Countdown to Christmas is almost here!

Tomorrow is the first day of December!

If you're like us, you're gearing up for lots of holiday fun this month. Tomorrow's project is our Hershey's kiss Advent Calendar. Of course, the girls don't know it yet. They will find out tomorrow morning!

I've posted a couple of ideas for our Countdown to Christmas, and I thought I'd post one more tonight to get y'all started for the week.

Snowflakes

These will be a super-easy craft for the girls to do. I took white craft foam and cut out snowflakes. The girls will decorate them with glitter, rhinestones, sequins, etc. We will then punch a hole in the top, pull string through and hang them from the girls' bedroom ceiling. We always hang white lights in their room for Christmas, so these snowflakes should look darling just twinkling away. If you don't have any craft foam, you could always use white construction paper!

~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~ ♥ ~

Please think of joining in! We will be linking up our week's worth of projects, crafts, outings, etc. starting this Friday, December 4th {and again the 11th and 18th}. Snap some pics of your week and share with us! The more, the merrier. We could all use fun ideas to share with our little ones!

Friend Makin' Monday ~ What do *you* say?

It's Monday again! Can you believe it? I can't. I really can't. And it's making me a bit panicky because that means we're *this* much closer to Christmas. Yikes! But anyway. Today Amber has another survey for us. Yay. I like these. Quick and easy! Head on over to Amber's to participate. Here we go!

1. Favorite website It's a tie between my email tab and my blogger dashboard tab.

2. Favorite color: Black

3. Facebook? {Post a link or share your name if you want some new Facebook friends!} Nope. I know, I'm the only one!

4. Favorite Christmas song? Little Drummer Boy

5. Christmas tree: Real or fake? Real.

6. Hottest celebrity? I love Vince Vaughan.

7. Favorite restaurant? The Cheesecake Factory

8. Favorite magazine? Taste of Home. Catalog ~ Pottery Barn Kids

9. Favorite thing to drink around the holidays? My dad makes really yummy Smith & Kearns {sp?}

10. Favorite Christmas movie Too many to list! But I'll try. Polar Express, White Christmas, {though this isn't a Christmas movie, per se, it's a tradition to watch it while wrapping presents} The Sound of Music, ABC Family movies {Snowglobe, Holiday in Handcuffs, etc.}, ALL the animated ones {Charlie Brown, Garfield, Rudolph, Frosty}. I love them ALL!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

I'm hoping to be back later today with another idea for Countdown to Christmas. Stay tuned!

♥ 10 Months! ♥

Time is passing me right by! Here it is, November 27th . . . Kam is 10 months old. I almost missed it. By the time I finish this, it won't be the 27th anymore. I have one more baby to tuck in for the night. I need to get coffee set for Jeremy for in the morning, switch a load of laundry over, and there are numerous other things to check off my to-do list before turning in. And I can barely keep my eyes open. Nope, this 10 month post won't be completed tonight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kameryn Faith, you are ten months old! You are such a big girl! Nearly 22 pounds!

You have FOUR teeth. Two top, two bottom.

You're finally crawling! While you've been working on it for a few weeks, you couldn't quite get your foot out from under you until a few days ago. Now you've got it down pat. And you get so excited about going after whatever it is that you're after, that you scream {a happy scream} the entire time you're crawling. It's pretty cute.

Of course, this means that you're now into everything. The other night while I was making dinner, someone found the pretzels, and decided to have one {or the whole bag, whatever}.

You HATE to be in the carseat at night. You don't really love the carseat at all, but forget trying to travel anywhere after dark. It's a no go.

You love to eat. You're not picky, whatever's on mama's plate will do. Among your favorites: Avocado, banana, apple, yogurt, cheerios, and mashed potatoes. You recently had a taste of ice cream, and you thought that was pretty good too ;)

You ♥ LOVE ♥ baby dolls. You screech when you see one, grab it and hold on tight. It is the cutest.thing.ever. Perhaps Santa will bring you your own baby doll for Christmas . . .

