first time ever. Bianca enjoys playing with Bella, trying to cooperate with her pretend ideas, and helping Mommy. She is very easy going, and very friendly, always smiling. Bianca also likes to try new foods, and really likes to eat Mommy’s food!

We are starting to finally feel settled here in Eagleville, and are learning our way around. The roads are much more confusing than Indy’s grid of streets, but are starting to make sense. With our GPS, we feel as if we could get anywhere! We are looking forward to celebrating Christmas with Scott’s family this year, and will be in Virginia, at his Aunt Carolyn and Uncle Vince Snowbarger’s house on Christmas day, along with the rest of his immediate family. We are thankful for the blessing of having Vince & Carolyn and Scott’s sister and brother-in-law Angie and Travis Sears close by.

We thank God for His many blessings, and especially for His guidance and provision in a time of much transition. We miss you all and hope to catch up with you soon. May you, too, know the peace and love of Christ this advent season!

Advent Conspiracy

2009-12-13T21:38:00.002-05:00

Advent Conspiracy.

Its what we've been talking about at our church recently. About worshiping fully, spending less, giving more, and loving all. Because Christmas is about the most compassionate gift in history, the gift of Christ, who gave himself for us. There was a lot of giving that first Christmas - Mary, giving her reputation in her community; Joseph, giving his wife's womb and first child; God, giving his only son; and Christ, giving himself.

We're focusing more on relational giving this year, presence, rather than presents. Giving gifts that bring us closer to each other. Spending less on things that we don't need or want (represented by the dreaded return lines the days following Christmas). Giving more to those in need, and in turn, sharing the message of Christ's love. Loving All.

The figure in the video is astounding. Americans spend $450 billion on Christmas each year, yet it would take only $10 billion to give the world fresh, clean drinking water.

Advent Conspiracy. Its changing me. Will you let it change you?

Need a gift idea for the Mom in your life?

2009-12-05T20:23:00.002-05:00

For all of you mommies out there, or anyone who knows a mommy, Hearts at Home is a great resource for Christmas gifts. I attended their conference earlier this year, and loved it! I'm currently reading their book, Becoming a Chief Home Officer by Allie Pleiter, and even after 4+ years of being at home, I'm learning some new stuff! Here's a blog I'm posting on my site to help them out, and to let you know about such a great resource.

Everyone loves a good sale, Right? We'll let me tell you about a great one:

It’s a Hearts at Home
Black Friday after Black Friday Sale Dec. 7-11

Did you sleep in on Black Friday? Did you drag yourself out of bed, but still miss out on some awesome deals because you were standing in line too long at one store? Do you still have shopping to do, but dread the crowds, traffic, and cost? Let Hearts at Home help!

Their Black Friday sale has been extended to the week of December 7-11. Shop in the convenience of your own home and receive an unprecedented 25% off all of Hearts books and merchandise. They have great gifts for everyone in your family.

Find gifts for friends, teachers, bible study leaders, bus drivers, and everyone else on your list. You may even find something for yourself. This is a great time to stock up on all those Hearts at Home books you’ve been wanting to read.

Let your family know how much you would love a Hearts at Home gift certificate so you can use it for your Hearts at Home conference registration and/or Mom’s Night Out tickets.

Go to Heartshoppe.com, choose your gifts, and enter code “HEARTGIFT” upon checkout. You will receive 25% off your total purchase (before tax and shipping).

I also want to fill you in on a couple of other great opportunities!

Be sure to check out Jill Savage's blog this month (she is the founder and CEO of Hearts at Home). She is doing one giveaway A DAY through Christmas.

And, if you stop by the Hearts at Home blog December 8 - 11, you will have an opportunity to win a Heart's at Home prayer journal. The prayer journal is a brand new resource from Hearts at Home.

Merry Christmas from Hearts at Home!

Part 4: Life today

2009-10-28T11:19:00.001-04:00

Scott is thrilled with his new position. He is pastor to youth and college. Mainly, he oversees the middle school service and is working on starting a college age ministry. The schedule he must keep is very friendly to our family, and we are able to have dinner together at the table most every night. We are also able to now attend a church service together, and get involved in a small group with others our own age. This is something we have not been able to do previously due to his ministry responsibilities.

We have gotten into a routine since we've been here. The alarm goes off at 7 am. Everybody gets up and gets ready for the day, including breakfast. Either Bianca and I or Scott, (if he hasn't left for the office yet) or all of us, walk Bella to preschool at 9 am (MWF, or Bible Study Tuesdays), and then its home to do chores. We pick Bella up at 11:30, and Scott comes home with us to eat lunch. After lunch, Bianca takes a nap. We have supper around 6, then clean up and get the girls' baths before putting them to bed around 8. Bedtime can be an hour long process sometimes by the time we do a combination of pajamas, stories, rock, sing, cuddle, and finally they are asleep! That's a typical day for us so far. Of course, this will change a bit after we move this weekend, as Bella will have to ride with Scott to work and he will take her to preschool when it's time.

