oh, the last two weeks...

has kinda been a blur!!
it was really really HOT, so we stayed indoors the first week! Brigham was so excited about his little pool, that we let him go in it around eight or nine pm..(after our family walks and after it has cooled off a little!)
Then then next week, we had rain! FINALLY!!
my husband kidding me saying that our whole state is in a drout.. except for our yard!!

and our water bill shows it!! LOL..well, I am kind of a nut when it comes to my yard and keeping it green and keeping the flowers from wilting!!

So remember when I said my baby weight came right off..? well it did .. in the first 2 weeks, and then I have just been sitting at the same dang weight forEVER!!
trying to do more walks.. but the ice cream, cakes, candy, ICE CREAM is certainly not helping.. good news, is that I am not gaining!!
guess its b/c of the nursing.. lil Tatum sure is getting a taste of my sweet tooth! LOL
eating out has been a weakness of ours too.. the week before last , we went to MOES.. (love that place) with Kelli and Greg and the kids.. and then like 3 days later after going to watch their 7 year old's softball game, we all went out for pizza!!
we always have so much fun together, and unfortunatley it also includes eating and of course ice cream. They introduced us to the soft serve at Pizza Hut for a quarter!!
How could we pass it up.. and it was really good too(not like the nast ice milk from the dorms in college! LOL)

SO Father's day was low key. went to church, and then went out to lunch with my dad at Camilles!
I told Andrew he could pick, and crazy enough he pulled into the place that he usually HATES to go, but I love it.. and my dad loves it.. so guess Andrew was doing a nicety by doing that. I am trying to get Andrew to grow to love places like "camilles cafe' and 'panera'. He hates all that froo froo kinda food!!

so all afternoon we all just hung out in the AC and then Brigham got to go out to his pool and play with Grandpa..
around 8pm we realized, we never had dinner, so we ordered chinese.
Oh,and I had made a cake in honor of the fathers =)


totally made up the cake.. yellow cake mix. double layer. poked wholes in each layer and poured carmel topping over, added whipped cream to middle layer, sprinkled Heath bar over that, and then frosted the whole thing in chocolate.. it was HEAVEN!!!

last week was VBS at our church, but I opted not to go. I wasn't seeing getting my self and two kids out the door by 8:30 am!! I think I need a couple more months to practice, before MOPS starts up, and Brigham goes to pre school!!
We had a play date with my friend Sarah and her daughter Micheala at the park. The kids found a water spicket and they were soaked. seriously, they had a whole park to themselves, and they couldn't get enough of the water!!
Thursday night, we went to a carnival at church. so much fun, although, Brigham was a tad too young for most of the games. He did win a sucker, and enjoyed the cotton candy,and got his face painted..


Then last Friday, I offered to watch my friend Kelli's daughter so she could get some errands done. Hannah and Brigham are in seprable.. seriously , I think they could play together 24-7 ! Hannah is a whole year older, but the same height, and just adorable. We're hoping her 'going potty' will rub off on Brigham, the more they are together! He always wants to copy her..
Like after I watched the kids, we all went to chick filet. the kids just play and play and the moms talk, and we both have babies too. It was so busy on Friday, because all the local VBS's got out and all the kids were given little certificates w/ coupons on it!! So yeah, it was a tad crazy, for about 20 minutes, and then it cleared out..
I never knew that if you turn your kids toy back in (from the kids meal) that you get a FREE ice cream! so Brigham loved it, and Kelli and I just had to have one of those fabulous shakes!!

Friday night I met my friend Jennifer out for scrapbooking! It felt so good to get out and go to a crop. I got 4 out of the 10 pages that I had planned for =(.. but of course we had fun. we even took a break and went to TGIF's for fried green beans and cocktails.
and then I just had to swing past Chick Filet again, for yes, ANOTHER hand dipped shake!!
2 in one day.. seriously, folks, this has to stop !!

oh, and Tatum ,made her debut in scrapping. I brought her with me. she was so good.
here is proof =)

Saturday, I went to a class at Lowe's.. learning how to install flooring!
After getting some estimates that were in the $1600-2400 range, I decided, we could attempt it ourselves.

I am losing patience and want it done NOW... however, Brigham's birthday party is on July 14th, and that is just pushing it.
I am going crazy, anyway trying to plan for that, and get everything I need. He says he wants a clown cake, and I can't find a clown pan anywhere!

Well, I'll leave you with a couple cute pics of the kids.. having a girl is like having a doll to play dress up with. The girl wears dresses EVERY day! and I change her clothes like 5 times a day... ( ok, not really, luckily she poops thru them, and then just HAS to be changed... LOL)
A friend of mine, gaver her this little diva outfit, I think its adorable.
Brigham is just adoring his little sister, and the disposing of poopy diapers has not gotten old for him..!!
kids are so fun, but tiring eh?? I have to go take a nap!!



(she has been lifting her head since about two weeks old.. getting stronger every day, here , she finally found that fist to suck on!!)

my baby girl, some girl time, and my guys!

It seems like I have not blogged in weeks, (not that many people read this thing..lol) but I hope one day to print out some random entries and then scrap about them.,so I need to keep it up!

This blogging thing is a great way to just get down thoughts about what is going on and some great little reminders bout what we're doing.

Last week, Andrew had a guys night out.

I went for a pedicure, while he watched the kids.. (still so weird to say k-i-d-S)
but I love it =)

I had a farewell dinner with my sorority. Yep after years and years, we finally voted to disband. We celebrated two members with 50 years. My mom and grandma were both members so I was initiated to this Philanthropic Sorority when I was 18.
My mom celebrated 40 years as a member. They used to do lots of projects and lots more get togethers (back in the day when women did NOT work).
Its just been tough the last 5-10 years to get members to participate.
I came in while in college, so didn't do anything with it until, the last 3 years.
I held offices each year, but was not ready to be president(which is what they were wanting.. LOL) with the addition of another child.
So we had a nice dinner and looked through memory albums and stuff.
Okay, so I now need to find something to fill my 1st Thursday of every month.. LOL!

We went on some family walks last week b/c the weather was really nice.
Never got the rain we were supposed to, so every day, I feel like I am spending hours moving and re setting the sprinklers.. so all the stuff we planted doesnt' keel over.
Our grass is still the 2nd greenest on the street.lol (guess others, don't believe in watering!)

