Makin' a Goal Monday: Week 5

Last week, my goal was to survive, and I succeeded! Would it be awful, if I made the exact same goal two weeks in a row?

DJ left tonight for Tulsa. I'm so thankful that this will be a short trip and that he'll be home later this week. I have been avoiding how hard this transition would be for me, because I was so focused on my excitement for his new job, and distracted by all of the planning. But, after leaving him at the airport, reality hit and it became very hard. With my mom's support I was able to make it home without crying (too hard), but once Gretchen and I were home by ourselves, it was much more difficult.

I did realize that I have the sweetest three year old ever though! As she saw me crying tonight, she said, "it's okay mommy, I'm here." And later, she asked if I was sad and why was I sad. So, I explained that I was sad that daddy wasn't here. But, she reminded me that he'd be home soon!

I think I'm more upset that he's gone this week since we're suppose to get ice and snow, that could potentially knock out our power and could leave us with up to 10 inches of snow. I'm just praying if that happens that our schools will be smart and at least give us a 2 hour delay if not go ahead and cancel for a day or two!

So, even though, right now, I just want to survive, I do have a few other goals this week that will hopefully keep me distracted.

1. I need to finish a pumpkin clippie and I have 2 orders to get into the mail.
2. I also need to clean out and organize our guest room closet- go through the file cabinet, and figure out what should be put into a garage sale, go to storage, or thrown out.
3. I also need to start packing for when DJ does officially move- he'll need to take towels with him, so that will give me a chance to also clean out Gretchen's bathroom closet!
4. Finally, I need to go ahead and cancel our Y membership. Even though G is enjoying Mat Rats, I have to face reality, that the most I've been is twice a week in the past several weeks, and since DJ will be gone it would be better to just save the money that we're spending on the membership.

I'm pretty sure I can be successful with the goals this week; I know that with my support system, I can survive and get some other things taken care of as well! So, What are your goals for the week?

Fessin' Up Friday Week 4?

Is it week 4? I can't even remember.

But, I will say that so far- I did it!!! I SURVIVED the week!

Well, I'm writing this on a Thursday night, but so far, I've survived!

I told you on Monday that I might have some exciting news to share, and I do!

After praying for many years (yes, years) we're finally going to be able to move closer to family! My husband has been hired at TU! We'll be moving to Oklahoma in the next few months! It's such a blessing to be able to move closer to our family with Gretchen getting older and the birth of our second daughter just a few months away. My mom is also thrilled with our move.

Our obstacles now are selling the house, and figuring out when Gretchen and I will move- we have a few options, and we're still trying to figure them all out, but I know that it's all in God's hands and that he'll provide.

Gretchen's birthday party is on Saturday, and I've been able to prepare for that tonight. I know I still have a lot of work to do, but I'll also know that it will all get done!

So, how did you do with your goals this week? Did you meet them?

Planning a Minnie Party: Cakes

One of the most important parts of a birthday is the cake! I have to admit, that Gretchen's party is two days away and I have yet to order this! I decided not to use the bakery I've used for the last two years, because it's thirty minutes away, and because DJ wants me to "budget" this party a little better, I decided we'd go with a local grocery store- because their cakes are delicious too! The problem, is that they don't work with fondant, and I have a hard time choosing a very "plain" cake.

I spoke w/ the bakery on Monday, and someone was suppose to give me a call on Monday evening. The bakery told me that they would be unable to do what I wanted and to make it look good, but they knew someone who could make what I wanted, and she was the one that was suppose to call me. It's been four days since, and I still haven't heard from her. So, I'm foregoing my original plans and visiting a seperate bakery tonight for our cake.

So, I was browsing the internet trying to find cakes that I loved and one design that we would've used- and knew that I needed to share them with y'all!

The first one is has alternating zebra stripes, and polk a dots on a round cake. All of the icing is fondant. It has a twisted rope border at the bottom. I love how this has a two layer look with a round cake on top. Now, to be perfectly honest, I'm not a baker- that's why I order our cakes! So, I'm not sure if the round cake on top is actually a real cake, or if it's a decorated styrofoam ball. But, it's adorable!

