hormones

This little peanut sure has caused me more trials than the other two.
Maybe it's the other two that are drawing attention to this one.
Tired doesn't even begin to describe how I feel most days.
Exhausted comes a little bit closer.

I'm actually having some cravings,
which I never really did with the other two.
I just want to eat noodles or sandwiches all the time.
Put some meat, cheese, banana peppers or sauerkraut
on some totally delicious bread and I'll be set.
Bring on the ice cream and pickles too,
just at the same time (it's not THAT bad).
All this talk is making me hungry!

My sense of smell is totally elevated.
Never really experienced that too bad with the other two.
I feel like I need to take out the garbage every day,
(I can smell it from the other room)
then I discovered it's actually the vanilla scented
garbage bags that I accidentally bought.
I was sitting at the computer the other night
when I started smelling lilies...
thought I was going crazy till I realized about
an hour later that Greg had brought home the
altar flowers from church that we bought
and placed on the altar for Micah's birthday.

This baby is showing itself long before the other two did.
But I guess that's just because my body knows what its doing now.
This baby is giving me acne like a teenager going through puberty.
I have been blessed with good skin and when I get a zit
it's usually just that A zit.
Right at this moment I have seven!
SEVEN! at the same time! UGH!

My head feels stuffy all the time
and the headaches don't seem to go away.
But I'm NOT complaining!!
Just trying to document how this pregnancy
has been different from the other two.

It's also been similar to the others in that
I have truly been spared the
morning sickness once again.
I was sick (vomiting) only once.
Have felt queasy and a little upset stomach
more often but I know I am blessed!

So, there's my hormone story for you.
Oh and I have cried more during this
pregnancy than well....
probably the last three years put together.
dang hormones! gotta love em!

oh and I got to hear that glorious heartbeat on Tuesday!
AMAZING!!!

ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

For the past couple of days I've been going through the bins of clothes
getting things ready for warmer weather and bigger sizes.
Yes, new clothes for all of us...well, except Greg.

We are so blessed to receive hand-me-downs
from some great families at our church.
As I was going through one bin I noticed
dress after dress after dress.
Naomi's going to be in heaven.
Her little closet is packed full of new (to her) dresses.
Micah got a few new things as well,
although I still need to go through his dressers
and put away the "too small" stuff.
This is such a process...
takes me a good week to actually get anywhere.

I got some new-to-me clothes too!
My friend Amy gave me her maternity clothes
(don't worry Amy, I'll give them back if you need them again)
*wink wink*
It was fun to go through the bin and see all sorts of
beautiful clothes, albeit stretchy
but still beautiful.
I did about four loads of laundry today,
(which I normally don't do any on Mondays)
just getting all our new-to-us clothes fresh and ready to wear!
And yes, in case you're keeping track
I will be wearing stretchy pants before too long.
It's come a LOT sooner with this one...
but I say "BRING IT ON"

Greg worked in the garage most of the day,
got tons of new shelves up and just about
everything off the ground!
Makes the garage twice as big as it used to be!!

He also set up the other bed in Naomi's room.
We've decided that for the time being
Naomi and Micah will share a room
and the baby will get its own room.
It just seems easier that way.
Then we can get the two big kids used
to sharing before the baby comes.(Currently working on Micah's crayon M!)
We're not having Micah sleep in there just yet.
Still need to get another bed gate so he doesn't fall out.
And finish up with some other things.
I am not too anxious about moving him
to a big-boy-bed!!! Ugh!

I think he's excited though.
He wanted to nap in there today.
But we're going to wait at least till
after Easter...maybe longer.
We're going to hang the kids canvas prints above their beds.
Then we'll put the mirror that goes with the dresser up
and I have their name canvas' for the walls next to their beds.
Can't wait to get it all done!
Man, when did he get so big?!
I would love to hear any words of wisdom
you moms out there have for getting kids
to actually sleep in the same room together.
I know it's probably easier if that's all they know,
like if they start out together,
but that's obviously not our case.

We've got a 3.5 year old girl
and a 2 year old boy
about to share a room with each other
for the first time!!!