Date night: My mom watched the kids while we shopped a bit. I know Andrew was thrilled, but I had to get some new things for this 'transition' phase.
Kohls had a great sale on some cute tops.
Without kids, we made our way in and out of Target, and Hobby Lobby fast too.
We ate dinner at Mc Alisters and then headed downtown to the Bistro for drinks.

It was such a fabulous evening , so we sat out on the patio. Andrew drank his fruity marinis, and I had Beer.
I swear our waiter laughed after we ordered. Andrew admitted he just likes the Summer breezes so well.
I was afraid to drink a martini as I have not had a sip of alcohol in about 11 months.
I am pretty sure I was loopy after half a beer!!
So we enjoyed a grown up evening, and as Andrew walked me back to the car and so gentle man like opened the door for me, there was my breast pump waiting on the seat for me!
(pretty sure he never dated a girl with a breast pump on the front seat!)

The next day, Andrew let me sleep in, and he watched the babes. I had a hair appt, which lasted way longer then I thought it would.. OOPS!!
I got a tri color foil, and cut. It was so relaxing and I feel so much better!
Last hair appt. was in Feb. Hormones did a number to the color and split ends too!
I went shopping too, and finally made it home.
Andrew and the kids were still alive! LOL

We went back out for Andrew to get some podcasting equipment, and we drove to three ice cream places searching out a choc chip cookie ice cream sandwhich!
I thought your husband was supposed to drive you around when you were pregnant and craving.. not post baby and craving!! anyway, we found it, and it was so yummy!

Seriously, I don't know what is up w/ my sweet tooth.
Within the first week of having Tatum, I lost all the weight. Fastest diet, I swear by!
And now I have just been sitting at the same number.
I thought the breast feeding would do the trick. Even though they say to eat an extra 500 calories, I was not going to.
HMMM, don't think they meant to eat another 500 calories all in sweets.
We have been so blessed by having meals brought to us, we are eating like kings.
A friend of ours organized a meal system and our church friends have been so wonderful, we have had dinner provided nearly every day for a month. We still have 3 more meals scheduled this month. I am loving collecting several new and fabulous recipes.
and everyone brings dessert.
in large quantities.
and thus, my sweet tooth is out of control.
and my daughter is gaining a love for sweets too! LOL!
speaking of daughter.. she is a chunk!!
had her ONE MONTH appt. yesterday, and she tilts the scale at 10 lbs 12 oz!
she has gained two inches too, and is 23 inches long.
I looked back in Brig's baby book, and he wasn't near either of those until his 2 month appt.
I LOVE the rolls of chubb!
Here are some recent pics -
(tatum at 2 weeks)

(tatum at 2.5 weeks)

(brig sharing a granola bar with tatum)


(Andrew's mom visiting during first week)

(Tatum at one month!)

update.. finally!

http://www.slide.com/r/ucMZ2uHr6z-Dtrs3SnrLjtpy1GeGrHYa?previous_view=lt_embedded_url


Here is a really fabulous slide show put together by my friend Jennifer of Tatum's first photo shoot at 10 days old!!

My friend does fantastic work, and even though she doesn't want to push her business, I have been doing it for her!!
Remember way back, when I said I knew 27 people who were pregnant from last October?? well, almost all the babes have been born!! Actually a few more preggo friends have added their names to the list and they'll be delivering by the end of the year!!
CRZY!!!

My friend Rachel had her third baby on the 25th. She had a chubby little boy, and we went to see him at one day old, and our little two week old was smaller then he was(at 9 # 4 oz)!!
Jennifer is doing a photos shoot for little Issac and his siblings today. I can't wait to see how they turn out.

I can't believe Tatum is 3 weeks old! Time is flying by.. I am treasuring each tiny moment, but since I now know what is to come, I can't wait for the next stages to hurry up and get here! Funny I know, b/c with Brigham I really relished in the moment and could stare at him sleeping for hours!
course, now I am keeping busy trying to potty train Brigham before he turns 3 in a month! so the quiet moments of me and Tatum come in the middle of the night during feedings!!
Tatum is still an angel of a baby, so we are still on the go a lot.
Brigham is adgusting fairly well, though my heart just melts when I have to put him in time out or spank him! He seems to be testing us lately for the lack of attention.
Andrew and I both have been trying to do special things with him.

we got him a pool for the back yard which he loves. I have had some of his friends over for playdates. we have gotten him several new Thomas trains to add to his collection(which keeps him very busy.. LOL). we try and have cuddle time with him on the couch. Andrew has been playing lots of puzzles with him. we have been taking nightly family walks, which he loves!

In two weeks vacation bible school starts, which I am really hoping will give him some good social time of his own.
I feel really badly when I am constricted b/c I have a kid stuck to my boob!! and can't always play with him, or get him what he wants right away.
He is certainly learning patience.
and he LOVEs to be our big helper. that is he gets the wipes, the diapers, and runs to throw the dirty diapers away. He proudly states that he is "mama's BIG HELPER"
so cute.

Today is a lazy and rainy/sunny/ muggy day so we're staying inside and doing loads of laundry.
and pottying in the toilet( brigham hopefully .. LOL)
and I am sorting thru baby gifts.
more on that in my next post , but my 3 fabulous friends threw me the most wonderful, amazing baby shower on Saturday!!
I am just overly blessed and am all giddy over all the girly things I got.
pictures to come.
oh, and pictures to come from the last few weeks too. I'll try and be better at that, to all 3 of you who read this!!
ok, thats all for now.

mommy can i go to the train store??

that is what I keep hearing daily =)

Brigham was overjoyed when Grandma Holland from Colorado took him to the train store.
He could care less that the purpose of the visit was to buy more Thomas trains and some more track. He was just content to stay and play for hours at the train table!!

They did get him home, and he has been playing and reconstructing a railway ever since!

The visit with Grandma was great. I did feel a tad bad , that she didn't get much time with little Tatum, as Brigham was vying for her attention.
They played puzzles and played trains, and read books, and played with stuffed animals, and basketball and all sorts of things.
Tatum slept thru most of her visit.
Actually that is pretty much all she does. The transition from one to two children has been a sinch!!
Tatum gets up 1-2 times a night (with 5 hours in between) and sometimes, its me waking her up just to make myself more comfortable!! LOL
( i forgot about the waking to a pool on the sheets!!)

