The Hunter's Prize

17 Weeks

2012-01-11T15:43:00.003-07:00

Tomorrow is ultrasound day! I'm excited but also kind of wishing I could veto that part of pre-natal care as it costs a lot of money. All of this costs a lot of money and it's really ridiculous that having a baby costs more than I make in a year. Of course, it doesn't really since insurance kicks in at some point, but I don't know what they charge people with no insurance.

However, it is really cool that I get to see the baby tomorrow. The real test will be to see if Chris's Doppler skills were correct and there is only one baby in there.

Hopefully, I can post a few creepy photos afterwards and we can all guess about the sex and if this baby is going to look just like Chris. After seeing Jacob and reviewing his ultrasound photo, I was shocked that I couldn't tell before that my baby was going to look JUST LIKE CHRIS.

I suppose I should be grateful that I am going to the doctor tomorrow, since my first phone call with them led me to believe that I might not be able to see her as I hadn't been to the office before 8 weeks. The nurse told me that I might be considered high risk and would have to ask the doctor if she would take me. I understand I did wait a while to go to the doctor, but when you have a 3K detuctable, would you want to go get a 1K worth of blood work, scans and whatnot in December and start all over again in January? It just wasn't possible for us, when it wasn't my first pregnancy and things were going well. Even if a test or scan came back as troublesome, I wouldn't terminate.

Luckily (for the doctor) I was approved as a patient and hopefully, all will be smooth sailing from here. I'm happy that Chris is working in the medical field, as we are learning a lot about what we can and can't do in terms of labor/delivery. It's nice to have an inside man.

2011: A recap

2011-12-30T12:44:00.001-07:00

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before? Left Jacob with Chris for a three day weekend and went to a wedding for one of my OWU friends. It was awesome and much too short. I took a photography class and finally learned how to use my SLR in manual.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I don't even remember if I did a resolution last year. Probably not, as it's not really something I strive to do. I'd rather make a change as I find the need.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Yes, my friend Jessica had her son this Spring and then promptly moved to South Dakota. Also, many people, myself included got themselves knocked up!

4. Did anyone close to you die? No, we were fortunate this year.

5. What countries did you visit? None!

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011? A place to call our own. We are long past due for a house of our own and I want to work really hard to get that this year. We need it, as a family.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? October 7th, when I took my first positive pregnancy test. May, when Chris got the call that he was hired on as a medic.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Working hard to ensure that I always had enough money to pay my bills and have enough time to be a mother to Jacob. I know he watches way too much TV, but I'm proud that I've been able to ensure he is getting enough from me as his almost stay at home mom.

9. What was your biggest failure? It's not really my fault, per say, but my three months of morning sickness really made it hard for me to be present as a parent. This go around is much harder on me than I thought it would be!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? We have been pretty healthy this year, besides a couple colds, which always seems to linger around in my sinuses longer than I would like.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My phone? It was free, but we do have to pay more for the data package. I don't need it, but it's sure nice to have in a bind or as a way to keep Jacob entertained.

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? Chris, because he's really turned into a different person since he got his job with AMR. He finally found his calling and it's made a huge difference in our relationship and with Jacob.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? Most recently, I'd say my dad really made a bad decision toward my brother. When you cannot have a normal relationship with all three of your children, then the problem lies with you. After 50, it's time to let go of the past and enjoy your life and your family.

14. Where did most of your money go? Sallie Mae, I'm sure. I did finally work a payment plan out with them to allow me to pay on the whole loan and not fork over 100% of my paycheck, but it's still way too much money. When is the bail-out for us? Hmm?

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Having a BABY. It just felt like it was time and I couldn't wait any longer.

16. What song will always remind you of 2011? Red Solo Cup? It's a new one to our family, but we like to play it loudly and sing along.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder?
b) thinner or fatter? ( I am pregnant)
c) richer or poorer?

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Spent more time working out. Now that I have my energy back, it's too cold on a lot of days to go for a walk and I know it would be good for me, for Jacob and the baby, and for the dam

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Not having more play dates. Sometimes it was easier to go do something with just Jacob, instead of setting something up with a friend. But it's hard when I have to work and others do not!

20. How did you spend Christmas? Spend the day at my mom's with my family until Chris got off work. We then went to his parent's for dinner and presents before going home to bed. Monday morning is when we celebrated Christmas as a family, which worked out fine in the end.

