Friday, October 30, 2009

Happy Halloween!

I'm sure there will be more to follow.
But here are a few of my favorite shots from last night's Halloween Carnival.

Sis was so excited to get her face painted.


Kenners loved being a butterfly.

Waiting for the announcement of the costume contest.

They look like they are draggin', don't they?

A full day of homeschool, then swim lessons,

a quick bite at Nana and Gramps house,

shimmy into the costumes,

and finally we made it to the carnival.

They were a bit worn out by that point.



HA! This one cracks me up! Doesn't it just look like she's sayin'
"Get this darn head thingy off me, Mom!"

Happy Halloween, y'all!

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Flashback Friday, Pregnancy Journal ~ Week 23

Welcome back to another installment of Flashback Friday, Pregnancy Journal! If you're new here, this is a journal I kept during my pregnancy with Kameryn. I am so glad that I have all these memories written down. I regularly read the journals to my older girls and we reminisce. It's such fun!

{originally submitted November 12, 2008}


Week 23 ~ Another long week

As I write this I am fighting like crazy to keep my eyes open. It has been another long week around here, but this time it’s been a good busy. The girls are finally over the flu/cold business, and feeling more like themselves, and we have been spending the week with my sister and her children. What fun we’ve been having ~ family dinners, shopping, catching up, and letting the kids play (though her youngest is only 2 ½ months old). Sierra and Makenna have definitely been enjoying playing with their cousins, and what great practice to be around a newborn. I am so impressed with how helpful they are with baby Sonoma. They constantly want to hold her and help take care of her. It is so sweet. And today while we were out shopping, Sierra said that she wished our baby were here already. My girls are going to be such wonderful big sisters, I can’t wait either!

Oh how I wish my sister and I lived closer and got to spend more time together. Growing up I always assumed we would live next door to each other and raise our kids together. Sadly, she and her family live 300 miles away ~ a do-able drive, but it’s not close enough for me! This past week, getting to spend time with them, has been so nice, but it‘s a tough reminder that we don‘t get to see each other all the time.

The candle party, last week, was a success. At the last minute several people couldn’t make it, so I was nervous that the consultant was going to be disappointed, but I had a few “extras” show up, so it turned out fine. It was a nice gathering of people, actually, and now that the weather has officially turned (we’ve had winds and rain for days straight), I can’t wait to receive my candles. I even picked out a Chistmas gift for Jeremy’s nana.

Speaking of holiday shopping, I have finally started ours. We have so many family members to buy for, it can take awhile, but it is nice to have at least started it. My goal is to be finished by the first week in December. A couple of years ago I made the mistake of going out and doing a bit of last minute shopping a few days before Christmas, and it was no fun at all.

Well, it is definitely past my bedtime! Until next week . . .

Blessings,
Liz

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Wordless Wednesday ~ Game Night











For more Wordless Wednesday Fun, go see 5 Minute for Mom


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Bad Blogger

A quick shout-out to my girl, Jenny!

Thanks so much for this Dragon Loyalty Award ;)

I'm sorry I'm so lame about posting awards.

I'm a bad blogger :(



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♥ Nine Months ♥

Kameryn Faith, you are NINE MONTHS OLD!
You have now been home with us for as long as I carried you inside me.
Longer, actually, since you made your arrival 5 1/2 weeks earlier than was expected.
To say that you bring me joy every minute of the day would be an understatement.
You are 20.5 pounds. One big {little} girl!

You are a busy little bee these days!

Everything goes in the mouth, so we have to be careful what we leave within your reach.

Though you don't crawl, you somehow find a way to get to what you want {which is usually something you are not supposed to have}, via rolling, scooting, reeeaaaching, etc.

Did I mention that you're the cutest little pumpkin ever?

Your smiles light up the room, and you get such a kick out of your sisters.

They're quite the clowns, aren't they?


I love having you by my side.

Which is good, because you refuse to be anywhere else.

You are pretty content to hang out on my hip all day, just taking the world in.

Typically you only have one nap these days. Some days, no naps, but we aren't going to talk about that. You almost always wake up in such a good mood.

You have 3 1/2 teeth! Your bottom teeth are completely in, and pretty adorable. You have just cut one of your top teeth, and the other is SO ready to come through. This teething business has been the source of a lot of discomfort the last couple of months. And you are up more, now, in the middle of the night, than you were as a newborn. Usually every hour. Poor thing. Just cut through, already, teeth!

