Shock, oh-my-gosh!, really?!, that's not right, this test must be faulty/expired, I'll take another one, what?!, you gotta be kiddin me!, are you sure?, oh-my-gosh!, I can't believe it, I'm shaking, how am I gonna tell Glenn?, excitement, disbelief, what's everyone gonna say?!, this can't be true, I'm gonna wait until the doctor tells me it's true before I believe it.....
Guess what the doc says.........I'M PREGNANT AGAIN!!!! Can I get a big WOW?! I'm 8 1/2 weeks along. The due date is March 2, a month before Meg's first birthday. I'll get a sonogram at my 12 week check-up. My prediction: it'll be twins! Then I'll have 3 kids under the age of 1.
I just can't stop laughing. For those of you who see me over the next 2-3 years, forgive me if I have difficulty carrying on a logical adult conversation. I may even find it complicated to form a complete sentence. Lack of sleep, insanity, raging hormones, crazy good times are on the way! Well I say bring on the minivan and let the good times roll!!!!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Life's Sweetest Moments
I love that my Benji loves fruits: bananas, apples, oranges, watermelon. It's comforting to know that he's developing a taste for the healthy things in life (unlike his mom!) But I LOVE to watch him eat grapes. He stuffs 2 or 3 of them in his cheeks, just like a squirrel. Then he carries on a conversation with me while he cheeks are stuffed. And just when he's finished talking, he bites into the grapes and the juice bursts in his mouth. It's adorable!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Aha! moments
It was the bottom of the second inning at an Ole Miss baseball game (go Rebs!) when I had this Aha! moment, a revelation that completely distracted me for the rest of the game. As a recently preggo girl, with a post-baby body and all of the self-image problems associated with it, I have been consumed with losing weight and toning/strengthening muscles which have not been used in awhile. Problem is: if I have a couple of weak moments during a day, I usually just give up on that particular day and chow down on all the sweets and snacks I crave. After all, there's always tomorrow. "I'll just start fresh tomorrow" I always say.
Well, this particular day had been just like that. Two mugs of coffee (w/ lots of creamer) and 2 cookies for breakfast, fried chicken strips and fries for lunch, don't remember what I had for supper, but when we got to the baseball game......first thought was of M&M's and Dr. Pepper. I wanted so desperately to give in. It had already been a terrible day for my diet, no exercise done, etc. That old faithful mentality came to mind: "I'll just start fresh tomorrow". It was then that my Aha! moment hit me: We're not promised tomorrow! If I'm going to make a difference in my life, make a positive impact on my children's lives, it has to be today.
I was so excited to experience this revelation, this motivational tidbit. This was it! This would be the strength I needed to get me through temptations and the kick in the pants I needed to get me off the couch.
Of course, my excitement was short-lived when my second revelation hit me a few moments later: If I'm not promised tomorrow, then I'm not going out of this world hungry! Pass me some chocolate!!! Herein lies the dilemma that "consumed" me for the rest of the game.
Oh, and did I mention that we were sitting directly behind a former Miss Mississippi who struck up a conversation with the four of us. How's this for motivation: craving M&M's and Dr. Pepper while your husband is talking to a friendly, beautiful, funny, blonde, former Miss Mississippi who loves sports. Just in case you're wondering......I skipped the M&M's and Dr. Pepper.
Well, this particular day had been just like that. Two mugs of coffee (w/ lots of creamer) and 2 cookies for breakfast, fried chicken strips and fries for lunch, don't remember what I had for supper, but when we got to the baseball game......first thought was of M&M's and Dr. Pepper. I wanted so desperately to give in. It had already been a terrible day for my diet, no exercise done, etc. That old faithful mentality came to mind: "I'll just start fresh tomorrow". It was then that my Aha! moment hit me: We're not promised tomorrow! If I'm going to make a difference in my life, make a positive impact on my children's lives, it has to be today.
I was so excited to experience this revelation, this motivational tidbit. This was it! This would be the strength I needed to get me through temptations and the kick in the pants I needed to get me off the couch.
Of course, my excitement was short-lived when my second revelation hit me a few moments later: If I'm not promised tomorrow, then I'm not going out of this world hungry! Pass me some chocolate!!! Herein lies the dilemma that "consumed" me for the rest of the game.
