The West Family Blog

1,000 Books

2012-02-01T20:12:00.001-05:00

If you looked, you noticed a new bar just above the posting area. There is a tab for HOME, and now a tab for 1,000 BOOKS. This is because Katelyn and I have committed ourselves to having her "read" "1,000 Books Before Kindergarten". It is a program set up through the library where each child gets a special prize for reaching the goal of 1,000 books. You can simply click that tab to see how well we are doing on achieving our goal.

I have most of the books we have read together listed. I'm sort of disappointed that it looks like she is not read to everyday, because she is...but we don't always finish one story a day, because I always stop when she has totally lost interest, and sometimes that happens after only a page or two.

Here is a list of points that Library states as reasons why it is important to read your baby:

Develop vocabulary skills. Research has shown children with larger vocabularies are better readers.

Develop narrative skills. Children who are able to tell or retell a story find the story easier to understand.

Develop letter recognition skills. Learning letter names and sounds help children to pronounce written words.

Develop print awareness. Children familiar with the printed word feel more comfortable with books.

Develop print motivation. Children who enjoy books want to learn how to read.

Develop phonological awareness. Children who have difficulty reading often have trouble with phonological awareness

We're excited to reach our goal, though the prize is going to have to be determined at a later date, hehe. =P

Tennessee

2012-01-28T10:53:00.001-05:00

We had a great trip to Tennessee this past week. Mom went with to do some geaneology and visit family, and since Chris had to leave from Knoxville to Orlando for a day she made great company for me. Katelyn and I hung out around the library reading Dr. Duck and being cute to every old lady in the place (I got to enjoy SewNews magazines when she slept,) and mom researched in the back.

We spent two nights at Chris's parent's house and Katelyn was glad that she got to spend some one-on-one time with her Grandpa West. (great video coming!)

We also found ourselves in the Smoky Mountain Park and Gatlinburg (surprise, surprise)! We ate Shoney's (gross! Sorry, but it was), and then we picked up some Moonshine Jelly for my dad and Chris's dad some Apple Pie moonshine as a thank you for "putting up with us" ...and cooking us an amazing dinner!

All of which you can clearly see in the collage above... what I can't believe I forgot is our number 1 ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS MUST (no exceptions) ALWAYS make a shop stop at... The Smoky Mountain Knife Works. Chris got all the info he needed to get his Gerber knife fixed, and bought himself a small pocket knife. I can't wait till Katelyn is old enough to get her first SMKW's knife. (hopefully minus the self-mutilation, haha)

Mine had Popeye on it, and I sliced my finger in the first 15 minutes out of the store. My older sister, Casi, had gotten a "real" knife - but I was positive that mine was sharper than hers. So, naturally we found something to cut.... a small Sunny D container. Hers cut right through it. Apparently my knife wasn't made for cutting plastic, but it sure cut my finger good and I have the scar to prove it. (If you can see the tiny white line on the bottom right side, that's it.)

Dinner was great with family (some that I had never met before ). It is always great to gather with friends and family for a big bowl of Chili! So much to do, so little time. I could have spent weeks down there.

A Few Pictures:

Road Trip Snacks

2012-01-20T16:43:00.000-05:00

How many times have you thought to yourself that THIS is going to be the road trip that you pack something other than Ham/Turkey sandwiches to help save cost on the road? How many times have you wondered around the kitchen determined to find something, but then not have a clue of where to start?

Now you're in luck. Chris and I are road trip food packers, for sure. Here is what I packed for our most recent trip:

1. Bowl of Salad

2. Small dish of Raspberry Vinaigrette Dressing

3. Apple

4. Pineapple Chunks

(from a can this time, but we prefer fresh none at the house)

5. Celery Sticks

6. Small dish of Ranch Dressing

7. Popcorn

8. Chocolate Pudding

(made from a packet)

The trip is about 7 hours, but we (me especially) are full-time snackers in the car. Packing our lunchboxes helps keep us off the exit ramps to grab some fries, saving us time, saving us money, and keeping us filled with (mostly) healthier food.

There are several other items that we like to pack for long trips. They include items like:

Carrot Sticks (and other veggies)

Strawberries, Tangerines, Blue Berries, and other fresh fruits

Rice Krispie Treats

(homemade, not that packaged junk)

Trail Mix

(again, homemade)

Bagels

Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches

English Muffins & Jelly

Bacon Slices

Cold Pizza

Egg Salad

Chicken Salad

Those are a few things you might find neatly tucked away in our travel snack cooler when we are on the road. =) Hope it helps.

Sew Your Own Cloth Diapers

2012-01-18T10:33:00.000-05:00

It doesn't matter if you have been hit with economic bad times, have a "green" conscience, or just plain love the idea of Cloth Diapering. If you have access to a few spare bucks and a sewing machine you can easily start saving money, saving the environment, and satisifying your inner desires all at once.

Step 1: GATHER MATERIALS

Cloth Diapering is becoming a pretty big hit again. You can most likely find all the materials you need quickly and easily at your local craft store. My mom got me these diaper cuts for Christmas. Typically, I buy my fabric by the yard from www.diapersewingsupplies.com (it's cheaper), but these diaper cut packs from Babyville make cutting your diaper pattern a little easier. The prices below indicate the prices for ONLY what you see used to make this type of diaper.

Here I am making a One-Size, All-In-One cloth diaper. This is a diaper that will grow with Katelyn, and does not require any insert stuffing.

PUL Fabric (Waterproof lining) 3pk = $14.99

Fold Over Elastic = $6.99

Snaps (bag) = $7.99

Snap Tool Set = $19.99

Thread (polyester) = $3.29

Scotch Tape = $1.00

Suede Cloth (keeps baby's skin dry) = $3.79/yd

Flannel (not pictured, soaker pad) = $1.27/half yd

Diaper Pattern= $0.99 (on-sale Hobby Lobby)

I used a diaper cover pattern from McCall's Pattern M6108. I cut it on the Medium size for the All-In-One diapers which still runs a little large to size.

Regular elastic width that I use is 1/4in

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Step 2: Trace Diaper Pattern

You'll notice my pattern is not the thin easily torn brown pattern that you have. My mom taught me a VERY LONG time ago that I should always cut my patterns out onto a cloth before using them. I have traced this out on super cheap Muslin fabric. It is only $0.99/yd, and has saved me from having to buy new envelopes of the same pattern a hundred times over, but is not something you must do.

To start, you want to lay your PUL fabric out face up and fold it over the top to fit half of your diaper pattern on to. (Notice my pattern has the center line traced.) Put a piece of tape at the top, bottom, and in the middle of your pattern to keep it from shifting, and trace around your pattern onto the backside of the PUL fabric. I find that my diaper is more symetrically sound when I cut it this way.

Whalah! You are going to have extra PUL, do not throw it away. You'll be using a tiny bit of it with your snaps in just a moment, and just because you never throw good fabric away. Never know when that piece is going to come in handy for another project.

***NO PICTURE*** ===== BUT======

You are going to want to go ahead and cut your SUEDE CLOTH using your diaper pattern as well. This is going to serve as layer that will be next to the baby's skin wisking away the wetness to keep the skin dry.

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Step 3: Mark Snaps Placement

Now, tape the top of your PUL down so you can keep it straight, and measure out the placement of your snaps. I try to center the ruler as best I can between my two ends, and start at 1 1/2 inches. I then place a mark every 1 inch from there till I reach the 10 1/2 inch mark at the other end.

If you are looking to make a One-Size diaper that will grow with the baby, then you'll need to add snaps below for sizing. I put my first row under the 3rd snap in on both sides with the top row, and then my third one is directly in the middle. I have made these exactly 1 inch apart, but I've made some that I put and inch and half between them. I haven't had to use the bigger sizes yet, so far an inch seems to be good spacing when I bring the bottom up for snapping. (This means my top two rows are sockets, and my lower row is caps.)

This is why you want to mark on the back and not the front. It is easy to get thrown off slightly and have random pen marks (notice my X's). This way no one see's if you have a hard time lining up your snaps. (I suggest making a pattern that has your snap positions already on it, so all you have to do is tape and poke.)

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Step 4: Poke Holes

Now you want to go ahead and use the poker tool that came with your snap pliers, and open them spots up for the incoming snaps.

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Step 5: Organize Your Snaps

You want to be sure you have your snaps organized for easy assembly. You don't want a variation of caps and sockets in the same role, because we all know a cap won't snap to another cap. You can choose to put either one in which ever role you choose. (The waist is one role, the flaps are the other.)

For this diaper I have 10 sockets (female) going across the top for my waist size.

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Step 6: Cut Extra PUL & Poke it

I have cut enough of the extra PUL fabric to give me one square for each snap. This adds support to the fabric for snapping and unsnapping. You can also tape a piece of PUL across the area where the snaps are going to inserted, but I found this way to be the best for me.

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Step 7: Insert Snaps

Now, you want to put your stud through the PUL square you just cut, and then put it through your diaper from the backside of the fabric.

Once your stud is through the fabric slide the cap/socket (whichever you chose for the waist) on to the stud, and use your pliers to seal together (below).

Use caution when using the pliers. You want to be sure that your snap is centered perfectly on the bed of the pliers before you squeeze down. If it is not centered correctly, you risk breaking the butt of your snap and it trying to replace it can most easily rip your PUL fabric.

Your finished front should look similar to what I have here. Notice how I have the sizing snaps lined with the third snap in like I mentioned previously.

This is what your diaper should look like from the back. This is going to be hidden, so no worries about it not looking fabulous.

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Step 8: Making the Soaker Pad

Your Soaker Pad is simple, and can be done with a wide variety of fabrics. I chose to purchase new Flannel that was on-sale from JoAnn Fabrics, but you can easily use old t-shirts, dish towels, bath towels, flannel shirts & sheets, recieving blankets... basically any cloth that absorbs liquid.

For this particular diaper, my soaker pad should be about 14 inches in length and just under 5 1/2 inches in width. I folded my fabric so that I have 4 layers of absorbent material.

Now, I sew around my soaker pad, being sure that I catch all four layers to prevent the fabric from bunching up in the wash.

***NO PICTURE**** (I can't believe I forgot this one, guess that happen when you keep stopping to play with the baby.) -

=====BUT=====

You are going to pin the soaker pad to the middle of the back side of the Suede Cloth. (The non-fuzzy side). With this you will try to sew as close to the edges as possible.

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Step 9: Preparing to Sew

Sewing PUL can be alittle tricky. You do NOT want to use pins because you'll be putting holes in your waterproof fabric! I have used paper binder clips before, but I have misplaced them. No worries, because a little Scotch Tape does the trick as well. You don't want to use too much tape, because you'll be taking it off as you sew. I usually tape in the center top and bottom of the diaper, on all rounded edges, and then one one each side of (what will be) the leg holes.
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Step 10: Marking the Diaper

I have been known to sew my entire diaper closed when I get locked into a sewing trance. So, now I have the best way to prevent that is to mark my diaper. At the top on the what is the front half of the diaper I give myself about a 6 inch margin for flipping my diaper after stitching. Makring the open sapce as you see above. I will start sewing at the one mark, and finish around at the other mark.