I just know these next few months are going to fly by. I am enjoying every moment of all these firsts, and the many to come. Your first Halloween is right around the corner. Followed by your first Thanksgiving {mmm, first Turkey!}. And Christmas is going to be so extra special this year, I can hardly wait!

We love you so much, baby girl. Happy Nine months!!!

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Monday, October 26, 2009

Friend Makin' Mondays ~ Movie Style

It's Friend Makin' Monday again!

Someone please make time slow down, full weeks are completely getting away from me!

And Amber and Kenz have asked this question:

If life were a movie, which movie would you want to live in?

I would have to say The Notebook.

I love this movie. Probably my all time favorite, if I really had to pick.

I love the era, the clothes, the romance, the passion. Ahhhhhhh.

How about you? Which movie would you choose?

Happy FMM, y'all!

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Friday, October 23, 2009

Flashback Friday, Pregnancy Journal Week 22

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement regarding my long-winded Etsy / small business rant yesterday! You gals are the greatest!


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


Here we are, another Friday! Another pregnancy journal ;)


{originally submitted to Storknet November 5, 2008}



Week 22 ~ Busy, Busy, Busy

It has been one of those weeks that never seems to end, around here. Sierra and Makenna continued to fight the cold/flu, and Jeremy didn’t manage to escape the germs this time. While the girls are feeling much better now, they are still not quite themselves which means a lot of grumping and fighting with each other, and that can make any week seem long.

Jeremy and I managed to get out to hunt this week. This was only my second year of hunting, and honestly I wasn’t sure how I felt about it in the beginning. I love that he is so passionate about it, but didn’t know if I could share in that. Last year, my first year of hunting experience, was pleasantly surprising. I found that I really enjoyed the time we got to spend together, and I wound up getting my first deer ever. But the uneasiness returned this year, being that I am five months pregnant. I just wasn’t sure I wanted to go along this season. But that all changed this week. He had asked me to go with him, so I thought “what’s the harm?” As we were walking, I remembered why I enjoyed that time together. The scenery is gorgeous (especially this time of year), and I don’t often take the time to just sit and watch nature. It is wonderful to slow the pace and appreciate your surroundings, and let‘s face it, we don‘t get a lot of time alone together. In the end, we got to do more than just appreciate the scenery, and wound up with a very exciting evening, as I got my second deer!

Of course our week also included lots of Halloween fun! Though it was a bit more quiet than in years past, we all had a great time. We visited a few houses and businesses around our little community, then called it a night early. Later on, while Jeremy went to watch his brother’s last home football game, the girls and I snuggled in bed and watched Halloween specials. And may I just say that Sierra and Makenna made the cutest little kitties ever!



This week also included a monthly trip to the doctor. I saw a different midwife this time (the women’s clinic I go to encourages visits with all the midwives and doctors so that a patient gets to know each one before delivery). I loved her! We just clicked, and she really took a lot of time to answer my questions ~ I appreciate that. We discussed the “low lying placenta” issue, and she told me though I shouldn’t worry, I do need to be careful and aware of some warning signs, and I would need to alter some “activities”. Honesty I was a little surprised because when I got the original call regarding the issue, I had specifically asked the other midwife if there was anything I needed to do differently, and she had said no. Luckily I only have a few weeks to wait it out, as I will have another ultrasound to check on the placenta at my next appointment, at the end of the month. I should know more then (plus, how exciting to get another peek at my little sugarplum!).

I’m having a candle party tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to it, but having people over means I really need to get some things cleaned up and organized around here. At 6 and 3 I think the girls are old enough to start being responsible for the clean up of their toys and games, but it is definitely a work in progress. I feel like I follow behind all day long picking up after them. It will be fun to make some treats for the party (I know the girls will enjoy helping with that!), and I always love a get together.


Wishing you all a wonderful week!
Blessings,
Liz


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Thursday, October 22, 2009

Etsy Shops, Small Businesses, CPSIA, HELP, and other Ramblings . . .

I LOVE Etsy. Let me just get that out of the way right now.

Once upon a time, I had my very own Etsy shop, and I loved it.

I loved sewing, I loved taking pictures of the items, I loved listing, and I really loved selling.

