A "Hairy" Thursday Recap....

Morning friends! We got 6-7 inches of snow yesterday and last night. There's a couple flakes floating in the air right now, but for the most part its fairly clear. Everything looks beautiful though!

Yesterday I was sitting here in front of the computer... and all of a sudden I smell something burning.

Afraid that Seth plugged in my hair iron, I went to the bathroom... but it wasn't on, and no smell.Man! It stunk like hair though!

I walk into his room, and the smell is very strong. Now I'm afraid, because there is something very wrong here.

My Kid, turned on his side table lamp, the one that has been there since before his birth, and knocked it to the ground. The 40 watt light then BURNED through the lamp cord it landed on, AND put a big black Burn in my CARPET!

Now his special story lamp is broken.... and my carpet is destroyed. I couldn't do anything but explain to Seth he can't touch the lamp, because now its broken and the carpet has a boo boo.


See the melted wire?



I guess it could have been worse.... Much worse. I am really thankful that I found it in time. I tell you what though, My heart raced and it stunk like burned hair for a couple hours after. At the time it also knocked out some power to the house, and I had to have Nate come home and fix it for me.

In the afternoon, Seth and I made some really cute snowmen ornaments. Super easy, and I just know that Nana & Gramma will love theirs.

Finally it came time to go to the salon. It was sooooo time to cut!

Before the salon.......



And 5 to 6 inches later.... LOL! So not the best pics of me but....



I'm dealing with "Oh-my-word... my hair is short" syndrome this morning, LOL! I LOVED how it looked yesterday, and I am HAPPY I did it, but this morning I am mourning just a bit. I need to wash and style myself. She curled it a bit, so I bet it looks a tiny bit longer when not curled. I am LOL at the "You look younger" compliments. I actually did it to look a little more my ripe age of 27! I thought my long hair was making me look young... and with my preggo belly..... LOL!

I've already been called off work for tonight. All that snow means hardly any business. I guess I'll turn in my two weeks tomorrow!

I made a couple tumblers for Christmas gifts yesterday. All the ladies in my family got one for either mother's day or their Bdays, and apparently, a couple men felt left out! I didn't figure the tumblers to be manly... but here we go!

For my Dad~
For my brother-in-law~


TGIF!

Big Trucks and Merry Gentlemen....

We took Seth to see Santa the other night. It couldn't have gone any better! He marched right up to Santa, and sat right on his lap. Santa asked him "How are you doing?" Seth beamed this huge grin at him, pumped his hand into the air and yelled "BIG TRUCK!!!"

I literally bent over with laughter. It was sooo funny. Now to be honest, Seth was most likely telling Santa that he'd seen the Big Truck, but it sounded like he was asking for it. It was so cute. Sadly we didn't get any pictures, because they were asking $11 for a polaroid. Riiiight..... And they wouldnt let you take your own.

And without further adieu~ Here is our 2006 Christmas Card~


Inspired by Jenn's card HERE. Holly McCaig's Good Tidings kit. The bow is Anita Stergiou, but I modified it and recolored it. Font is Albemarle Swash.

I Love how it turned out, and can't wait to send it out. I'll be busy addressing envelopes this weekend, and will put them in the mail sometime next week... I think.

NEW! Now at The Digi Chick.... Ye Merry Gentlemen!



Ye Merry Gentlemen is the perfect digital kit for the gaming men in your life. There are even Cigar Labels for those special afficianados! This kit is perfectly masculine with dark and rich tones, inspired by mahagony wood.

Included in Ye Merry Gentlemen are 8 worn and textured papers, 3 cigar labels, 3 ric racs, 3 playing card pieces, 2 poker chips, 2 chess pieces, 2 silver brads, and 2 dice. Also included is a full wooden alpha, numeral, and symbol set.

You can find it HERE at the Digi Chick.

*** Hurry! 20% off today only, till Midnight CST!

****************

I am so excited! I am going to the salon today. I am getting my hair cut. And I mean CUT! 4 inches? 6 inches? We'll see when we get there. I am soooo ready for it to not be so long!

Decorated for Christmas ....

Like I mentioned yesterday, going to the tree farm yesterday was excellent! We had a fantastic time together as a family. It was really nice on so many levels. Here is our day in pictures.

See Seth's scratch? :( He got that while with Gramma. Pack-n-Plays can be dangerous, you know!

At the Tree Farm! Daddy and Seth searching for just the right tree. Actually it was Mama who nixed this one or that one because it didn't seem tall enough, or full enough. LOL!