You've learned how to give kisses. You ever-so-gently lean in with eyes closed and plant one smack dab on the mouth. Adorable!

You are growing and learning something new every day. Each day is so much more special with you in it, Kam! What a precious blessing you are. I love you so much!!!

Flashback Friday, Pregnancy Journal, Week 26

Hey all! Hope everyone had a fantastic Thanksgiving!

Ours was wonderful. Food, family, fun. What more could you ask for?! I opted not to brave the crowds today, but would love to hear your stories if you did. What kind of great sales did I miss out on?

Alrighty, time for Flashback Friday Pregnancy Journals!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

{originally submitted December 3, 2008}

Week 26 ~ Surprises around every corner!

I think it is safe to assume that from now until the first of the year we are going to be busy, busy, busy! We always have so much going on through the holiday season, it is both exciting and a little exhausting. We’ve had our last dance class for the season, and are preparing for the recital rehearsal this afternoon. Tomorrow evening is . . . (drum roll, please) Makenna’s first dance recital ever! Needless to say, this is one big week.

Friday morning I had my follow-up ultrasound to check on the low-lying placenta issue. First, a little background information: the clinic I go to has 5 doctors, and 6 midwives. They encourage patients to see a new midwife/doctor for each visit so that the patient "gets to know" each one before delivery. In theory, I understand the policy, as you don’t know who will be on call when you happen to go into labor. But honestly, it doesn’t matter to me who delivers my baby ~ a nurse, a doctor, a midwife ~ as long as someone is there, I’m fine! Meeting a new provider at each appointment can be slightly frustrating, however, as it seems it takes awhile to get “up to speed” each time. Anyway, I digress. My ultrasound was scheduled for 8:30 and my appointment was at 9:00. I do enjoy the ultrasound technician, but she is so quiet, I’m in suspense the whole time. I just lay there wondering if everything looked alright. She assured me that the midwife would go over the results with me. So, off to my appointment I went to meet another midwife. I could tell I was going to like her right away, though I was caught a little off guard when the first words out of her mouth were “So, have you had problems with premature labor in your prior pregnancies?" Whoa, I wasn’t prepared for that, though my ever-increasing contractions over the last couple of weeks may now be explained. Come to find out, when the technician was checking my placenta (which is just fine now, by the way), she found that my cervix was beginning to shorten already, which is a sign that my body may be trying to go into labor way too early. After clearing up a little bit of confusion (she was under the impression that I was only 19 weeks vs. 26), she checked with another doctor and I will be going back in for another ultrasound on December 12 to check my cervix once again. At that point I will find out if complete bed rest is in my future. I also get to look forward to the oh-so-enjoyable glucose tolerance test. My yummy syrupy drink is just waiting for me in the fridge!

We had a lovely Thanksgiving with Jeremy’s family. The food was delicious and we had a wonderful time visiting. After my doctor’s appointment on Friday morning, we packed and took a drive north with Geri to her mother’s (Nana’s) gift shop. We spent most of Friday night decorating the Christmas tree and adding a little Christmas sparkle here and there. We all had so much fun. It was a short trip, but so enjoyable.

Jeremy and I were able to get most of our Christmas shopping finished this week. Sierra and Makenna got to spend the day with Nana and Grandpa while we hit the stores. We just have a few more gifts to pick up for Jeremy’s dad and my dad, and then we’re done. It is quite a relief to have so much of it done, as now I can get started on all the wrapping!

I hope this week finds you all enjoying the holidays and all of the wonderful memories this season brings!

Blessings,
Liz

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have more to be thankful for this year than ever before.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Crafty Idea #2 . . . Holiday Hair Clips

Looking for more ideas for your own Countdown to Christmas? Look no further! :)

December 1st will be spent crafting our advent calendars {click here for tutorial}, but here is another craft on my list to be done earlier in the month rather than later.

Holiday Hair Clippies!

