Election Day....

I am so happy today is Election Day. Not because we are overtly political, or even a tiny smote of political.... I am just anxious to get those Ads off of my TV! "He said, She said..." "Liar/ Deceiver...." Oh man, give me a break, and get today over with so they aren't in my face any more.

So get out there, and go vote! Make your voice and opinion heard! :)

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Here is my latest Belly shot for ya'll. This is me about 21 weeks along... over halfway. There is no mistaking it now!



As for the new baby's name... I think we have settled on it. We are 90% sure of what its going to be. And I'm more positive than Nate. But I do think we are going to wait a while before announcing. Some of you do know his name... my Pumpkins and yes~ some of my Chicks (Kim G! ;)

Yesterday Seth did the cutest thing! Every once in a while I'll tell him that mommy has a baby in her belly, and he'll just look at my belly like its an alien. Yesterday he saw a baby on TV and called out "Baby! Baby!" I agreed with him, and then asked where mommy's baby was? He lifted my shirt to bare my tummy, and smiled, and then he started waving "hello" to the baby! I about died, it was so precious!

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Workin my first shift last Saturday was a looong day. And the wrong day to wear new shoes! LOL~ they weren't bad, but 9 hours NOT in tennis shoes proved brutal to my toes. I got home at 7:30 and just bombed on the couch. Nate rubbed my toes, but I swear I waddled like a little old lady when I had to get up, LOL!

I worked again last night (and I wore my Nike's!). Actually I thought my shift was from 1 to 10... so I drove my 30 min there and found out I wasn't on till 5 pm! LOL! So I went home, and went back. Turns out since I'm seasonal they aren't even going to train me on registers. (sigh). Two months of nothing but folding and straightening. Kinda sucks, but it'll do. At least its cute stuff!

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Week 7's recipe thread is up. And its a GREAT one this week! Come on over and share your favorite COOKIE & CANDY RECIPES with us!

Happy Tuesday!

Fun....

You can search your name and see how many people in the US have your name... Pretty neat...

HowManyOfMe.com

There are: 236 people with my name in the U.S.A. How many have your name?

For my DH Nate~ 79 people
for my ds Seth~ 47
for our new son~ 131

How many people have your name?

Bits & Scraps....

I didn't sleep very well last night.... we were out of power all night! I woke up sometime after 1 am and noticed the power was out. So Nate and I ended up cuddling a little more to share body heat, and that kept me awake because I kept thinking and wondering if Seth was warm enough!

The power and the heat kicked back on about 9 am this morning.

I am working my first shift tomorrow. I think they want to kill me! Its from 10-7! Nine hours on my preggo feet.... I'm a little nervous about that!

Trick or Treating Tuesday night was alot of fun. It was rainy, but we still got a good turnout. Seth LOVED all the people coming to the door, he'd run over and yell "HI" to everyone. Once everyone got their candy, he'd yell "THANK YOU!" to everyone, it was a riot.

Towards the end we dressed him in his Elmo costume to greet people, and then we decided to try Trick or Treating with him. He was a little Pro, the whole time. We only took him to the 4 closest houses, but he said "Trick or Treat" he held out his bag, he walked on the sidewalk, like he'd been doing it all night.

When we got home I let him have a couple pieces of candy. Next year will be great fun!

Holly McCaig's Trick or Treat kit, Amy Martin's folded ribbon, Michelle Coleman's Stamped Alpha, and Pea Jenny Script.

Willow by Carrie Stephens, folded ribbon by Amy Martin, fastener by Debbie Pearson, flowers by Sausan, Dearest Swash font.

Here is my newest kit! Mulberry Cider is now available at The Digi Chick!


Mulberry Cider is a warm and juicy kit, packed with flavor and spices. This unique and colorful kit is guaranteed to draw all eyes to your digital project.

Included in Mulberry Cider are 8 shabby and worn textured papers, 4 glass brads, 3 stitched tags, 3 hung ribbons, 3 stamps, 2 photo corners, and 1 flower. Also included is a full alpha and numeral set in beautiful stamp form.

You can get Mulberry Cider HERE.

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I'm a little late tihs week, but the new weekly recipe thread is up and running! We could use some more recipes, so come on over and share your favorite BEEF RECIPES.

TGIF!!

Scrapbook Trends....

Do you have a subscription to Scrapbook Trends Magazine? If you don't, I really think you should! I ordered a subscription a couple months back, and have really been enjoying them. Not only are the LO's fresh, the pages are full of them! Another thing that really grabs at me is that the pages feature LOTS of digital scrap pages! I think they try to do equal justice to both sides of the art, and that tickles me.

Last month they picked up one of my LO's about Seth. It was featured in their Reader Gallery, and it was my first major paper publication.

An article contributer, Kara Henry, had contacted Laura at The Digi Chick about using my City Limits: Uptown Chic kit. She does a monthly mini-album, and she was looking to use my kit to feature a digital album! What an honor! Of course I said "YES!"

I received my Nov. Issue yesterday, and there it was.... starting on page 34.... Uptown Chic in all of it's Glory. Six pages of my kit used to create a mini album on Thankfulness. Ms. Henry did a great job if you ask me!

I am so proud and so tickled! Of all the kits she could have chosen, and she went with mine. A huge honor and it's a humbling honor.

Here is a preview of my kit at The Digi Chick. The City Limits 2-Kit collection are one of my favorites, and I hear that scrappers are very pleased with both kits, one very girly and fresh, and the other very boyish and dirty.