Upon discovery of this tree, Seth declared, "NICE TREE!" So we made it ours! LOL!

We brought it home, set it up, and decorated all afternoon. I am so pleased with how our tree turned out! It is nice and tall and full! No gapey-spots, AND it actually had a deffinitive top for our angel. LOL~ Our last 2 trees from Lowe's, the top was either way off on the side and not in the middle... or there were 2 to choose from. And for the same price, you really couldn't beat going to a farm to pick it out! And BONUS! It'll stay fresh longer since it wasn't cut 2 weeks ago.

We use red and white lights on our Christmas tree.

And here is our house from the outside... I love our red and white theme! One of these years I AM going to get some of those lit-trees and a deer or two.....

Thanks for stopping by and looking!

24 Weeks....

Going to the tree farm yesterday was excellent! How much fun was that?!?! I will have lots of pictures to share tomorrow. I wanted to share the finished house afterwards... and well, we only got 80% done yesterday, LOL! I'll finish the final touches today, and share everything tomorrow. Our tree is gorgeous, if I say so myself.

Well, it's been 4 weeks since my last belly shot. So here you go.... I am 24 weeks here. This was taken on Saturday.

And the progression....

16, 20, and 24 weeks.

After The Nativity Movie the other night, we stopped at the local Christmas display- slash- Christmas store, and what did I find?????? A Brown puppy just like Seth's Blue puppy! Awesome! I picked one up for Bean! Now both my boys will have the same puppy, but in different colors! These are the Gund Spunky line.

Here's Seth's.....

Here's Bean's.....

Hopefully he'll love him just as much as Seth loves Blue Dog. I was joking with Nate that we deffinitely HAVE to have a girl next. (Yes, we do want 3 :) You see... they only have a pink dog left in the Spunky line, LOL! Its a sign, I tell ya!

I think we might take Seth to see that Christmas display tonight. This store decorates, like you wouldn't believe. They start in Septemeber, and have this HUGE inside walk through display of what seems to be a hundred themes and a million trees, and a bazillion ornaments and lights. It really is something, and we know that Seth will enjoy it. The only pitfall is that they put the entrance right in the back of the toy section of the store. Stinkers...

Seth's Christmas....

I went into work Friday night, and they actually trained me on register! Wahoo! So I'll get a break from folding every now and then. I also get to hand in my 2 week notice this coming Friday. Double Wahoo!

I went in Saturday to work a well, but we were a bit slow, for Saturday Standards, so they let me come home early. I pounded out some Christmas shopping, and I only have a couple things to get to be finished. Seth and Nate are DONE! I just have to finish my dad and mom.

Then Saturday night, Nate and I took some of the Youth Group to go see The Nativity movie. It was pretty darn good. For the most part it stayed fairly acurate. There were a few creative liscenses, but nothing that really stuck out terribly to me. Except One thing. In the field on the night of Christ's birth, a Heavenly "Host" appeared to the Shepherds. "Host" meaning choir or army, and they sang Glory to His name. In the movie, it was just one angel who appeared and said "Do not be afraid." Huh? Anyways, We liked the movie, and besides the one part were very pleased with it. We recommend it! :)

Seth was away with Gramma this weekend playing with the cousins and taking in a Christmas Parade. I missed him! Friday night was OK without him, but the mornings were weird! Getting ready for the day with silence from his room was really sad for me. It was so good to have him home. It never fails though..... I was thinking of taking him for pictures (we STILL haven't gotten his 2 yrs done, DARN stitches) but he hit his eye and scratched his eyelid pretty bad on the pack and play. Guess we'll wait some more, LOL!

Seth is having a pretty nice Christmas this year. I am SO excited. He still doesn't "get" Santa, but I am anxious to see his face at all the goodies that he's going to get!

From "Santa"~ He's getting the Sesame Street Sing and Giggle Toolbench and accessories.






From Mama and Daddy he's getting Fridge Phonics, The Cars DVD, a Bob the Builder Workshop thing (see my Nov 14th Entry) 3 Bob the Builder trucks, 3 Cars movie cars, a Nemo Coloring pack, and an outfit.





From Nana and Abuelo, they are getting him the Fisher Price action sounds trike.



And from Gramma and Grampa, the Little People Ramps Around Garage.

I have no clue what the aunts and uncles are getting him, LOL! I stuggle with wanting to buy him more... but he doesn't need any "more" and I really shouldn't spoil him....

I'm excited! We are decorating the Christmas tree today, and getting the house all Christmas-fied. We are doing something new this year and actually going to a tree farm to cut down our own tree. Usually we just headed to Lowe's a picked out a pre-cut, but not today! YAY! Should be fun.

