The Real Housewives of Idaho

Forever Changed

2011-04-14T12:33:00.004-06:00

Written Monday, April 11th-
Last night I started getting really nervous again and couldn't sleep. I did a lot better for a couple days but I am afraid I may not be able to sleep at all tonight. On one hand I want to get in and get it over with and on the other hand I don't want to go in at all. I wish I had a feeling one way or another of what is going to happen but I just don't. I probably feel more like it will not go well because that is what the doctor thinks. I know I haven't been as tired or hungry lately but I push that fact out of my mind. I go back and forth with "It will be ok. Babies can grow at different rates. But, the heart rate was low too. How is that possibly going to be ok? But there is a chance it will be ok. But there is a chance it won't. I can't handle it if it isn't. Yes, you can. No, I can't." You get the idea. Ugh. They always say you are stronger than you think but I don't feel like I can be strong.

Written Tuesday, April 12th-

I had my dreaded appointment today. It was tortuous sitting in the ob/gyn office seeing all these happy pregnant ladies. I tried not to pay attention but couldn’t help myself. I saw one couple walk out with their welcome bag, the same bag I got over a month ago at my first visit. I couldn’t help but be envious of their joy at that moment. Almost half an hour past my appointment time (which we were early for) my doctor actually came to the waiting room to get me. They didn’t weigh me or have me pee in the cup. He asked me if I have had any spotting or bleeding, I shook my head no. I was already numb. I couldn’t talk. My worst fear has come true. The ultra sound showed that our baby had miscarried, just a few days after my appointment last week.

I know we can try again but I can’t even think about it. I can’t imagine going through this again. I already feel broken and I think it would completely break me. I guess deep down I knew it was going to happen but I was in denial. I haven’t been tired the past few weeks or hungry really. I have only had a few random bouts of nausea/throwing up. I wanted so badly for the doctor to say “It’s looking good.” Now instead I am faced with the hard decision of what to do since my body has not started to miscarry on its own. I want to get it over with but don’t like the idea of a D&C. I hate going under general anesthesia. I had bleeding issues with my deliveries and if I bleed too much miscarrying I will have to have one anyway. Both options suck. I don’t want either.

My heart goes out to all the women who have lost babies, and women who can’t have children. Sometimes life is cruel. I hate the fact that my life has to go on like none of this ever happened. I hate that I had no way to fix this and no choice in the matter. I want to stay curled up in my bed. I just want to be alone. I don’t want to talk to anyone. I don’t want to be around people. I don’t want to have to pretend I am fine because I’m not.

Written today, April 14th-
I had my pre-op appointment today. I decided to go ahead with the D&C because I cannot bear the idea of having my baby that is no longer living being inside my body for another (up to) 5 weeks. My body has not yet figured out something is wrong. I have had no spotting, etc. I also don't want to drag it out and my husband not be home or be at the store with my kids and start bleeding. I don't like the idea but I feel that is what I have to do. I am sure it will bring a new feeling of emptiness and grief. I feel like I am supposed to just move on and get over this but it is not something I will be able to just forget. I am forever changed by this.

A sweet lady brought over a baby blanket and flower plant. I never would have thought of something like that and I love having something tangible to hold on to. We are going to plant the flowers in our baby's honor. I am grateful for the messages and meals that have been sent as well. I appreciate and feel the love of those that are mourning with us and reaching out to comfort us as well.

I want to share a poem from the book Gone too Soon by Sherri Devashrayee Wittwer. I got it in the mail from a friend today.

For Those Few Weeks

For those few weeks—

I had you to myself.

And that seems too short a time

to be changed so profoundly.

In those few weeks—

I came to know you…

and to love you.

You came to trust me with your life.

Oh, what a life I had planned for you!

Just those few weeks—

When I lost you.

I lost a lifetime of hopes,

plans, dreams, and aspirations…

A slice of my future simply vanished overnight.

Just those few weeks—

It wasn’t enough to convince others

How special and important you were.

How odd, a truly unique person has recently died

and no one is mourning the passing.

Just a mere few weeks—

And no “normal” person would cry all night

Over a tiny, unfinished baby,

or get depressed and withdraw day after endless day.

No one would, so why am I?

You were those few weeks my little one

you darted in and out of my life too quickly.

But it seems that’s all the time you needed

To make my life so much richer

and give me a small glimpse of eternity.

-Susan Erling

A New Day

2011-04-08T08:45:00.000-06:00

Wow. I had no idea that writing my thoughts down would be so helpful. Writing and publishing yesterday's post has done wonders on my outlook. I really appreciate the kind words that have been shared and prayers that have been offered up on our behalf. Somehow I have been able to have moments in which I feel ever so slightly cautiously optimisitc that somehow, maybe, my baby will catch up or grow enough in the next week to give us some hope. I know that is not the likely outcome but I feel (more) ready to handle whatever may come. The past two and a half days I have felt complete hopelessness.

I have been really praying for peace and comfort but part of me isn't letting go of my pain and truly giving it to the Lord. Like I said yesterday, I have moments that I want to feel that sadness and not let it go. Those are the bad moments that I want to shut myself in my room and cry. Maybe that is part of the grieving process? I am not sure. I feel like I hold onto hard things for too long (one of my many flaws) and really let it affect me. Even in a physical way like a weight is on my shoulders and I can't give it up until I am ready. The hard part is I can't pinpoint what it takes for me to be able to let things go. I suspect a little bit of faith, time, and a lot of pondering somehow does the trick.

