Illuminaire

New! Illuminaire Kit by myself & Kimberly Giarrusso! Oh my goodness! Kimberly and I had SO much fun creating this together. You have no idea how quickly and seamlessly this fell into place and blended so well. This is one of my own faves, it is so fabulous with different textures and feels! Its deffinitely a must have, if I say so myself, LOL!

"Love has the power to illuminate our hearts."~Flavia.

Illuminaire is a light and airy kit full of beauty, timeless class, and endless warmth. Andrea Burns and Kimberly Giarrusso come together to bring you this beautiful kit.

Included in Illuminaire are 10 textured and worn papers (7 patterned and 3 solids), 5 flowers, 6 fasteners, 4 ribbons, 2 doilies, 2 tags, 1 beaded swirl, 1 butterfly, 1 label, 1 ledger paper, 1 shredded twill, 1 glittered edge overlay, and 1 wordart.

Get it HERE at TDC. It is an introductory 20% off today only, till midnight CST.

Check out what some of my Creative Team gals have done! They totally rocked this kit!

Have a great Thursday!

Lots o' Belly News....

Ok first and foremost..... UGGG! I totally skipped out on getting stretch marks with Seth. I did get a couple on my hips, but nothing much. Sunday I saw my first, albeit small, stretchmark on my belly. Made me want to curse, LOL!

I had my 36 week appnt yesterday, starting weekly now. I only gained a pound. Blood pressure and heartbeats were perfectly fine. I had my strep B test and my first internal. She said that I am a fingertip dialated and still thick, but she could feel the baby's head. As for my Strep B test, not sure how it'll turn out. I tested positive with Seth and did receive the antibiotics during his labor.

Here are some new belly shots for you. I am sorry that I look so sorry, LOL! I am just miserable and uncomfortable! (Remember that even though its 36 weeks, I firmly believe that I am really 37 weeks.)

not to mention that its just not cute anymore....

and the progression~ 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36 weeks

I think I've dropped a tiny bit!

And another scrap page.... 2 in one week! I know!!! Crazy huh? LOL!

For credits, see HERE.

Have you seen the new Memory Purses site? Take a look at who's purse made the front page! Awesome!

Last night was actually a pretty good night of sleep. I was blessed with some dreams of my best friend who passed away 2 years ago. He was there, and it was really so sweet. I have a hair cut later this afternoon, and that my friends, is that! :)

Wild Men....

Did I tell ya'll that the Nielson Rating System contacted us to keep a TV diary for a week, starting last Thursday? They sent us these little diaries we have to fill out, and then send back. They paid us $30 to do it. It feels kinda good to look back and see that as a family we don't really watch too much TV. Now internet use... thats another story! ;)

Nate and Seth had a boys night out last Saturday night. It was a Wild Game dinner at the church, and they both looked really cute dressed in Camo. Nate really enjoyed eating elk and venison and steelhead trout.... I really enjoyed my Bob Evans, LOL! Here's a pic of my boy's on their way out~

Ready for a sneak peek? This is in response to my own Pregnancy Scrap Challenge over at DST.


For credits see HERE. The sneak peek is inreference to the brand new Double Up kit that Kimberly Giarrusso and I worked on. Its a beauty! (then again you could head over the the These Chicks Blog and catch the whole preview there.... hint, hint.....)

Journaling reads: Baby boy, I hope you come soon. What will you look like? Will you have your daddy's eyes? My sister's red hair? Will you love me as much as I already love you? What kind of man will you grow into? God fearing? Car obsessed? I can’t wait to kiss your face....

The above LO has already been picked as LO of the Day over at TDC! YAY! What a pleasant surprise!

Happy Tuesday! I have my 36 weeks Doctor's Appointment today. I am anxious to hear about any progression I might have started. The last couple days I have had some very mild lower back cramps.. so hopefully some softening and dialation is starting to happen! I also need to take a new belly picture.....

Bean's Nursery....

Here's Bean's Nursery! Ok, Ok, I admit it. Its really just Seth's nursery, recyled, LOL!

The walls here look a little bare, but I have a plan! A newborn picture of Bean will be featured over the dresser below, and my mom is working on a cross stitch sampler that will have his name and birthdate, along with his inked on footprints will be featured over the Pooh Shelf.