December 1st! Already?

I had an impromptu photo shoot with a 2 yr old girl the other day in our local park. She was a model through and through, and I had NO trouble whatsoever with her, she was super easy! The last is my friend... she's dating the little girl's father.

Nikon D70s, 50 mm, F2.8, various shutter speeds.

I had my 24 week appointment a couple days ago. I've gained 3 lbs, and blood pressure was great. HeartBeat of baby Bean was 162 bpm. I swear, this nurse presses the HB monitor right on top of him, this is twice in a row, where it just about hurt getting it....

I complained to my OB about how exhausted I've been, and how I just can't seem to catch up. So she sent me in for a blood test to check for Anemia. So we'll see how that turns out. Other than that, everything is right on track. My fundal height was 25 cm, so about a week ahead.

I went to the lab yesterday to get the bloodwork done and met a woman who had 1 week old boy/girl twins with her. She also had a 22 mos. old daughter at home as well. Wow! You know she'll be busy later! We got to talking about introducing the siblings for the first time, and how she's dealing with a bit of jealousy from her older daughter. I guess its all stuff for me to look forward to.

Seth is really making leaps and bounds lately. He is doing really great with stringing together 2 or 3 words, and he loves to sing! Whether its a commercial on TV, or Sesame Street, or when I sing the Alphabet or Jesus Loves Me with him, he tries so hard to sing along. LOL! Sometimes he sings the right letter, or like this morning he surprised me with singing "YES!" at the right time in Jesus Loves Me. But most of the time it is garbled nonsense. Its the right pattern and cadence, and for that I'm proud. Seth has always responded well to music, and its turning out he has quite the ear for it.

Gramma is coming today and taking Seth for the weekend. She's going to visit my sister-in-law and my nieces and nephew, and thought it might be neat to bring cousin Seth to play. They also have plans to take in the town's Christmas Parade and such. I trust Gramma wholeheartedly, I've left Seth with her for the weekend before... but I'm still a bit nervous. I've never sent him away, know what I mean? He'll be fine! I guess I would be a weirdo if I didn't worry a bit though, right?

I head into work tonight, but it's only for a 5 hour shift. It'll be a good one, because its with my favorite funny and laid back manager. The cold and precipitation that hammered everyone in the midwest is moving this way, so I need to start being more careful on those back country roads.

TGIF!

Black Friday update....

Unmistakably You by Carrie Stephens, cardboard and negative sleeve by Gina Cabrera.


Shabby Princess Shabby Borders, and Lisa Whitney Star Doodle. English Vivace font.

Journaling reads: I cannot imagine life without you. Your tiny breath in my ear, your laughter ringing loud, your quick cries for hugs and kisses... my day is not complete without these things. My life is not complete without you. I crave your snuggles and I need your affection. How is it that you are only two and already have such a captivating hold on my life? You truly are my bit of charming sunshine. I love you and adore you and can’t wait to have 80 more years with you. As long as you still hold my hand....

So like I said two days ago, The Burns' family did a bit of Black Friday Shopping as well. Except we went late in the afternoon, and it totally made a difference. We started at Target, but their toys were pretty picked over. I did find a Pie Taker though! I had looked at both Walmart and Kmart, but they didn't even carry them. I found Tupperware brand's online, but they were asking $17. Target had a nice one for under $6! Too bad it was a day late, but at least I have one now!

After that we headed to Old Navy, where I found gifts for my sisters. Then we went to Toys R Us and we found most of the things on Seth's List. (I'll have to do up his list later... Blogger is still having issues!)

When I came home, I did a bit of shopping for myself, LOL! I saw this thread at DST talking about these purses, and I had to have one! My dear friend Andrea Wiles has one of these purses too... and I wanted it waaay back when she shared hers with me last Spring. And now I OWN one! YAY! And the GREAT thing is, they shipped it SUPER FAST! I had it within a couple days. I usually sport my red croc purse at Christmas time, so I'll be saving this for after Christmas. Maybe even after the baby comes, so I can show off both, or all of my boys. For those of you who don't digi scrap, this purse has inserts that you can personalize, or basically... you just scrap your own insert.

If you want one you can order one HERE.

annoyed....

I am so annoyed. I have started my post for today, 3 times, and lost it 3 times. I'd upload a photo, and my WHOLE post would disappear. Of course it would be the last photo.

(sigh)

Maybe right afetr luch I'll try again.

Hello to everyone!

Deer Widow Day...

