I've got to vent!

Last year we had a great bus driver... this year, not so much. I really do not like this driver. She is so inconsistent in her arrival times - yet she demands that the kids be there in line when she arrives or else she "writes them up". After 3 "write ups", the child is sent to the principal and it goes on their school record!

The first time Acadia was late, it was by two steps. The kids were boarding the bus and Acadia would have been in line with them, but she turned back to give me a hug and a kiss. She ended up stepping up on the bus while the other kids were still in the aisles, not even seated yet - but she was counted as late.

The second time, Ryan was taking her out. The bus was pulling away from the bus stop so Ryan began walking her across the street to the stop that the bus hits about 3 minutes later (after it rounds the block and heads back). The bus stopped right in front of them and she told Cadi to get on then. Ryan told the driver to go ahead and he would take her to the next spot, but the driver insisted. Then she marked Cadi as late a second time.

Now, if he had just taken her to the next spot, she wouldn't have been marked late. We do that occasionally - like when the bus is EARLY and we weren't out 5 minutes early since it was FREEZING out.

So, I have a beef with this lady who demands the kids be mind readers on when she will be arriving yet won't give them two steps to say good-bye to their mom.

Oh, and we are the second stop on the route - she is not inconsistent because of other kids getting on the bus before us. We see the first stop from our stop - she doesn't arrive there consistently either.

Yeah, so today we went out on time, but the bus was already at our stop. So I told Cadi we'd go the next stop. Often we go back in the house so she won't try to stop for us. Cadi was entering the house but I was on the lawn. The bus stopped. I waved her to go, she stayed there. So I yelled, "GO!!!" and waved again. She did go. We went to the next stop and Cadi was in line before she got there.

If she dares to write her up today I will have a major fit!!!

Whoever said comlaining won't help?

So, yesterday I whined a little about not feeling well. And then I started to feel better, lol! Last night I slept really well and today I feel fine! So, I guess a little complaining now and then might be good medicine?

Today I was back in Cadi's classroom again. They have had a substitute teacher for the last two weeks while their regular teacher is taking his turn to serve in the Army Reserves. He will be back this weekend, but of course next week is Spring Break - so he will have been gone for just over 3 weeks! Acadia likes her sub, but misses her teacher. She has already started on pictures and notes to give him when he gets back. She also wants to make something for the sub since tomorrow is her last day.
It's fun to be in the classroom. When Cadi was in Kindergarten, I helped out too. But usually I was cutting die-cuts, stapling papers, filing, etc. That's okay too, especially since I could do alot of that while eavesdropping on the class, lol. But most of the time in THIS class, I am helping the kids while they do their writing or math. Later I get to have them read quietly to me. Sometimes I help correct their work or do a little filing, but most of it is more hands-on.

I don't know that I could be a full-time teacher. But I am starting to think I will really miss my parent-helper days when this little one arrives. Next year, I will have a baby and won't be able to go into the classroom anymore. But hey - she'll be starting Kindergarten in 5 years and 5 months, and unless we are able to have more after her - I will be able to help in HER classrooms.

First Trimester Revisited

Okay, well it's not that bad. But I have been feeling very unpleasant this week. For some reason I've been nauseous since Sunday and yesterday I came down with a nasty headache again. (But I credit the headache to sinus pressure, not migraines.) Just not fun. I do feel a little better today, but not as well as I have felt the last month or so. :(

Oh well. It's not horrible. I can live with it. I just wanted to complain a little... complaining done.

Make a Joyful Noise

While waiting for the bus with Acadia and the other school kids, Ryan learned that one of the girls was going to be in a band concert tonight. So we decided to go for Family Home Evening to show our support and to have a fun school event to attend.

