Nursery *Progress*

I hope everyone who was affected by Irene had no major damage and your power is back on!  We lost our power on Sunday for about 13 hrs and made MAJOR progress on the nursery.  Unfortunately, my cell phone wasn’t charged so I was unable to get pictures, but this is what I have.

Here’s a before – excuse the craziness of this shot, this was when we were working on our new Master, but you get an idea of wall color/curtains etc.



The in-laws came over Sunday to help us, while my parents took the girls’ (as they never lost power) so we could work. 

The carpet was torn out – only to reveal that the hardwood floors under this rooms carpet were never finished.  They are smooth to the touch, but still need a light sanding as there is joint compound all over as they were messy.  And thankfully, the Hubs found a water based finish, so the smell should be minimal.
We also got the ceiling/trim/upper portion of the room painted and the Hubs patched a hole in the wall from where our tv hung.



Here you can get a peak at what I’m talking about above with the floors.





I went around this afternoon and did any necessary touch-ups on the wall color and painted down closer to the paneling that the Hubs actually finished installing tonight.  He is 3/4’s of the way done with the top molding and then the shoe molding will need installed. 

Will have an update on the rest of the room next week, as the goal is to be done by next week!

Cell Phoneagraphy–Wk 7

 

1. This is the best Emma got of us before my mom and me spent approximately 13 hrs, husking/cooking/cutting/bagging up 25 dozen corn = 58 bags of corn that we froze to last us until next year. 
2. Emma helping husk.
3. She took a picture of her knee scrape, my clutzy little girl tripped walking.
4. Lounging in the pool for a little.
5. Avalynn loves eating popsicles herself now.
6.  Which means immediate bath time afterwards.
7. The girls’ enjoying some good ole’ country music video’s one morning.
8 & 9. This was a big chunk the Hubs days off this week – painting!
10. Avalynn is such a mommy’s girl, where ever I’m sitting, she seriously squishes herself all the way against me.
11.  My little sister graduated from YTI last night!  Congratulations Sissy-poo!
12. After graduation swung by the grocery store and saw these Little Debbie treats on the shelves, this made one pregnant momma even more happy!!!  Yummy!

Master Bedroom *Progress*

Thought I’d do a little re-cap over the progress we’ve, I mean mostly the Hubs, has accomplished in the past couple weeks.

Here’s two pictures post Avalynn moving up to her new room.  But you get an idea of the horrible closet that some previous owner installed.




Demo time.




Room emptied out completely, ceiling and trim had been painted at this point. 


I helped cut in the room and the Hubs did all of the rolling.  I just can not roll paint.  The color we used was Valspar’s Gravity, we got their Signature Collection, primer/paint in one.  The Hubs and I were so happy with the coverage on this.  We did have to touch up some spots where we had cut in, more difficult to get that one coat coverage with a brush. 


Shot of the room the next morning.  The Hubs was up until 1:30 scrubbing drywall and some paint drops off the floors.  He used Goof Off and some soapy water along with a sponge.  Then he put a coat of polish on everything. 


Only thing that has changed from this picture to now is that our bed is in there.  We’ll be heading out soon to get the finishing touches on the room.  Also, probably after B’s arrival we plan on DIY’ing an upholstered headboard. 

I'm linking up to:

My Plate is Heaping

with so much to do and take care of before Baby B's arrival in 31 days, probably minus 7 days as am sure they'll be inducing again.

Had my last bi-weekly check-up yesterday at 35 weeks and when the good ole' Dr. measured the belly, he said I was measuring at 40!  Um, say what?!  Last appt, I jumped 2 weeks ahead of what I should have been, and now I'm at 5!  No wonder I'm feeling whale-ish the past couple weeks.  I go for a size ultrasound in 2 weeks, which of course is only an estimate + or - 1lb, and they can't guarantee the accuracy.

To top it off, we decided to take on our 2nd floor.  The poor Hubs, I have every day he's off scheduled out on exactly what we're to accomplish, house wise!!!