21. Did you fall in love in 2011? Yes and Yes. Chris has gone back to the person I fell in love with and it was really hard for a couple of years but we're finally back on track.

22. What was your favorite TV program? I finally dropped Law and Order SVU to record Modern Family and I absolutely love this show.

23. This question has been deleted because it’s SOOO teenage emo Xanga shit.

24. What was the best book you read? Game of Thrones/A Song of Fire and Ice series. It was the best series I've read in a while and I can't wait for the next 2 to be released. I also really want the rest of the Sookie Stackhouse books to be finished!

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? Amy Winehouse and Adele, thanks to Spotify.

26. What did you want and get? A cast iron dutch oven!

27. What did you want and not get? I wanted an iPad but I don't want to shell out the cash to get one. And I had to pay for Hunter to have surgery which took all the money for the iPad.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? I saw Harry Potter, and that's about it. I loved it enough to buy it, although I have a long list on the Netflix cue to work on.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 28 this year and I took the day off to get a manicure and go shopping. Then Chris threw me a surprise party a couple of weeks later, which was really nice!

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? A new place to live! Even though we did a lot of work here on the yard this summer, and had an awesome garden, it's just not a comfortable place to be anymore.

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011? Pretty much the same as last year. I didn't spend very much on clothing this year.

32. What kept you sane? My very adorable child.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I don't admire very many people, but I do appreciate those in real life and the internet who do their best to keep drama from their lives.

34. What political issue stirred you the most? I am not very political in any sense, but the corruption of pharmaceutical companies and insurance companies really makes me angry. Along with stupid people who sue others just to get a buck.

35. Who did you miss? My Ohio friends. With a kid, a job and something of a life here, it's hard to keep in touch as much as I would like.

36. Who was the best new person you met? I met a lot of new people this year when I started being more involved in church and it's nice to have that when we go on Sundays.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011. That we can make it on very little and still feel like our lives are lived to the fullest.

Christmas: Part Three

2011-12-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

There is a Part Two, because we opened presents with Chris's family on Christmas night, but I didn't bring my camera so I have no evidence. To recap, Jacob got SO MANY presents that he didn't want to open them toward the end. I had to beg him to open his stocking, and he really didn't care. To say he is the most loved first grandchild on that side would be an understatement.

When Jacob woke up on Monday morning, he wanted his "tools" to play "struction" and that's why he's in his work goggles. He also needed to take his pants off, because they were scratchy.

We got him a couple things of wooden foods and a play kitchen stove, along with a big set of art supplies for his new easel. He was most excited to paint, as he had never done that before. Lucky for me, he's not too messy. Yet.

Then I looked around my living room, full of boxes and paper and felt compelled to leave immediately to avoid feeling claustrophobic in the chaos. So I went to my mom's and made caramels with my uncle. And we promptly forgot AGAIN to adjust for our altitude and made them way to hard. Did I say again? Still delicious though!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas!!

Christmas: Part One

2011-12-28T14:47:00.004-07:00

Christmas mornings almost always mean I am up hours before Jacob with plenty of time to snap adorable pictures of his sleepy face.

This year, Chris had to work, so we went over to my mom's house for the day. My grandparents, uncle and brothers were all there so it was a nice day to relax and eat food. Jacob got to open some presents, but he only got clothes, money and karate lessons paid for so it wasn't quite exciting for him.

The cousins. They don't actually like each other, but they do like to torment each other. I'm glad Jacob is going to be almost 4 years older than his sibling, to reduce those little spats. Or not, and we're just doomed!!

I got a bunch of maternity clothes I had picked out a while ago, but the downside is that they are all summer clothes and kind of useless in 20 degree weather. But I will be very thankful in May.

My brother and SIL gave me a gift certificate to my most favorite fabric shop of all and I can't wait to use it. I have been putting off my Plus quilt for a while because I need a backing and now I have the means to get it! I also have a gift card to Target from my mom that I am going to be using in a couple of hours. The lure of Target during sale season is too strong.

I'll tell you about Christmas at our house later. It involves a mostly naked baby, but that shouldn't surprise you.

