Wordless Wednesday - 15 days left!!

Last really good u/s taken at 29 wks 6 days, I'm now 36 wks 1 day.

Monday Meanderings

*sigh*
*blows raspberry*
*humming*

Oh, what can I say. I'm sure there is a lot that I could actually be doing. But I can't think of them at the moment. I have accomplished quite a bit the past couple weeks. I had needed to go thru all the baby's clothes and sort by sizes and styles. That got done. Now I need to wash them all. *rolls eyes* That'll be a job...but I've started on it.

I also had on my mind Gracie's upcoming school year. I needed a plan! And was really putting it off, dreading it actually. And I'm still not totally finished but I definitely have a better idea of what in the heck I'm doing. The 4-day schedule looks something like this...

Monday: Handwriting, Reading, Numbers/Math, Social Studies
Tuesday: Handwriting, Reading, Numbers/Math, Science
Wednesday: Handwriting, Reading, Numbers/Math, Bible
Thursday: Handwriting, Reading, Numbers/Math, Art/Music

Each day also includes a lesson from KidSparkz preschool curriculum.

I want to spend about 30 minutes on each topic, somedays longer sometimes shorter. Depending on her mood. I have MANY workbooks for each subject and then there is always the internet. I know looking at it may be like that sounds simple...but I know in my head where I'm going. LOL

Ummm, I also need to clean out my kitchen cupboards and refrigerator. That will be the easiest thing yet. I'm also trying to keep the house straight and clean ~ because as the days go by the closer this baby comes to arriving. As of today 17 days and counting!

Menu Plan Monday

Ok, so this is something I'm really bad at. Plannnig a weeks worth of food is just not something that I ever follow...but I'll try ~ someday. I even went to the grocery store, but it was mainly for the odds and ends type of stuff. There were, however, quite a few $1 Michelina tv dinners. *embarrassed grin*

Even though I can't give you a full plan (mainly b/c with the pregnancy my cravings change from minute to minute) I'll tell you what I have in the cupboard/fridge available for this week.

Monday: Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Tuesday: Hot Dogs
Wednesday: Hamburgers
Thursday: Breakfast type dinner including French Toast
Friday: Pepperoni Rolls
Saturday: Egg Salad Sandwiches
Sunday: Spaghetti

Sunday Scripture

I know that I have been neglectful in my religion. I don't go to church on a regular basis (rarely even on holidays). It's not that I don't believe, because I do. Very much so. God has done so much for me and my family. I will admit I'm just lazy. This was one of my Twenty Wishes. To become a better Christian. So I've decided that even if I'm not in church I can still worship the Lord in my own way with Sunday Scripture. Each Sunday I will post a new scripture from The One Year book of Bible Readings. If you would like to do the same, please comment leaving a link to your post.


Romans 5:5
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Saturday Scrap 'n Share

Thankful Thursday

This is my first Thankful Thursday post....hopefully, I'll remember to do it every Thursday. :)

What am I thankful for? There are so many things I could chose from...but, today, I feel very thankful for my daughter, Gracie. She is so sweet and innocent. And mean and ornery. LOL Seriously, she is my baby. Watching her grow up into the little girl she is now has been such a blessing. I look at her and see so much of both my husband and myself in her. I can't imagine my life without her smiling face. She is so curious and smart. I am amazed by her each and everyday.

Want some FREE books?

Have you all checked out PaperBackSwap.com yet? This is my new favorite website! :)



I absolutely love to read and have lots of books just laying around. Well, PBS gives you a site where you can trade books with others and earn free books. AND if you sign up right now and post 10 books you get 2 free credits. That means you get 2 free books. I signed up maybe 2 weeks ago and have already received 1 book and am expecting another anyday now!

Check them out HERE. You will not regret it!

Wordless Wednesday

Cloth Diaper Contest

I've been debating on whether or not I was going to use cloth diapers with this baby. Not only is it good for the environment but I also read that it can save you up to $2000. Holy cow! I sure wish I had thought about it and done my homework with Gracie...

There are SO many different types that it can get very confusing. You have your all-in-ones (AIO), pockets, prefolds, contours. AAAHHHHH! What kind should I use?? Well, I think I know...to start off I am going to use the prefolds with covers. Just until I get use to them. I just bought a cover on Diaper Swappers that has Mother Goose and some of her rhymes on it. Too cute!!

