Green Meadows West Garage Sales - YEAH! I headed out before 8:30 a.m. this morning with toddler-in-tow to hit the huge neighborhood sales in Johnston. Here's the majority of what I found, along with what I paid. Don't ya just LOVE garage sales????

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

Pretty, Pretty Princess

Bacon Cheeseburger Meat Loaf
1 lb ground chuck
10 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
1 - 8 oz package sharp cheddar, shredded
2 eggs beaten
1/4 cup bread crumbs
1/4 cup mayo
1 T worc. sauce
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/3 c ketchup
2 T mustard Frenchs Fried Onions

Mix your first 8 ingredients. Combine your ketchup and mustard in a small bowl. Stir 1/4 into beef mixture and reserve the rest.

Press your meat mixture into loaf pan and put remaining ketchup mix over the top. Bake 40 minutes. Top with FF onions and bake another 10 to 15 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.

Recipe courtesy of "SuperMom" who borrowed it from Paula Deen (gotta love her!).

$1.59 Kids Meals on Wednesdays at Des Moines area Burger King locations! (For a limited time - excludes Big Kids Meals and not valid w/any other discounts or offers).

* Vista Dr., WDM
* University Ave., Ste B
* 100th St., Clive
* E. Court Ave.
* Martin Luther King
* Kaleidoscope Mall
* Windsor Heights
* NE 14th St., Quick Trip
* E. Euclid
* SE 14th
* E. University
* Grand Ave.
* 9th NW, Altoona
* Jounston
* Indianola
* Carroll
* Stuart
* Perry
* Denison
* Newton
* Fort Dodge
* E. 1st, Ankeny
* SE Delaware, Ankeny

Thank you, Pillsbury.com for this recipe idea!

Baked Crescent Churros
Prep Time: 15 min ; Start to Finish: 30 min
Makes: 12 churros Nutrition Information

2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 can (8 oz) Pillsbury® refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1 . Heat oven to 375°F. In small bowl, mix sugar and cinnamon; set aside. Unroll dough; separate into 4 rectangles. Press each to 6x4-inch rectangle, pressing perforations to seal.

2 . Brush tops of 2 rectangles with melted butter; sprinkle with about half of the sugar mixture. Top each with remaining rectangle; press edges lightly. Brush tops with melted butter.

3 . With sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut each rectangle stack lengthwise into 6 strips. Twist each strip 3 times; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

4 . Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Brush tops with any remaining melted butter; sprinkle with remaining sugar mixture.

High Altitude (3500-6500 ft):No change.

This was our city's Spring Cleanup weekend. This means that we all haul as much junk as we can to the curb and the city will pick it up for free on garbage day. What a wonderful service! We cleaned and cleaned, sorted through closets and boxes so we could take full advantage of this weekend. We were focused on ridding ourselves of the things we don't want or need anymore.

Sadly, this isn't always the items that are broken, ruined and un-donatable. This is why beginning Friday night, you see cars and trucks and vans and trailers slowly stalking the streets for treasures. Up until today, I found this entertaining.

But earlier today, a car pulled up to our curb. If I were to make judgements based on the vehicle they were driving, this was not a well-to-do family. This car had two children in back. They had just taken shoes, a plastic safe my daughter didn't want anymore, and an old jewelry box and it was as if they had just experienced the best Christmas of their lives. They then hit the neighbor's curb and we saw them digging through bags, pulling out clothes for the kids. I have been in tough spots before. I have had my electricity turned off and I've bounced a check to put gas in my car to get to work. But I have never had to rummage through garbage to find clothes for my children.

I was saddened to tears. Not only for their situation, but for ours. We are so blessed - and we obviously have way more than we need. And here is a family THRILLED with the clothes and toys tossed off by strangers.

Tonight I'd like everyone reading this entry to take a moment to say thank you for what you have. For the electricity that is running the computer you are blessed to own. For everything you have in your life - give thanks. And then I ask you to think what it is that you don't need - what your kids don't need...and please find someone who does and give it to them.