I like to fix things and make things right but there isn't always a way for me to do that. I have been searching for answers online, medical information, statistics, anything that would give me some answers. There isn't much out there and I have concluded that it is just something that there isn't a lot of information about, probably because every situation is different. It is something that the experts still don't know a lot about. I am the kind of person that wants all the nitty gritty details of how, why, etc. but I was caught off guard at the doctor's office and wasn't able to ask all the questions I have. I wish there were more answers.

I am reminded by wonderful family and friends who lend their support in many ways that I have so much to be grateful for. One of my friends ding dong ditched a bag of treats. Yep, I am an emotional eater and have eaten way too many Oreos! Another friend just happened to have made a large dinner and brought us some. So while I am not saying I am done feeling sad, I am having a good moment, that's for sure. If it doesn't go well next week I may feel like I am sinking again but for now I am on an upward swing and I will take it. One day at a time right? I have my kids and finals to distract me today. I am grateful for those distractions.

Heartache

2011-04-07T11:48:00.006-06:00

I don’t know what crazy idea prompted to share this here. Maybe putting my pain out there into the world is better than suffering in silence? Maybe there is someone who will experience this situation and go through the same emotions that I am? Or more selfishly, maybe someone has words of wisdom to offer me? According to statistics it is very common; nearly 25% of pregnancies end in miscarriage and the March of Dimes estimate it even higher at 50%. Statistics don’t matter when you are the one going through it. Neither do well meaning comments of “You can try again.” No one has said that to me—yet. But I know how it would make me feel. I want this baby. I am already attached. I have already dreamed about who he/she will be.

After having so much trouble getting pregnant with my second child Bryce I wasn’t sure it would happen again, ever, but especially not so soon. I had a pregnancy test leftover from my Clomid days (in which I would count down the days I could pee on a stick.) This time was different. It was already midnight but that second line appeared rather quickly. My initial shock wore off quickly and we were really excited.

My mind started racing with how we would manage two babies (seventeen months apart.) I have always felt a little guilty that Bree and Bryce are so far apart (4 ½ years) and thought that this would be nice for Bryce to have a close sibling. My husband and I are planners so we started talking logistics. We quickly realized that we would need to buy a bigger car, a minivan probably. Didn’t we say we would never own a minivan? Ha! We talked about how we would be happy with a boy or a girl (having one of each already makes it so much easier). The hubs wanted to wait to tell people, which is different from our early announcements in the past but I couldn’t keep it in and told some of my close friends as I saw them. I wanted to start gathering advice from moms who had babies close together, how to manage, etc.

Fast forward to my first appointment. According to my estimates (I wasn’t sure on dates) I should have been about 7 weeks or so. The ultrasound looked a lot different than the first ones with Bree and Bryce. There was just a blob, it didn’t look like a baby at all. The doctor pointed out a tiny dot and said “That is the baby. We are a day or two from seeing a heartbeat.” The baby measured 5 weeks 5 days which I convinced myself was possible (although it is never fun to go backwards.) I came home and counted back on the calendar and tried to not worry. The doctor told me to come back in two weeks so we could check the heartbeat. We were going out of town for spring break so I had to make my appointment for almost 3 weeks out. I told myself normally I would not have even gone in that early and there is nothing I can do right?

We got back into town earlier than we thought so I called Tuesday morning and asked if I could get in that day. The receptionist told me if I hurried down I could get it at 10:40, the doctor was leaving for the day at 11. I showered and got out the door as fast as I could. I was a couple minutes late and apologized telling them how it was so much easier to come in today since my husband was home with the kids, etc. The nurse asked me what I came in for and I told her we were checking the heartbeat, it was too early to see it last time. She asked me if I had any spotting. I said no. I told her I had just puked my guts out last night. She then said “Well, that’s good. Hopefully…” as she walked out of the room. I thought my being there was standard procedure but I am starting to think they were worried from the first appointment….I don’t know. I guess it doesn’t matter.

The doctor was in quickly and started the ultrasound. Again, it didn’t look like my previous ones. He found the heartbeat but I still was nervous and started to cry. He was quiet for a minute and then said something about the growth not looking right. He pulled up my last ultrasound to compare the two. He said there is a yoke sac which there wasn’t last time (I thought there was.) But the baby’s heart rate is only 80 and should be 120 and the baby is only measuring 6 weeks something (and at this point should be over 8 weeks from the first measurement.) I sat up asked “Is that even possible?” He told me it doesn’t look good but wants to give it another week to be sure.

I asked him if there was anything I could do to fix this. He said no, that it was something genetic that was programmed from conception. I already don’t drink or smoke. I asked what would happen if I didn’t miscarry on my own. He told me the options. I don’t like any of them. He said “I’m sorry” a couple times and asked me if I wanted a picture. I said yes. I got dressed, made another appointment and got out of there as fast as I could. I made it to the car before I completely lost it and called Dan. Then I called my mom.