Christmas Goodies

2011-12-22T15:55:00.003-07:00

Since the two people getting these do not read my blog, I am safe to post them here. At least, I don't think they read it!

The first thing I made was this robe for my nephew:

Jacob reluctantly posed for me. The thumbs up was all his idea. Grainy, computer lightened photo is all me... I used Dana from Made's pattern and it was super simple! I did not need 1 3/4 of fabric, either. I had about 1 1/4 of the terry cloth and a 1/2 yard of seer sucker for the bias tape. I wish I had a serger to keep all the seams neat, but the siz-zag stitch will have to do!

The next present is a pillowcase for a floor pillow/European pillow. My SIL loves them and I was going to get her the whole thing, but we went to Ikea together and she picked up a few pillows so I thought I'd make her the case instead. She has a thing for red and black, obviously. :)

The backing fabric came from my mom, she picked the red peacock fabric up on a vacation in Florida and I finally cut into it for this. Luckily, there is enough left for me to make something for myself.

I kept the selvedge edge because Patty Young did here. I've made this pillow before, with Michael Miller's Metro Circles and I love how quick and easy it comes together!

I still have two things to make before Sunday. A purse for another SIL and a Box Pouch for another SIL. But first I get to go have dinner with my co-worker at Main Street Grille and let her know that I'm going to have a baby! I'm a little nervous about it! Ce la vie. :)

Jacob Says:

2011-12-19T14:43:00.002-07:00

A commercial for those freaky La La Loopsey dolls comes on, and I ask Jacob what they are because I like to hear him say La La Loopsey.

Jacob: Wa Wa Woopsy. They for girls.
Me: Oh, ok! And what can they do with them?
Jacob: They can collect them all!

I guess he is learning things from TV. Just not exactly what I want him to learn...

To Market, to Market!

2011-12-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I got some of my sewing mojo back and got all 11 Market bags finished. It took a couple of hours, and I got my mom and SIL to help me a bit. I'm always nervous when picking out fabrics for other people, so I really hope that they are well received!

I even had to pick out fabric from some guys, which is not always an easy thing to do.

Luckily, I had the four in the above photo already made, so I got to save myself a little bit of time!

I love the Hedgehogs, don't you?

Heartbeats

2011-12-14T16:08:00.003-07:00

Jacob requested that I take his picture. He looks much too big and grown up. But at least he's wearing clothing. I'm not sure how he runs around naked when the house is about 59 degrees but he does. He's also taking his pants off at bedtime and sleeping in just a shirt. When he comes to my bad in the middle of the night, his little legs and bottom are ice cold and somehow he snuggles right into my back where my shirt is pulled up and my very warm skin is exposed. That might explain why I have a hard time sleeping at night, actually.

In non-Jacob related things, I had to bring Chris his disgusting can of chew to the hospital last night because he is a completely unable to remember to bring everything he might need for the day/night to work. At some point, I'm going to have to cut him loose and he'll have to suffer the consequences. However, last night when I stopped by the hospital, we asked one of his co-workers if we could use a Doppler to listen to the baby. She happily went and got one for us, and Chris got to find the heartbeat for the first time! It was very nice to have that little assurance since I'm no longer feeling like death to confirm that I am in fact still pregnant. The heartbeat was good and strong, somewhere in the 150-170 range.

And since that level falls under the lovely myth that I'm going to have a girl, it was a great night!

Appetite

2011-12-08T15:44:00.002-07:00

It seems that I have a returned appetite! Most of October and November, I had to force down food. It's a terrible catch-22, to need to eat and have no desire to cook or eat anything at all.

Also, my clothes are starting to feel a little tight. But I generally wear yoga pants and soft shirts, so the rare occasion when I put on jeans isn't that much of an issue. Thank goodness for LL Bean vests!

Last night I made dinner. Today, I started the crock pot before work.

But the biggest thing is that I finally feel like sewing again, just a little bit. Which is good because I have 15 market bags to finish this weekend. Help?

Cheer Baby

2011-11-30T16:47:00.003-07:00

Jacob has a "camp" cheer he learned from Scooby Doo: Camp Mystery of Something Spooky. etc...

Deep in the screws! (Points up)
Shore in the lake! (Points down)
It's Little Moose, Little Moose LIIITTLE MOOSE! (Holds both hands up and wiggles fingers)

Chris tells me it's "deep in the spruce" which I'm sure is true but I like the other way a lot more.