FYI~ the quilt on the shelf is a handmade one from my boys' great-aunt.

I am still debating whether or not I am attatching some blue ribbon to his name letters. (sorry its blurred... I have to keep ya'll in suspense over something! LOL!)

The frame reads "God danced the day you were born."

And our glider! FYI~ that blue blanket on the side table was Nate's blanket when he was a baby.

And this is the cradle in our room that Bean will sleep in the first few months of his life. Its just by the wondow for now, but once he comes, it'll get moved right in front of my dresser.


Here is Bean's coming home outfit. Its an ivory gown, that is sooo soft. The hat reads "Happy Boy" and the oval on the gown reads "Hello World."

This gown is special, it was actually a gift for Seth. He came home in it as well. I love it so much, that I went and bought it in the girl/ pink version too, just in case! (If I never get to use pink, then it'll make a great gift for someone else, LOL!) When I'm done having kids, I plan to have their names embroidered on it somewhere, and make a shadowbox with it.

And here is Seth when we brought him home from the hossy.

Wasn't he just so precious?!?!?

Happy Monday!

ASPCA Charity Kit(s).....

Softly & Sweetly kits are now available in TDC Boutique! (See previous post for previews.)

Softly :::::::::: Sweetly

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The very much talked about and the very much anticipated ASPCA Charity kit is finally available! This kit is GINORMOUS and has endless, endless possibilties. Even if you don't have a pet, MANY of these papers and elements would make a GREAT boy's or men's layout.

I was really blessed to be asked to help on this project, and I have to admit it was pretty fun, LOL! Holly did a wonderful job communicating with all of us and an even better job assembling and hosting the kit. Thanks Holly!

Here are all of the previews for you!

You can purchase it HERE at Holly McCaig's Site. 100% of ALL proceeds goes to the ASPCA. This kit is to help all of those that don't have a voice......

You can also click on the blinky to the right and it will direct you to the kit.

TGIF!!

Soft & Sweet....

Last night went really well. I had our dinner all cooked, and laid out on China. It was really beautiful ad Nate seemed to enjoy it all. He liked his PJ's too! He surprised me! I thought he was just giving me my Claire ring. But he also came home with the Willow Tree Figurine of the romantic couple hugging each other. Very sweet! Then we sat on the couch and just talked to each other till AI and LOST came on. He also loved his peanut butter pie! Driving yesterday wasn't bad at all, and it was total success!

The other night we were watching some sort of informational show about polygamy. The wives were talking about how they are "blessed" to have "sister wives." and they totally support and encourage their husbands to take on more wives. The husband said he'd love as many wives as he was blessed with. I turned to Nate and said "Do you think you'd want more wives? More then one?" He just gave me this look.... It made me throw my head back and I just howled with laughter. I guess I'm more than enough woman for him to handle right now, hee hee!

Here is our house with the 2 feet of snow we got the past 2 days! Can you see the piles of it in the front yard? Our basement is SO dark now, b/c the snow is above the windows there.

NEW! A Sweet & Soft Collection! Softly and Sweetly are the perfect baby kits for you!

"Sometimes, its the smallest things that take up the most room in your hearts." ~ Winnie the Pooh.

Softly is the perfect kit to scrap precious pictures of that baby boy in your life.

Included in Softly kit are 8 textured and worn papers, 3 bows, 3 ribbons, 3 stitches, 2 flowers, 2 footprint tags, 2 fabric hearts, 2 tags, 1 beaded wire, 1 circle border, 1 fuzzy giraffe, 1 growth ruler, and 1 wordart.

Get SOFTLY HERE at TDC

Sweetly is the perfect kit to scrap precious pictures of that baby girl in your life.

Included in Sweetly kit are 8 textured and worn papers, 3 bows, 3 ribbons, 3 stitches, 2 flowers, 2 footprint tags, 2 fabric hearts, 2 tags, 1 beaded wire, 1 circle border, 1 fuzzy giraffe, 1 growth ruler, and 1 wordart.

Get SWEETLY HERE at TDC

And here are some lovely Layouts done by my Creative Team featuring SOFTLY.... I'll feature Sweetly next week!