Happy Deer Widow Day! Today is the day Deer Hunting Season starts up here in NW Penn, and it is a crazy day. No School today because of it, and lots of shops open early to accomodate the "Deer Widows" for extra shopping. Deer Widow is a term for the wife of a deer hunter.

So how was your Thanksgiving? Ours was pretty great! We headed over to Nate's parent's on Wednesday night. We woke up, and hung out till about noon. Nate's aunt, uncle, Gram, and some various cousins showe up around 1 pm or so, and that was when the cooking started. We had 2 kinds of turkey, 1 traditional, 1 deep fried. We also had 2 kinds of stuffing, 1 oven baked, 1 bird stuffed. The table was a smorgasboard of yummies, and to be honest... after my meal I was miserable! I had eaten way too much, and baby bean wasn't leaving much room to digest.

Isn't Seth cute? This is him coloring before we ate.


I tried to get in a nap for my dreaded Black Friday Shift, and I was able to relax, but sleep eluded me.

As for Black Friday..... it was pure h-e-double-hockeysticks.

We left close to 10 pm, knowing that it would take us about 1 hour 30-40 minutes for Nate to drop me off at work. (He wanted to drop me off, b/c he didn't want me driving the morning after.)

Around 11:30 pm we hit the "Grove City 2 Miles" sign on 79 south.... and came to a stand still. The traffic was already unreal.... at about 12:15 we had only crept a half mile! I also really, really had to use the restroom. And I wasn't about to go in the woods, and I couldn't wait much longer. I had just finished telling Nate to drive me up to the bottom of the ramp (only the right lane was backed up) and I could walk the rest of the way, when I noticed some people walking already. Nate was tired, Seth was sleeping, and I was stressed about being so late, and very uncomfortable, that I kissed Nate goodbye, and hopped out of the car.

I caught up to the walkers, asked if I could keep them company, and walked a mile and half to the Ramp. It turned out that this couple had run out of gas 2 miles back, so they had actually walked almost 4 miles.

I made it into the Outlets, where I saw lines waiting to get inside stores, and I was only 45 min. late for work. I called Nate to let him know I was alright, and he said that driving home, the traffic was backed up for at least 5 or 6 miles!!

Working was insane. I have never seen so many people in that store. The line for checkout was doubled, from wall to wall. They gave me the nice job of greeting near the door, and I did that non-stop for about 4 hours. I saw a bazillion nose-rings that night, LOL! I saw people look in the door and get so mad that there was a long line and then refuse to come in. (Why did you come shopping then?)

I also had my first stranger belly rub. Some women came in, and I greeted them, and one said "Awww! Poor you! How are you feeling?" I replied, "I am tired!" She preceded to put her hand on my belly, rub it Buddha style and said "I bet you are!" Niiiiice. Thanks lady.

It was very busy, but finally slowed to a steady flow about 5 am. Which was where the staff did alot of restocking items and refilling shelves.

I was never more happy to see the sun come up. All of us on staff were EXHAUSTED. 9 am finally rolled around and Nate was waiting for me by the curb. I went home, took a bath to unwind a bit and got in bed by 10 am.

I only slept till 1 pm. I started some layouts to pass the time that afternoon. Then Nate decided to surprise me and he said we could go eat at Red Lobster for dinner! We hardly ever eat there, b/c Nate doesn't care for it much. I think the last time was when Seth was an infant. We also did a bit of shopping ourselves, but I think I'll save that for tomorrow.

If you are interested, here is a news report about that traffic.....

Grove City Report

It took me all weekend to recover. I slept all night Friday night, and didn't open my eyes till 9:30 am. I worked from 12-5 pm, and then came home, slept again from 11 pm till 7:30 am. I took in a 3 hour nap yesterday afternoon, and still fell asleep around 11:30 pm. We didn't get up till 9 this morning either. My feet have really bothered me this weekend too. My ankle is really sore, and overall... I am just really uncomfortable.

Only 3 weeks of work left, LOL!

Holiday Weekend...

40% off over at The Digi Chick! Go take advantage!

Thanksgiving Eve....

Wedding photos done: Check

2 LO's completed: Check

Baking: In progress....

Michelle Coleman's Magic of Fall kit. 2Peas Sweet Pea font.

Journaling reads: What a glorious day we had outside in the leaves. You enjoyed yourself immensely running and jumping in the piles. Women, captivated by your charm stopped on the street to chuckle and tell me how beautiful you are. All I could do was just smile....

Amber Clegg's The Gazebo kit. Albemarle Swash, Adler, and Beyong Paradise fonts.