{Don't have a little girl to share these with? No problem! I happen to think they look lovely in mama's 'do too!}

You'll need:

I use fabri-tac, but there are lots of great adhesives out there. Alligator clips {you can find these at the craft store. I bought mine on Etsy.} Ribbon {3/8" works nicely}, and embellishments.

First I measure the ribbon to cover the clip. {You can do this by placing ribbon right-side-down and clasping alligator clip on top, then wrap ribbon around the clip to cover it entirely, and measure. I find that I use about 6 inches, give or take}. Then I lay the ribbon flat, right side down and apply a thin line of fabric-tac from end to end of the wrong side of the ribbon. You'll want to apply enough adhesive that it will hold, but not so much that you've got glue oozing out the sides. You'll find the balance ;) Once glue is applied to the ribbon, take the clip again and clamp it down on one end of ribbon, glue side up. Wait a few seconds to let it adhere, then continue to wrap the ribbon around the rest of the clip, pressing down occasionally. Hold for a minute or two to let it set. Fabri-tac happens to set quite quickly. Once your clip is covered in ribbon, you can glue on some fancy-shmancy embellishments.

If you'd rather sew than glue {like me!}, you can cover a snap clip in felt and sew on your embellishments. Not as much mess, but a bit more time-consuming. First, I cut the felt to the shape of the clip, leaving a little more than 1/4" all around. You'll need two pieces ~ a top piece and a bottom piece. Next I poke a little slit in the bottom piece and slide the bottom part of the open snap clip through. Then I snap the clip closed on top of the bottom piece of felt. Lay the top piece of felt on top of the clip and get your needle ready to sew the top and bottom together. I like the look of a blanket stitch, so that is typically what I use. Stitch around the clip, finish it off, and voila! {hint: If you're adding an embellishment, it is easiest to do that before joining the top and bottom pieces}. I recently taught Sierra {7 years old} the blanket stitch, and she does a pretty good job with it, and enjoys making the snap clips. Makenna is a bit young for sewing, so we'll be using glue and alligator clips ;)

Stay tuned for more ideas for your own Countdown to Christmas!

Wordless Wednesday ~ Day Out With Mama

Countdown to Christmas Ideas

We are very much looking forward to Thanksgiving in TWO days {can you believe it?!}. This, of course, means that December is right around the corner. If you've been following along, you know that my plan this year is to have some sort of craft, activity, project, or outing scheduled every day in December leading up to Christmas. Our Countdown to Christmas. This may be something as simple as reading a Christmas story while sippin' on some hot cocoa, or baking Christmas cookies. One day will be devoted to picking out our tree and putting up decorations.

To start we made our Advent Calendar.

I plan to put a slip of paper revealing our activity for the day in each pocket.

This was super easy to make, if you're interested in one for yourself. I used flannel and fleece with felt as pockets, but if you used felt for the entire project, you could get away without any sewing! I was going to applique the numbers, but ran out of time . . . Tulip paint to the rescue!

------------------------------------

Our activity for December 1st will be making another advent calendar. My mother-in-law gave me the idea, last year, as a project for our Sunday school class. It was a hit! Want to make your own?

You'll need:

Saran Wrap {I use colored}

Yarn or string

Hershey's Kisses or some other small treat {24 of them}

24 small squares of paper, numbered 1-24, and hole punched

You may want:

A decorative topper

{We used craft foam last year. Cut out Christmas trees, "decorated" them with sequins and printed each child's name. Then attached a string to hang them.}

What to do:

Take the saran wrap. You'll need a long piece {The length is dependent on how much space you'll leave between each treat. 5 feet should be about right}. Place hershey's kisses in one long line down the center of the saran wrap, leaving an inch or so between each one. Carefully roll up the wrap, then tie pieces of yarn {with numbered square attached} between each treat. Each day, your child {or you!} can untie a string and enjoy some chocolatey goodness, while you count down to Christmas!

More ideas to come!!!