Happy Thursday!

Happy Valentine's Day!

We got slammed all day yesterday and last night with snow too. We have a couple feet of it outside and its still coming down. Everything was closed yesterday, EVEN the Mall, of all places, LOL!

I *really* hope I can get out after lunch. I've planned for a month to go to one of our favorite restaurants and pick up our favorite peanut butter pie for our desert tonight. Its 40 minutes away. I think I'll call to make sure they are even open before I decide whether or not to attempt it!

It took Nate an hour to shovel out our half of the drive this morning... and he still had trouble getting the car up over the slight slope. I wonder if they'll cancel church tonight? That would be really nice if they did, LOL!

As for our plans, we were just going to do a candlelight dinner at home. Caeser Salad, Italian Garlic bread, Bertoli's Shrimp Fra Diavolo, and sparkling Cider for dinner.... and weather/ roads/ restaurant permitting, the peanut butter pie for desert. Of corse all of this after Seth is put to bed a bit early.

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I wanted to thank everyone for their prayers that I requested. Please keep praying! I really appreciate it, AND the stories ya'll have shared. My faith allows me to believe that it is already taken care of, already dealt with... but its still hard not to worry and be scared.

As for my delimma yesterday. I'm wondering if I am going to have to talk to my OB about an induction. My labor with Seth was only 8 or 9 hours (an hour of pushing included). So it could go faster this time around. And nope, I'm not a screamer, LOL! And I can't really rely on a Youth Group kid, b/c hardly any of them drive... and what if its the middle of the night? KWIM? I'm thinking induction might be the best plan, so we ca prepare and have my mom already out here. Now if only Bean will adhere to the plan, LOL!

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Sorry I haven't had any pics or scraps to show in a while. I took some fun pics last night, but they are still in the camera. Dang, the snow is falling hard again. Better call the restaurant and hop in the shower.

Mmmmmm.... Dreft.....

Yesterday we got the nursery about 90% put back together for a newborn. I also got all of the linens, 0-3 month clothes, and my hosspital pj's washed.

I ordered my Coming Home Outfit from Old Navy last night. It was onsale and a good deal! Except, I just checked and last night they were both $12.50 and not $15! Go me for the best deal!

Top :::::: Pants

Want a good Laugh? I have a sewing machine. Its just your basic Kenmore model from Sears. I got it for Christmas in 2002. I literally used it 2 or 3 times, attempting a quilt. But then Nate cut his finger off, and I put it away... never to take it out of the box again. So it really is in mint condition. Last night Nate got it in his head to try and sew this "thing" (you got me!!) for his rocket he's putting together. So he's reading the Sewing Machine manual like it'll teach him how to use it.... and he was asking me to teach him, but LOL! Its been 4 years, AND, my mom had to show me then how to do everything, b/c It had been 10 years, since Middle School! I couldn't really help him, but he was making me MAD. He kept messing with things, and for some reason the foot was super tight, he didn't even have the bobbin underneath coming up.....

I told him to stop what he was doing and step away. I may not sew avidly, but I didn't want him messing up my machine. I have been toying with the idea of selling it on Ebay, but I don't know if I want to totally get rid of it.

MEN!

So anyways.... I have somewhat of a delimma. What am I going to do with Seth when I go into labor? Our original plan was that Nate's mom was going to come to watch him for the 2 days I will be in the hospital, since she lives only an hour and a half away. Then my mom would come for the week starting the day I come home from the hospital. My mom lives 6 hours away, so she can't get here immediately.

Just about over a year ago my father in law at a serious bout of Peritinitis, and he's been wearing a colostamy bag for the last year. Turns out that he is finally getting his reversal surgery on March 6. Its a serious surgery, and now it looks like I can't rely on my mother in law to come in a pinch. And my sister in law lives 2.5 hours away.... to far, for my comfort, if I go into labor.

What about a church member you say?

Well.... Everyone who's watched Seth before works a day job. And the little old lady who has watched him for a couple hours here and there.. well I wouldn't feel comfortable calling her in the middle of the night, if I needed to.

What am I going to do? Ahh... the perils of being a pastoral couple and no nearby family.