We had several outings last week, while grandma stayed with Brigham.
We went to lunches, and to grown up meetings and to bible study.. and yep, she slept right thru all of it!! =)

I am still feeling great and totally contribute this to the fact that I had no drugs.
nada, zip, not a single one.= NO side effects.

not to say I did not FEEL pain during the labor and delivery.. but when it was over it was over. and FAST>
with Brigham, I had drugs right away, and then the epidural. never felt a twinge of pain. I had to be told when I was having contractions and when to push.
I felt lots more sluggish after his birth.

Well, I have been scrapping a little the last few days. I'll post some soon. trying to get my mojo back, and up to speed with pregancy pages, and Brig's third year so I can start those BABY pages.... Oh , I can hardly wait.
HL has paper on sale this week... so I know there will be a trip to get some pink and girly papers =)
Yesterday was a HOT day and so Brigham and his friends Parker and Sadie played in the sand box and in the sprinkler while their mama and I sat w/ the baby in the AC.
I am thinking of getting the lil pool out for this afternoon, supposed to be in the upper 80's.

I'll leave you with a sample of the amazing work that my friend Jennifer captured during Tatum's first photo shoot last Sat.
I am just in awe. They make my heart melt. She is just the sweetest








If you click the link to Jennifer's website, there is a slide show of many more adorable pics. I just don't know how I am going to choose.
The one of her in the little white knit dress was mine as an infant. Then one of her in the basket in the sundress was my mother's dress as an infant!!
LOVE THAT =)

introducing....

Miss Tatum Isabella !!!

our beautiful little girl entered the world in a hurry on Wednesday eveing at 5:32 pm
She weighed 8 lbs 8 oz and was 21 in long.

She is just precious and big brother Brigham could not be prouder. He made her a fingerpaint picture that stayed in her little case while at the hospital !!

We returned home late Friday night, and have adjusted nicely. Because she is such a sleeper (only up 1-2 times during the night!), I have been rested and able to get the house cleaned and garden planted full of flowers.

We spent Mother's Day with my mom too, at the park yesterday , Tatum enjoyed her first swing ride at 4 days old!!

Here are some pics and I'll try and update with the birthstory later.
Grandma from Colorado is coming in an hour, so I have to get my kitchen floor mopped now!

still waiting for baby....

yep, we're patiently, no ANXIOUSLY waiting the arrival of our new addition.
I am feeling great. actaully feeing like I'm 6 months prenant, not 9 months.
been working in the yard, getting things ready so the week, baby comes, I can get out and plant my flowers!! I can't wait to be able to crouch down, w/ out a tad bit of discomfort!!

I have been cleaning and re cleaning my house this week. doing laundry. finished the baby's nook decor. and just waiting.

still have to pack my bag.. but what is the rush???
my mom brought over three new pairs of pjs for me to take to the hospital.
When I had Brigham, she got me a pretty light blue gown. this time around, she couldn't decide, so she got all three. in PINK, of course. and while at Macy's, she couldn't control herself, and bought some more tiny little person outfits!!
Man this closet is busting out already, and she's not even here yet!!
diva in the making, for sure.

well, I'll leave you with a link to my friend Jennifer's page, where she posted the pics from my maternity shoot last week. *** CLICK ON THE POST TITLE******
Didn't she do an awesome job??
I think they turned out really good, (besides my mongo belly,) but I guess you'l have that at 39weeks preggo!

hopfully I'll have news to share soon. Hope you all ( and I am so glad to know there are some who read my blog) have a fabulous weekend!!

just some scrappy pages...

just thought I'd post some of the pre-baby pages I've done. Actually have not done that many. However, I did do about 5 more than I did for Brigham, so I guess that says something.

Funny, how pre-brigham, I wasn't into scrapping that much, so didn't know of all the COOL pages that could be done about pregancy!!

enojoy and have a great day!!

single digits--BABY---!!

yep, as of today I have EIGHT days until d-day!!

well, actually my due date, the doc says May 7th. Whichever it is, its coming faaast!!

I have been trying to get things done, like the dustruffle for the crib..

getting baby's coming home outfit finished.. ( am taking the one I got at Sax for Brigham and changing out the ribbon color). Its just a sweet white gown, and so with the ribbon change, it will be perfect .

Andrew told me this weekend he wants to put up a(version of a ) chair rail over the baby's crib and then put pegs, to hang sweet lil things. we actually saw something similar in a model home a couple months back. They had the chair rail and then a higher rail going all around the room. It was very cute.. so we'll see how much gets done!!

Saturday we went to the Purdue spring game. it was gorgeous weather, and our friends gave us their VIP tickets, so we could sit in the special 'suite' seats.

(pict taken last weekend at springfest..notice the winter coat and hat?)

anway, this is Brig's new friend. unfortunately he was injured and didn't play in the game.

he is one of the guys that will end up in the pros.

He is mighty fine if I do say so too !!!

It was fabulous, b/c I didn't have to sit on the backless bleacher seats for 2.5 hours, plus we had access to the consessions.

And when you're 9 months pregnant, and forgot to eat breakfast, that comes in handy!

We got to hang out with some of our friends and talk predictions for the coming season. My dad went with us too, so Brigham had a blast with grandpa.

Got home, and spent 5-6 hours doing yardwork. I dictated and planted flowers (from a chair) LOL!!

and my dad edged and dug out all those pesty little grasses that get into the garden.

Andrew mowed, and edged and spread seed.

I've got to remember to call the lawn service and get a treatment done this week.. seems like something I will easily forget!!

Yesterday, we went to church, started a great sermon series on 'challenging ourselves'/

this was on helping the needy.. in whatever capacity, etc.

Very fitting, because yesterday afternoon, was our HOmeword BOund walk for Habitat .

I led a team as we walked the 5k thru some really run down parts of town.

Makes you so appreciative for what we have been given. I truly get so mad that people are actually living like this. children playing in conditions like this.

I know we can do more, but the sad thing is that many of these people don't want the help. Very few are able and willing /wanting to get themselves out.

I totally believe it starts with education. and man, do we have a long way to go.

Anway, I was shocked as much as my husband was that I made it with no complaining to the finish line!!

