wednesday hair post #3 in 2012

wouldn't you know it...  my camera broke.  its batteries went dead half way through closing the lens.  it's happened before and i've been able to remedy it, but not this time.  it's frozen. 

however, i did do TWO hair-dos on my girlios this past week.  i think the father-daughter ball hair festivities reminded them (well, binkins really) that i could still do hair... AND that i love to.  so, now she's letting me do her hair each morning again.  little boo never fired me.  but now i'm having more fun with hers too.  still a no-go on the old one...  i think our time is past.  :(

boo first:

1. i parted her hair down the middle.
2. i tied her short front hair back on each side of the part, leaving her bangs hanging down.
3. i sectioned off some more hair, and on each side -again- and put another piggy, but pulled it close to her ears. 
4. i pulled the rest into low piggies.  she looks SO cute in piggies.  her hairs different lengths are so hard to get into tails though...  here's how it worked.

i love the little smiling reflection in the mirror!!!

simple simon.

and now binkins: 

1. i parted off the front half and the back half of her head with an ear-to-ear part.  i put the back half in a pony, to keep it out of my way.
2. i gave her a side (in the front) to middle (center of head) part.
3. i started braiding toward the back, on the short side of the part.  i french braided back, up, *around the back (by the ear-to-ear part), back up towards the front, around the front, and back to where i started... a halo. 
4. now this part is confusing to explain, because it's even confusing to do... *when i started braiding around the back, on each strand that i brought to the back of the head, i'd drop some hair off (this is called an angel braid).  i've tried to do this other ways, but this is the only way -so far- that i've gotten it to hold.  it's not quite as pretty as the other ways... but since it held, it's prettier at the end of the day!
5. when i got to the start of the braid, i braided just a bit further and then pinned it it and curled (yes, i never thought i'd have to CURL my binkins' hair!!!) the angel strands and the end of the braid pony in ringlets.
6. she had a few sticker-outers that i covered up easily with a simple flower clip.

see: 

not so simple simon. 
now... why don't you take the time to read through some of my previous posts that you've missed...

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

gratituesday : time together

i don't know how i missed yesterday was tuesday.  i don't know how it's already wednesday!  oh!  yes, i do... it's 'cause otter pop had sunday monday off, but actually took monday off too.  usually his mondays are scheduled full with appointments, classes, and other work. 
i love time together.  especially with him.
today though, i have binkins and jones home from school hanging out with boo, starboy, and i.  they're sick... but i sure love our time together. 
i love each of our kiddos and their different personalities.  really... i LOVE them!  they're so unique and sweet and fun and it's great to spend time with them. 
i'm thankful for this time together, even if it's 'cause of sick germs!  thank you, Lord, for blessing me with 5 wonderful children.  thank you for giving me this precious time with them.  cuddling, taking care of, and nursing them to well health...

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

fun lunch today : dog spiders

i decided to make a fun lunch for the kiddos today.  a thanks, once again, to pinterest. 
dog spiders.  that's what we called them.

they're hotdogs quartered and pierced (4 times all the way through -to make 8 legs for the spider.-  i used a chopstick.) 

then you slide a raw spaghetti noodle through each piercing. 

you put them in a large pot of boiling water (note: make sure the pot is bigger than the normal hot dog pot...  it would be wiser to choose a spaghetti pot.)

boil them for about 8-10 minutes.

i didn't take a picture of the done deal, but the kids liked them.  dog spiders.  :)  kids usually like food that they help make, i've noticed. 

i didn't try them... they didn't sound like my thing...  ;)  i made some biscuits to go with them.