But, last February the CPSIA laws came into effect {and then were put on hold until August}, and being that I mostly made items for babies and children, these laws affected me. And I'll be honest, I was confused! So, I closed up shop. I miss it, and would love to re-open, but it all seems so overwhelming to me. Luckily, most of the items I made are exempt from lead and pthalate testing. But I am still required to label. Labels for all children's items by regulation of the CPSIA, AND labels for the FTC, on any and all items. And my embellished and appliqued onesies, some of my favorites to make, are completely a no-go, as each and everyone would be subject to testing due to the snaps. I'm sorry, but it seems silly to me that the onesies are deemed safe enough to sell "plain", but if I add an applique to them, they no longer are {???} But I'm getting side-tracked. This post was not meant to be a rant {and it's quickly turning into one, isn't it?} It was meant to gain more understanding, and some guidance from you pros! ;) I know that many of you have your own Etsy shops, and some of you sell on your own sites online. If I may be so bold, what have you had to change? How are you handling the labeling? Who do you recommend as label-makers? Have you had to have any of your items tested for lead or pthalates? Help a girl out, would ya? I would love to be able to open up shop again. That is, if I ever find a spare minute to sew!

*If you don't feel comfortable discussing here, please feel free to email. I'd love to hear from ya!

sugarplumfraijo@yahoo.com

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Monday, October 19, 2009

Friend Makin Mondays ~ The Little Things

It's Friend Makin' Monday again!
I LOVE Mondays!
There's just something I love about a fresh start to the week.
I guess it doesn't hurt that I get to be at home.
If I had to work outside the house, perhaps I'd reconsider my love for Mondays ;)

So, this week Amber wants us to focus on the little things that bring happiness to our lives.
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
All the adorable little holiday dresses from Hanna Andersson


Call me lazy, but I love these cute little cookies!

From the moment I saw these luminaries, I knew I wanted one. They're pretty, and they smell great! Plus, no worries about candles getting knocked over. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE candles, but most of them are in the form of sconces in my home these days with the little ones roamin' around. And I'm runnin' out of room on my walls! :)

Yesterday was my nephew's birthday, so we drove into Portland to celebrate with family. After all the cake and ice cream, we were craving some FOOD! I remembered that we had a gift card to Claim Jumper. Score! I love going out to dinner. The girls were perfect, AND they even brought Kameryn a complimentary "baby plate", full of turkey, cheeses, applesauce, crackers, and fruit! I highly recommend this restaurant!

This Bible Study by Beth Moore makes me so happy. I love spending more time in His word. I love getting together with other ladies once a week to fellowship and become closer to God. And let's face it, I don't get out much, so everything about Bible Study makes me one happy gal!

These are no "small things", but my family brings me the most joy!

Try to tell me you wouldn't rejoice daily when surrounded by girls as sweet as these!

Happy Monday!

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Prayer Request

Yesterday morning I got a call from a dear friend from my high school days. We had been out of touch for a long time, and have just recently found each other. We are supposed to get together next weekend, in fact. That's why her call yesterday surprised me. I could tell the moment I heard her voice that something was wrong. She was calling to give me news that one of our close friends from school {one that I, unfortunately, haven't been in contact with for years} is battling stage 4 ovarian cancer. The news hit me hard. She is only 29 years old. She only just found out three.weeks.ago. Three weeks. That the doctors don't expect her to live to see her 30th birthday this coming January. My heart feels heavy. I am so sad for her. For her family. BUT, here's the thing. God can work miracles. God does work miracles. If you have a spare minute or two today {and for some days to come}, will you please say a prayer for this strong woman? Her name is Stephanie.

And while we're saying a few prayers . . .

I know most of you are aware that Amber suffered a miscarriage last week. But, if, by chance, you did not know, would you head on over to her blog and give her some love? And say a prayer for her and her family? She could really use some love and support right now.

Let's create some love for our sisters in Christ with the power of prayer, y'all!

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Saturday, October 17, 2009

All About the Hair

Okay, I can't really believe I'm writing this, but here goes.

(This is for you, J.J. and Lisa, and even you, Julie)

Disclaimer:


Now, if you're like me, and think my hair is hideous, you're not going to want to read any further.