I would love to hear stories of what
has worked for you and what didn't work.
Any tips? Ideas?
Funny stories just so I know we're not totally crazy.
Anything!

So, those are our changes for now!
Anything changing in your house?

an absence so great: book review and giveaway

Book summary:
Inspired by the engaging stories told through her grandmother’s photographs taken at the turn of the century, award-winning author Jane Kirkpatrick provides a portrait of the tension between darkness and light in the soul of a young woman pursuing her professional dreams.

Despite growing in confidence as a photographer, eighteen-year-old Jessie Ann Gaebele’s personal life is still at a crossroads. Hoping she’s put an unfortunate romantic longing behind her as “water under the bridge,” she exiles herself to Milwaukee to operate photographic studios for those ill with mercury poisoning.

Jessie gains footing on her dream to one day own her own studio and soon finds herself in other Midwest towns, pursuing her profession. But even a job she loves can’t keep those painful memories from seeping into her heart, and the shadows of a forbidden love threaten to darken the portrait of her life.

My review of the book:
I have not read a novel in quite a while. But when I noticed what this book was about I jumped at the chance to read and review this book. Once I got the book I could not put it down. The story was very compelling and I could not wait to find out what happened. While some of the story is made up many of the facts are there from Jessie's life as told by her granddaughter. This kind of story always interest me.

This book offered a glimpse at what life was like in Milwaukee in the early 1900's. Since I grew up in Milwaukee it was great to imagine myself there with Jessie. It was very interesting to hear about how the world of photography was back in the 1900's. Jessie was among only a handful of other women photographers. She did not let that stand in her way and was very successful in her career as a photographer. I felt like I knew Jessie, like we could have been good friends. The author did a wonderful job of painting the story of her grandmother and sharing the details of her (not always easy) life in a way that made you feel as though you were right there walking to work with Jessie.

Even if you are not a photographer or have never lived in Milwaukee this is a great book to read. You feel as though you are part of the family and always ready to cheer Jessie on in her next adventure. The stories of love and sadness, life and death, marriage and family are all woven together on the pages in such a way that you feel like you're right there with them. I would be honored if my granddaughter one day wrote such an eloquent story about me.

About the author:
Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of sixteen historical novels, including A Flickering Light, the first part of Jessie Gaebale’s story, and three nonfiction titles. Known for her unique insights into the exploration of community, family and faith of actual historical women, the Wisconsin native and her husband have called their ranch in Oregon home for the past 25 years.

Purchase this book!

You can buy this book for $14.99 at WaterBrook Multnomah

Win this book!
One lucky reader will win their very own copy of "An absence so great"
One entry per person.
Just leave a comment telling who you would give this book to if you win it!

Giveaway is open till Thursday, April 8th at 11:59pm.
I will use Random.org to pick a winner and announce the winner here on Friday April 9th. Please make sure to leave a valid email address so I can contact you if you win!
(Of course you could win it for yourself)

This book was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

bluebonnets

The bluebonnets are here.
When we moved to Texas
one thing I knew I wanted to do
was get a photo of the kids in a
field of bluebonnets.
But the weather has not cooperated.

Until this year.

We finally got enough rain and
the bluebonnets finally decided
to show their faces.
I was beginning to think it was myth...
(well not really).

A member from church told us that
they had lots of blue bonnets in their
back circle drive area...
so the kids and I headed out to get
the coveted "kids in a field of bluebonnets" photo.

For now, here's just two of the photos that I got.
The ones with the kiddos didn't turn out sogreat.

I guess I'm better at photographing other people's kids!
But I'll share those later after I get them edited.
For now, a sneak peak of bluebonnets!

our little friend grant

our little friend Grant came to visit the other day,

oh and he brought his mom too.

it's always fun to see how the kids react to little babies!
they LOVE babies...
when babies are in car seats,
when babies are lying on the floor,
or being held by their mom
but NOT when babies are being held by ME!
ahhhhh...what am I going to do in October?!Micah was putting on a show for Grant
this was his ending pose...
such goofy kids I have!
I just got lucky with the silly face,
I had no idea what he was doing!We're sad though,
Grant and his parents are moving
to Oklahoma in June...
*sniff* *sniff*
we're gonna miss you guys!!!

one of those days

Ever have one of those days?
I did today.
Just BLAH!
I did the laundry, dishes, etc,
vacuumed and even cleaned my windows...
but all that "spring cleaning"
did nothing to help my BLAH mood.