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

37 weeks

How far along? 37 Weeks

Total weight gain: i LOST 4 pounds since the last appointment (LAST WEEK!).  so, part of it was my shoes... but the rest... yeah, i'm all skinny now.  ;) 
Maternity clothes? i guess i could start trying them on... 
Stretch marks? not any new ones that i've noticed.
Sleep:  it's on and off.  half the week i slept like an angel.  the other half of the week i didn't sleep.  i really need lots of pillows... that's the deciding factor.  if i loose my pillows during the night... my sleep is woken.
Best moment this week: well, weirdly enough... it was probably passing my kidney stone.
Miss Anything? hm.  what do i miss this week?  my sister.
Movement: oh yeah.  still LOTS of movement!    
Food cravingacts:  i would like a bowl of ice cream each night.  but i've been declining.  yogart is my replacement. 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  the pain of a kidney stone...
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: not much.  i guess the "contractions" from last week, were kidney ouches.  
Symptoms: a little heartburn, a few small contractions every day, lots of pain from her movin' body, a little lower back and crotch and hips pain (mostly after sitting for a while.  or laying), a little swolen feet (barely)... but nothin' worth complaining about. 
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy.
Looking forward to: each day.  

picture courtesy boo.  (i'm glad i reminded her to make sure my face was showing)

 

her heartrate was about 135-140 today.  she was totally snoozin'.  i was measuring right at 37 weeks.  1-1.5cm dialated. 
Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

wednesday hair post #2 in 2012

i tried out 3 hairstyles this past week.  yes, you heard me right.  3 DIFFERENT girls, let me do their hair!  unfortunately i only got a good picture of one.  but that's OK... because re-read the first and third sentence!!!!!
hair-do #1.  boo. 

i did this idea, except i parted her hair down the center and did this on each side.  i curled the pony, and then flipped out the hair that was down (and not in ponies). 

four little ponies on each side, just pulled down and through the center.  easy.  but really cute.  see?

hair do #2.  binkins.

she wanted an angel braid.  i accidentally thought she meant an angel halo braid.  so that's what i did. i started over one of her ears, french braided along the back, up the other side and over the front... into a halo. 

also, adding to the cuteness, binkins lost her first front top tooth about a week ago.  see?

hairdo #3.  wolfie. 
this one was fun because she doesn't have a baby head and her hair is almost all a great length.  not too long, but not too short.  it's layered though, so that always makes things a little harder, but makes them prettier in the end. 
i found this idea on pinterest without a tutorial, but it looked easy enough. 

it was pretty easy, but i had a hard time making the buns look pretty.  i suck at bobby pins!  but, it worked out.  she looked fabulous!
i took three small sections from the short side of the part and loosely braided them.  i parted off the large side of the part and twirled it back into a bun.  after the bun was complete, i tied the braid around it.  each of the braids were just barely long enough.  at first, i stacked the buns on top each other, but wolfie said she wanted them staggered, which is how the picture shows to do it.  also, at first, all of my buns were too tight and neat... i had to re-do each of them and loosen them up -which made my bobby pinning easier.

three views.  see?

happy hair day!

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

shoes and cars

my littlest guy has always had a thing for me. 

but his true love is cars.  he LOVES cars.  (and motorcycles.  especially motorcycles!)

he's also had a thing for shoes... he loves to put his shoes on and go places.  he loves it when people leave their shoes out so that he can put them on and tramp around.

(i don't usually take pictures of this)

so, here's his thing for the day:

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

gratituesday : sleep

for the past ... 3 or 4 nights, i have had restful sleep.  i am grateful.  i am so very grateful.  i can't emphasize enough how important sleep is.  ...and how good it feels!

more pillows.

yep, that's it.
Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

what went on this past week?

well, a lot.
monday and tuesday were normal days.  but wednesday ended up as a horrid day.  here's an un-brief synopsis:  i went out in the morning expecting to get all my few errands completed before i had to pick jones from school at noon.  otter pop called and asked me to get the oil changed while i was out. 

so, i got to sears with boo and starboy.  got out.  and waited and waited and waited for the guy to stop talking with the other customer.  there weren't any cars in the garage.  they were just having one of those man talks where the one guy was trying to prove his knowledge to the other guy.  i'm sure you've heard of those??? 

we waited for about 20 minutes (yes, i'm serious) and then they finished.  by that time, i knew i wouldn't have enough time to get it done by the time i'd have to leave, so i asked if i could schedule an appointment for after i picked up jones.  well, no, they only did drive-ins...  but it would only take 30-45 minutes.  i advised him to please not get busy and i'd be right back.

well, he didn't listen to me.  i picked jones up, grabbed the kids something to eat, and dropped the car off.  at that time i was told it'd be about an hour.  but that was ok, i still had my errands from the morning that had to get put off so i could wait in line to be told that i could come back.  so, we went and wasted an hour and got my errands completed.  we doddled back to sears, wasting as much time as possible because i still hadn't been called, even though it was a good hour... maybe even another half too. 

