Four kids, a mini-van and a lot of love

Nesting?!

2012-02-26T09:04:00.000-06:00

I organized and rearranged all the kids rooms yesterday. Went through all their toys and books. I organized and cleaned the playroom, put away miscellaneous toys and switched toys around.

I vacuumed all the fans in the house...cause personally I don't like seeing the dust that falls off the blades, as it spins.

I got my hair done yesterday, and I love it. Cause you have to look beautiful when you have a baby....right?!

I vacuumed the whole house,though that isn't anything new, since I am a compulsive vacuumer.

I have my mind set on the hubby fixing the carpet shampooer today and shampooing the carpets. There is nothing like clean carpets...since we are playing on the floor everyday.

My kitchen is cleaner than it has ever been and the baby stuff is cleaned and put away.

We need two more things for the nursery and they are at Ikea (one of my least favorite places to go) and hopefully I will be able to pick them up sometime in the next week.

Laundry is almost done, except for the sheets (which will get done today)

Do you think I am a little excited for this baby to come...not to mention just about ready.

...and

I can't leave you without a picture. Here is Kenzie and I reading books...she is my little book worm!

Food Fixing FRIDAY!

2012-02-24T13:30:00.000-06:00

UPDATE:
Thanks to everyone's great comments!
The winner for the Party Pack from Your Life Long Memories is #18
Kelli over at Southern Blessed Life

(Kelli, please e-mail me within 48 hours or a new winner will be drawn)

::

It's been awhile...

The easiest Pot Pie!

What you'll need...

Ingredients:

2 cans of ready to serve gravy

Onion (to taste)

Your favorite veggies (I chose carrots, peas and corn)

Chicken (I used leftover rotisserie chicken)

Refrigerated pie shells (2)

Salt/pepper

Other seasonings that you like

Pour both cans of gravy into a sauce pan and heat till they thicken

Dice onions,

and add them to the gravy

Dice chicken to desired size.

Add chicken, and veggies to gravy mixture.

Line a pie dish with one of the pie crusts.

Mix all ingredients in the gravy mixture, including spices.

Pour gravy mixture into the pie crust

Place the other pie crust onto and cut around the edges. Then take a fork and press around the edge of the whole pie.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 45-50 minutes.

(until golden brown and heated throughout)

Enjoy!

{I am not doing the link up anymore, since it wasn't a big hit} Feel free to leave links in the comments, I would still love to get some new recipes!}

Baby #4 - 34 Weeks

2012-02-23T10:01:00.001-06:00

How far along: 34 weeks

{Chase was born at this gestation....CRAZY!}

Size of baby: He is over 5 lbs.

Total Weight Gain: 24 pounds {dang girl scout cookies!!}

Maternity Clothes: Minus a few shirts...I am pretty much living in maternity. My last (favorite) pair of jeans that still fit, had the button break yesterday. {guess that tells me something} As much as I hate maternity jeans, I am borrowing my SIL and they are pretty comfy!

Gender: Baby BOY! Here is our reveal video!

Baby bump: My shirts tell me that it is huge!

Sleep: Getting harder and harder. I think that your body does that to prep you for newborn baby stages.
Cravings: Bread and pasta, grape Icees and rotisserie chicken!

What I miss most: Sleeping through the night and being able to be 'mobile'

Symptoms: Contractions here and there, but we want little man to cook for a few more weeks!

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my little man...less than 5 weeks!!

Baby comparison photos

{I promise I do have color in my wardrobe...rumor has it dark colors are slimming...lol}

Here is the adorable blanket I ordered off Etsy...review coming soon!

Don't you all wish I wouldn't have chopped his name off the bottom?!

I Mod Podged some blocks with baby boy's name on them, painted a hanging rack with adorable Mod Pod monkeys on it, finished his organizing his closet, washed all the blankets...I am on a roll...just about ready for the big day!

***Don't forget...today is the last day to enter in my GIVEAWAY for a party pack from my Etsy shop. Go here to find out the details!

The Park in February!

2012-02-21T13:56:00.000-06:00

Who would have thought the high in mid February would be 40 degrees?!

We are loving it!

No snow, but still chilly enough for mittens!

My 3 LOVES!

He is such a good big brother!

She loves being outside!

So much for no snow...we got 4" of snow last night.

Our first plowable snowfall this winter!

The kids are loving it, but I am so over this crazy winter!

It's about that time!