This is the actual cake I was wanting, but to alternate the pink with the red, and instead of the rope border- I wanted to do the "balls" in red, yellow, and white. Now, if we needed a huge cake, this is what I would've gone with! It incorporates our colors wonderfully!

The next cake is a smaller version of the first, and it's just as cute!

If you are a baker, then this is something you can do at home, or you can always have someone else make them! These are simple cupcakes with oreo type cookies on top, and mini-cookies as the "ears"; they're just stuck on with icing. The bows are likely a fondant. And, if you went with cupcakes you don't have to worry about cutting and serving!

My plan is to go to the bakery tonight, and even though I have to change the original cake I wanted, I'm sure we can come up with something just as fantastic that incorporates our theme! And, I guess it doesn't matter what it looks like, as long as it tastes delicious!

Gretchen Rose is "Fwee"!!!

That's right~ our little honey is three years old.... Wow! Time has flown by. It's so hard to believe that three years ago tonight, I was in the worst pain in my entire life, but I was surrounded by so much support, and it was all worth it. On January 26, 2008, I was able to hold my beautiful little girl for the very first time.

Here's a look back at some of the events from that day: Holding Gretchen for one of the first times..... had I known that a picture was being taken, I would've tried to look a little more pleasant! But, I love the look of awe on DJ's face.

Look at her little cone head! And, all of that hair!

Oh yes, this is much better! We were so very happy!

I'm not sure I've seen DJ smile like this in a long time- this picture just captures how happy he was, and as a wife-I love seeing him with a huge smile on his face. He's such an amazing man, and a wonderful father!

My mother was my rock during the delivery- I'm so glad she was there. And, my stepdad- he's been such an amazing support to me and I'm so thankful for that! I know that Gretchen also loves her Gee and Pa!

I'm thrilled that DJ's mom was able to be there as well! What a blessing to hold her granddaughter for the first time!

A few days later, we were able to get a lot of rest and to just enjoy each other!

I was so happy to have such a wonderful husband, and I still am! Gretchen may not be a daddy's girl right now, but he's head over heels for her!

Happy Birthday Gretchen Rose! Mommy and Daddy love you more today than we did in those first few days- you have truely amazed us and taught us more than we could've ever imagined!

22 weeks and the name!!!

I'm officially 22 weeks pregnant as of today! I don't have an official belly picture, because I'm starting to get into the depressing phase of being pregnant- at least, it's depressing for me! I hated the weight gain with Gretchen, and although I'm doing much better with it, it can still be hard to pack on 20 pounds in 21 weeks. Yes, I have gained 20 pounds. I've faced it; i'm just going to be one of those girls that gains a ton! But, I'll work my a-- off to loose it afterward!

On to the good news! The baby is now the size of a papaya: And, should be settling into it's own sleep cycles. Which, thanks to my Babywise style of parenting- we'll get to fight over with each other once she gets here!

The baby is actively kicking, which can get quite funny at times. I find myself laying in bed, just feeling her kick, and it's such an interesting feeling. And, as many know, it's not one you can quite describe.

The baby can also start to hear noises outside the womb, so I'll have to encourage Gretchen to talk to her little sister more!

We picked out a name for the baby yesterday! I bugged DJ every night last week, and he continued to tell me that he was tired of going over the same names, and that we had plenty of time. To which, I just replied, that if he'd help choose a name, we wouldn't have to talk about it anymore! Finally, on Saturday evening, he narrowed our list of 10 names, down to three. (Forgive me for not sharing the three names, but I can only remember two of them, so the other one, must not have been a high priority!)

I was cooking breakfast with Gretchen on Sunday morning, and I asked which of the three names were her favorite. To which, she replied.........Megan.

Once DJ came home from football Sunday morning, I shared which name Gretchen had chosen, and began to discuss middle names. Are options for middle names were Mae, Anne, or Claire. Megan Mae does not sound good, and Megan Anne could potentially spell things when she gets married (MAD, MAY, MAL, MAP- you get the point).... this is the same reason that Gretchen does not have the middle name of Anne (GAL, GAP, GAM, GAY, GAG)

So, our baby girl will be Megan Claire!


