A Beautiful Day

We had a wonderful Memorial Day...spent on the farm....

The only downside to the day...Stephan had to work, so we couldn't share all the fun with him.  I hope y'all had a great day full of celebration and remembrance.

Weekend Loves

: : I love Stephanie' post about her husband taking a voluntary pay cut to be able to spend more time with his family.  Stephan and I are working toward this, so it's nice to see someone who is already there.

: : This looks like easy peasy bathtub fun.

: : I keep seeing crafts that make me want a little girl!  Oh the cute stuff I could make for her!!

: : But, if it's a boy, all is not lost.  There is still wicked cute stuff out there for boys too!

: : I was nearly convinced by Soule Mama's recent post to start making my own laundry powder, but something about sitting around grating soap was holding me back.  Then I saw Nicola's recipe.  I'm sold.  It's now on my to do list for when I run out of my current batch of Nellie's.  Plus, it doubles as dish washing detergent!

: : This gal's homemade dress makes me want to get married all over again....okay, so maybe it wouldn't be so flattering on my current figure, but still....loveliness.

: : Did you ever make these as a kid?  I can't wait to do this with Levi.

What are you loving this weekend?  

8 and 8

I've been tagged by the lovely Monica from Moon Over Maize!

The rules?  Go to your eighth folder; choose the eighth photo...then tell the story.  Sounds easy.  So, here we go....

This is from June of last year.  Levi is taking a break from helping his Baw-Baw in the yard.  I love the dirt on his legs and arms and his sweaty plastered down hair.  I remember this day.  He was so stinkin' cute trying his darndest to help Baw-Baw move railroad ties to put the chicken house on.  I also love that he still kind of looks the same....he's just become a much taller version of his old, pudgy self.  Oh, and those shoes!  He wanted to wear those ALL the time even though they were getting too small for him.  It took all sorts of convincing to finally ever get him in another pair.

I'm tagging....

Marcela - Culture Mami
Corinne - Trains, Tutus, and Tea Time
Amy - Lucky Number 13
Holly - Tropic of Mom
And, anyone else who wants to play along...let me know if you do!

Thrifting Score And Why Husbands Should Sometimes Stay In The Car

Monday was one of Stephan's rare days off.  And, like any good family we went on an outing....to the thrift stores.  One of the first things I spotted was this, and immediately my eyes went wide...

A Learning Tower for $10!!!

Stephan was thoroughly unimpressed.  Being the very practical sort, he talked me out of it because we didn't really have room for it, etc., etc.  We left sans tower, but I just couldn't get it off of my mind.  Then, yesterday, I was standing in the kitchen, and I thought, "Oh, yes, we do! Our kitchen isn't that tiny."  Lucky for me, my mother happened to be over painting with one of her friends.  So, I borrowed her truck, drove two towns over, and prayed the entire way. (Side note: Yes, I pray for dumb stuff some times.  Hopefully, God doesn't mind.)  You probably know the end of this one already.  I walked in, and to my delight the Learning Tower was still there and still $10!!!

Now I want to find one of these at a thrift shop (they attach to the tower)....  

P.S.  Levi is crazy about the Learning Tower.  He calls it his "counter chair".  I'm crazy about it because now Levi can quit dragging my rickety thrift store and dumpster chairs all over the place.

P.P.S.  Please, excuse my really ugly kitchen.  Unfortunately, it's last on the remodeling list. 

P.P.P.S.  Oh, and honey, when I said sometimes husbands should stay in the car I wasn't entirely serious.  I really do love thrifting with you.  :)  It's just that if I get that goofy, wide eyed, I've found a steal look on my face you should probably just go with it.  Mkay? 

The Morning Pile

This is what our wake up call looks like....

There's generally a bit of a pile up with an exuberant munchkin on top....almost always bouncing...

And, then there's the eye poking.  Morning eye poking has been Levi's thing since he became coordinated enough to put finger to eyeball.  Is it awful to say that I'm kind of glad someone else gets some of the eye poking attention now?  ;)

So, there you have it...our morning in a nutshell...and me with no makeup on. 

What's your wakeup call?

Nut Milk And Blueberries

Yesterday, our friend Martha (mama to Leigh) invited us over to her house for a little nut milk making adventure.  Levi thinks all things kitcheny are fun, so he especially enjoyed it.  He stood on a chair and helped pour in the nuts and the water, and then he would cover his eyes every time the blender was turned on....so cute. 

Of course, being two, we couldn't escape without a meltdown.  So, Martha got the joy of seeing Levi grow horns....very long ones.  Sigh.  It's a good thing these little critters are so darn cute. 

When we got home, Levi wanted blueberries and nut milk for lunch.  Me thinks I'll be making more nut milk soon.  I like it when I find a healthy food that he'll actually eat. 

We Have a Winner!!

Liz is the lucky winner of $25 to

Earth Mama Angel Baby!

Congratulations Liz!!

And thanks so much to Earth Mama Angel Baby and to all of you who participated in the giveaway!!!

Sweet Dreams: Renovation Style

Giveaway Ends Tomorrow!!

Don't forget to enter my Earth Mama Angel Baby Giveaway!