Journaling reads: US.... always constant, always relief, always together. There is no “home” without the other. There is comfort, always hope.. There is love, there is us.

****************

I have bunches of baking to do today. I'm making 2 loaves of Cranberry Bread, my Apple Pie, and some of my Mint Brownies. The Brownies are going to work with me to share with the staff. But in the spirit of eating and of course Thanksgiving, I wanted to leave you 3 of my favorite Holiday Recipes. These 3 are a MUST have for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I heartily recommend them.

Cranberry Nut Bread

5 c self rising flour
2 c sugar
8 T margerine
2 c milk
2 eggs
1 c chopped nuts
1 pkg cranberries, chopped

Oven 350 degrees. Mix margerine, flour, and sugar. Add milk and eggs and mix until dampened. Stir in nuts and cranberries. Turn into 2 Pam-sprayed loaf pans and bake 60-70 min.


Hot Cider

1 gallon apple cider
1/2 c packed brown sugar
4 sticks of cinnamon
2 T whole cloves
2 oranges sliced

Combine ingredients in a crockpot. Cover and heat on low 2-5 hours. Take out oranges after 2 hours or oils in the rind will make cider bitter.


Cranberry Sweet Potatoes

6 lg sweet potatoes or yams
1 ctn. cranberry orange relish
1 c raisins
1 stick softened margerine
1 c brown sugar
1 c chopped pecans

Peel sweet potatoes, cut into cubes. boil until soft, drain and mash. Add raisins and relish. Mix well and put into a large casserole dish. In a seperate bowl mix together brown sugar, margerine, and nuts. Sprinkle over top of sweet potatoes. Oven 350 degrees; bake for 30 minutes.

ENJOY! And HAPPY THANKSGIVING! We are off to my in law's tonight for Thanksgiving, so I won't be able to check in till sometime Friday afternoon... when I get up, LOL!

Fall Delight....

Ahhh... sunny fall days... it seems we get these so rarely up here in north west Pennsylvania! Remember my stressed out day? Many of you recommended Seth and I get out and enjoy our day. So we did... and here is what I got.


Not many turned out from this little impromptu shoot. Seth would NOT cooperate, LOL! No "smile on command" this day. Oh well, I like the 2 shots shown above. We've since had his hair trimmed, so it is not quite that long anymore.

I am almost done with these wedding proofs. Just a few more to tweak color. Then I'll spend some time turning a few black and white, and adding a couple special touches to a few special pictures. Then it'll be delivered Thanksgiving Day. How's that for service... hand delivery! LOL!

I also finished another project... so a huge PHEW from me!

Thanks for the sympathy of my Black Friday work schedule. I just kind of shake my head. I'm the newbie, there isn't much I can do. I'll nap on Thanksgiving Day, and just sleep when I come home. I do get an hour break somewhere in there, and if I have to, I'll lay my head down. The plus side of everything is that it won't be as crazy as the day shift, so that will be nice! :) I've already promised to make my Mint Brownies for the rest of the staff. Nothing like chocolate in the middle of the night. I'll be sure to have some Tums in my pocket, LOL!

I've got some work and laundrey calling me. I've also got 2 un-completed layouts to journal, then I'm done! So be on the lookout for those! YAY!

GAP Holiday....

I am exaughsted (how do you spell that word?) I worked Friday night, and then ALL day Saturday. I had 2 hours left in my shift Sat, and just wanted to cry, I was hurting. And then I came home and just wanted to sit on the couch.

Yesterday I was able to rest some. I am still working on these dang wedding photos and I have to go into work tonight.

I tell you what though... I am loving my discount. I walked out the store Friday night with a bag full of goodies for both Seth and the new bean, and all for just $30! And it was a BIG bag too!

We may have finally settled on a name for the bean. But I think we are going to let it settle in and test it the next couple days.

We are busy planning for Thanksgiving, and trying to get our ducks in a row. This year we are heading to my mother in law's for dinner. It'll be us 3, Nate's mom and dad, his brother, and his aunt, uncle, and Gram. A nice crowd!

Dinner will be around 5 pm (maybe...) and we HAVE to leave by 9 or 9:30 pm, so we can get home, and let me get to work.

That's right... go to work.

Our Outlets open at midnight that night for Black Friday shopping. Guess who's manager scheduled her for the 12 am till 9 am shift? Thanks for taking some pity on the pregnant woman.... LOL! I think it'll be somewhat busy at work that night. We already know of at least 11 buses coming to shop those hours!