Next, I mark my elastic when putting it on the inside of the diaper. You can see that I start and finish the leg elastic well into the flaps. (If I get around to making a printable diaper pattern for you, I will have this measured out) - Unfortunately, I just kind of "eye-ball" it. You also want to put elastic along the back of the diaper to help hold everything in and keep it from sliding up the back and all over that pretty outfit.

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Step 11: Sew the Diaper

Sew all the way around from your Open to Open marks. Straight stitch where there is no elastic, and zig-zag when using elastic. Be sure to back peddle when you first add the elastic to give it a secure hold for stretching. As you sew over the elastic, pull it tightly fromt the front and back to give you the most stetch for fit. (I am using Fold Over Elastic with this diaper, so I am not putting any inside the diaper.)

Just for fun... You can always tell when I have been sewing diapers by the scotch tape stuck to the side of my machine.

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Step 12: Turning the Diaper

Once you sew all the way around to your stopping OPEN mark,you're going to turn the diaper out the right way. .

Just use your fingers and push it through the opening.

It is important to make sure that you reach in there and get your corners all the way out, because once you seal it up it is very difficult to remove your stitch and fix it.

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Step 13: Closing the Diaper/Top Stitch

Whether you go with FOE or the inner elastic, you need to close your diaper. This is simply done by folding a small amount of the top of each side into the diaper and stiching across to seal it closed.

If you used the inner elastic, continue stitching and give your diaper a nice Top Stitch to finish it off. (If you are using FOE - Keep reading)

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Step 14: Applying Fold Over Elastic

FOE is simple to use with a little practice keeping all your fabric inside it. I'm self-taught (and a little mom taught) when it comes to sewing, so I thought it is good to tell you that I haven't seen this method used anywhere, but I found that I feel more secure about pulling my elastic when done this way. basically, I stitch my starting point of FOE length wise once up and down like you see above. I start this on the backside, about even with where the inner leg curves in.

When stitching the FOE on the back and legs you want to pull it tightly from the front and the back to give it stretch. Stitch close to the bottom of the elastic for best pull and the best finished look. You don't want to pull the FOE around the flaps, or across the front of the diaper. Go slowly around your corners, it can take a little practice, so don't be too hard on yourself if it bunches up. It will still work. (See my goofs, below)

(bunching)

(Too High on my corner)

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Step 15: Flap Snaps

Now fold your flap over the front of the diaper, and position your poker tool right in the center of a snap and make the hole for your first snap. Be sure not to put it too close to the outter part of the flap, but being sure you have anough room for a second snap behind it.

Our snaps are exactly one inch apart You can meausre an inch back and put a second snap there, or you can do it like I do, and snap the first snap to the diaper, and feel for the inner part of the following snap and just put the hole right there while my first snap is still closed. (This helps me know I have my flap snaps in the perfect position.) Complete on both sides, and your DONE!

The Shuffle Roast

2012-01-16T05:30:00.000-05:00

Shuffle Roast

No, your eyes are not playing trickery. It really does look that good, and it tastes even better. I now call this the "Shuffle Roast," (because I cheated on the rub). Enjoy.

What You Need:

Boneless Roast

Potato Wedges

Onion Wedges

Baby Carrots

Celery Cuts

My meat is only about 1.5 lbs, because it is just Chris and I - so we like to portion out meats so we're not stuck wasting a bunch of good eats.

Start by putting your favorite dry rub all over your meat, and place it in the center of your baking dish. (In this case, I used *just a little* Bad Byron's Barbeque Seasoning.) And bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes.

Next, add your chopped veggies to the baking dish, and continue baking for another 35-60 minutes (till the Meats temp is 160F).

For the yummy gravy (Yes, I stole most of your Gravy Amanda) -

Take your veggies and puree in the blender with a little water till it is at the gravy consistiency you desire.

**If you'd like to save some veggies to have with the meal feel free to do so, but as you see, I served ours up with a Crescent Roll and Corn... ** YUMMY.

So Cozy

2012-01-15T05:30:00.000-05:00

This one you can find on FaceBook, but I thought I would share it here as well. Daddy and his baby being comfy and cozy in the back room.

This morning Katelyn and I slept till almost 9AM! We were really tired from a long week of chilling at the house. Next week we hope to get out and visit our favorite store....Hobby Lobby. And maybe a trip to the library.

....Laugh Now....

2012-01-14T22:15:00.000-05:00

This is what happens when I try to get chores done while the baby sleeps...she wakes up and distracts me with her cuteness. <3 U Miss Katelyn.

Loving the Winter/Spring Weather

2012-01-11T18:18:00.000-05:00

Oh, Goodness. Today was one of those days when I didn't really feel like going much anything. The weather was so nice that I couldn't resist taking Katelyn for a stroll around the block. We passed a neighbor from the next block, and after a short chat we agreed to arrange a brunch date soon. She homeschools her children (I think she has 5), and the oldest one had gotten married this past year.

However, I also did a slight amount of work.. laundry, put the rest of my scrapbook stuff away so that I can get the sewing stuff out tomorrow, and soaked, washed, and then ran over 70 Mason/Canning jars through the dishwasher for Chris. They have just been sitting in tubs in front of the house since just after Katelyn was born. We bought them all for $20 from a lady cleaning out her father's garage after he passed away. She shared a delightful story of remembering she spent hour after ofter in the garden with him, and hopes that the jars get to continue being used. We plan on it. This is the year that we begin to plant our Vegetable Garden.

I did put the food menu together for next week, so I guess that can be counted as work too. It does take some time now that I am putting the menu together to match the items on sale at the grocery. It is not much, but we have saved $23 in groceries (only spending $53) for the first 2 weeks of January. Next week will be a little more because it is a stocking week with ground beef on-sale for $1.89/lb. Last time I bought about 15lbs, and there is still some left in there, but we just can't pass up a good deal anymore (that's what we got the deep freeze for).

I think I can muster the energy to finish cleaning my mess from cleaning the jars, and with a little a little more energy get the donation bags out to my car. I hate that I never remember them, and then when I am driving around I think, "Darn. Again, I forgot!" I am taking the nicer clothes to a donation site called BASICS that allows people to come in and just take what they need for nothing. It's really great. Kind of llike the Hope Chest that Heartland has going.

New Orleans Pictures

2012-01-11T05:01:00.000-05:00

I forgot to post a link to the New Orleans vacation photos. We had a great time celebrating Grandpa West's 60th Birthday. This was the third year in a row that Chris and I have enjoyed this beautiful (though sometimes smelly) city. CLICK HERE to be directed to the Walmart Photos Album to see lots of fun pictures.

Thinking about a trip to New Orleans? Where We've Stayed:

2011: New Orleans Marriott @ 555 Canal St.

My mother-in-law chose this one, and if you enjoy all the luxury of big-brand hotel right in the heart of the hussle of the city, then you'll really enjoy this hotel. The rooms have that familiar hotel feel that keeps you close to all the places you want to be. Breakfast is pretty pricey, but Arby's is right there out the front door with a McDonald's down the block, and numerous restaurants around every corner.

2010: St. Christopher Hotel: Best Western @ 114 Magazine St.

My sister-in-law chose this one, and if you really want the amenities and the staffing of a big hotel, but want that rustic feel of the New Orleans spirit, then this one might be a good choice for you. It is just off Canal Street, and still within walking distance of every where you want to be in that downtown area. It offers a delightful breakfast, but again, fast food is only a block or two away.

2009: Prytania Park Hotel: 1525 Prytania Street

If you really want that simple 'old time' New Orleans feel with exposed brick walls without the fancy hotel flare, than Prytania Park is one you may want to consider. It is off the beaten path of Downtown located in the Historic New Orleans Garden District, but the St. Charles StreetCar picksup and drops off right out front of the hotel making transportation from here to Canal St or the French Market quick, simple, and hassle free. It offers a free breakfast (but there is a BK just down the block) and free parking which will have saved you $28 - $32 dollars a day in comparison to the other two we stayed at.

Prytania Park was my favorite of the three that we have stayed at. I loved the location which made me believe that I was really experiencing New Orleans and not just a tourist in the city with all the noise. It was quiet and easy to sleep. It was not staffed like the bigger hotels, but there is a front desk attendant 24hours, and we had no problems.

Sloppy Joe's

2012-01-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

The decision for what to make for dinner last night was pretty simple. I had a taste for Sloppy Joe's all weekend, but Chris likes to cook on Sunday's - so I got my Sloppy Joe fix as soon as I could.

I'm sorry that I don't have any real measurements for you. I just throw a little in, taste, and then improve where I can. There truly is not a better way to cook than to just taste, taste, taste. If you're like me then you really just use a recipe as more of a 'guide' anyway, tossing in more of the stuff you like, and less of the stuff you don't. (Plus, you really can't screw up Sloppy Joe's.)

Ingredients You'll Need:

Ground Beef

Onions (diced)

Peppers (diced)

Ketchup

Brown Sugar

Garlic

Worchestire Sauce

Salt & Pepper to taste
Yellow Mustard

(to offset if you make it too sweet like I did)

Bread

Step 1: COOK your meat, onions, and peppers then drain.

Step 2: ADD lots of ketchup, garlic, (a little) brown sugar, worchestire sauce, (a little) Mustard, and salt & pepper. Mix to taste, slap on some bread and enjoy.

If you find that your mixture is tooo sweet for you, add a little more mustard. (Don't go crazy, but I don't suggest going hog-wild with the brown sugar. Just add a little, mix, taste and repeat if desired.)

Three Months

2012-01-09T14:57:00.000-05:00

Katelyn passed the 3 month mark last Friday. I can not believe how big she is getting. She changes and grows everyday. She loves to sit and play in the Evenflo ExerSaucer we bought for her. She hasn't been able to actually sit in it for very long, but she's getting the hang of making the toys talk to her. just a little more practice needed.

It sells for $119.00 at Toys R Us, but we bought it from one of the nurses in ours doctor's office for $30. It is brand-spanking new clean. Chris was surprised that she even took it out of the box, because it looks as though it was never used. There is also a bar with a hanging Butterfly and Koala Bear that arches over the birds in the back, but it is on the matching play mat right now, along with a dragonfly the hangs out in the open spot you see there on the side. This saucer is designed for birth - 2 years. It has the mat that you put the Koala Bear and Butterfly over, then they grow into the saucer itself as she is pictured in above, and then you "unwind" it for when they start toddling around as shown on the website. http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3420756. With a little care, this toy could be around for a long time....exactly the way we like to spend our money....smart.

Weekend Round Up

2012-01-09T12:28:00.001-05:00

This weekend was a busy calm. We cleaned, went grocery shopping, and Chris made my homemade noodles for his Beef-N-Noodles dinner. I am planning on Making Zuppa Toscana soup this week for dinner, but we still found ourselves at Olive Garden for the $6.95 Soup & Salad. Chris loves the Chicken & Gnocchi soup - We'll be trying to duplicate this recipe soon!