11 Weeks?

2011-11-29T15:38:00.002-07:00

I don't actually have a good excuse to why I don't post often, but I can at least blame the fatigue, lack of enthusiasm, and most definitely the nausea on the tiny parasite I'm currently hosting. Also, the puking. Much more than last time, since last time had NONE and this time has more than 3. Did you know a toothbrush can make you throw up? I wish I didn't know that.

So we are now somewhere along 11 weeks, although I haven't gone to a doctor to confirm that since our insurance deductible is crazy high and having a baby costs something like 20K, so I'll keep all my office visits to one year, thank you. Even though it means I'm missing out on the first ultrasound when the baby has a really big head and teeny tiny arms. Chris and I like that part the most, since we can go around saying "I have a big head and little arms" a la this.

None of it seems real, in that I'm going to have another baby just when the first one got really easy! I'm not sure what we were thinking, but I'm sure it will all turn out fine.

Jacob Says:

2011-11-23T16:11:00.002-07:00

(Screaming in agony) I dropped my car in the potty and I can't get it out!

And now color change Ramone is clogging our toilet.

Also, he had peed in the toilet before the car fell in so that was lovely to dip my hand in and fish around for the car. Luckily, rubber gloves just fall from Chris's pocket so I was a little protected.

Hoot

2011-11-15T16:39:00.002-07:00

Did you know that we got a bunny? Specifically, my mom got a bunny but I'm calling him "ours" most of the time. Although he hasn't peed on me yet, so I'm ok with him being hers for that special time.

His name is Hoot and he is a California bunny and will grow to be big and strong and hopefully a little snuggle bunny.

Jacob and Jayden think he's awesome, except when he starts biting their clothes and skin.

Hunter thinks he would really, really, REALLY like to chase him but no one will ever leave them alone together for obvious reasons. He's quite bummed about it and when Hoot hides behind the couch, Hunter presses his face as far down as he can but it's never enough.

We're going to get a little black bunny with questionable parentage shortly, just have to wait for him to be big enough to leave his mama. I think we're going to name him Holler. Nice and backwoodsy, right?

Trick or Tweaking

2011-11-02T12:49:00.003-06:00

Jacob picked out his costume back in September. My grandparents gave him some birthday money and I took him to Walmart to pick out whatever he wanted. He bypassed all the cars and cheap plastic crap and headed straight to the bright orange cap guns. He picked up the box and said "I wanna buy this" and then put it back down to pick out the black cowboy hat on the shelf above. Only then did he pick up his cap guns and stroll out of the toy aisle.

As we walked toward the checkout, I asked him if he wanted a bandana. Of course he did, but he wanted the pink one. I thought CS would frown on that, so I told him the orange would match his guns.

The vest and fringe shirt came from a friend and I am so happy it fit him. I added some fringe to his jeans with some fabric glue and the only thing we didn't have was a pair of real cowboy boots.

Don't worry, I'll remedy that soon.

Jacob Says:

2011-10-24T16:45:00.004-06:00

Jacobisms:

Mama, I want you to make me a treehouse!
Me: Ok, how?
Jacob: With wood, an glue and pancakes!

At the Sonic Drive-thru:
Me: Jacob, do you want a red, or blue or orange slushie?
Jacob: I want a watermelon sh-lu-shee.

Jacob: I'm a genius!

Yes, indeed, baby boy. You are.

Tea Time

2011-10-21T15:40:00.000-06:00

The other day, I found a set of plain white dish towels at Ross. I have a strong aversion to microterry towels as I hate the way the fabric catches on my dry skin. So I loved these because they are all cotton!

But I bought them for the fact that I could spruce them up! And now, they are so cute and I am afraid to actually USE them. Because they might get dirty! Or stained!

Hopefully, I can find a couple more sets at Ross to make even more dish towels I can't use!

Check, Please!

2011-10-20T15:37:00.002-06:00

I added a few more to my Etsy store today!

I could pop these out like crazy if I could just sit down and sew for a bit! I'm either too busy, too tired or just uninspired to make lately. I need to carve out some time to be creative and play with all my fabrics.

