Flowers!

I spent about an hour using up all the little bits of leftover yarn I had to make a bunch of flowers for various crochet items. It's such fast and rewarding work! These little blooms are oh so cute! I hope you are enjoying some spring flowers in one way or another these days!

Growing, Growing, Growing

Not talking about my belly here, folks. Although, that is growing. It's my boy that is out of control these days. He's gone from a 10 - 10 1/2 hr. sleep schedule to a full 12 hours and sometimes even takes a nap! He is a sleeping machine lately. I caught him snuggled up on the couch with my favorite blanket the other day. I thought it was just too cute not to share with you!

Andrea's Project

My friend Andrea had a birthday last month. She loves to write, so I knew she would enjoy this lovely journal. Then, I just had to stitch her up a little case for it. I loved this project and was sorry to see it get boxed up and leave my house. At least I know it went to a good home! My favorite thing about it is the leaf button.

Like Mother, Like Daughter

This little one climbed up on my bed while I was folding laundry. She immediately went for my yarn and hook. I think she was pretending to stitch herself up some pinky goodness! Possibly wanting to be like mama? Probably just enjoying the mess she made with the yarn. Ah well, it kept her busy while I folded!

Simple Things

I'm pregnant, that's no surprise anymore. It's getting to be quite obvious. I can no longer squeeze into my pre pregnancy pants, but am not quite ready for full blown maternity clothes. I don't know about you, but I don't exactly feel my best when I am pregnant. I mean, how can you feel great when you are dealing with constant nausea, heartburn, weight gain, sciatica, constipation (yeah, I said it), frequent trips to the bathroom, and the list goes on and on. I have found some simple things that make me feel WAY better about myself and my appearance. It's not really much, but it makes a difference to me. I've been accessorizing more! I have been wearing my favorite ring, a necklace and earrings everyday AND I've been taking the time to even put on eye liner! Today, I may even paint my fingernails (if time and Charlotte permit)! Here's a shot of me wearing my ring this a.m. while patiently awaiting my freshly brewed Starbucks coffee. I'm drinking Verona these days, in case you were wondering.



You can also catch a small glimpse of my perfectly wonderful Mother's Day bouquet. It's still going strong 8 days later! They make my kitchen so cheery!

Surprise!

Ryan informed Gavin and I last night that we should be getting a surprise in the mail in a few days! He wouldn't tell us what it is (although I think I know!), but he did give us a few hints.
1. It's black and white and red (read) all over.
2. It's something I will have to help Gavin with.

We are bursting with anticipation! I can't wait to find out if my suspicions are right!

I'm dreaming of . . .

YARN!!!


I am recently readdicted (word? I'm not sure) to crocheting. It consumes my thoughts these days. This blog has delivered an immense wealth of inspiration. Too much in fact that I am having a hard time deciding what to make! I keep thinking of projects and sketching them out. I am really waiting to find out the gender of #3 to really decide on what to do. . .

In the mean time, to satisfy my crochet hunger I have set a goal for myself and my etsy shop. I am taking this summer to really beef up my inventory so I am ready to sell in the fall! I have been feverishly crafting oh so cute hats in the evenings when my sweet things are all snuggled in bed. Here's some of my progress from the last week or so. I have been using up most of the yarn that I have. I only have one bin for yarn and I need to empty some out before new can come in! I've been saving up my JoAnn's coupons for a colorful trip of yarn purchasing! Hopefully it will come in my near future!



What crafty things are YOU addicted to these days?

Bath Paints

As I was perusing crafty blogs the other day, I came across this site. It had this simple reciepe (if you can even call it that) for bath paints. I gave it a shot and it was a HIT with Gavin. Sissy didn't enjoy it so much, though. She wasn't feeling well in the first place, so maybe that had something to do with it. Anyway, the best part was the clean up - SUPER EASY!

Third Party

Ryan is doing this District Management internship with Starbucks. It lasts 10 weeks and we are in the middle of it. I'm not going lie, the pay increase has been great! HOWEVER, we now have this third party in our marriage. THE WORK PHONE. I rarely complain about it, as I know this is an incredible opportunity for Ryan (he was chosen over 150 other managers or something like that). I seriously can't wait till the internship is over and this phone goes away.

It interrupts me mid conversation

It buzzes in the middle of the night (because you know reports about Frappucinos are oh so important)

It rings every night as I am making dinner and trying to coral the kids at the same time.

It CAN'T BE IGNORED

It goes everywhere with us

It has e mail capabilities so it's like carting the computer around everywhere we go, too!

Okay, I got it out of my system. Thanks for listening. I'm over it now! I am SO thankful that Ryan has a job, a really good job, and that he is moving up within his company.

Quote of the week

Ryan, referring to Charlotte: "She's kind of like a dog. She's so mischievous, she does things behind your back and she eats off the floor."

Inspriational words

by Pastor Gavin -

I'm pretty sure Gavin will be a pastor when he grows up. He loves the Bible, he loves to follow rules, sees everything in black and white and has no problem confronting people when they are doing wrong.

Here are some things Gavin said and did today -

While using the bathroom he opens the door to inform me that he is singing "Jesus Loves Me" and he is singing it to God, because that's worship and God loves that!

I handed him a bowl of gold fish to snack on while he and Charlotte were playing and he looked at me and said, "MOM! We have to pray for this snack before we eat it!"