After I master the prefolds, I think I'll move on to something like this:

bumGenius 3.0 One Size cloth diapers



Baby Cheapskate is having a giveaway for 12 bumGenius 3.0 One Size cloth diapers to one lucky reader. (Retail value $200)

The contest will run through Wednesday, August 6 at midnight, EDT or until there are5000 entries.. Winner will be decided via random drawing and contacted via the email address provided. Check back after August 6 to see who won. Open to U.S. residents only.

If you are thinking about CDing, check out their blog for some really great posts on how to get started. :)

He's how big!??

Today I had 2 doctor appointments. I had an ultrasound that showed a moving BIG baby. LOL Yep, I'm 34 weeks 6 days and he is weighing in at 6lbs 10ozs! When they measured him on June 31st...he was 4lbs 5 ozs. WOW! I still have just over 3 weeks left. How big is he going to get!? If he gains again what he did the last 3 weeks he'll be almost 9lbs! Eek!! Boy, that c-section is sounding better and better. ;o) We went ahead and scheduled it for the 14th of August. I'm starting to get really nervous. Last time, I didn't have time to think about it...since it was an emergency. I'll have to go into the hospital after Gracie's b-day party is over and she is fast asleep. They said as long as I got there before midnight. *sighs*

I also had the NST and it lasted a little longer than usual...evidently he had worn himself out during the u/s and fell asleep. :) Oh well, at least he seems like he's going to be a good sleeper.

Grant a Wish today!

I ran across this website last night. It's so amazing! You can post your wishes (big or small) or just grant someones. I've never seen anything like it. Check 'em out!

Twenty Wishes

I just got done reading this book by Debbie Macomber. I've just about read all of her books. :) She is great! This is one of her Blossom Street books. The story is about a widow who decides, with a group of friends, to make a list of twenty wishes -a list of things they wish they had done in their life and then do them. And as the book goes on...you can see how the idea catches on.

Booklist - "Even the most hard-hearted readers will find themselves rooting for the women in this hopeful story while surreptitiously wiping away tears and making their own list of wishes."

I started thinking this was a really cute idea. I mean we all have things we've wanted to do but have just never got around to...or maybe were too scared to do. Or maybe there is something we want to change in our lives. This is a perfect way to do it. Write it down and go for it!

Here's my list of Twenty Wishes...

1. Become a better wife to Robby and strengthen our relationship.

2. Be the best mom I can be to Gracie & Matt.

3. Become a better Christian.

4. Learn my way isn't the only way. I think this one will be very hard, if you know me you would agree.

5. Create something wonderful with my sewing machine

6. Get a new sewing machine :)

7. Travel across country with my family

8. Get out of debt and never worry about $$ again!

9. Learn a way to make $$ from home without home parties and do it honestly

10. Homeschool with confidence and get amazing results!!

11. Since this is an idea I got from a Blossom Street book (the original book was about a yarn shop) I think I'd like to try knitting. Or even start cross-stitching again.

12. I'd like to get a routine set for my family. I know this won't be easy because we've been so "free" for so long...but I think in the long run it will be best.

13. I want a house. We have a house - we own it or rather we make the monthly mortgage...but I'd like something bigger with a much larger yard.

14. For years now my hubby and I have talked about growing a garden but haven't followed through. I want a veggie garden!

15. Less fast food and more home cooking. I want to be like my Granny & Mom - they always had such good home cooked meals.

16. Visit a castle in Europe.

17. Read the Bible all the way through.

18. Organize the house. Make it so that everything has a place...and I haven't just put it somewhere in a hurry.

19. Slow down! Realize not everything has to be done in a hurry.

20. Get to the point where I feel like I'm where God wants me in life. Be at peace with myself.


Ok, so that's it...

Now I challenge YOU to make your list today! When you do leave a comment and link to your list. Inspire others!!

Local Activities

It seems like there is always something to do in Southern WV. Here are just a few you might enjoy...

John Henry Days

This celebration is in honor of the legendary steel drivin' man, John Henry. Most of us have heard the legend of how he raced against a steam-powered drilling machine and won, but if you haven't you can click here to read the story. This is held July 11-13 in Talcott, WV and includes music, crafts, vendors, the ever popular Rubber Ducky race, and much more.

For full schedule of events, go here.

Kids Summer Movie Series
Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 10am this summer at Galleria 14 Cinema you receive FREE admission to select family films. You have a choice of two movies each day. This started June 24th and continues until August 13th.