i got to the counter and asked if we were ready and he said, yes, they were just backing it up.  so that was perfect!  i waited at the counter while he took a decade of minutes to get the paperwork together... and then another few more decades of minutes while he did something else... 

the kids were really doing well.  i had told them to sit down by the counter and wait patiently for me (and the guy).  they were having a hard time standing... and then they were having a hard time sitting and not laying... they (and i) were EXHAUSTED!

so then starboy ran off.  and i couldn't catch him.  and then i couldn't find him.  and no one had seen him...  and i started to panic.  i had left jones and boo at the counter so i could find starboy... and i had looked EVERYWHERE and couldn't imagine how NO ONE had seen him.  so i didn't even know what to do as i was running back to the counter to get jones and boo to help. 

and then someone found him.  -he was trying to get out the door.-  phew.  AND it looked like the guy was back at the counter ready for me. 

there's a bit more of waiting that we still had to do, but it's not important.  it was just ridiculous.  it was nearly 3pm by the time we got home. 

it was just too much for me to handle. 

i'm a patient person.  it was just too much.  as i was driving home, i was so ... emotional ... the kids were asking if i was mad... but i wasn't mad.  i just wasn't happy.  so i started crying. 

pregnancy is so weird. 

it wasn't a such horrible day.  i just felt like it was.  at about 4, i went to the school to help binkins' girl scout troop finish up their ireland thinking day booth stuff.  and came home for dinner that must've made itself somehow...  ???  i sent the kids and i went to bed at 6:20, right after dinner.  and fell fast asleep.  and so did they.

thursday was much better, but still busy.  i had a dr's appointment in the morning and a massage in the afternoon.  i spent after-massage hanging out with my friend's house who had graciously watched my three little units.  i got home about 4:30 and realized i needed to make dinner.  so i started that, then met otter pop at the men's warehouse to get him a suit for the father-daughter ball on sunday.  i was pretty much gone ALL DAY LONG!  which is very rare for me.  very rare.  although, now, it was pretty much two days in a row!
thursday night though i really didn't sleep.  i felt like i was being kicked and poked and prodded and abused (in the back) ALL NIGHT LONG!  poor otter pop didn't sleep much either because i kept pushing him away imagining that it was him kicking me...  we woke up friday morning grumpy!  when i rolled over, the pain went to my belly and i realized it must have been back labor i was feeling because it totally turned into front labor (regular contractions).  they were hard and they were persistant, but not really regular.  i took a bath and some tylenol and laid back down.  they subsided a bit, but i started getting a very sharp cervical pain, in my cervix area.  oh my lands, i was sure that buttercup was trying to push her head out and take her first breath...  oh my lands, it hurt SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO badly!  i pretty much just wanted to sit on the pot, which to me, meant i was starting labor.  my stool was soft and the pain escelated so much that i started to throw up also... 
i called the dr. and they advised i come to the hospital so that labor and delivery could check me out.  so, we went.  and by the time i got there i wasn't having contractions anymore, just the cervical pain.  they did the routine checks and sent me back home.  i continued to have the cervical pain all throughout the day and night and next morning. 
saturday afternoon, after taking a little nap, i peed out a rock. 
...aparently i have kidney stones! 
the rest of the weekend went well.  the "sharp cervical pain" subsided.  i had a great day today.  i woke up rested, lounged around most of the morning, got my menu built, went grocery shopping, did up my girls to look beautiful, and sent them on a date with their father.  then, i made a delicious sundried tomato sauce, poured it over fettucini and chicken.  wow.  it was amazing!  and so was my sweet masculine company that shared the meal with me.  they liked it too! 
anyway, the day is done now, and i'm off to bed. 
Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

daddy+daughter(s)=love

some posts don't need any words at all...

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

monday menu #6 for 2012

this week's menu has been brought to you by the following:
http://www.thisweekfordinner.com/  a favorite.  i pretty much always use it.
and
http://www.pinterest.com/ another very useful idea-site.  none of my ideas came from pinterest this week... but i still used it to look for what i was in the mood for.