It was really nice. There were several schools participating and our neighbor's band was the youngest band there. They did pretty good! And it was fun to see the older kids in their Jazz bands and such. It was pretty short - which was nice because kids were getting tired of sitting on hard bleachers. (Heck, parents were getting tired of sitting on hard bleachers! lol)

It was fun to see the kids though, and picture Acadia in another 4 years playing in a band. She is so funny... If you ask her what instrument she'd like to learn to play, she will list off at least half a dozen different kinds! (Including trumpet, tuba, and trombone, lol) I don't mind her learning how to play more than one instrument, so I hope her interest remains. In the meantime, she is starting to learn piano. And I emphasize "STARTING"! lol

But now I have a new incentive to teach her piano... Ryan said if she were to really get into piano that we would almost HAVE to get that baby grand I've always dreamed of... you know, to support our daughter and her talents... lol. (I'll be like those awful stage moms who push their kids into acting because THEY want them too, not the kids. Yep, but with us it will be piano... I'm KIDDING!!! LOL)

A New Goal

Last night's broadcast was really good. And even though I felt fat, I still ate ice cream - and it was good. lol

Today church was really good too. All of it. Great speakers, great lessons.

In Young Womens, we talked together about last conference in October, when we took the youth to SLC. We remembered how we felt, all the preparations we went though, how much we paid attention and took notes, etc. We talked alot about how from now on, each conference we will remember that trip and all the things we experienced. And next weekend, even though we won't be there in SLC, we will get to watch it all happen again as we sit at home or at the church, watching General Conference broadcasted to us. We discussed how we feel preparing for this conference while we have the memories of the last one still (relatively) fresh in our minds. We want to watch it again, to help us remember those feelings even more vividly. We want to remember the excitement we felt. We know it will be different, but we will still feel the spirit. And somehow, this and every other conference we ever attend will never be the same again, now that we've been there in person. It's just more real now.

At some point this weekend I made up my mind to set a new goal. I have decided to reread the Book of Mormon before Eärendil is born. I'm going to use the same plan as when we did the 99 day challenge, when we were preparing for that trip to SLC. So, tonight is Day 1. Anyone who wants to is welcome to join me. Just click on the link where it says "99 day challenge" (either from this post or from the side bar) and follow along. *thumbs*

I feel fat.

I know that I am supposed to look this way but I still feel discouraged. I don't want to look thin at all... I just wish I didn't look fat. I don't look pregnant, I just look like I've put on 30 pounds. And I haven't. But I look it. And so few clothes fit right now. It's depressing.

I did buy a bunch of cute maternity clothes, but I didn't find much by way of dresses. And every week as I get ready for church I just feel... blah. This weekend I have to wear two dresses. One tonight for the YW broadcast and then one tomorrow for church. I have so few dresses that fit. And even the ones that do, don't fit well. Either the bust is too small or I just look like I'm swimming in a sea of fabric. And yet, still looking fat.

That's how I look tonight. I'm wearing a fairly casual dress made of cotton. The top portion is a little small for me and the bottom portion is huge (it won't seem so huge in a couple more months, lol). I just feel fat.

Okay, now I need to take my fat feeling self to a YW broadcast where I guarantee you at least one speaker will mention individual worth or divine nature. lol And then I'm having ice cream with the young women and their moms. hehehe

Double the Fun

Acadia has been invited to a birthday party today. She is very excited to go - doesn't everyone love parties?!?

This family is having a double party. Two of the kids are having the party together since their b-days are close together. It is for an 11 year old girl and a 7 year old boy - not your normal combination, I guess. But I'm sure it will still be fun. Hey, if there is cake and friends - and don't forget presents - I'm sure they will have fun. Since Acadia does sometimes play with the older girl, she is bringing a gift for both.

Hmmm... does that mean she gets a piece of both cakes? lol

I am still here.

I guess I've kind of been MIA the last couple of days... but I was having fun with my friend!

It was fun having Heather here. We took the first day (Tuesday) to spend with Ryan and Cadi. We went into the Gorge and went to Wakeena Falls and Multnomah Falls. Then on the way back, we stopped at the outlets to shop! Had so much fun at Carters!!! (And I made sure to buy 12 months or older, lol.)

