Making Me Laugh

*Thank you for the comments on my last post. Yes, I am feeling much better...still have guilt...but am trying to let it go more. The most important thing is that little miss Isabella is doing much, much better. She's eating much better AND gaining weight. That's a very good thing.

Do you ever see something while you are driving that just makes you laugh? Well, I'm sure the hubby does, since HE HAS A HARD TIME KEEPING HIS EYES ON THE ROAD WHILE HE IS DRIVING.

Wait, I digress.

That last part had nothing to do with the point of this post. Can you tell it's a major pet peeve of mine though?!

For those of you who don't know where we live, most (if not all) of our neighbors within a one mile radius are Amish. You just never know what you may see while driving or find in your driveway around here. See this post if you are wondering.

Before I begin, let me just say I have complete respect for the Amish faith, but sometimes things just make you go hmm...

Driving home from a baseball game the other night we saw one of our Amish neighbors trimming their shrubs close to the road. No big deal, right?

Except for the fact that they were using electric shrub trimmers.

How did they do this? I'm glad you asked. They had placed their generator on a little red wagon and hooked up the shrub trimmers to the generator, of course.

Seriously???? How about you just call the electric company and hook up to the electric line there by your house permanently? I'm sure it would be much easier to operate your vacuum cleaner also. Trust me, I'm sure they have a vacuum cleaner.

Now, I realize a picture would make this post much more interesting, but really how do you ask permission to take a picture?

"Umm...excuse me....can I take a picture of your wagon and shrub trimmers, because I think it's pretty funny, considering you are Amish and I would like to blog about it?"

I'm thinking that might not have gone over very well.

Don't even get me started on the horse and cart that were driving all over the road AND INTO OUR YARD while the Amish driver was talking on his cell phone.

Yep, you just never know what you may see on any given day. Next time, I may have to take a picture.

3 More Weeks & A Giveaway! *Updated*

*Updated with pictures at bottom of post* (For you, Keri :) ).

I heart Target. The only thing I don't like about Target, is that I can never leave the store without spending at least $50 (usually it ends up being more).

Thank goodness, Craig doesn't read this blog.

It's a good thing that the nearest Target is 45 minutes away. The not-so-good thing is that I now have weekly doctor appointments less than five minutes from Target.

Target, Chipotle, and a doctor's visit. Judge me if you must.

In celebration of reaching the 37 week mark of this pregnancy (whoo-hoo), I thought it would be fun to have a giveaway!

In order to be eligible for a $10 Target gift card leave a comment with your guess of what day you think this little baby will be born. Just for fun you can also guess the sex, weight and the name if you feel so inclined. Just nothing over 9lbs please (ouch), and if you happen to know our names (I think a few of you do), no spilling the beans! Whoever is closest to the day wins the gift card! (If there's more than one guess on the same day, I'll just draw a name).

Mom, I know you love Target, but you have to leave a comment in order to be eligible. :)

Some things that may help you: My official due date is May 1st. Drew was a week late, Alex was 2 days early. Now, I may have to keep the gift card for myself if I see guesses like May 8th, May 10th, etc. That's just heartless!

Happy guessing!

A few of you have asked for pregnancy pictures-I actually do have some now. I'll post those later this weekend hopefully.

*Disclaimer: I know I look chronically tired on these pictures. What can I say? The nesting phase is over and now I'm just
t-i-r-e-d.

That's the best I can do for now (I'm usually the one taking the pictures)! I hope that helps!

Google Fun

This wasn't what I originally had intended to post tonight, but I saw this idea (I think it was on facebook), and decided to try it. It's really quite interesting!

Just google your first name and needs (mine was "Julie needs") and pick the first ten results.

Here are mine:

1. Julie needs your help. Yes, I do need your help!!! I need help picking up toys, because bending over is not so much fun these days. I also need a backrub from washing windows today...but that's another story.

2. Julie needs to work on her parenting. Clearly, this is referring to Drew's bronchitis/double ear infection that I didn't recognize. Obviously, I need to throw my nursing license in the trash. On a positive note, if he ever needs help having a baby, with my labor and delivery experience, I'll be just the person to help him. Wait...where exactly is this going??

3. Julie needs a boyfriend. Umm...what? Ironically when I googled "Craig needs" (much to Craig's delight), one thing that popped up was "Craig needs to resign because he is gay." Coincidence?? ha ha.

4. Julie needs a new pair of shoes. Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!!! Only one pair???

5. Julie needs an early start. Oh dear. I have two children that enjoy getting up at 6:45, and a baby on the way. I don't need to be getting up any earlier. Now being productive that's a completely different story.

6. Julie needs another new home. Oh my word, No!!! I'm still having nightmares from our move over a year ago. I don't ever want to move again.

7. Julie needs one more qualification to complete her junior AKC hunter title. Huh????

8. Julie needs coffee. Coffee!!!!! Maybe that will help with the early start. Better yet, how about a Starbucks and a new pair of shoes?