We also had a great time at the John's house. They don't eat red meat, but DiOnna makes some killer Turkey Burgers that I can not wait to eat again. She grounds the Turkey meat and mixes it with onions, garlic, salt & pepper. We took a Creme Pie for dessert (of course). They also cook their own sunflower seeds, because the store bags have too much salt. How Yummy they were. We'll be baking up some seeds in no time here.

The Dairy Blues

2012-01-09T10:54:00.000-05:00

We've been noticing that every time I eat a dairy product Katelyn will projectile vomit it out within minutes of nursing. So, to keep her beautiful smile happening - I've been learning to like Soy milk...-Or should I say WE to some extent. We have been using it for cooking, so in a sense Chris is adapting to it as well... even though there is no taste difference in the cooked meals that we have noticed so far.-

I had a coupon for $1 off Silk brand - I bought Original, but have read that Vanilla is apparently the best thing ever. Original has done alright by us, but I suppose I will break down and by a Vanilla carton on our shopping trip this week with the coupon from this weekends paper. The Pros and Cons of Soy Milk still seem to be up for debate from what I have read, but from what I read it all seems to wash equally. Plus, if it allows me to drink milk and not cause my baby girl to toss her lunch, I'm all for it.

In my research on Soy Milk I found a simple recipe for making your own Soy Milk. It's not something that makes me want to jump-up and get-to-making, but I may try it at some point, plus, it may interest you.

Making Your Own Soy Milk

Here are some basic steps:

1. Clean the Soybeans.

2. Soak them in water for several hours.

3. Grind the soaked Soybeans with some water in a blender.

4. Filter the mixture through cheesecloth by squeezing and keep the soy milk.

5. Boil the soy milk for about 10 minutes.

6. Let the soy milk cool.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T23:56:00.002-05:00

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

Katelyn was wide-awake celebrating the ball drop and ringing in the New Year with us. We first celebrated the EST time zone, hoping we would all be asleep by the Central timezone midnight - but she was still wide awake come midnight.

Chris found a Latin America tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight. One for each month of the year. If they are sweet it will be a good month, if they are sour that is going to be a "sour" month. It is kind of funny that while we were eating our grapes we BOTH had sour ones for May! I don't think I'll be getting on any plane with him for Germany in May now. I'm kind afraid since the 5th grape was sour for both of us. I guess we'll keep you updated come May.

The Lengths He Goes

2012-01-01T23:46:00.001-05:00

Nothing is better than a daddy who loves to entertain his precious baby girl!

Katelyn loves to be hauled around the house in her Baby Bjorn. Usually we stick her in this or the Moby Wrap while we clean and cook.

Final Post of 2011

2011-12-31T21:08:00.001-05:00

2012 will be here before we know it. I've made some New Year Resolutions - an act which I think is becoming more of a stereotypical cliche than long-term goal to attain. However, I've sat down and written a few ideas out just-the-same. I don't like setting myself up for failure by setting unattainable or unmeasurable goals. For example: "To become a better person"is an unmeasurable goal. My goal "To become a Big Sister" is measurable, attainable, and specifically fits my plan to...(drum roll, please)... be a better person. I hope that makes sense. Anyhow, here's the list (in no particular order):

1. Become a Big Sister
2. Improve my Sewing Skills
3. Grow a Vegetable Garden
4. Make a monthly donation to Sandy in Romania
5. Host at least 4 brunch/dinner gatherings

That's all I've got, but here is what each represents:

1. (Strengthen my Character)
2. (Challenge Myself)
3. (Build Self-Sufficiency)
4. (Give to the Lord's Work)
5. (Become more Social)

The year 2011 wasn't all the bad to us. A few of our highlights include:
1. Katelyn Rene
2. Having Emilia till June
3. Meeting Maria, Donna, Trevor - and several other people from other countries
4. Two Amazing vacations together - Orlando, New Orleans
5. Chris went to Germany - Lara went to Tennessee with mom and dad to see family
6. Colts games
7. Meeting Nicholas Sparks (lara) Josh Turner (Chris)
8. Learning lacrosse and canning
9. Two new cars
10. More than 10 billion smiles and laughs!

It was good to know 2011, but here's to 2012! *Raise Glass*

I heard it...

2011-12-10T09:17:00.001-05:00

Katie gave daddy a fair warning that if he put that thumb anywhere near her mouth where she could get it, she was going to take it....and she did. I had to teach him the technique I learned in the breastfeeding class on how to unlatch the baby, because she was sucking so hard. HAHA!

Just Showing Off

2011-12-05T08:46:00.001-05:00

Chris and Katie searching for Black Friday Deals.

PUDDING FACE!

We're starting to get REAL smiles and Giggles now

"What you doing back there?"

Haha, PIRATES! Arrr...hide your gold.

Ashley built Miss K a Fort!

Daddy and Katelyn like to watch The Wiggles together. We think it is sooo cute how she already tries to dance and sing with them. (She talks at the begining and again at the end, arms a-swinging.)

Family Photo Time

2011-12-03T21:10:00.002-05:00

We road tripped it to JCPenny today (a whole 3 miles) - and got some family photos taken. Click here to see them all!

Nicholas Sparks & a Book Club

2011-11-22T10:03:00.001-05:00

Saturday has left me all kinds of motivated! I was blessed to be given the opportunity to go to Chicago and promote a new classroom tool that uses the most popular classroom books by Nicholas Sparks to prepare students for standardized testing, but most importantly it helps the teacher by already being aligned with the Common Core Standards. It truly will be a great tool for any high school teacher to have, and I was honored to be able to share it with many, many teachers at the NCTE convention. You can check it out at www.novellearningseries.com

An added bonus was that Nicholas Sparks showed up for a signing. I had the pleasure of getting to meet him, and he gave me two signed books for volunteering. =) (The Notebook and The Best of Me)

I must say that him and his brother are very excited for this new project... and oddly, I find myself very excited about it too.

I'm back in the book club gang. Well...I'm in a new book club. The library in City was just too much of a hassle, there were never enough copies of the book, I hate driving through the tiny downtown streets, and there were just too many people wanting to hear themselves talk - so I stopped trying. Well, now the events on Saturday has me motivated to get back to it...Out of sheer luck, the County Library book club just so happens to be meeting NEXT Tuesday and did have a copy of the book available, plus the book club is meeting at the location that is less than 3 minutes from my house.. boo-yeah. I had to go to Laporte last night to get the book after Chris got home from work, but now I'm ready to read and discuss! I'm excited to meet the people in this book club next week.

I also realized on Saturday how much I miss volunteering at events such as this. If I could make a living doing canvassing work I would do it in a heartbeat. I love it. I'm comfortable with it (once I get familiar with the product) and there is just no better work to do. So.... to try to find more canvassing opportunities I went back to my roots. I contacted Rock the Vote in hopes of being able to slide into some events in the Chicago Region. I have a conference call on THANKSGIVING night to discuss details. I am hoping that something fun can be worked out. =D

Mmm... Cheap and Delish

2011-11-14T18:58:00.000-05:00

Chicken and Broccoli Rolls:

This is a great dinner that turns the leftovers into a quick and simple snack without doing anything else to it! It takes minutes to prepare and even less time to cook. (Also, youcan slap the extra mixture on bread for lunch the next day!)

Ingredients:

1 Cup Shredded Chicken

½ Cup Broccoli (finely chopped)

½ Cup Carrots (finely chopped)

½ Cup Mayonnaise

1 tsp Garlic

½ tsp Dill Weed

1 pkg Crescent Rolls

Directions:

1 Preheat Oven to 375*.

2 Cut Broccoli and Carrots. (I use organic shredded carrots and then just chop into pieces.)

3 Mix Chicken, Broccoli, Carrots, Mayo, Garlic, and Dill Weed in bowl.

4 Unroll Crescent Rolls onto cookie sheet and spoon mixture on pieces then roll.

5 Bake for 12-14 Minutes or till golden brown.

Katelyn Cheering On Her Colts

2011-11-14T13:22:00.000-05:00

Maybe we're crazy for taking our 5 week old baby to a professional football game, but as you can see... she loves the Indianapolis Colts. She cheered them on when the cheering was bleak from the rest of the crowd.

FYI: If you are nursing a baby - Lucas oil Stadium is not very accommodating. The "Family Restroom" is literally just a little larger than a handicapped stall. Maybe I was expecting too much when I expected a family restroom to have a little chair like most every other one I've been in has. Thankfully the handicap section chairs are just folding and Chris was able to carry it in there so I didn't have to spend 20 minutes or better sitting on a open toilet seat! ha-ha!

Visiting Danville

2011-11-14T10:14:00.000-05:00

Oh man! I've said it time and time again... If I have to be old, please let me be old and healthy like my grandma! Here Katelyn is with cousin Ashley and Great-Grandma Knowles.... does anyone believe me when I say she is 93 years old?? (and that's her REAL hair, no wigs going on...no botox... just absolute youth.)

Here Katelyn and I are with Ashley and Rachel. The girls loved seeing Baby K, and they wouldn't put her down for anything. In fact, poor little Miss Ashley started crying when her mommy finally stole Katelyn from her baby loving arms. I'm so proud of the amazing Preteen and teenager these two are growing to be. You'll notice I'm representing Sweden in my big yellow sweatshirt. =)

Aunt Marianne and Uncle Andy stopped by to meet Katelyn and she just adored them. I think Katelyn could feel the 'baby vibes' coming from them both as TODAY is the day that their Daughter-In-Law gets induced to deliver thier SECOND granddaughter, going to be named Reese. They pick such cute names. Their oldest daughter is Blaike...it took awhile - but it has truly grown on me as a girl name and now I think it's totally cute and it fits Blaike perfectly.

I have some videos that I will poste later today since I am on a husband-ordered BedRest because my incision refuses to heal....he thinks I am moving around too much. =P

Katelyn at the Doctors

2011-11-04T16:44:00.000-04:00

Katelyn had her 1 month appointment with the Doctor. This is actually an appointment that we wouldn't have needed, but since the doctor was out of the office both times we went and we had the NP both times, he wanted to be sure that he got a chance to see her soon... so today it was.

Cathy went with us to the appointment, and it was as fun as a doctors can be. She has gained more weight coming in at 8.7 pounds. They did not do her length this time... I think because the exam rooms were full when they did the weight and temperature the nurse may have forgot once we actually got into the room.

Now, her belly button was bleeding and oozing after the cord fell off - and I thought that this was more than the the "little bit" we were told would occur. It stopped for a couple days, but then began to bleed again. I called the DR's office at that time and the girl told me not to worry it's fine... which it may have been in a sense... but now it is still out/open and inflamed and the DR said there is nothing he can do now we just have to let it heal on its own, where as before, if I would have been taken seriously, he would have been able to put some silver nitrate on it and help close it up, but now that will only hurt her. I don't think it is causing her serious pain, but sometimes she lets out this cry and I think it may be how her diaper rubs the belly button... Any thoughts??