• lasagna.  i put this on the menu a few weeks ago, but never had it.  it's been a while.  i'm in the mood!  with garlic bread.
• hamburger skillet divan.  a delish and easy meal with ground beef, spaghetti noodles, broccoli, and mushrooms in a creamy yum sauce.  maybe i'll friday food post-it...
• old fashioned oven pot roast with potatoes, carrots, onions, and celery.
• bbq ribs -in my new pressure cooker that i got for valentine's day- rice, and corn.  (with this bbq sauce)
• tomato-basil parmesean soup --now this idea came from pinterest, but some idiot didn't link it to anything, so there was no recipe... just a delicious looking picture.  thankfully i recieved an awesome recipe book from my bible study group leader that has an amazing recipe in it for a soup that i've tried... so i know it's good!  with fresh warm baked bread.
• pasta bar is for dinner tonight at small group.  i'm bringing a sun dried tomato sauce that we had at the ladies fall retreat that i attended in november.  (recipe is in the same book i mentioned in the above meal.)

sorry for the lack of links. 

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

36 weeks

How far along? 36 Weeks

Total weight gain: another pound since last appointment 
Maternity clothes? surely
Stretch marks? i don't think so...  but it's hard to see all around this big lump in my belly area.
Sleep:  sure.  i'd love some!  in fact, i'm needing a cup of coffee each morning 
Best moment this week: well... i had a massage today and it was glorious.  i haven't had a massage since right before i turned 19.  and this was quite a bit different.  ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh....  it was great.  it was also free... so that's makes it even greater!!
Miss Anything? being able to handle stress without crying.  also, knowing what emotion i'm actually feeling.
Movement: oh yeah.  she's not plopping anymore.  she'll move from one side to the other, but she has placed her head down and is fine with that (PTL!)  
Food cravingacts:  a few sweet things here and again. 
Anything making you queasy or sick:  there was something the other day, but i can't remember what it was.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: yes!  i mean, it's approaching.  i started having contractions last week.  just a few throughout the day... but that's great!!!  nothing productive... but every little bit helps!!!  (you'll understand what i mean when i'm 44 weeks along and still posting these updates!)
Symptoms: a little heartburn, a few contractions every day, lots of pain from her movin' body, sore lower back and crotch and hips... but nothin' worth complaining about. 
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off
Happy or Moody most of the time: happy.
Looking forward to: my next massage...  next month.  :D 

her heartrate was about 140 today.  i was measuring right at 36 weeks.  1.5cm dialated, softening, and head down, but "still floating up there".  weekly appointments until 40 weeks, then 2/wk where they'll do another ultrasound and make sure she's ok sized.  if she looks to be ok sized with a placenta to eat off of and water to swim in, she'll let me go as long as needed with no induction.  she said she's never seen anyone naturally go later than 43 weeks and 3 days...  AND i told her not to let me know if the baby is large.  i can go without knowing that!
Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