I even got to sew a little today
Still BLAH!
What is up?

(Guess my post this morning was short lived.
Actually the painting that I did do was a week ago.
Just finally got around to posting it.)

Neither of my little ones took a nap.
Busy hubby.
Just exhausted.
Long day.
The small ones went to bed early.
Hubby still at work.
So, I decided to look for some craft projects for Easter.
Got to YouTube to watch some tutorial videos.

Then I remembered my favorite YouTube place.
Pomplamouse Music.
You have to check it out.
So fun. Creative.
Great music.
Even better videos.
Just makes me smile.
Starting to make the blahs disappear!

So, the first time I heard the song
"single ladies" by beyonce
it was this version and I have since
heard the original...
but like this one MUCH better!

Jules, every time I watch these I think of you.
Not exactly sure why,
but maybe that's why I'm smilin'!

reunited and it feels so good

I'm slowly breaking free from the first-trimester BLAHS!
I am slowly starting to take more photos...and enjoy it.
I am slowly busting out the paints, the felt, the fabric
and
it
feels
good...
wait
GREAT!

We had a bday party to attend and I had
no idea what to get for the little 6 year old lady.
So, I decided that everyone likes seeing their name,
so why not paint her a name canvas thingy!

So I did.
I also got a custom painting order
from my sweet cousin so I've been working
on that too, and hope to share it soon!

It feels good to see the paint on canvas
cut the fabric and create things again.
I am taking things slow and trying to not get too
overwhelmed...
but enjoying my moments of craftiness!

Naomi has discovered her love for watercolors!!!Bet you can't guess who this was for?

the easiest dress you'll ever "make"

Got a tip about an $8 dress and a 30% off coupon at Old Navy,
thus making the dress $5.60.
Gotta get it when it's cheap.
It's not a dress I'll wear in public,
but will be perfect for home during the hot prego months
of May, June, July, August, and September.

I love to browse Old Navy's clearance section.
I've found some of my very favorite pants there.
While I was not looking for pants today,
I wanted to find a few shirts that would work for
those aformentioned hot prego months.

So, I found this cute, green and grey striped tank top.
Naomi kept asking if it was a dress for her...
which got me thinking...
I bet I could make one into a dress for her.
So, I searched in the "small" section
and found the same shirt.
I quickly tried it on her over her clothes
to make sure it would be long enough...

then took it home and got to work.
During nap time I made Naomi a dress.
And it took me all of 5 minutes.

I had her try on the dress at home
and pinned where I needed to shorten the straps.
Then I just sewed the straps
(right sides facing)
to make them shorter.
Then once I made sure it would fit her correctly
I cut the extra strap fabric off
and finished with a zig-zag stitch.
Then she put it on and had the biggest smile.
You can't really tell from the photos
because she was more concerned with
"posing" just right for me than smiling.

I know the shoulders aren't perfect.
But it doesn't really bother me.
Her hair covers it up and really
I just see this as an "at home" dress.
She usually asks to wear a dress everyday
and she likes to have her
"shoulders sticking out"I think it would also make a great
swimsuit cover-up!
She kept asking if she could wear it to church.
And she told me a bunch of times how much she
LOVES her new dress.

Makes me happy to see her smile
over something so simple!
clearance tank top at Old Navy: $3.99
Huge smile on her face: priceless!
Gotta go find some more cheap tank tops!

lands end giveaway bahama trip

You know I'm always dreaming about vacation.
And a free vacation would be EVEN better!!

It's simple to win...someone has to win right?
Just visit Land's End's The Hub and enter to win!!!
There are games, polls and chances to win other prizes as well!!
Go, enter! Again, someone has to win!

blog swap with the girl creative

I'm participating in my first ever BLOG SWAP today!
You can head over to The Girl Creative to see what I have to say
(but I'm sure you've heard it all before)
but first you HAVE to meet Diana!!!
Please make her feel welcome!