It felt good, and it was a beautiful day.here's some of us at the end: my preggo friend Jill, Andrew, my dad and Brigham sitting easy in the stroller!

we finished the day off with ice cream and then I sat on the couch for a couple hours!!

today is dedicated to deep cleaning .. already cleaned the kitchen and dining/ and living rooms. now comes the fun part.. the bathrooms!!

such is the life!!!

so busy...

doing and going = no time to blog.

and what a bummer, b/c there actually would be a lot to blog about!!

****

ok, so recap of last week...

Easter was perfect. one of the best celebrations in the last few years.

Spiritually, it was just awesome, our services were fantastic, and the music, scriptures, message, just really spoke to me. Love that when that happens.

We had dinner with two of our friends and my mom joined us. I did all the cooking, cept for my mom did the ham. I didn't want my girlfriends to have to do anything... just show up and enjoy.

The weather was completely ridiculous, but that did not stop us from having a huge egg hunt in the back yard. We had so much fun hiding them, and then watching all the kiddos search around for them.

this year, Brigham got the whole idea and scored a bunch of eggs.

needless to say, none of the kids ate Easter dinner, as they had feasted on chocolate and jelly beans.

We had a great time. I felt really good(suprisingly for cooking and being on my feet all day).

Finally around 9:30 pm, I crashed.. on the couch.

*****

we worked some more on the book case for Brigham's room. I did loads and loads of laundry. =)

Finally, I think this cold spell is gone and I can pack up all Brig's winter clothes.

We put in a new closet system (that totally rocks) and I am having fun, organizing and adding *pink* into his closet.

there is so much room in there now, and now wasted space, so most of the toys are able to fit too.

****

Wednesday, I met some girlfriends for dessert at the ol' Olive Garden, ... and they SURPRISED me with a shower!!

well, actually it was a diaper shower to be exact with a few touches of pink(bibs) and some adorable home made burp cloths.

I am totally stocked for several months on diapers and wipes. =)

******

Friday, we had sunshine and (warmer) temps,. I watched a friends little girl all day and it was so nice to be outside with the kids.

They helped me in the garden.. rode bikes.. and played with almost every toy from the garage!!

yep, I know I said I was in the garden.. at 37 weeks preggo, it was a tad exhausting, bending over and such, but I just had to get all the weeds out and I can't wait to plant some annuals this week!!

Guess, I have spring fever, or nesting issues..!!

*******

Saturday, we went to dinner with friends. Went to a local pizza place with the best fried dough around. Baby totally was digging it.

Love hanging out with them. the kids get a long great. husbands/wives get a long great. we see them about every other week.. and its so much fun.. you know No time limit or anything.

Of course, someone suggested ice cream afterwards.. (which is sort of a tradition with us)

we hit the DQ and the kids started flying high(on ice cream that is).

********

yesterday we slept in. and then spent the afternoon at Purdue for their Spring fest.

pics to come.

the sun is shining, the birds are singing

this is partly why I haven't been blogging!!

(just out and about enjoying the spring weather)

Last weekend was spent with birthday parties for Brigham's little friends.

Babysitting for a friends children (2 and 7 mos)

actually, Andrew spent the evening babysitting, b/c my crzy preggo mind forgot that we did indeed have plans to go to a birthday party, and offered to watch another friend of mines children so they could have a night out with her visiting parents.

Who would have thought Andrew couldn't handle it!

When I got into my car, after the party, my phone had 5 missed calls.. two desperate messages , and then it began to ring..

WHERE ARE YOU???

Um, duh, I told you I was taking Brigham to a birthday party at Chick Filet~

Andrew-- this baby has been crying the entire time!!

Ok, I'll be home. and guess what as soon as I walked in the door, and reached for her. she stopped. and never made another sound =)

By the way, Chick filet throws fabulous kids parties, if you're into making a call, showing up, and having it ALL done for you.

Me of course is more into stressing for months, spending hundreds of dollars, letting my creative side go wild, and making my husband miserable until the party is over.. (all for a few hours)

Yep, I have already started planning, and purchasing for Brigham's 3rd party this JULY!

hopefully, it will be less stressfull this time, since I am starting ahead of time.

Oh wait, I will have a newborn too. guess we'll see what happens

Sunday was spent lunching with friends and getting ice cream.

---------------------------------

This past weekend we completely cleaned and reorganized the garage.

Got rid of a winters worth of dog hair. YUCK.. and moved Hailey and her house to the side yard.

Several people came by thinking we were having a garage sale.. OOPS.

I dug up all the dead stuff and cleaned up most of the garden around the house.

A tad painful, as this belly tends to get in the way.

Andrew mowed the lawn, and spread grass seed.

My dad bought Brigham an unfinished book case and came over and stained it.

I made dinner for our good friends who just had a baby boy and we got to visit with them again.

Seriously at one week old, he is the cutest thing ever. I think I have seen him 5 times so far.

I guess I am getting that baby itch...

Sunday after church, we went to McAlisters Deli and Brigham serenaded a lady at the table down from us with his A,B,C's.

We should have told him about the tip thing. He could earn a nice living at such a young age.

I bought some flowers to plant, but now they are sitting in my garage, b/c its supposed to go back to 7 days of 40 degree weather! YUCK.

I am heading out to buy an Easter dress for myself and have no idea what I am going to do.

And I need to look for some saddle shoes for Brigham , to go with his little Eton suit.

We are trying to teach Brigham about Easter, he doesn't even get the whole Bunny thing.

He definately knows that Jesus 'fell off the cross'. and then woke up again.

He made a cute palm branch in sunday school and has been going around the house singing "Hosanna".

Well, I better get the little guy dressed so we can attempt to run errands.

Hope you are all having a great week!

Arizona pics

I've had some requests for these... so here ya go!! enjoy =)

not sure why its sideways. but Brigham totally enjoyed the plane ride and was pointing out the cars and houses below to his pal Curious George!!




how cute are these?




this was taken up at the Wrigley mansion. And look at my sweet brother with his nephew!! They bonded quickly and Brian earned a new name..'UNCLE MONKEY"















At our trip to the Phoenix Zoo, Brigham loved attacking the goats and sheep with a brush.


I'm pretty sure all the animals were heavily sedated to allow all these toddlers to wack them with combs and brushes!!
wow!! am I huge or what!! here I am probably on a return trip from one of the many bathroom visits!!


