Once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away {that's how my dad used to begin every story}, there was a little girl named Elizabeth. Elizabeth had a LOT of hair. Like, a lot. And her mom tried so hard to tame Elizabeth's unruly mane. She would put it in braids and pontytails. She would use gallons of Dippity-Do. But alas, Elizabeth's hair was just too thick, and too long. Eventually {when she was 8}, Elizabeth got her first major haircut. Over 12 inches was chopped off, and only then was her hair slightly easier to manage. As she grew older she came to embrace the hair that drove her crazy as a child. She realized that, while she often still longed for stick-straight, fine hair, too much hair was probably better than too little. And, in the end, Elizabeth and her hair, lived happily ever after.

Okay, so that's not quite the way it ends. But there is some truth to that story. A lot of truth, actually. I have very thick hair. Most people can't tell how much until they start working with it {like my poor, former, hair stylists. Poor things. They didn't know what hit them until they were about halfway through a weave!}. My hair also happens to be a bit coarse, and wavy. But not the all-over beautiful waves. Oh no. It's selectively wavy. As in, it chooses to do a wave thing in the oddest of places. I learned, at an early age, that management is key. I also learned a trick that most hair stylists will tell you. Do not wash your hair every day. Though my hair has changed a lot with each pregnancy, I still try to stick to the every other day washing as much as possible.

Rules of thumb:

*Do what works for you. I say, if you just have to wash your hair each day, do it. What works for one doesn't work for all.

*Know your hair limitations. For years my hubby begged me to get my hair cut short with layers. My hair just won't do that. If I were to cut my hair above my shoulders it would take on a triangular effect. My hair would be as wide as it was long, and that's just not the look I was goin' for.

*Change it up, but I don't recommend going too drastic. Of course, this is another ~ to each his own, rule. If you are a drastic, daring kinda gal, go for it. I, however, find that if I change it up too much, I regret it.

*You don't have to spend a ton of money on hair care {see below for more details}

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What cracks me up about y'all's comments regarding my 'do from the Pumpkin patch picture is that it happened to be my no-wash hair day. I may have run a brush through it one or two strokes, but that was the extent. Brush, brush, throw in a clip, and there ya have it. As for frugal hair care . . . I used to think that I had to have the most expensive wash and rinse. Well, that just doesn't always fit into the family budget, don'tchaknow. Now, I often use Suave's daily clarifying shampoo {I've heard that you always want to use a shampoo that you can see through. They are less likely to leave residue}. And you can get a bottle of that for less than $2! I am a conditioner kinda gal. I have to use it. I don't think I've ever gone without it, and I'm actually getting the chills just thinking about what might happen if I didn't use a conditioner after washing. I usually go with a deep conditioning conditioner, but I'm not all that picky.

Following those lines of frugality, I used to have my hair done at the salon on a regular basis. Once every 4 months I would have a weave and a trim/cut. I realize that that isn't all that often, only 3 times a year. BUT, I have a lot of hair. It often cost {at our small, local, country hair salon} upwards of $120. That is over $350 a year! This is what I've found . . . for about $20 I can have my mom come over and help me with my highlights {yes, this does involve a cap, but beggars can't be choosers}. That's a savings of $300/year. Also, I cut my own hair. Don't judge. I've found that not only am I saving money, but my mom and I do a pretty good job, AND I don't have to find a sitter or leave my baby ;)

So, that's that. My hair secrets. No real secret, huh? Let me just leave you with this {and it's taken me a long time to get here}, work with your hair, not against it. Embrace your hair positives. Everybody's got at least a few ;)

Happy Saturday! Here's to a good-hair weekend!

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Friday, October 16, 2009

Flashback Friday, Pregnancy Journal, Week 21

It's Friday {again!}

I tell you, I do not know where the time goes. Wasn't it just Friday, like, yesterday? So, around here, Friday means Pregnancy Journals! If you're new, this is a journal I kept for Storknet a year ago, during my pregnancy with Kam. Go catch up whydon'tcha?

And can I just veer off topic for a second? {Actually, I can, because it's my blog}.

You guys seriously are cracking me up with the hair comments from my last post. I will have to consider doing a hair post in the near future. But I'm telling you, you will LAUGH when you hear my "hair beauty secrets".

On with the journal!