On Wednesday, Heather and I went to Target to get me registered! So... check out my registry to see all the cute stuff I want! lol Some of the items (actually, many of them) don't really show on-line, but then some are only on-line, lol. But the important thing is that the bedding (which is what we are going off of to decorate the room) IS on there, so you can see what we are doing for the nursery. Fun stuff!

We also did some other shopping yesterday and today... we did more shopping! lol But since the weather doesn't look very good for tomorrow, Heather decided to go home today after lunch. :( But it's better safe than sorry, so I'm glad she's safe. :)

It was a fun visit! Thanks for coming, Heather!

Let the fun begin!

Tonight one of my best friends is coming into town! I can't wait! Heather has been my friend since high school and in all our years together we have learned that WE LOVE TO SHOP!!! So, who better to start shopping for the nursery and get registered for Eärendil with than her?

Today I've been cleaning more of the craft room out to make room for the nursery. I have removed all my "craft" stuff. All that's left is a TON of old photos. (And I mean A TON!!!), gifts that are going to be for Christmas that I need to find a hiding place for, ALOT of giftwrapping stuff, and then.. junk. But I've cleared away enough to have room to pile up a bunch of unassembled furniture and such, lol.
Today was such a beautiful day! It's too bad that Heather wasn't here now, we could have DONE something outside. It will be hit and miss for the rest of the week, so we'll see if we get any outdoor time. At least all the shopping can be done indoors! lol

Happy Birthday Susan!

I guess some people would think I'm kind of unlucky to have two mother-in-laws... lol. But really, it is quite nice. They are both great women and I appreciate them both very much. I know that Ryan feels grateful for all four of the parents he has in his life. (And his two parents-in-law.)

Today is Ryan's Step-Mother's birthday, so join me in wishing her a very Happy Birthday!

My daugher, the Diva

Today Acadia went to one of her best friend's birthday party. It was at a kid's club and they had a great time! When they first arrived, they were each given a pair of sticker jewel earrings. Then the girls were taken into a room where they dressed up in "diva" clothes. There were two young women (late teens/early twenties) who did their hair (complete with crimping and color streaks) and make up.

Acadia's hair was put up into ponytails, crimped, and then she chose red streaks.

Once they were all "diva"ed up, they learned how to "diva pose" and "diva dance". They did some karoake while getting taped and then they paraded around the kids club, "diva walking" the whole way (occasionally stopping to "diva pose" or "diva dance". lol) It was very cute. The birthday girl's family received a DVD of the divas. We will be getting a copy in a week or so. :)

Afterwards it was just like a normal birthday party. They did a craft - making foam butterflies, had cake and b-day girl opened her presents. The girls LOVED being divas though! It was fun to watch the girls have so much fun and get some attention from the other kids club guests.

Have you ever cried at Walmart?

I did today... TWICE! lol

So, I was there exchanging some things I had gotten Acadia that were too small (when did she grow up so fast, btw?) and had some extra time, so I "wandered" around. I soon found myself thinking, 'Ooh, I wonder if the crib I liked is in white too?' (Even though I would still want it in the wood.) So, before long, I was in the baby section. And then I realized, I CAN BUY BABY CLOTHES!!!

So, I made a bee-line to the little girl clothes! And as I looked at all the ADORABLE little pink outfits I began to tear up as I'd pick one to put in my cart... and I just kept looking and crying and filling my cart some more. LOL (I'm such a dork.) So, I decided that I needed to stop shopping when I realized I already had $100 of baby girl clothes in my cart. And I finished my shopping and headed to the checkout line.

The cashier was a friendly-enough girl who commented on how cute the outfits were, and then she asked if this was my first... So I started tearing up again and said, "No, we have a 6 yr. old. But we have had to wait a long time to have this one." (I'm such a BOOB!) But do you realize it has been 7 years since I've been able to buy baby clothes? (For MY baby) I would see the baby section and think how cute everything was but I wouldn't let myself look through them. Not unless I was buying for someone else, of course. And now I get to (not to mention I NEED to, lol)!!!

So, that's my story on how I cried at Walmart today - TWICE! I blame the hormones!!!

Pictures from Monday

First... One picture from when we had our ultra sound...