I have a wonderful husband. Today he volunteered to go to Wal-Mart - ON A SATURDAY....WITH LAUREN...to buy this hot-flashing pregnant lady an oscillating tower fan. While there, he made a purchase for Lauren in the form of this totally Wal-Martish Tee. Funny...but wrong. And I don't mind a bit - because I had over an hour without chasing, reprimanding, redirecting or soothing a toddler. Thank you, Mark!

It's GARAGE SALE SEASON - WOO-HOO!!! Here's an adorable outfit I picked up on the cheap at a garage sale a few weeks ago. How cute is this?!

Potty Seat Update: I finally returned the dud of a potty seat and picked up a new one. We settled on an insert instead of an actual chair. We went with the Munchkin Deluxe Potty Seat (see below). Lauren was SOOO excited when we bought it...and we tried it out right when we got back from the store. Nothing. But she liked sitting there - all proud like a "big girl." Grandma sat her on it before bedtime last night (we were all at a softball game), and VOILA! She did it! "Tinkled" in the big-girl potty! Yeah! And this morning? First thing? She did it again! YEAH!!!! We are a long way off yet - but at least she likes it and seem to connect what it is for. YEAH!

Discovery Health Channel is NOT one expentant mothers should watch. I just spent my lunchtime watching "Birth Day," which means I spent the last 30 minutes bawling as new babies were being born. Yeah - that's what I call entertainment. All three births on the show, by the way, were C-sections. I hope to VBAC this next one...I'd love to hear your opinions on the subject if you have knowledge or experience!

Shoes so cute you just want to kiss her feet....

It is no secret that the time between 4 and 6 is horrendous. I'm trying to get dinner together, the baby is whiney and fussy and demands attention, the oldest is trying to get homework done, the dog needs to be fed...very much a Calgon moment every day. So yesterday, my 11-yr-old offers to "help" watch her little sister since she is done w/homework, so I can make dinner. The result? A passive-aggressive form of torture....or maybe it is just fun...whatever the case, caption should read "My sister did my hair."

Showing her artistic side...

Perhaps it is that I'm "advanced maternal age" this time, or maybe it is because this pregnancy is on the heels of a miscarriage....or maybe it is just a clearer view of the blessing within - but I'm finding myself PARANOID this time around. Today was my second prenatal appointment. I was worried they wouldn't find a heartbeat. This isn't a rational thought based on any sort of facts - just a purely neurotic unnecessary worry that contradicts my faith.

After a TON of paperwork (didn't we already cover that last visit?) the Dr. entered the room to discuss a few things. He wanted to know how I wanted to deliver this one. I've had one vaginal delivery and one via c-section. To the nurse's surprise, I do NOT want another c-section if I can help it. Comparing the two births - no way would I want that surgery again. But I am also reasonable - if as I progress - things point toward that - then I'll definitely take my Dr.'s recommendation.

He then measured me at 17 wks (I am actually 14 wks, 2 days today)....but I'm pretty sure I remember measuring "big" with my last two also....and then leveled off at a certain point. But you know - can't help but get my hopes up that maybe - just MAYBE I'm farther along than they think. ha. And then the moment I'd been worrying about....time to find the heartbeat.

I'm NOT skinny....and the baby is still a tiny peanut...so I was prepared that he'd have to fish around awhile to find a heartbeat....during which I imagined worrying and fretting the whole time. But - just as amazing as the sound emerging from within, the second he dropped the doppler on my stomach, a strong and GLORIOUSLY MIRACULOUS heartbeat was heard. SHWEW! And then I giggled uncontrollably because how can you do anything but cry or giggle at the sheer beauty of that sound? That healthy and reassuring sound that the life inside of me is not only real, but doing well.....and that I have been blessed beyond anything I ever thought I deserved. Thank you, God!

Lauren's new house: (It really IS true...they'd rather play with the box.)