Our visit to a ghosttown and an upclose look at our favorite green cactus.
Brigham learned right way..
'don't touch the sorrrraarroo!!"
the superstition mountains are in the background.

I'll post some more later!

oNE awesome week!!!

* started with a pedicure with my preggo friend Kelli.
so cool to have color on my toes and all that "ick" removed from my heels.
and a massage. what could be better for two gals that can't reach their toes!!!

* a very smooth flight , including a very quiet and totally excited 2 1/2 year old going to see uncle Brian and his pool !!

* incredible Mexican food
* gorgeous views
* blooming cactus
* spending the day with Andrew's granparents and watching Brigham interact with them.
simply adorable

* 95 degrees and pure sunshine and no clouds in the sky

* beyond amazing mexican food
* laying by the pool
* spending sweet time w/ my little brother
* having NO scedules
*(but packing a ton into a week)
* getting a sun burn( cuz now its a tan =)
* not having to change a SINGLE diaper in seven days b/c my mom and husband were there!
* wearing flip flops every day
* sipping on margharitas *
* eating gelato
* dreaming of sipping on margharitas
spending time away from the everyday life with family and enjoying God's magnificant creations

last cold night, so they say

yep, our weather guy says that last nights coldness of 9 degrees is the last time we'll see it like that for a year!!

I am hoping. I am so ready for spring! I keep checking outside to see all the little nubs of green starting to sprout.

Remember, I planted 425 bulbs last fall!! Would you believe I was in Lowe's this weekend, and saw a bunch of beautiful glads that I could get in by May for a mid to late summer bloom.

I am actully thinking of planting some.

We'll see if I can reach the ground over my mongo belly to do so.

I just can't wait to see all the color in my yard! Plus, I have a landscaping project up my sleeve for after baby comes.

Here is an updated pic from me at 31 weeks. Took last week after I got my hair highlighted.

I had tried to do it myself three days earlier, and well, it pretty much turned out like a high school girl's hair from the 80's.

ya know that nice shade of orange with the darker roots.!! ACK, it was just horrible, I seriously did not leave the house for 2.5 days , til my appt.!!

Much happier with it and the girl straightened it in no time, and I couldn't believe how long it is !!

(now I've got that urge to cut it!!)

we got Brigham's new quilt for his bed.

I tried to order it Friday from PBk, but they were out of the color in twin size. Luckily I called the Indianapolis store and they had one left!! I put it back, and surprised Andrew by telling him we HAD to go shopping in Indy on Sat.(only an hour away).

We told Brigham we were getting a new blanket for his bed, and started getting all sad, saying 'i not going to have my white and yellow, and blue, and pink, and purple one?'.

well, he was referring to a little one that he just recently started carrying around with him in the mornings.

I so thought we were going to get thru w/ o having a security item.

But after a couple hours it gets tossed on the couch, so I don't think he needs it that badly.

Anyway, got the quilt, and went to Old Navy, but they didn't have any maternity stuff. I thought a bigger store then what we have might carry, but NO>

luckily there was a Carter's right next door, with 50% off for BABY!!!

so I picked up a couple sweet things in pink. Looked in Gymboree too, and Jack and Jill, found some adorable stuff, but will wait for the sale on those.

Came home that night and spent a bunch at oldnavy.com , prepping for our AZ trip. and I actually found some great stuff at gymboree.com.

Found some adorable drawer pulls in distressed red star shapes, for Brigham's closet.

His room is coming together .

I found this online shopping to be quite easy.. (to spend a ton, that is.. very quickly!)

I'll post pics later.

Gotta go get the munchkin out of bed( it is 9:30am and he is just stirring!) and start cleaning the house..

hope you have a great day =)

have the blogging days come and gone??

I just realized how inconsistant I am with updating my blog. I used to lay in bed and thoughts would come to my mind on what to blog about the next day. I used to anticipate , comments from those bloggers whom I had gotten to know via blogs or 2peas.
Funny, how it seems as if almost none of the original group of bloggers that would so reguarly comment on each others blogs are keeping up with this trendy form of communication.
I had gotten to know quite a few fun and interesting gals out there, but recently have sensed that they have become as busy as I am.
I know I have been slacking in visiting some of your blogs and checking into what is going on in your lives. I guess I kinda felt like a 'stalker' when I would read an update and comment, and then continue to hear nothing back. Its kinda like in the real world. I am not good on one sided friendships. If I sense a slight withdrawl then, I'll immediately do the same for fear that I am pushing my self into someone's life unwanted.
Kinda quirky, I guess, but I never want to be that person that just doesn't "get it". Because believe me.. I get it.. right away.
On the other hand, I do enjoy reaching out to people, being a listening ear, supporting, encouraging, laughing and being in true and honest friendships. I will always be loyal.
Perhaps, that gets me in trouble sometimes, because, I never want to be the one that bailed on a relationship. I easily forgive and forget. Nothing gets to me to worked up, so I'd rather hang on to good friendships, then toss one out because of one mishap.
All of this to say, that many of you out there who read my blog are considered wonderful, intriguing, beautiful people , but I don't want to butt myself into your lives, if I am not wanted.
By all means, let me know. I will not be offended at all.

-------------------------------------------------
Okay dokee... on with an update!!
Last weekend I moved everything out of Brigham's room and prepped it for painting. Got all the walls and the trim finshed. YEE HA!!
the color turned out a tad different from what I envisioned, but it will work. I went with a color called SHARK.. kinda blue-greyish.
Since the crib is moving out, Brigham's room is getting the "big boy' makeover. I am g0ing with a vintage train theme. He is so into trains, but I was not about to pull any Thomas the Train characters into the picture.
Andrew set the bed up today on his lunch hour. Since he is having a guys night out , playing poker, I can stay home and decorate and organize. Hopefully, if munchkin is not in the way.

So I picked up some navy and light blue stiped sheets at Target , (for 8 bucks on clearance). So stoked b/c it makes up for the way overpriced quilt I am getting and the baby's bedding from PBK.
This is the quilt. I think it will look really cool against the wall color.
I repainted the letters of his name in more muted colors of what the primary red, blue and yellow were.
I found a vintage train at Hobby Lobby and got some very cool prints that I am going to have framed in red.
also found a rug at Target for less than 5 bucks. WHOO HOO!!
Trying to find knobs for his closet. With his pottery barn animal nursery theme, I was able to find a lion and a tiger in matching colors, that looked so darn cute.
Been trying to find 'star' knobs in red or puter. Very hard, thus far.