As for what I'm contributing to Thanksgiving dinner... here goes:

Cranberry Bread for breakfast Thurs morning
Cheese Ball, crackers, and Hot Apple Cider for Thurs afternoon
Sweet Potatoes, Crescent Rolls, and an Apple Pie for Thanksgiving Dinner

My in laws are grilling a turkey for the main meat. LOL! Those Burns' boys LOVE their grill!

Happy Monday!

Hair Insanity....

Last night Nate up and decided to try and buy one of those stupid PlayStation 3's... just so we can turn around and sell it on Ebay. They went on sale at midnight. I didn't care, as long as we didn't lose money on it.

Nate came home about 11:45 empty handed. He said lines were way to long here, AND he tried driving to another place. But when he saw the tents, he knew it wasn't going to happen.

Now I'm wishing that he was able to get one, b/c they are selling for $3-5000 on Ebay! Holy Moly!

Speaking of Nate... he was cute yesterday. It was about 1:30 pm, and I was busy creating and such, when my doorbell rang. It was Nate with a Canoli and the new Sierra Mist Cranberry drink. It was really sweet! And that new drink was really good!

We took Seth to the barber again for a haircut yesterday. He really is a champ and is great getting his hair cut. Last time the older guy who owns the place cut his hair. This time some younger guy cut his hair... and I HATE it. Its nice and short up top, but he left the hair on the back of his crown really long, like 3-4 inches! It just looks bizaare, and it's driving me crazy. Nate is taking him back for me this afternoon so they can fix it.

I mean... if it looks like I cut it, shouldn't I try to cut it? Do you cut your own son's hair? What do you use? Where did you get it? Is it easy?

Speaking of both my boys.....

Awww! I love these moments they share! Please excuse the toddler ransacked room (blush).

Other than that.. not much is new. I have to go into work tonight from 3 till 8. Then all day tomorrow 10 till 7. Loooong days.

****************

This week's recipe thread is up. It is Casserole/ Single Pan Meals. Come on by and share your favorites. I am sorry to say but it is the last weekly recipe thread. When I first presented the idea I got lots of enthusiasm in return about them.... but 8 weeks have shown that many people aren't interested in sharing.

TGIF & Happy Weekend!!

stressed....

I am stressed out this morning. I had a hard night of sleep, and Seth is giving me a hard morning.. he doesn't get that Puppy needs a "bath" but that he WILL come back.

Stressed about alot of things. Money is a big one. There just never seems to be enough. Another expense is always on the horizon. A surprise ready to jump out at you.

I have lots of projects due... I MUST work on these wedding photos. I am resolved to have them done by Thanksgiving. I'm feeling like its finals time in College, and you have these tests and papers due, but all you want to do is procrastinate.

The sun is out for the first time in a week, and all I want to do is get outside.

Sit and Stand Stroller Review....

Morning Friends!

Last night Nate, Seth and I headed to Babie's R Us and Target and test drove a couple Sit & Stand strollers. While we were at BRU, we were browsing through some of the toys and came across the Bob the Builder Workshop... a toy that retails for $35, but was on clearance for $7!!
We could not pass that deal up, so we just got Seth his first Christmas present last night. He LOVES "Bob Builder" and I think I need to pick up a couple of the roller/tracter/4 wheeler 's to go with it. In fact Bob helped Seth to say his first complete sentence..."Can we build it?" "Yu-ess EE cannn!"

So like I said, we went to Babies R Us and Target to test drive some Sit and Stand Strollers. We really think that this kind of stroller will be best for our family because Seth is starting to want to walk more and be a bit independant. But this also gives him the option of riding along as well.

We looked at the Fisher Price Stand 'n Ride Duo Stroller at BRU~

This one was the bulkiest of the 3 we looked at. It did not fold compactly. The seat in front was nice, but the jump seat in back was plain plastic, and must be hard on little tushes. It also hasn't gotten many good reviews.

We looked at the Baby Trend Sit-n-Stand Stroller at Target~

This stroller was pretty good for the money. It is $30 cheaper than the Joovy. It also comes with a nice parent tray and a bigger basket underneath. BUT it still didn't fold as compactly, and seemed a tiny bit heavier. Also, I wasn't crazy about the cloth pattern. This comes in a close second. It manuvers just fine.

We are most likely getting the Caboose Joovy at BRU~

This was the lightest and it folded most compactly. The seat in the back has a bit of padding and the bars that Seth would hold onto is padded. It wasn't too long, and it manuvers great. I wish the basket were a tiny bit bigger, but that is maneageable. It has gotten lots of great reviews. As for a parent cupholder, we haven't had one on Seth's chicco stroller, so we don't really need one. BUT, I do think I am going to order the one that is offered~ Cupholder. You can also get a rain cover... again something we don't need, but if you want it, it is available~ Raincover.

