Lauren LOVES the water...not afraid of it at all. I can't keep her upright in the tub...she wants to "float." Plus I think she likes how things sound when her ears are underwater. Not bad for 21 months I say!

Finally, TiVo got it right! It made a suggestion that actually interested me! Today TiVo recorded the Rachael Ray Show...something I don't normally watch. Today's show provided tips for the perfect picnic basket. It gave a new twist on the fruit kabob and another easy-to-make & pack picnic idea. Thought I'd share. Thanks "Rach."

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

Great teacher gift idea (borrowed from http://heidiswapp.typepad.com/). What a great way to wish your favorite teachers a GREAT summer vacation?!

If you have a water stain on your white ceiling - here's a GREAT tip! Mix 1 part water with 1 part bleach in a spray bottle and spray it LIGHTLY on the stain. Do not get it too wet. Wait a few days - re-spray if necessary. VOILA! Stain gone!

His lyrics and sweet voice can make me cry...AND he looks like this - I hate you Faith Hill. But seriously, did you hear his song on the ACM awards tonight? AMAZING, MOVING, BEAUTIFUL, WHERE DO I BUY IT?!@#

A month ago, my eleven-year-old participated in her first-ever vocal solo contest. She prepared a solo (In Italian - another first for her), practiced it for over a month (never in front of us though...too embarrassing!), and sang the piece before a judge. During the actual performance was the first time I had ever heard her sing her solo. It was BEAUTIFUL! I cried...I couldn't help it! I had no idea she could sing like that! At the end of the video below you'll see her reacting to my verklempt Mom moment. ha.

She earned a first-rating from the judge. Here is the performance:

Mother's Day ROCKS! I woke up this morning to a baby that was awake in her crib - but lying there quietly - as if to not disturb her Mommy on Mother's Day. My pre-teen crawled out of bed and began making breakfast for the family. NICE! And if that weren't enough? I was presented with a Mother's Day card from every member of my family, including those not yet born.



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!

Today was Ultrasound day. I was so worried about the baby's health. Maybe because there is so much hype once you hit the magic "35." Funny though - the day before I turned 35, there would have been no extra tests, no long ultrasound, etc. But now I'm the big 3-5 and yikes - lots of precautions! So today was ultrasound #2. The first was at my first appointment to help determine due date mostly. Today was in-depth. It was a 30-minute ultrasound where they looked closely at the brain, the spine, the kidneys, the neck, key bones, etc. At first glance, looks like we have a healthy one!

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.

A friend of mine recently had her second child. She shared with me her recent revelation - that life was never going to be as easy as it was when there was just one child. This is not what I want to hear. It scares me. Because days are already hard - enjoyable - but hard. I know that physical healing and sleep deprivation and hormonal imbalances all play in to what she's saying at this time....but I can't help it...it scares me.

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.

The following information borrowed from http://smalltownfun.squarespace.com/

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 ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

Friday night is my favorite! A) I don't have to cook (pizza night); B) Everyone is usually home together and relaxed for the first time all week; C) We aren't worried about our to-do list for the weekend yet; and D) MOVIE NIGHT!

This week I bought a take 'n bake pizza from Presto! Pizza on Merle Hay. If you haven't tried that place - you must. Then I buzzed down to Blockbuster and rented Charlotte's Web, Freedom Writers and DreamGirls. Charlotte's Web was tolerable...but it is hard to mess with a classic book like that...plus my fond memories of the cartoon-version I saw as a kid. Freedom Writers was good - but very trite. How many white girl working with inner-city youth to make a difference movies do we need to see?

But the best - BY FAR - was DreamGirls. Although some PG-13 Content, overall it was GREAT! Our toddler danced and sang throughout the whole thing, and our pre-teen loved it too. We appreciated that they kept it a "musical." Thumbs-Up on this one!

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.