I'm DYEING to tell you about how much fun we had coloring Easter Eggs! =-) Lauren is still a bit little to really enjoy it - but she had fun trying to pick up the egg and splash it in and out of the dye. She kept saying "pretty!" And Bailey, even though a cool middle-schooler....well she really had fun, too. Her and her friend Taylor had a blast trying to invent new colors. They did come up with a great olive green egg - cute! Now we'll see if Lauren can get the hang of hunting for them tomorrow morning. Stay tuned.

Speechless and Angry

Gina was one of my favorites. I wish I knew how I could protest this craziness. I hope someone signs her - and I"m buying her album. Poor girl - she didn't deserve to be voted off.

Easter Craft for Kids from Good Housekeeping

Edible Easter Baskets!
Photo Credit: Tria Giovan
Fill a sugar-free ice cream cone with jellybeans. Carefully cut two holes into the sides of the cone with a small knife and fasten an apple licorice stick to serve as a handle.

Crispy Chicken BLT Salad (from Kraftfoods.com)

4 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 pouch Shake 'N Bake Extra Crispy Seasoned Coating Mix
6 cups torn mixed red & green leaf lettuce
4 slices Oscar Mayer bacon, cooked, crumbled
1/4 cup Kraft Ranch Dressing
1/2 cup Kraft Natural Three Cheese Crumbles

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Coat chicken w/coating mix as directed on package; place in shallow baking pan.

Bake 20 min. or until cooked through (170 degrees). Let stand 5 min.; cut into slices.

Toss lettuce w/tomatoes, bacon and dressing. Spoon evenly onto four plates; sprinkle w/cheese. Top w/chicken.

** We tried this recipe tonight and it was FABULOUS! And so easy! It looked like something you'd receive at a restaurant and everyone loved it.

A friend of mine told me about a local church that has a drop-off type program for kids 18-months & up a couple days a week for 2.5 hours. It is $9 a pop - and soooo worth it! They play and interact with other children, have a snack, do a craft and play some more. BRILLIANT! Lauren benefits from the social interaction and I benefit from a couple hours of productivity without a toddler in tow. This place is a saving grace! And here is today's craft, representing the REAL saving grace:

Today I paid $3.04 for a gallon of whole milk....and that was the STORE-BRAND! The name-brand stuff was $3.14 and up! When did this happen?!@# I'm pretty sure I haven't always been paying over $3 a gallon. The 2% is significantly cheaper, but her pediatrician says she needs to be on whole milk until age 2....that they need the fat in whole milk for brain development...or something like that. Anyway - I'm outraged at the price of milk! Anyone else???

I need to go get groceries..but I need to plan meals first…and I’m not in the mood. What should we eat this week?

Lovin' the Easter Bunny....umm..not so much.

Today was the day Lauren was going to see the Easter Bunny. I told her he was big, but nice and soft and that he had a toy for her. We arrived at the mall and she was excited to see him. That is, until it was her turn to walk up to him. She started out very slowly....and then looked up at his larger-than-life head and started to cry. She was scared! I snapped a quick picture and then off we went.

I tried to distract her with the nice toy the Bunny had given her - but now she didn't really like that, either...because it came from the creepy Bunny. And then her eye caught the Easter train. Fun! I could see excitement in her eyes. So we walked over to the train.

I explained to the money-taker that I wasn't sure if she'd really like the train..and could he stop it if she freaked out. He was a wonderful man - said he wouldn't take my money until we saw if she would be okay. So on the train she climbed. We taught her how to ring the bell (the coveted seat on the kiddie train). And off the train went.

Lauren was the only kid on the train - and she wasn't so sure this was fun anymore once it took off around the little track. I waved enthusiastically from the sidelines...shouting many things that only Mommies shout in public...like "Wee!" "That's Fun!" "Hi!" "I see you!" and many other phrases that would have had Bailey diving under the nearest rock.