You can get it HERE (click me).

Happy Halloween....

Halloween Tips:

1. When it appears that you have killed the monster, NEVER check to see if it's really dead.

2. Never read a book of demon summoning aloud, even as a joke.

3. Do not search the basement, especially if the power has gone out. If the breakers are in the basement, go to another house.

4. If your children speak to you in Latin or any other language whichthey should not know, shoot them immediately. It will save you a lotof grief in the long run. However, it will probably take several rounds to kill one, so be prepared. This instruction also applies to kids who speak with somebody else's voice.

5. When you have the benefit of numbers, NEVER pair off and split up.

6. As a general rule, don't solve puzzles that open portals to Hell.

7. Never stand in, on, or above a grave, tomb, or crypt. This would apply to any other house of the dead as well.

8. If you're searching for something which caused a loud noise and find out that it's just the cat, GET THE HECK OUT.

9. If appliances start operating by themselves, do not check for short circuits. Just get out.

10. Do not take ANYTHING from the dead.

11. If you find a town which looks deserted, there's probably a good reason for it. Do not stop and look around.

12. Don't fool with recombinant DNA technology. Even if you're sureyou know what you're doing. Especially if you're sure you know whatyou're doing.

13. If you're running from the monster, expect to trip or fall downat least twice. Also note that, despite the fact that you are runningand the monster is merely shambling along, it's still moving fast enough to catch up with you.

14. If your companions suddenly begin to exhibit uncharacteristicbehavior such as hissing, fascination for blood, glowing eyes, increasing hairiness, and so on, kill them immediately.

15. Stay away from certain geographical locations, some of which are listed here: Amityville, Elm Street, Transylvania, Nilbog (you're introuble if you recognize this one), the Bermuda Triangle, or anysmall town in Maine.

16. If your car runs out of gas at night on a lonely road, do not goto the nearby deserted looking house to phone for help. If you thinkthat it's all strange because you thought you had half of a tank,shoot yourself instead. You are going to die anyway, and most likely be eaten.

17. If you find that your house is built upon a cemetery, now is thetime to move in with the in-laws. This applies to houses that hadprevious inhabitants who went mad or died in some horrible fashion, or had inhabitants who performed satanic practices in your house.

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Happy Halloween from Elmo and me!!

Sniffles & Sneezies...

Happy Monday readers!

Today is Nate's day off, so when we woke up this morning we headed off to breakfast at Waffle House! It's a half hour drive to the closest one, but I swear they have the BEST ham and cheese omelette and hashbrowns. Nate had regular eggs and hashbrowns, and Seth had a scrambled egg and some grits. YUMM! Thus the reason for my late entry this morning, but this is a treat we only get to do a few times a year.

(sniffle sniffle...... ACHOO!)

Guess who has the sniffles and sneezies? Uggg....me. And being pregnant, there's not much I can do about that. It's not a very bad cold, just enough to be annoying and tiring. At the moment my right nostril is completely plugged. One good thing is that Seth can pratice his "BESS EW!" In Seth-speak that is "bless you", by the way. And he will say it over and over till you thank him. What a cutie!

Seth has learned this nifty trick (insert eyeroll) of taking his diaper off, and leaving his onesie intact! Like u.n.d.i.e.s, I guess. Which leaves me with a delimma... should I leave him be and risk wet sheets, or diaper him up and risk an abrupt end to his nap? I end up diapering him back up, but this has started turning into a daily and nightly ritual, so last night Nate and I tried something new. We wrapped electrical tape around the waist of his diaper. It worked! Hopefully it will continue to do so. Worse comes to worse, I'll have to cut the feet off a pair of his jammies and turn them around so they zip up the back.

(ACHOO! ACHOO!)

Look at that face! Isn't he so handsome! This picture really makes me sigh. I can see the hint of young boy in that face, it looks older than all of his 2 years.

TGIF....

Last night we went to check out the bunk beds, and they aren't going to work. It's a twin over a full bunk bed. I already have the bedding for 2 twins, and I don't care for that style anyways.

So Nate is going to design a set and build them himself. He's pretty good with woodwork, we already have a pretty hopechest for me, and Seth has his rocking horse and toychest. Bunk beds shouldn't be too bad.

All the plans I've seen on the web look crappy and outdated, so I found the bed I like at PBK (of course ;) ) So I'm going to have Nate model his plans after this bed...

Pottery Barn Kids Bunk Bed

Except, it will most likely be pine and stained pine. I'm really hoping he can have this done by Christmas. We'll see. I don't think we'll attach the ladder till Seth moves up to the top bunk and Baby Boy takes the bottom.

Also, last night Baby Boy was finally kicking hard enough for Nate to feel. So Nate felt our little guy kicking for a few moments. It was so sweet, Nate always gets the goofiest grin on his face when that happens.

We took Seth to the park yesterday for a shoot of him in his Elmo costume. We went on the fitness trail to get the shots and as people ran or walked by they all made comments about how cute he was.

You should have seen me last night when I dressed him in it. I was bent over laughing hysterically! He looked like he was a little Ewok from Star Wars, and that Elmo was eating his head... you'll see when I post some pics!

That's about it.... no real plans today. Except for working on a new kit and watching General Hospital at 3pm... YAY! Laura has come back! And watching Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin tonight!

Momentous....

