Happy 4 1/2 years Emma Rose

Dear Emma,

I still can’t believe that you our oldest, my baby, the one who made me a mom is already 4 1/2 years old.  I feel like I’ve blinked and all of this time has passed.  You’ve definitely turned into quite the little/ “big” girl.  Four, we have found out is a very trying age not only for you but us as well.  There are other times I am seriously worried for myself when you become a teenager, as you already attempt to do the eye rolling and “hmph’ing”.  I’m trying to squash these in the bud now.

You are a mini me of Daddy.  Many times a week he will just shake his head after you say or do something, bringing back memories of himself when he was little.  You are quite mischievous, logic can be downright hysterical, sense of humor and quick comebacks take us by surprise for someone your age. 

You love doing crafts and are very into coloring right now.  You do it at least once a day and have become really good at staying in the lines.  Your latest obsession is to make color wheels, that are more like blocks. We put a clock radio in your room a couple months ago as you are obsessed with knowing the time to wake up, afraid you might miss something.  You insist on needing to listen to the radio to sleep and know many many songs and their words.  One of my favorite lines from you is “Don’t be a giraffe, just be a Queen”.  Cracks us up every time.

You just got your first golf club a couple weeks ago, a prize for excellent behavior from you.  We had gone through a rut of several bad weeks so made up a time frame that you needed to start acting better and behave.  Am glad to say the good behavior has continued.  You spend time out in the yard with Daddy hitting golf balls in the yard and are looking forward to going with Daddy once the weather warms up around here.

You are such a big help to me around the house and with your sister.  You and your sister get along really well and you two are starting to play more as your sister gets older.  I know you are going to be an amazing big sister to your brother/sister on the way. 

Above all else, I hope that you know you are very well loved and cherished. 

Love,
Mom

Gramma’s Two Layer Jello

 

I’m sure there is an actual name for this Jello treat, but for me it’s always been Gramma’s specialty.  A couple years ago, I asked her for the recipe and the first couple times it never turned out how hers had, but I think it’s because I didn’t stir enough during each stage to make sure things were dissolved.  This is a favorite in our house and a must during all summer picnics. 

Ingredients/Directions: Combine 2 pkg’s Knox Gelatin with 1/2 cup of cold water.  Add 3oz pkg of Jello, any flavor.  Add in 1 1/2 cups hot water (either heat some water up in the microwave or on the stove, hot tap water won’t work!).  Stir and stir until everything is dissolved.  Mix in 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream.  Pour into a dish (I use a rectangle brownie pan), chill.  Cut into squares and serve.

DIY–Burp Cloths & Diaper Cake

One of my Besties is due with her 1st baby the end of May.  Her shower is next weekend so I knew I needed to get moving on her present.  I worked on this throughout the whole day and am SO happy with how everything turned out. 
First up, the burp cloths.  As I’m sure most of you have seen across blog land there are tons of tutorials on how to make these.  I wasn’t sure if I wanted to use Emily’s tutorial, here, or Jill’s tutorial, here.  In the end, I decided to go with Emily’s.  I looked around Etsy and ordered some fat quarters of vintage sheets from this shop.  Then headed to Target and picked up one bath towel in a color that I thought would go with all of them. 

These were super easy to whip together and I can’t wait to make more for some other friends who are pregnant and our little bun in the oven too.  Here’s how mine turned out.



Diaper Cake
My Ingredients:
1 large box of size 1 diapers
2 bottles of body wash
2 packs of cleansing wipes
2 wipeable bibs
6 pairs of socks
1 outfit
1 pack of Binks
1 teether
3 burp cloths
1 stuffed, pull-y toy for the top
1 spool of curling ribbon
base to put the finished product one – mine is actually on a large pizza pan until I get something else

Directions:  Roll each diaper and tie with ribbon.  It helped me to build all 3 layers at the same time so I could see how many diapers I had left.  Bottom layer is 4 rounds of diapers, Middle is 3 rounds, and the Top is 2.  On the last round I placed in the extra goodies I had.  For the very top I places the stuffed toy.  I really hope she loves it as much as I have loved making it for her.  Now for the pics (sorry for the poor lighting, it’s rainy/dreary here today).




I'm linking up to some of these fabulous parties! Specifically, Blue Cricket Design, My Backyard Eden, Somewhat Simple, Shabby Chic Cottage, It's a Keeper, House of Hepworths, Rhinestone Beagle,

HAPPY HAPPY NEWS!

Two posts in 1 day?!  After last weeks confessions post, I just wanted to update quickly, the Hubs just called me that he got the official phone call that he starts his new job April 4th!  I'm going to be so glad to be DONE with the crappy union he's in and no more lay-offs!!!  Thanks for all of your support over the past couple years when I wrote about our employment woes.