AND, if you don't care for the red joovy that BRU carries, you can order it in black, blue, or orange HERE.

And that my friends, are my 2 cents!

We ate dinner at a Smoky Bones, the closest thing to good BarbBQue up here. My Brusnwick Stew was really good... but not later when I was burping it up! Ewww....

Happy Monday....

I am tuckered out. I worked, and I worked ALOT this weekend. 1 to 10 pm on Saturday, and then I had to come in Sunday 11:30 to 5 pm. That was a mistake. I told them I couldn't work Sundays.. you know... due to me being the pastor's wife and all, but I guess my manager forgot and scheduled me, and then said it was too late to change it. So I came in. I slept like the dead both nights, complete with strange dreams.

In one dream, the moon fell out of the sky, kind of like a Plinko Chip from the Price is Right, and that signaled the end of the world.

Working is giving me renewed appreciation and pleasure for being a stay at home mom. It is also helping me learn not to reach for the credit card so often, because that is some stinking hard earned money. I see these mom's come in with their children, and I wish that were me... I am very happy that this is only till Christmas. I like staying home.

Well, it turns out that Baby B is still nameless. The name we had come up with is still just not sitting right with me. So now we are back to the drawing board. There are a couple of new names in the lead now. Why are these 2nd child names so much harder? With Seth we knew that it was THE name. With this one we are still baffled. And me.... it is driving me batty because I like things planned out, and dang it, I want to call him by his name already!

Nate and I haven't had much quality time together for over a week now. Last week he either had special services at church, because of the Missions Conference, or I had to work. So tonight I think we are heading over to Babies R Us to test drive some Double Strollers and some Sit And Stand Strollers. We will most likely NOT be buying, but like I said a paragraph ago... I like to have a plan, LOL!

I've noticed that last couple weeks that my blog comments have dwindled a bit.... I hope everyone is OK! Is there anything I can do to encourage more comments? Sometimes I try to answer back, and that can be hard if you're "anonomous" or don't have a blog addy in your Blogger Profile. I really do appreciate your comments when you do leave them! They really help make my day! :)

Happy Monday!

Silliness & a Field Trip....

My Doctor's Appointment went well yesterday. I gained 6 (!) Lbs this past month. I asked the nurse to compare weight gain from this baby to Seth's pregnancy, and she started LOL.... apparently I've gained the exact same weight, and exactly from month to month. I thought that was funny, at first. Now I'm a little upset because I thought I was doing better eating (no nightly ice cream and brownies) and such. I have really slacked on my walking, so that might be to blame.

My fundal height was 22 cm. I forgot to ask HeartBeat. When she was taking the HB, it was very uncomfortable! She finally found the HB, but it was by pressing right on Baby B, I swear.

My OB scheduled me back in 3 weeks for my 24 weeker.

Now get this craziness! My OB is preggo remember? She is getting induced on Dec 1st. She is only taking 1 week off! Can you believe that? I called her a brave woman, LOL! She did say that she would be bringing the baby with her to work. So I guess she'll be slinging him around the office, or keeping him in her office. But still... One week!

***************

Last night Seth and I sat down and played with his Lego's for quite a while. This picture... has alot of firsts in it~

One; it's Seth's first tower he built completely on his own. Isn't it pretty?!?!? Secondly; this picture is Seth's first smile, caught on demand! I couldn't believe it! I said "Smile!" and he cheesed it pretty big, and I got it! It makes me LOL!

Let me tell you something else about my kid... I think I see a bit of Type A personality coming out in him. He would be on the vrege of tears when he couldn't snap the legos together instantly. Also, once the tower got high, he'd laugh and yell "blow, blow!" and mommy would blow it over. He'd laugh until it hit the ground, and then he'd cry b/c of the pieces lying there... And yet we did that over and over for at least 30 minutes. Crazy Charlie.

After the tower picture I wanted to see if I could catch another cheesy on-demand smile, and lo and behold... this is what the kid gave me~

Isn't that hysterical? What a ham! At least I can start capturing expressions rather than him looking everywhere BUT me! But BEST yet, was this face I caught about 2 seconds after the one above....

BWAHAHAHA! It's Seth's first funny face on purpose, caught on camera! What a treasure!

(BTW~ doesn't his lip look great?)