A couple of things have happened the past couple of days that are momentous.

One: It looks like my second blog is doing it's job. It's my Trading-Security.com Fraud blog. I hadn't checked it in a long while. I guess it was kind of a repression, I really don't like to think or dwell on what happened. It just makes me mad and sick all over again. But I went on to check it, and lo and behold, I've actually been helping people! This really excites me! I have quite a few comments talking about how they've been saved from the scam because of my blog. Turns out that it does turn up in the Google Search Engine. Right now, it's the third one down, and actually quoted in an Ebay Forum, but I'll take what I can get, LOL! Also, I have had plenty of people also quote their emails from this scammer in the comments section, and they are the same word for word, except for the name and email address.

So you know what I did? LOL~ I sent a Paypal request of the amount of the ring to 4 different emails left on that blog! ROFLOL! Not that I actually expect to get paid, but I'm hoping to let the scammer know that I was able to track him down a bit, and that there are lots of people coming "on to him."

I also was able to email with another lady a bit, who was involved in a scam of her own. Her theory is, is that the scammer is actually a Fed Ex employee! My Word! She noticed that her item was scanned onto the Fed Ex truck at 6:53pm and delivered at 6:54pm the same day. I checked my tracking info, and its the same thing... scanned in at 3:31, and delivered at 3:32.

Now I'm not sure if the item is scanned when its being brought off the truck, but can you imagine if this theory is true?

Two: You are now talking to the new associate of Baby Gap! Right now, our finances are really tight and we do have some debt. I really enjoy being a Stay At Home Mom, its the best. But I thought I could just get a small part time job for the Holiday Season. It'll just be a couple days a week, for the next 2 months. We are going to take that extra money and pay it on our debt, and that way we are extra prepared for this new baby, and don't have to worry as much.

I went in, filled out an Application, and had an immediate interview, from where she hired me instantly. It already looks like fun~ all the associates at the registers were laughing and joking with each other. The discount isn't bad either (for all Gaps, Old Navy, and Banana Republic)! And its just till Christmas. I told them I could only work the days Nate has off, or the evenings he can be home to watch Seth. So no Sundays or Wednesdays, period.

No worries, I still plan on designing! :) I actually have something in the works, I am really hoping to get that done this week!

That's that.... today Nate and I are off to look at a bunk bed for the new Big Boy Room we are going to start putting together soon.... :)

Happy Thursday!

Random Tangent....

I have a secret. I'm actually thrilled with it!

Sssshhhh... are you ready? OK, here goes..... I am done with our Christmas Cards. Did you hear me? LOL! Yeppers, just about all done. All I have to do is upload to Winkflash and order by the first of December. I'm not going to show it here on the blog quite yet. Why, you ask? Well, because it's not even Halloween yet, and that would be just silly!

Speaking of Halloween. The county I live in has a very strange tradition. They don't trick or treat ON Halloween. The papers always announce the night it really is, usually the Friday before. Isn't that strange? To trick or treat on the 28th, rather than the 31st? I don't like it. I've lived here over 3 years and still haven't gotten used to it.

And talk about looking funny... Wasn't this a cute sight to wake up to this morning.... LOL! What a ham I have! He was also trying to put on the glove that is laying at his feet.

I am in a Scrap Funk. I have no LO's done, and no real desire to design. And it's not like I have any real ideas right now anyways. This seems to happen to me every few months. I think it was July last time. Where I just don't really do anything for a period of time. It's OK. But I am starting to feel unproductive.

Okey Dokey... or as Seth would say, "O dokey dokey" with that singsong lilt at the end, must get a move on. Today is Laundrey day, and I'm looking at about 4 loads. Thanks for the encouragement yesterday. I really appreciate it!

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New recipe thread is up and running at DST. This week it is Chicken. So come on over and share your favorite recipes! :)

The Big Reveal....

This past weekend went pretty good. My mom and I hit the Outlets Friday morning, and she treated me to a couple Maternity dresses for church this winter. She also treated me to a pretty lavender colored satin pajama set and SOFT robe for the Hospital stay.

Then Saturday was Mustang/ Nate's BirthDay dinner/ Reveal Day.

We are still having some problems with our Jetta. Our Engine light keeps coming off and on, and we keep having diagnostics done and we keep fixing what it says to fix, but it is becoming a nightmare. For instance, Friday night the diagnostic said that the 2nd fuel injector is bad, so Nate buys a new one and changes it. Nothing happens, it is still running badly, so Saturday morning he takes it, runs another diagnostic, and this time it says 1 & 3 are bad! WTHeck?!?!?!

Anyways, I digress. While Nate and my Dad are working on the Jetta, the '66 Mstang gets dropped off. You should have seen Nate's face when he came around the corner of our driveway. It was classic!




And just because I think it's cute....


That afternoon we head to the town where our dinner is, and hit the Mall and Barnes & Noble there. My parents drove with Seth, and we took the Mustang. It was so fun! We noticed lots of head turns and stares, and Nate was so proud to drive it, I am so happy that surprise worked out.

Dinner went great. We ate at a Japenese Steak House, where they cook right in front of you. Both sets of parents only get together once every couple years, last time was the first week Seth was born. So that was fun.

Desert came around, and My mom cut the cake. Right before they were all talking about how they think its a girl (Mom & Father-In-Law) Mother-In-Law said boy...

Blue cake is revealed and I sense slight disappointment from my mom, but she was happy enough. FIL said "It HAS to be a girl next time."