Right now I am just so incredibly sad. I am scared that if I already feel this sad how am I going to handle the finality that likely will be on Tuesday? Life will go on. I know that. It already is. I am a religious person so one part of me wants to have faith that everything will work out as it should (whatever that may be) and that I will be ok. I want to have hope, I know miracles happen every day. But I may not get one and I can’t let myself get my hopes up only to be crushed.

Emotionally I am a wreck. It’s like I want to be sad and wallow in my own misery. If I already feel this way, how am I going to handle the likely outcome of it all on Tuesday? I already feel like I will sink into a dark pit of depression and don’t know if and when I will want to come out. I am trying to distract myself. I just hate sitting in limbo even if I am preparing for the worst. It’s awful. It sucks. It’s part of life. If happens to a lot of women. Some women aren’t able to have any children. I have two. And they are healthy and happy kids. Shouldn’t I just be grateful for what I have been blessed with? Easier said than done. My heart is aching. I don’t know when I can stop feeling so sad. I know eventually I will, just not right now. I am sure these will be some of the longest five days of my life.

I should have prefaced this with a note that if you are reading this and know me, or even if you don’t know me, don’t feel like you have to say something. I realize this is heavy stuff to be putting out there. Writing is easier than talking about my feelings, maybe even therapeutic.

5 minute DIY Valentine's Day Decorations

2011-02-11T15:01:00.006-07:00

Just wanted to post a couple quick and easy Valentine's Day decorations I made this year. The first one was really easy and inspired by Brassy Apple . I love her 3D art! I happened to use some decorations that I bought last year for half off. The frame is from Walmart $3, scrapbook paper from Michael $.99 and the pack of heart were $1. The cute little vases were from Target $2.50, hands down my favorite find this year!

I bought these little hearts from Michaels. They were ornaments that I took the string off of. I originally bought them to make 3D art but then my BFF was over and said lets make magnets with them. We bought a packet of little magnets from Michaels and hot glued them to the backs. Brilliant! A super cute gift and a little extra bling for the holiday!

Wall Art: Family Heritage Wall

2011-02-03T07:48:00.001-07:00

I have been working on a Family Heritage wall. I have been collecting old family photos and taking them to Target, scanning them in and making them sepia tone (so they would be uniform). I sized them to my liking. I got all of these frames at Target and most on clearance (although they have very similar ones in again. They are the REStyle brand). I wanted to use the big wall as you are going upstairs. You can see it when you are standing at my front door. And what else do you put on a huge wall?

I cut out paper in the size of the frames, taped it on the wall so I could sleep on the arrangement. To my dismay when I woke up they had all. fallen. down. So I did the practical thing, and just started hammering and hanging away. I mixed in pictures of my kids as well. I think it turned out pretty good. I love walking by it and seeing my ancestors. I love seeing glimpses of myself and my kids in their faces. It makes me grateful for my family, for my heritage, and for all that I have been blessed with. I love that my daughter knows who every one of them are (even though some are no longer with us). I hope it creates a sense of belonging and connectedness for my children. It will still be a work in progress as I locate more family photos, but for now I love it.

Here is the wall in context to my great room and recent stenciled wall.

Did I mention I love it?! And I'm thinking I want to stain the railing handle darker....

Cheddar Fondue Recipe

2011-01-29T08:11:00.001-07:00

Christmas Eve we started a new tradition that I mentioned here of enjoying time with family and friends with a fondue dinner.

This recipe came from a friend of mine. It doesn't have an odd/exotic flavor. All ages loved it.

Cheddar Cheese Fondue

2 cups half and half

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons dry mustard

1 garlic clove, halved

1 ½ lbs. shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 cups)

salt

About 30 minutes before serving: In fondue pot or saucepan over low heat, heat half and half, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and garlic, stirring, until hot but not boiling. Discard garlic.

Meanwhile, in medium bowl, toss cheese with flour. Into hot mixture, with fork or wire whisk, gradually stir cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until cheese is melted and mixture is smooth and bubbling. Add salt to taste. (If made in saucepan, pour into fondue pot for serving. Keep hot over low heat on fondue stand.)

First Project of 2011

2011-01-27T11:29:00.004-07:00

So far January has been filled with visiting company, colds, school, more colds, organizing, and more colds. That is why it has taken me so long to complete my stenciled wall. It's just the name of the game sometimes.

I fell in love with Emily's painted wallpaper in her office and wanted to stencil my TV wall. Emily even provided a download (good for my student budget=Free) and so it began. I started with these:

Just print off the stencil, trace onto cardstock and start tracing!

I went from left to right but in hindsight I might have done top to bottom first.

I worked on it for about 2 hours 3 different days. Maybe a little longer the last day. I couldn't be more happy with the result!

For the paint color I simply mixed some of my bathroom paint color with glossy white. I was going for the sheen you can see here:

Is it perfectly painted? No. But I love it all the same!

Now I have to do this wall:

More details to come on this photo wall as well as the Heritage Wall going up my stairs!

And yes, I desperately need to paint my ceiling white. It's on my list.

PS-I will try to update these photos another day. Today is really overcast and I didn't turn any lights on.