****************

My reason of a very late post today... we just got back from a field trip! LOL! Those same missionaries that came to dinner last night wanted a tour of Amish country. So a man in our church who gets to work with them from time to time set up a neat tour. I wasn't missing out on this! We got to go into an Amish home (a very rare honor indeed) and experience them cooking Amish doughnuts and eating them. Talk about yummy... twice the size az Krispy Kreme, and even more delicious!

From there we went to a couple different Amish farms and witnessed them working in a furniture shop, and running a Goods Shop. It was fascinating. And even though I've lived here for over 3 years, I learned some new things today. For instance, I thought that most of them spoke with a slight german accent. Not the case. Most of them had normal western PA accents.

They really do live quiet and very rustic lives. A life that is not for me, but very interesting to visit for a day anyways!

Thats it from me today... I hope all of you have a great weekend! I have to work tomorrow night, but that is it for any special plans.

P-Time is Approaching....

I have lots to do today.... I have to run and get my shower soon, because my 21 week OB appointment is at 12:50. When I come home (Nate will be here) we are deep cleaning the house. (trust me... it needs it!)

This week at our church it is Missions Conference Week. We have 2 missionaries coming to dinner tonight, so I have to get cooking about 4:30 so that we are eating by 5:30, because there is a special service tonight at 7. PHEW! I am making a salad, and having my famous Hawaiian Sweet & Sour Chicken, served with rice and hawaiian sweet rolls. Pecan Pie is for desert.

****************

Last night we ran to Walmart for a few things. While there I picked up some Spiderman u.nd.i.e.s for Seth! He didn't really seem that impressed, but I guess we'll start some intensive training in the next couple weeks. I am fairly scared. But as I told Nate last night, "this has to happen sometime or another." I figure we'll do the straight on approach of only in u.n.d.i.e.s and on the p.o.t.t.y every 20-30 min or so. I think I'd better pick up some new special p-time books and toys too.

Any tips from you seasoned and experienced mommies?

****************

Available now at the Digi Chick~ Tis The Season

Tis the Season is the perfect digital kit for all of your holiday scrapping needs. Whether you are preserving Holiday Memories or creating your anticipated Christmas Card, this kit has everything you need. It is chock full of Christmas cheer and Holiday shine!

Included in Tis the Season are 8 shabby and worn textured papers, 4 ornaments, 3 glitter word art, 3 ribbons, 3 tied bows, 3 sets of stitching, 3 tags, 1 glitter holly, and 1 flower. Also included is a full glittered alpha, numeral, and symbol set.

You can get Tis The Season HERE (click me).

AND! It's 20% today until midnigt CST. So act fast!

Happy Thursday all!

Just a Wednesday...

We are having quite a fuss here this morning... Seth has woken up on the wrong side of his crib this morning, and it hasn't been pretty. Nothing is going "his way"... poor baby, LOL!

Potty training is going a little TOO well. The kid is stripping n.e.k.i.d and tries to use the p.o.t.t.y, soley for the purpose of Candy. I checked on him last night at 11 pm before I went to bed, and he sat up saying "p.e.e p.o.t.t.y, p.e.e p.o.t.t.y." Just so he could get candy.

Sorry buddy, but the candy store is closed after 8 pm.

Let's talk about some food for a second.... By the way.. if you didn't know I am pregnant. (LOL!) So of course I have cravings. I have unnatural tastes....


Strawberry Delight Frosted Mini Wheats is on of my unnatural tastes right now. I LOVE Frosted Mini Wheats, regular and brown sugar. But strawberry? I've never been a big strawberry fan, especially "fake" strawberries. But this cereal? Well... I'd walk down the cereal isle and it would just call my name. Why? I don't like strawberry stuff I say back to it. Finally I caved in. I figured Baby Burns wants it, so he shall have it.

Its actually pretty good! Not a very strong strawberry taste, and it is nice a refreshing! If you haven't tried it yet, Go I say! It's good!

Next is Lipton's Cup-a-Soup. I eat my lunch around 1 pm, and we usually have dinner between 6 and 7 pm. Sometimes around 3:30 or 4 I am dying for something to eat. But I am really trying hard not to cave in and binge and gain all sorts of un-godly ammounts of weight. turn to this. Its nice and warm on these chilly afternoons, and just enough soup to tide me over till dinner. Another recommendation from me.

Have ya'll seen the new ScrapArtist goodies? I racked up this morning... I bought The Magic of Fall kit, Merry Little Christmas kit, the Decorative Edges element pack, and over at the Apprentice Kits I picked up A Beautiful Mess, The Gazebo, and Wish and Wonder.

Fun stuff that is actually inspiring me to make some pages! YAY!