Friend Makin' Monday ~ Thanksgiving

Welcome Back to another Friend Makin' Monday!!!

This week, Amber asks us about Thanksgiving.

1. Turkey or Ham? Turkey! I am not a big fan of Ham.

2. Favorite side dish. Probably dressing, maybe mashed potatoes. Who can pick just one?

3. Favorite dessert. Mmmmm, Apple Pie.

4. Black Friday: Are you going or not? Not. I still haven't left Kameryn, and I don't think either of us would survive being away from each other for any length of time. And forget trying to take her with me, I don't think much would get done. Pre-children, I used to go. And it was fun. But I never took it too seriously.

5. If so, what's on the top of your list? If I were going, the stores I'd most likely hit would be Target, Wal-mart, and Fred Meyer. Honestly, I have most of my shopping done. Jeremy wants some hunting equipment {which has to be ordered}, the girls are mostly asking for American Girl {also has to be ordered}, and I want a new camera {but that's never going to happen ~ I have expensive taste ;)}. We may be looking for a new laptop, however . . .

6. Going out of town or staying close to home? We are going to my mom and dad's this year, but we'll be close to home. They live right across the driveway ;)

7. Hosting or helping? Helping this year, hosting next year. Guess I'd better take some notes!

8. Name one family tradition at Thanksgiving. We usually spend Thanksgiving with Jeremy's family, and for the last several years we've left that evening to spend the weekend at my Nana-in-laws gift shop. We get there Thursday night and spend the evening decorating for Christmas. The girls love it! We'll miss that tradition this year as we are spending Thanksgiving with my family for the first time in 5 years.

9. What do you do after dinner? Visit and eat dessert! This year my family is starting a new tradition. We've got a big Bingo game planned following dinner. We went shopping for prizes a couple of weeks ago, and are ready!

10. What are you most thankful for this year? Wow. I have so much to be thankful for. And it's a shame that it sometimes takes a holiday to remind us of just how many blessings we have. I am so thankful that God is present in my life. He has blessed me with the most wonderful family EVER. A hard-working husband who loves us, and provides us with all we could ever need {or want}. And three precious, precious, little girls. I cannot imagine my life without them. We are also blessed to live right across the driveway from my parents, and a couple miles down the road from Jeremy's parents. So much family close by!

What are *YOU* thankful for this year?

Stop on by Amber's for more Friend Makin' Monday fun!

Accentuate the Positives

We've been keeping busy! Less computer time leaves more time for . . . life!

{Imagine that!}

A little re-cap of our last few days.

Wednesday night ~ The girls and I went to my Mother-in-law's to make tags for our local Aid Network. Sierra and Makenna chose two tags, two children in need, to buy gifts for this year. Makenna chose a 3 year old girl, and Sierra, an 8 year old girl. We can't wait to choose special gifts for these special children.

Thursday ~ was our last day of swim! I think we are ALL looking forward to the break. Kam was getting a little antsy sitting pool-side for an hour twice a week.

Friday ~ an all day shopping trip! We ran around {a bit like crazy people}, but did manage to check a few names off our gift list.

Saturday ~ Geri {MIL} had her niece for the weekend and wanted to take all us girls to the movies. We went to see Planet 51. Kam and I lasted about 5 1/2 minutes. The remaining hour and 35 minutes was spent wandering around the lobby. I think the girls had fun. We don't make it to the theater very often, so it was quite a treat. Thanks Geri!

Flashback Friday, Pregnancy Journal ~ Week 25

It's Friday! Let's Flashback, shall we?

Laptop update: {Because I know you are all as concerned as I am}

I figured that it needed a bit of "clean-up", but I was not prepared to hear these words:

I think your hard drive is going.

Waaahhhhhhhhh!