ETA: I'll post some pictures later this week. And of course, give you an update of what life looks like now that we've been in our house for two weeks. Still boxes to unpack, but its getting better.
We're trying out a new internet connection: through Scott's Blackberry. You purchase a program called Tetherberry for $50 (I think), and it uses his data plan to connect to the internet. The down side is I have to wait for him to be home for me to be online. The up side is that we don't have a monthly internet bill, and its easier on our budget. I'll let you know how its going. I'm definitely having to reorganize how/when I blog!

Part 3: The LORD is Faithful

2009-10-28T11:18:00.001-04:00

ETA: Sorry I didn't include pictures this time. We are trying something new with our internet (I'll share that later!), and with moving into our home this past week, I haven't been able to post. I've been eating, sleeping, unpacking, and shopping for things we need to get settled in our new home! Its slowly starting to feel like home.

Through this time, I thought a lot about what Abraham must have experienced when God called him to leave his country and travel to the Promised Land. He was leaving everything he knew, to go to a place the Lord had called him. The excitement, apprehension, sadness, happiness, and fear he must have experienced. At least we knew where we were going, and what would be there.

Everything fell perfectly into place for our move. We put our house on the market, hoping to break close to even on it, since we had owned it just 3 years in a shaky market. We also hoped to close before we had to move, in little more than 30 days. Some would say this was impossible, and we knew it wasn't probable, but we prayed in this way. In 5 days, we had 3 showings, and received two full price offers! What an answer to prayer! We were also able to close on the house the day that we loaded the truck to leave for Pennsylvania. Improbable, but not impossible with God!

When we arrived in Eagleville, we moved in with the Executive Pastor Bryan Heil and his wife Linda in the parsonage next to the church. They have two children away at college, so they had some extra rooms to spare for us. We had looked at apartments and rentals online, but it was so hard to know what neighborhood they were in or what they even really looked like. The opportunity to have some temporary living quarters until we found something was another answer to prayer!

Since then, we have found a home that is exactly what I asked for to rent at the price we wanted. I have always wanted a farmhouse, but being married to a youth pastor, that was not practical, so I started praying for a farmer who had a house on land that he would rent out. The house we found is exactly that. It is surrounded by Worcester Stables and pastureland, at the end of a quarter mile tree lined lane. It has the character and charm of the farmhouse I've always wanted, with land for the girls to play and room for a big garden. We even have our own little family of critters... a groundhog, horses, and deer. God is so good!

Part 2: Prepare for Change

2009-10-28T11:17:00.007-04:00

We were at General Assembly in Orlando, Florida, when Scott mentioned in passing that he got a phone call from someone at a church in Pennsylvania, and he was going to meet with them. I remember saying, "Okay, whatever," and not thinking about it much. After this meeting, I asked how it went, and Scott said it was good, but wasn't sure what or if he would hear from them again. By the time we got back home, Scott had an email requesting his resume. So at this point, I did ask what the name of the church was and where it was. We were checking out the website, and it looked very interesting. We were beginning to wonder how they got our contact info, but realized that they were on the same district as the New Jersey church with whom we had interviewed. While I was still trying to remember the name of the church, and just starting to mention it to my mom, Scott was discussing the possibility of us going out to Philadelphia for an interview.Though just two months before I would have been distressed at the thought of moving halfway across country, the Lord had been working in my heart and mind to prepare me for this possibility. We were able to visit Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene in August, and felt very positive about everything we experienced. Within two days of returning, Scott accepted the position with my full support. Scott announced his resignation at Indianapolis First Church of the Nazarene on the following Wednesday, and we moved full swing into figuring out how to make a move across country to a place you hardly know.

Post 100! Moving Part 1: The search begins!

2009-10-28T10:13:00.022-04:00

How appropriate that this post would be #100?! I have so many things to tell you, I feel like I could make a list of 100 different new pieces to our lives right now. I don't think you'd make it through 100 news stories from us, so I'll keep it to the most important things!
Also, we have a computer now! So hopefully I will be able to keep in touch with all of you again. I am SO excited to finally have a computer that works! And I'm learning all the neat things that Windows 7 can do. No complaints yet! Love it!

ETA: Even though I tried to keep it short, it got long, WAY LONG! So I'm breaking this into a four part series that will post over the next three days. Stay tuned to learn what great change has occurred in our lives!
We are now living in Eagleville, Pennsylvania! Wondering how, why, what, when? Here's the scoop!