Our Done List:
- Joined Emma and Avalynn into one bedroom.
- Sold or Donated any furniture we do not need anymore.
- De-carpeted main part of the stairs.
- Tore out carpeting in A's old nursery.
- Painted ceiling/trim/walls in A's old nursery.
- Clean up floor and put down polish.
- Installed ceiling fan.
- Moved our bed into our *new* room.

To Do:
- Ikea shopping trip - Pick-up remaining items needed for our room and some things for Baby B's room
- Finish ripping carpet off stair ends.
- Sand and relay the top and bottom landing of stair well.
- Paint treads, banister, & railing white.
- Tear carpet out of B's nursery.
- Paint ceiling and walls in nursery.
- Install bead board in nursery.
- Clean up the hardwoods and put down polish in nursery.
- Set up nursery.
- Make B's crib bedding and finish quilt. *in progress*
- Re-cover carseat. *in progress*
- Make new boppy cover.

Not only was I feeling stressed about our To Do list before, but after yesterday's Dr's appt - needless to say stress went through the roof.

And then when I signed on today to read through my daily reads, I read this on my friend Amber's blog. Needless to say, it was a great reminder for me and hopefully you'll find it a good one for you as well!

Cell Phoneagraphy – Wk 6

1. Painted Emma’s toes like watermelons.
2. Miss A and Bella in front of the a/c.
3. SIL, her boyfriend, Emma while we were singing to SIL for her 22nd birthday.
4. Pic of the mini s’more recipe I shared last week.
5. Hubs and I – love him!
6. Sky as we were leaving Urgent Care, the poor Hubs got hit with vertigo earlier in the week.
7. Sidewalk chalk fun!
8. Oldest and the Hubs building some kits that Mimi & Pappy got her.
9. Miss A came running over saying “cheeeeeze” as I was taking one of the Oldest.
10. Miss A and the Hubs have lots of giggles and fun!
11.  Picture of the bottom stair landing after I removed the carpet/staples/and nail strips. 
12. Baby Bump 34 wks 5 days.

* So, this is a couple days late, oh well - this weekend was jammed packed!

The Sock Bun “Curl”

Last week on Pinterest I saw a picture of a lady with long hair and some gorgeous loose curls, all supposedly from a sock bun.  I had pinned said picture but for some reason a bunch of my pins that day didn’t take – boo!  So, I went to youtube to see if I could find more instruction.

Idea being that you pull your dry hair in a high pony tail.  Take a sock with the toes cut off, that you’ve already rolled into a donut shape.  Spray hair so it is slightly damp and then you roll/wrap your hair around the sock until you get it to the base of your ponytail. 

Here’s the before, my hair all sock bunned, and the after.  And this was really comfy to sleep in, and held in great! 

As you can see it gave me some more wave on the bottom but that was all.  Next time I try it think I’ll split it into two buns because my hair is incredibly thick and will try dampening my hair a little more. 

Have you ever tried any no heat curling methods?  What’s worked for you?  So far everything I’ve tried has been a no go, which = total bummer for me!

Mini S’more Recipe

As I and many other bloggers have mentioned, Pinterest is the next best thing to arrive since sliced bread!  Love finding new things to make and do, and my Foodie board is no exception.  Needless to say so many of the dishes look oh SO yummy!!! 

Couple weeks ago I ran across this Mini S’more picture and new it was one dessert I had to try asap.  This past Sunday we headed to the in-law’s to celebrate SIL’s bday and brought these as an extra little dessert. 

I forgot to take pictures but here’s the recipe:

7  whole graham crackers (1 cup finely crushed)
1/4 cup powdered sugar
6 tablespoons butter, melted
4 bars (1.55 oz each) milk chocolate candy, divided
12 large marshmallows
 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Place graham crackers into a large resealable plastic bag. Finely crush into crumbs. Combine graham cracker crumbs, powdered sugar, and butter in a small bowl.
Place 1 tablespoon of crumb mixture in each cup of a mini muffin pan. Press crumbs to form shallow cups. Bake 4-5 minutes or until edges are bubbling. Meanwhile, break two of the candy bars into rectangles. Remove pan from oven; place one rectangle into each cup.

