Category: Uncategorized

Mini Fang Pumpkins

This spin on pumpkins is easy and you can pump out a whole bunch for your mantle or mini gifts! Grab some mini pumpkins and some dollar store plastic fangs. And lets get started.

There is only 2 steps on this one! Cut into the side of the pumpkin with a carving saw. Remove excess flesh, and stuff those fangs inside. Add some scary red sewing pins for eyes. And there you go!

I know they are supposed to be scary but I still find them cute! And maybe you will have a couple pairs of fangs left over for the kids to play with! Or yourself!

Cooking at 9 months pregnant.

I think its a little odd that I cook more lately than ever in my life. Of course Im usually making my same top 3 meals but that still counts. So tonight Im going to share my recipe for my favorite easy peasy meal!

Shepards Pie

prep time:15 min

Cook time:20 minutes

Ingredients:

1-1.5 pounds ground beef, cooked and drained.

1 cup of frozen pea’s and carrots

1 cup frozen corn

1 package shepards pie gravy, prepared as directed.

2 packages instant mashed potatoes, prepared as directed.

Shredded marble cheese

6 ingredients, I base my recipes to keep or try based on how few ingredients it has. In a large skillet, brown and drain your ground beef. Microwave your veggies as it cooks. Add your prepared gravy and cooked pea’s, carrots and corn to meat mixture. Simmer on low till gravy thickens. In a second large pot prepare your potatoes as directed. You can go nicer and actually make mashed potatoes, as I did on the first couple times, but at 9 months pregnant these instant potatoes sure make a good time difference, and taste just as good!

Now layer your meat mixture into a casserole dish, and potatoes on top. This is normally where I add marble cheese, but we were out today so I just threw some seasoning salt on top. Pop it into the oven at 350 for 20 minutes. And voila! Yummy filling dinner. Best part is yummy left overs tomorrow!

Sawyer is basically bumping my computer off my tummy as I type this, so he must have enjoyed it too!

36 Weeks

Back at week 4 I had no idea:

-I wouldn’t be able to wash dishes by hand because I happen to be the right(wrong) height with a massive bump to not be able to reach the sink enough to be near the faucet.

-This same issue applies to the washing machine and the little baby onesies I’m trying to wash in prep, that seem to want to stick to the far bottom side of my top loader.

-I would have so much fluid that it would become a problem. Although it sure makes it easier for him to swim laps in the stretched to capacity pool in there.

-I’d be hitting 3 doctor appointments per week, two monitoring, one regular. That they would involve having two ultrasounds per week since week 32. Ive had more ultrasounds in one month that some women have in an entire pregnancy.

-I would be making my hubby shiver under the covers as I crank the AC

-That the only way I would be able to sleep is with every pillow in the house piled around me.

-That this little boy might be making his appearance in the month of September instead of October.

-That although I have hated chocolate my whole life, when I was told at week 35 I couldn’t have it anymore, it would be all I wanted.

-That I would be so done with being pregnant and want him popping out any day, while still being too terrified to actually want him out and home from the hospital.

-That even when I had nothing to talk about, I would still need to call my mom daily to know that everything I was feeling was normal.

-That so many people would be above generous to this little boy and our family.

-I would be so inspired by this baby that I would discover all the creative projects I could accomplish, including learning to sew and make my own heirloom baby blanket.

-That’s when people told me it was going to be the longest 9 months of my life, they were liars! This has flown by! Where did 36 weeks go.

-That 2 little people could make a big baby!

-That no matter how hard I try I would never be ready for a new baby.

But what I did know, was that me and Brandon would be extending our family, and showering this little baby in love. And That time grows ever closer each day. On Wednesday I was given the go ahead to stop the medication that has been holding back the contractions. Between now and 4 weeks from now little Sawyer will be making his appearance!

Happy Anniversary x2

For those of you who dont know our love story here is the basics. We got married with all our friends and family, with the big dress, the flowers, the dancing and fun on September 12 2008. 2 days later we got separated at the airport where they denied me entrance for 4 months for “attempting to marry for citizenship.” It was extremely heartbreaking to be pulled apart so soon after our wedding. Especially since in my eyes my hubby is Canadian and I could care less about American citizenship. But there is no sense in talking sense to a border patrol officer. There was many tears and lots of paperwork. Brandon got on the next returning flight and we made our plans for the next coming months. We hadnt signed a marriage certificate because we knew it was a possibility of me being detained, but that hadnt changed anything so I called up my officiant and told him the story. He was so kind and offered to redo our ceremony for just us and make it official. So in his living room, with my parents, a week later we said “I do.”