We did get a huge pat on the back for using cloth diapers, so I was happy about that since it is more work and I was hoping that it really was a health benfit to her as well as a green benefit for the environment. Apparently, he thinks it is a big health benefit to keep the plastic away... but we do use the occasional disposable at certain times. =/

Everything else was in good shape as far as he/we can tell. =) Hooray!

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T21:17:00.000-04:00

Katelyn helped Daddy ... she is a great accessory.

Katelyn Pictures

2011-10-31T21:09:00.002-04:00

Chris Plays Lacrosse

2011-10-31T21:05:00.001-04:00

Bet you didn't know that Chris is an athlete now? He has been playing Lacrosse at the park with a lot of other people ranging from 12 years and up. He really enjoys it, and I must admit that it is exciting to watch him out there playing hard, knocking other people around. lol.

Katelyn Update

2011-10-24T14:47:00.000-04:00

Katelyn has had 2 wellness check ups so far. Her next one is not till the 4th.

At birth she was 7lbs 7 oz - 19 inches long.
When we left the hospital she was 7lbs 1 oz.
At one Week she was 7lbs 8oz - 20 inches long.
At two weeks she was 7lbs 11oz - 20.5 inches long.

She falls in the "rapid growth" category for newborns, and it should have started to slow down already.

Ready for Recovery

2011-10-24T14:38:00.000-04:00

Ok, I am having such a DIFFICULT time getting back to healthy. I know some of you may not want to know - but my breast have been engorged (now only 1 is all the time), my stomach is in like this weird almost-kinda of, sort of - numb feeling state --- except is just the fainest tiny bit painful to the touch at the same time (does the make sense?) - My body aches if I don't stay on top of the Motrin (perhaps the narcotics would have been helpful!) Sometimes I still can't stand up without pain near my incision, and I have to take a few steps before I can stand up right (it comes and goes) - NOW - I'm pretty sure I have Mastitis, and need to call the doctor. ANnnnD then this morning (my first day alone without Chris) - I rip my incision open at the end and it begins to bleed.

Everything with Katelyn is wonderful! She is not too much of a handful at the moment. Waking up every 3 hours like clock work for feeding, starting to smile (and not because of gas), and loves to chat with you. In fact, it's adorable because when I ask her if she wants mommy to read a story to her she'll smile most of the time. Chris usually plays with her and I go to sleep around 8:30, then I'm all rested up for that 11:30 feeding. Chris changes her for the 2:30 feeding and wakes me up once he gets her good and awake for a quick nursing session.

I'm exhausted, but hanging in there. Mom is ready to come help me this week if I don't get back up to speed and need some help. So, as you can tell - the recovery is not going as smoothly as I thought that it would. Everyone said 6-8 Weeks, but you know me...I can't just sit still and let myself heal. Here's to another week and hopefully - no more bumps in the recovery road. =)

Can-Can

2011-10-20T22:17:00.000-04:00

Mom came up to lend us a helping hand because originally Chris had to go into work for some meetings, but that night actually - I went to wash my hands and found that there was no water. Mom was already on her way here by the time we called to tell her that the well-pump went out and Chris wasn't going in to work. So..she just finished the drive here since she was half-way. She ended up staying several days - and we all went to the Orchard (where Katelyn got her first pumpkin) and mom and Chris bought 14 pounds of apples for Apple Butter.

The Apple Butter was soooo good - and Chris had the ITCH so bad that he ended up going back to the Orchard with mom to buy 50.. YES!! FIFTY pounds of Apples - We have a ton of Apple Butter, and a lot of Apple Sauce.

Chris also canned Pickles, and is going to stretch his horizons by caning Green Beans... I think he may have trouble going back to work next week! He has taken full advantage of being home all-day, everyday.

Two Weeks Old

2011-10-20T22:03:00.000-04:00

Whew! Life is so exhausting.

One Week Old

2011-10-20T22:01:00.000-04:00

Grandma Hall bought me my very first pumpkin for Fall.

Introducing...

2011-10-17T18:22:00.000-04:00

Katelyn Rene' West

Born: October 6

7 lbs, 7 oz

19 inches

Blog Updates

2011-09-25T08:38:00.000-04:00

So, I just removed the cooking and other blogs from the list. I will put them back up later, I need my cereal now. =) You will see that I added my friend Amber's Blog "With All Things Considered...." It is just her site to share her opinion on different parenting topics. While I feel different about some things she talks about (although I've never had the actual parenting part to deal with yet), she is by far one of the most knowledgeable mommies I know. She doesn't just deal with issues.... she researches them and always puts her children first. I think she's amazing, and I'm glad she's sharing her thoughts.

Last weeks DR Appt

2011-09-25T08:23:00.000-04:00

Last week was a pretty easy DR appointment. After the ultra sound, he mentioned no concerns over fluid or size - but still breech. We went ahead and scheduled her delivery around the due date time just in case she does not turn (or decide to come) by then. He said it appears "we have a healthy mom and a healthy full-term baby". He also said we could schedule delivery whenever we wanted from this point on since she is full-term - but as I said, we kept it near the due date (6th)- hoping she'll turn by the time she comes.

Next Appt. is Tuesday.

Another Doctor Update

2011-09-08T18:43:00.000-04:00

BP = good. Weight gain = good. Heart rate= 160, good. Fundal Measurement = short.

He couldn't tell by touch if she has flipped around or not, so I know we're checking that at the ultra sound - If she is still breech, then we will be discussing options at the next appointment. As long as she's healthy I don't care how she gets here. =) He also said that it seems she has dropped, which explains the incredible pain rocketing through my hips ~~and interrupting my sleep,~~ also another reason why the measurements were short. Each good signs in the right direction either way. =D

Party Time

2011-09-06T15:02:00.000-04:00

We also enjoyed a lovely bash for Makenna's 5th Birthday in Champaign. We just love her to pieces, she's so stinking cute! Amanda tickled all of our tummies with a delicious POT ROAST lunch - and (with Rachel in tow) we hit up the water park where I FINALLY got to enjoy a lazy river this year after Indiana Beach's FAIL.

You May Have Heard....

2011-09-06T14:58:00.000-04:00

Chris got a NEW truck!

He has been wanting a truck for years...and now he has it. It's a 2011 Chevy Silverado in "Steel Green". He drove it off the lot with a whole 65 miles on it. We owe a huge THANK YOU to both Shane (Discount) and Adam (Salesman) for making this happen at the payment we wanted (OK, $7 and some change more a month, but who can argue with that?) - and comparable to the payment we were going to have on a used truck... I guess the Toyota being all funky paid off, because it hadn't needed to go into the shop Chris would have bought the used one before the weekend...BUT... since it did have to go to the shop I (mean wife, I know) told him he has to wait until we see how much we owe on fixing the Toyota...(Thankfully, ZILCH!)... he got this one!

Don't tell him...but I kind of like it too...

Baby Room ALERT!

2011-09-06T14:49:00.000-04:00

Momma West was here for basically two weeks working hard on the baby's room. You can see from the pictures what a wonderful job she done! Chris and I are both so excited and happy with the end result. I told her that it is was a blessing she came to do the room, because if it were up to me (I like to start a project, but not finish if it takes more than an hour or two) - it would have been a coat of paint, maybe a shelf and that's it. She creatively pulled items from the baby shower into the room decor, it's really neat. You'll see below that we they painted one of the first dressers that belonged to her and Darrell. Just a few tiny things left to do and the room will be 90% complete ... just need to add the baby and it's all finished!

Thanks Cathy!!! It's beautiful!

Oh, Baby Shower...

2011-08-30T07:50:00.000-04:00

Had a fun baby shower put on by my momma and my Aunt Marianne last weekend. It was just an amazing blast from the past with old friends and their parents that had such a huge part in my life, and great family! When I was asked where I wanted to have the baby shower I knew I wanted it with all the people I love so much, but because of life I don't get to see as often as I'd like.

Chris got the funniest gift...a diaper changing kit - complete with goggles, surgical mask, apron, and tongs.

One game included everyone trying to size my belly. Chris guessed a little large, but my friend Amanda guessed it right on the nose! It was so much fun. Now we just have to wait for the little girl to get here.

Yay!

2011-08-25T09:30:00.001-04:00

Good News from the Doc yesterday. Measurements show that the baby's growth is very good. A tad small, but nothing to be concerned about. =) No other concerns from him at the moment. Baby is breech, so Chris came up with a way to fix that if she doesn't flip again on her own....I stand on my head until she gets tired of being upside down again and flips the right way. LOL! We told the DR, he said I don't have to stand on my head yet, still plenty of time for her to get ready for the big debut. =)

The Run-A-Round

2011-08-23T13:09:00.000-04:00

Only ONE month and TWO weeks until the official due date for the little one bumbling around inside my tummy. I'm getting so stinking excited and scared all at the same time, but can hardly wait for her arrival. Momma West is arriving tonight to start decorating the nursery.....little does she know exactly how much work there is to do in that room before her fun can begin. (Perhaps I can Chris in there when he gets home from work before she gets here?)

Her closet of clothes is growing, and the diaper stash is coming along quite nicely in the range of size smalls! I need to pick up the ball on the Newborn sizes, but they seem to be in high demand for purchasing AND a bit pricey. I have sewn three of them, but need to order more fabric...plus I'm not sure how well I actually made them and if they will be useful in containing messes at all! They look good, but it's a lot of work to put them things together. our plan is to use a mix of cloth and disposable diapers. I'm sure cloth diapering will only end up being nothing more than "good intentions", but I at least want to give it a hearty try. (hence, the reason for not wanting to spend hundreds of dollars to start a cloth diaper stash.)

I picked up a stroller to keep in the back of Christopher's car at a yard sale for $10, and little pink princess rocking horse at another for $3. Casi and Shane loaned us their crib they used for the boys, and she gave us a cute tiny baby weight scale! Mom also sent us home with my old playpen...it needs cleaned up a bit...I think that is all we really got at the moment though. There is a nice garage sale page for the county on FB, so I should be able to find any other items fairly quickly if needed. There are several baby swings, pack-n-plays, changing tables, high chairs....everything....on the site now. I'm not anticipating too many larger items from the shower, but I am still going to wait to try to collect some of these things till after the shower, so I can make the least amount of trips out as possible. =)

Had the Ultrasound yesterday to check the baby's size - We'll get the full report tomorrow at the scheduled DR. appointment, so updates to come - but according to the technician (who told us A LOT more than the last one did - in fact the last one scared me because she just kept saying, "I don't know, I'm not a doctor." yeah, I know, I know...still sucks though.) Anyway, According to the technician the baby is measuring at 32 weeks and 4 days and we are 33 Weeks and 4 days today! So, hopefully one week difference is not too big of an issue for the doc, we shall see.