Ideas?

All Kinds of Fun Stuff....

I just lived through a very long weekend, LOL! Being this large with a cranky toddler by myself, is not recommended! We did alright though. I am very glad that Nate is back home.

I am currently in the middle of washing baby linens! I am trying to get the nursery together today. Nate is finishing up the wall letters, and I'd like to get the crib and cradle put together (linens wise). I'd also like to get my hopital bag packed sometime this week.

Over the weekend I got the nicest little gift from Jenn Star. She made Bean these 2 very wonderful little blankets, and even enclosed Seth a coloring book and crayons. Awww! That was just the sweetest thing! It was also Bean's first gift, so its very special all around. THANK YOU Jenn!

Three fun things are happening this week. First off, Wednesday is Valentine's Day! So excited to give Nate his gift and us have our little dinner here at home. Thursday I have 2 new kits hitting TDC, both are soft and sweet.... you'll see! ;) And again on Thursday~

Its really fantastic! There is so much stuff that it took 4 paper previews and 4 element previews, LOL! I'll be sure to show all of the previews and link you once it gets up on Holly's site.

Yes He Does!

There is nothing more heartwarming, nothing more the make your heart just pause and fill with joy, then to hear your own child start singing Jesus Loves Me, unprompted while playing in the bath.

Procrastination....

I am procrastinating today. I think I worked so much yesterday that today I don't want to do anything. Nate is leaving for the weekend this afternoon. He is taking the Youth Group on a Ski Retreat, with an emphasis on spirituality of course. Its always good to get away like that, and become very close knit for a few days.

I got to go last year and had a blast. Peek-n-Peak in New York is a fabulous Ski Resort. Of course this year, as pregnant as I am.... surely you don't want to see me even attempting skis, nor do I just want to sit in the lodge all day by myself. So I am staying home with my large belly, my 2 year old rascal, and my craving for chocolate.

LOL! I'm procrastinating so much, I'm not even telling why I'm procrastinating!

I need to clean. This house has gotten out of control. It hasn't been swept in 2 weeks. (SHOCK!!!) We are usually really good about cleaning it well once a week, but last week it got away from us, and now we are paying for it, LOL!

See, Nate and I have a preatty good system going on here. He will vacuum, and I will follow along with the mop. (we have hardwoods, so double the work) Then he'll clean the bathroom (he's paranoid about me touching chemicals while preggo. HEY! Doesn't bother me, LOL!) I'll dust and every couple weeks, Febreeze everything.

Nate is going to come early this afternnon, since he is leaving for the whole weekend. I told him that I'd have the house straightened and ready... and THAT is what I am procrastinating from. Ugg.

Cleaning will be great though. We are currently looking for die-cast Sally and Lightning McQueen.... I am thinking those 2 lovebirds ran off somewhere together, LOL!

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Us Burns' have a tradition here... we like to call it Treat Thursday. I usually make a dessert or treat of some sort on Thursday evenings. It can range from plain cookies, to flan, to chocolate molten lava cake, LOL! Last night I tried a new cookie recipe, and it was so delicious, I had to share. Be sure to copy and save this recipe, because, my word, these are SO GOOD.


Banana Walnut Chocolate Chunk Cookies

1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 large egg
1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
1 large ripe banana, mashed
1 cup oatmeal
8 oz. semisweet chocolate chips or chunks
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

1. Preheat oven to 375*. Whisk together flours, salt, and baking soda, and set aside. Put butter and sugars into bowl, and mix with an electric mixture fitted with a paddle attatchment; mix until light and fluffy. Add egg, vanilla, and banana, and mix well. Add flour mixture and mix till just combined. Stir in oats, chocolate, and walnuts.

2. Drop dough onto baking sheets lined with parchment paper (I used Wax paper!). Bake cookies until golden brown and just set, 12- 13 minutes. Let cool on sheets for 5 minutes, then transfer to wire racks. Let cool completely. Cookies can be stored in airtight container for up to 2 days. Makes about 2 dozen.

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If you are a woman (or man!) of prayer and read this... please lift up Nate and I. We have entered a Season of Struggle, mainly with finances. Just please pray that we can stay strong and diligent in our endeavors. Thank you!