gratituesday : godparents

not everyone has godparents.  it's kinda a religious thing, i think.  i like the idea, but lots of churches nowadays don't "appoint" them.  anyway, actually, not even nowadays... always i guess.  the catholic church does... because they have an infant baptism ceremony.  lots of the churches that perform a ceremony at shortly-after-birth (like a REAL ceremony... a religious one, not just a generic), will also appoint godparents at that time.  some don't though. 
anyway, when i was born, my family was going through a transition of churches.  they were moving from the presbyterian church, to the episcopal church.  i'm fairly certain that both of my older brothers were baptized as infants in the presbyterian church and, i believe they both have godparents. 
i could be wrong, because honestly i can't even imagine who they are... but anyway, on to my imaginative story that i might be making up:
i was baptized in the new church, the episcopal church, and was not appointed any godparents (to my later life dismay).  and then, for whatever reason in this possibly made up story, my little sister WAS appointed godparents at her infant baptism. 
so, at about age... i dunno... 7, or 8 (it's my story, i could just pull any number out)... i found this information out and felt REALLY LEFT OUT!  i mean, if my parents were to die and i was left an orphan, ALL of my siblings would have godparents to look after them and take them in, and i would be left out on the street to fend for myself!!! 
so, at that time, i found out who got picked for each of my siblings, and i asked my mom if i could pick out a set of godparents for myself... since she and my father had neglected to do so 7 or 8 years ago when they should have.  it was then that she told me this story (above stated) that i vaguely remember and might be making up and asked me who i would like to have as godparents. 
well, it wasn't a horribly hard decision because i think three of my aunts and uncles were already taken... (and this lead me to believe that a god parent must be an aunt/uncle).  but, i had a favorite aunt/uncle.  (sh... don't tell anyone though.  because that just wouldn't be fair for all the others!)  my large family was fairly spread out.  i didn't know all of them equally, but i did pick favorites nevertheless. 
i told my mom, that i wanted ---hm, what should i call them on this blog, to protect their innocence?  how about "aunt connie" and "uncle john"--- to be my godparents.  i'm sure it was to her delight, because "aunt connie" (as we'll call her) was her only sister.  and, since now i'm an adult with kiddos, and have an only sister, i know how special they are! 
anyway, my mom encouraged me to write "aunt connie" and "uncle john" a letter and ask them if they'd be interested in adopting me as their godchild.  and i did.  and ironically enough, we saw them the next weekend and i handed them the envelope and was very very embarrassed about it.  i was embarrassed that i had to pick up the slack -as a 7/8-y-o, where my parents had fell short.  i was also embarrassed though because i was such a shy little twirp.  i actually chickened out and asked my mom to give it to "aunt connie" for me.  and then, she (my mom) told "aunt connie" the WHOLE story, RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME...  i was super humiliated because they kept looking at me and smiling like, "oh isn't she just so cute and/or precious!!!"  like i was some sort of baby... 
anyway, "aunt connie" and "uncle john" opened up my little letter and read it, while i ran off to the other room because i just couldn't take any more humiliation.  then, "aunt connie" came and found me and hugged me and told me she'd be de-LIGH-ted to be my godmother and that "uncle john" would also be de-LIGH-ted as well.  and then she told me how much they loved me and hoped that nothing would happen to my parents, but now, just in case, they would make sure that i was taken care of. 
i felt SO relieved.  and SO happy that they didn't deny my request (talk about embarrassing... how embarrassing would THAT be?!)
anyway, since then, i've always felt a little closer to "aunt connie" and "uncle john"... and i'm thankful for that special bond.  i suppose their godparent roles have pretty much come to a close since i'm all old and stuff, but i'm so grateful that they were willing to protect me and take care of me. 
thank you, "aunt connie" and "uncle john"!  thank you, God, for placing such a wonderful couple into my family and into my life. 
now, since none of my kiddos have been baptized religiously as infants, and we don't belong to a traditional religious denomination that appoints godparents... i suppose i should look into that for my kids.  so they don't have to be traumatized at age 7/8 to where they make up some fantasy story in their heads that would leave them orphans out on the street...  perhaps i'll look into it.  but for right now, i'll just take the gratitude approach and be everly thankful for God's placement of people at the right time and right place.  always.  He's so good!!!  his love endures forever!!!!!

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

good morning, valentine!

 me on sunday

 that'd be 35 weeks and 3 days

binkins' valentine cards

"I like you!  You make me SNICKER!"

jones' valentine cards

"I'm a SUCKER for you!  Happy Valentine's Day"

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

things they don't tell you

i started this post 10/18/11...  how fitting.
i haven't been pregnant for almost two whole years.  the things a woman forgets is quite ridiculous.  i know i've heard that's the only reason why women have multiple kids is because they forget a lot.  i disagree... but that's just me.  i of course can't remember why i think that.  ;)
anyway, but what i thought would be fun to list off is things that i've found that "they" don't prepare you for in pregnancy.