Later that afternoon, I decided to look up the name meaning for Megan. I discovered that it means "pearl". The funny thing is that Gretchen also means "pearl". The pearl also has to be my sorority gemstone, so it just fit. Once I learned that both girls will have the same name meaning, I knew that Megan was the right choice.

Upon searching for the pearl picture shown above, I also learned that the pearl was the June birthstone- and this little one is due May 30th- so I'm anticipating for her to arrive in June!

We can't wait to finally hold Miss Megan Claire in our arms in the next 18 weeks! Yes, I'm already counting down!

Makin' a Goal Monday: Week 4

Well, I'm going to keep this short and sweet. After failing many goals last week I have only one goal for this week.......

Survive!

Yeah, that's right. I only want to survive the week. Gretchen's birthday party is Saturday, and I just want to survive a full work week and get everything finished for her birthday party! We may also have some other news- but we'll have to share that later!

Oh, and we have a name for the baby- again, I'll share it later~ just waiting on DJ to tell his family the name! Thanks everyone for your suggestions; although, i'll say, we didn't go with any of them- oops! Don't hate me!

What are your goals for the week? Are you like me and just wanting to ...... survive?!

Fessin' Up Friday On a Saturday Night

This week has been unbelievably busy, and I know next week will be crazier than this one was! So, I'm a little late on Fessin' Up- oops! Better late than never; right?

Here goes:
1. We did find out the gender of the baby! And, in case you missed it- We're having another GIRL! Anyone have any good name suggestions, b/c the hubby and I can't agree on any!
2. Work out at least once this week. Yeah, this did not happen. I have many excuses, considering that we had MLK day off, spent at the children's museum, the dr. appointment, a snow day, mat rats, and a morning w/out power! So, maybe next week?
3. Cook in the crock pot- see the above list. Because we had the doctor's appointment, we just ate out. I was off on Wednesday, so it was easier to just cook, and after Mat Rats we made a homemade pizza. And, on Friday, because we had no electricity that morning and I wasn't sure when it would come back on- I didn't set anything out, and couldn't use the crock pot- so we went out to eat again! Does anyone have any good recipes to help me in this area?
4. I did add to the Valentine inventory, but I was unable to ship orders- those should get finished this weekend and shipped on Monday!

So, this is a week that I can prove why I don't set New Year's Resolutions. Time and other events often get in the way, and it's just upsetting when you don't meet your goals! Did y'all know Monday was suppose to be one of the unhappiest days of the year? This is because people are getting in bills from Christmas, depressed over the winter weather, and realizing they're not meeting their New Year's Resolutions!

So, how was your Monday? Did you meet your goals this week?

Butterfly Set

Gretchen's good friend L is having her birthday party tomorrow! L is only two days older than Gretchen. She's having a bug party at our local children's museum, and I can't wait to take Gretchen! I know she'll have tons of fun at the party and at the museum!

Since L is having a bug party, her mother asked me to create an applique' shirt for her and a set of butterfly clips. She sent me a picture to a party piece that she had purchased, and I tried my best to match it~ here's what I came up with!

I love the lime green and hot pink color combination of these clippies.

And, here's the shirt! I was a bit disappointed that I couldn't add on a face to the adorable butterfly, but L's mom was happy with it!

L- Happy 3rd birthday! I know you'll look adorable in your outfit and we can't wait to celebrate your birthday with you!

Valentine Bows~ final set

Thanks to our "snow day" on Wednesday I was able to finish up my final Valentine hair bows! The funny thing, is that we had no snow, just a bit of ice, but I'm not complaining! I was thrilled when the day started off with a two hour delay, but when they went ahead and cancelled, I was even more excited! I had a fabulous day with Gretchen and a productive day sewing-wise, and in the house!