Anyway, so his is coming along. Just need to order a book shelf in the same honey oak color as his headboard and then get some new curtains up.. and IT should be complete.
We are heading to Arizona in 3 weeks, and I want to have most of it done before. When I return I'll be like 5 weeks away from D-DAY>
who know what I'll feel like, and I want to be restful if I can.
This is the crib sheet and bumper that I am ordering next week.
I am actually going to turn our curtains into the dustruffle. The colors all work, and I found some really pretty shabby chic balloon curtains that I like better for our room.
I am really hoping that my vision for everything comes together.
My mom just gave me the new Talbots kids catalog. Oh my I will be getting this and this.
Luckily when I showed my mom, she said, ' I know, that is what I thought to!"

Ok, so Ash Wednesday came and went, and we had a fabulous dinner of pork chops, home made mash potatoes, salad and corn. Yep, I said Pork.
Andrew realized half way through doing the dishes. Oh well, what can you do??
Well, hopefully you are all experienceing some warmer weather. We've got a chance of thunderstorms tonight. CRAZY!!

happy love day to you !

this is the card that we sent out to friends and family! My friend Jennifer did not ONE , but TWO photo shoots, bless her heart, so that we could get the right shots.

Hard for a two year old, to keep his sweater straight, hair combed, heart in place and smile --all at the same time.

These turned out adorable, but I am a tad biased =)

Last week we kicked off LOVE day by having a little valentines party here at the house. With 5 of Brigham's little friends and their mamas, we had a great time, making cute little heart mouse animals, decorating cookies, eating heartshaped muffins, and reading a valentine story. Not to mention lots of free play, when every single toy we own, came out of the woodwork! Brigham got a big kick out of all the decorations, so I left them up until yesterday!

Monday we went to another valentines party at our friends Parker and Sadie's house. Lots of kids, lots of sugar, lots of energy.

Brigham really made out this year with so many little valentines from all his little friends. He is so proud , the little bag is sitting up on our mantel, and he likes to bring it down and show off its contents to anyone who will look!!

I think Brigham has become a pro at cookie decorating too. Since we were in a blizzard for the last 2 1/2 days, we pretty much stayed put. Daddy's work was even cancelled so , he stayed home and got a taste of what a stay at home mom does!!

Lucky for me I got a repreave from changing ANY diapers!!

anywho, yesterday Brigham and I made heart cut out cookies, while Andrew shoveled the driveway. Last night after our romantic dinner of chinese takeout, we all decorated cookies!

I'll post pics of us digging out of the 17 inches of snow and 6 ft drifts later . I'm stuck inside again, b/c the poor Jetta does horrible in the snow, and our subdivision is still not plowed very well.

Hopefully, I'll get caught up on all the stuff I didn't do the last two days, and maybe even get some scrapping done.

hope you're all doing well and I hope to talk to many of you soon!

my 'almost' dreamhouse

So here is the house that we're NOT getting. cuz there is a pending offer on it. Bummer! I just love it. It already has our colors in it so we wouldn't have to repaint to match our decor. Its in our price range. and its in a much WARMER climate =)
the search continues. guess I should trust that GOD has the plan for us.
but seriously.. this kitchen----------------------------------------

thought I'd fake out blogger. pics first. whatdya know?? it worked.

Me at 7 months!!! Feeling great =) total pounds gained-- ten!!

no swelling, no nausea(unless changing a crappy diaper!), starting to have increased appetite

82 more days!! WHOO HOO> under 100 and counting.

We got about 6 in of snow the other day, and my hubby got a little cranky when he saw me shoveling the driveway. Come on now, I am not a wimp, and it felt great to excercise. But I succomed and let him do it. I just sat there snapping photos of my two guys in the snow.

I'll post them later.

hope you're all having a GREAT day!

jack frost has come for a visit...

right here in Indiana!! my bible study was cancelled today. schools were cancelled today. busses were on delay today.

it is -17 degrees today!!! (well, according to the windchill, that's what they say it feels like).

I'll take their word for it. We are staying inside ALL day.

My dog is somewhat warmer in her dog house in the garage. We put some extra blankets on top of it. My poor kitty just will NOT come inside, or in the garage, rather.

Last winter we tried and tried, and he would just run, every time we went to grab him. He had a little hiding spot behind our neighbor's shed.
This year he stays warm and away from the wind up on our front porch either on the mat. or on the chair. He's all curled up, and with his winter coat, I guess he stays warm.
We worred about him Sat night and Andrew actually caught him and put him in the garage with Hailey.
Next morning when we left for church, he made a beline as soon as the garage door went up.
Silly cat. can't say we have not tried.

I have not found him this morning, so I hope that means that he is safe and snuggely somewhere warm and sheltered.

In other news.... THE COLTS WON !!!!!!!!
well, not that we're big fans or anything, but it still cool to actually have a superbowl winner in your homestate!! I think I might actually go buy myself a tshirt for this one.
anyway I still love football, so I don't care who is playing. I love all the hype. Love the commercials. Those Doritos ones had me cracking up. Oh and the rock scissors one. hilarious.
Plus, I LOVE getting together with friends, nothing like SUper bowl parties, where you drink and chow down on munchies for hours.(well, that was like 5 Sierra Mists for me, thank you very much!). My hubby taste tested his way through the game as there was a huge array of frothy beverages.
We had sucha goood time.

Other news.. I had my Dr. appt last week. I am now in my SEVENTH month!!!! YAY>
seriously, I can't believe how fast this time is going. Its been such an easy pregnancy too. Not that Brigham's was hard. But I was working up until my due date. This time around, I can sleep when I want to. Eat when I want to. Thankfully, I have not felt very sick at all with either pregnancy.
I have officially gained TEN pounds now. No stretch marks, thankfully. I am getting an increased appetite. Starting to crave Diet Dr. Pepper and bagels. Not really into sweets right now either.
Babies are being born all around me. My good friend Kim just had her baby boy last week. We went to the hospital to see him, and gosh, I just can't believe how tiny they are. Somehow I have forgotten.
My dear friend Kelly is on bed rest for the last two months of her pregnancy. Prayers are being said every day for you and your little one. He/she needs to stay put just a little longer!!
and my other friend Kelli is in the home stretch. We are trying to plan our nursery decor, and not being very proactive with it either.
and Kat , dear kat, you need to have that baby like NOW. I can't wait to see what you have keeping all snug in there. Surely he/she wants is ready to enter the world this week!!