2012-02-19T09:49:00.000-06:00

Can you guess what it is about time to start making?!

Simply Put!

2012-02-18T09:15:00.000-06:00

Did someone say GIVEAWAY?!

2012-02-17T10:36:00.000-06:00

Thanks for everyone input on the sleeping situation. I am just praying right now, that this is just a {short} phase and she will grow out of it.

She falls asleep in her own bed, then we try to comfort her in her bed, if she wakes up. She usually ends up coming in our bed, but not for as long of a time.

I guess I am just going to cherish these days where she still wants to snuggle!

Cause really....how can I say no to a face like this??

Now onto the GOOD stuff!!

I have been busy making new and stuff for my Etsy shop and guess what....

One of you lucky readers will benefit!

I am doing a GIVEAWAY for a custom party set

That includes:

*A custom designed invitation

*12 Cupcake toppers

*12 Thank you cards

*12 Treat bag tags

{All in your choice of party theme}

You can choose to use this package right away, or save it for a time when you need it.

Here's how to enter....

Head over to my Etsy shop and check it out. Come back and leave me a comment letting me know your favorite item in my shop. {mandatory}

Want another couple entries?!

1 extra entry - 'Like' me on Facebook (or let me know you already do)

1 extra entry - 'Heart' my Etsy shop (or let me know you already do)

1 extra entry - Follow my blog (or let me know you already do)

Please remember to leave a separate comment for each entry you are entitled.

(This giveaway will end on Thursday February 23rd and the winner will be chosen with random.org})

Just...

2012-02-16T08:13:00.001-06:00

Am I the only one?!

2012-02-15T08:21:00.000-06:00

So...this little princess had decided to change up her sleeping patterns.

She has decided that since we have a baby on the way, we might as well get used to the newborn sleeping patterns now.

{um....no thanks!}

Here is the scoop, she goes to bed really well. Sleeps till around 2:30-3 am and then decides to wake up and get out of bed. (she shares a room with Abby, which make this hard) We have a two-way monitor in their room, so I usually try telling her to stay in bed, or tell her to find her Nuk and blanket and go back to sleep. That used to work! Now, she just starts crying and gets out of her bed and cries by the door, until we come and get her. Then she won't go back in her bed, she wants to come sleep with us.

Now and then I don't mind, but this has been for the past three nights.

{Keep in mind, I am 7 1/2 months preggo, and I don't sleep well as it is}

Not to mention, I have this little guy that shares a bed with the hubs and I

Has anyone else had to deal with anything like this?

I have no problem in letting her cry, but I don't feel that is it right to wake up Abby because of it.

I would love your input and help, cause this needs to be nipped in the butt, before

this sweet boy arrives!

Happy {LOVE] Day!

2012-02-14T13:21:00.000-06:00

Wishing you all a VERY happy Valentine's Day!

DIY Valentines!

2012-02-13T15:17:00.000-06:00

I have a friend who posted this on Facebook last week, and I just had to have Chase make them for his Valentines!

So, Chase was more than excited to make his first Valentines!

Here is what I used...

25 cutout fishbowls (I used my Cricut machine to cut them out)

25 clear bags with twisty ties

4 bags of Swedish Fish

A Permanent marker

A blue crayon

Write this phrase on each fishbowl

"So glad we're in the same school"

Color a squiggly line with your blue crayon and color the bottom portion in.

Write the name of the child the Valentine is for on the top of the fishbowl and your child;s name on the bottom.

Put the colored fishbowl in a clear baggie...

Add 4-5 fish to each bag

Wa-la! You have some really adorable Valentines!

And now not only are you super mom that has a great idea...you have one happy kid, who can't wait to bring his Valentines to school!

Baby #4 - 32 Weeks

2012-02-09T09:50:00.000-06:00

How far along: 32 weeks

Size of baby: He is 4 lbs 6 ounces (we found out in our Ultrasound on Tuesday)

Total Weight Gain: 20 pounds {Jamaica might have added 4 of those pounds}

Maternity Clothes: I live in comfy clothes, but when I go out, I still like to get dressed up, so I mix maternity and non-maternity clothes. My jeans are just starting to get tight, as this baby boy is hanging out pretty low.

Gender: Baby BOY! Here is our reveal video!

(3D picture of his face pressed against my placenta)

Baby bump: I feel like I have a basketball under my shirt, it is sticking out pretty far

Sleep: Pretty good, but I do wake up about 2-3 times a night and it is tough to get back to sleep
Cravings: Bread and pasta, grape Icees and rotisserie chicken!