**************************************

{Originally submitted November 26, 2008}

Week 25 ~ So Much to be Thankful For

As I sit here typing this week’s journal, I find myself in much the same state as I was two weeks ago. Another week has flashed by, and I’m left feeling exhausted. But in spite of all the errands, the preparations for Thanksgiving, crafts and projects for home school and Sunday school, and packing for a mini-trip this weekend, I can’t help but take a few moments to really reflect on all that I have to be thankful for this year. Besides having the most wonderful family a mother could ask for, I actually get to enjoy my husband and children all day long, every day of the year. (Of course Jeremy does work, but my point is that I am here every day to enjoy my family). While I am always thankful to be a stay at home mom and wife, I admit, I sometimes take it for granted. But every once in awhile I get a little reminder of how lucky I am . . .

On a trip home from town last week, Sierra, Makenna, and I were chatting about all the traffic on the road. Typically when we plan to run errands we try to make it a morning trip so that we can be home by early afternoon. On this particular occasion we had gotten a late start, so we were driving home about the time that many people were leaving work. After I had explained to the girls that there was a lot of traffic because many people were on their way home from work, Sierra got quiet for a moment. Then she said "Mama, if you had to work you would be coming home right now and we wouldn’t get to see you all day. I’m so glad we get to be together all the time." Talk about a reminder to count my blessings!

I am so thankful that I have a husband who not only understands how important it is to me to be at home with my children, but who also works extra hard in order to make that happen. I am thankful that we are all healthy, and that in these hard economic times, we have all we need, and want for nothing. And, of course, I am so thankful for this new little blessing who will join our family in just a few short months. We are truly blessed this year.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Thanksgiving at Jeremy’s parent’s house. It will be a nice gathering, and I’m looking forward to it. On Friday morning I go in for my follow-up ultrasound to check on my low-lying placenta, and then we are headed up north with my mother-in-law to help decorate her mother’s gift shop. It will be a short trip, and we’ll be home on Saturday afternoon ~ just in time to prepare for Sunday school the following day. Next week will be a busy one with the girls’ last dance class until spring, dress rehearsal, and Christmas recital. Hopefully I’ll have some adorable pictures to post!

Many wishes for a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Blessings,
Liz

Baby, Come Back

I'm on day two without my laptop {sniffle, sniffle}.

The good thing {I'm trying to stay positive, here} is that it has freed up a little time ;)

The bad thing is . . . I miss it! I have pictures that I need to get to, and posts that need written. And sitting here at the desktop is not only inconvenient, but next to impossible with little Kameryn.

So, my Advent Calendar post will have to wait. And I'm already feeling out of the loop in blogland. Don't anyone do anything too exciting while I'm gone k?

Wordless Wednesday ~ Flashin' Back

This is one of my favorite pictures of the girls.

Taken nearly 2 1/2 years ago. My how they grow.

Gettin' a late start today due to laptop issues {cry}.

Hopefully the desktop will get me through.

Countdown to Christmas Update

Did ya notice the new button for Countdown to Christmas? Did ya? Huh? Huh? Did ya? It is pathetic how excited I was that I made it all on my own. Pathetic. Ask Connie, she'll tell ya.

I'm getting organized, planning out my December calendar, and taking stock of what I have on hand. Can you believe December is two weeks away??? Where does the time go?

♥ Thinking of joining in? ♥

We'll link up on Fridays starting December 4th. {Again on December 11th, and finally on the 18th}

But feel free to post about your fun creations, projects, outings, recipes every day if you like. On Fridays we can do our weekly recap. With pics {?}

Grab my button for your blog. I worked REALLY hard on it {just kiddin'!}

Most of my projects will be centered around my children, but if you do not have children {or they are too young to participate}, please consider linking up some of your favorite crafts, holiday traditions, recipes, anyway. We all could use some inspiration!

Want to participate, but need some ideas to get started? I'll be posting some of our project plans soon, so stay tuned!

Friend Makin' Monday ~ Cook Me Up Some of That!

Welcome back to another Friend Makin' Monday!

This week Amber asks us about our favorite recipes.