Which brings me to my next rant! WTHeck are people thinking?

Sunday at church we were telling people it was a boy, and I got so many "Awwww... really?" or a sag of the shoulders and a "It is?" Uh hello! It's still a child with feelings, not to mention a pregnant hormonal mother! People were dissappointed! And letting me know! What in the world? That upset me....

Anyways, it was a great weekend.

Another Burns Boy....

It looks like MOST of you were WRONG! LOL!

It looks like another Burns BOY is on the way.I really did want a little girl, and I am having some feelings of disappointment right now. I'm sure that I'll get over it in time. I was really hoping for long hair and pierced ears, and little dresses.... I even bought a couple little newborn girly dresses. I guess that they can just stay in my Hope Chest.

He looks perfect, so I really need to be happy about that. And now on to finding the perfect boy's name.




I've already baked my blue cake for tomorrow night's dinner. I couldn't very well do it while my mom was here, or that would give it away.

Yesterday I did make myself feel better. I went ahead and ordered the new Baby's Big Boy Room bedding!

We aren't going to redecorate the nursery for him, and the 2 boys will share a room when they can. So I went ahead and ordered another quilt and sham, so their bedding can match!

Pottery Barn Kids Blue Stars Bedding

It is going to look so cute in some bunk beds! I'm a dork, I know! So... any name suggestions? Something not too popular and goes well with our last name and with Seth's name?

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Amy, you asked about the font I used in my new photog signature. It's called Albemarle Swash. I love it, its a new favorite of mine! Enjoy!

Today is the Day....

Today is the day.

Today we find out what is baking in my little oven. Is it Pink? It is Blue? Is it a little elephant like Seth says? Most importantly, is it healthy? Is everything there?

I actually have to run and jump in the shower, and start drinking my Sunny Delight. I'm pumping this kid full of sugar like I did Seth. I want to make sure we see all the bits and pieces.

Leave your guess in the comments! Do you think I'm carrying a girl or a boy?

Clues~
Pregnancy is not remarkable different. Didn't get Morning Sickness with either pregnancy. Heartburn is the same.

Was more tired with Seth, fell asleep more often. Couldn't stomach tomato sauce with Seth, but craves it with this pregnancy. Drank water OK with Seth, but tap water tasted like dirt for first 4 months with this one.

Carrying about the same size, if not a tiny bit smaller.

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Nate's birthday yesterday went really well. When he came home, I made him do a scavenger hunt for his Birthday gifts, and he smiled the whole time. It was fun! He loved everything I gave him. But of course his dinner and his cake were his crowning glories. When I asked him how he felt about turning 30, he said he didn't "feel a day over 29." LOL! Seriously, he doesn't care. It not a big deal to him.

Happy 30th Nate....

Happy Birthday to My Sweet Nate!!!

Today is Nate's 30th. Wow.... we met right before he turned 23. So weird that this is his 7th Bithday we've celebrated. I baked his homemade Carrot Cake last night (his life-long tradition) and I have a store bought Carrot cake going now. I am making carrot cake/ cream cheese/ white chocolate Cake Balls for Youth Group tonight.

I can't wait to him to get home from his folk to open presents and such!

I'll have pictures tomorrow!

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Nate's Carrot Cake

2 cups sugar
1 1/2 cups oil
4 eggs
2 1/4 cups Self Rising flour
2 TBS salt
2 TBS cinnamon
4 cups grated carrots

Combine sugar, oil, and eggs. Beat at medium for 2 minutes. Sift dry ingredients together. Add to oil mixture and beat at low for 1 minute. Add grated Carrots and beat till well mixed. PAM and flour a 13x9 pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 60- 70 minutes.

Cream Cheese Frosting

1 package cream cheese
1 TBS vanilla
1/4 cup butter
1 cup powdered sugar

Let cream cheese and butter warm to room temperature. Beat them together and add vanilla. Gradually beat in powdered sugar. Spread on top of cooled Carrot Cake.

*** tip: I usually buy baby carrots and just put them in my food processor!

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THANK YOU for all the reassuring words about Seth's tiny heart murmer. It is comforting to hear them, and I do feel less disconcerted. Thank you again friends!

Have a blessed Wednesday!

A Murmer....

Hi guys! Back from Seth's 2 year check-up.

You know... they really should let you know when you are going to have to wait for a long time. Seth's appointmentt was at 9:15. We didn't get called in until 10:15, and didn't see the Doc until 10:30! My Word! Thats really just inappropriate, you know? Its not like I was at the end of the day or anything. Just very annoying.

Seth's Stats~

wt: 28.2 lbs (50%)
ht: 35 in (70%)

He got his Hepatitis A shot and his Flu shot. The Doctor came in and was doing all the normal check-up stuff. He said his lip looks great and will be fantastic when all finished healing. The doc then laughed and let me know that Seth's eyes are the perfect mix of brown and hazel, apparently that's rare? Anyways!

I noticed that the Doctor was spending alot of time with the stethescope listening to Seth's chest. It was starting to make me nervous.

Turns out that Seth has a heart murmer. Apparently it is so slight, that they just hadn't heard it till today. The Doctor says it is nothing to worry about, it is the kind that comes and goes. He says that MOST people have a murmer, you just have to listen long enough. He said that we just need to be aware in case we ever rush him to the Hospital with a fever, so that they don't think his heart has an infection.