Hello!!!!!! It's Diana from The Girl Creative and I'm swapping blogs today with Jamie. I hope you'll go over to my place and give her a great big hello and make her feel comfortable. :)

Okay, where should I start? It's been awhile since I've done a blog swap and I'm a bit rusty! I am a Christian by faith and a happily married 35 year old-ish mom to 2 of the funniest little girls ever, Emilee and Grace. We have an insane dog named Buster who just adds to the chaos that is our life. I love to have fun and make people laugh and have been known to run around like a lunatic with my kids just for the heck of it. I've been blogging for a few years but The Girl Creative is where I spend most of my time. Every Monday I host a linky party called Just Something I Whipped Up where my readers show off their most recent creations and on Fridays I host a new party called New Friend Friday. Every Friday bloggers from all over come and post a link to their main blog. From there they will visit the person on the list before them and leave them some comment love. If they love the blog, they follow it. Pretty simple and it's a great way to make some new friends!

Occasionally I post digital scrapbook freebies as well as blogging secrets and tips. I just started blog designing again and I love it! My design blog is The Girl Creative Design Blog. I hope you'll stop by. :)

Here are some of my favorite posts/projects to date:

Sugar Scrub

and some free labels

Mod Podged File Cabinet

How about an adorable Pleated Purse for you or your little girl

Dollar Store Clip Board

Chili anyone?

As you can see, at The Girl Creative you will find posts that range from sewing to Mod Podge to cooking. And..you may just find some random nonsense posts just to fill in those un-productive, non-creative, my creative juices have dried up type of days. :)

Thank you so much, Jamie, for letting me take your blog over for the day. I had a blast!! :)

new living translation giveaway!

Hey, I wanted to tell you about a little contest going on!
I think it would be totally worth it to enter...and even better to win!
Make sure you read all the way to the bottom, there's a chance to win a trip to HAWAII!!!
Here are all the details!

The New Living Translation Break Through to Clarity Bible Contest and Giveaway

Visit www.facebook.com/NewLivingTranslation and click on the tab that says “Sweepstakes”

Fill out a simple form, take a quick Bible clarity survey, invite your friends to join and you’ll be entered to win one of our exciting prizes.

With each fan number milestone a new prize will be given away.

Grand Prize
Apple iPad 64G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fifth milestone
Retail Value: $829.00

2nd Prize - Already awarded
32G iPod Touch and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the fourth milestone
Retail Value: $300.00

3rd Prize – Will be awarded when fan count hits: 3500
Kindle DX and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the third milestone
Retail Value: $489.00

4th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 16G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the New Living Translation Fan Page hits the second milestone
Retail Value: $499.00

5th Prize Will be awarded when fan count hits: TBD
Apple iPad 32G and a Life Application Study Bible
Awarded when the NLT Fan Page hits the first milestone
Retail Value: $599.00

Prize Eligibility – Recently updated to include more countries

Sweepstakes participants and winner(s) can be U.S. residents of the 50 United States, or residents of any country that is NOT embargoed by the United States, but cannot be residents of Belgium, Norway, Sweden, or India. In addition, participants and winner(s) must be at least 18 years old, as determined by the Company.

Sweepstakes Starts
March 17, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)

Sweepstakes Ends
April 30, 2010 @ 10:24 am (PDT)

Wait, there’s more!

Visit http://biblecontest.newlivingtranslation.com/index.php for a chance to win a trip for two to Hawaii!

Here are the details:

Choose one of six passages of Scripture from the New Living Translation and consider:
How do these verses encourage you to know God better?
What is God teaching you in this passage?
How does this passage apply to your life?

Submit your answer and you’ll be entered to win.

Just for signing up: Everybody Wins! Win a Free .mp3 download from the NLT’s new Red Letters Project. It’s the dynamic, new presentation of the sung and narrated words of the Gospel of Matthew. You win the download just for entering! Or choose to download the NLT Philippians Bible Study, complete with the Book of Philippians in the NLT.

Every day, one person will win the best-selling Life Application Study Bible!

The grand prize: One person will win a fantastic trip for two to the crystal clear waters of the Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore in beautiful Hawaii.