Scott and I had felt for some time that the church we were at and we ourselves had grown in different ways so much that we were being led to serve elsewhere. Where was the big question. There was much searching for the heart of the Lord to be in this move. Scott was wondering if youth ministry was still his call in ministry, and started to feel out other areas of ministry. In the end, he realized that youth ministry really was still his call, but not traditional youth pastor positions. Youth ministry positions can be a dime a dozen, but finding something a little non-traditional in the Nazarene church is not! We were frustrated in our search, but knew that God had a special place for us and was preparing us and the church for the change.

At first we were looking mostly close to home because it was comfortable and our family was nearby, but I remember a breaking point where I said to Scott, "I don't care where it is, I just want to get there!" God must have been laughing when He heard me state this, and decided to test it. Well, about a week later, a pastor at a church in NEW JERSEY called. When Scott mentioned this, I just laughed and as I walked away, Scott reminded me, "You said anywhere!" So I started praying about it, and about a week later, we decided to pursue this opportunity. In talking with the pastor, everything sounded like what we and they were looking for, so we decided to go out there for an interview. We spent 3 days getting the know the church, the staff, and the area. We met a great staff and wonderful people, and got to know a church which was making an impact in their community. We knew going out for the interview that we were just looking for confirmation that this was the right place for us. Although there was nothing that jumped at us as red flags or things we didn't like, we didn't receive that confirmation from the Lord, even after a week of prayer at home. So our search began again.

I'm Alive!

2009-10-09T10:03:00.003-04:00

Just a quick note to let you all know I have not fallen off the face of the earth, and I am NOT pregnant! (As one reader questioned my silence) We have moved to Eagleville, Pennsylvania, and Scott has started his new job at Fairview Village Church of the Nazarene. We do not have a computer right now, so I have to beg, steal or borrow to get online, which is why you have not heard from me recently. I prefer not to steal, but I will resort to begging to borrow. I snuck into Scott's office this morning because he is helping to put a new roof on a part of the church right now!

Pray for our family in this time. Its a huge move for us. I have met a couple moms, but haven't gotten much interaction with them. I joined a Women of the Word Bible Study this week, and am looking for a MOPS group. We are also searching for housing right now. It is SO much more expensive than in Indianapolis, just finding a two bedroom apartment will cost more than our house payment in Indy, and then we have to cover utilities also. Currently we are living with a pastor on staff here and his wife. They live in the parsonage, and since their kids are away at college, there is some extra space. There have been a lot of changes in our lives this month. Bella started preschool this week. We are trying to figure out how to increase our income a bit, which may include me working part-time or more until we pay off our debt and free up that money.

We know that this move was fully in God's plan for us, and we are completely at peace, even with all these uncertainties. I will provide a more extensive update soon (including how we ended up in Pennsylvania), but I wanted you to know how to pray for us during this time. God has opened every door in His timing, and I just know He will keep it up!

Something to make you smile:)

2009-08-25T13:03:00.001-04:00

Real Life, Real Moms

2009-07-23T20:31:00.001-04:00

One of the things I love about blogging is the exchange of ideas that takes place; after all, what mom can't use a new idea every now and then!

If you are interested in a blog that brings a group of mommy bloggers all to one place, stop by and visit the Hearts at Home blog.

Hearts at Home's contributing bloggers write about motherhood, each with a unique perspective, reflecting on the spiritual, emotional and downright funny aspects of motherhood. Their group of bloggers range from professional speakers to authors to stay-at-home moms, all who share a passion for the profession of motherhood.

The Hearts at Home blog covers a variety of topics, such as practical mom tips, recipes, book reviews, and advice for tackling tough mommy issues.

Take a peek at this great resource and connect with real moms sharing real stories today!

Crock Pot Pork Chops on Rice

2009-07-21T08:10:00.010-04:00

I've never really been a fan of Martha Stewart. I was never sure why, either. I mean, I love crafts, creating things to make people smile, and reworking things to be more my style, but I could never get into Martha's style. Kelly's blog today shows me why. I guess I may have a little more Southern style in me than I thought! I've always thought being a southern belle was so romantic, but I've always thought of myself of more the farm girl type. I'll let you check out Kelly's blog yourself, but I had to laugh when I read of Martha not ever having heard of Cream of Chicken soup or tasting Cream of Mushroom soup! Almost every casserole I make has cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup. Both are a staple in our home.

Here's one of the favorites at our house:

Crock pot Pork Chops

10 oz can fat free cream of chicken soup

1 pkg golden onion soup mix

1/2 cp fat free sour cream

(6) 4 oz lean pork chops

3 cups cooked white rice

Mix soups and sour cream together. Coat each pork chop with soup mixture and place in crock pot. Pour any remaining soup mixture over shops and cook on low for 7-8 hours. Serve over cooked rice.