July 8-9: Alvin & the Chimpmunks or Charlotte's Web
July 15-16: Firehouse Dog or Bee Movie
July 22-23: A Veggies Tale Pirate Movie or Evan Almighty
July 29-30: Mr. Bean's Holiday or Shrek the Third
August 5-6: Flushed Away or Barnyard
August 12-13: Over the Hedge or The Spiderwick Chronicles

Youth Musum of Southern WV

Pioneer Days
July 14-18
We are taking a modern twist on pioneer projects, including natural tie dying, paper making, weaving, printmaking, and more! Ages 6-12 from 10am-2pm

Going Green in Art
July 21-25
Did you miss our green spring break? Or are you ready for more?
We are Going Green in art camp! This camp will focus on making art out of our recyclables. Projects include recycled robot sculptures, handmade paper, and more.

Big Artists, Little Hands
July 28
Art is for everyone! We will be learning about shape, color, pattern, and practicing fine motor skills while creating art based upon fine artists of the past.
Ages 3-4 from 10:30am-11:30am Ages 5-6 from 1pm-2:30pm

For more information on any of these events, call (304) 252-3730.

Friends of Coal Auto Fair

This is a family favorite. We have gone the last 2 years and had so much fun. There is something for everyone!

This three day event includes: hundreds of rods, customs, classics, muscle cars, motorcycles, tuners, & trucks from all years; food & specialty vendors; a flea market; car corral; arts and crafts; and is highlighted by a Saturday Night concert featuring a performance by well known country/classic rock groups. This year the performers are

For pricing or more info go to the website.


Hope there is something here you can enjoy with your family!

Doctoring, Due Dates, & Dollar Tree

I had 2 doctor appointments today. I had to have an ultrasound to check the amniotic fluid/regular prenatal visit and then I had to go for the non-stress test. The ultrasound was great. I love seeing my little man! I cannot wait to finally meet him. My BP was good and like the doc said everything is opposite of my last pregnancy. The NST was ok....baby's heartrate was good, and he was moving. However, he wasn't giving them the responsiveness they want. So I was in there a bit longer monitoring him. Kinda stressful...but I do feel him move at home all the time. I think he's just being stubborn.

We discussed my due date...which is Aug. 26th. Since we are going to schedule a c-section we had decided on delivering on Aug. 19th. Well, last week, I found out that my dad is having an extensive dental procedure on the 20th...which kinda messes up my mom coming to help out. So now the doc says we can do it Aug. 14th. Which I'm all for baby being here as soon as possible (as long as he's healthy). Buuuuut, Gracie's birthday is the day before. ROFL I'm soo confused as to what to do. Robby says it's whatever I want. The sad thing is - I don't know what I want!! And I try to take into consideration Gracie's feelings. I'm a thinker and a worrier...I told him all I can think is one day down the road I'm going to have one or both kids coming to me upset because they have a birthday next to each other and don't feel like it's their day. I know it's silly (Robby wasn't shy to tell me that either), but that's what I think about. Any suggestions?

Now onto something less AAGGGHHH!...Dollar Tree. I am addicted to that place! I go in there and it's like time stops. I could go thru there everyday and find something new. LOL They had a lot of school supplies available. I have a lot of homeschool material already...but who can pass up $1 deals? I bought a few more Kindergarten workbooks. Along with some word strips, Disney Princess pencils, paper clocks, and a teacher's lesson planner.

Ohhhh, I need to tell you this...Saturday we had to go to Wal-Mart to buy printer ink and paper and they have their school supplies out already. Their one subject notebooks are only $.05 - last year they were $.10. We use a lot just around the house, sooo we got 40 for $2.00. The crayons, colored pencils, and glue weren't on sale yet. We'll buy that when they are. I did buy a few other things on clearance. I got Crayola 2ct erasable highlighters and a glue roller for $1 each. Make sure you always check their clearance items because a lot of times you can get really good deals.

Also for those of you Staples shoppers out there - from Sunday July 6th to Wednesday July 9th they have 8ct pencils, hand sanitizer, and 2-pocket paper folders on sale for $.01. Maximum of 2 each on the pencils and sanitizer and maximum of 10 of the folders.You can also get a 4ct retractable highlighters free. They are $4.99 minus $4.99 with an easy rebate. One per household.

Ok, well, I think that's it for the moment. :) Hope you've had a great day!

Summer Recipes

Well, it's that time of year. You know, when we like to experiment with cool tasting treats. Thought I'd share a few that look delicious!