Oh, and did I mention that we were sitting directly behind a former Miss Mississippi who struck up a conversation with the four of us. How's this for motivation: craving M&M's and Dr. Pepper while your husband is talking to a friendly, beautiful, funny, blonde, former Miss Mississippi who loves sports. Just in case you're wondering......I skipped the M&M's and Dr. Pepper.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
I'm Baaaaacckk!
Ok, so it's been awhile since my last post....11 months to be exact. Here's a brief synapse of the past 11 months: got pregnant....again, stayed pregnant for 9 1/2 months, had 9 lb 10 oz baby girl named Meg, been on maternity leave for 1 month, trying my best to learn how to juggle a new baby with a 2-yr-old along with all my other responsibilities. Many of those responsibilities are falling to the wayside, like cooking, cleaning, running errands, etc. I dwell in chaos right now and I don't really care. Survival is my goal each day.....we have to eat, take baths, sleep (whenever possible), and have somewhat clean clothes.
Early this morning, I was reminded of a bible verse I memorized when I was in college. Psalm 143:8 (New International Version) Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way that I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Back in college days, I had a quiet time most mornings. I would sit out on the balcony of my apartment, read my bible and pray. That verse was one of my favorites. It evoked a feeling of fresh hope.....a chance to forget yesterday and start anew. It also brought about a feeling of direction and purpose, which is vital during those uncertain college years.
These days, that verse is still one of my favorites. But it has a different meaning to me at this point in my life. Early this morning, it came to mind again. And since I'm sufferring from a mild case of sleep-deprivation, I came up with my own spin on the verse. Instead of the New International Version, I call it the New Mommy Version: Let the morning (or the middle of the night, or the brief moments of silence when they're both taking a nap) bring me word of your unfailing love (because Heaven knows I need a love that's unfailing, considering my inconsistency in spending time with You these days) for I have put my trust in You (the only part of my life that's steadfast, sure, constant, and not chaotic). Show me the way that I should go (I don't have a clue what I'm doing here....is she hungry, sleepy, wet/dirty, mad, hurt,......why will he not mind me, listen to me, be quiet for 5 minutes, lay down and take a nap) for to You I lift up my soul (I mean really, who else is going to listen to my ranting and raving when I'm struggling to function on 2 1/2 hours of sleep, take care of the kids, clean the house, pay the bills, get supper on the table, and still find time to take a shower more than once a week?!!!) I love you God!
Early this morning, I was reminded of a bible verse I memorized when I was in college. Psalm 143:8 (New International Version) Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way that I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.
Back in college days, I had a quiet time most mornings. I would sit out on the balcony of my apartment, read my bible and pray. That verse was one of my favorites. It evoked a feeling of fresh hope.....a chance to forget yesterday and start anew. It also brought about a feeling of direction and purpose, which is vital during those uncertain college years.
These days, that verse is still one of my favorites. But it has a different meaning to me at this point in my life. Early this morning, it came to mind again. And since I'm sufferring from a mild case of sleep-deprivation, I came up with my own spin on the verse. Instead of the New International Version, I call it the New Mommy Version: Let the morning (or the middle of the night, or the brief moments of silence when they're both taking a nap) bring me word of your unfailing love (because Heaven knows I need a love that's unfailing, considering my inconsistency in spending time with You these days) for I have put my trust in You (the only part of my life that's steadfast, sure, constant, and not chaotic). Show me the way that I should go (I don't have a clue what I'm doing here....is she hungry, sleepy, wet/dirty, mad, hurt,......why will he not mind me, listen to me, be quiet for 5 minutes, lay down and take a nap) for to You I lift up my soul (I mean really, who else is going to listen to my ranting and raving when I'm struggling to function on 2 1/2 hours of sleep, take care of the kids, clean the house, pay the bills, get supper on the table, and still find time to take a shower more than once a week?!!!) I love you God!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Glammin' it up!
I love the feeling of accomplishment! My hubby and I moved to a new house almost a year ago, and I tell you, unashamedly, I LOVE MY HOUSE! Though, if I'm honest with myself, I have to admit that it's probably a bit more than we need right now. I just wanted to get something that we could grow into through the years.
However, I'm quickly learning just how long it takes to get "settled" in a new home. Don't get me wrong....all the boxes are unpacked, and pretty much everything has a "place". Understand, not everything stays in its place....did I mention our soon-to-be 2-year-old?!