What I miss most: Sleeping through the night and being able to be 'mobile'

Symptoms: Being very tired and running out of energy quickly

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my little man!! I also can't wait to show you guys the nursery...pictures are coming soon!

Baby comparison photos

Baby Boy UPDATE!

Baby boy is now considered a 'normal' baby!

HOORAY!!!!

We had our 32 week ultrasound and....his kidneys are in the normal range and there is no need for any more ultrasounds. They are still slightly dilated, but no need for concern. They are still in the 'normal range. They are supposed to be under 7.5 mm and his are both 6.1 mm.
If things stay this way until birth, he shouldn't need antibodies at all.
{God is good!!!}

Jamaica Part 1

2012-02-08T09:30:00.001-06:00

A BIG thanks to my parents for the awesome Christmas gift to Jamaica!

We had a blast and these pictures prove it. It was a great 'baby moon' and little getaway!

The view of the sunrise on our 6 am flight

This is the view from our room!

{breathless!}

Ready to start out our kid free week!

Welcoming drinks!

(The waitress even brought my a n/a one!)

My brother, the hubby and my cousin

Time to check out the buffet

Loving the Vitamin D!

Me, my mom and my SIL

Their first purchase...~~big~~ HUGE mugs for their drinks!

Mom and dad! Thanks for the trip!

Our crazy crew!

Gorgeous views from our resort!

Sitting on the reef with a cold one in hand...doesn't get much better than that!

My brother looks like a giant (he is on the reef)

Siblings!

My bro and SIL

Waiting for the next round of drinks!

Double fisting n/a drinks!

Kyle and Josh

Josh

(Kyle's 'other half' for the trip)

Hanging out in the pool for a bit

The view of the kid pool

Early in the morning before the swarm comes over the chairs

The view from the far side of the ocean, looking at our resort

My oldest bro and I

The girls

Swim up bar!

This is what my brother was famous for....

That is me in the splash...outcome=wet

We got to watch one of the locals climb a coconut tree bare foot with a machete and cut down coconuts

Hanging out at the adult pool

The view of the pool and ocean

The Queen of the pool :) {My mama}

Hanging out bar side!

Mom and Dad

I'm their favorite ;)

More drinks!

Two dang good looking guys!

Loving the family time!

Everyone...minus mom, the photographer

I {Heart } him

Yes, I know we look a lot alike

Quality time with the hubby!!

Many more pics to come!

Our Love Story {Link Up}

2012-02-07T10:42:00.000-06:00

I'm linking up with one of my favorite mama bloggers Becky over at From Mrs. to Mama.

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?
We have been together for just over 11 years!

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}
Well, we actually started talking online. I messaged him and after a month of talking, we decided to finally meet. He worked at Target as a security gaurd, so I took the kids I nannied for at the time shopping with me at his Target. When we walked in, he wasn't there, like he said he'd be, so we shopped around for awhile {little did I know him and his friend were watching us on the security cameras} Then when we were headed out, after grabbing the kids and Icee, he was at the door and we stopped to talk, until the kids got restless. He gave me his number and the rest is history.

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

We have been married for 7 1/2 years.

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married at his home church, also the church that I worked at around that time we got married, and we had a big wedding. {Go big or go home}

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!
We have a couple...He calls me Bel and Babe, I don't really use any for him anymore, I used to call him Bug and Pumpkin, but haven't recently.

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

1. He is patient and funny

2. He loves me for me, preggo or not, sweats or dressy!

3. He supports me 100% and is my best friend!

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?
We went to the St. Paul Ice Castle (2008, the last year they had one) when it was 20 degrees below zero {no, I am not exaggerating} and after waiting for his cousin and wife to show up, we took one more loop around the place, ended up in the middle and he got down on one knee with a Ring Pop and asked me to marry him. I didn't think he was very funny and as I was about to 'rip him a new one,' he pulled out the ring and started saying 100 perfect things that made my heart melt, then (as his cousin was taping and taking pictures) asked me to marry him. Of course I said YES!

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

Not really either, he usually does a cute card from him and one from the kids and sometimes I get flowers, but I am not really a flower girl (they die)

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?
I really love just staying in and watching a movie and cuddling on the Love Sac. If we do go out, dinner and a movie is usually what we do. I wouldn't mind a picnic on the beach at sunset now and then though {hint hint babe}

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?
I actually would love to jump out of a plane with my hubby, if I had enough 'balls' to, but since that will probably never happen, I would love to travel to Italy sometime with just him and I.