I might have to steal this one for myself, as I am in love with the Heirloom colorway in Amber. Someday, I'll show you the apron I made a month ago with the same fabric. SO CUTE!

Spring into Fall

2011-10-14T16:55:00.002-06:00

The little seedling flowers I planted earlier this year are in bloom at the moment. The marigolds have bloomed the most year year, with the pansies and petunias coming in second. The snapdragons never bloomed but at least they are a nice green!

Last weekend, my mom, Jacob and I all got pedicures. I choose the least appropriate color in the salon, but it's Muppet themed so that makes me happy. Fresh Frog of Belair. Kermit would approve.

I'm hoping the mums survive the winter, although I am hoping even more so that I have a new place to live next summer. The times, they are a'changing!

Quilty Love

2011-09-28T16:38:00.002-06:00

I've been a little busy quilting, it seems. Last December, my friend from college asked me to make her a tee-shirt quilt.

And so I took my dear, sweet time and finished it two weeks ago. After I had procrastinated for a couple of months, I had decided to give it to her for her birthday, in September. That way, she didn't have to pay me for it and I could relieve my guilt about not getting it done in a speedy manner.

Turns out, it may have been the easiest quilt I've ever done and I am mad at myself for being such a baby about it. I thought the jersey material of all the tee-shirts would make it impossible to quilt and it could not have been easier. As long as I didn't do a straight line across, there were no puckers, ripples, nada. EASY.

I made a couple of strip quilts as well. I know they are simple and easy but I love how I can just put them together in a day or two, as long as I have all the materials. I love the grey one below:

I can't seem to get away from the Tula Pink lines! I love them so.

Cousins

2011-09-27T16:33:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago, my brother and his family moved back to CO for a couple of months. The guys were doing some work on the trees at my mom's house and they took the kids for a little ride across the street in an old pick-up truck my Grandpa gave to my brother.

Jacob and Jayden really are the best of friends. It's so cute to see them play together. It gives me hope that Jacob will be like Jayden when he has a sibling!

Carter is slowly becoming more open to being around the family. He was really shy at first and now he will give kisses and talk to you, as long as one of his parents is in the room. He also likes to wrestle with Jacob, which produces much screaming, wail and woe in my baby boy.

Float Away

2011-09-10T11:40:00.003-06:00

Every year, on Labor Day weekend, Colorado Springs has a balloon classic. So we get up around 5 AM and head to Springs to be in Memorial Park by sunrise.

Then we get to watch dozens of hot air balloons as they are laid out and pumped full of air. It's so fun to stand in between them when they are still resting on the ground.

There are about three "waves" of balloon launching and they looks so tiny against the massive Colorado sky.

Jacob did not have as much fun as we hoped he would, due to the fact that he was expecting to be able to go for a ride. He was very disappointed that no one offered to take him up. Maybe next year? I'm just hoping he never notices the boucehouse and air slides off to the other side of the park or we will never get to breakfast and that's half the reason I get up so early!

Golden Birthday

2011-09-10T11:33:00.005-06:00

Last Saturday, Jacob turned THREE.

We held the party at our house and it was so nice that we finally have a nice backyard, complete with a patio (finished just after the party started) and a huge sandbox for the kids to play in.

Jacob loves his Grams, I'm sure you can tell.

I made him a dinosaur cake, as he requested. However, no one but the two of us could tell it was a dinosaur. Maybe because I put back spikes on a long neck?

I can't believe how fast three years has gone! Where did my baby go?

Humperdink!

2011-09-01T16:47:00.005-06:00

I got a little money for my birthday so I bought myself a new friend:

And if you think money can't buy you a friend, you would be wrong! Also, my exposure is waaaay off here.

Isn't he adorable?

I admit that I bought him because I want to make owls but I am terrible at taking things from my head and putting them on paper. Not that I plan to steal this idea and sell them, more for inspiration for gifts to Jayden. Because she's the only one who appreciates my stuffed animal presents.

28

2011-08-24T16:44:00.004-06:00

Yesterday, I turned 28.

I took the day off and it was lovely. I've been a bit worn out lately so I hope this was a good jump start to some new energy!

Monday, Jacob and I took off for the Springs to play with my (fake) sister in law. We got shellac manicures and I'm kind of in love with my pretty nails. Maybe this will keep me from sticking my fingers in my mouth all the time. It's a filthy habit, I know. But it keeps me from biting them, and I've never been able to stop! They look like Ruby Slippers and it will last for about 3 weeks!