More Random....

LOL~ It looks like my little TOOT isn't a surprise anymore....

Yep, I've been spotlighted! DiscTalk Radio.com does this weekly show dishing and gabbing about fabulous Digital layouts that have caught their eye, along with products. It looks like my Vintage Photo Frames caught their attention, and they talk about me! How much fun is that? You must go check it out... it really makes me proud!

Seth-Isms of Late

*Seth will yell "THANKS, Your welcome!" when you give him something. It cracks me up!

*When he wants to play hide and seek he'll cover up with a blanket or hide in the corner and start yelling "Ses (seth) Where are you?..... Ses?"

*"Teh-tubbies! Watch Teh-tubbies!" "Are you going to watch them Seth?" "NO!!" "Then I'm not turning them on." "Watch Teh-tubbies!" This conversation goes on and on.....

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Nate and I recently pulled a bunch of the baby stuff (ie. cradle, swings, tub....) down from the attic, and I'm sorting through what clothes of Seth's Bean can wear again. I forgot how much clothing they will need/ use during that first year! I just picked up some Dreft to get started on washing clothes. We are keeping the nursery and the bedding the same for him, so their isn't too much work to be done there. Nate is working on making the letters for the wall, of Bean's name. I just had a custom vintage Raggedy Andy made for him, to sit on his dresser. The crib mattress has been raised, but I need to wash and assemble the sheets and bumper. Some touches to the room I can't do till after he's born. I'll display a newborn photo over the dresser, and my mom is cross stitching this sampler of his name, and she'll add the date afterwards, along with his inked on footprints.

I am so excited that LOST finally comes back on tonight! I am so there with some popcorn! Starting at 9 pm is the Producer's Tell All, and then a new show at 10 pm. We have to start tapeing CSI... I'm so ill that they keep pitting my favorite shows against one another... and yet there is a good 2 hours on both Monday night and Tuesday night they can fill up!

Random....

Hmmm... what to talk about today?

You ever feel like that when you blog? LOL~ yesterday was really just a normal laid back day.....

I do have a small secret. I think I'll TOOT about it tomorrow. ;) (Ha! Thats the way Andrea! Make them wait in suspense!)

I did get some work done yesterday. TWO new kits coming to a Digi Chick Boutique near you! I'll give you 3 guesses for their theme.... thought that probably just gave it away, LOL!

Last night I slept GREAT! Fell alseep fast, slept all night with no issue. (Well, except for my 4 am quick nature call.) I do need to run to the store later. I only have 6 Tums in the house. That does not bode well....

Oh!! Quick Story! Sunday night when we are the superbowl get together.... Nate said a blessing over the pizza for everyone, and while he was praying Seth happened to see one of the youth with their eyes still open, so he runs over during prayer and is yelling "Close Your Eyes! Close your eyes!" It was SO funny! Especially since the kid got caught and corrected by a 2 yr old, LOL! But then again... didn't Seth's eyes also have to be open to catch the kid? LOL!

(sigh) Seth just came in and said "Fell down the water." That can only mean he's gone and spilled his little water cup and who knows where.....

Till tomorrow!

Some Relief....

Well, I finally went to bed at about 4:30 am. Slept pretty good until 10:30! Wow! I hardly ever do that anymore. Nate was trying to wake me to get up, but I was batting him away. During "brunch" is when I found out he didn't even know I had been out of bed for an hour and a half last night. LOL! Men!

What did I do? Surf the web of course! Bidding on CARS movie diecast cars for Seth. He has an impressive collection, but I've got a couple bids on some cars I can't find anymore (the Sarge/ Fillmore duo and the Luigi/ Guido/ Tractor trio.) He already has Lightning McQueen, Sally, Mater, Doc, Red the firetruck, and Sherrif. He also has Mack the Semi! Its Seth's favorite movie, and it really is very cute! He can name the cars ("Das Sally... Das May-ner.")

Last nights heartburn really is all my fault. I, like an ignorant person, ate pizza, chili-cheese dip, and had Coke between 7 and 9 pm. What was I thinking? I had also forgotten my heartburn prescription, and didn't take it till we got hom at 10:30. I chewed on 8 Tums between midnight and 4:30 am.