Off to the grocery for dinner yummies! Have a great day.

Boooooo, Hissssssss

2011-08-12T17:19:00.000-04:00

Everything was great at the appointment last week until the doc measured, and the total came up about a CM short. Everything I have read online says that there is usually not much of a concern on the doctors end if the measurement is within 2CM, but I think because he has expressed signs of concern over the visual size of the bump he has scheduled another ultra sound to check the baby's growth and be sure she is growing as she should.

Week 30 Photo.

2011-08-09T09:04:00.000-04:00

=) Still Growing.

Anniversary Flowers

2011-08-05T21:35:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to come home and have a flower notice on the door (haha), but the amazing flowers themselves were delivered shortly after. Almost hard to believe that Chris and I have been married for 7 years.

Other things to blame besides the teachers.

2011-08-04T12:51:00.000-04:00

So there really are things we can blame besides the teachers. I have never agreed with the notion of,

“If my child excels in school it will be because of her and the way she was raised. If my child fails it will be because of her teachers.”

If citizens and politicians won't listen to teachers, perhaps they will listen to a celebrity like Matt Damon... Who gave a speech talking about all the things he loves about himself, that he prides himself on, and that public school teachers provided him with - "These qualities that make me who I am can not be tested"

The reporter also gives very sensible reasons why the teachers should not be the first to be blamed. Are there closet teachers out there? Sure. Are there passionate teachers who care and want to help each individual student in the best way possible, but can't because they are being micromanaged to the point of exhaustion? You bet.

Enjoy the clip, and feel free to laugh when the reporter compares the incentives for being a teacher to those of an actor. =D I did.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Work around the house Update.

2011-08-03T14:52:00.001-04:00

Guess I really am bored now. Went to the movies twice by myself in a weeks time.

First I watched Bad Teacher - wowza, she really is a bad teacher, but I enjoyed the movie...Not to say that Justin Timberlake was bad in it, but the character he played was more than just a tad creepy.

I also watched ZooKeeper. It had it's moments, but nothing about it was really spectacular.

Other movies on my hit list: The Smurfs, Friends w/ Benefits, and soon coming- The Change Up.
**********
I've also spent time wondering about plans for NOLA this year and if accommodations are being made as a group, or on our own?? Yes, I'd like an answer and I think only one person who reads this (Amanda, no pressure) can attempt to answer. =)
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I have also finally ran out of Melaluca dish soap. I bought some Dawn, and I must admit that I'm rather surprised at how much is already gone! The same size bottle of Melaluca lasted me forever, and this one is so liquidy I may be using more than I need to b/c of that, but it's like almost gone already. So if my MIL ever happens to stumble across this blog again maybe she'll pick up on that and get me some more! (hehe, I think she forgot blogs exist - if you notice it's been a loooooooong time since she's updates hers!)
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I have been doing a few scrapbook pages this week. I got the first baby bump page done, just waiting on the weeks to past to glue pictures to the second one, and then will use the last baby bump picture taken on it's own page which is mustly designed and cut out, just needs things pasted.

I also finished the page for trading in the Celica for the Rav4, and filled in the notes for months 6 & 7 so far. I have the doctor's review page designed, but still need to cut the images, print the report (basically what I blogged with a little revision for a scrapbook mode), and glue it all together.

I have gotten compliments for my MIL on the amazing shower cards that she made for me! (Truly a crafty genius now!) I'll get a picture posted soon as I get one because my mom and Aunt have been handling all the arrangements, so I have only seen the text picture, but they looked great.
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I've also been busy sewing. Yes, more nursing pads - but also diapers and matching bibs. The bibs are mostly because there is not enough fabric to make another diaper with, so this way I don't feel like I'm wasting as much money.

I made a fleece covered diaper (my first) which I don't think I put a long enough elastic strip in for it to actually be beneficial with holding everything in there, so it may not get used ever except by the teddy bear wearing it now. I'm not a big fan of the fleece diapers anyway, so I've moved on to bigger and better things...

By using PUL and flannel. I made a couple AIO (All In One's) where the soaker pad is sewn into the diaper, and a couple Pocket Diapers (layer soaker pads, and remove to wash.) I've heard pros and cons of both. AIO's take longer to dry, and pocket diapers require stuffing. Either way I'm having a blast making them, and I ordered a couple Bum Genius brands to compare with what I have made, and other than theirs being AIO and OS (One size, to grow with the baby) I really can't tell a difference between my handy work and theirs - and we all know that no one is more critical of me than I am. So, we'll see how they compare after a few go rounds in the wash today.

Doctor Notes:

2011-07-27T20:26:00.000-04:00

So we are down (or up?) to two week appointments. Tuesday was the first one in this series. Week 30 officially starts on Friday, so I’ll post the new bump picture then so I won’t scrapbook the wrong one (just in case the next few days brings on a big change).

The doctor was pleased, although rather surprised, that my iron levels actually went up instead of down, 12.7 to 13. He said he doesn’t know what I’m doing, and Chris and I just shrugged at each other…like we don’t know, ~~junk food and sitting on my bum all day?~~

Weight gain was 1.5 pounds – about 22 lbs. total. We’re right on track there with a goal in the neighborhood of 35 if we stay on pace these last months. We’ll see what happens.

Visually, the Dr. refers to my bump as an “optical illusion”, because it practically disappears when I lay back – but, everything is measuring just fine. This is not something I was worried about until the last appointment before this one when he kept assuring me that the size was fine. So, when he measured and walked to his files expecting the measurement to be small this appointment, I just let my worry (which he unintentionally started at the last appointment) of a baby with dwarfism be known, he promptly looked over his file and said not to worry because the femur length was exactly proportional to the head and chest, and with dwarfism this is not the case. (Not that bump size really matters as far as the size of the baby, but irrational fears have a way of creeping in there. – No need to flood me with reassurance (or short jokes) there. :))

The glucose test came back A-Okay. Doc gave the old pancreas a thumbs-up in case you were wondering.

Who knew I was having contractions? Makes sense now that I think about what I described I was feeling versus the whole name…contractions… but give me a break – how am I just supposed to magically know what they feel like?? I’m having them every day, numerous a day actually, so doc has us monitoring the time on those, so we can put the kibosh on them if needed. <<<------That is why I’m glad Chris enjoys going too, because I had already been convinced by myself and others that what I was feeling was just the position of the baby being weird, because I have actually been able to feel these things for a while now and I had forgot to ask, and because the feeling was happening more and more and more frequently Chris decided to bring it up. Gotta love him. <3<3<3<3<3<3

I think that might be everything. I guess if it’s not Chris will just have to let me know, but I think that is it.

Sandy in Romania: Our Favorite Season

2011-07-26T08:00:00.000-04:00

Check Out Our Girl Sandy's Latest Blog Post!

Sandy in Romania: Our Favorite Season: "Summer Summer vacation officially started on June 15 for all the youth and kids in Romania ; that was the last day of school. O..."

Benny-Boy

2011-07-25T13:19:00.000-04:00

Surfing around TMZ this morning I found this guy! I've never thought Ben Affleck was incredibly hott, but for whatever reason I am totally loving the hair. I can't help but think it's some kind of joke, but I like it on him. =P

Chris & Josh Turner

2011-07-24T16:07:00.000-04:00

Chris is all excited about meeting Josh Turner at the County Fair. He got the cover for Long Black Train autographed, and stole this picture with him. The concert was great.

The Steffen's spent the weekend with us and it was a blast. Mitch came on Thursday and we went to El Bracero's for dinner with him. Friday Tess and the boys (Nick & Alex) came up around dinner time and we had Bratwurst on the grill and then swung into Culver's for some ice cream. Saturday they went to the beach for their yearly trip, but Chris and I stayed home because bacteria advisories were issued for the beaches, and I didn't want to get too hot just chilling on my towel. For dinner, Mitch cooked the most amazing Flat-Iron Steaks on the grill. YUMMMMMY!!!! There is a small portion leftover that I am totally going to slice and eat with a salad later. =) Of Course, then we headed to fair and enjoyed the concert.

Meet & Greet

2011-07-20T14:32:00.000-04:00

Chris just called to say he got a Meet & Greet pass for the concert this weekend. WoooHooo, he can get one of these CD's signed!

These R Da Breaks

2011-07-20T12:22:00.000-04:00

Mrs. Brennan posted this video and I thought it was cute.. so... I stole it. Take a break, enjoy.

Thanks Greg!

2011-07-18T12:06:00.000-04:00

We had a wonderful time entertaining one of Chris's coworkers who is in town this week. I made Lasagna (as FB people know, splattered a Colts shirt - boooo!) steamed Broccoli, and fresh Strawberry slices with a Sugar Cream pie for dessert. Beers for the guys, Water for me. the only thing to have made the night better would have been a World Cup victory by Team USA, but I'm just happy they were in the final - very proud people here!

Eh.. I guess one more thing would have made the night better for me.... if the newest batch of pies would have set up right. That was the first time I've ever ruined a SC pie... and it was 4 of them. Chris said it's no big deal... I said, "No big deal? Do you know how much time and energy it takes to make and roll out that crust!?!" I think because I was trying to rush and get them in the oven before Greg got here I may not have treated my sugar mixture with as much attention as it would have liked.

To Do Today:

2011-07-18T11:52:00.000-04:00

Finish sewing my new:

Sew another batch of:

Eat Leftover:

Work:

Ignore Her.

2011-07-16T15:44:00.000-04:00

With the release of Casey Anthony tomorrow, the news media is going crazy with people saying she will be harmed. I hope this does not happen. It will not give Caylee justice, and it will only ruin another set of lives. I don't think she's worth the blog space I've given her here, nor is she worth a second of thought, but let's just remember that we ALL must answer to HIM in the end, and that is when the real punishment begins - for life does not begin until we are accepted into our Father's house.

Catch Up!

2011-07-13T16:18:00.000-04:00

Most Important News!-------->>> Chris gets home from his second trip to Germany tonight!

Lordy, how I've missed him! Although, I have slept much better since dad gave me his pepper spray - LOL, I no longer fear that crazy person who wants to slip in my windows, hide in the closet, and make funny faces at me while I sleep. (Yes, I watch to many crime shows, and there are nights when the ice maker drops a load, and I convince myself that someone is in the house, and spend 2 hours clutching the television remote hitting the mute button for every creak.) Sadly, I'm starting to get comfortable being home alone with every night.

************
Next News: I've also been on vacation with mom and dad. We went to TN - stopping in Murfreesboro so I could spend some time with Thom and Heidi and the boys who were visiting Mom and Dad West.

Then we spent a couple days at my brother's house enjoying the lake and nature and all that comes with it. Simply wonderful! Always great to see him and Robert (see, I'm learning that he's outgrown "Robbie") and Jenny.

Then we moved on to Aunt Virginia and Uncle Blake's house where I got to meet Kya, Hayden, and baby Maleeah (I prolly misspelled that one) for the first time! And my cousin Sarah swung by for the Chinese Buffet and we are finally FRIENDS on Facebook - it's official people - she LIKES ME! haha.