Do any of your children have a murmer? I'm not terribly worried, but I'm not having a picnic over this either.

Doc commented on his character, and how he was full of life! I LOL and told him that was because he had just finished his tantrum out in the waiting room.

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To answer a quick question from yesterday, the camera I used for last year's Christmas card was a 3 mp automatic digital camera. It was right before I got my Nikon D70s dSLR. So anyone can get that shot! I did make sure the flash was turned off. Hope that helps!

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This week's new Recipe Thread is up! It's Breads and Rolls this time! Come and share your favorites! YUMM!

How-To's and Application....

Thanks so much for the compliments on last year's card! You know... I just realized I never scrapped that picture.... hmmm....

Some of you had How-To questions about my Christmas card... very easy!

I shot it in the daytime against a black sheet (I'm buying black fleece this year) near a window with sunlight. Then I touched it up a bit in PS. I burned the black darker, added a slight glow to the whole picture. Then I took a starbrush and brushed it over a few of the lights (which were on) to make them look like they are twinkling.

Here is the brush~

Starbrush

There you go! It wasn't that hard. Some people just try to do this at night.. but then you don't get crisp pics of the kid. Hope this helps!

Let me know if you have any other questions!

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My weekend was pretty good! I generally like this retreat. It was a bit harder this fall because I forgot a book and had some boring down time, but other than that it was great. The speaker and the praise music were fantastic, and I think our kids took alot away from them. As a group we had a good time, I had daily Starbucks, and we hit the mall Sat. afternoon. I stopped at Gymboree to get that burgandy vest featured on their website, but they didn't have it in Seth's size. I looked around Baby Gap, and ended up finding a red vest for $10 cheaper, and it'll do the job just fine (for Christmas pictures).

Some middle schooler girl totally walked in on me while I was in one of the showers. I am already a modest girl, but I probably scarred her for life the way my belly poked out and such... LOL!

Other than that, and the lack of sleep, everything was a good time! The speaker kept stressing the point that as middle schoolers, you are always saying "when I grow up...." and how that even applies to their faith. Even adults say "when you grow up you can make a difference..." But this speaker was stressing the truth that even today, even right now they can make a difference NOW. They shouldn't wait, they don't have to wait. I thought it was great to hear, and hopefully many will apply the message.

STARBUCKS: I had 3 drinks. The first night I had their Caramel Apple Cider. Yummm! Very tasty and delish. The next day I tried their Maple Macchiato for the first time. I didn't care for it so much. It was just.... "'eh." Sunday I went back to one of my faves.... the Pumpkin SPice Latte. GREAT stuff! It just isn't the Fall season without one of those.

Nate took these 3 days off to go help his dad to work to their house. They have been in this remodel stage for 3 years and can't seem to finish and every once in a while Nate will go to help my Father-in-law. Nate will be back Wed afternoon, which is also his 30th Bday.

Surprises & Holiday Cards....

I got a fabulous surprise in the mail yesterday! Katie's (my wonderful digi friend!) boyfriend worked with one of my favorite authors on a book. (got that? LOL, clear as mud?) Her boyfriend was the graphic artist that worked with Jodi Picoult in her newest book, The Tenth Circle. Anyways, Katie knew how much of a fan I was of Jodi's, and she got her to autograph her newest book for me, and she mailed it to me. I got it yesterday, and I am so thrilled! LOL, its like a treasure.

Here's the book if you're interested!

The Tenth Circle

I am so excited to dive in and read what I know is going to be yet another terrific and heart pounding read! Thanks again Katie, you are simply the best! :)

Today I have to get the house ready for Gramma. She's coming to watch Seth for us this weekend, while Nate and I are on retreat with some middle schoolers. Lots of sports stuff and seminars with all the surrounding area Youth. Its always fun. I actually like the Middle School one better than the High School one (in April) b/c the MS one the kids are unconcerned about appearances, so they yell and clap, and they are all in PJ's. The HS one, it all about "cool" and a fashion show, KWIM?

I am also excited, because it means daily Starbucks, and a trip to the Mall with some cool girls, LOL! I am looking for something Christmasy for Seth, so I can get his Christmas Cards done early. I just saw that if you make your Holiday Card Order BEFORE 12.01.06, you can take off 40% at Winkflash.com. Use the code RT43WE87.

I am totally taking and using Jenn's JOY idea. You can see her Card HERE. I've already ordered the Letters from Pottery Barn Kids, and I need to get some black fleece for a backdrop. Once I get everything, Holiday card shooting shall commence.

This was our card last year.. and it was a big hit~

OY!!! A nekid baby just ran by..............

Dreams....

I have been having very vivid dreams of late. I usually have bizarre and elaborate dreams, but this past week has been something else. Last night was no exception. It was like a Soap Opera all night... with the same characters and ongoing storyline. Which is kind of weird, b/c even after I got up at around 4 am to relieve myself, I went back to bed and picked up where I left off.

There were all kinds of people from my college days, all my old buddies. Not unheard of, since Homecoming was last weekend and we couldn't make it, so they were all on my mind. Nate was there.... and that's where I'll leave you, LOL! Let's say, that I was not very happy with Nate when I woke up this morning, LOL!

I have been an Online shopping fool lately...

I've been to Old Navy and ordered the following 2 maternity outfits. I hope they get here very soon!