 Now for pictures from when Ryan, his parents, and Acadia went into the GORGEous gorge!











Yesterday while Acadia was in school, we "grown ups" went to the Portland Art Museum.  They had a great Hesse exhibit and we enjoyed the audio tour, but by the end I was in so much pain that we didn't see any of the other exhibits.  (Just too much time standing and wandering around.  If we had been walking more or been able to sit more, then I probably would have been fine.)

We picked Acadia up from school (which she always loves when someone is visiting) and took her to see The Shaggy Dog at the theater.  It was quite cute and entertaining.  If you go see it, I think you'll like it.. just remember that it IS geared toward kids! lol

Today the crew is heading out to a Forestry Museum.  We let Cadi stay home from school since this is Grandma and Grandpa's last day here.  I am staying home with a sinus headache that I'd really like to "kick" before mutual tonight.  Took some drugs, will try to relax... then hopefully I'll feel well enough to clean a little before going to YW. 

They took the camera with them, so hopefully I'll have more pictures to share that show today's adventures! 
To view more pictures from the Grundy visit, click here. As of right now, there are two subalbums to check out - Bridal Veil Falls and Multnomah Falls... they both have some more great scenic pics! Just click on each one to view them.

Corruption and Salvation

Ryan's mom and step-father arrived here last night to visit for a few days. Ryan is now teaching his mom how to play Halo. LOL This is quite amusing... She was very NOT amused with the idea of a game that's object is to shoot other people. (Yes Mom, I know you aren't either...) But now she's playing this game and occasionally chuckling... hehehe. I think she's been corrupted.

With all the excitment of having Ryan's folks in town and of course having the ultra sound today, I haven't taken much time to recognize the anniversary of Ryan's baptism. Today is the 13th anniversary of Ryan joining The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I'm so grateful that he not only joined the church 13 years ago, but that he is still strong and active in it today. His testimony, the Priesthood which he holds, his faithfulness... all bless our lives GREATLY today. He is a great example to me and to our children and I love him for it!
Happy Anniversary Ryan! Now, stop corrupting your mother! lol

IT'S A...

GIRL!!! 

That's right... Think Pink!  I am really surprised and we are all really happy!  Of course, like the technician repeatedly told us, This isn't 100% guaranteed.  But we are buying pink... we'll just keep the receipts just in case.

Here are the ultra sound pictures. Yeah, the gal doing it told me... "Don't worry, it's supposed to look like an alien." lol  The first three are facial shots...





The next picture looks really funny with the circle right in the eye socket... but it looks like her hand is near her mouth and it makes me think we might have another thumb sucker...



And here is probably the only picture of this view that I will ever allow of my child...

Any preditions?

Tomorrow is THE DAY!!! We will have our ultra sound and HOPEFULLY we'll see who Eärendil is! Does anyone want to make any predictions? Boy? Girl? Come on... Take a guess!

And tune in tomorrow - I'll post the results along with pictures!!!

My "other" girls

Cadi is MY GIRL... but I also am lucky to have "other" girls that I call "mine".  Yesterday I took some of "my girls" to the temple (with a couple other leaders).  These girls are so awesome!  I love them!!! 

Before we left to go home, we took them to the cafeteria to eat lunch.  While we were eating, a cute, little, old man came up to them and asked if they were missionaries.  They were shocked that anyone would mistake them for 21 year olds! lol  It was very cute. 

Here are a couple of pictures of them at the temple yesterday...

Random Photo

Well, it isn't completely random...

This is from Monday night.  We had one of Ryan's co-workers and his family over for dinner.  Their son is 9 and he and Cadi had lots of fun playing with Angel.  At one point, they came across a couple of scrunchies and thought, "What if we put these on Angel?"  Well, they did and Angel became Angelina...

Day Four

I don't know how much longer this is going to last... but I HOPE it is not long!

Today is the fourth straight day of my headache that WILL NOT GO AWAY! Tylenol does not work, sleeping/naps do not work, drinking tons of water does not work, eating does not work, ... NOTHING has worked so far.