Also, did you know that your cuticles are dead skin? I did not and I could not understand why they cut them off. Clearly, I do not pamper myself enough.

Then I went and bought rubber gloves to protect the nails from dish washing.

I also bought a ton of Tikki Masala sauce in cans to feed my habit. When I should be scouring the internet for a recipe to make my own. I always have cream and tomatoes on hand. This should be EASY!

Speaking of tomatoes...they are ripe at the moment and I am drowning in them. I need to make sauce to freeze before they start to go bad! And let's just not talk about the corn crop...

Next time, I will tell you about camping and how much fun that was!

Sandbox

2011-08-18T04:38:00.000-06:00

Chris brought home a couple of boards and a truckload of sand yesterday.

After burying Jacob's legs in sand as we spread it around, he commenced to playing. Sadly, we only have one bucket, one shovel and a confiscated sand mold of a rocket ship.

Luckily, it's that time of year when things like sand toys are on sale, so I look forward to getting as much as possible for as little as possible. The sandbox is in the perfect place for playing during the winter, as well. It's next to the house, so it's sheltered from the wind and it will get the most sun during the day.

It's also huge!

Jacob and Chris resting and enjoying the new grass. It's growing quite well. We've mowed it three times and we only have a few dead spots to obsess over. One is right in front of the sprinkler head and I cannot figure out WHY it is dead. Thoughts?

Ready For Me To Stop With The Hair Yet?

2011-08-17T16:33:00.006-06:00

I did remember to take some photos of my curls once I removed the headband!

It's a shame that I don't take it out until I'm ready for bed. So I prance around and admire my hair instead of sleeping. It's sick, really.

The only problem with my hair is that I have crazy messy hair on top, near my scalp, and lovely curls at the bottom. So I basically have crazy hair.

Like anyone is surprised by that.

Curls Part II

2011-08-11T16:42:00.001-06:00

As promised:

Maybe I should have smiled.

However, isn't my hair awesome? It's like the princess hair style I longed for when I was a little girl.

Also, it means that I can shower and put my hair up without washing it and that has never really been an option for me. If I do not shower, my hair never looks good. It is frizzy, flat, wonky, and just plain messy.

But now I can put it up! Especially now that it's getting long again, I've found myself lifting it off my back to cool down a bit. Since we keep having 100 degree days!

What about you, did you try it yet? :)

Let's Go Campin'

2011-08-10T16:30:00.003-06:00

Last week, Jacob and Chris went "Campin" which actually means fishing. Jacob was a little confused on what he actually wanted to do. I joined them after I got off work and luckily, they caught a fish.

Jacob is very excited to hold this fish. So, of course, this means that the fish managed to slip away when Chris took him off the hook and tried to put him in water for a second before handing it to Jacob.

This is the sad, sad face of a baby who did not get to hold the fish.

But don't you love his Coppertone tan? The kid is TAN! And I put sunscreen on him. I don't wear as much sunscreen as I should and he is more tan than I!

It's his sweet little Italian skin, I know it!

Curls Galore

2011-08-08T16:55:00.002-06:00

Friends, you must go here and watch this video on her page!

I did my hair like this for church yesterday and I have never had so many people comment on how great it looked!

I felt awesome because I rolled out of bed at 6:25 and left my mom's house at 6:45 to be to church on time at 7. I showered the night before and I only did my makeup and put my hair up and poured some cream into a travel mug to go with my church supplied coffee!

I only wish I had taken a photo to show you! Maybe tomorrow?

The best part is that when I took my hair out, it was lovely and curly so I could have gone out to dinner, instead of tucking Jacob into bed and sitting outside with the neighborhood ladies and clipping coupons before bed.

Jacob Says:

2011-08-03T14:37:00.004-06:00

Jacob has been saying some very funny things lately. And I've been doing my best to write them down.

That my bes fren, Mama. (This said in a tone meant to convey sternness when Chris was poking me)

Don't touch my butt. It stink like poop.

I a girl. (A big girl, it was later determined.)

What's on you mingers? Poop? (fingers)

People aren't sharing wif me! (People meaning Jayden)

Don't bite you nails!