He brought me his Storybook Bible and asked me to read to him about "John the Cactus". I asked who John the Cactus was and he said, "You know, the guy who ate locusts!"

Happy Monday!

I hope you all had a fabulous mother's day. I did. It was relaxing and I really felt the love. I was overwhelmed with joy and the privilege it is to be a mommy to some really great kids!
Today is pajama Monday! I am ready to go on a cleaning rampage. I've already made my chore list!
Here's some pics from our day yesterday! Happy Monday!

Finished Product (almost)

I've recently become "re obsessed with crochet". I go in spurts and lately, I've been loving it. My mother in law also is an avid crocheter (word?). I saw a case like this on etsy or somewhere for all of the gear that goes along with crocheting and I knew I had to make one for her for Mother's Day. When I was finished with it, I was completely jealous that I didn't have one, too! So, I made one for myself! Here is the finished (well, almost finished, I have a few finishing touches left) product! I can't wait to get crocheting again now that I am more organized!



Happy crafting!

Gall Stones

I had my post op. appointment this week. I just HAD to share this interesting news. The surgeon told me that some of my gall stones were 4cm x 2 cm. Break out the ruler, folks and check THAT out. No WONDER I was in so much pain. He said that basically they were filling up my gall bladder. Yikes! Glad that is over with.

All of my restrictions have been lifted, so it's back on the bike for me (with the kids in tow)! Yeah!

15 months and counting . . .

We had Charlotte's 15 month check up this week. I of course wrestled with the MMR shot - to give or not to give. Immunizations drive me crazy. So much info. and it all makes me uncomfortable. Both sides scare me and creep me out.

ANYWAY, this is supposed to be about Charlotte - our little wonder pulled through for us and packed on a few lbs. She jumped to the 25th percentile. They were getting a little concerned b/c she was not growing with the curve. But that's all in the past. She's fattening up quite nicely.

She is also, I am thrilled to say consuming all types of dairy. She has officially grown out of her "sensitivity". WOO HOO!!! I've lived without cheese for so long, I could just feel her pain. Now, she eats cheese sticks, yogurt, pizza, mac n cheese, MILK, MILK and more MILK! This girl loves her vitamin D.

She's a super spazzy little thing. Since I haven't been as diligent in writing in her book like I was with Gavin, I'll have to type it all out here - sorry.
So, Charlotte climbs on anything and everything
Runs
Jumps
Points at what she wants
Eats everything but tomatoes
Loves her daddy
Gives kisses freely
Wrestles with big bro
Loves to clap her hands and stomp her feet to "If you're happy and you know it"
LOVES to put on shoes, necklaces, coats, - anything girly except hair clips :(
Does some sign language - all done and please
Loves to brush her teeth
Loves to do everything Gavin does
Is DIRTY all the time

begin toI'm sure there is so much more. She is so fun and it has been a joy (and a frustration, at times) to mold her into the gal God wants her to be. She learning how to have a sweet spirit and be more submissive. I'm sure it's a long road ahead of us, but we are up for the task. Bring it on, Charlotte baby! We love you and can't wait to continue to see you grow!

Fists are Up

My fists are up and I'm ready to FIGHT - with my sewing machine that is. I am so frustrated. I found this lovely fabric in the half off section at the store and have already created something lovely for my mother in law for mother's day. I neglected to take a picture of it. However, I liked it so much I decided to make one for myself. Mr. Singer is NOT cooperating today and nap time is almost over. I had hoped to share my completed project today, but you'll have to wait for another day. In the mean time, here is a pic of the fabric. Let your imagination run wild with things I could/should be doing with it!

One Long Week

I usually stick close to home during the week. I only venture out with the kids once or twice. Ryan usually has the car, so it's not really an option. I don't mind one bit, though. I love being at home with my kiddos and having fun with them with no distractions. I am a true home body. I really do just love my house (well, apartment), all 850 sq. ft. of it!

This week is very abnormal for us - we have three dr's appointments, swim class and an AWANA party to go to. On top of that I was frantically working on some mother's day crafts for our mom's. I did finish those up and they are in the mail! Poor Charlotte has been dragged through the ringer. She's been catching naps in the car, eating lunch in her stroller and screaming at strangers - and it's only Wednesday! Tomorrow is our home day, and I just can't wait for it! P.J.'s all day!

All that, I guess to say that I have been an absent blogger because of it. I do have some posts planned in the near future dealing with schooling options for our big five year old. I'm excited to post about it and can't WAIT to hear all of your opinions. I just hope life slows down long enough for me to sit down and type!

Hope you are all well! What's keeping you busy these days?

I can't believe

I can't believe that at one point this week my son was playing with a pink pony and my daughter was playing with a Pirate Lego guy.

I can't believe that not only am I puking as soon as I open my eyes in the morning, but I also am having the privilege of wetting my pants as I puke. Nice.

I can't believe how a sweet little 15 month old can throw her body around in a raging fit when she is mad.

I can't believe I have lost weight while pregnant (thanks to surgery!).

I can't believe I made it through my first trimester with out having to pull out any matenrity clothes - this is a first for me!

I can't believe how many diapers my husband has changed (completely unassisted) over the last two weeks.

I can't believe how easy they make recovering from surgery sound - it is NOT easy, esp. while pregnant.


Well, that's all I got. It's been a rough month! I hope you enjoyed!