Disney pictures

2009-07-15T17:27:00.004-04:00

I've tried. I'm frustrated. I can't figure it out! I was trying to post a slide show of our Disney pictures, but I couldn't cut and paste it. So I did a direct post from Shutterfly, but it posted on my other blog. So here is the link to it. There are more, but these are the best ones. I think I totaled 130 or so pictures that day! Yes, 24 hours. Isabella had a blast! She was in awe the entire day. One statement summed it up. She looked at me with the biggest smile she could form, and said, "Mommy, I didn't know there was a real Cinderella!" She can't wait to take little sister when she gets bigger! Enjoy!

Finally!

2009-06-25T10:00:00.000-04:00

I've been talking about it for a while. Starting a home cleaning blog. Although I severely dislike the process of getting a clean home, I LOVE having a clean home. So I have figured out a strategy that works for me, where I don't feel like I am cleaning all of the time. I hope to share this and other resources on this new blog. I hope to share ways to create a peaceful, restful, loving environment for your family. For me, its a way that I love my family. I'll still be posting on this one also. Because when I stick to my routines, I CAN keep up with two blogs! ;) Check it out! Home Full of Life Let me know what you want to hear about.

Become a Bone Marrow Donor

2009-06-21T16:35:00.004-04:00

Patients and Families - BMT resources and information

Shared via Add This

The National Marrow Donor Program is running a Marrowthon. They are offering free kits to add yourself to the National Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Usually they are $50, but until tomorrow, there is no cost! You could be the one who saves someones life through your donation.

I signed up today in honor of a mother I know who is awaiting a donor match. Melissa has non-responsive, non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. She has undergone multiple treatments, none of which have been completely successful. Melissa is 32 year old loving, joyful wife of 9 years (almost!)to Doug, a surgeon, and mother to Caleb (5), Lauren (3), and Audrey (1 1/2). We are praying daily for God to perform a miracle in their lives. A bone marrow donor match may just be that miracle!
Here is an excerpt from the blog Melissa's sisters are keeping for her:

Out of the 7 million people in our country on the registry, only ONE appears right now to be a possible match for her. And that's not even definite yet. Her nurse just told me that yesterday. THAT is why it's so important that I get tons more people to join for her sake right now.
Most people hesitate to become a donor because they think either--
a) it's painful (No pain involved--it's a simple cheek swab.)
b) it's complicated (It's 30 seconds on the Internet. We easily spend 30 minutes just here on blogs or email.)
Here is the SIMPLE process:
1) Go to www.marrow.org
2) Click on "Join Registry"
3) It will ask you to agree to terms, give your name, email address, create a password, and give your mailing address.
4) They will mail you a cheek swab kit. You collect the cells and mail it back in.

Once they receive and test your sample, it AUTOMATICALLY goes into the system. Then it is immediately checked to see if it is a match. If you have any questions at all, call 1-800- Marrow2. They are very kind and helpful there. Feel free to message me too.

The registration process usually costs $50 for that initial testing, but is FREE now until June 22nd.There will never be any other cost for you. If you are a match for my sister, her insurance will cover it.

Please take a moment to do this for my sister...for her husband who is so in love with her...for her 3 small kids who need their mommy...for the rest of us, as her family and friends, who want nothing more but to have more years with her.

Take a moment to visit the sight and sign up. Maybe you've never done it because of the cost, but even that hurdle has been removed. Maybe you have some questions pertaining to your health that you are unsure as to whether you can donate. All of your questions will be answered through the registration process. Take a few minutes and register. One day, it may be you needing a donation, and you'll be eternally grateful for those who have registered.

The Italian Festival

2009-06-15T08:56:00.003-04:00

We spent Friday night in the Fletcher Place neighborhood in downtown Indianapolis at the Italian Festival with some friends. It was a great time of enjoying some delicious food and some fun!

The Italian Festival is a fundraiser held by the local Catholic church. There are lots of food booths set up, where you could choose from Lasagna, manicotti, Italian Sausage sandwiches, meatball sandwiches, fettuccine, bread sticks, Italian Ice, Italian Lemonade, many desserts, and more! Everything was delicious!

There was also a small carnival. We spent a little bit of time there also, of course! We all got to ride the Merry-go-round. Bianca tried to get back on as we were exiting the ride. I took the girls on the Ferris wheel. It was one of the old ones, where you sit three to a chair, and can rock them (of course, we didn't! Its against the rules:). These get my stomach every time! The girls loved it! Bianca giggled the entire time, and Bella and I enjoyed the view of downtown. Finally, Daddy took Bella on the slide. She was laughing so hard going down hold Daddy's hand! Then they hit the last bump,and her laugh stopped and her eyes got really big. When she got off, Bella said, "Daddy, that last bump scared me!" We had a great time!