My idea of being "settled" includes adequate furniture in each room, paint on all the walls, and a few knick-knacks or pictures strategically placed to draw the eye away from the flaws that you eventually get around to fixing.
Well, we are far from settled. There is still no dining room table, we need new furniture in at least 3 other rooms, I've only painted one room (and I don't like my color choice so I'll be repainting soon), and we have very few pictures hanging on the wall (the whole "strategically placed" concept is a foreign subject to me).
But I can finally say that I've accomplished a task which I consider HUGE! I installed shelves in one of my favorite rooms...my CLOSET! I have about 2 dozen pairs of shoes. I can't help it. Many of you may not know this about me, but I'm a shoe girl. I love shoes. I like funky shoes, classic shoes, boots, heels, tennis shoes, and flip flops. I buy them as often as I can. The problem? I don't buy nice clothes with which to wear these fabulous shoes! So I have a closet full of shoes that I rarely wear. And they have been piled in the floor of my closet for almost a year.
I went to Lowe's about 3 months ago and bought the supplies and tools I needed to install the shelves, and they have been sitting in my bedroom floor since the day I bought them. Until this week......
Monday night my 12-year-old niece spent the night with me, and we stayed up until almost 11:00 putting in the shelves. When we finally finished and put the shoes on the shelves, I felt like a glamour girl with a closet fit for a celebrity!
Next project? Fill my closet with fabulous clothes! I've got to give my shoes an excuse to come out of the closet! haha! Happy Shopping!
However, I'm quickly learning just how long it takes to get "settled" in a new home. Don't get me wrong....all the boxes are unpacked, and pretty much everything has a "place". Understand, not everything stays in its place....did I mention our soon-to-be 2-year-old?!
My idea of being "settled" includes adequate furniture in each room, paint on all the walls, and a few knick-knacks or pictures strategically placed to draw the eye away from the flaws that you eventually get around to fixing.
Well, we are far from settled. There is still no dining room table, we need new furniture in at least 3 other rooms, I've only painted one room (and I don't like my color choice so I'll be repainting soon), and we have very few pictures hanging on the wall (the whole "strategically placed" concept is a foreign subject to me).
But I can finally say that I've accomplished a task which I consider HUGE! I installed shelves in one of my favorite rooms...my CLOSET! I have about 2 dozen pairs of shoes. I can't help it. Many of you may not know this about me, but I'm a shoe girl. I love shoes. I like funky shoes, classic shoes, boots, heels, tennis shoes, and flip flops. I buy them as often as I can. The problem? I don't buy nice clothes with which to wear these fabulous shoes! So I have a closet full of shoes that I rarely wear. And they have been piled in the floor of my closet for almost a year.
I went to Lowe's about 3 months ago and bought the supplies and tools I needed to install the shelves, and they have been sitting in my bedroom floor since the day I bought them. Until this week......
Monday night my 12-year-old niece spent the night with me, and we stayed up until almost 11:00 putting in the shelves. When we finally finished and put the shoes on the shelves, I felt like a glamour girl with a closet fit for a celebrity!
Next project? Fill my closet with fabulous clothes! I've got to give my shoes an excuse to come out of the closet! haha! Happy Shopping!
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
The best cookie in the world!
I am FAR from being a chef. I've always enjoyed cooking....I've just never been good at it. What I can do is follow a recipe. So I love to bake. There's no "little of this, little of that" garbage that those who can cook use to frustrate those of us who have no idea what a "little" is.
And since I am a self-proclaimed expert on cookies, especially those with chocolate in them, I try almost every recipe I can find. This is by far the best cookie I have ever had....and trust me, I've had a LOT! I must give credit where credit is due....and because I don't want to get in trouble for putting something on the internet that may be copyrighted....I got the recipe from watching Food Network: "Good Eats" with Alton Brown. I can only follow a recipe, not create one. This one came straight from Alton himself.
Try the recipe! Follow it to a T. I promise: You're gonna love it! And all your friends are going to ask you to make it again and again.
2 sticks unsalted butter -- real butter, not that stuff in the tub
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 tsp kosher salt -- kosher is a MUST, not regular salt...makes all the difference
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips -- ok, sometimes I use a few more than 2 cups (can you ever really have too many chocolate chips?)