11. Tell us what you plan on doing on this Valentine's Day.
We haven't talked about plans yet, but maybe a fun dinner with the kids on Valentines day and then have a date night later in the week. (I am not one for fighting crowds on busy holidays)

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's day?

Since we are having a baby in a few short weeks, and I have been trying to get stuff together for baby boy, that we need, but if he wants to get me something practical, I'd love a linen closet in the kids bathroom (who am I kidding, once you have a house and kids, practical gifts are the way to go)

13. Give us one piece of advice of keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

I'd say communication and just being best friends!

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Wordless Wednesday!

2012-02-01T14:46:00.000-06:00

Winners and a Sneak Peak

2012-01-31T11:05:00.000-06:00

The winner of the

giveaway is #24

J over at J2's New Adventure

(CONGRATS! You have 48 hours to e-mail me, or a new winner will be drawn with random.org)

The winner of the Valentine LOVE Blocks

is #1

Amber over at Maddux Monologues

(CONGRATS! You are 48 hours to email me, or a new winner will be chosen with random.org)

A Sneak Peak...

Hanging out in the pool

Dunn River Falls

Me and the hubby waiting for dinner

The whole crew

(My dad, mom, me, hubby, SIL, brother, Cousin and brother)

How I spent most of my week....double fisting two virgin Piña coladas

{MANY more pictures to come}

I'm Back...

2012-01-30T14:07:00.000-06:00

Trying to get back in the swing of things.....

Trying to get this picture out of my head...

Trying to hang out with my kids as much as possible, since I missed them like CRAZY, while I was busy doing this...

Trying to spend as much one on one time with this guy, whom I LOVE SO MUCH!

Jamaica was AMAZING, but I am one happy mama to be home!

I have more pictures than I know what to do with, so stay tuned for a BIG post on our vacation.

Today is the last day to enter in the two giveaways I have going on...

GIVEAWAY for a custom valentines silver stamped necklace from

and a GIVEAWAY for a set of Valentine LOVE blocks from me

Kenzie Boo

2012-01-27T10:22:00.021-06:00

My little Kenzie Boo you are the sweetest...

Most outgoing, sassy, spunky...

vocal, adorable, silly...

little pea pod, whom I LOVE dearly!

You are 2 going on 10....I love you to the moon and back!

{I wish my other kids would sit still long enough to get some cute pictures of them playing too!}

Baby #4 - 30 weeks

2012-01-26T08:30:00.027-06:00

How far along: 30 weeks

Size of baby: He is 3 lbs (we found out in our US...big baby boy)

Total Weight Gain: 16 pounds {hopefully I can keep this in check on vacation}

Gender: Baby BOY! Here is our reveal video!

Baby bump: I feel like it is the same size as last month, but the mirror tells me different. ;)

Sleep: Much better now that he has turned and is head down. Before he was laying across the bottom of my belly and it was very uncomfortable to sleep.
Cravings: Bread and pasta still, but Grape Icees and rotisserie chicken!

What I miss most: Being able to work out!

Symptoms: Vein pain...veracious veins aren't fun!

What I'm looking forward to: Meeting my baby boy! Getting the rest of the nursery decor up and getting the cradle out of the attic!

Belly comparison photos with baby boy

(yes, I am wearing the same thing at 20 and 30 weeks)

2 Great GIVEAWAYS going on, don't forget to enter!

Art of Silver GIVEAWAY

Mod Podge Valentine Blocks GIVEAWAY

{Scroll up a few posts to find them}

What I'm loving Wednesday!

2012-01-25T07:31:00.019-06:00

I'm loving that my 3 adorable kids are getting some quality grandma and grandpa time!

{but I miss them like CRAZY!}

I'm loving that my countdown has started and I have less than 10 weeks until I meet my baby boy!

I'm loving that Kenzie LOVES her dollhouse that Santa brought her

{mommy likes to play too!}

I'm loving my new morning drink

I'm loving my new pots and pans that my hubby for me for Christmas

I'm loving these adorable fashion finds

{that I can't wait to fit back into!!}

Houndstooth Print Belted Coat

Striped Dolman sweater with keyhole back

Lace Trim Ruched Top

Mock neck Slub Tiered tank

Madden Girl Lyons polka dot Mary Janes

What are you loving?!