Happy 2nd Trimester

Now that I'm officially in the 2nd trimester, figured I'd bring back this fun little pregnancy questionnaire thing I did throughout my pregnancy with Miss A.  Also, was wondering if any of you have tried any old wives tales to find out the gender, and if so was it correct?  I've looked on the chinese calendar, but it's my birthday month, so it has opposite answers.  I did the ring test over the weekend and it said boy.  I've also been reading about the baking soda test, this is totally *new* to me, but seems extremely strange to do.

Pregnancy Review: 

How far along: 13 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: Down 10 lbs from the day I got the BFP, aka Big FAT Positive

Maternity clothes?: Even though I've lost weight, regular pants are not comfy.  So, I've started to wear some maternity bottoms, or I do the hair tie closure, but mostly if I have no where to go and no one coming over - I live in sweats.  

Strech marks?: Just old preggo battle scars, nothing new. 

Sleep: Still sleeping well for the most part, can still sleep on my side/belly like normal.  Plus, the horrible ligament pains haven't started yet, which I'm SO thankful, as with Miss A's I was having them very badly from the very beginning. 

Best moment this week: I felt a flutter over the weekend.  

 

Movement: Not so much that I'm able to feel it, but I know he/she is moving around in there. 

 

Food cravings: At first I just wanted sweet candies.  Now it's more fruits, veggies, and cereal. 

Gender: Unknown. 

 

What I miss: Nothing yet. 

Labor Signs: Def not.

Belly Button in or out? No change.

What I am looking forward to: My monthly check-up next Wednesday! 

Weekly Wisdom: Hmmm...nothing is actually coming to mind. 

 

Milestones: Making it through the 1st trimester.

Friday Confessions

I confess...I'm so anxious for Sunday's Army Wives.  I keep flipping between who I think it is that dies.  What's your opinion?

I confess...I'm really tired of half of our shows being on weird breaks and just being repeats.  What the heck, didn't we just have a big break with them over the holidays?

I confess...I'm rather annoyed with my face this pregnancy.  And supposedly your not supposed to use face wash with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.  Yeah - just found that out a couple weeks ago, when did things change so much between this pregnancy and my youngest?

I confess...I've had a couple of my friends say they read that Witch Hazel is magic for your face.  I hope this is true for me, plan on picking some up tomorrow.

I confess...that when you ask people to be references for a job, they have a heads up that they'll be getting contacted, it'd be nice if they responded.

I confess...the Hubs got an email for the company he's interviewing with yesterday saying none of his references responded and they had 24 more hours to do so.

I confess...I'll be livid if for some reason he doesn't get the job because these people can't respond.

I confess...it's so easy, especially since the company does it all through e-mail!!!

I confess...I'm so excited for the weekend and the nicer weather.  Plan on digging in the flower beds and looking forward to some free Italian ice on Sunday!

Hope you all have a fantastic weekend!

12 on 12 - March

Last week I was blog hopping - it was one of those times where you just keep finding blogs you love!  Anyways, I stumbled across Amy at my words.  On the 12th day of every month she takes 12 pictures of her day.  I thought this would be a great kick start for me, since my camera and I haven't had much time together lately.  So, I tried and semi-failed, only got 8 shots, but am happy with what I did get and looking forward to doing this every month. 

01. With all the rain, the creeks and river have had elevated levels and flooding in a few areas.  This is the boat launch at the end of my town. 

02. A shot of the river, this is a bridge that goes over to the city, the water is very high! 

03. Went to a Kids' event at the Zembo.  Girls' sitting in one of the mini cars. 

04. Free lunch for the kiddo's, Baby Girl loved the popcorn the most! 

05. Grocery shopping day, this is after unloading all the bags before putting away. 

06. Yummy - tropical starburst jelly beans! 

07. Flowers from my Mum, just because! 

08. Had a pedicure late in the afternoon - loving the lower glittery purple. 

Bamboopink

I am involved in the launch of a new direct sales jewelry company called Bamboopink by JudeFrances.  Check them out at judefrances.com.

Over 13,000 women (and men) have signed up across the nation in only three short weeks….Come see what all the BUZZ is about…..

Bamboopink is a new fashionable, yet affordable jewelry line made and designed by a JudeFrances, a famous, high-end designer whose current line is sold in upscale department stores, is seen all over the red carpet and worn by Oprah and other celebrities. 

Bamboopink has the same quality, style and reputation as JudeFrances but it's much more affordable with prices ranging from $29-$200.  