It was a long, hard, struggle for two newlyweds. Two countries apart and only getting to see each other every other weekend. But we made it work. And its been 3 years since that time. I believe it made us stronger and a better couple in the long run. We made it through something in our first weeks of marriage that would be hard on any couple. So now every year, we celebrate on both dates. I always joke that he gets an extra day to make up for it if he forgets the first!

So tonight on our second, third anniversary we will be spending the night in watching “friday night lights” season 2 and having pizza delivered. If thats not romantic I dont know what is! But it is so perfect for us. Plus he did take me out for dinner on the 12 and we had our annual scrabble game. Brandon hates playing scrabble but once a year that board comes out just for me. He is the most amazing man in my life. (until Sawyer makes his appearance anyways…)And I love him with all my heart. Happy 3 years B!

34 Weeks

I had another app today. Lots of ultrasounds, I feel like I know this baby inside and out because we have so many. Today we were making sure everything looks healthy and good. Still measuring high above in fluid. His head is now 38 weeks large. My little Frankenstein. But he is still looking like a big healthy boy! And that’s music to our ears.

But we did discuss all my contractions again. I have been having them for the last 2 weeks and I am on medication to stop/slow them. But I was told today that in 2 more weeks I will be going off the medication. And then it is all up to this little man to see when he wants to come. Which means in 2 weeks we could possibly go into labor! Good gosh! Exciting and terrifying. I guess we wont know till it happens but that’s sure a big palm to my face reminder of all the stuff I still need to get done. Which means special thank you to my fairy godmother for the last item we needed for our nursery! Once that glider is in the nursery I don’t know how I wont spend every minute in there!

One last thing to share. Here is a picture of my monitoring appointment today. This is how I spend 45 minutes, 2 times a week. One band to watch his heart beat, which the little guy seems to think is a hide and seek game. They have to constantly move it, as he is constantly moving. And the other watches my contractions. Its a catch 22, I like to watch it go up and down, but whoa there is a lot of them, and this is on medication! But its sure a peace of mind to have such great care. And the nurses are always super sweet and nice. I have to admit, I almost even enjoy the appointments.

Gallery Wall

Today I had my hubby hang my gallery wall in the nursery. I thought since it was just going to be a big collage it would be easy peasy. So when he gave up with 6 frames left, I thought I would finish it. I learned then that I am not ever meant to hang another item in my house. And also that this bump is seriously getting in the way!

And yes they are all empty or filled with the wrong pictures right now. They will remain that way until I get some baby pictures!!! How exciting to think of those! But I am also using some of them for cute baby quotes and such. Here are some of the options Im thinking about.

And a couple more items to hang above the crib, some paper lanterns, and a rocking chair and we will be all done! I cant believe we are this close! I remember when this room was still Brandon’s office at the beginning of the pregnancy, then it was an extra bedroom, then storage. Its changed almost as much as my body! haha And I just love how much its evolved. I love my nursery. And I already find myself coming up with a million excuses to spend time in there. Good thing since the next couple months will bring an even better reason to be in there!

Family

Be prepared for me to be unbelievably slow in posting this next week. Not only is my sister in law and her little man going to be staying with us! (Yay a little boy in the house) My mother in law is going to spend a couple nights too. And back to back with those visits my mom will be arriving on Monday! Can you say crazy week with the pregnant lady?

And speaking of family, ours is coming along great! We are now on weekly monitoring because the little guys is not so little. Which would explain the massive kicks to the ribs! So yesterday was my first monitoring app, I got to see him on ultrasound yet again, and then sit hooked up to a machine to watch his heart beat and contractions for 30 minutes. And while that sounds uneventful it wasnt! The only other women in the monitoring room went into labor right there and was sent right away to the hospital! How crazy. But she was already 39 weeks. I have just a bit more to go!

Here are my latest ultrasound pictures to share. He looks like a little boy this time! (not like the scary alien in the last one! Ps Im allowed to say that he’s my kid, and yes he totally looked like an alien the last time.) And the right is his foot jammed into me. It was easy to catch since he kicks me all day long! But funny to have it in a picture!

So everyone else enjoy their weekend! I know we will.

300 times a day.

Children laugh 300 times a day and we only laugh 15-100. How can that be. Is that why I always want to see the whole through a child’s eyes? I think who ever can up with this stat needs to spend a week in my house.