Hardware required:
Ice cream scooper (Alton recommends #20 disher, but I don't know what that is...just use whatever ice cream scooper you've got)
Parchment paper
baking sheets
Mixer
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda and set aside.
Pour the melted butter in the mixer's work bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, yolk, 2 Tbsp milk, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Chill the dough (I usually chill it for about 30-40 minutes), then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 14 minutes or until golden brown, checking the cookies after 5 minutes. (Ok, this is my note here: mine have never taken 14 minutes...and pull them out of the oven before they look finished on top....if they look "done" inside the oven, it's too late) Rotate the baking sheet for even browning. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
ENJOY!!!!!!
And since I am a self-proclaimed expert on cookies, especially those with chocolate in them, I try almost every recipe I can find. This is by far the best cookie I have ever had....and trust me, I've had a LOT! I must give credit where credit is due....and because I don't want to get in trouble for putting something on the internet that may be copyrighted....I got the recipe from watching Food Network: "Good Eats" with Alton Brown. I can only follow a recipe, not create one. This one came straight from Alton himself.
Try the recipe! Follow it to a T. I promise: You're gonna love it! And all your friends are going to ask you to make it again and again.
2 sticks unsalted butter -- real butter, not that stuff in the tub
2 1/4 cups bread flour
1 tsp kosher salt -- kosher is a MUST, not regular salt...makes all the difference
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/4 cups brown sugar
1 egg
1 egg yolk
2 Tbsp milk
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips -- ok, sometimes I use a few more than 2 cups (can you ever really have too many chocolate chips?)
Hardware required:
Ice cream scooper (Alton recommends #20 disher, but I don't know what that is...just use whatever ice cream scooper you've got)
Parchment paper
baking sheets
Mixer
Heat oven to 375 degrees F.
Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom medium saucepan over low heat. Sift together the flour, salt, and baking soda and set aside.
Pour the melted butter in the mixer's work bowl. Add the sugar and brown sugar. Cream the butter and sugars on medium speed. Add the egg, yolk, 2 Tbsp milk, and vanilla extract and mix until well combined. Slowly incorporate the flour mixture until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips.
Chill the dough (I usually chill it for about 30-40 minutes), then scoop onto parchment-lined baking sheets, 6 cookies per sheet. Bake for 14 minutes or until golden brown, checking the cookies after 5 minutes. (Ok, this is my note here: mine have never taken 14 minutes...and pull them out of the oven before they look finished on top....if they look "done" inside the oven, it's too late) Rotate the baking sheet for even browning. Cool completely and store in an airtight container.
ENJOY!!!!!!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
National Lampoon's European Vacation
My mom & dad, along with my brother and his wife & daughter, are all traveling through Europe over the next 3 weeks. And I can't help but imagine the Griswald family from National Lampoon's when I picture my family in places like Germany, Austria, France, Switzerland, and London. My brother will be bringing home a BMW (color me jealous!), and my sister-in-law will be visiting her sister, whose husband is stationed in London for a few years. My sweet little 8-yr-old niece has already seen more of this world than I have in my (ahem, no comment) years.
But my parents!!! That's what tickles me! I'm sure this would never happen, but I just picture my dad in Germany, wearing those terrible little....do they call them knickers?--the little green overall shorts?...and drinking several of those HUGE mugs of German beer! And my mom....now she's been overseas before (Italy and Japan, I think)....but the French have a reputation for being quite rude, a concept that is completely foreign to Southerners! Especially someone as sweet and polite as my mother.
I'm very excited that they all have this opportunity. I can't wait to see the pictures and hear all the stories. It's kind of given me an itch to go on vacation myself. Wonder what Jamaica's like this time of year!
But my parents!!! That's what tickles me! I'm sure this would never happen, but I just picture my dad in Germany, wearing those terrible little....do they call them knickers?--the little green overall shorts?...and drinking several of those HUGE mugs of German beer! And my mom....now she's been overseas before (Italy and Japan, I think)....but the French have a reputation for being quite rude, a concept that is completely foreign to Southerners! Especially someone as sweet and polite as my mother.
I'm very excited that they all have this opportunity. I can't wait to see the pictures and hear all the stories. It's kind of given me an itch to go on vacation myself. Wonder what Jamaica's like this time of year!
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