1. you pee a lot.  not really a lot, but often. 
2. you can't think.
3. you can't remember.
4. your belly stretches out a lot.  (what?!  no one told you???)  you don't understand unless you get pregnant.
5. you itch.
6. your baby doesn't just kick... sometimes he/she tickles too.
7. you cry, for no reason.  and you don't understand... but you like it.
8. you smile when you see babies, even if you're in a grumpy mood.
9. you're in a grumpy mood a lot!
10. your feet might grow.  (a whole size or more)
11. your boobs grow too... BEFORE the baby's born.  (a whole two sizes or more). 
12. they also leak.  -don't try to plug them though.  it's fine.
13. things make you mad, that normally would just brush right by you.
14. lots of things annoy you.
15. people hurt your feelings... every single day.  even kids.  yeah... it's sad.
16. your skin changes colors in different areas for different reasons.  instead of leaving this to your imagination, i'll give you an example: (don't be afraid.  read on guys.)  my armpits are dark.  even when they're freshly shaven.  but sometimes it's a line down the center of your abdomen.
17. your temperature is warm.  all the time.  no matter what.  sometimes (often times) too warm.
18. you get gassy.  out of your rear, it reaks (seriously, like nothing you've ever smelled before!), but out of your mouth you want to burp (a lot!  and it hurts.  i have my lovely burp me sometimes -like you would a baby- because it hurts so bad and it has to come out!!!)
19. you can smell so much better.  but sometimes this isn't a good thing.
20. ... 

i'm sure there are LOADS more.  you can help me with that.  i just came across this post, but started it last october.  i tell ya, #2 and 3 are really true!!!!!!!!!!!

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." 

awarded to me, on this fine february day...

by my awesome, wonderful, sweet friend and confidant that i have posted about before on several accounts (friendships that work, friends,  -although neither of those are specifically about just her, but are you my mother was sharing her story...)  anyway, to make this a little more personal, i'll call her "kimberly".  she gave the the "liebster award"!  isn't that just the sweetest?!  (since it is, in fact february and we're all guilty in being caught doing random sweet things this month.)  "kimberly" has a blog entitled One Fine Day.  she writes it herself.  yeah, she's just that amazing.  it's a family blog, but her family is extraordinary.  click the link and check it out...  i dare ya. 

anyway, unless you know a smidgen of german, you might not understand my comment on the sweetness of this award.  so, i'll help you out.  but i only know a little german, as high school was a LONG LLLLOOOOOONNNNNNNNGGGGGGGGGGG time ago all of a sudden.  liebe means to love.  so, according to what "kimberly" posted at least, liebster means dearest, beloved, or favorite.  i'm sure she picked me for the favorite part...  :)
anyway, so here are the rules when given the award:

1.  You must link back to the person who bestowed the award.  (but of course i wanted to do that anyway.  so i did it already AND went a little overboard by daring you all to click it and read some.)
2.  You must give this award to five other bloggers with fewer than 200 readers.  Please let them know through a comment on their blog.  (okie dokie.  i read about 5 or so blogs...)
3.  Post the beautiful award on your blog.  (i'm assuming that's what this post is all about.  if that isn't sufficient i'm sure the award-maker will kindly inform me.)
4.  Bask in the glory bestowed upon you and appreciate all the amazing bloggers out there.  (um... that's kinda a weird rule if you ask me.  but again, if i'm not following the rule, i'm sure the rule-maker/award-maker will again kindly inform me of my disobedience.)
5.  Spread the joy!  (Jesus Others Yourself...  check check check.)

i will pick my five winners with the definition "dearest" in mind.  so here are five dear blogs that i read:
LIFE ABUNDANTLY: fruits in the making--of midwifery, wifery, women's wellness, and womanhood.
OUR BECKER FAMILY:  updates and random mutterings of their Becker family.
THE CURRENT TROYDANIELBECKER: goings-on for your perusal.
WE TALK DINOSAUR:  their journey to discover and encourage their children's passions and interests.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF:  a collection of handwritten recipes from Gramma Thora to her family...

now, i realize that i've published that last one... but the REAL author is near and dear to me and i can't think of a liebsteryer author!  don't worry, i know she doesn't follow any other blogs, so it'll be a dead end there (absolutely not intended pun).  i won't award MYSELF the award!!!!
 Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