{Originally submitted October 28, 2008}


Week 21 ~ Sniffle, Sniffle, Cough

It has been a week filled with sneezes, sniffles, and coughs around our house, and after being cooped up for the last several days we are so ready to get out! We chose to stay home from Sunday School and Dance classes this week due to the sniffles, so it seems as though it has been ages since we’ve left the house. In reality we did manage to escape Sunday afternoon. A trip to my sister’s house in Portland to celebrate my nephew’s 15th birthday was the occasion. As our families continue to grow it seems harder and harder to gather everyone together. And though it wasn’t complete (my younger sister lives 300 miles away and often misses out on family gatherings), it was nice to get most of the family together. We were able to plan for upcoming holiday events, and just visit and catch up.


It’s looking as though we are going to have a fairly quiet Halloween this year. With the girls not feeling their best, and rain in the forecast (not to mention Jeremy having to work), I’m thinking we’ll hit a few houses ~ family mostly ~ and come home to snuggle up and watch Halloween specials. This sounds just fine to me; I can only hope that Sierra and Makenna see it the same way. Goodness knows we don’t need buckets full of candy anyway!


I have a doctor appointment at the end of the week. I am really looking forward to it, as I have quite a few questions. Have I mentioned that I am having the worst time ever with my skin? I do not have beautifully flawless skin to begin with, but this is just ridiculous. I never had such problems when I was pregnant with the girls. I suppose it could be worse, but now that I’m halfway through this pregnancy, I just figured it would have subsided. And in the tradition of skin issues, I also seem to be battling some eczema. Bring on the Eucerin! I also want to find out if I need to get a flu shot, and if so, when the best time would be to get one. And lastly, it seems I have been exposed to Fifths Disease. I think I have mentioned that I teach the Toddler Sunday School Class at our church, and this time of year at least one child has the sniffles at all times. This little sweetheart in our class hasn’t been feeling her best for the last couple of weeks and her parents are pretty sure she has Fifths Disease. Unfortunately, by the time you realize you have it, you’ve already been contagious. Apparently exposure can be very harmful to a fetus if the mama isn’t immune (though in most cases even if the mom was to contract it, it‘s nothing to worry about). Now, I’m a worrier by nature, but I’m not going to get too stressed out about it. First of all, I’m almost positive that I’m immune. I used to work in daycare, AND I’m almost positive that Makenna had it a couple of years ago (not sure if Sierra ever did?) I do want to mention the exposure to my doctor, and hopefully I will be tested to check if I truly am immune, and then we can go from there.


Well, that’s it for this week. Hopefully once we’re all feeling better there will be some interesting stories to share.

Hope you all have a wonderfully Happy Halloween!

Blessings,
Liz

********* Like the Fifths Disease foreshadowing, do ya? **********

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Wednesday, October 14, 2009

A Little Shout Out for the Pumpkin Patch

I ♥ LOVE the Pumpkin Patch.
Have I mentioned that before?
Visiting the Pumpkin Patch is one of my favorite yearly traditions.
What fun we have tromping through the grounds,
gazing at the beautiful colors of leaves on the trees,
getting lost in the hay maze,
swinging, sliding, and admiring the animals,
sipping on cider {mmmmm, cider},
and, most importantly, picking our pumpkins!
This year was no disappointment.
We had a fabulous trip to Bauman Farms on Monday.
Our first stop was checking out some mighty BIG Pumpkins!

What is it about cornstalks that just scream FALL?
I think they're beautiful.

My little Apple ;)

Kam's first trip pumpkin pickin'

BOO!

Did we scare ya?

Mmmmm, look at these delicious apples.
Bauman Farms makes the.most.delicious.cider.period.
{We grabbed a few jugs on the way out}

Anyone else have a soft spot for these little guys? Oh, their little grunts and snorts are so cute!

This one was just snoozin' away the entire time.

Are these about the cutest little animals you've ever seen?
{Note to self: Get out of the way! Nothing ruins a cute picture of the littles like mama's big head peekin' over the top!}

And with that, I'll leave you with a little trivia we came across at the farm . . .

1.How many apples does it take to make 1 gallon of cider?

2.How many glasses of milk can a cow produce in one day?

3.What percentage of a pumpkin is water?

4. How many stomachs does a cow have?

5. How long does it take a pumpkin to grow?

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

Answers:

1. 36

2. 40

3. 90%

4. Four

5. Four Months

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Wordless Wednesday ~ Pumpkins!

For more Wordless Wednesday Fun check out 5 Minutes for Mom



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