My throat is still pretty raw this morning.

Have you been reading long? Remember the twins that were born prematurely to my dear friend Kim way back in Feb 2006 ? They are 1 today! The Twincesses, as we like to call them are so beautiful! And they are hitting their milestones perfectlky, you would never know they were preemies who had been dangerously sick. HERE they are if you want to see some birthday pics of the girls! Kim is progressing nicely along with her own photography skills! :D

Here is a new Layout I made yesterday. I am really doing well with making Sundays my Scrap days, since I get so busy during the week!

Soon~

Journaling reads; Soon you will be here, I can't wait to meet you, hurry darling. And on the tag it reads, 44 days to go.

Credits can be seen HERE.

How did ya'll like the Superbowl yesterday? I am SO NOT a football fan. But some of the Youth got together at one of the kid's house's and Nate and I went over. You know its bad when I finally realized that the game was indeed on, when I asked which team was which during the 2nd Quarter. LOL! But I did get to talking to one of the Youth's mother about digi scrapping. This is the same woman who's family lost everything in a house fire LAST MARCH 29. She also lost of her scrapping supplies and tools, and just didn't know where to begin. She loved the digi concept and is thinking of jumping in! YAY!

Anyways, back to the Superbowl, LOL! What was your favorite commercial? I loved the Sierra Mist Beard Comb Over! BWAHAHAHA! Sooooo funny! You can see it HERE.

Alright I really must close this.... Ciao!

tired

oh. my. word.

It is 3 am and I finally had to get up. I've never had heartburn like this ever. I've done nothing but toss and turn in bed burping such foul acidy- burps, and then doze. To only wake up coughing and sputtering b/c acid reflux was filling my throat and mouth.

I haven't slept really, but I had to get up. Hopefully my stomach calms.

Groundhog's Day....

Happy Groundhog's Day! It's official... Punxatawney Phil (that very famous groundhog that lives only 2 hours from here, LOL!) didn't see his shadow, so Spring is on its way. I'd like to believe him. I really want to believe him. But with our super late start to winter weather, I honestly wonder if winter was delayed. Not shortened. I bet we are going to have snow all the way into April.

Sorry for the no post yesterday. Walking the mall last Monday really did strain some muscles and its been very painful and slow getting around. I've also been dealing with something rather personal and its left me pretty blue this week. Those things added together don't leave me with much to talk about, LOL!

Thought I'd show you something we took yesterday....

Nikon D80, 50mm, F3.2, 1/100, ISO 400

I set up the scene, metered everything, but it was actually Nate who pressed the button, LOL! To help get that silhouette look, I just used the camera meter. I underexposed, and then just looked at the pic on my LCD monitor, imagining it turned to B&W. Once in PS I just added a screen layer to help lighten the window and my face a bit.

I had a very boring 34 weeks appointment yesterday. Doc was actually out delivering so I didn't see her. Everything was normal, I only gained 1 lb this past 2 weeks.

Next appointment is on the 22nd and it is when I'll have my Strep B test scheduled, and I'll start internals. Getting close!

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New! Vintage Photo Frames, .Png Version!

Now in .PNG version! One of my favorite special touches that I like to do to my own personal layouts, is to add vintage frames to my photgraphs. Now here is your chance to add straight frames to your photo, or choose a slightly curved with shadows frame for your photo. Mix and match for a unique look!

Included in Vintage Photo Frames are 12 straight frames, 15 slightly curved frames with shadows, and 2 negative strips. All come in .PNG Format for use in PSP, PSPX, or DIP.

You can get it HERE at TDC, and at an introductory 20% off till midnight CST.

Last Day of January....

Something new from me....


Journaling reads: Seth, love you! More than ever, every day! Sweet hugs and kisses to my sweet, sweet boy.

For Credits, please click HERE.

:)

35 Weeks, Maybe?

So my belly shots from yesterday. Were they 33 weeks.... or are they really 35 week? Read on....

My Ultra Sound from yesterday~

Good News~ Bean has turned! YAY! He is now perfect position... face down, and face is towards my back. (Seth was actually transverse.)

He had the hiccups during the US, and that was really cute. He was fairly laid back, just relaxed, not moving too much.