Finally, after four times around the track, the train stopped. Lauren emerged from the train with HUGE tears on her cheek. She wasn't actively crying - but had the saddest look on her face!

Honestly - I was just trying to let her have fun this morning - but it turned into a torturous ordeal! I thought I'd make it up to her by getting her a Happy Meal for lunch....but she replied, "No, no, no"...in a terrified voice with big scared-to-death eyes. "Home," she said.

As we left the mall, she waved at the Easter Bunny and said "Hi" repeatedly. I think she was so relieved to be leaving that horrible place with that wretched bunny.

Who decided it was a cute idea to incorporate a GIANT furry rabbit into the holiday anyway? Little tiny bunnies - cute. Big, giant-headed bunnies...scary! Mommy's sorry, Lauren.

The potty-chair saga continues... After spending 15 minutes in the potty-chair aisle at Target this morning, I finally decided on one. AND it was on sale. However, after bringing it home and taking it out of the box...it is going back to the store. Here is what NOT to buy: Evenflo Magic Potty Trainer PLUS (see picture below). All of the pieces that can be removed fell off very easily, with no way to really secure them in place (floor grippers, the boy shield, the bio-degradable liners, the height adjustment ring). The magic part of the potty - the music and "atta-girl" sayings....didn't work! Of course I only discovered that after I hunted and hunted for the teeniest Phillip's screwdriver I could find so I could open the battery case and install 3 new batteries. No good! This is a dud...and not just because one element didn't work. So, back to the potty-chair drawing board we go. I had settled on the Bjorn potty...but when I got to the store - they didn't have it! I wonder if it is an online-only item?

Oh - and I also saw a Dora potty at the store...it ALMOST got me...but after closer examination, it was cheap and little and didn't convert to the big-girl potty. Plus - do you REALLY think a little girl is going to "go" on Dora? No way! Maybe Swiper...but not Dora! =-)

I don't think anyone would argue that the toll of war is huge. Just HOW huge is hard to comprehend if you aren't directly affected. I don't pretend to know exactly which strategy is best for our military, but this can't be it...can it? Stay and fight? Pull out the troops? I don't know. But I DO know that there is a whole generation of young Americans being torn apart by the tragedy called WAR.

I have a friend who teaches at a military base. The MAJORITY of children at that school have a parent (or two) who have been deployed at least once during their lifetime. These children are growing up without their parents. Some are fortunate enough to have them return. But at what cost?

I support our troops. I am grateful for the men and women willing to serve on my behalf. I can't fathom the sacrifices they make. But no matter your stance on Iraq - I can't imagine anyone NOT hoping and PRAYING for the day that they can all come home.

I saw this clip http://video.msn.com/v/us/msnbc.htm?g=889466da-5eb2-42da-aed6-2edd2b656525&f=00&fg= on The Today Show this morning. I don't care which side of the political coin you sit on....this is heart-wrenching. God be with our nation.

Well, the time has come...it is time to buy a potty chair. I have gone to buy one on at least three different occasions and have not come home with one. So, perhaps it is denial that my baby is growing up and ready to potty-train, maybe it is that I don't want to start such a demanding task just yet, or maybe it is because there are too many choices when it comes to a toddler toilet! You can buy one that plays music, one that sounds like a flush, one that fits on the big toilet....OVERWHELMING! So, please tell me which potty chair you have used and if you like it or not? This is one (bjorn) that looked good to me - simple, but good...but then I read it is too small. (Sigh). What to do!

I am 14 weeks pregnant. I have on two different occasions in those 14 weeks, taken Tylenol PM...just one pill each time (the dose is 2 pills). I was under the impression that Tylenol products were OK to take. Then today a girlfriend of mine said her dr. said NO. So I called my OB/GYN and they said not to take it. So now...here I am....worrying....that I've somehow cased some sort of defect in my unborn child. =-(

Bailey tried to get a hug and kiss from her baby sister and then realized she needed a diaper change. She said, "Eew...she smells like daycare....like poop and dirt."