(And she'll prolly "unfriend" me if she ever finds her way to this blog and sees I posted this picture of her!)

Then we took Mya to the hotel, played on the computers, swam in the morning, and then drove around to visit with some of my Dad's Aunts and Cousins that he has not seen in well over 40 years! Interesting, there is no doubt that the one is a "Mountain Woman" all the way to her core. They were all great stops though.

Then we all spent the night at Darrell and Cathy's house on our way home. Dad ran errands with Big D on Saturday and mom and I attended a STAMP CAMP at Cathy's house where we made our first stamped cards... wow! Was it fun too. I totally think that is something I'd like to get into if I can squeeze time away from the sewing machine and my scrap booking.

We drove straight through the rest of the way, I never got the Subway I wanted the ENTIRE trip - so maybe I can get Chris to go for one tomorrow since he wanted one in Germany, but it was somewhere he couldn't get to for whatever reason. =)

Football, Ha Ha!

2011-07-02T00:06:00.001-04:00

There better be an NFL season this year! I NEEEEEED my COLTS!

If you thought you might be interested in the Greenbay Packers pre-season tickets, but were too afraid to ask in the event that there was not an NFL season all I can say is, YOU SNOOZE, YOU LOSE! They were asked for (and given) away Thursday.

Want to know what broke Christopher's heart on Thursday? I'm sorry that I can't help but laugh at this, he was truly heartbroken when he got the email from work saying they were sponsoring a Literature for Children type event with the Colts mobile bus...taking place while he (the BIGGEST COLTS fan in the company as we know it) will be in Germany.

He called his boss right away and asked, "So was this your plan the entire time? You wait till I get a job that takes me out of the country and then announce that my team is going to be in the parking lot of the company. What gives??" Whelp.... Even funnier (That's right Mr. Dodd- I said it again, deduct 5 points now!) is that this morning the President of the company calls Chris to borrow some of his Colts gear so he can "look" the fan part! HAHA, I took him a Manning and a Wayne jersey to choose from and a Colts Visor. If they wore the same size shoes I would have loaned him Chris's Colts tennis shoes... but that's also kinda grossy, so maybe not.

Just to give you a back story on this - Chris has been put in charge of getting a "celebrity" to the United Way Golf Outing in August - and when he wanted to book the Colts Cheerleaders everyone gave him a hard time because we may be in Indiana, but we are so close to Chicago that we live in "Bears Country", so Colts fans like us are not always welcomed with open arms around these parts...

New bump Picture at 25 Weeks

2011-06-27T15:26:00.000-04:00

Taken last night.

She's still cooking and hanging out real low. Not really moving or kicking too terribly much - just enough to ease any concerns.

Give the Machine a Break Already!

2011-06-27T15:18:00.000-04:00

1) I did make it back to Hobby Lobby last week to buy more patterns…and just when I thought I was done, and all stocked up – JoAnn Fabrics is having a 99 cent sale on McCall patterns! I must take a stroll through those patterns this week.

2) For less than $20 I have sewn 32 Nursing Pads! Yes! I know I’m crazy and insane, but it was pattern-less and fun. (pictured above, so I've lost some skill at a perfect circle, but after the first 8 or 10 it all started to come back and they began to look much better.) I also stopped by the Goodwill on 50% off Saturday and picked up 18 receiving blankets at 25 cents each to start my stash of prefold diapers. Some are crazy cute, while others are going to be cut and hidden within the cuter fabrics to serve as a soaker pad.

3) Chris went to Germany last week for work and got back on Thursday. The first thing he did Friday after work was stop by Shoreline Brewery to buy some beer. He said the German Beer he had was alright, but nothing compared to the beer from the brewery here. This weekend he played with the old radio that was in the basement wall, but now provides musical entertainment in the garage for when we work in the yard. He also fixed the tractor so it runs more smoothly and much more silently.

4) I finished my current reading material, “Dead Reckoning”. This is the most recent of the Sookie Stackhouse series. While it started slow, it was every bit as enchanting as I hoped it would be. (Might spoil some happenings for any potential readers – stop here.) I was excited to see Alcide back (even it was for only a couple pages), glad to see a new side of Pam, and surprised that Jason seemingly fell off the face of the earth. We’ve been left with room for the potential of another book…basically, Sookie is still alive, wounded heart, and holds a precious fairy love token that can make just about anything happen in another chapter (or 16 chapters) of her life next. However, if the series ends with this book – then I’m perfectly content. Yeah, not all the strings were tied up 100%, but each story was left in such a way that by now we know the characters well enough to just assume what decisions they are going to make, or at least, I know I can smile as I have already decided what move I’d like most of the characters to make in conclusion. Perfect. Any suggestions for the next read?

Love me Pies!

2011-06-23T10:34:00.001-04:00

I’ve been lonely and bored these past few days with Emilia safely tucked away at her home in Sweden and Chris working in Germany. I’m not afraid to admit it… I pretended to be an old school housewife.

June Cleaver to be exact.

Yes, I had no real plans on Monday other than to (really, really) deep clean the house. So, I entertained myself by slipping on a dress that was a little fancier than a typical sun dress, but not quite dinner-date spectacular, and got to pulling everything out of the kitchen cupboards. Once my counters were free of debris, I decided a good June Cleaver would have something BAKING!

I slopped together some blueberry muffin mix and tossed the pan in the oven. I wasn’t done there. I wanted to bake even MORE! Without a second of hesitation I pulled out all the ingredients to make the pie crust for Lady Eva’s Famous Sugar Cream Pies that we LOVE so much!

While putting some elbow grease into my pastry mixer, I took a winded look down at my feet and the only thing I could think was, “Ah, hell’s bells – I’m pregnant, barefoot, and in the kitchen!” Talk about your all time stereotypes… I was it. I got a good chuckle to give me the strength to finish mixing that crust mix though – then spent 50 minutes rolling and cutting 6 shells (I’m getting pretty fast at flattening them babies out, but there is room for improvement).

I froze the shells and finished the pies up yesterday afternoon… Ate 2 Slices from one and it took all my restraint to keep from grabbing a third slice before covering them with foil and letting them nest out-of-my sight and in the new deep freeze we got from a guy that Chris works with in the garage.

It was GOOOoooooOOOOOOoooooOOOOOOoooooD!

Crazy Dreams!

2011-06-23T10:27:00.000-04:00

OMG, OMG, OMG! I had soo many crazy dreams last night, and I did not eat ice cream yesterday! (But I did have the pies and about four glasses of milk, maybe that did it?)

One had me out on a LAKE SHORE fishing. Other people were fishing as well, but I was there by myself – I had a pole, with a line, bobber and hook, but no bait. So, I played it real cool and was like “who cares? I don’t really want to catch anything anyways.” So I tried flinging it out there, but I was too far away from the water that it just kind of fell into some brush and sand. Embarrassed, I got set again, moved in closer and flung it out there (again a regular fishing line with no bait) and two seconds later I tell myself this is dumb and I’m just going to wonder down the lakeshore. I start to reel in when I notice I have something! I start reeling it in and it’s getting harder and harder. These two guys come over to help me, and one is like “oh man. That must be the biggest carp ever.” Well…. It wasn’t a carp, and suddenly we yank on the count of three and this GIGANTIC SHARK comes flying out of the water and lands on the beach in front of us.

There were like 2 more that I can’t really remember, but I remember them being crazy – and at least I remember that shark one clear as day.

$1 All-Week!

2011-06-22T09:43:00.002-04:00

WooHoo! Thank you Hobby Lobby for having the Simplicity Patterns for only $1 each this week!

I wonder how in the world they they knew I was waiting for a good sale on patterns to come around again!?!

The limit is 10 per customer, but since I have to go back and get a different ribbon for my ~~top secret~~ current project, I figure that makes me a new customer today!

There is an awesome purse pattern that I wanted yesterday, but it was all gone. They said it will be in today - so Boo-Yeah! Other patterns I need to re-stock on or just add to my collection:

Window Treatments
Slip Covers for 2 Chairs
Dresses for my growing belly
Travel Bag (eh...why not?)
Baby growth chart (Instead of marking on the wall you stitch items to it. Looks NEAT-O)
Maternity Aprons

And Last, but certainly not least - SHOPPING BAGS!!!

I didn't think about making my own until I saw the pattern. Then I thought, There is not really all that much to making a grocery bag. I'm positive I have the know how, but for $1 - I might as well pick up the pattern, and if nothing else it will remind me that I wanted to sew my own! Mine are getting a bit raggy looking, and yeah - most are only 99 cents to a few bucks, but this is so much more fun!

He he, I'm so excited to finally have things at a point where I can sew again. Hopefully, it is as simple as just ~~dusting off~~ whipping out that machine and it will come back to me like riding a bike. Once I get it out, all I got to do is get mom over here with her machine for a fabric shopping spree and a couple days of sewing bondage...and she has the patterns for the bibs, lol!

Parent-To-Be Soapbox - JustSayin'

2011-06-19T21:12:00.001-04:00

I want to shout to the world that I love my daddy.... yes, he really is painting my nails for the Colts game! (Another big THANK-YOU to Ashley for putting that wonderful COLTS THEMED gift basket together for me - I LOVE IT!)

In other Father's day news - I have to wish Chris and HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! Think what you might about pregnant people celebrating Mother's Day/Father's Day, but I say if the bun is the oven then it's already bun.

Today at Church all the mother's and father's were asked to stand for a prayer, so I stood. Afterwards, a lady asked me which child was mine. After rubbing my belly and smiling, she gave me an odd look and laughed, "Oh, I assumed you meant you already are a mom!" Um... I really wanted to tell her that I'm pretty sure there is one in there and just because I can't spin her around and dress her up does make her any less of a baby. I already have to take care of her in every way (w/o the diapers though), I laugh with her, talk to her, read to her, get excited by her, get worried about her - watch what I eat and drink for her, and even though Chris only gets to hear what I say she's doing, talk to her, read to her(you know) and feel her kick from time-to-time when she's not being stubborn - she's his baby, so just because he can't spin her around and dress her up doesn't mean he's not a father.

Just to clarify, I understand the distinction - and I love hearing people say, "Oh, the mommy to be!" And use the term myself - had this been a "special" Mother's/Father's Day thing I would have just stayed sitting. I just thought the reaction from the woman was incorrect. Perhaps I wouldn't have thought anything about it had she said something else like, "Oh, I thought you meant you already had one running around." I know she meant no harm, but it was just one those odd things that just strikes the wrong chord for whatever reason.

"Eat Flame Bozo!"