35 weeks

How far along? 35 Weeks

Total weight gain: whatever 
Maternity clothes? yeppers
Stretch marks? i'm going to guess probably because i am SO STRETCHED out right now, it's not even funny.  no new ones that i can see (that's not saying much), but my baby is growing!!!
Sleep:  i sure am sleepy right now!!! 
Best moment this week: boo's birthday was yesterday.  we had a great day.  i'm excited to be together tonight to celebrate with her and have her highly anticipated (by the kids especially) birthday dinner and cake.  i just love their enthusiasm for the little things in life.  they're great!!!  i also love going through their baby pictures and picking a few from each year and watching them grow in pictures!  it's so sweet.  it makes this upcoming birth so much more exciting!
Miss Anything? balanced hormones.
Movement: yeah... she's REALLY starting to hurt me with all her movements.  she is still wigglin', ploppin', turnin' over, sticking her butt [and head] WAY out to get comfortable...  she hardly slows down!  but she's GOT to be running out of room because it's really hurting now (like ALL the time)!!!!
Food cravingacts:  maybe yogurt... and ice... but not really. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: nah.
Gender: Girl
Labor Signs: Nope.  nothin'... 
Symptoms: not too many.  a little heartburn, a few contractions, lots of pain from her movin' body, but nothin' worth complaining about. 
Belly Button in or out? out
Wedding rings on or off? off
Happy or Moody most of the time: holy crappin' moody!  i spent most the morning crying...  yeah, that's how it is around here.
Looking forward to: boo's cute little birthday dinner tonight. 

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

4 years ago today...

i've recently posted about my birthing story with my boo.  it was a "BOO!" story!!!  :( 

this was the day after boo was born.  binkins came to meet her.

so, i'll tell you a little about my recent 4-year-old.

boo today, in her birthday dress.

1. she's gorgeous!  
2. she's super sweet.  sweet smile.  sweet disposition.  and sweet tooth!
3. she LOVES to laugh.  she has a very unique sense of humor, especially for a 3/4-year-old.  she has the absolute most adorable laugh ever too!
4. she messes up her r-sounds.  but we're sure working haRd on it!
5. she likes hot dogs, corn dogs, and maccaroni and cheese.
6. she also likes fruit and candy and snack foods.  when i asked what she wanted for her birthday dinner, after about an hour of brainstorming, all she could think of was cake (link to the cake recipe i'm making), candybars, suckers, and frosting.  FINALLY today i got her to list out some "healthy" things too.  we get to have raisins, watermelon, strawberries, chocolate flavored berries (???  yeah, not havin' those for dinner), with mac 'n' cheese. 
7. she LOVES to wear dresses!  she'll deal with skirts, but only with a happy face if they're full of lace and toole. 
8. her favorite color is purple and pink.
9. her favorite animals are cats, but she also likes alligators.

and now, a life-pictorial of her:

boo with her aunt, that lived with us at that time.

boo with her little sweet family (minus mom)

boo with her eldest sibling

boo with her other two adoring siblings

boo at 1-year-old

boo at 2-years-old

 boo at 3-years-old

now, i'll end with a fun test that i've given to 2 other 4-y-o's and enjoyed.  it can be found on facebook, but this one i'll post here:

a test with my 4-year-old 2/8/12

1. What is something I always say to you?
birthday bash

2. What makes me happy?
loving

3. What makes me sad?
killing

4. How do I make you laugh?
um, um, you say funny jokes

5. What do you think I was like as a child?
you will laugh, and you will pet a cat.  i love you so much.

6. How old am I?
50 pounds

7. How tall am I?
(she holds up her two fingers like you would if someone asked you how big an inch is)

8. What is my favorite thing to do?
like to help

9. What do I do when you're not around?
i'm the birthday girl and you love me.

10. If I become famous, what will it be for?
it will be for, um, um, a cat.

11. What am I really good at?
doing the dishes

 12. What am I not really good at?
fighting the devil

13. What is my job?
combing my hair and like to brush my teeth.  and brush your teeth.

14. What is my favorite food?
salad

 15. What makes you proud of me?
proud of kissing.

16. If I were a cartoon character, who would I be?
in a movie.  a cartoon movie. 

17. What do you and I do together?
the dishes. 

18. How are we the same?
like eachother.  we love eachother.

19. How are you and I different?
like to do, because we love eachother.

20. How do you know that I love you?
i love you so much.  we hug each other.

 21. Where is my favorite place to go?
the zoo.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOO!  I DO LOVE YOU!!!!!

Try to remember, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."