Glad to see she has fond memories of daycare.

Every day when Bailey gets home from school, she has a snack and I ask her about her day. My favorite part is when I ask about the drama of the day....because, afterall, it IS middle school, so there is guaranteed drama on a daily basis.

Yesterday she said the drama of the day was huge. She said several boys were suspended. I asked what grade they were in and she said 6th. When I asked what they were doing to get suspended, her response was...

They were "depantsing" each other. When I inquired further, turns out they were pulling each other's pants down, just as boys might run around stealing hats or giving each other wedgies.

All I could think was....future frat boys!

Faux-Hawk?? For the love of God, please don't vote for this poor kid. C'mon! I feel so sorry for him! It's like popular kids deceiving an unpopular, perhaps special kid feel as if he is really part of their clic. It is insensitive, mean and just wrong. He isn't good - send him home with a shred of dignity.

My favorites? (Based on whether I would actually buy their entire album)

Today I received the weekly junk mail packet, which usually goes straight to the circular file without a second glance. For some reason, I was feeling like I needed to give those poor advertisers my attention. Afterall, maybe there was something in there that I could use? A coupon for something necessary or if not necessary, than fun? WRONG! I threw away every stinkin' page of that thing. However, had I not taken the time to read the ads, I would have missed this shocking news:

IHOP now has the dine-in or carry-out option, called IHOP 'n Go Carry Out. http://www.ihop.com/ihopngo/index.html

MMMMM..carrying out eggs over-easy and pancakes...yeah....that'll make it home in an edible condition - NOT! Give me a break! Now seriously, WHAT would you order from IHOP that you'd want to sit in styrofoam and then trek across the town to eat at home? Or maybe I'm judging a little too harshly based on that time I saw a waitress stick her finger in someone's food and taste it...and THEN come around the corner to SERVE IT!!! EEEEW! Never, and I mean NEVER sit where you can see things happening behind-the-scenes. You don't want that information - trust me.

Have you ever just had a streak where you can't effectively communicate with the people you love? Where everything you say is misinterpreted or makes the person mad? How do you cope? How do you fix this? I'm going out of my mind.

Today my husband had an eye doctor appointment. Not just a regular eye doc, but one that shoots flourescent dye into your veins and takes really cool pictures of your eyeball. Sounds cool....but we've been there once every six months for...I dunno....a million years? What a racket...feels like the same game the chiropractors have going on. You should be cured in....3,582 visits. Whatever. Anyway, as I'm sitting there, watching the other patients, playing a game where I guess what eye ailment they've got goin' on (usually they are tragically going blind and must search for a new way to live life to its fullest), and studying the other miserable designated drivers - completely understanding their painful boredom, I realized the following:

* Being a designated driver sucks. Whether you are sober Sally, or carting your husband's dilated eyes home from a dr. appt., nothing fun about it.

* There is absolutely no reason a dr. appt. where surgery is not involved should take 3 hours. That's just rude...you should pay me for the visit.

* There is not a single pop or snack machine available to the public in that office building. Coffee that was made at 7:30 a.m. this morning when it is now 2:30 p.m....and a public water fountain - not good enough.

* Reading material doesn't help in these situations...because after 2 chapters, now I"m tired...and there is absolutely nowhere to lie down.

Next time (6 months from now, of course), I'm going to do some research ahead of time. I'm going to look up new, exciting eye diseases...that'll help with my game. And I"m packing a pop and snacks. Or better yet? I'm dropping him off, heading to the mall and he can call me when he's done.

Being a designated driver sucks.

It's Recipe Time again! =-) Today it was hot outside..and I NEVER feel like cooking when it is hot outside (ok - nor do I when it is cold out - but it is a serious problem when it is warm). So, here's a light, cool, EASY meal for those hot nights.

Tuna Tortellini Pasta Salad

1 - 20 oz. pkg. of 3-cheese Tortellini prepared according to pkg. directions and then cooled. (I used the Hy-Vee bag of cheese tortellini - not sure if it was 20 oz. or not - but our family of 4 had tons left over).