Cut marshmallows in half crosswise using shears dipped in cold water. Place one marshmallow half, cut-side down, into each cup. Return to oven 1-2 minutes or until marshmallows are slightly softened. Remove pans from oven to cooling rack; cool 15 minutes. Carefully remove cups from pan. Cool completely.
Break remaining candy bars and place in small microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 1 to 1 1/2 minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring every 20 seconds. Dip the top of each marshmallow in melted chocolate. Turn top-side up and let stand 40 to 60 minutes or until set. Makes 24 cups.

Here’s my comments: 
- The amounts needed are right on and the only thing I had extra of was the melted chocolate. 
- I used cinnamon graham cracker’s and think I’ll just stick with honey ones.
- These were a big hit, the Hubs has suggested next time using chocolate grahams and jokingly (I think) tell me I should inject some melted chocolate into the marshmallow itself.  

Cell Phoneagraphy–Wk 5

This week – had so many pics, divided them up in different collages.



The youngest nursery is being over-hauled into our new Master, mainly b/c there is a half bath attached to that room, but our king sized bed would never fit, and then we decided to eliminate the only closet we really have.
 
1 & 2 – Before pics
3 – Demo time.
4 – Once the closet was out, we realized there was decent looking hardwood floors.  I got pretty excited as we were orig. planning on just replacing the carpet.  Basically, they just need a good scrubbing, no sanding and re staining like we had to do on the 1st floor last year.
5 & 6 – Demo stuff cleared away, look at all of that extra space.
7 – The start of tearing out the carpet.
8 – The Hubs working his way down the steps, these need some TLC and can’t wait to really get into them after the Master and Baby B’s nursery is done. 
9 – Shot of the steps uncovered.



1 – Miss A brushing her teeth, she loves standing on the stool and rinsing her toothbrush (excuse the very very outdated bathroom (complete with a pink sink and toilet) this is seriously the only thing that hasn’t been re-done, perhaps in 2012?)
2 – That blur of fur is SIL’s baby, the girls were having fun with her, while SIL came over for the day to occupy the girls so the Hubs and I could work on some house stuff.
3 – Emma trying on Daddy’s motorcycle helmet.
4 – Aunt Sam cutting Emma’s hair – 4-5 inches are no longer on that head.  Seriously, I’m loving that the whining has stopped when asked to brush her hair and tangles.
5 & 6 – After pics of the new ‘do!
7 – Daddy and his girls’
8 – The youngest had on her 1st dress up dress – she loved it, here they are dancing.
9 – Girls’ sharing some oreo’s, and unfortunately my phone was too slow so that was the tail end of the youngest “cheese” face.



1 & 2 – Thank you Giant grocery rewards for $1.70 off per gallon!
3 & 4 – Making a double batch of chicken corn soup, yummy!!!  I got 7 containers frozen for easy lunches/dinners after Baby B’s arrival.
5 – Oops, didn’t realize I had used that in the previous collage, mommy/prego brain lapse?!
6 – My attempt at the no heat way to curl your hair with a sock bun, although it cut off weird on here.  Will share next week more about this.

Two Girls Sharing a Room

2 weeks ago, the Hubs and I spent 3 days working on combining bedrooms, the youngest was being moved up to the oldest’s room.  This included an Ikea trip, painting furniture, going through everything in the room, and getting rid of old furniture. 

It’s been an adjustment as both of my girls’ are not late sleepers, I mean that 6:30am is the normal wake-up time.  But now, it seems a couple times a week one of them wakes the other up before 6.  Thankfully, now they can entertain each other so I try and not to get out of bed until 6:30, some days they just aren’t having that though. 

Now for some pictures, these were all taken with my cell phone, and I don’t have a true before, we were already started by the time I thought to take room pics.

First up we have some pics of painting the beds.  We primed them twice with Kilz Primer and they only needed one coat of an oil based white paint I had used last year for our dining room furniture. 