The good news - it isn't a migraine. I can function... don't want to, but I CAN. The bad news - I am so tired of it... I'm done. It is a pain - literally!

*whimper*

Still a little frustated... but not as much.

Continued from yesterday's "Frustration" post. This post won't be quite as bad for the guys, but still... consider yourself warned.
So, I went shopping at the outlet store today. Man, do I love to shop! And I do LOVE to shop at outlets!

I found so many cute things - some even fit! YAY!!! But, alas... no purple for the wedding. I hear it is just not "in" anymore - they haven't really had purple in two years. Who knew? Not me. What to do now? I have no clue... but I better figure out something by May.

I also struck out in the swimsuit department. The only top that fit okay was a 1X and it just plunged way too low in the front for my liking. So, I'll try again to see if they have any other 1X tops another time. It's crazy, I'm a 1X for the top but only a medium for the bottom! Ya, so good luck to me finding a matching pair! Oh well, AS IF I'll really be wanting to be seen in a swimsuit when I'm 8 months pregnant!

But like I said, I did find some cute clothes. I got a couple things to wear during my workouts since my workout clothes are going to be pretty small pretty soon. And I found some cute tops. I also found a couple of cute skirts. One will work well for the wedding (that is if I'm still allowed to go without a purple blouse).

Only 2 of the things I got were actually on sale. (Crazy how an "outlet" store" is mostly just a regular store with a couple of clearance racks : / ...) But it was in Oregon so it was all tax free - that works for me! lol

What makes a great dad?

When he comes home at night after a long day of work and finds some pictures that have been colored scattered in the entrance to the family room along with the colored pencils used to color these pictures... he looks down and says, "Are those Cadi's? Wow - she did AWESOME!" No comment about how she left them out right in the walkway, just how great of a job she did with the detailed coloring in the picture.

THAT, my friends, is what makes a great dad!

Frustration!

I am so discouraged! And I just feel the need to vent... so get ready.

This is a "girl" post... boys beware and read at your own risk.


I have had this problem half of my life but it is worse now than ever! I tried to go shopping today. I wanted to find a couple cute maternity tops. (Especially one for David and Teresa's wedding.) This should not be hard. But, it was. Nothing fit. My ever growing belly wasn't an issue at all... it was what sits above my belly that is just unbearable!

I have always been "greatly blessed" up top. A bit too blessed, if you ask me. And with each of my pregnancies (even the miscarriages), I've received more and more "blessings" that have remained even when the pregnancy is gone. Prior to this pregnancy I had just about had it. I had decided to greatly reduce them. And then I found out I was pregnant. At first I thought that it was good that I hadn't done anything drastic yet because if this one is anything like the others, I will be left with more than I began with. Now... I'm not so sure it was a good idea to wait.

You would THINK that being pregnant would make it easier to find clothes that fit my "greatly blessed" body. Because, let's face it... now my belly would be just as "blessed" and finally my proportions will at least appear more normal. Uh, no... not so much. It is even harder now than ever! The top is bigger than ever before and they just don't make clothes that fit this size. At least nothing cute anyway. Not even in maternity.

So... I came home with one stretchy, long-sleeved, maternity T-shirt. (A size larger than I would have gotten a few months ago.) And that's it. Nothing special, nothing cute, nothing for the wedding... just a t-shirt (a comfy one though *thumbs*).

Because I like to kick myself when I'm down, I plan on going shopping again tomorrow. This time to an outlet store. My mission: find a maternity swimsuit (it will have to be a tank-ini ... how do you spell that?) that will actually fit my top and my bottom. I was told if I go to the outlet store, I can mix and match sizes (and for cheaper too!). Here's hoping... I'm also hoping that I can find a purple blouse (not that it would fit if I found it) for the wedding (apparently we've moved on to spring and summer colors and winter colors are "so yesterday").

Belated... Sorry

Happy Birthday (yesterday) to you!
Happy Birthday (yesterday) to you!
Happy Birthday (yesterday) dear David,
Happy Birthday (yesterday) to you!