I am hoping we can get down to Potterybarn Kids in the next couple weeks, to pick up the bedding. I have got to get started on Brig's room too. we are moving him into the big boy bed soon, and I am redoing his room to a more 'big boy' theme. Can't wait to see it all come together.
I'll leave you with a pic of me at 7 months!!!

mickey cheese n' stuff

Friday night I went to our women's ministry event w/ a good friend of mine. Unfortunately it was very dissapointing. My husband said as I left that evening, well, even if it sucks, you still have a great time w/ Sarah! and he was right!

First of all the speaker was on grief..(kinda depressing), and then it was the same speech verbatum, that I had heard already. Luckily my friend thought it was interesting. Not to mention I forgot about who would be attending a women's church event on a Friday night. Um, lets just say.. 98% was over the age of 50!!
Anway, it was good for Sarah and I to hang out, and we did until midnight..(as I was coming down w/ a cold.. that was pushing it!!)

Saturday, we went to lunch with grandpa and then went with him to the Purdue Men's basketball game. We met some friends there, and enjoyed a really awesome game, as we spanked the ILLINI!! (brigham kept saying , GO purdue, beat the lions..) well, he was close =)

After that, we went out to meet some of our friends at the one and only CHUCK E CHEESE!!!
boy, did I have an eye opening!! Totally a different crowd. the line was out the door when we got there. I went in to see if our friends were there already, and came back in shock..(horror!).
Andrew replied by saying, Um yeah, didn't you know this was the WT capitol of the world?
Yeah pretty much. We heard people complaining about the wait, b/c they drove 1.5 hours to get here!! They probably spent their entire paycheck in one night!! so sad.
Once my friend got there, she concured. this coming from one of the most chic of all my friends. Her family always looks like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine.
We just kept saying.."its for the kids".
unfortunately most of the patrons there did not have that same motto. It was amzing how many adults were racking up these tickets.. then they would have hundreds of tickets they traded in for their choice of the crappiest of all crap.

Not to mention the food sucked. although the salad bar was pretty fresh and clean. Andrew said give it 6 months. this location has only been open about 3-4 months. But seriously, it was hard to have a constant conversations w/ our friends b/c the kiddos kept getting up and down. there was way too much stimulation for them!!
All in all Brigham had a great time with Grant and Kennedy, and I got to play w/ baby Ella.
oh, and it was fun for us adults to hang out too.
Brigham spent most of us time running up to other people's games and interupting them. I don't think he quite got it.

I admit, I did play about 6-7 games of ski ball. AHHH< the memories. and I skunked this little kid at the basketball throw game. Andrew kept teasing him that he was getting beat by a girl!!
So we combined our tickets , a whopping 85 of them, and Brigham got to pick his crap.
He chose a nice fairy wand( only b/c his friend Kennedy got the same one) and a sheet of stickers!
It was sooo worth it.
here he is riding w/ chucky (or Mickey cheese as he kept saying!)



in other news, I came down with a terrible cold and chest conjestion. ya know the one when your chest and upper back aches when you cough?/ Not fun.
we had to work in the nursery yesterday. I was like in a complete daze the whole time. I slept all day yesterday and then my mom sent over some home made soup. went to bed att 8:30 last night. Yep, before my two year old!!
I feel tons better today and am getting caught up on all the stuff I didn't do on Sunday.
have a great day =)

happy sweet sixteen

(x2) is what my birthday card from my husband read!!! what a silly guy!! Since he is 3 years younger than, me, he feels he is justified in making me feel OLD!!! well, at least he tried to be funny about making me feel younger this year!!

I had a great birthday celebration, that lasted three days!! Dinner on Sat w/ my husband and son. Lunch at a very nice, upscale yet comfortable steakhouse after church on Sunday.

Then we were invited to some friends house to watch the Colts game , which had a great outcome for most people living in IN, but not so much for us. It was a really great game, and I am glad that Coach D will be taking a trip to the Superbowl... Peyton, not so much. The more that guy wins, the more they put him on camera, and he just should not talk out loud!!!
(ok, just my opinion, but I think he's a moron!!)

Superbowl Sunday should be pretty rowdy, in these parts, as the two INdiana favorites duke it out. I have friends from college that play on the Saints, Patriots, so it would have been cool to root them on!

Anyhow, Monday, Andrew surprised me by taking the day off work for my birthday. Yep, that meant I could sleep in.. He made me breakfast, lunch(well, he ordered take out and brought it home =) , and I did not lift a finger around the house!!
He got me some scrapping stuff and this.. since he knew baby and I have been craving it- YUMMO! it was a butterfinger cake from COLDSTONE CREAMERY!!
yellow cake, cake batter icecream w/ butterfinger bits, peanut butter ice cream and chocolate fudge!
We indulged ourselves when we returned from dinner at the Olive Garden w/ my dad.
Totally was craving italian and their salad. Dad got me a bunch of scrapbooking tools and organiztional stuff from here. and also a gift certificate to a local spa for a European calming package.. massage, pedi and mani>. I am SO going to use this like the week after baby comes!!

Mom took me out yesterday and she spent mucho mucho bucks, at Target getting me this and some desk organizers.
I am totally redoing my office/craft/ scrap room. Got tons of drawers, and file cabinets, and the cool cubes for paper.
Trying to get one room done, then Brigham's big boy room done, and then baby's and re arrange our room. Guess I have the "nesting" fever sooner than expected. I am totally ready.Got some ideas for Brigham and just found a cool quilt in PotteryBarn Kids that I will have to get!
Here's me diggin in to my cake..
mmmm , may have to just get me some, before I get back into my hole of an office!!
Thanks so much to all of you who sent me cards, and Laura for my gorgeous gardenia plant, and the phone calls. So much appreciated.
*my husband said 'this phone is out of control.. does it ring like this every day?'
NOpe, just on my birthday sweetie =)

bring it on !

we officially got our FIRST snow here in Indiana. and by that I mean, it actually stuck to the ground!!