Me: Jacob, don't do that. You could fall in the potty.
Jacob: No, I not fall inna potty...(falls butt first into the potty) WAHHHH....
Me: I told you!

Tomato, Tomato

2011-08-01T15:46:00.002-06:00

How do you say it?

This is the first picking of our GIANT tomato plants. We've been waiting for weeks for these to turn red and they could not be more delicious.

I accidentally mashed the one on the left when I picked it, so I had to eat it first. Combined with some fresh picked basil and swiss cheese (we were out of fresh mozzarella), it was the perfect summer salad.

Jacob did not agree.

Hard Lessons Jacob Has Learned

2011-07-28T18:23:00.002-06:00

Tonight while I was wiping up the steps into the kitchen and waiting for the macaroni to cook:

Jacob: I stir it.
Me: No, don't stir it, it could burn you.
Jacob: (stirs it anyways and burns his hand) OW, it burned me.
Commence much woe.
Me: Did you not believe me? Again?

Instant Grass

2011-07-27T15:06:00.002-06:00

As part of the garden effort, Chris's parents decided that we should sod the backyard. They own the house, so it was fine with me! Chris put in a sprinkler system a while ago and we found with weeds for a couple of weeks before finally laying the sod.

Chris started early on a Wednesday morning to get the grass in. I don't think the kids helped him much.

Now you can see the lovely corn! It took Chris all day, minus a break when everyone told him he was doing it wrong, to get it done. We finally finished when the sun went down, thanks to a lot of help from his dad. Getting the ground level was a nightmare.

So now we have to water, water and water some more before we can go play in it! I'm looking forward to having Jacob's party here in September. I want to string up lantern lights and plant tiki torches and just sit outside in my fake Adirondack chair.

Sadly the mosquitoes will just eat me to death and the dogs on the other side of the yard leave stinky little bombs all over so it's not a perfect dream.

How to Survive When We Break the World

2011-07-25T14:53:00.004-06:00

Chris and I are giving each other green thumbs this year. We're pretty sure we can survive when the world breaks down and we go back to having to plant and harvest all our food. The above statement contains no truth whatsoever but it does feel good to think we could survive. Never mind that we'd have to walk over a mile to the river for water! Above is the pea and carrot row. Most of my carrots never made it up or were eaten to nothing by an invisible bug so I had to plant peas in the empty space. The onions are on the left and doing so poorly, I have no idea what to do about them! To the right is the lettuce and it's an understatement to say it's doing well. Anyone need some lettuce?

This is the first picking of my cucumber plants. Two days later, I picked at least 4 more and last night Jacob and Chris picked over 10. I made pickles this weekend! Next year, we are planting 2 cucumber and 2 squash to avoid cucumber overload.

This is my tomato/pepper row along with all my potted herbs. We'll see if any of these produce, as I planted them too late and they are much smaller. The first tomato plants are almost taller than I am and they are about to tumble over, despite the baskets!

These photos were taken just before dark and I have an allergy to my flash so excuse the darkness!

You can just barely see the little tassel of silk, which means we are going to have corn by the bushel in a couple of weeks. Because Chris wouldn't let me thin the rows too much! He's really excited about the corn, guys.

Pink!

2011-07-14T16:23:00.003-06:00

I forgot to tell you about the baby girl quilt I got to make this month. It seems I've only made things for boys so I was completely thrilled when my friend asked me to make a baby quilt for a girl.

I think I was probably supposed to go a little more subtle on the girliness but I can't help myself. If you tell me I can use pink, there isn't much stopping me. My favorite print is the one that looks like pink peppermints.

Actually, I like them all! The back is a print of purple butterflies on a white background, but I needed to add a little length to it because I needed 1 1/3 of a yard instead of a 1/4. So I sewed the remaining stripes together, cut them down and sewed them together again to make a sweet little surprise on the back of the quilt.

My next project is a pink themed quilt for ME! Well, after I make something for my mom's birthday. Which is only a week away!

Zoo Zoo

2011-07-12T16:32:00.002-06:00

We made it to the zoo for our annual Uncle-Niece day. Going on 10 years now! We always go to the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, because it's awesome and only about 30 minutes from our house.