It ends tomorrow at 9:30 pm.!!

Weekend Loves

We went to my parents' house Saturday and spied the above odd little bug eggs.  We're a strange bunch.  We like that kind of stuff.  :)

As far as internety things here's what I'm liking...

: : Have y'all seen this Creativity Boot Camp?  I've noticed a few bloggers signing up.  I'm a little envious, but totally hesitant to join in.  My creativity, time, and energy are pretty much zapped between being pregnant, chasing a toddler, and renovating.  I'll definitely be watching from the sidelines, though.

: : This plastic out of milk experiment has me curious.  It doesn't end with the prettiest of results, but how fun would this be with older kiddos?

: : Would you ever try going shampoo free?  I made the leap, and I'm actually liking it...a lot.  Someday, maybe I'll get really adventurous and try this.

: : I've discovered two very yummy recipes.  This soup was a hit with me.  I think Levi would like it if he would try it.  And, this healthy chocolate dip (no, that wasn't a typo...it really is healthy) is so yummy.  It was a hit with the whole family!

: : Last but not least, Leigh recently posted a list she found here.   It's titled "What is the Role of the Unschooling Parent?", but I think it applies to all parents and could thus be renamed "What is the Role of a Parent?".  It's good stuff!

So, what are you loving this weekend?

A Day On The Farm

We spent a lovely day with Nanno. :)

How was your Saturday?

A Not So Fabulous Blanket

This is what's been on my needles ever since the alien pop tart came off the hook:

I knew about 1/4 of the way through that I wasn't going to like this blanket or this knitting experience.  I almost threw in the towel a few times.  Not because it was difficult, but because it was painfully boring.  But, here's the thing...I always throw in the towel if a project is too boring, difficult, or just flat out unloved.  I'm also a frequent unfinisher (yes, I know that isn't a word).  There are so many projects that get started and then tossed aside for newer, shinier ones.  Out of a determination to change my ways, I kept going....and going....and going.  Oh, my stars, y'all, I thought this blanket was never going to end!  Everyday for the past week, I've woken up thinking, "Yay, today is the finish day!"  And, then it wasn't.  But, yesterday, it was.  And, I am relieved and so happy. 

Even though, this yarn has been stared at far too long for me to like it anymore, I had plenty of leftovers.  So, I'm making a hat.  Because, really, babies can't have too many blankets or hats.  It's just not possible.

P.S.  I seem to have photographed the blanket's backside.  The front doesn't look much different though, so oh. well.

And, P.P.S.  Don't forget to enter my giveaway!!

Hope your weekend is off to a wonderful start!

Sweet Dreams

Levi's latest snuggle-buddy....

Nanno gave him this dragon, and he LOVES it.  I think it's from a movie....we don't watch a lot of those, so who knows.

Lest you think it's too soft a choice for this little fella', don't worry.  There's wire in those wings.  Oh, so comfy.

P.S.  Is he not just the most pinchably delicious toddler you've ever seen?....besides your own, of course.  ;)

What Levi Wants

Levi spotted these not yet ripe blackberries....

He's been asking for them ever since.  " I want blackberries!!  I REEEEEYEEEE NEEEEEEED blackberries!!!!"  Soon, Honey.  Soon.  :)

Earth Mama Angel Baby Review and Giveaway!

Giveaway Ended!

The kind folks at Earth Mama Angel Baby were awesome enough to send over a few products for me to try.  I ought to be ashamed of myself for taking so long to review them!!  Maybe they should consider selling something to improve one's time management skills while pregnant and tired! ;)

So, on to the review...I am newly in love with this company.  There are very few things that I would count as pregnancy must haves, but their teas definitely rank that high in my book.  If only I had known about these when I was pregnant with Levi.

My package-o-goodies got here towards the later end of morning sickness, and I can promise you that next time I will be ordering the morning wellness tea the very day that plus sign appears.

I can't say enough good about this stuff.  While I was pregnant with Levi I tried some all natural remedies.  Ha!  They either didn't do a thing or made me gag...not good while pregnant!  So, going into this I was a tad skeptical.  But, y'all this tea works.  On my worst days, it alleviated the nausea making it much more tolerable, and on better days, it actually got rid of it entirely.

This pregnancy is very different from my last.  Heartburn didn't set in while I was pregnant with Levi until the final stretch, so I was pretty stunned when I started getting heartburn in my first trimester with this little one.  Luckily, Earth Mama Angel Baby's Heartburn Tea came to my rescue.

Until now, pregnancy induced heartburn seemed rather incurable, but with a cup of this tea my heartburn was generally gone within a few minutes.  So relieving.  Thankfully, heartburn made its exit with morning sickness, but I fully anticipate its return in those final weeks (maybe even months).  I will soon be restocking my heartburn tea supply!

Not only do these teas actually work, but they are also organic, toxin-free, and safe for mama and baby.  If you're like me, putting any "extras" into your body probably gives you the heebee jeebees, so you can rest easier knowing that these products don't come with all of the "extras" that are in many other maternity and post maternity products.

Earth Mama Angel Baby also sent me a set of their Booby Tubes for easing the initial pain of breastfeeding.