The OK news, IE: "I Told You So Doctor!!" I am measuring BIG. The tech said that my EDD, according to all measurments, is MARCH 8. March 8!!! Thats a huge difference from March 20. My orig. edd was March 14, and being only one week ahead sounds normal there. Two weeks ahead?!?!? Um.... They say Bean is already about 4.5 lbs.

I don't think I'm making it to March 20, LOL! See, I KNEW when I conceived!

Here are some NEAT pics for you!!!





Look at his hair, LOL!! The tech was amazed at how much there was!


Can you see his white spiky hair there too?

There you go! I can't wait to hear what my doc is going to say about Bean's size come Thursday. If I were to get induced "2 weeks" early again at "38 weeks" it would still be March 10th!

Three years ago today I found out about a tiny baby growing inside me... now he's a 33 lbs toddler who sweetly snores and has "puppy breath." (from sucking on Puppy too much, Yuck!)

Yesterday afternoon Nate, Seth, and I headed over to Babies R Us & the mall. We picked up a Green Hamper for Bean's room. Seth has the one in blue. I figured to get a different color, b/c in a couple years when they share a room, they can seperate their laundrey into the 2. Lights in one, darks in the other.... LOL!

We just strolled the mall. It actually got really hard for me... I was having lots of contraction's from all the walking, and I'm to the point where its really heavy on my spine/ hips.

After that we hit Barnes & Noble where I finally spent my Christmas Gift Card on a couple books for later. Then we ate dinner at Panera Bread. While we were eating, I noticed this man getting his drink. He looked SO familiar, but I couldn't remeber why. I saw that Nate was looking at him too... and thats when I realized it was Frank Marzullo our News channel, WeatherMan! LOL! It was like seeing a celebrity... kind of. He was smaller IRL that I thought he would be. (sorry about the crappy video... I couldn't find a picture!) He sat in the very back corner and worked on his laptop. Today's forecast anyone?

Anyways.... LOL! We came home after dinner, and we were all pooped.

Lovenote Story Winner & 33 Weeks....

My CT had such a fun time reading though the lovestories submitted to us. They made us laugh and they made us tear up.

But then we voted and overwhelmingly.....

This is a long love story, but a good one. I first met Mitch while working at a record store in 1990. I remember looking up from the counter and seeing this good looking boy walking towards me, I still remember the feeling I had of just "recognizing" him somehow. I flirted unashamedly with him and ended up giving him my phone number.

For the rest of that summer we were totally inseparable. When we weren't at work, we were together, driving around in my goofy yellow Toyota Celica.

At the end of the summer he turned 19, and in our church that is the age whenyoung men can choose to serve a 2 year mission. Sure enough, he turned in his papers and got a call to serve in the San Jose Costa Rica Mission. I also remember the conflicting feelings of pride and sadness that my boyfriend, my sweetheart, was going so far away for so long. It was a difficult thing, and although we wrote to each other and I was TRYING to wait for him to get home... we drifted apart. The real end was on Christmas Eve when he got to call his mom's house. I was there, and when it was my turn to talk to him he told me that he didn't want us to date when he came home.

I was sad but determined to hold on to my pride. I ended up marrying the next boy that I started seeing after that phone call. During the nearly 3 years of that marriage I heard that Mitch had also married, and every once in awhile I would get a pang in my heart for my first real love. My marriage didn't turn out so well, by husband left me when I was 5 months pregnant. It seemed the reality and responsibility of having both a wife AND a child were too much for him to face. I was devastated and terrified. I wondered how I could make it as a single mom and if I could ever find anyone to be the daddy I so desperately wanted for my baby girl.

This is where the story gets good again. Toward the end of my pregnancy... when I was as big as a house... my little sister and I were out running errands and happened to drive by Mitch's mother's home. I mentioned to my sister how much I missed his Mom, Marlene. She had always been sweet to me. My sister "double dog dared" me to stop at the house and say hello. For some crazy reason I did.

So there I was in my maternity overalls, knocking on the door of the house I had spent so much time in years before. Mitch's mom answered the door and luckily remembered who I was. We exchanged some pleasantries and then she called out-"Hey Mitch! Come and see who's here...! " I was SO mortified. I froze to the spot and my sister would tell me later that I blushed to the roots of my hair.