Linking up @ Tater Tots and Jello

Gift Idea: Bitty Hair Clips

2010-12-31T08:51:00.004-07:00

Have you seen these cute little flowers at the craft store? {They even have them at Walmart.}

They are perfect for making little hair clips! These are great for baby shower gifts. I made a headband, clip, tutu and personalized onesie for a baby shower my mom went to last night so I made a tutorial for you. More to come!

I have been making bows for 4 1/2 years {Little Miss was a bald baby}. You know how people always ask you "Is it a boy or a girl?" and you politely answer them {but in your head you think You really think I would dress a boy in a pink dress!?!} I thought putting a big bow on her head would help (it didn't help as much as I thought--really people?) but I found a new hobby so for that I am grateful for all the people who don't pay attention to anything!

This was back in 2006, in the dark ages when I didn't know you could find tutorials on blogs, so I did it the old fashioned way and I bought an instruction book. The hubs had a summer job in Northern CA and the apartment complex we lived in well, we were the only ones that spoke English! I pretty much made bows all day that summer!

Materials needed:

-snap clips or alligator clips

(The best place to purchase alligator clips is Sally's. A box of them is about $4. You can find the snap ones on ebay. Just make sure you bigger than 22mm)

-3/8 ribbon to cover the clip

-sticy back velcro

-Fray check

-little flowers

-FabriTac glue (my favorite) or a glue gun (just be careful!)

1. Cut a piece of ribbon the size of your clip, seal the edges with fray check, let it dry. Glue in on your clip.

It should look like this:

I don't put ribbon all the way around the clip (you can, it just makes it harder to get it in the hair):

Grab your hot glue gun or FabricTac (It's like hot glue but not hot!)

and glue the flower on:

Then get some sticky back velcro,

and cut a tiny piece (not as long as the clip):

Peel of the backing and stick it on. It helps it stay in.

Here are a few I have made:

You can use scrapbook flowers, applique flowers, fabric flowers, felt flowers, etc.

Traditions

2010-12-28T11:10:00.006-07:00

My daughter turned five this month and it has become really important to the hubs and me that we establish memorable family traditions. I would LOVE to hear about traditions your family has!

These are some traditions/memories we made:

In December
-Decorated a Gingerbread house
-Made Sugar Cookies with Bree. I use almond extract instead of vanilla in the cookies and frosting. I LOVE almond extract.
-Made Baklava with my mom
-The kids get Christmas pjs. I want them to wear them the whole month.
-Watched White Christmas, Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, Miracle on 34th Street

Christmas Eve
-We served 2 cheese fondues and 1 chocolate dessert fondue for dinner. Recipes to come. The thing I loved about it was it was relatively easy, family members can bring a few chopped up veggies or something, we sat and ate and talked and ate and ate some more.
-We drove around looking at Christmas lights.
-We acted out the nativity while my dad read Luke 2. We had about 14 people over for Christmas Eve and they were good sports dressing up in bath robes and scarves.
-Eat the Gingerbread house (more like the kids eating the candy off of it!)
-Sprinkled Reindeer Food (oatmeal, white chocolate chips and sprinkles) in the yard.
-Put cookies out for Santa

Christmas Morning
-I made Coffee Cake. It was delish! Next year I want to make it the night before.
-Opened Gifts
-I made Lion House Rolls
-My dad made Potato Cheese Soup and Chicken Tortilla Soup. It was easy and we were able to relax and enjoy the day.
-This year we got to Skype with my brother who is on a church mission in Brazil. It was so good to see his face! (This won't be a yearly tradition, but something I want to remember).

Things I want to do next year
-Read 1 Christmas story each night. Melissa at 320 Sycamore wraps up 25 books and each night they opened one and would read one. They read there last book of Christmas Eve so it works as an advent. I love this idea!
-Have a special baking night with each person in my family. I read on Make It and Love It how Brittany's mom let her and her siblings pick one type of cookie and they would make them with their mom. She has changed the tradition up it a bit and not only lets each child and her husband pick a cookie, but they also make them together one-on-one.
-Do the 12 Days of Christmas for a family.

I am sure I am fogetting something. I have 8 Christmas books so I will be checking out Amazon all year to get up to 25. If you don't have that many you can just do the 8 days before Christmas for example and add to your collection each year.

Things you should know about me if we are going to be BFFs

2010-12-21T06:53:00.011-07:00

{Me with my lovies}

Ashley, the darling force behind Little Miss Momma, is hosting a linky party where you list things about yourself that only your BFF would know. I love how real Ashley is and I decided to play along.

So here are some things about Moi that you probably don't know:

-My name is Kerstin but it almost always pronounced wrong (phonetically Keerstin). I used to hate it and wish my name were more common, but now I like it (Darn. My mom was right!)
-I am a semi-perfectionist. I can either do something all the way (and perfect) or not at all. This does not apply to everything in my life but many things (cooking, cleaning, planning, etc.) My house is either super clean or a wreck--no inbetween.
-I haven't eaten red meat since I was 11. My mom blames it on my 6th grade science class but I have an aversion to anything ground up.
-I do enjoy chicken a little too much at times. (When we were first married I attempted to feed the hubs chicken every night. That didn't last too long). I also eat turkey and fish.
-I hate the telephone. I do have a cell phone and love how convenient it is, but I would much rather have a long conversation in person than via the telephone. I get too distracted otherwise.
-I met my husband through our best friends. His best friend married mine. We are celebrating our 8th anniversary this month!
-Age was so important to me 10 years ago but now I couldn't care less. I am 28 but usually forget how old I am (I think of how old my sister is and add 2 years). Bring on 30. I'm not afraid!
-I have two kids (5 and 6 months)
-I had infertility issues with #2 and am scared I won't be able to have more kids (but am very grateful for the two I have).
-I am actually pretty shy and reserved...that is until you get to know me. I have to go out of my comfort zone big time to talk to someone I don't know or don't know well.
-I freeze up in front of large groups. I am a smaller groups girl!
-I am very loyal. Always have been.
-I loathe drama. I avoid confrontation at all costs. That stuff is for tv! I do enjoy watching it though.
-I always have room for dessert (major sweet tooth).
-I love my girlfriends and date night--live for it!
-I love being creative (it keeps me from going crazy).
-I am not afraid to try new things.
-I am graduating with my Bachelors Degree in a few months and want to get my Masters in Sociology (someday).

Now join the linky party or leave a comment telling me something or things I don't know about you!

Party Time

2010-12-14T07:15:00.007-07:00

My ~~baby~~ little girl is 5! And she's not about to let me forget it anytime soon. I really threw Little Miss off not having her birthday party or her actual birth day this year (first time). Her friends were arriving and telling her "Happy Birthday" and she told them "It's not really my birthday." But she was soon distracted and enjoying herself. That #5 is one of those cardboard ones from Hobby Lobby or Joann's. The same kind I used in our play room. I painted it pink and spray painted it with glitter spray. Yes, I said glitter spray, as in spray paint. I think I got it at Walmart and I love it!

We had a fun Parisian Poodle Party to celebrate. Although if you had of asked the birthday girl about her party she would have told you she was having a "Princess, Make up, Cupcake, Ariel, Halloween, Pinkalicious, Poodle Party!" She got her wish with some of those. The printable party file came from here (only $5.99!), table cloth (fabric) came from here. The cupcake stand and drink dispenser are old Costco finds that we used at my brother's wedding reception. I already had the big and little glass trifle dishes and the white plates too (all from Walmart).

The invitation (it came blank. I just printed off our party info and glued it to the invite and copied it for a custom look):

Here is the food all set before we ate:

We served pink lemonade, chocolate croissants, mini cheesecakes, cookies and candy.

Oh yeah, and cake. I bet their parents love me!

Hair up dos by my friend Rebekah:

I made the rosette on her shirt:

Nails by Taylor:

Painting frames (these were mirrors from the $ store--more on that later):

Party Favors (boxes from Walmart, I used ribbon I had and placeholders from the file I purchased):

Pin the Tail on the Poodle:

The Cake:

This guy got into the tissue and was so proud of himself:

It was such a fun party! Hair, nails, dress up, treats and games. What more could a girl ask for? I had so much fun planning and throwing this party. I love my little Sweet Pea. Stop growing up so fast!

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

2010-11-23T07:58:00.004-07:00

I called my good friend Ivy, that has an endless supply of fabulous tried and true recipes, and asked her if she had any had-to-have recipes for Thanksgiving. She gave me this one and I just made it. She said even non-pumpkin pie lovers love this one! I can't wait to try mine...

Pumpkin Chiffon Pie

1 envelope unflavored gelatin
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ginger
3/4 cup milk
1 cup canned pumpkin
2 slightly beaten egg yolks
2 eggs whites
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
1 9" baked pie crust
1. Combine gelatin, 1/2 cup sugar, salt and spices in a sauce pan. Add milk, egg yolks, and pumpkin. Cook and stir over medium heat until it boils. Remove from heat and chill until partially set.
2. Beat egg whites until it has soft peaks when you spoon some up. Add sugar to the whipping cream. Fold ingredients together.
3. Fold egg white mixture into pumpkin mixture. Place in baked pie crust. Chill and serve.

Mine is chilling right now but won't be served until Turkey Day.

Here's another one she gave me. It's super easy too!

Pecan Pie
3 eggs, beat well
1 cup light Karo syrup
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pecan halves
1 9" unbaked crust

1. Combine eggs, Karo syrup, sugar, vanilla, and pecans. Pour into prepared pie crust.
2. Bake at 350 for one hour.

Linking up:

What are you making for Thanksgiving?

2010-11-22T10:19:00.005-07:00

This year I am in charge making these items for 30 people:

Lion House Rolls

Cinnamon Honey Butter

Green Bean Casserole

Sweet Potatoe Pie

Pumpkin Pie (I am making one regular and one Walnut Pumpkin Pie)

Mac & Cheese (we have lots of little kiddos, but heck I love it too!)

Pumkin Cheesecake with Pecan-Gingersnap Crust

I am making most of this (the exception being the rolls) ahead of time. You can make pies ahead and not bake them until Thanksgiving. I lucked out because my dad always cooked turkey our and fixings (he's come a long way since at age 2 I threw a tennis ball across the room, it landed in his gravy and it didn't splash!) He has taught my husband how to do ours (you can't break tradition right?) The men are also covering the stuffing (my dad makes an awesome vegetarian apple stuffing. I will have to get the recipe from him...), gravy, and good ole' mashed potatoes. My mom is making apple and pecan pies and helping my dad. My sister is making banana cream pies. I can't wait!