1/2 lb. green beans, cut into 1-inch pieces, cooked and cooled. (Yeah - so I didn't have many frozen green beans, so I used what I had, PLUS some frozen mixed veggies I had. I think peas or whatever would be fine in this recipe...but go with the frozen stuff - not canned).

4 green onions, sliced (I left this out).

2 cans solid white tuna in water, drained (I went with one big can)

1 lg. tomato, diced

3/4 C. ripe black olives, sliced (I didn't have these - but they would be good in this recipe if you like olives)

3/4 C. mayo (I used Miracle Whip)

3 T. Balsamic Vinegar

3/4 tsp. celery salt (I left this out too)

Mix it all together and chill. Although it is a pasta salad...it has tuna in it, therefore I count it as a meal. I served it with grilled cheese because I knew Mark & Bailey would complain if they only had a salad on their plate.

My husband and I saw a movie last night - a REAL movie in a REAL theater. =-) We saw Wild Hogs and laughed out-loud A LOT! Now, I know the critics have given it one star...but honestly - everyone was laughing all around us. And we aren't THAT easily entertained in Iowa. I say if you are in the mood for a good laugh - go see it.

82 degrees!!! In March!!! In Iowa!!! Woo-Hoo!!! Yipee!!! The whole family enjoyed the fantastic weather. Well, maybe not Dad and Bailey, who were busy raking and picking up sticks....but the little one had a ball, and so did Mom (who also took her turn raking and picking up sticks, thank you very much).

Lauren doesn't have a lot of clothes appropriate for this weather yet - so her "outfit" is sort of a hodge-podge. She didn't care though - this kid is DEFINITELY an outdoor-type. First, she spent a good 30 minutes on her swing. We really need to get her a real swingset...I don't think the baby swing is going to cut it this year. Then she found the landscaping rocks - and she had a BALL! Picking up rocks, piling them somewhere else, getting mud on her hands and then bringing them to me as if to say, "Do something about this ucky, woman." She did NOT like it when we came inside to clean up.

I can tell already this is going to be an every-night-bath-needed-spring and summer.

Here are a few snapshots from this afternoon. Sorry I didn't get any of the yard workers. Bailey might make me take a shot of her blister though. ha.

My husband and I purchased $50 worth of gift certificates from Hessen Haus for $25 (101 4th Ave., Des Moines) at http://whotv.realdeals-tv.com/

Tonight we decided to have a date-night and cash in on Des Moines’ German cuisine. What we were surprised to find was an experience we might want to share with the kids in-tow. Granted, the Hessen Haus IS a “bar,” it was also much, MUCH more than that. In fact, as we entered the front door, we saw at least two families dining with young children. I immediately noticed that high chairs were available.

We headed clear to the back of the restaurant to the non-smoking section. This section is not really separated from the other section, so if there ARE smokers around, you would be exposed. However, we were early diners arriving around 5:30 p.m. (seems the families with kids had the same idea) and the restaurant was not smoky at all. In fact it wasn’t until around 6:45-7-ish that it started to feel more like night life. I feel confident that for lunch or an early dinner families would be in the clear.

Other things I noticed that made me consider this venue for a family outing?

* It is literally a hop, skip and a jump from the new, AMAZING Science Center, making it a handy stop after a family day of fun at SCI.

* The parking ramp for the Science Center is right there, too, providing for hassle-free parking for the family minivan.

* Children’s menus full of kid-friendly American food, including Hamburger/Cheeseburger, Grilled Cheese, Corn Dog Bites and Chicken Tenders. Leave the ‘kraut to the grown-ups, this place has grilled cheese, milk and the like for the kids.

* Beverages for kids include Coke products, Iced Tea, Lemonade and good ole MILK! Did I mention the plastic cups with lids????