CS joined us this time and it's nice to have someone else to lug the 30 pound baby around. We took the stroller but Jacob thinks it's cooler to ride on his daddy's shoulders. Or my back, like a koala. Once I told him that God gave him legs, so he needs to use them. The next day or so, he came up to me and asked me to pull his leg off because he didn't want them. Because then I have to carry you up the steps for more juice? It doesn't work that way, kid.

Unfortunately, these are the ONLY photos I have from the day. A mere five minutes after we got to the zoo, my camera battery died. I can't believe I didn't think to charge it!

But if I only got a few photos, then I'm so pleased that I got them of my absolute favorite part of the zoo. Where else can you feed a herd of giraffes?

Side note: We had the MOST. AMAZING sandwich at the zoo. We usually scorn food at the cafeterias because it is usually high priced fried food. So we never actually went into the food court since they re-designed it. It's awesome. They have all sorts of stations: sandwich, salad, rice bowls, pizza, grilled foods, ice cream. The sandwiches are the size of platters. HUGE! They were amazing. My mom and I split a Turkey Club with Praline Bacon and I did not realize that you could actually make bacon BETTER. Chris got the Roast Beef but he said mine was better. Jacob got chicken strips. He declined to comment on the quality.

Shop Notes

2011-07-11T16:28:00.002-06:00

I whipped a few box pouches up a few weeks ago. I gave one to my mom for a cousin and it felt wrong to not have a few on hand!

Luckily, they are simple to make! Once I figured out how, that is. Since I don't have a serger, I added a little bias tape to clean up my exposed edges. Someday, I will have a serger though!

Like August? It's my birthday soon, after all!

Happy Monday! You can find the box pouches here!

Family Time

2011-07-07T15:53:00.002-06:00

The last two weeks, my brother and his family have been at my mom's house. They just left his job in Florida and are now on their way to Utah for the next one. It will be nice to have them closer, so they can visit on holidays without dropping a grand on a 4 day trip.

Jacob has been introduced into the world of Cousins: The Younger generation. It did not go so well. Carter doesn't have many friends, if any, his age. He's very laid back, but not quite sure how to play with kids his own size. He very much wanted to wrestle Jacob and that was not cool in Jacob's book. Jacob would also like Carter to not hug him all the time, touch any part of his body, or touch his food.

But then they would have five glorious moments of sharing and hugging and one bout of wrestling. Jacob actually took Carter down and I was beginning to think my husky boy was weaker than a 2 year old.

Spammy Spam

2011-07-07T15:51:00.001-06:00

Well.

I was going to be nice and turn the Word Verification notice off my comments so you didn't have to do that one extra step to leave one but not 10 minutes after I did that, I got a spam comment.

On the post about having to put the dog down.

Ya'll are sick and wrong!

Emma Lou

2011-07-06T16:45:00.002-06:00

It's terrible to pop in with bad news, but that's all I have to share today.

Our dog, Emma, is 12 now. A month ago, she started being picky about her food so my mom took her to the vet and found out that she has a lump on her heart. There wasn't much to be done, so we expected to only have a couple more months with her.

Unfortunately, in the last 10 days, she has pretty much stopped eating. She used to be a big girl but now she down to just her fur and bones. My mom decided that it would be better for her to take her in and let her go.

It sucks so bad.

Market Bags

2011-06-09T16:12:00.004-06:00

It's that time of year again! The Farmer's Markets are BACK!

I was unaware that the Market in Canon was open last weekend but I'm planning to make up for that this weekend! I have plans for a new hand woven rug from the local lady for my bathroom. Her husband sorts the strips of jersey for her to make into these thick, plush rugs. My mom got me a pink and purple one last summer for my birthday and I love it!

So since the market is back, I thought I should have some new bags on hand. Plus, I finally sold my stash from last year!

I think the one with the mixer, bowls and eggs is my favorite!

I also have a yard of the brown burlap left, I think it's time I visit my favorite fab-rick shop! :)

Of course, all my bags are listed here!

Preserving A Memory

2011-06-02T22:37:00.003-06:00

Tonight, Jacob pulled two spoons from the drawer and marched around the kitchen, singing "Marchin' marchin!"

It's little things like that I am afraid of forgetting. How can I remember all the funny, adorable, silly, and creative things he does? What will stand out the most when he's 4, 18, 35?