So, here are the bows!!! The first is a double set- You receive a simple pink and white dot boutique bow that comes on a partially-lined alligator clip, and a heart ribbon sculpture clippie that can actually:

Clip onto the bow! These are great to wear together or seperate, and the bow can be worn for the entire year!

The second bow, I wanted to keep simple as well. I made a purple boutique bow for the base, and topped it off with a smaller pink and white dot bow. I think they're perfect for Valentine's day, but the bow can be worn throughout the year!

I'll be taking Valentine orders for another week, so if you have a custom request, please let me know as soon as possible!

Minnie Mouse Birthday~ what to serve

We don't typically serve a meal for Gretchen's birthday parties, but I do try to find some cute finger foods or snacks that I can add along with the cake. I searched the internet over the last few weeks and found some fabulous food ideas! I don't know how anyone planned a party without the internet! Above: Oreo Truffles on a stick with marshmallow ears. I've made these oreo truffles before- you can find the recipe here. But, these truffles take it a step further, by using minature marshmallows and placing it all on a stick- when I read about these, the blogger, did point out that you need to put the stick in and then place them in the freezer to harden. You'll also have to attach the marshmallows with melted chocolate, or with tiny toothpicks- just make sure your guests know they are in there!

I'm going to have to link these, because I can't even begin to explain how to make them! But, how adorable are these chocolate-caramel dipped apples! I'd love to serve these at Gretchen's party, but I know that they are way too difficult for my culinary (or lack there-of) skills!

I found these adorable oreo pops from a seller on Etsy! I'm actually going to attempt these- as they seemed pretty simple. You simply open the oreo, scoop out a bit of filling, and place the stick, and then top with the second oreo. Then, you attach minature marshmallows to the top, and dip the entire thing into melted chocolate. The bow is just piped royal icing.

I also found these adorable rice kripsy treats on Etsy! Again, these are beyond my culinary skills- but, here's the link so you could buy them on your own!

Along with the oreo suckers, I'm going to serve Mickey Mouse shaped cheese (that you can find at Wal-Mart) with crackers, and chocolate zebra striped dipped pretzels.

It's a....

girl!!!!!

We had our ultrasound yesterday at my 21 week appointment! Thankfully, our ultrasound tech was able to squeeze us in, because the receptionist forgot to schedule my ultrasound! The baby looks very healthy- we were able to see the heart beating and the spine. Gretchen was very excited to see her little sister on the 't.v.' We told her earlier in the morning, that she would be going to the doctor with us that afternoon. DJ asked her if she wanted a little brother or a sister, to which she promptly replied "sister!" She then proceeded to explain to us that little brothers were for boys, and since she was a girl, she needed a little sister!

I tried to explain that her friend, M has a little brother, but she insisted that M needed a sister instead!

We were lucky to be able to get both regular ultrasound images and 4-d images. Above is a 4-d image of the baby's legs and feet!

And, a regular image of the baby's foot. I thought the foot look liked it had a dozen toes, but she assured me that it was just cartlige.

So, there she is! Our baby girl! We have no idea what her name will be. I had a name picked out, but DJ informed me the day before our ultrasound that he didn't like the name. So, I'm now taking any and all opinions! (with a warning that I may not like them all) But, I'd love to hear any suggestions you may have!

I do like classic names that are common, but not overly common. I need it to "fit" with Gretchen Rose, and i'd love to use my mom's middle name of Mae. So, HELP me please!

MLK day: Children's Museum

I was so grateful to have the day off and to spend it with Gretchen! When I found out the Children's Museum was offering free admission for the day, I knew it would be a great way to spend the day with her! I invited our good friends to go with us! The girls had such a blast exploring the museum! G and M before entering the Barbie exhibit! I think the moms enjoyed this more than the girls!

The girls could play "secretary" and talk to Barbie on the phone.

And, they could be a hairdresser to Barbie!

Gretchen had so much fun playing with the Barbie dolls- sadly, she did push a little girl out of her way, but we quickly resolved the 'no sharing' issue.

The girls played dress up and had a chance to walk the Barbie run way!

There's a fabulous toy kitchen area that we always visit.... and, I always get Gretchen's picture by the Couch Potato!