9. Julie needs prayers and good vibes. I agree. Prayer is a powerful thing.

10. Julie needs more friends. I have great friends, but I love making new friends! I know! I need a girl's night complete with coffee and good friends. I'll even wear my new shoes.

Interesting, huh? Craig is rolling his eyes beside me. Perhaps he needs a hug. (At least that's what came up when I googled his name).

He keeps muttering something about certain people needing a hobby.

He's just jealous.

Socks

Two things that makes me most excited about winter and cold weather are my gray comfy pants and my thick, cozy socks.

Pathetic, I know. I'm sure Craig is wishing he could hide them. Goodness knows he sees them every few days. But really, at this stage of pregnancy, elastic waistband fleece pants and my I'm-going-to-stay-home-all-day-and-be-cozy-and-comfortable socks are bringing me a whole lot of joy.

You know what happens though when you fall asleep till 2:00am on the couch, kick your socks off while you're sleeping, and leave them on the couch when you get up to go bed?

Your six year old son steals them. ALL. DAY. LONG. (Let's just move on and not dwell on the fact that they are red and striped. They're my comfy clothes, ok?)

Apparently, he is going to keep them forever "cuz they are awesome and cozy."

That's right, Drew. They are, and they're your MOTHER'S.

This face is the reaction I had.

He did indeed wear them all day long with his pajamas. In fact, he is planning on stealing ALL my cozy socks for himself.



Good thing there's school tomorrow, I think I'll be busy finding a new hiding place for my socks.


The real punishment for stealing my socks though can be summed up in two words.



Graduation pictures.

Bears

#566 of things you shouldn't say on a first date when eating a romantic dinner by candlelight:

Guy: "So, is there anything you feel I should know about you?"

Girl: "Umm...well, I've always been the cute, sporty type girl who loves clothes."

Guy: "What else?"

Girl: "I LOVE bears."

Guy: "Oh, like panda bears? Koala bears?"

Girl: "No, all bears."

Blank stare by guy.

Girl: "When I was little I used to have a bear named fuzzy and one time I left it in a department store and my family was depressed for a few days because I was so depressed as a kid. Wait, what are we talking about?"

I'm just saying.

*If you have no clue what I'm talking about, refer to this week's episode of "The Bachelor".*

My Christmas List

MY CHRISTMAS WISH LIST

1. Toys that put themselves back in the toy cabinet.

2. A Scooba (is that the right word?) that cleans the hardwood floors the way I want them cleaned i.e. scrubbing all the scuffs, stains, and toy marks off. Actually anything would be better than me getting down on my hands and knees to clean the floors!

3. Since we're on the subject of cleaning: someone to do the laundry, the cleaning and the cooking, even if it's just for one week. Oh, and this person wouldn't require payment-because as you all know, I LOVE free!! Hey, this is a Christmas WISH list, a girl can dream, right?.

4. A Maurice's (my favorite store) wardrobe. Actually their whole clothing line would be fine. Well, maybe this gift would have to wait until after the pregnancy.

5. A Siesta Key condo directly on the beach. Now, you didn't think I would get through this post without mentioning Florida, did you?

6. Cookies that automatically bake and frost themselves and last longer than two days. (I made Christmas cutouts earlier this week. What a pain to bake, frost and decorate. It made quite a few cookies. There are THREE left). Obviously, there are some cookie monsters living in this house!

7. Snow that wouldn't require cold temperatures. That's really the reason I don't like snow-I don't like being cold. How many times have I whined about this on my blog?

8. That Pioneer Woman's recipes would not make me gain weight. Since discovering her site, I love her recipes, but my behind does not.

9. Speaking of gaining weight...I wish that if you thought about exercising, it would be like actually exercising. Let's say you wanted to work out for forty-five minutes on the elliptical machine. All you would have to do would be think about working out for forty-five minutes to achieve the same effect.

10. A great husband, two adorable, energetic, imperfect boys, one baby on the way, great friends, a house to live in and food to eat.

Wait, I already have number 10.

Sappy as it may sound, that's really all I want OR need. I have been incredibly blessed. I'll deal with not having my top 9, as long as I have #10.

But, if you happen to hear about toys that walk themselves back to the playroom....

"Pumpkin Patch" Pics!

I've been having pumpkin patch picture envy for several weeks now. It's all Keetha's fault. It started when she posted pictures of her cute little grandkids visiting the pumpkin patch.

The problem is I already visited our local pumpkin patch with Drew when he had his kindergarten field trip the first part of October. They also had a family fun night which we missed when we were on vacation.

Quite frankly, the thought of taking two children and dealing with the petting zoo, picking out pumpkins and crowds makes me want to stay in bed and pull the covers up over my head.

Obviously, I'm blaming the pregnancy.

I have nine months, people. I'm planning on using that excuse for all it's worth while I can.

Wait, they do have a incredible bakery there, with fry pies, cookies and all sorts of baked goods. I should have thought of that before I took these pictures.

So, because the bakery was not enough motivation, these pictures were taken outside of our front door. You'll have to use your imagination and pretend that the children are sitting in a field amidst lots of pumpkins.