I'm sorry I didn't post it yesterday... by the end of the day I was so tired, I just completely forgot! I hope it was great!

I did what I set out to do.

I woke up this morning with an awful headache! Ugh. It has been awhile since I've had a headache this bad... not fun. But today just wasn't a day I could stay in bed. Acadia has been waiting for us to be able to invite her friends over for a long time! And that playroom was as big of a mess as I've ever seen before!

So, I cleaned it. Slowly, lol... but it got cleaned. I also went out to pick up a couple take-n-bake pizzas for dinner. Those were the only things I needed done today - and they are the only things that have been done today. lol

Now I'm trying to tolerate 3 overly active, talkative, loud girls. At least they are having fun. And at least I'm going to make the pizzas in one hour and after dinner I'm taking them home. I am supposed to go to an ASL class tonight, but with this headache bordering on migraine status, I think I'll just come home and crash instead.

What DIDN'T I do today?!?

Wow.


I am rather pleased with myself (and I probably shouldn't be as pleased as I am... I guess I should work on being more humble)... I did ALOT today! I don't think I really sat down much at all - there was way too much to do!

As soon as Acadia was on the bus, I was in the car and went to the gym... YAY for me!!! My first day "back" was nice and easy. I just walked on the treadmill. I didn't try to push it or overdo it at all. I just walked. And it felt SO GOOD! I only had time to walk 1 1/2 miles. Then I went straight to my Dr. appointment. The person before me took longer than expected so I ended up waiting for a bit longer than normal, but that's okay. Dr. Bunten got a heartbeat on my little "swimmer" as she called it, said it was "all over the place" but she caught what she needed and said everything was fine.

(One week until the ultra sound!!!)

Then I headed to the store to grab some essentials for tonight's dinner and came home. And that's when I started to really work. I had to clean the whole house (kitchen, dining room, family room, bathroom, fold and put away clothes, put away dishes, wash more, and then put those away too) and make two dinners (and deliver one of them) and I had just over 5 hours to have it all done. Ryan had invited a co-worker and his family over for dinner. Also, this weekend, the mother of one of my YW had surgery so another leader and I decided to make the family dinner tonight. Since we had already arranged to BBQ with the co-worker, I couldn't really do the same dinner for both families. I cheated and pulled out some frozen enchiladas that I had made earlier, defrosted them and baked them up in time to run them over to the other leader's home. She ran my enchiladas plus her spanish rice and dessert over to the family. I ran back home to change and finish my own dinner.

My back is aching and my feet hurt but the house looks great and dinner was delicious. Tomorrow I have alot of work to do too. But I think I can handle it. I need to clean Cadi's playroom. It's a disaster. But it wasn't her fault and Ryan told her she wouldn't have to clean up the mess - in fact he told her that HE would. But that was two weeks ago and he hasn't had the time. So... I get to. : / He owes me! lol

It can't wait another day though... tomorrow Cadi has a playdate with her two best friends. They are all very excited and I'm sure the house will be filled with little girl laughter and probably some high pitched shrieks from time to time... fun stuff. lol
I need to go to bed! Good night.... zzzzzzz....

Betrothal

It's a good thing that we don't really betroth our kids these days. At least it's a good thing for Acadia. Because IF we did, she would totally be betrothed by now!!!

I am in love with a little boy in our ward!!! I have been for several months now, probably about a year. It all started when our ward had an activity that included square dancing. I did not see how it started, but eventually someone got my attention and pointed out my daughter, square dancing on the arm of this Cutie PaTootie of a boy. Picture two 5 year olds, arm in arm, square dancing - I wish I had a picture! They were SO CUTE!!! (And he was such a gentleman! lol)

Since then, I've fallen more and more in love. This little boy loves to sing the Primary songs even more than Cadi (if that's possible!). At one point, the Primary Chorister told me that they were the two best singers in Jr. Primary (that was also when they were 5). I also learned that after hearing a lesson on missionary work, he went home, collected some Book of Mormons (or Books of Mormon, for those of you who have seen The Best Two Years, lol) and went knocking on his neighbors' doors... again, when he was FIVE YEARS OLD! Tell me that isn't cute... You can't!

