Wednesday, May 30, 2007
She needs to earn a ton of money for a class trip to D.C. next summer...so that means manual labor at my ready - yeah!!! And since she's at that social age...already she's planning to go swimming this afternoon. This is fine...BUT...that means the play room needs to be cleaned BEFORE swimming. Wah-ha-ha-ha. =-)
Lauren will absolutely LOVE having her big sister at home now too. Here's to hot days, cold glasses of lemonade, swimming pools, friends and no school. Yeah, summer!
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Frozen Fruit Sticks
Keeping these frozen until you're heading out keeps the fruit cold for your picnic.
ingredients
1 cantaloupe peeled, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces1 honeydew peeled, seeded and cut into bite-size pieces1/2 watermelon, peeled and cut into bite-size pieces1 pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into bite-size pieces1/4 bunch red grapes1/4 bunch green grapes1 package 10-inch wooden skewers
preparation
Thread fruit pieces onto wooden skewers in any order you like. Place in large re-sealable bags or plastic containers and pop them in the freezer until its time to pack your picnic basket.
Yields 12-16 skewers
Antipasto Sticks
ingredients
1/2 pound plain or marinated bocconcini, bite-sized pieces of mozzarella, drained1/3 pound thickly cut, deli-sliced Genoa salami, chopped1 jar pepperoncini peppers1/2 pint cherry tomatoes (mix it up with yellow and red!)1 package 10-inch wooden skewers
preparation
Thread antipasto ingredients onto wooden skewers in any order you like. Pack in re-sealable containers and place in your picnic basket.
Yields Makes 12-16 skewers
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
She earned a first-rating from the judge. Here is the performance:
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Typical of me, I teared up reading all of the cards. The perfect Mother's Day.....but there's MORE! Next my husband (did I already mention that he is AWESOME?) hands me a gift card to
for: The Spa Pedicure - This therapeutic treatment will supply the nails and cuticles with minerals and trace elements, leaving the feet softened and smoothed. An exfoliation and invigorating massage relieves tired feet and legs from pain and improves their appearance.
And because he thought of everything...he bought a pedicure for Bailey, too!
AND...The Perfect Pregnancy Massage, gentle enough for baby -- No one knows the need for massage better than an expectant mother. Pamper yourself and baby with this gently effective treatment. You will love the relief from the back-ache, sore feet and other physical and emotional stresses of pregnancy. 60 minutes of massage!!!!
And like a true mother, I now feel guilty for this much of a gift...for an extravagence I probably don't deserve. But one thing is for certain - guilt or no guilt - I KNOW I am so blessed to have such a loving family that appreciates me most days...and not just one day out of the year. I am one blessed Mama!
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
The thickness of the neck was not consistent with Down Syndrome, the spine appeared closed and correct, the kidneys were identified - looked good, the brain was there and no noted problems, the fluid was right-on, the growth of the baby was great...SHWEW! Because the baby is still small, they couldn't get a real close look at the heart, so I get to do that next month.
We also learned the baby's gender today. And what did we find out, you ask? Well, this "momoftwogirls" is having....a....
BOY!!!!!!! Yikes!...I can hardly believe it!!!! I have no idea what to do with one of those...Girls - I know...a boy? NO FRIGGIN' IDEA! But we are sooooo excited! So much for privacy, poor little guy - look for the little white arrow in the photo below...pointing at the...well...proof. The ultrasound tech said she was VERY sure it is a boy. I'm still in shock.
Below is a picture of his back/spine. His leg is up above...head to the far right. his...HIS! Sounds so strange to say! Oh my goodness! - I'm going to have a SON! A BOY! Wow...still surreal. Oh - and the smile on Mark's face - PRICELESS! I know he did not wish for a healthy boy any more than he wished for a healthy girl...but seeing the excitement and dreams come across his face - melted my heart. And I can't think of a better person to teach our little guy how to be a good man. Wow. God is so good.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
I need to be reassured that when this new baby comes, that it is going to be ok...that once again I am going to be amazed at my heart's ability to miraculously expand enough to love another child as immeasurabely much as I love my other two.
I know it will suck in the beginning...it always does...no matter how many you have already. Not getting enough sleep, everything hurting, hot flashes, well-intentioned visitors at inopportune times....the whole thing is hard. But when the dust settles...I want to know that it is going to be great. I need to know that my girls are going to embrace this new baby and that we are going to be able to leave the house and function like normal people...eventually.
Tomorrow is our ultrasound. I'm praying the baby is healthy! Maybe we'll get a good shot to determine gender...but mostly - I'm praying the baby is healthy....and that when he or she arrives - that life ISN'T worse than before...but better.
Helps Us Save Our Ancient Forest! Second Rally and Petition Drive
Walker Johnston Park in Urbandale, Iowa 50322
Just West of Urbandale City Hall
TUESDAY MAY 8th, 5-9pm
Stanbrough Development and the City of Urbandale are planning to destroy the 27 acres of hills and trees of the 200+ year old mature Oak Savanna Forest, located at 142nd & Douglas. It is one of the last old-growth forests in the metro area!! Your action is the only chance to save this unique and precious Iowa resource.
The decision will be made at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 7pm.
How can you help?
1) Copy this flyer / petition and give / send to everyone you know… doesn’t matter where they live!
2) Sign the bottom and gather as many signatures as possible (use back if too many)
3) Fax this petition to all of the following: City of Urbandale fax: 278-3905 Fax to Anyone Polk County Conservation Board fax: 323-5354 Who Might Care! KCCI News fax: 244-0202 WHO-TV News fax: 242-3796
4) CALL/EMAIL the City of Urbandale and ask them to save this forest as a city park! Phone: 278.3900 email:cityhall@urbandale.org
5) Meet us at 5pm Tuesday, May 8 at Walker Johnston Park just west of the Urbandale City Hall. Bring your family & friends, signs, musical instruments, cameras and refreshments. We will save this forest if you help the neighbors demonstrate.
6) Attend the Urbandale City Council meeting on Tuesday, May 8, 7pm.
Petition: We the undersigned respectfully demand that the City of Urbandale preserve this ancient forest as a Uniquely Urbandale city park. Any development will destroy this public resource! Name snail/email address Name snail/email address ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________
Monday, May 07, 2007
Friday, May 04, 2007
Little People town/road thingy...$5...included all the people...makes noises - CUTE!
Wooden peg-puzzle - 50 cents!
Soft books for the baby on the way...I bought three - 25 cents each.
Little People Dollhouse with 2 dolls and a bed - ONE DOLLAR!!!
Little People Talking Phone - 75 cents
2-pc. gingham summer outfit - ONE DOLLAR!
2-pce. Disney Princess outfit from the Disney Store - $3
Old Navy tank top - 5 cents, Shorts - $1
How cute is this?! 3-pcs - $5
Fall 2-pc. jumper dress - $2
Seasonal candle-holders - 50 cents each.
Fall/Halloween decorations - 50 cents each
Tealight candle holders - 50 cents each, total: $2.50
Christmas tree yard/garden stake/candle holder - 50 cents
I probably overpaid for this one - but I hope to use it for spools of ribbon/fiber I use for scrapbooking. Perhaps adhesive can hang from this too? - $10
gumball machine - $3