Of course, I tried them out just for y'all.  :)  These are intended to be used warm or cold, depending on your needs, to help reduce the swelling and pain of engorgement.  Their shape is perfect for engorged breasts.  The design is great because the product doesn't make contact with the nipple, which is very important in those first oh so sensitive days/weeks.

The Booby Tubes are constructed of organic cotton and filled with all natural flax seed.  If you've never used heating/cooling pads filled with flax seed instead of the typical gel, you should be forewarned that there is one major difference.  Although, the heat/cold is evenly distributed with either option, the flax seed pads will not hold heat/cold for the length of time that gel filled alternatives will.  However, for those of you seeking to live greener and healthier lives, flax seed filled pads like the booby tubes are great options.  I would highly suggest having more than one set on hand, though, so you won't have to wait while your tubes chill in the freezer.

Earth Mama Angel Baby makes more than just products for expectant and new mamas.  They have an entire line of products for babies.  And, for those of you who aren't currently in the family way, you could always try out their monthly comfort tea.  If you do, I'd like to know what you think.

Now for the really fun part.  Earth Mama Angel Baby would like to give one lucky reader a $25 electronic gift certificate!! Entering is simple...

Main Entry: Visit Earth Mama Angel Baby and leave a comment on this post, telling me the product you are most interested in trying.  If your email is not visible in your blogger profile then, please, leave it in your comment!!!

Extra Entries:  You can tweet (once daily) or blog (once total) about the giveaway.  Be sure to link back to this post.  Leave separate comments with urls for each of those entries.

Contest is open to U.S. and Canada.

Contest will end Tuesday, May 25, 2010 at 9:30 p.m. Central Time.

Weekend Loves

Things I'm loving this weekend....

: : Corinne's post on lust.  I 100% agree with all of her reasons for loving/lusting over her hubby.

: : Erin's fabulous post on pregnancy and wondering.

: : This adorable story book puzzle how-to.

: : Anyone else a nut for Nutella?  This is so very tempting.

: : I think Levi would have fun with this glow in the dark slime.

Hope your weekend was beautiful!

Happy Two and a Half

Someone, please, explain to me how over the course of a mere 2 1/2 years this....

became this....

Y'all, he runs.  He jumps.  He plays hide and seek with his shadow.  He makes up crazy stories to go along with whatever he happens to be playing with be it toys, sticks, or quarters.  He has a sense of humor.  He laughs the most lovely of laughs.  He wants to be read to ALL of the time.  He loves to cuddle and give kisses.  And, instead of "I love you." he almost always says, "I love you, too." 

Sigh.  He makes my heart smile. 

This is another one of those weekends.  He's away at his dad's.  But, it's getting easier.  The weekends don't seem so dreadfully long now.  I still miss him, but I know he'll be back in my arms tomorrow.  I'm just happy that he's mine...and that he loves me, too.  ;)

Oh, So Pretty

Just a little loveliness captured lately...

Happy Weekend!

Week 23...The Bump

This pregnancy is rolling right along.  I can't believe we're already well beyond the halfway point.

And, looking mighty pregnant....

I've given up on having the energy that I had during Levi's second trimester.  Something about chasing a wild two year old and growing a life seems to be making me extra tired.  Other than tiredness, all is well.  This little one moves like nobody's business....possibly more than his/her older brother did!  And, except for all of the times that s/he drop kicks me in the bladder, I love it!  Seriously, though, note to baby #2: Please find another area to kick.  M'kay? 

A Wonderful Weekend

This handsome fella was off of work all weekend long plus a few extra days...oh, what a rare treat.....

We had a fabulous weekend.  We even discovered a new favorite spot by the water....

Apparently the geese like this spot too.  They were taking their goslings out for a stroll...

We spent Mother's Day with my parents.  The only problem with going to their place is that Levi never wants to leave.  Can you blame him?  Not only do the world's best Nanno and Baw-Baw live there, but they have chickens....

I hope your Mother's Day weekend was filled with lots of goodness!!

P.S. Stephan took us out to the thrift shops Saturday (yep, I'm a cheap date!).  We scored a nearly new moses basket for next to nothing.  I'm all happiness over it.  It's one of those so-not-even-close-to-a-necessity-items that I really wanted.  Yay!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday, Aunt Annie!!!

We think you're the best!!  Hope you have a wonderful day!!!

Happy Mother's Day!!!

Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas and mamas to be!  Hope your weekend has been wonderful.

And, to my Mama (the best in the world, of course)...an extra special, happy Mother's Day to you!!  We love you tons.

What We're Jammin' To

Last night I was singing this song to Levi.  Stephan gave me the funniest look, followed by, "What the heck is that?"  Me: "You've never heard it!! It's so stinkin' funny."  So, just in case you haven't heard it either....

Feel free to jump and dance around on the bed.  ;)  Levi and I certainly do.

A Day At The Park

While Aunt Annie was visiting, we had ourselves a little adventure...

To my complete and utter surprise, Levi can now climb this thing.  Yes,  I am afraid....

Sliding is, of course, the best part of a playground...

Or, maybe the sand is...

Hope your week is full of lovely adventures!