Awhile ago I told you about Cadi singing a duet for the YW. Well, it was a duet with this young man. They have since been requested to sing it for the a Youth Fireside next month and also as a special musical number in Sacrament Meeting (in front of our entire congregation). They are just so dang cute together! And it makes it even more darling that they have the same color hair... well, his is a little lighter. But it is just too cute!

If this little boy grows up to be a young man anything like what he is now, I would LOVE for my daughter to marry him! I am not kidding, either. I love him to death! (Incidentally, this boy's big sisters are in YW and they think he should marry Cadi too! lol)

I realize that the "m" word isn't one that should be considered for another 14 or 15 years... and alot can happen in that time. And I do want Acadia to choose the man she will be most happiest with... But I really would LOVE it if that man turned out to be this little boy!!! (And in case it is, I'm keeping all the pictures I have of the two of them now to show at their wedding! lol)

The Lost has been Found

YAY!!! It is amazing what you can find when you clean/sort your "junk" area! In my case, that junk area is more a junk room right now. I've actually started phase two and began cleaning out the craft room. And in all that junk was a prized possession that I have been missing alot!

It's a recipe book that I got while living in Massachusetts. The women in our Relief Society collected recipes from some of the ladies - they were especially looking for family recipes that had been handed down from parents or grandparents. Some of my favorite family recipes are in there (Which I have in other places too, so I wasn't worried about losing them.) and I also had tried and liked several of the others. Well, this recipe book disappeared months ago and I had looked everywhere! Well, almost everywhere. No matter, I found it today!!! And to celebrate, I will share one of the recipes that I really like in it...


Napa Valley Chicken

6-8 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups catsup
2/3 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 Tbs dried minced onions
4 Tbs butter
2 Tbs brown sugar

Brown chicken breasts and place in 4 qt. baking dish. In saucepan, combine other ingredients and bring to a boil. Pour over chicken. Bake 30 - 35 minutes at 375 degrees.

Phase One Complete... Now on to Phase Two

I feel so awkward admitting this outloud (I was really scared to tell my sister, but she took it pretty well and I'm pretty sure she still loves me.)... I just finished selling most (that's right, I said "MOST") of my stamps. And for those of you who aren't familiar with "stamps", I'm talking rubber stamps, not postage stamps.

Well, something was going to have to change... we need a nursery! And that meant either losing my craft room or the playroom. Let's see - the playroom gets used... oh just about everyday, where as my craft room... hmmm... have I even USED it since I've had it?!? Sure, it STORES stuff - but it's all stuff I never use! So it was pretty obvious that the craft room would be the new nursery. And the next question was, where would all that "stuff" go?

Like I said, I never use it. And that is the sad truth - I NEVER use it! I haven't stamped for pleasure in over two years! No kidding. Yep, this is still me, Sariah talking. And I, the once stamp-a-holic, Stampin' Up! demonstrator, got my mom and all my sisters addicted to stamping, even signed one of my sisters as a SU! demonstrator under me - I have not stamped for over two years. Yet, I have purchased stamps in that same two years. Stamps that have remained unmounted, sitting in drawers with other stamps that are either unmounted, or mounted but haven't been used more than once.

I had felt this coming on for a long time - even before the pregnancy. So, when the realization came that there needed to be a change, it really wasn't that difficult of a decision to make. I was ready to sell my stamps. Ryan discouraged me at first, knowing how much I used to enjoy them. He told me it was the "hormones" talking and he would not allow me to make such a decision in "my state". But eventually I convinced him that it really is OKAY and he let me make that choice.