Going through everything in her room.  And if you notice the brown hand swipes on the chimney, it’s not what you are thinking it is.  Around Easter this year, we went through a phase of the oldest sneaking chocolate in her room and she decided it’d be fun to smear it on the walls, def. NOT my idea of fun!

Ah – and the after pics. Freshly painted chimney.  Tons of storage filled with things so it’s out of site and the toys have been purged, as we have birthdays and Christmas in the next few months, I knew I had to make some room.







When the youngest is out of the crib, we’ll actually be making a cubby system against that railing and also creating a BIG magnetic chalkboard for the girls’, DIY of course! 

Overall, am SO happy with how everything turned out! 

Here’s the breakdown on cost:
IKEA – $350 – 2 bed frames, the 3 tier bin system plus bins
Bedding – $115 – 2 sets of sheets, comforters, pillows, and 1 mattress pad, all Target – thank you college dorm sales right now!
Paint – $0 – For the beds and chimney.
But we sold her wicker bed set and a children’s table on craigslist for a total of $245.
Total: $465 – $245 = $220!

Popcorn Cake Recipe

A couple weeks ago the Bestie came over for lunch and to visit.  She brought along dessert and it was the perfect amount of salt & sweet for me. 

Ingredients:
- 1 stick of butter
- 2 bags of popcorn, popped
- 1 bag of marshmallows
- 2 cups of M&M’s = to 1 big bag
- 1 cup of pretzels, broken

Directions:
Melt butter and marshmallow in a large saucepan.  Turn off heat, add in popcorn, pretzels and M&M’s.  Dump in a pan, I used a bundt pan and it was a little too much.  Let cool, slice up and enjoy!

It helps to have helpers testing all of the ingredients before you use them:


Final product:

Cell Phoneagraphy–Wk 4

Normally, I post these collages on Mondays, but realized there’s another one called InstaFriday floating around as well, so will be changing these to Friday’s, even though this is technically being posted on Sat.  Click here to check out Amy’s link-up, or click on this button - 




1. Girls attacking Daddy.
2. Emma posing in her new shirt from Mimi & Pappy – oh so true!
3. It doesn’t fail, if Avalynn is snacking on something she insists on climbing up in my lap to lounge and eat.
4. Pedicure time!
5. Girls’ were having tons of fun playing.
6. Avalynn was content playing with this laundry basket for at least an hour, she then decided it’d be a good chair.
7. Girls’ muching on our popcorn cake ingredients *recipe to come next week*.
8. Popcorn cake all finished.
9. Oldest munching on dessert during movie night.

Baby Stuff on the Brain

I decided early on in this pregnancy that I was going to conquer my sewing machine and make everything for Miss B’s nursery.  I had a little practice sewing up some burp rags for 2 of my friends baby showers in the Spring. 

First up I went to Joann’s and picked up some fat quarters and flannel for the backing.  Here’s the finished 11 burp rags.





I also knew I wanted to make her a quilt.  I was reading through my daily reads and saw this one that Jessica from Happy Together made for her oldest daughter.  I instantly fell in love with it, the pattern is actually from Oh, Fransson!, here.

Then the dilemma of what colors I wanted to be in the nursery.  Originally I started looking at fabric lines, where everything would coordinate.  Then I decided to go to my favorite place Etsy, where I just bought fabrics that I liked and thought would go relatively well together.  I got everything from SewFreshFabrics and was impressed with the quickness the fabric arrived.



Let me just say that I pre-washed all of these and oh man what a pain.  Lesson learned to get some starch to help with wrinkles, it felt like it was never ending ironing.  The Hubs made me up this template from a heavy placemat we picked up at Target. 



It took me 2 nights to complete the front, excuse the poor lighting, it was late and I wanted a picture, still need to take a better one in the daylight.



Now to get a flat sheet for the back piece, batting, and finally binding it all together.  I can’t wait to share it when it’s finished finished.  Overall, for my 1st quilt, am really happy with how it turned out. 