There was a game set up in front of the couch, that the girls could play- M's little brother joined in too!

At the end of the visit, we let the girls ride the carousel! G looks a little scared, but M was so excited!

I was shocked that Gretchen was willing to ride on a horse! The last time she rode a carousel, she would only sit on the bench!

To the N family- thanks again for going with us! We'll miss you so much as you move on to Michigan!!

New Valentine Bows!

I love the ribbon that I ordered for Valentine hair bows, and the resins that I found to 'decorate' the bows! This is probably my favorite Valentine collection thus far, and I'm not even finished with them yet! The first bow, is such a classic Valentine's hair bow. It features red and pink ribbon, and tiny white hearts- topped off with a red heart resin.

The "Love Me Tender" bow is pending sold, but I love the touches of black that I've added! This bow also features tiny red hearts on the side!

The "Queen of Hearts" bow has a black and white polk a dot spray, a red with black dots base bow, and a red, black, and pink heart top bow, topped off with a red heart resin.

Each of these bows are listed on my facebook page at $8.00 a piece. Don't forget to check back as I list more Valentine hair bows!

Makin' a Goal Monday: Week 3

I can't believe it's already the 3rd week of the year! The next few weeks should be rather exciting in our lives as we have a lot of upcoming events!

Here are my goals for this week:
1. Find out the gender of this baby! We'll go on Tuesday afternoon.
2. Work out at least once this week~ because of our hectic week, I'll be very happy if I can make it to the gym one time!
3. Cook in the crock pot at least 1 time~ any suggestions?
4. Attend small group.
5. Complete Honey Pie orders, ship them, and add to the Valentine inventory!

What are your goals for this week?

Crib Boots~ Added Inventory!

I've just added Crib Boots to the inventory on Honey Pie Accessories! Crib boots come in size 3-6 months, 6-9 months, or 9-12 months. They're very soft and have a velcro closure for easy fitting! Plus, they're lined, so they'll keep your little honey's feet warm!

Pictured above: zebra print crib boots

Above: cheetah print

Above: Pink zebra print

Crib boots would make an excellent baby shower gift!

Oops! I forgot! (Giveaway Winner)

I completly forgot to end the blog giveaway on Wednesday!

Congratulations, Shawna Nester!!! You're the winner of the snowman boutique bow.

There was not an email left in your post, but if you'll please contact me, so I can get your shipping address.

Thanks to everyone who entered!

Social Parade and Fessin Up Friday!

Today is the social parade on Smart and Trendy Moms! I want to thank them for allowing me to link up my blog, and welcome any new followers that have stopped over! If you'll leave me a comment; I'll follow you back! Feel free to take some time and look around!

It's my 2nd installment of "Fessin Up Friday".... I didn't make New Years Resolutions this year, because, let's face it, I can never keep them! So, instead, I'm making weekly goals for myself and blogging about them on "Make a Goal Monday" and "Fessin Up Friday!

So, let's suck it up, and fess up about how I did this week!
Goal #1 was to work out two times this week, and i'm pleased to announce that I did it! I went 3 miles on the elliptical on Monday, lifted weights, and did lunges- which, were still killing me on Tuesday! On Wednesday, I went 2 miles on the elliptical and lifted weights- so, yay me!
Goal #2 was to ship and complete all HPA orders before I received more. I was able to ship all but 1 order, and I still have 1 order to drop off. I need to sew an applique' shirt, and work on butterfly clippies. I also had an order for an Easter bow, and I received that ribbon yesterday! And, I did receive a new order today that I'll need to work on. So, I'd say I completed only half of this goal, but I'm still pleased with how much I completed!
Goal 3 was to cook in the crock pot- and I made a delicious roast today!
Goal 4 should have been easy- to attend small group- but, we had a huge snow on Tuesday, and small group was cancelled. Plus, I did not want our babysitter to drive here in the snow, and DJ ended up working a women's basketball game! So, we should complete this one next week!
Goal 5- take Gretchen to Mat Rats- this goal was completed today! She had an excellent time, with her friend Lily in the class, and was a wonderful listener!
Goal 6 was to complete 2 IEP's that I have at work! I have one finalized, and the other I have written- I just need to call the parent!