What are you making for Thanksgiving? I would love to hear!

My favorite things...

2010-11-19T09:40:00.008-07:00

Other than my family and friends, these are a few of my favorite things...

My 14 cup Cuisinart Food Processor

I got really into canning last year and decided to buy 1 (or 2) canning supplies each year so that eventually I won't have to borrow any. I found mine on ebay. This thing is a beast. The hubs loves it too. He actually insisted on this one. I {big} heart it!

West Elm knock off window panels

I found these at another favorite place, Target. $27.99 for two 95" panels.

Dwell Studio Pillow

Another Target find. It has a home on my bed and is a perfect pop of color.

Balboa Baby Sling

Developed by Dr. Sears

Strawberry-Lime Shortcake with Coconut Cream

I love limes so I was sold at Strawberry-Lime. I made this soooo many times this summer. This blog has so many great recipes with pictures!

Ten Basic Principles of Good Parenting

This is actually the text book for my parenting class for my Home and Family Studies minor. It's based on research, rather than someone's opinion (which is good too). I love how logical it is.

And while we are on the topic...

The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work

This was the text for my marriage class. Again, based on research. John Gottman can predict with 90% accuracy what couples will stay together and which will divorce. It's good to read even if you have a great marriage.

And lastly...

Mint M&Ms

I got some at Target this week.

I thought of one more:

Zebra Hot Chocolate from Starbucks

I'm not a coffee drinker (but I do love the smell) but I love hot chocolate. Zebra hot chocolate is half white and chocholate. I also love to add Hazelnut syrup or mint syrup to my hot chocolate at home. Yum!

And of course BLOGS! Where would I get so much inspiration without them? I have too many favorites to list.

What are your favorite things?

Linking up:

Bathroom Makeover~Part 1

2010-11-18T11:09:00.006-07:00

I have had plans of redoing the downstairs bathroom since we moved in but it kept being put off (had a baby, school, work, you know) but last week I had the itch and went to town.

Here are some before pictures:

{Dark and cave like}

{Not so pretty. These had brass hardware before too.}

{In bad shape}

{Not bad, it had been a darker color}

And here are some afters:

{Painted, added baskets}

{Newly painted cabinet}

{Lighter and Brighter}

{Now the Shower Curtain really pops against the gray}

{I'm thinking a couple Ballard inspired shelves for above the toilet}

{This towel rack needs to come down ASAP. It's screwed into piece of molding that I am going to take down as well. Maybe board and batten here? Or just gray paint? With artwork above.}

Stay tuned for phase 2 which will include new baseboard, moulding around the mirror, new shelves and board and batten.

Paint: I used Walmart's Color Place Flexed Steel mainly because a) it's cheap and, b) I already had it from another project I didn't end up doing. I usually use Kilz or Behr paint but for small jobs I am fine with cheaper paint. Since it's a small room a second coat was no biggie. I already had primer and white paint so I didn't have to buy anything.

Linking up:

Party Plans

2010-11-14T14:49:00.005-07:00

I love party planning and have big ideas for Bree's 5th Birthday Party next month. I made a party decoration and thought I'd share a sneak peak!

Accordion Decoration:

Start with a couple pieces of 12x12 scrapbook paper

Cut it into 4" wide strips (I used four 4" strips). You can make it any size you want though.

Fold each strip acordion file like so:

Put a dab of glue along the botoom of two ends and glue all 4 pieces together:

Then you will have one long piece. Note: If you have wrapping paper or something that is longer you won't have to do this step):

Fold it up like an acordion:

I probably should have used double sided tape but I don't have any and I'm impatient so I just stapled mine a few times:

Open it up and you have this:

I printed the flower template directly onto the paper. Get the template (with additional sizes) HERE for Free. For the number 5 I simply printed off a 5, stapled it onto the paper and cut it out.

I glued the 5 onto the flower and the flower onto the accordion.
The pink houndstooth paper looks kind of trippy here but it's darling.

I am using this party pack from HERE.

It's adorable and the downloadable file is only $5.99! Love it!

Family Photos Tips

2010-11-09T08:44:00.007-07:00

My dad recently got back into photography and took some family pictures of us. Yes, my daughter was posing like a ballerina. This was supposed to be a "humor her" outake but I like it anyway. I had a lot of fun deciding what we all should wear. I am really into yellow (see my bedroom) and my yellow jacket from Old Navy was my inspiration. {Get a coupon for 30% off your entire purchase from 11/11-11/18 HERE.} I used to be afraid of mixing prints so everything was monotone and too matchy-matchy. Well, I have become more daring in that department (decorating included) and it is so much fun! I thought a lot about it so I thought I would share some tips on how to come up with a color scheme.

Tips:
1. Look around your house. What color schemes do you already have and love? I got my yellow and gray combo from my bedroom. I love navy blue (always have, always will) and it was in Bree's dress so I went with it as an additional color. Pick 2-3 (or even 4) colors that are complimentary. Look around store websites to see what colors they are mixing too. Gap, Old Navy, etc. always have great style ideas.
2. What colors look good on you? The kiddos can probably pull off anything.
3. If you have 1 dark color mix t with a light (or bright) color.
4. Mix patterns. It's ok. I promise. Choose prints that compliment each other. It adds interest and texture.
5. Look at photography blogs for ideas!