Bamboopink jewelry is hypoallergenic.  Not only is it nickel and lead free, we randomly test every shipment to insure safety.  All earrings have titanium posts. 

Bamboopink has already become one of the fastest-growing women’s internet start-up companies in U.S. history!  This company is the first of its kind -- an internet launched company.  Consultants will be given our own websites, apps, and technology for virtual trunk shows…so all of this can be done from your own home and without hosting parties and stocking inventory! 

What sets this company apart from other direct sales companies?

·         GROUND FLOOR opportunity.  This probably won’t ever happen to you again!  Anyone who knows business knows that the FIRST people in on a start-up company are the ones that make the money!

·         Strongest compensation plan in the industry.

·         JudeFrances, a very successful designer multi-million dollar jeweler is designing, making and backing this jewelry, so it’s sure to be a success.

·         Instead of growing one sales rep at a time, we can grow hundreds at a time with this innovative business model and free sign-up period.  But the time to do that is NOW!

·         Bamboopink is exploding over the internet as we speak --- over 13,000 people have already signed up nationwide -- Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! 

It’s simple to sign up, go to my site:  www.bamboopink.net/katrichards   As soon as you sign up, I will send you an email with tools and tips so you can start building your team just as I have! 

Sign-ups are free for a limited time, with no risks or obligations…..just an OPPORTUNITY to take a “sneak peek” at this company, watch it unveil, and decide if it’s something you want to be a part of.  You can walk away at any time if you decide you aren’t interested!  

The company is still forming and “unfolding” as we speak….this is your chance to get in on the GROUND FLOOR!!!    You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!  And you can win fabulous jewelry and other prizes just for signing up and getting your friends to sign up! 

This is an AMAZING, once-in-a-lifetime business opportunity by private invitation only --- I hope you will consider joining me!

Friday Confessions

I confess...that the posting juices aren't flowing fully yet, so have decided to join in some linky parties to get back in the posting groove.

I confess...that I really need to get back into my cleaning schedule, it's been weeks of everything being off and all just doesn't seem right in the world of ME.

I confess...I'm going to start making a daily schedule telling me what to do during what time frame to jump start my bum back into getting in a routine.

I confess...I haven't picked up my camera in almost a month.

I confess...this doesn't help me in completely my Project Life 2011 album if there are no pictures to document.

I confess...that in the past couple weeks I'm beginning to realize that the Hubs & I are really going to have out hands full with Miss A - she has the shortest-loudest little temper, throws those full out body on the floor legs kicking kind of tantrums, and she's only 13 months old.

I confess...that I'm only thinking BOY  for the little bean in my tummy.

I confess...that I hope the Hubs nails his interview on Monday.

I confess...we could really use some good "work" news for him, as the past 2 1/2 years of his work has sucked with major layoffs.

I confess...all will be better when he is working again.

I confess...I'm tired of living with this stress and ready to let it go.

I confess...these confessions have made me feel a lot better!!!

Mamrazzi's Favorite Things Swap

Mamarazzi is at it again with another one of her great swaps.  You make up a package of your favorite things to send to your swap partner - who doesn't love getting some awesome goodies in the mail?  Can't wait to find out who my swap partner is and gather up all of my favorite things to send them.  Thank you Mamarazzi for putting this together!

I'm Baaaack...

At least I think and hope so.  Sorry to have disappeared on you the past few weeks - I haven't been feeling up to par.  In case you haven't noticed the new green box on the right side sharing our news - we are expecting our surprise #3 baby late September this year!!!  Middle of January when our first ice storm hit, I made the Hubs run to the pharmacy and get a test - he thinks it's funny now, but he wasn't happy since he hadn't even gone into work because of the roads.  But I was late and am never late (and I needed to know or else go crazy), 30 secs after taking the test I was hollering for him to come in the bathroom and see the results himself.  I might have hit him as he came in too - we weren't planning on trying for another until later this year, and he has said that #3 is it.

We decided to keep the news mum from even our families, especially after our past with miscarriages.  We had our first appt the end of February and am happy to report that the baby looks wonderful, measuring right on, the heartbeat was 171 bpms (we're hoping this could indicate a *boy* as both girls HB's were much lower).  Dr says that once the HB is over 120 bpm, there is 1/2 of 1% chance of a miscarriage.   The Dr said that he/she's due date is 9.25.11, but because of my past with gestational diabetes and having larger babies they'll induce a week early.

So this means lots of changes will be happening around the Casa in the next 6 months.  The girls' will be sharing the top bedroom.  We're hoping to be able to do some small construction on the 2nd floor bedrooms, and make the now baby girls' bedroom a master.  New flooring.  Plus new room themes for the kiddo's.  Lots and lots to do but am looking forward to the changes.