What an awkward conversation THAT was... so how have you been, yep, I'm pregnant, do you and you wife have any kids? No? You're divorced? Me too... or at least I will be soon... Well, anyway, nice to see ya.

It took a few days for him to call me at my Mom's house, where I was staying until the birth of my baby. We were still both so shellshocked from our failed marriages that our first conversations were awkward. But I needed a friend desperately and appreciated his support during that frightening wait for my little girl to arrive.

After she was born, he continued to be a good friend to me. He helped me move into my little apartment and listened to me when I needed to talk.

It was a long, slow, process as we both learned to trust again and got brave enough to open our hearts back up to each other. But, as the months passed and we spent time together, I watched his wonderful ways with my sweet daughter and remembered how we had been before. The amazing thing is how, when the time was right, the true love that we had for each other turned on just like someone - I believe it was Heavenly Father- flipped a switch on. Suddenly we both knew without a doubt that we were going to marry and be happy. That he was going to love my little girl with all of his heart and that everything was going to be okay. What a blessing it all was.

I'll never forget our SECOND first kiss... how many couples get to experience that twice???

To make a long story short- too late!- we married in the Mt.Timpanogos Temple of our church. Almost 10 years to the day after he left on his mission. We were older, wiser, maybe a little battered by life, but no less in love than when we were giddy teenagers. And even today- 6 years, a house, another child, 5 cats and numerous jobs later I'm grateful that I got another chance at life with my true love.

The end!

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

New belly shots for you! Here you go.... 33 weeks pregnant.



And the progression....

16, 20, 24, 28, 33 weeks.

I have to go get ready for my US. They are checking to see if Bean's still breech or if he's turned.

:)

Amazing....

I have had a huge response to my Vintage Photo Frames, and I can't tell you how excited that makes me! YAY! For those of you who have asked, the .PNG version for PSP, PSPX, or DIP will be available next Thursday. Ask, and you shall recieve, LOL!

I am totally baffled at my state of mind yesterday.... I've edited my post 3 or 4 times, b/c I kept finding big mistakes, LOL! I left out that those LO's were done by my CT... I forgot to link to the frames, put the wrong link for Lovenote. I just shake my head at myself sometimes, LOL!

I just got the news that a very dear friend of mine delivered her second baby yesterday. IN her bathtub no less! I am completely amazed and in awe! She started her active labor early in the morning, climbed in her tub to relax a bit. All of a sudden her water broke, and her baby crowned! Her Doc made it just in time to help deliver! Her whole labor took about 45 minutes! Isn't that a story?!?! Mama and baby are doing great! Congrats again sweet friend!

Speaking of newborns.... I am newborn baby picture crazy. I already have some newborn shots in mind, but I'd asked for some links for ideas over on the 2Peas Photog Fourm. Here are two amazing websites someone set me up with....

Brittany Woodall

Captured by Carrie

Gorgeous shoots! I CANNOT wait to photograph this little one!

It is still snowing and bitter cold here in NW PA. But no one is sick.... I'm wondering if I can talk hubby into taking me to the mall or something tonight. I have been stir crazy and stuck inside for 2 weeks now.

Vintage Photo Frames....

New!

One of my favorite special touches that I like to do to my own personal layouts, are to add vintage frames to my photgraphs. Now here is your chance to add straight frames to your photo, or choose a slightly curved with shadows frame for your photo. Mix and match for a unique look!

Included in Vintage Photo Frames are 12 straight frames, 15 slightly curved frames with shadows, and2 negative strips. This version is compatible in Photoshop Elements 3, 4, 5, and Photoshop 7, CS, and CS2.

You can find the Vintage Photo Frames HERE at The Digi Chick.

Here are some LO's done by my CT. You can find Lovenote kit here and there, LOL! (Note: not all designs shown are Andrea Burns' designs.)

Has anyone noticed the new FAN blinky off on the right side there? LOL~ I was making up my new Creative Team and Guest CT blinky, I thought I'd make one for my fans out there. Please feel free to grab it and sport it around town.

Happy Thursday!