It was 75 degrees the past few days, but it has been forecasted to get very cold this weekend! I've also got a CD coming for Nate's Birthday. Christian Artist Riley Armstrong's newest La Loop CD. We LOVED his Whatever the Weather CD, and I know this new one won't disappoint. If you are looking for something fresh, a bit funky, and quirky, definitely give Riley a try!

I have also been doing some research on Studio Lighting. I'd love to get a small studio set up going, for Christmas. However, once I add up all the essentials to get started, it looks unfeasible. Especially since the new bean is due just a couple months after Christmas, and we might need to stock up stuff for him/her. Kind of bums me out.

Seth has been somewhat difficult lately. He's my snuggler one minute, then is mad at me, and tries to hit me and run. The boy has a temper, and I'm really praying that it kilters out over the next year.

He's picking up more and more words lately. My favorite is Okey Dokey. I'll say it to him, and he'll do his best to repeat it. "oh-dokey-dokey" is what usually comes out, and it is SO cute from his 2 year old lips, in this sing-song voice.

(Insert Witty Title Here)....

Very uneventful Doctor's appointment yesterday. Baby's heartbeat was 158. I've gained 4 lbs this past month. That is a total of 8 or 9 I think?

I wanted to clear an earlier ultrasound with my Doc, b/c it was scheduled right after all of our family left from Nate's birthday party. It was going to be on the 24th.

Dr said it was fine to go ahead a couple days early for the Big US, so now its the 19th! She said if they don't get everything they need, we'll just have to repeat the US. Both of us were like "Not a Problem, LOL!"

And Yep! My Dr is Preggo too! I still couldn't tell very well under her scrubs, so I asked the receptionist on the way out, and she said, yep, and that Dr was due end of Nov or so... Fun!

So in about 8 days I hope to know whether this baby is Pink or Blue!

I need a creative way to tell our parents what the sex is... Any ideas? We'll be in a restaurant, and it'll happen after dinner.

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I wanted to show this jewelry to you. Lucy Ann Jewelry.

Obviously, mine says "Seth" LOL! ;)

You can actually get different shapes too (star, square)...I'm planning on getting one for each of my kids (I want 3... and already have Seth's). They will engrave the birthdate (or up to 2 lines) on the back of the disc. Anyways.. I highly recommend!

They even have charms with up to 2 kids on them, so you could get just one, if you only have 2 kids, or if you have twins or something like that!

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I tried something new for dinner last night.... Baked Potatoes in the crock pot! I rubbed them in butter, wrapped them in foil, and they cooked on low for most of the day. I had heard they are really good this way and deffinitely ready by dinner time.

It worked! The skins were soft, the inside soft! No more guessing if they are done from the oven or not. And I could mix and match now... if I want a baked sweet potato, throw that in instead!

Which reminds me, this weeks new Recipe Thread is up and running at DST. Vegetables & Side Dishes. Come on over and share some of your favorites!

30th Birthday Planning....

SPOILER ALERT NATE! Don't read ahead if you are married to me... ;)

So Birthday shopping was fun on Saturday. The weather was gorgeous... so gorgous for this time of year here. The temp was 75* and the skies were so clear. Nate had gone up to his folks to help his dad do some work around their house. So I thought I'd take advantage and do a little Bday shopping for him. He turns the Big 30 on Wed. the 18th.

First I ordered this cute Bday set from Oriental Trading.... LOL!

For those of you that don't know... Nate is a big Poison Dart Frog Breeder. I have a basement full of tanks and beautifully colored frogs. Nate also sells them on the side, you can see his site here... Jungle Jumpers.

You can also see more pictures of our frogs HERE. Scroll down to March 27, Digi-Gal of the Day post!

So anyways, since it is a milestone Bday for the man, I wanted to get him a nice big present too. He has been eyeing these frogs for some time, so we decided to go ahead and get 3 of them. They are really pretty in real life. The bronze part is metallic!

So anyways, on Saturday I packed of Seth and we headed for the Grove City Outlets, and there I picked Nate up a sweater and button down shirt from the Gap, and a game each for his PS2 & PSP.

My parents are coming for a visit the weekend right after his Birthday, so I made reservations at a Japenese Steak House for all of us, and Nate's parents that following Saturday night. Its is going to be so much fun, it is the kind of place where they cook right in front of you.

My favorite surprise is this..... Nate's FAVORITE car is a 1966 Ford Mustang. A man in our church restores them and sells them afterwards. We are in no way shape or form able to get one for Nate yet... (maybe when he turns 40, LOL!) But this nice man has agreed to let me borrow his personal and prized burgandy '66 Stang for the day. Nate is going to get to drive it all day, and wherever he likes! I CANNOT wait to see his face when he sees the car pull up to the curb on that Saturday!

So there you go! Off to get ready for my 16 week appointment with my OB. An update on that tomorrow! Happy Columbus Day all! And Happy Thanksgiving to my Canadian Friends!

Wierdo times 5....

I was tagged by very sweet Sara. I have to list 5 weird things about me and tag 5 other people to do the same.

1. I can not sleep if my closet door is even open an inch. Who knows what might be inside? LOL~ seriously, Nate knows to check it and make sure it is closed for me when he gets in bed.

2. I love a good ham steak, but I hate deli ham. Wierd, I know!

3. I can pack away food like you can't believe. It is almost like I don't have an off switch. There are times I can out eat Nate, and he'll readily admit it.