Next on the list:
- Finish Quilt
- Make crib bumpers
- Make crib skirt
- Make some crib sheets
- Make a mobile
- Recover cushion on rocking chair/make some throw pillows
- Make new boppy cover

So, much to do, am hoping in the next week or two that the Hubs will take me out to Lancaster, as there are tons of quilt shops and I can find the rest of the fabrics to finish these projects up.

Cell Phoneagraphy – Week 3

1. Emma and I at Port Discovery in Baltimore, MD.
2. Eric and Avalynn going down a slide at Port Discovery.
3. Painting beds from Ikea for the girls’ room.
4. Emma’s flowers are blooming.
5. Painted until 11:30pm.
6. Daddy being the tickle monster.
7. Corn on the Cob – so yummy!
8. Bump shot.
9. Emma drawing with her new wipeable crayons.
10. Needed a mood lift, did some Sally Hansen nail strips.
11. Girls’ new joint room all cleaned out and re-organzied.
12. Shot of their beds with their new matching bedding. 

I’m linking up with Amy, here.

Happy 18 Months Avalynn!

Baby Girl -

So, earlier in the week, your 18 month, 1 1/2 yr birthday passed.  I honestly, didn't even realize it until 10pm that  night.  You are a fireball of energy these days keeping us all on our toes.  My Dr thinks you are part of the reason I'm having great weight gain this pregnancy.  Even though you tire me out, it's all worth it.  This week Daddy and I worked on your new joint room with Emma, last night was your first time sleeping in the same room.  You did very well, we still have you in your crib, but your big girl bed is all assembled, just have to pick up your mattress (we've been storing at Gramma's & Pop-Pop's), and put on your new bedding when it arrives next week.  Although you won't be making the switch to that bed anytime soon.

You still aren't saying that many words, hi/hello, buh-bye, tickle, tickle, tickle, night night, your own version of ready, set, go, Bella no!,  mama = Emma, Mom or MomMom is Daddy or I.  For some reason you've stopped saying Dada, and everyone is Mom.  Sometimes you'll repeat words, but nothing consistent that you continue saying.  You move your fingers like you are snapping but make the noise with your mouth, it's too cute.  You do understand though when we ask you to get something or put away a toy.  You also can go down the steps as well as up, with one of us behind/in front depending which direction you are going.  Daddy taught you how to go down last week, and with your room now 2 floors up from the main level, I'm thankful!

You are such a big helper on cleaning days.  I give you your own cloth, and you'll put your sippy cup upside down on the furniture and make the "shh" spraying noise the cleaner makes when I spray it for my own cloth.  It's so cute!  When anyone is crying, usually Emma, you'll go over and pat her and talk to her in your own words to her and give hugs and kisses.  You love coloring, being a monster and chasing Emma, dancing when any song comes on, and tickling anyone.  You've had lots of pool time this summer and enjoy being in your ducky raft playing with some floating pool toys.

We have your 18 month check-up in a couple weeks. Your feet have grown again and we just got you new sneakers in a size 7.  Your holding steady in the clothes dept at the 24 month size, now that you are so mobile you can tell that you are losing some of your baby-ness.  You are in size 5 diapers.  Your hair is long enough to be up in a 1/2 pony tail, pigtails, or swooped to the side with a couple barettes.  Your bottom 2 molars have popped through in the past couple weeks, you now have 10 teeth total. You eat pretty well overall, still picky about potatoes or noodles or any kind except for spaghetti or french fries.  You are always using a fork now and love to dip your meats in ketchup.  You love your veggies and you look fwd to having your nightly popsicle after dinner.

You are doing better when there are other babies around, especially when I'm holding them.  You are a *big* Mommy's girl, always climbing up in my lap, aka pouncing on the belly, all the time for snuggles or to just sit.  I was getting worried with Brynlee's arrival around the corner, but as more times passes, I have a feeling you are going to be a great big sister just like Emma.  So many fun things coming up, I can't wait to see your excitement with the coming holidays this fall and Brynlee's arrival.

You are such a bright light of pure JOY in our lives, I look fwd to the coming months.