2011-06-18T09:42:00.000-04:00

AH-HA! Out tending to the rock bed and found LITERALLY HUNDREDS of unwanted baby box-elder bugs having a grand-ole-time in the shrubs. I hate that rock bed, wanted to get rid of it this year - and now - being the nesting ground for the bugs that grow-up to wallpaper the siding of my house and fly in my hair- I don't have any doubts about pulling all that fugly crap up in the next couple weeks and doing something else there. I sprayed the crap out of those nesting places, going to Big R to get some more high-power bug killing chemicals to spray it again and again and again! Just when I finally got them off the siding for a few days, I find they have probably only been hatching babies to really attack me for being so cruel to them. They maybe hard to see in the picture, but all the little spots are what these diseases look like as babies - then they grow up to look like stink bugs! Wish me luck!

And,

If I get eaten alive I want each and every one of you to know that I love you. =)

Hitting it Up ~ Amanda Style

2011-06-16T18:12:00.000-04:00

1) Emilia has left Indiana and has boarded her plane home to Sweden. I spent my first day without her cleaning, stopping to cry, cleaning, walking around the mall, and sleeping on the couch. We miss her already!

2) I bought and read the first chapter of the last Sookie Stackhouse Novel, “Dead Reckoning”. Not that interesting in the first chapter, but I know my girl Charlaine Harris won’t disappoint with her latest masterpiece.

3) I discovered the Hallmark store has closed at the mall. Bummer.

4) I’m enjoying seeing my belly move from time to time with the baby. Feeling her move every day now.

5) Emilia’s mom was an absolute joy to have (and also very helpful with store runs for items we forgot at the last minute). She’s beautiful and nice. We took her to Chicago and walked Navy Pier, Millennium Park, Grant Park, and other parks within walking distance. We ate at this AMAZING pizza joint – Pizzano’s. We suggest you try it, ask for Uncle Chach’s section – tell him his “Swedish customers sent you!” and get the deep dish – it’s Fab!

6) The going away party for Emilia was a hit (although everyone still thinks it was a graduation party). Chris cooked Brats, Hamburgers, and Hot Dogs. He also made some crazy good Macaroni Salad. I bought fruit and veggie platters. My mom made and delivered some delicious cookies and butter-mints. I worried about not having enough plates and food, but of course – there was plenty.

7) This 77 degree day rocks, and I’m going to go sit on the porch and finish reading chapter 2 before Chris gets home from work. =)

Bittersweet last day

2011-06-13T22:06:00.001-04:00

School's Out For Summer!

This is going to be a fabulous summer. Not only am I not working for the first time, but I am not taking any extra classes and just get to enjoy being pregnant. (Yes, I've heard summer seems much, much more unbearably hot when your pregnant - but I'm going to enjoy it dang it!)

Today was the last day. Poor Mrs. Stark found herself right in the middle of a fight while on lunch duty. It was a terrible feeling because they pushed her down and she already has terrible pain with her back, including a machine in there to help control the pain. That was no good.

I got several baby items from other teachers. I'm not 100% decided, but I'm pretty sure that I am just not going to go back next year, and enjoy being home the first year with the baby. However, that decision is not finalized, and is subject to change at anytime.

Want to talk Bittersweet? I really like the fact that school is out. I'm not however completely ready for Emilia to be going home. It has been wonderful having her here with us for the past ten months.... but all great things must come to an end. I can only hope that we have provided her with the best exchange program possible that we could do. I was so sick with the pregnancy that I feel like she has gotten the short-end of the stick. So. I'm excited for summer and not-so-much for her leaving.

Grow, Grow - Beautiful Roses.

2011-06-10T22:20:00.003-04:00

Not the best of pictures, but I am just sooooo happy that our rose bushes are actually blooming! We dug them up to replace the landscapre fabric, and assumed we must have given them a good shock, but with some water and some love (mostly from Chris) they finally started looking like they might be getting ready to make their move. Now, some are blooming beautifully. One bush looks great, another is starting to take off, and the middle bush only has one lonely bud - but one is better than none, right? =) WoooHooo!

Gifts from Sweden!

2011-06-10T22:11:00.003-04:00

Emilia's mom flew into town this week, and she brought lots of goodies! The baby got a bib, pacifer, bottle and a onsie with the soccer team logo on it (in yellow, just like mine) - and Chris and I got sweatshirts, Chris also got a soccer jersey. (Yes, if you look closely you'll see my bum eye!) Thanks Maria and Toni!

I sported my new sweatshirt to work today and several students asked about it. A few asked what it means, and a couple assumed it was a curse word. I love how they think, lol.

It's no stink eye. It's the creepy eye!

2011-06-10T21:58:00.003-04:00

Yes, my eye. It looks lovely, right? Most students ignored it, but a few gasped in either shock or disgust at the sight of it. Not sure exactly what caused it to happen. I had a migraine Monday, a terrible, terrible headache thropping with pain behind that eye for the next two days, and then woke up with a scary sight in the mirror. I wonder if that headache had anything to do with it (?) or maybe Chris hit me while I was sleeping (?).

The Hunger Games

2011-06-08T06:50:00.002-04:00

Let me start with a jaw dropping - OMG. I didn't think that this book was going to be so exciting. I started reading it with the mindset that it was going to have that underlying continual disappointance of the Twilight saga books, but it did not! Sure, it's about a teenager, and I thought that would have me too embarrassed to post anything anything about it, but it's not a teenage love story at all, it's action all the way. I'm sure the next book in the series is bound to have a little more teenage drama and angst plugged into it by the way this one ended, but if I could drudge my way through New Moon, I think I can handle "Catching Fire".

I don't want to hear it

2011-06-08T06:13:00.003-04:00

Beacuse... "ALL MY BUMP IS IN MY RUMP!" I had to break down and buy maternity pants even though everyone keeps telling me that I hardly look pregnant enough to be 22 Weeks. My butt is huge, my thighs have exploded and everything else that can expand with pregnancy - has started to grow aswell. So... I want to hear people say how healthy pregnant I look, whether they mean it or not just because it is a polite thing for me to hear. Maybe I'm backwards, but when I hear someone say, "You're not big enough to be that far a long," my brain automatically begins to suspect that something is wrong. I bought a few maternity shirts with the elastic bands across them right under the breast just to make my bump a little more prominent. =)

Have to get our Groupon-On

2011-06-05T06:49:00.006-04:00

That's right! Quickly fam! Get your Groupon-On for those family round-ups! Only 17 hours left - Seadog only $13, Indiana Beach combo pass only $19. I won't be much fun for either this year, but I got my eyes on that lazy river this year. ;)

More Community Theater

2011-06-04T13:46:00.002-04:00

Date Night! Went to the big V for a wonderfully entertaining presentation of "Dial M For Murder". The night had a good turnout of about 55 people. Each night of the play, the group chooses an organization to donate the proceeds of the night to....last night was for Habitat for Humanity. So 55 people at $10 a head + Drinks/Cookie sales = a wonderful donation. Next show for this group will not be until November, but we're glad to see LOTS of great programs poping up in the area for the Summer Theater season.

Always Listen to the SMURFS!

2011-06-04T07:32:00.003-04:00

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Student’s death calls attention to rising heroin problems

By Stan Maddux
For The News-Dispatch

Published: Thursday, June 2, 2011 5:09 PM CDT
***********************************

LA PORTE — The recent death of a girl set to graduate from La Porte High School this weekend has local authorities calling attention to a problem they believe is becoming worse: heroin.

After a teen girl from La Porte died from a drug overdose this past week, La Porte Police Chief of Detectives Adam Klimczak said heroin use has been on the rise here the past few years.

Despite law enforcement aggressively going after dealers, the drug seems to be gaining in popularity, especially among those in their teens and 20s, Klimczak added.

”A whole new group of younger kids are getting involved with this drug that can kill them the first time they use it,” Klimczak said.

La Porte County Coroner John Sullivan called heroin the biggest overall issue facing the city and county.

”This is an ever-increasing problem in La Porte,” he said. “Anybody that says it isn’t, they got their heads in the sand.”

Sullivan said it appears the 19-year-old from La Porte went to Chicago on Saturday with friends to get heroin and wound up in a hospital there from possibly overdosing.

After leaving the hospital, she was dropped off at her Fox Street apartment, where her mother later found her dead just inside the doorway in the living-room area.

Sullivan said while more than one drug was found in the girl’s system, heroin was the predominant substance detected in her bloodstream.

”It’s beyond sad. She was a beautiful girl. She just went to the prom last weekend, and now they have to make arrangements to bury her,” Sullivan said.

Klimczak said especially risky is when a user of diluted heroin unknowingly receives pure heroin. Without a high tolerance, pure heroin, once in the bloodstream, can stop the heart almost instantly.

”It kills you right there,” Sullivan said. “Stay away from the stuff. I say it’s probably the most critical problem we face in our community.”

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There had to be something better she could have been doing with her time.

MMM...

2011-06-01T16:54:00.002-04:00

That's Right.. mmm.... I know a couple, few somebodies who are already jealous.

Thank You Mrs. Applegate for retiring and giving us this wonderful reason to have a luncheon. We were all happy to get some pickle-wraps. =)

Too Tough a'love?

2011-06-01T16:35:00.002-04:00

Had a few students complain about a substitute today. Made my way down there, and witnessed it firsthand. This situation started when one student asked to go next door to sharpen a pencil, then two more students tried to rush out and all go at the same time. The sub called them back in. The girls got lipy at the sub, and then the fun began.

For reasons of a professional nature I am not going to discuss EVERY detail of the happenings… but I will tell you that I personally heard – “You’re Garbage…” “You can’t even read, learn to read and then come get in my face…” and “Shoot, I’m 51 years old and I can take you all out. Every single one of you…”
Interesting, right?

All I could do was keep my head down because part of me was screaming “WAY-TO-GO! This is EXACTLY what this group of student’s needs!” While the other part of me wanted to intervene and tell her how inappropriate her reaction is. I did leave notice with the office secretary just in case she gets some angry parental phone calls tomorrow; she knows that I was in there for this particular incident.

While I truly do feel that these students are out of control and need a motivation such as this, I’m not sure all of the events were completely warranted. I'm more of a LEAD BY EXAMPLE...and NOT a - Do as I say, not as I do person.

Memorials

2011-05-31T16:24:00.002-04:00

I went with mom for a quick stop at Sunset to check on Grandpa's flag and flowers. While we were there we made a pit stop from the family rounds to let Steve know we were thinking about him, and we were glad to see that he had some flowers too.

Congrats Emilia.

2011-05-31T16:09:00.002-04:00

Last week Emilia was presented with a certificate for making the Honor Roll! That is a GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations Emilia!

Dear NOLA, Here we come again!

2011-05-25T18:47:00.002-04:00

This year makes the third year in a row that Chris and I will be making our way down to the beautifully enchanted city of New Orleans. However, there are 4 exciting changes taking place with this year’s trip…

1) We’ll be going in December instead of November.
2) We’ll be joined by more family than just Thom, Heidi, Matthew, and Andrew.
3) We won’t be making a trip to Biloxi…so…No Yummy Heidi Thanksgiving Dinner.
4) We’ll be traveling with our new baby!