4. I have been really great this year with staying on top of getting my LO's printed.... but I have been TERRIBLE about getting my actual photos printed! Shock! I've never gone longer than a month or 2 getting stuff printed before.... but this year.... well, lets just say I got our Christmas pictures back last week! (blush)

5. I am a big fan of "A" names. Especially on girls. Maybe it is b/c all my sisters and I had "A" names, but I think they are very feminine and pretty. And yes, there are a couple "A" names that we are considering if this wee bean is a girl. :)

I have to tag some more people. I'll tag some Chicks:

Angela
Angelina
Michelle
Rachel
Val

I am off to do some Birthday shopping for my hubby today! No idea what to get him, but I'll know when I see it, LOL!

A Boy & His Car...

OK... LOST last night was excellent! There seems to be some disagreement about that, but in my opinion, it was fantastic. The first couple minutes, where they show the commune? Wow! I guess that means that they know where they are and can get back to where they want to... so hmmm...

My question is... Isn't Juliet, Desmond's girlfriend? From last season?

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Car repair is really a joke! We found out that some coil has gone bad in the engine, and that is what is causing it to run bad. Auto Zone charges $130 for the part, the VW dealership charges $270 for the part and repair! **choke** Yeah... um, Nate will be doing this repair. Also a joke~ our cup holder is broken. It is this flimsy piece of plastic that pops out of the dash. We asked how much a new one would cost. $90. Are they serious? $90 for a piece of plastic guaranteed to break again? Riiight. We'll deal.

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So here are the pictures I took two days ago at the park. I love this first one, my little guy is so sweet! Let me tell you though.... Getting my kid to crack a smile was NOT happening! LOL~ This kid has turned into a turkey when I pull out the camera, he does the exact opposite of what I want!

Nikon D70s, 50 mm, manual

ETA~ these look a bit soft here on the blog, they aren't that soft in My Pictures nor my PS CS2.


Meanings 1 Kit by Jen Wilson, fonts Adler & Susie's Hand, Steph K's torn edges, and Michelle Colemen stitching.

Journaling reads: my heart, my joy, my anger, my frustration, my patience, my adventure, my exploration, my ceaseless chase, my giggle, my blush, my peace, my love, mine.

Updates....

For those of you have been asking... here is a recent belly shot. I am 16 weeks ( 4 mos.) and have popped! Please excuse my lack of make up, LOL!

Lip Update~ Here is Seth's lip as of yesterday... I think it's looking good!


Hmmm... what else? I have to run the Jetta in to Nate in an hour or so. We are having some problems and our check engine light is on. Our gas meter has also stopped working, and we are relying on watching the mileage. So we are taking it in for tests, and ***fingers crossed*** hopefully it is stuff Nate can fix on his own once we find out what it is. Nate is really handy with auto mechanics, we are blessed that way!

Seth and I took a quick trip to the park yesterday to take advantage of the nice weather. Of course a prop or 2 and my camera tagged along, and I think I got some cute shots. I'm still working on them, but I'll post a few in the next day or 2.

Oh. My. Word. It is finallyhereican'tbelieveityayayayay! LOL! I've been waiting a very long summer! And I really hope the season opener is much more satisfying than last season's month long debacle. I want to know all about that 6 toed statue! I have seen a couple of the LOST stars on TV giving interviews, and I already know that Kate does decide this season who she chooses.... I'm pulling for Sawyer! Also Charlie's interview said that the Other's aren't necessarily bad... that they might view the castaways as bad since they've invaded turf and murdered their own people. I thought that was interesting! I can't wait, 9 pm better hurry up!

The Amish....

Can I just say for a minute how heartbroken I am over the Amish Schoolhouse shootings? What a tradgedy! Just to quickly clarify, the shootings happened in Eastern PA, in Lancaster County, and I live clear on the other side of the state near Lake Erie. But I do live in a county with a large Amish community. I see them daily driving their buggies, shopping at Wal-Mart, waiting for a bus, doing yard or house work, or manning a fruit stand. There is a one room Amish Schoolhouse not 5 miles from my own.

They are a very private people, they keep to themselves or to trusted friends. They are a very religious group, deeply rooted in their faith and their families. It is a very sad day when a cowardly mad man decides to act his rage against 12 little girls. Girls! Small darling girls in braids and dresses! I just pray that their families can feel peace and love soon from this tradgedy. I've already heard on the news that some of the victim's family members have approached this lunatic's family and told them that they can grieve and mourn together.

Because that is the kind of people the Amish are. Forgiving and gentle.

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Yesterday's trip to the pumpkin patch resulted in the picture and the new header above. Isn't Seth just the cutest?



The DigiChick & Sweet Shoppe Designs have joined together to create "A Common Bond", a collaborative effort to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Susan G. Komen Foundation. October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and we all feel very blessed and proud to have designed this gorgeous kit with people we call friends. 100% of the proceeds of this kit will be divided between our two charities to assist in the ongoing research and development of breast cancer awareness. Please be aware of this disease and perform regular self exams, in addition to encouraging your friends and loved ones to self check as well. Thank you so much, from all of us at Sweet Shoppe Designs & The Digi Chick.

A Common Bond includes 37 Beautiful Papers, 2 Alpha Sets & 99 Beautifully Designed Embellishments. We truly hope you enjoy it!

You can get it HERE (click me).

Some News....