So, in all, I'd say I had a pretty successful week! I'm hoping that I'll have a productive weekend, since I'll have Monday off!

Thanks again for stopping over if you're new to HPA blog!

Minnie Mouse Birthday~ what to wear

So, we've decided on a theme for Gretchen's 3rd birthday~ Minnie Mouse! But, what should the birthday girl wear?

Don't worry- this post has ideas for your birthday girl from head to toe!I found these Minnie ears on Disney's website! I love that they're sparkly and can serve as a fun party hat for the birthday girl! I had my sister in law pick me up a pair of these ears when she was at Disney in November!

If you're not into the sequined ears, and want something a bit more simple, then this hair bow from Honey Pie Accessories would be just the thing! It's a simple boutique bow, but features a ribbon sculptured Minnie Mouse on the side!

HPA also has custom applique' shirts, perfect for a Minnie party! This shirt also comes with a detachable bow for Minnie (not pictured) and can be monogrammed with the birthday girls name!

I found this outfit from Lil Bug Clothing on Etsy, and I have to say- I love it! It was already sold, and I don't tend to purchase custom clothing, when I know that GG and I can make a lot ourselves, but I did have to think long and hard about whether or not to get this!

Ribbon socks are adorable for the birthday girls feet! These socks feature black grosgrain ribbon, topped with a classic red and white polk a dot ribbon, and a Mickey Mouse resin. And, I told you, we would dress the birthday girl form head to toe! I found these shoes in a google search and thought they were adorable! Sadley, they won't go with Gretchen's outfit, and I don't want my 3 year old in heels- but how cute are they!!!

Stay tuned for more progress on Gretchen's party and ideas for your own perfect party!

Halfway there~ 20 weeks

I'm there! The halfway point of my pregnancy! In September, this milestone felt forever away, but it's honestly come very fast! It's amazing that in around 20 more weeks, I'll be holding an amazing newborn and introducing him/her to Gretchen!

At this point in my pregnancy, we still do not know the gender- we'll find out next Tuesday! We do have names picked out though :) I've gained 10 lbs, and I feel good enough to work out again. Although, I'm trying to not overdo it, like I did yesterday!

The baby is almost 10 to 11 ounces, and should be around 10 inches long. The baby is practicing breathing and swallowing on a regular basis, and the skin is becoming more complex.

I am now wearing maternity pants, although I can still fit into old pants with the help of the bella band, and I can wear yoga/stretch pants and my pj's. I'm in a size bigger shirt or in maternity shirts- I like my shirts long, and my other shirts, aren't that long anymore!

I'm craving very cold things at night. Usually after I take a shower, I want ice cold water. I was also craving ice cream last week, and this week, I just want chocolate. Sadly, I retain water and have an increase in sodium, so I tend to have more swelling- especially in my ankles. So, I do have to watch what I eat and keep my feet up at the end of the day. Thankfully, it doesn't cause a huge increase in my blood pressure, but I know that I won't be able to wear my wedding rings for much longer!

I'm still sleeping well at night, and I have a good amount of energy during the day.

We have done nothing to prepare for the baby. I feel like we have a good start of left over things from Gretchen. We'll use her carseat, swing, pac-n-play, and bouncy seat. We'll also use her crib. We are still debating on whether or not to purchase a new dresser, and bedding. I have an idea for a theme for the room, but it also depends on the sex of the baby. I've decided that I would love to cloth diaper- so we're not stocking up on disposables. I'm also wanting a sit and strand Joovy Caboose stroller, that I'm saving my swagbucks for!

Hopefully, after next week, we can make a few more decisions, and after Gretchen's party, we can start to clear out the guest room, and if needed, I can go through Gretchen's clothes. Either we'll keep them or I'll be sending them to my sister-in-law, who is having a girl in May!

I'll update next week after we find out the sex, and I'm praying that Tuesday isn't the slowest day in the world!