We spend more time in the kitchen {especially baking} this time of year than any other time.

I'd rather bake than cook, but that's not all that practical :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chicken and Rice Dinner ~ super easy and quick!

Chicken breasts {4-6 or more depending on the size of your family and appetite!}

Rice {I make up 4-6 cups for our family}

Broccoli {2 cups chopped}

2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup

1 cup Mayonnaise

1 tsp. lemon juice

sprinkling of oregano and lemon pepper

Grated Cheese

Slivered Almonds

Cook and shred chicken. Cook rice. Mix soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings together. Spread broccoli in the bottom of a 13 x 9 pan, add rice to the top. Top the rice with chicken. Spread soup and mayonnaise mixture on top of the chicken. Sprinkle with grated cheese {if you like!}, and add slivered almonds to the top.

Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted and casserole is heated through. {20 minutes}

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I love it because it's so easy to make up ahead of time and then just pop in the oven when you're ready for dinner!

Can't wait to check out more great recipes!

Happy Monday!

Winter Duds

We've been busy craftin' here at the Fraijo house.

Making Gift Tags, yarning {that's Kenners word for crochet ;) }, and our latest project:

Sprucin' up our clothes in preparation for a new season:

I LOVE my Professional Touch Swarovski Rhinestone Applicator!

It makes embellishing super-easy!

I love Sissy's color choices. Such pretty blues.

Who doesn't love a little sparkle?

{I love a LOT of sparkle!}

I think this little penguin is going to be so cute on Kam.

Of course, you don't need an applicator to embellish. Oh no.

If you have an iron at home, you, too, can add a little sparkle!

I use Artbeads.com for beads, rhinestones, findings, and much more.

They have an extensive assortment of Hotfix Rhinestones, and always have great prices.

Happy crafting!

My New Best Friend . . .

Let me introduce you to my new best friend:

Yesterday the girls and I were doing a little house cleaning, and I remembered that I had picked up a box of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers during my last grocery shopping trip.

I have wanted to try these out for a long time.

I tore open the box, wet the eraser, and got to work.

On the fridge. On the counter. On the stove.

It's MAGIC, I tell you!

Marks that I've scrubbed on and scrubbed on with sponges, dish cloths, cleaners,

to no avail, suddenly disappeared!

Don't believe me?

Photographic Evidence:

My rocker.

Someone got ahold of this with a permanent marker ages ago.

I have used everything I could think of to scrub it away.

No such luck.

Enter: Magic Eraser.

Ta-Da!

Countdown to Christmas, Kids' Creations

As the girls get a little older and are more capable {and willing!} to help out with crafts and projects, each holiday becomes more fun and exciting because more of us are involved.

This year, the holidays are bound to be more exciting than ever before. We've added another little blessing to our family, and Sierra and Makenna are both old enough to truly understand the spirit of the season.

So, I started thinking. I want to do something special each day leading up to Christmas, starting December 1st. Whether it be a craft, a project, a special outing, baking cookies and other treats, or a simple coloring page. It doesn't have to be BIG, just a little something extra.

I have a few ideas already.

Each year we choose a new holiday outing. Last year it was the Pittock Mansion, the year before we went to The Nutcracker, and the year before that it was a train ride on the Polar Express. This year we're taking it down a notch. I think our plan is to pick up my mom and my mom-in-law to go see the new Disney princess movie. We'll probably dress up the girls, and maybe have brunch. So that takes care of one day ;)

I have several crafts lined up as well. Ornament making, fridge magnets, the usual. And I know we'll be doing plenty of baking. Plus this super amazing project that the gorgeous Jen from Tatertots and Jello posted about. Of course, that will need to be completed before December 1st. Anyway.

Here's where you all come in ;)

Do you have any fabulous {kid-friendly} ideas? Any great crafts up your sleeve this holiday season? And if so, is anyone interested in linking up each week to show off the fabulousness {is too a word} of said creations? Let me know whatchyer thinkin'!