So, several weeks ago I went through ALL of my stamps. I have no clue how many I owned. It was alot. ALOT!!! But I did decide to keep a few. (Several really, and if someone who didn't know me saw my collection that I have right now, today, they would say, "Wow, you have a lot of stamps!" But the truth is, what I have right now, is a small fraction of what I had last month.) My criteria in keeping a set of stamps were - 1) Could I use it for scrapbooking (as this is the ONLY craft I intend to continue pursuing at this time)? and 2) Would I REALISTICALLY use it for scrapbooking? Yeah, lots of them passed question #1, but most of them failed on question #2.

And now what was 50 drawers of stamps is now about 13 drawers. (See, I told you it's still alot! But it feels like so little!!!) And I think I will no longer have my "drawer" system. They will just go in a big tub and get stored either in my closet or in the garage. The rest, along with many supplies I would no longer need were put up on e-bay. Yep, e-bay. And ya know what? I did good! I more than doubled my goal of what I wanted to get for all of it! And all the money will go to getting ready for Eärendil.

That was "Phase One". "Phase Two" will be purchasing a nice (my mind just went blank... what the heck is it called?...anyhow) piece of furniture for the family room, where I will keep my scrapbooking papers and supplies from now on. I will also need to move all of my candles out of the craft room, most likely into my bedroom closet. I haven't figured out where I'll keep the "gifts" I purchase throughout the year (and then hide until it is time to give them)... but I'll figure it out. The rest of the stuff in there, truly is "junk" and will most likely get trashed. And then, the craft room will be vacant and ready for the next phase (Phase Three)... Becoming a nursery!

I went "window shopping" to see what is out there right now for baby furniture. I am so excited! I cannot wait until I have that empty space to fill because there are just so many nice things now!!! And it's more affordable than I expected to get what I really want! And I really can get whatever I want since I did so well on e-bay! So... yeah, I am looking forward to Phase Three!

I have to mention (if you are still reading this, lol) how grateful I am for all the Lord has and is providing for us! We are starting from scratch, but He has provided us with the means and ability to get everything we will need. I am so glad that when I first began my hobby of stamping that it was a hobby which would later turn into an investment. Just think if my hobby had been something not tangible and not resellable (is that a word?). What would I do now? We would still be okay, but now I feel more than "okay". I feel ready and safe and prepared.

Green Eggs and Ham

As you may or may not know, Tomorrow is Dr. Seuss' birthday!  So, the schools in our area have been having "Green Eggs and Ham" breakfasts for the first graders this week.  Some of Cadi's friends from our ward who attend a different school had theirs yesterday.  Hearing the moms talk about it got me excited for ours!

This morning Ryan and I took Cadi to school and we all had breakfast with The Cat in the Hat!


Yes, we really did have green eggs!  (I should have taken a picture!  I can't believe I didn't think of that.)
First, Acadia was given a hat to wear (and keep!) and then we (the parents) were given a raffle ticket to be used later.  Then we collected our Green Eggs and Ham (plus an apple or banana, some yougurt, and juice) to take back to our tables.  Cadi's best friends had saved her a seat so the Three Amigas got to sit together.



Ooh, if you look - I did get a picture of the green eggs in that shot!  Uh... yeah... I meant to do that! lol
While we were eating, the Principal told the kids that they would each be receiving a free book when they got back to their classroom!  Then they had the raffle.  The raffle was for $25 gift certificates to Beaches, a restaurant downtown.  Beaches was one of the sponsors for this breakfast and they were the ones providing and serving the food.  (The other sponsor was a credit union, I believe they are the ones who provided the hats.)  Anyhow...

We won one of the gift certificates!  And right after us, one of Cadi's best friend's dad won one too!  It was super cool!  We haven't been to Beaches, but the dad who won says they love it there - they go almost every week!  So, it must be good!  Hey, if they can make green eggs edible, then it can't be bad! lol
Before we left, I got a picture of Cadi with her teacher...



Tomorrow all of the students who choose to buy lunch can choose to have Green Eggs and Ham.  Acadia is planning on it.  I told her that the lunch tomorrow would be a little different (it would be from the cafeteria instead of a restaurant) but she doesn't care.  I hope it's just as good tomorrow!

There are only a couple more pictures that I took (nothing exciting but), if you want to see them, check out our Photobucket account.