I found Bree's yellow dress on clearance at Children's Place (plus an additional 50% off--yeah!) Bryce's shirt was at Old Navy and his jacket from Gap (for like $16.99. SCORE!) The hubs wore something he had since we a doing our "real" family pictures while we are in California in December (so I can lose more baby weight!)

Here's what the kids are wearing for our pictures in CA:

{Gap}

{Old Navy}
And I might add in some touches of pink!

It's that Time...

2010-11-05T10:37:00.005-06:00

Time for Pumpkin Sqaures, that is! Whether the weather feels like it or not I am ready for this fall treat. The recipe is from my good friend Ivy and anything Ivy makes is good. Trust me.

1 cup oil
2 cups sugar
2 cups pumpkin (you'll need a big can)
4 eggs
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoon baking powder

Frosting:
1 block cream cheese
1 tespoon vanilla
3/4 bag powdered sugar (or just add 1 cup at a time until desired consistentcy)
1 cube butter, softened
1 teaspoon milk
1 teaspoon shortening (to make it white. I don't usually add it)

I made these already a few weeks ago but can't find the picture. I guess I'll just have to make some more. Darn. :)

The Giving Tree

2010-11-02T07:40:00.017-06:00

(I need to add "Give Thanks" to the trunk.)

After I made my Pottery Barn inspired Halloween sign I was excited to make their Giving Tree. I love, love, love how it turned out. The idea is that each day for the month of November each member of your family writes something they are grateful for and puts it inside the leaf pocket for that day. This is going to be a new tradition in our household. I am going to save the papers and put them in a book. I hope this helps me teach my children to be grateful not just this month, but all year long.

My friend http://www.arainydaymom.blogspot.com/ hosted Craft Night last week and helped us make our Giving Trees. Leanna did all the prep work, including making the leaf pattern and free-handing the tree top and trunk. She used muslin fabric to make a pattern for us to use that night. I used Leanna's scraps for the leaves so I really didn't have to think on this one--I loved everything she picked out. Thanks Leanna for making this project so much easier! It was a lot of fun!

I placed it next to the Blessings Board.

Tips:
-Use fusible interfacing to make your leaves stiffer (it's iron on stuff from Joann's--no sewing)
-For a rustic-stitched look use embroidery thread on the numbers and/or letters ($0.37 at Joann's)
-Hang with 3M Picture Hangers (I need to add them on the bottom)
-The leaves and everything else were glued together using FabriTac
-The leaves are the pockets so make sure to leave an opening
-It is a time consuming project so get the hubs (or a friend) to help you cut out leaves while watching a movie. It might take a few movies.

Check back soon for my version of this Christmas advent!

PS-The lovely ladies at Bloom featured our Play Room Dress Up area today. Check out Bloom HERE.

Linking up:

Halloween Popcorn Treat

2010-10-31T16:07:00.004-06:00

{The picture makes the black sprinkles look like pepper. Yikes.}

INGREDIENTS
-a batch of popcorn (enough to fill your bowl) I love my electric popcorn maker.
-almond bark
-sprinkles, candy corn, candy (I totally raided my daughter's candy bucket for some Reese's pieces)

DIRECTIONS
-Melt the almond bark in the microwave. Pour over popped popcorn and toss with toppings. Allow popcorn to harden on wax paper and add to bowl. Wrap it up and tie with a ribbon.
I saw these super cute bowls in the dollar spot at Target and knew I wanted them for this. I made a few of these up to drop by some people from church. Easy peasy. Any yummy. And cute.

Happy Halloween!

Halloween Party Games

2010-10-29T11:03:00.003-06:00

I saw a neon green and purple Tic Tac toe game at a thrift store and decided to Halloween-ify it. I took the pieces off and spray painted the base black. I soaked the Xs and Os in warm soapy water and was able to get the stickers and most of the tacky glue off. For the rest I used Goo-off (or whatever it's called). I spray painted the X and O piece orange, cut out pumpkins and actually just taped them on. Instead of Xs and Os, we played 3 of the same pumpkins in a row.

I cut out a jack o lantern out of orange construction paper, glued on 2 triangles for eyes and laminated it. Then I cut out mouths and we played Pin the smile on the Jack o lantern.

I made this Monster Toss by modge podging scrapbook paper on a lemonade container.

We decorated cupcakes and ate candy too of couse! I can save these for next year and add more until we have a whole carnival worth of games! My husband will be so excited {insert major sarcasm}.

Jack O'Lantern Dinner a.k.a. Dinner in a Pumpkin

2010-10-23T16:50:00.001-06:00

I have had this recipe forever and finally tried it. It was tasty, festive and easy.

INGREDIENTS
1 medium pumpkin
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 pack mushrooms Did you know they have already sliced mushrooms? That's what I'm talking about!
1 1/2 cup cooked rice
1-2 lbs. ground beef (I'm used turkey)
10 oz. cream of chicken soup
3 tablespoons soy sauce

DIRECTIONS
1. Cut off the top of the pumpkin and clean it out.