Link up over on Jamie's blog!

Proud Auntie!

2012-01-24T08:15:00.004-06:00

Erin took some great pictures of my adorable nephew and I am a proud auntie, so I just have to share...

Big baseball fan in the making!

Little pea pod!

Thanks for taking his pictures Erin, I can't wait for you to take baby #4's!!

Don't forget to enter in the giveaway above from

Art of Silver review & GIVEAWAY!

2012-01-23T09:14:00.115-06:00

I love personalized things! Clothes, blankets, jewelry...you name it!

I was looking for a unique Christmas gift for my two Sister-in-laws and decided I wanted to get them something personalized. So I started my search on Etsy and when I cam across these two pictures on Art of Silver, I knew I found exactly what I was looking for.

Katie was about to become a new mommy, so I got this necklace for her...

and Kate is a mommy of 2, so got this one for her...

When I had Makenzie and I wasn't sure if she was my last baby, I got a necklace very similar to this one...

I love it and I wore it just about everyday. I just think having another name on there would have been too much, since 3 was a lot in the first place. I still wanted to wear a necklace that had something personalized about my (soon to be four) kids.
I was so impressed with the quality of the necklaces that I ordered for my sisters, that I didn't even search Etsy, I just went right to Art of Silver. I love the uniqueness in Judy's pieces, I love how personalized she can make them, I love everything about them!
I found this necklace right away and I knew I had to have it!

Even though my hubby says, 'you can't wear that yet, the baby isn't here.' I wear this necklace daily.

The detail of the peas in the pod and there is a cute pearl attached by the clasp, that just makes it that much more perfect! I have gotten a ton of compliments on this necklace and 'raves' about how unique it is!

Judy has a ton of products in her shop! Bracelets, rings, necklaces, key-chains, guitar pics...you name it!
Here are some of my favorites...

I love seeing necklaces like these on other mommies, it says so much, without even having to ask. It is also a conversation piece and makes it easy to talk to other mommies.

Judy from Art of Silver is giving away a custom valentine's love letter charm necklace to one of you!

{I am jealous!}
(you can personalize it however you'd like)

Here is how you enter...
Go to Art of Silver and let me know your favorite product from her shop. Also let me know who you'd get your necklace for or if you'd keep it for yourself. {mandatory}

How can you get a few more entries?!

1 extra entry- Follow my blog or let me know you do

1 extra entry- 'Like' Art of Silver on Facebook

1 extra entry- 'Heart' Art of Silver on Etsy

1 extra entry- 'Like' my Etsy shop, Your Life Long Memories, on Facebook

4 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway and leave me a link
10 extra entries- Buy something from Art of Silver and let me know what you bought.

***Be sure to leave a comment for EACH separate entry you are entitled and leave me an e-mail address, if you aren't on Blogger***

This giveaway will end Tuesday January 31st and the winner will be chosen with random.org

GIVEAWAY TIME!

2012-01-22T09:06:00.011-06:00

So many new followers and friends!

If you remember this DIY post I just posted last week, then you'll love this GIVEAWAY!

I had such a good time making these blocks...that I decided to make a second set...

...for one of you!

What do ya think?!

All you have to do is be a follower of my blog and leave me a comment on this post.

Any ol' comment will do!

Ready...

Set...

Go!

Comment away!

(Giveaway ends Tuesday February 31st and a winner will be chose with random.org)

{Stay tuned tomorrow for ANOTHER giveaway...I know...I am so nice!}

Go...Go...Go!

2012-01-20T09:00:00.000-06:00

A favorite of my kids is Marble Works! They love seeing how many ways we can put it together using all the pieces.

They love racing them down the track...

Go...Go...Go!

Then do it all over again!

Even Ponder likes to watch the marbles!

On your mark, get set...GO!

Abby is still gaga over her kitten!

(this picture make him look big, but he only about 3 lbs.)

Growing Up!

2012-01-19T09:20:00.013-06:00

Abby got her first real make-up from her aunt and uncle for Christmas and has been begging to use it.

{I keep putting it off, for this very reason}

My little 4 year old looks how she acts...13!

She loved looking at everything and testing it all out

Ahhhh...lip gloss! Here come the teen years!

Reminds me of the days I used to sneak out of the house with skirts that were WAY too short and tops that barely covered my belly button.

(those years will be here before I know it)