Our method of transportation is staying consistent ---by not having any consistency.
Year One: Fly Down – Amtrak back.
Year Two: Drive Round trip.
Year Three: Amtrak Round Trip.

We will also be joining Brent, Amanda, and Makenna on the train, so we are all traveling on the same days, arriving at the same place, and being dropped off at the same place and time. (That just makes things easier.) Chris and I booked a small Roomette for a little more privacy with the baby… plus our own thermostat. Last time we took this train it was cold enough to “hang meat” Chris says. So, that in itself was worth the cost of the small private room.

I’m excited about the trip, but not so excited about the cost. I just hope that we survive the adjustment to the new expense of having a baby, and Christmas at the same time - so we can actually afford to do something on the trip – although, outside of food we really enjoy just walking around and taking in the sights and atmosphere. It will be fun because we’re going to be with family either way…as long as they don’t let us be the party poopers if we’re exhausted and poor all at the same time. =)

Chris can’t wait to get him some Acme Oyster House! Bring on N'awlins!

Iceland Volcano

2011-05-25T16:05:00.005-04:00

Just because I am tired of looking at nasty, depressing storm pictures - here's one event where at least there is some beauty before the depressing pictures of the after toll take over.
View more: Thanks Time

20 Weeks!

2011-05-22T22:51:00.002-04:00

Half way there this week! Thought someone out there might want to see "my lovely baby *hump*" Belly button is starting to stick out a bit too. We took a picture of it, but my belly has not only gotten bigger, but hairy as well!! ...annnnd no one wants to see that. LOL (Don't mind my yard work clothes on what was a beautiful day till about 4:30)

Medieval Times!!

2011-05-22T22:32:00.004-04:00

Who doesn't love a good dinner and tournament show?? We love Medieval Times - as we're sooo happy to go back again with Emilia and Reid.

There are no words to describe my husband!

Our Knight was the Black and White Knight. "He once made a rose bloom in the Spring time no less!" Haha - now say it with an old English accent. LOVE IT.

Not Skurred of a little competition...

2011-05-22T22:19:00.002-04:00

Chris said the venue (The Pearl) was very, very nice. They had the live music, dancing, dinner, and Shoreline Brewery was there for the beer hook-up --- blueberry beer, I guess.

I guess I should be a little worried about this guy. Christopher's hands look to be heading a little low.... V =P

White Sox

2011-05-22T21:22:00.003-04:00

Now Emilia has not only been to an NFL game, but she has also been to a MLB game - a totally American experience. We can't believe that there are only 25 days left for her exchange program. =( I know her parents are ready for her, but I'm totally not ready to give her up yet.

Chris had a few extra tickets to the White Sox game for work, so Emilia and I grabbed some up for the opportunity to get her to a MLB game since the Cubs schedule hasn't been working with our schedules, and because who wouldn't want to totally enjoy a corporate suite!?!?! It was fancy and such a BLAST! He had hot dogs, hamburgers, roast beef sandwiches - wings - salad - fruit - soda (lots of beer for the guys) - and the MOST AMAZING DESSERT CART EVER!!!! It had everything you could imagine - Emilia and I got the Cheesecake with fudge - YUM!

Emilia Prom Pics

2011-05-22T21:13:00.001-04:00

Emilia and the girls ready for Prom! Cassie at the top, Taylor in the silver, Sarah next to Emilia!

Josh Turner

2011-05-21T23:39:00.004-04:00

Wooo-Hoooo! We have a date with Josh Turner in July! Thanks Christopher! Seen him in Chicago opening for Alan Jackson - Can't wait to see him again.

Got It Fixed

2011-05-21T10:08:00.005-04:00

So to anyone who may have read my earlier rant about being frustrated with blogger - I got it fixed... (somewhat) .... Still not the same as it was, some things are still not working right for me, but at least, the colors are back!

Bring On the Shine!

2011-05-20T21:52:00.001-04:00

Last Week I ran out of my Redken "Glass" 01- Shine goop for my hair. I went to get some more, and since Redken items were on BOGO - I picked up another shine agent, "Vinyl Glam" 02. I have used it twice this week and both times I had students asking me if I colored (and/or) brightened my hair. I'm taking that as a good sign - and it's probably a good thing I decided to venture away from the norm, because the norm was obviously looking more than a little dull.

Last Doctor Visit - 5/12

2011-05-20T07:46:00.005-04:00

I never did post on my last doctor appointment, so for those family peoples that care – let me catch you up…

The office typically has done a great job of getting us back into a room within a few minutes of our scheduled time. Generally, we choose to visit on Thursdays in the afternoon so that I don’t have to miss work or leave early, and Chris can leave a little earlier than his normal time and just stay home the rest of the day. (Kudos to them!)

We had a different nurse this time, but still ended up having the normal nurse Amber get the baby’s heart rate, because the other nurse couldn’t find it. (Don’t even joke about scary!) She spent a few minutes pushing the wand and moving it around A LOT and kept shaking her head, “No, that’s yours. No, that’s yours…...(a very “long” time later)……I’m only getting your heartbeat, let me go see….” (voice trails off as she speeds out of the room.)

Surprise! It’s Amber. Looking mighty calm at my *hurry the freak up lady before I start to cry* face. She actually found it relatively quickly, but had to spend about 7-10 minutes trying to get the machine to give her the actual rate. “That’s one active baby. It’s doing lots of flips and spins in there; it’s just hard to pick it up long enough.” But finally – she got it, 150.

Then the DR came in a much longer time later. I’m afraid Chris and I almost ran out of things to talk about just waiting on him to come in – he took forever. He checked my legs, arms, felt on my belly – said that my stats were good. “Four pounds in four weeks – you must be reading the books.” I’m just glad he was happy about the weight this time. =)

And, I believe that was pretty much all there was for that. Our 2nd level Anatomy scan is scheduled to happen very shortly. :p

Weather Tired?

2011-05-15T00:21:00.004-04:00

Funny how the weather can make you so stinking tired! I have been on the brink of taking a nap all day long - too tired to enjoy the yard sales between rain falls - Chris and I picked up the Port-A-Pit Chicken we bought for the Exchange Club, took pictures of Emilia and her friends in their prom attire (All were just stunning!), went out for dinner, went to watch "Something Borrowed" (Very cute, little too Chicky for Chris though I'm pretty sure I heard him snore at one point! lol - and the dude in it looks ~~just like~~ even better than Tom Cruise 20 years ago! BONUS!)

So I couldn't sleep at bedtime. I took a bath, still couldn't sleep. Now I'm just going to post some pictures of the scrapbook pages I have completed for you. There are five all together, but one won't be done till we find out if we're having a boy or a girl, another won't be done till I run out of room for "bump" pictures and need to start another one, and one is a small month-by-month account - so it won't be done till the baby arrives! There are others to do, but I just have not gotten around to starting them yet. Here you go:

"The First Ultra Sound"
- March 17th @ 2:45
-Length: 4CM
-Heart Rate: 174
-Short Story.

It's Positive!!! =)

Things the Students Say..

2011-05-14T14:16:00.002-04:00

At every job there are going to be interesting comments made. You may get lucky and have lots of intelligent comments being muttered about, but I was one of the unlucky ones this week. Truthfully, by working in a high school classroom I am always one of the unlucky ones. I hear hundreds of unintelligent comments every week whether they are whispered in the classroom or yelled through the hallway. You may not know this, but there really is one thing worse than the typical grumblings of high school students. That would be the uneducated comments.

I’m just going to come right out and tell you what the student said (and repeated more than once) to the classroom with straight conviction. “You all white people made a big mistake by releasing us black people from slavery because all we done was brought you gangs, and drugs, and-“ That was all he said before I stopped him. It was heartbreaking to see that he had no understanding of the statement that he just made. He’s one of those students that really is just so determined to be the biggest drug-dealer in the neighborhood, that he thinks he does not need an education of any sorts. It’s sad, and unfortunately I’m not so sure that he is the least educated student in the building.

Summer Plans & Not to Brag...

2011-05-11T07:27:00.003-04:00

But final grades are in for this Spring semester...and I'm very happy.

Creative Writing - A.
Social Psychology - A.

This will be my first summer without a rushed 8 week class in several years. I'm actually really excited and looking forward to enjoying summer and staying on top of the yard work. I do however, think that I am going to sign-up for an IMPROV group at the Art Center for the summer. The only thing stopping me from signing up today is the fact that it is every Sunday except July 3. I think I really want to have something I'm committed to doing over the summer though (other than yard work, which who knows how much I'll actually be doing)...Does that make reasonable sense to anybody?

I'll also be taking the Fall semester off... I think. I kind of want to take an easier on-line class, but then I don't want to waste the money on a class I don't need. =/ The plan is to start back up at PNC in January.

Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-09T18:51:00.002-04:00

I may have not given my mother a card or pretty flowers, but I gave her the gift to take her back to her teenage years for all the amazing *Nsync and Britney concerts she took me to see. --

I gave her tickets to see three of the four Monkees! <3 Happy Mother's Day!

New Video

2011-05-09T18:22:00.001-04:00

Uploaded an old, but new video to the YouTube site today too. Emilia says that it felt faster than it looks on here, lol.

Photos!

2011-05-09T17:52:00.001-04:00

So... I uploaded and ordered all the photos to the walmart site - just to realize I changed the link to the Shutterfly page. All of the pictures have been loaded to the Shutterfly site now so everyone can enjoy them. lol.

Ouchies....

2011-05-09T16:51:00.002-04:00

Been a terrible day in the pain department. I think I am having that/those(?) Round Ligament pain(s) in the worst kind of way. I had some pains earlier in the pregnancy, but all was good - today I had it happen twice - and the first time I had to leave the classroom because I was in so much pain there were tears just flooding down my face. I called the DR office, they suggested I try waiting the pain out, and if it is not totally painless within thirty minutes then call them back, or if I notice any of several symptoms they mentioned then go right to the ER room. They also suggested I go home and rest with my feet up - but the pain did go away and one of the MO students was sleeping in the "quiet" room - So I took all of fourth and most of fifth period and just rested on the oversized-ultra comfy chair and ottoman in there so that teacher could go back to her classroom. So it wasn't my classroom - but it was better than taking another half day off just to come home and do the same thing - might as well get paid to rest when it benefits other teachers. lol!

New Hair Do

2011-04-24T17:21:00.000-04:00

For Chris...

you likey??

Bye, Bye Celica

2011-04-24T17:19:00.002-04:00

Chris finally got rid of his sports car - and is saying hello to a new family friendlier car...

A "Barcelona Metallic Red" Toyota Rav4.

Graduating !!!

2011-04-21T18:08:00.003-04:00

Whoot! After a DIFFICULT fight with the testing company - I finally got my scores from the test and I PASSED!

I missed the portfolio presentation session for the May graduation, but.... as it turns out (after stressing-out about missing this session to the point of making myself almost get sick) the college I am transferring to to finish the degree is the only transfer college that DOES NOT require a passing portfolio to be accepted to the School of Education - Teaching License - Here I Come!