Hey, it works for me.

I can almost smell those cookies and fry pies...

6 Things Meme

I saw this meme on this blog and thought it would be fun. Here goes:

1. I really don't know anything. Before I had kids I knew tons about raising them. Now that I am a parent, I realize everyday how much I don't know. Oh yes, they keep me very, very humble.

2. Grocery stores are a magnet for meltdowns if you are taking both children. It doesn't matter how well behaved they have been all day, if they are fed, or if they've had a nap. The grocery store will inevitably lead to a meltdown at some point. I've found the odds are slightly more favorable to leave meltdown free if you only take one child. The best scenario? Leave them home with dad.

3. Watching your children adore their father is a very precious thing. I joke all the time about how I do all the work and Craig gets all the glory. Honestly, though, I think it is awesome how much they love their dad. If Craig doesn't wear a coat, then Alex can't either. If Craig wears tennis shoes, Alex and Drew have to wear them also...and on and on it goes. They love their dad to pieces. He's a great father and I couldn't think of anyone better for them to idolize.

4. The days are sometimes long, but the years go by fast. I read this the other day and couldn't agree more. How did we get to the point that we have a six and three year old?

5. Potty training is not for wimps. Drew and Alex both tested every ounce of patience I had. I know, I know, they all learn it eventually. I say that same line when I'm not going through it. When I'm in the trenches of soaked underwear and "accidents" I seem to lose my perspective. Thank goodness we're past this stage for now...

6. Hearing your child's heartbeat for the first time: priceless. Which is what I did today. Yes, with baby #3. Hopefully we'll see this new little bundle on or a little before May 1st.

We are beyond thrilled!

Alex Quotes-Part IV

Today, driving in the car to church:

Alex: "Daddy, I think God thinks you're old."

Me: (laughing) "God thinks that daddy is old?"

Alex: "Yep, he's oldie daddy."

It must be the gray hair.

Don't worry honey. You're an oldie but goodie!

Family Portrait

This picture may be a little difficult to see, but bear with me.

This picture came home in Drew's backpack the other day. Their assignment had been to draw a picture of their family.

Umm....take a closer look at this picture. Do you see that the only members in Drew's family are him and his dad?

Excuuuuusssseeee me.

Don't worry Drew. I can see how you would have forgotten about your MOTHER.

Not only does your mom make sure you are served (relatively) healthy meals, have clean clothes to wear and get to school on time, she also suffered through FORTY-EIGHT loooooong hours of labor with you. Not to mention her epidural fell out, she pushed for three hours, and she puked more times than she could count.

No, I'm totally not bitter that you left me out of the picture. At least you forgot about your brother too. I might really have a complex if you had included him and not me.

Guess what he said when I asked him where Alex and I were. "Oh, you were in the house taking a nap."

Hmmm....I think maybe I should save my afternoon naps for the days he's in school.

Don't worry Drew. I love you bunches and bunches. You are totally worth everything I went through (and will go through).

Next time though, you better include me in the picture!

Alex Quotes-Part III

*I'm sorry Alex. I hope you don't feel picked on if you read this as you are older. I just never know what you're going to say, and want to remember some of these moments. I love you, buddy! You keep our life very, very interesting.

The other morning at 7:30 am, as I am blearily trying to wake up. I was in my pajamas (well, of course), and apparently, Alex had other ideas of what to do that morning.

Alex: "When are we leaving?" going to the closet to get his shoes.

Me: "Leaving? We are not going anywhere today."

Alex: "But....but.....but....MY BELLY SAYS IT'S HUNGRY FOR CHEESEBURGERS FOR BREAKFAST." You have to imagine his indignant little tone while you are reading that.

Apparently you shouldn't get between a three year old and his cravings. For the record, we stayed home and he had cereal.

But, he was not very happy about it.

C'mon, Alex. Don't you remember you want to eat Lucky Charms, every day?

Alex Quotes-Part II

As we were walking out the door to a soccer game:

Alex: "Know what I'm thinking about right now?"

Craig: "No, what?"

Alex: "I think we should buy lots and lots of pancake syrup
so that we never run out."

For the record, it was 5:00pm, and we had PLENTY of syrup.

I would really, really love to be able to read his thoughts for one day. The things that must go through his little mind!

Alex Quotes

Yesterday afternoon Alex and I were enjoying some relaxing time together. I was reading a book and he was eating an apple. He had been quiet for the last several minutes, which is unusual. He is usually a chattering talkative three year old. After about five minutes of silence, this is how the conversation unfolded:

Alex: "Mommy?"

Me: "What honey?"

Alex: "Know what I'm thinking about right now?" (For the record I LOVE this question, and routinely ask Craig what he is thinking about "right now". I really need to devote a post to this).

Me: "No, what are you thinking about?" ready to be amazed at what is going through his little mind.

Alex: "I think we should eat Lucky Charms every day."

Where in the world did that come from?

Momsense

I love this from Anita Renfroe. I think I have said many of these same phrases today!