I got this slushie recipe off of a friend's blog. I made it yesterday for daughter and hubby and they loved it! It was super easy and took about 5 minutes to make.

Slushies


* 2 cups ice water
* 1 packet fruit-flavored drink mix (use your favorite flavor)
* 2/3 cup sugar
* 4 cups or 1 full tray of ice cubes

You need a blender to prepare this recipe. We have a Magic Bullet with the blender attachment and it works great.

Put all of the ingredients into your blender. It will be about 2/3 to 3/4's full. Put the lid on. Process the mixture on high for a full minute. Stop the blender, use a spoon to stir it a bit. Look for unchopped ice chunks. If all the chunks are grated up, then go ahead and serve it. You may need to process it for another full minute though. Serve immediately. I usually have to spoon this out of the blender with a measuring cup because the mixture is so thick. Makes 4 - 8oz servings.


Stars and Stripes Cake


Prep Time:10 min
Start to Finish:2 hr
Makes:12 servings

*1 box Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® yellow cake mix
*Water, vegetable oil and eggs called for on cake mix box
*1 container Betty Crocker® Rich & Creamy or Whipped vanilla frosting
*1/3 cup fresh blueberries
*1 pint fresh strawberries

1. Heat oven to 350°F (325°F for dark or nonstick pan). Make and cool cake as directed on box for 13x9-inch pan.
2. Frost with frosting. Arrange berries on frosted cake to make flag design. Serve immediately.

Substitutions:
*Any other flavor of Betty Crocker® SuperMoist® cake mix can replace the yellow.
*Fresh fruit not available in your area? Use red and blue candy-coated chocolate candies to make stars and stripes, or be an artist with Betty Crocker® decorating gels.


Berry Shortcake Stars


Prep Time:20 min
Start to Finish:30 min
Makes:10 servings

*4 cups Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
*1/4 cup sugar
*2 tablespoons baking powder
*2 teaspoons salt
*2/3 cup shortening
*1 1/2 cups milk
*2 packages (4-serving size each) vanilla instant pudding and pie filling mix
*4 cups milk
*4 cups raspberries
*1 cup blueberries

1. Heat oven to 450ºF. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in medium bowl. Cut in shortening, using pastry blender or crisscrossing 2 knives, until mixture looks like fine crumbs. Stir in 1 1/2 cups milk just until blended.
2. Place dough on lightly floured surface. Gently smooth into a ball. Knead 20 to 25 times. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut into 10 stars with floured 3-inch star-shaped cutter. Place about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheet.
3. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Make pudding mix as directed on package for pudding, using 4 cups milk. Split warm shortcakes. Fill and top shortcakes with pudding, raspberries and blueberries.

Special Touch:
Sweeten your stars by sprinkling them with a bit of coarse white decorating sugar or granulated sugar before baking.


Teddy Bear Sundaes

*Ice cream - chocolate or vanilla
*M & M's or sm. candies
*Sm. round chocolate or vanilla wafers
*Chocolate sprinkles or toasted coconut

Directions:
1. Make the head by putting a scoop of ice cream in a dish. Use chocolate ice cream for brown bears and vanilla for Polar bears.
2. Use candies for the eyes, nose and mouth.
3. For ears, push cookies into ice cream.
4. Sprinkle a little coconut for a polar bear or chocolate sprinkles for a brown bear on top the ice cream for hair.

Let Freedom Ring!

Hope everyone is having a great 4th. It's rainy and gray here today. I'm not sure if we will get to go to the fireworks or not. I know Gracie is excited about them (heck, who isn't?)...but we may need a backup plan. :)

Here are some Independence Day craft ideas!

4th of July Crowns
Materials:
one piece of red and one piece of blue construction paper
stars (either stickers or cut outs or drawn on)

Take the construction and cut in half long way, next glue or tape the red and blue pieces together at the end. Attach the stars. Measure to fit your child's head then either tape or glue other ends together.

4th of July Bracelets
Materials:
Pasta (penne or elbow)
string or yarn
water
food coloring
vinegar

Mix 1 cup of warm water with splash of vinegar and add blue food coloring. Do the same for the red food coloring. Drop pasta in. Leave in for one to two minutes or the pasta will get too soggy. Use some undyed ones for white. String them up for a red, white, and blue pasta necklace or bracelet.


Here's a link for more crafts with a fireworks theme.