It was cold, but the sun was out in blue skies, and I couldn't resist waking Brigham up at 10:00 am to go outside and play!

He was SOOOO excited, and I had a blast watching him!
It was really hard to get him to come inside, until I convinced him that hot chocolate with marshmallows was really yummy!

Well, I better go get myself lunch, I forgot to eat breakfast , and I think that baby M is telling me its time! I made this fabulous baked spaghetti last night, so I think I'll go heat up some of that with a big ol' salad!!
( I've started to crave really healthy stuff lately~ not bad eh?)
Then the rest of the afternoon is dedicated to scrapping. Went to a crop at the LSS with my friend Jennifer. It was a GREAT girl's night out. Kinda got my mojo back. and I have plans to go to an all day crop hopefully, with my friend Kelli. Our birthdays are this weekend, so we thought it would be fun to do something for US!!!
Have a great day..
(and for my long distance friends.. it has been SOOO good to catch up with you, needs to happend again soon!)

I have become a hermit !

yep, thats right, this entire week, I have stayed inside. flannel lounge pants and comfy t~shirts, Brigham in his jammies. Basically I have been catching up with out of town friends with lengthy phone conversations, scrapping like a mad woman, and actaully preparing dinners..
I have only driven the car once this week, to go to the bank, post office and to pick up a small FROSTY .. (the baby was craving chocolate =)

Last night when Andrew came home from class , I pursuaded him to go out to the Pita Pit, and great little place on campus. I had coupons, so it made for a cheap dinner. And since we were out, we made a stop at DQ, because, once again little baby M was wanting chocolate in the form of a dilly bar!!

I must say I have been pretty productive scrapping away lots of Brig's pics from this year. I went to a friends house last Friday night and that pretty much got the ball rolling.
We are going to a crop tomorrow night at the LSS. I can't wait, to get my hands on all that new stuff ! I have splurged a bit around the holidays on the 1/2 off paper and rub ons at Hobby Lobby.
I have taken over the finances, which is a great relief to Andrew since he is working full time, going to school and taking 21 credit hours!!! He really didn't have the time to squeeze in focusing on the bills, while working a second job last semester too. Plus, I never had a clue how much money we had, and I would just make daily trips to his office, so he could shell out $20 or $40 bucks to me. He felt like a money machine, and I hated having to drive over there every time I needed to get money. So far, this is working great!! Everything is paid on time, and I have created a workable budget for us! Only half way thru the month, but its looking good.
And with our tax money, we will pay off our only credit card of $1000 and we'll be debt free!
never again will we buy furniture on store credit.. but when each kitchen chair was $499 we did what we thought we had to at the time.
Dave Ramsey would be spanking us silly !

We went to Indianapolis a couple weeks ago to celebrate a friends' 30th Birthday. There were about 20 of us surprising her at the downtown PF Changs. It was fabulous and she was so surprised. Andrew and I made a mini date out of it and went early in the afternoon, to shop around and then we stayed the night at an amazing hotel. Total luxery! We decided that we will try and make that happen every other month, to get away to the big city, or a quaint little B&B somewhere. We needed that time away from a 3ft chatterbox!!
While we were there, we found some awesome deals, and I couldn't help myself:
( adorable little newborn outfits pictured here)


We had a party for New Year's Eve, and I don't think I have laughed that hard in a long time. NO alcohol, seriously, and my stomach hurt so bad, I was worried baby M was going to have a heart attack!!
It was a lot of fun, and to my suprise I never got tired, and good thing b/c our guests didn't leave until 2:30am!! Guess we were party animals huh??
I tried some new recipes, and they turned out great. I would show pics, but blogger doesn't like to post photos on my blog.

Sorry for the randomness, but thats just how my mind thinks these days. Oh and I am into my 6th month now!! I totally don't feel pregnant at all. Have gained about 7 pounds and really am not eating much more than usual.
If anyone can give me pointers on how to actually post pictures, I can show you my 6 months ones, and some other cute ones from Christmas....
advice totally welcomed =)

a holiday sorta update

I hope all of your holidays were filled with joy, peace, and excitement(ok, did I just contradict myself?)
anywho, here's a recap of our Christmas .

Celebrated w/ grandpa (see last post) and Brigham got lots of loot.
It was a nice quiet time together and a great meal in the Chinese restaurant!

Christmas morning, Brigham woke up around 10am!! man, we are lucky parents LOL
He was not quite sure of what to make, in fact he told us that Santa didn't come....as he looked at the mound of presents under the tree.
It was not until he saw the cookies were half eaten, that he knew the fat guy had been here. Brigham went straight to this little kitchen. I was so excited to give this to him, b/c it was mine when I was little. My grandfather built it for me and w/ a little elbow grease, it became as good as new! Santa and grandma spoiled Brig with lots of food and pots and pans . We put it in our extended kitchen area, so he can cook right along w/ mom..(well, someday, when I actually cook!)
Brigham gots lots of stuff. think mom and dad.. er Santa went a little nutz this year. But its so much FUN!!! Andrew surprised me with some goodies too, even though we said we were not doing much for each other.
(we bought all his stuff , AS we were shopping for family). I like to be surprised, plus I felt guilty picking out stuff for myself. I have so much more fun buying for others.
So we had our family traditional breakfast of home made carmel rolls and egg casserole.
Whatdaya know, I DID cook!!
We left the house a mess, and dropped Brigham off at my moms, so that Andrew and I could go serve at the Family Resource Center. Its a tradition that we go help those in need for a few hours. Sure makes us feel blessed when we come home to a bountiful gourmet meal and tons of gifts. I wish I could have shopped for everyone there. Not to mention, many of the people we talked with as we drove them home, were alone for the holidays. Definately felt good to be able to bring some joy into their day.
We went back to my moms house and opened gifts, for -ever. SHE totally out did herself...(though I say that every year!).
the last gift opened was played with for the rest of the day.. and each day after that....
two Thomas the Train wooden sets. Brigham was in heaven. He threw such a fit, and just sobbed when we had to pull him away for dinner.
We gave in, and didn't make him eat.
We enjoyed a fantastic traditional meal, and great conversation w/ a woman who is an old family friend , whose kids all live far away.
Mom even sent us home, without doing the dishes. I was in shock.
We pretty much did nothing for the next few days. My house looked like a toy bomb exploded.. and I was OK with it.