Love you,
the Mama

Cell Phoneagraphy–Wk 2

Breakdown of the week:
1. Temps were seriously ridiculous in the 100’s, but the kiddo’s were driving me batty, some outdoor water table fun was called for!
2. Quilt front finished!
3. I convinced the Hubs (who is a very good sewer) to sew together the long panels I had already pieced together.
4. Youngest being silly with smiles.
5. Pool fun needed to cool off at the Great-Grandparents.
6. In the words of the oldest “Super Duper Yummy” dinner, pulled pork sandwiches (McCormick’s BBQ crockpot seasoning packet)  and loaded red potatoes.
7. Youngest had fun with the fwd facing camera on the cell.
8. Oldest had VBS all week, it was a sports theme, she did cheerleading, this is the last night.
9. The Bestie came over for a visit with her little man, Oldest is getting some practice in for when Baby B arrives.
10. They sit like this a lot, so cute.
11. Checking out her new kick’s.  Every 3 months we are having to buy bigger shoes.
12. Enjoying popcorn cake (popcorn, marshmallow, pretzels, and m&m’s) that the Bestie brought on her visit earlier in the week.
13. Sunday’s are cleaning day around here, and Oldest decided to clear out each shelf of toys and use the swiffer duster, when the Youngest woke from nap she wanted to join in the fun too.
14. Close-up.
15. Youngest saying “Ta-Da” after one of her dances.

Click here, to check out the other link-up’s for the week!

Week of Cell-Phoneagraphy–Wk 1

I’ve been seeing this meme around the blogosphere, and thought it’d be fun to start participating.  To visit all of the other link-ups, click here.



Re-cap of our week in photos.
1. Dinner time.
2. Avalynn showing off her ketchup cheese-y smile.
3. 29 1/2 weeks pregnant.
4. Final quilt layout.
5. Baby shower gift for one of my friends.
6. Dylann and I at her shower.
7. The girls’ painting with water outside.
8. Snack time, I walked into the living room and they were sitting like that.
9. Busy day with no nap, she was zonked out on the way home and didn’t wake up when we got home.
10. Daddy cutting Miss A’s nails.  Normally, she’s really good, but she was overtired.
11. One of the Miss E’s sunflowers are blooming, they are HUGE!
12. Sunday morning smiles with some actually decent looking bedhead.

Friday Confessions

I confess...that last night I decided to get up when the Hubs does for work, so I could take a shower and eat breakfast in quiet for at most 30-45 mins before the girls' normal wake up time.

No sooner did I get done making the bed and picking out my clothes and the youngest was up.

Plan for quiet time without kids = EPIC FAIL.

I confess...I'm feeling like an 80 year old woman during the night when it comes time to flip over to my other side.

It's slow moving from side to back then side (as I don't want that sharp uterus pain in the side and other times it feels like my hips could just pop out of their sockets), while bringing the pillow in between my legs along for the flip and making sure the belly wedge is situated before settling back into my pillow to go back to sleep.

I confess...I should really just record myself saying the same 5 sayings, as I'm feeling like a broken record with the oldest this week.

I confess...I'm glad she's sleeping over at Mimi's tonight, I'm at my wit's end of her not listening, plus add in the normal talking back/sassy-ness and whining/crying over nothing  this week.

I confess...there is seriously nothing better to watch then when the girls' are playing together.

They are constantly chasing one another, laughing like crazies, and sitting beside one another during snacks etc.

I love watching their bond and can't wait to see what will come once the 3rd Musketeer is added. T-R-O-U-B-L-E I'm sure!!! 


I confess...I'm making a quilt for Brynlee.

Prior to this endeavor burp rags has been the extent of my sewing.

It's coming along really well and can't wait to share my progress over the weekend.

I confess...I had my 2 hr glucose test this week and the latest they told me I'd hear back from them if I failed was yesterday.

I received no phone call.

I can't believe I don't have Gestational Diabetes this time around, as I had it with Emma & Avalynn.

I confess...Both girls' were big and they induced me with both, within the 39th week.