Flashback Friday, Pregnancy Journal . . . It's Baaaack!

Last week was a little chaotic {and germy, and sad},

so I skipped out on the Pregnancy Journal.

But, this week it's back!

The journal that I kept a year ago while pregnant with Kameryn Faith.

Here we go!

{Oh, and check back later. I'm having some ideas that I need to bounce around ;)}

{Originally submitted to Storknet on November 19, 2008}

Week 24 ~ Time, where have you gone?

Can it be that we are headed toward the end of November already? I know I’ve said this before, but I really don’t know where the time goes. It seems we were just waving good-bye to Summer, and here we are (a blink of an eye later, it seems) a week away from Thanksgiving! I do love this time of year, but it goes by much too fast for me.

I think we finally have our plans set for Thanksgiving. Jeremy has to work, so it was up to me and the girls to plan our turkey day. We typically spend the holiday with Jeremy’s family. The last time we celebrated Thanksgiving with my side of the family was 4 years ago when I was pregnant with Makenna. Maybe I’m just being silly, but I believe that the holidays should be celebrated at the Grandparent’s house. My brother and sister-in-law enjoy hosting the dinner, and I can appreciate that, but they live over an hour’s drive away. Thanksgiving at my brother’s just doesn’t feel as festive as a holiday gathering at my parent’s house. Needless to say, we are going to celebrate with Jeremy’s family again this year. I am looking forward to it. It should be nice and laid back.

It is obvious that the holiday season has officially begun in this house. While both Sierra and Makenna have been practicing for their Christmas dance recital since the end of September, we have also recently started rehearsing for the church Christmas program. This means that in our house, Christmas music is playing almost non-stop. It is so much fun to watch them, though. It amazes me how much Makenna, especially, has grown these past few months. She has really become her own person with her own activities and interests. We have incorporated the holidays into our homeschooling, as well. This week and part of next have been devoted to learning about the first Thanksgiving. I am impressed with how attentive Sierra has been. She truly enjoys hearing the stories, and even had tears in her eyes when we were discussing the Pilgrim’s voyage and the difficult times they faced. She’s definitely my emotional one. She reminds me a lot of myself at her age ~ definitely a crier, like her mama!

My next doctor appointment is on the Friday after Thanksgiving. At that time I will have another ultrasound to check on the placenta. I’m neither anxious nor worried about it, though, as I have this feeling that everything is fine. She has been so active, I get kicks and jabs day and night! I’ve been feeling pretty good ~ tired, but good. And I even started exercising again this week. I honestly haven’t felt up to it until recently, but I know how important it is. I’m pretty active, anyway, chasing after the girls most of the day, but my goal is to get at least 20-30 minutes of official exercise time in each day. When I was pregnant with Makenna, I was put on bed rest for the majority of the pregnancy. I’m not sure if it was merely coincidence, but my labor with her seemed harder. I don’t think my body was up to it after so much “rest”. I’ve enjoyed exercise my entire life, and have never been one to struggle with weight issues. But as I got older, and became involved in pageants and such, exercise became more of a chore or an activity I did solely to attain a certain goal. I am now able to look forward to exercising during this pregnancy solely for healthful reasons, and to hopefully make this labor a little easier. We shall see.

Until next week . . .
Blessings,
Liz

Wordless Wednesday ~ Splish Splash!

For more WW fun, head on over to 5 minutes for Mom and Two of a Kind

Happy Thoughts

Last week was . . . not so good.

This week will be better. It's looking up already.

I see sunshine out my windows, hear fewer coughs from my girls,

and life seems to be getting back to normal.

The other day, when we weren't feeling great enough to go out,

but we needed something to do, we made Christmas gift tags.

The girls had a lot of fun.

Sierra was pretty serious about it :)

Even Kam helped. She was in charge of the hole punch.

A few of Sierra's creations

Kenners carefully cutting

We are already so excited for Christmas around here!

What are you doing to prepare?