2. Brown meat and onions.
3. Combine meat with soup, brown sugar, soy sauce, and mushrooms. Simmer ten minutes.

4. Add rice and spoon into the pumpkin.

5. Put on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 for 1-2 hours until the meat of the pumpkin is tender.
6. Scrape the sides of the pumpkin and mix into the rice mixture. Enjoy!
PS-It tastes a lot better than it looks!
PSS-I will add a picture of the finished product when it gets out of the oven.

Menu and Blessings Boards

2010-10-22T09:51:00.018-06:00

After seeing the blessings board that Julie from Less than Perfect Life of Bliss made, in addition to Stephanie from Under the Table and Dreaming 's Menu Board I got to work.

I set out to a find a oblong frame at a thrift store and found this bird photo:

I went outside to my "spray painting board" (an old piece of wood) and spray painted the frame black.

I cleaned the glass and covered the cardboard with burlap. I think a linen would be really pretty too!

I just glued it to the board with FabriTac glue.

I put all back together, added vinyl that I printed on my silhouette (or you can buy stickers), added a couple flowers (cut out circles, lay them on top of each other and use a brad to secure them together). Then I glued the flowers on.

The brads in the center of the flower were from Joann's. The pack has gold, silver and this coppery color.

You use a wipe off marker to write on the glass, that way you can change it up.

Here are the Menu Boards I made for Christmas gifts:

The teal-ish color is Caribbean Blue spray paint by Valspar (Lowe's). The vinyl is brown to match my sis-in-law's kitchen. Jess, if you are seeing this, well, I hope you like it! I have something else for you too though that I will keep a secret. :)

I bought these frames at Walmart for $5 but only some Walmarts have this size. I need more! Contact me at babybreesmama at yahoo dot com if you want to order some vinyl. I can try to figure out how cheap I can do it for.

Steel Cut Oats Goodness

2010-10-18T08:30:00.005-06:00

The hubs has been on a major health kick which includes protein shakes with almond milk for breakfast. I have one a few times a week but I have to force them down. This morning I googled "Steel Cut Oats Recipe" and found this fabuloso concoction from Two Peas and their Pod. Steel cut oats are a little crunchy which makes a big difference from the usual oatmeal mush. It takes some time but was oh-so-good and totally worth it. I am going to skip out on the protein shakes and make steel cut oats to start out my day instead. Plus, you can make extra for the whole week. I bought mine in bulk from WinCo. Here's the recipe:

Steel Cut Oats
1 cup steel cut oats
3 1/2 cups water
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup skim milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cinnamon, Raisins, or whatever toppings you like
1. Bring the water to a boil in a large pot. Add the steel cut oats and and salt. Stir.
2. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook for 30 minutes. Make sure you stir the oats occasionally so they don’t stick to the pan.
3. When the oats start to thicken, at about 30 minutes, add in the milk and vanilla. I think the milk makes the oats creamier. Stir the oats, milk, and vanilla together and cook for ten more
minutes.
4. Add in the cinnamon and raisins or whatever toppings you wish.

Serve the oats hot. If you want you can let the oats cool and then portion them out into smaller containers. To reheat, I add a splash of milk and reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

*Note-you can use 4 cups of water and omit the milk, I just like the creaminess the milk adds.*

I added a tiny bit of brown sugar but tomorrow I am going to use my Agave Nectar--I totally forgot about that stuff. Healthy and Delish!

Play Room

2010-10-17T20:13:00.007-06:00

We didn't have a play room until we moved into this house. Since our bedrooms are upstairs I love having a room downstairs that the kids can play in and still be within earshot.

For the book shelves I bought vinyl rain gutters at Home Depot. My dad cut them with a handsaw, I sanded the edges and the hubs hung them with screws (Nice group effort).

For the dress up area I had originally hung hooks right into the wall but after the kiddos played dress up a few times they were coming out of the wall. My solution was to buy and paint a piece of wood and have the hubs screwed it into the studs. Then he screwed the hooks into the wood so they are super sturdy.

I bought super sized clothes pins at Hobby Lobby and glued them to another piece of wood using Liquid Nails. I love it! It keeps my fridge from getting too cluttered (but it still is most of the time--I'm working on that!)

For the letters of "Read" and "Play" I just spray painted cardboard letters from Joann's (or Hob Lob) and used double sided tape to hang them. I used Brushed Nickel spray paint from Krylon. They look much more expensive than a couple dollars each.

The mirror, rug, hanging frog, curtains, table and chair, easel and storage bench are from Ikea. I love that place. My mom was an exchange student to Sweden so I grew up stopping at Ikea whenever we went on road trips near one. We would spend half a day there and cram stuff into our already packed car. Good times.

The bench was only $39.99 and it was worth every penny because it doubles as a stage:

{Meet Bree, my ~~sassy~~ sweet little 4 year old}

I really want a red wooden kitchen to go in here as well. Maybe this one:

It's still a work in progress but for now I love how it looks and functions. It flows with the rest of the house but has enough playful touches to make it a kid friendly place. I want to add "Create" or something like that above the art display area and I have a blank wall above the easel to fill. The kids love to mess it up (and I'm totally fine with that ~~most of the time~~).