Just this morning my hubby was telling me of his brother’s loving gesture to his wife on their anniversary. (Congrats guys on five years!) Of course just hearing the idea was enough to get anyone’s eyes misty. But he proceeded to tell me that’s not his style and that he would rather see my smile instead of tears. Cue Awww.

And he’s so right. That’s his style. laughter runs through our house more than anything in the else. In fact our whole relationship has been like that. The night he proposed there was non stop jokes (at my expense!) His wedding speech to me included a detailed description of how hairy my legs were on our first date. And every day since he can always make me laugh. Even when we are in the middle of a fight and its the last thing I want to do. (which is usually why I try to hide from him when I’m really pissed. Then he cant cheat.) I’m sure when I’m in labor he’ll be trying the same thing. And who knows maybe it will work haha. Though trust me I’m not counting on it!

Its something I truly treasure about our relationship. I hope you have someone in your life that makes you laugh as much as possible. Life too short not to laugh 300 times a day.

The Help

Its one of my favorite books. I read it last September. I started it on the first day of our vacation home. I was finished it 3 days later. I couldn’t put it down. The story take place in 1960’s in small town Jackson, Mississippi. Its about the controversy of the black maids working in the white households. There are many stress points in these ladies lives, including taking care of and loving the white ladies children and dealing with shared indoor plumbing.

The story really takes off when a young white girl who dreams of being a published writer starts a project interviewing these maids about their experiences. It witty, emotional, and an amazing story beginning to end. I cant even tell you how excited I have been waiting for the movie. But then we won advanced screening tickets! So tonight I got to see it a week before everyone else!

I was first in line, 30 weeks pregnant and waiting 2 hours early. (everyone has to be there 2 hours early but still) I was too excited. It doesn’t disappoint. Its the best book to movie adaptation Ive seen. I now know why its so long (2 hrs 17 min) because they dont leave anything out! Wow. I was impressed they covered it all. The cast is fantastic! Viola Davis brings Aibileen’s character to life in every way. Octavia Spencer brought Minnie’s character even further. I want to know her personally all over again! Minnie and Celia have a realistic humorous relationship that you cant help but love. And Emma Stone actually pulled off Skeeter better than I originally thought.

If you are looking for your summer feel good movie, you’ve found it. Ive never seen an audience react so well to a movie like this. There is laughter and tears to go around the entire movie. And the tears are not even all sad, most of them are happy tears as you feel so touched by a characters experience. Its a must see. So go get together for a girls night, or do as I did and drag your husband along. Although it wouldn’t have been his first choice, he did admit it was very well done.

The casting, the characters, the script not veering from the book, the sets and costumes. Everything was right on. I felt like I was in the south in the 1960’s. Doesn’t hurt that Im an addict of everything 60’s! I really would have thrived. I know in the book club questions it asks you to pick a character you would be. Most women say Skeeter, because we all wish we could be her, but lets face it not many of us in those times would be so daring. And Im not saying we’re all Miss Hilly’s either. I imagine myself as Miss Celia Foote. Just looking for a good friend. If you have read or see the movie I would love to hear who everyone else finds a special connection with.

And through all of this the only important thing to take from this post is go read the book first, if you havent already, and then see the movie. You will love both!

My 24th Birthday!

This year I turn 24. I celebrate my 3rd anniversary. I am going to give birth to my first child. I was a red head. I travelled to LA, London, Colorado, and Calgary. I will be published twice. And my cupcake business is taking off. But most importantly I am surrounded by love. Family and friends.

My birthday was no exception. With my mom here as a surprise it was already better. We kicked off the day early, I made my own cake of course! And I got to try a new decorating technique. Ruffle frosting. Loved it, easy and beautiful. It was a lemon cake, my favorite since getting pregnant. With pink frosting, because I think its going to be the last pink around the house for awhile! So here is my Pink Lemonade Ruffle Cake!

I loved it! So for the rest of the day my mom gave me another amazing present. She helped (By help I mean she did it all) Me clean my house. Not like she did the dishes, no she organized and deep cleaned almost every room in my house. This belly gets in the way for sure so this was truly an amazing gift! Even if it meant we spent my birthday cleaning. We met up with our family friends for dinner at BJ’s, My favorite broc and cheese soup and pizookies for dessert. Yes I had dessert and birthday cake. Do you often get the excuse that your pregnant and its your birthday!

After dinner we all went back to my house for cake! A beautiful rendition of Happy Birthday, and then it was all over. Until next year when Birthday week makes its way into our home again! But this year is going to be hard to top! Thanks all the wonderful birthday wishes from everyone!