It is with some happiness and some regret that I tell you I am closing shop at ACOT, and am moving everything to The Digi Chick. ACOT has been great, they really are fabulous. But I feel that I can make a bigger impact just staying at one store, and it will be much easier for me keeping track of one store. Some of my kits at ACOT has already been transferred to TDC, and the rest will transfer this week. And an FYI..... Snowflower has been retired. Unless I hear from the masses, its gone-o. Some kits at TDC need to retire too, and that'll happen eventually.

Seth's small Birthdayday party on Saturday was great. Everyone made comments on how handsome he was, and how his lip looks great and will deffinitely look just fine. His aunt gave him a football, and this kid has been carrying it around and sleeping with it non-stop since! It has been very cute!

We are heading to the Library today to check out children story times, and maybe to Apple Castle, our local apple orchard/ pumpkin patch/ local goods store type place.

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New Recipe thread has been started at DST. This week it is Soups & Salads. Come on over and share your favorites with us!

And a HUGE GINORMOUS THANK YOU to everyone who helped and participated in the Sale this weekend. I'll know in a couple days how much was made, and I'll give you an update. My sister doesn't know I did this, so it'll be a nice surprise!

Birthday Boy kit by Andrea Burns at the Digi Chick. Font: AL Scratched.

Sale....

Today I am off to the DMV.... again... for the third time in 2 weeks. (sigh) I have never in my life seen a DMV closed so often. Its the only one for our large-ish town... and it seems to be only open 2 days a week, and then only until 4 pm. 4 pm?!?! What.. people don't have real jobs or work to do in my town? I am so annoyed. Annoyed b/c, first of all, my liscense needs renewing. So I do what any respectable internet-lover does... I renew online. Except, that they mail you a paper you have to take in anyways... totally defeating the purpose! So we went on a Monday. Closed. We went on a Wednesday afternoon. Closed just 30 minutes before. Oh my word! Now, Nate has to come home early to watch Seth, so I can leave the house at 3 pm to catch them while they are still open. Its really a pain.

Tomorrow is a small family Birthday party for Seth and his cousin Lauren. Their Birthdays are a week apart (she's 9 though) and we thought it would be nice to have the immediate family get together for some cake and such. I am excited... Lauren is a top reader in her class, so I picked up 3 Ramona books for her. Remember Ramona? LOL~ I loved reading her when I was Lauren's age.


Golden Glory kit by Andrea Burns at The Digi Chick, vellum hearts by Michelle Coleman. Font: Arial.

This is a scraplift from a magazine... I *think* it is Memory Maker's Sept 06 issue, but I'm not sure, b/c I tore the page out with the LO on it, and it doesn't have distinguishing marks... if anyone can help? TFL!!

And introducing a new favorite of mine.... Birthday Boy~



Birthday Boy was designed to celebrate my son's second Birthday. But don't be fooled by the title or 3 specific elements... this will make a GREAT kit for any little boy Layout! Bright primary colors and masculine touches can help you celebrate any boy in your life!

Included in Birthday Boy are 9 textured papers, 3 stitches, 3 folded ribbons, 3 notecards, 2 ric-rac bookplates, 2 Boy wordart, 1 handprint brush, 1 stamp brush, and 1 balloon rub on. Also included is a full painted canvas alpha, numeral, and symbol set.

Get it HERE

And you can get everything on sale 30% off till Sunday!

TGIF!

Burn's Bedroom Before and After....

Here you go! Finially finished enough to show you pictures!

The Before~ A Full Size (we inherited this bed and mattress set when we got married from my great-grandparents as they moved into a nursing home. We loved it, it served us well, {and saw the creation of 2 Burns' kids} but we needed new mattresses and more space. No worries, the heirloom is in our attic waiting to be used by a future daughter.... ;) (no... i don't know yet....)



The After~ A Queen Size (new paint job, new side tables for us both, and Nate's favorite... Lamps for us both, LOL! Bed & tables from Bombay & Co.)


And yes... before you are squinting your eyes... they are the same quilted bedding.. just in different colors! LOL! The first in blues and purples from Bed Bath & Beyond, and the second (newer) is done in burgundies (MY FAVE) from Linens & Things. I loved it enough to get it again, LOL! The middle pillow I took to this mall kiosk, and had embroidered with our monogram.

I still have to hang burgundy curtains like the blue ones in the top pictures.

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I forgot to mention yesterday that for Seth's Birthday (well, for Nate's too...) we like to make a wonderfully yummy Monkey Cake. Some of you might also call it a Monkey Bread. But since It is made in a cake pan, I win. ( ;) Nate)

Monkey Cake

4 cans of refrigerator bisquits (Regular size, NOT jumbo or Grands)

3/4 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup margerine

Open 2 cans of bisquits and seperate them. Cut each bisquit into 4 pieces. Shake pieces in a plastic bag containing 3/4 cup sugar and cinnamon. Place in greased tube pan.

Repeat with 2 remaining cans of bisquits. Layer evenly.

Melt 1 stick (or 1/2 cup) margerine and stir the 1 cup sugar (and remaining cinnamon mixture) into the margerine. Pour over biscuits in pan.

Oven 350*. Bake 45 minutes. When done, remove from oven and let cool 10 minutes. Turn it upside down, and store in a cake taker.

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Speaking of recipes, I have started a a weekly recipe thread at Digi Shopt Talk. This first week is Appetizers & Beverages, so come on over and share some of your favorites!

Happy Thursday, and Happy Best night On TV!