I really do NOT want to go over my due date, especially since the Emma's bday is 5 days after my due date.

Plus I'm afraid of having a 10 lb baby.

I confess...I finally looked into the Pinterest app, and am so bummed that it's only for the iPhone.

Seriously, why does iPhone get everything first, Android phones are more and more and very popular too.


*Click on the button above to go visit everyone else's confessions for the week!*  Hope you have a great Friday, start to the weekend! 

29 Weeks - Pregnancy Update

Pregnancy Review: How far along: 29 wks 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: Am up 7lbs total.

Maternity clothes?: Yes please!

Strech marks?: Nothing new thank goodness.

Sleep: In the past week the horrible hip pain has started, plus sleep is interrupted 2-3 times to wake up and go to the bathroom.  Oh well, at least this time around, it didn't hit until the 3rd trimester, unlike Miss A's pregnancy.

Best moment this week: Had my appt yesterday, that Dr, unlike Dr. McDoucheNozzle last time, said that I was doing really well with my weight gain.  Plus, I had my 2 hr glucose yesterday and was able to keep it down, didn't hear anything today, so as long as I don't get a call tomorrow, that means I actually passed this pregnancy! 

Movement: She's becoming much more active.

Food cravings:  Baked sweets, bagels w/ strawberry cream cheese, corn are my major foods lately.

Gender: GIRL

What I miss: Knock out cold sleep.

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? No change, still an innie.

What I am looking forward to: Now that we have the rooms planned out, looking forward to putting it all into action and the finished product. 

Weekly Wisdom:
- Again about sneezing, but when getting ready to go to the bathroom and you have to sneeze, it's really really not a good mix. 

- 10 o'clock hour bedtimes are becoming a must. 

Milestones: Hello 3rd trimester!!! 

Banana Bread Recipe

A couple weeks ago while blog hopping through a linky party, I came across this banana bread recipe.  I’ve tried several different ones over the past years and think I’ve officially found my keeper.

Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 cup butter
- 3 bananas
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups flour
- 1/3 cup sour milk (1/2 tsp lemon juice & milk to 1/3 cup)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- *OPTIONAL: add in 1/2 cup of nuts or chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all ingredients.  Lightly grease pan.  Bake 50-60 mins. 

Have made this twice so far in a bundt pan and it has come out perfect both times.

Also, this is as much fun for the girls’ to help me make it.  I throw the bananas in a gallon bag and hand it over to them after I make sure it’s sealed real well and let them mash them up to their hearts content. 

DIY Fountain

A couple of weeks ago, the family and I headed into Joann’s so I could pick up some fabric for the baby.  Hubs was immediately drawn to the 70% off clearance sign over some big heavy flower pots.  After finding two different sized versions of the same coloring he threw out the idea of making a water fountain for our big flower bed, as it’s sparse and could use something like that in it. 

The big pot originally marked $80, came down to $23, and the smaller pot originally marked $50, came down to $15.  Our house is older and we have no outside electrical outlets.  So, the next day he headed to one of our local hardware stores and bought all of the electrical things needed and a pump to make the fountain a fountain. 

Before starting on the electrical, my Uncle (who is an electrician) stopped by so the Hubs could double check everything he had planned and make sure that it was the right way to do it and it’d be up to code.  As not only is the fountain an improvement to the garden, but the added outdoor outlets is an upgrade to our house.  He gave us some supplies so we were able to return over $100 to the hardware store.

Overall, shopping and working time it only took the Hubs 1 day to complete this project. Total Cost = under $200

Now for some pics:

Here’s a shot of the pots positioned next to the outlet the Hubs installed.  He also painted some Kilz Primer we had on hand on the insides of the pots. 

Containers of rocks I picked up at Target.  Still need to get one more jar.

Shot of the Hubs filling the pots for it’s test run below.

Overall, am so glad the Hubs thought this up.  We love hearing the fountain, especially during the many night time swing sessions the Hubs and I have in the yard.   And we finally got around to getting our mulch this past week, so it definitely looks more finished instead of the dirt look we have going on above.
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