* The children’s menus were paper (good for pre-dinner drawing/coloring), and offered German-themed activities, like the Black Forest maze. Cute.

* Prices are VERY reasonable. The most expensive thing on the kid’s menu is $4.20. Everything else is $3.95.

* A very unique and cultural experience for the whole family.

Where they fell short:

* No changing table in the restroom. I’ll cut them some slack though, since it IS also a “bar.” But fyi – owners? There is totally room for a fold-down changing table in there. Install one! And don’t forget the Men’s room, either. That would be absolutely wunderbar!

* A REAL non-smoking section would be nice.

Husband trying to quit smoking + Hormones-kickin' in Preg-o Wife = T.E.N.S.I.O.N.!!!!

1. My pants won't even come close to buttoning, but maternity pants look stupid.
2. You can't wear sweatpants if you want to take your husband out for a nice b-day dinner.
3. Breastfeeding two babies has left me with a situation - and I can't believe people actually use bandaids to remedy it -- do they really do that? or was that a 70's solution?
4. The restaurant we are going to has things on the menu like "in raisin sauce" "served with pickled cabbage" or "sauerkraut". HURL!

Well, the traveling was totally worth the hassle. We had a WONDERFUL time visiting family. The girls spent quality time with my grandparents, my aunt & uncle, and my Dad. It really warms my heart to see my children experience many of the same happy memories that I was so blessed to experience. I watched them play with toys that generations have dug through and enjoyed. I witnessed my Grandpa read to my daughter in the same loving manner he used to read to me. I am SO happy that my girls get to experience this kind of love, and so overwhelmed with emotion that I get to feel it all over again, too. Here are some photo highlights from the trip:
http://www.flickr.com/gp/7476540@N04/5e738x

I don't like traveling. I like my destinations, but I hate the PROCESS of traveling. It is bad enough when you travel alone, but throw an 18-month old and a pre-teen into the mix and you have a recipe for the opposite of fun.

First, there is the packing - BLUK! And since we aren't just visiting ONE house overnight - I've packed separate bags to hopefully make the in and out process easier (we'll see). And it is March in the Midwest, which means we have to pack for weather conditions in the 70's OR the 20's. Layering, I guess.

And then there are all the baby goods....the pack 'n play, a booster chair, diapers, wipes, sippy cups, bibs, toys, etc. And then my pre-teen will want to pack 6 books instead of one, 12 outfits instead of 4....ugh...I have a migraine already.

Did I mention the laundry? Of course I wasn't caught up with laundry, so I've been doing load after load since yesterday just so we can pack. And then there is the laundry we'll have when we return.

My husband is staying behind for this trip, he has to work next week. But since the kids have Spring Break, and once softball season starts we won't be able to go anywhere - I thought we should take advantage of this time and visit family.

Ok - back to packing - AAGH.

Mark, while watching American Idol results show tonight...

* "Oh, just SIT DOWN, Paula."
* "Diana's a little 'pitchy' tonight."
* "Sanjaya is prettier than Haley."
* "WHAT?!@# You have GOT to be kidding me!" (when Sanjaya was NOT sent home...AGAIN!)

Bailey, while watching American Idol tonight...

* "Chris is SOO the best."
* "What the heck?" (When Sanjaya was NOT sent home..AGAIN!)

It's a........BABY!!! Baby #3 is on the way! After more secret-keeping than I can handle (over 2 months worth) - we finally had our Dr. appointment today and learned that we are approx. 11 weeks along and in the Dr.'s words..."everything looks perfect." YEAH! We are all thrilled and can't wait to meet this little one. He or she is estimated to be due 10/4/07. Stay tuned for more news on this little peanut. And for those of you that think this image looks like nothing? There is a dotted line running the entire length of the baby's body. It's head is facing down and to the left. Nothing more exciting than seeing your baby's flicker of a heartbeat on that ultrasound screen. It is truly moving and SHWEW! What a relief! We gladly accept your continued prayers though for a healthy pregnancy and baby.