Kimbosue's Blog has MOOOOOVED!

**As of November 9, 2009, please find me at my new home below.**

Some posts are pw protected, so for the super secret decoder pen....ahem... code, please email me at kimbosue2 AT hotmail DOT com.

This blog will remain open. The link is still tied to lots of IF blogs, groups, and websites. I hope someone can read through my journey and find hope and strength and know that there is a light at the end of the IF tunnel. Prayer is the key! I love all my IF girlies I met along the way, and I hope to keep your friendships going forward during this next chapter of Mommyhood. I hope to see you there!

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Baby Stuff

So did anyone else know that Baby.Center's.Online.Store is closing as of January 6th? Up to 80% off on everything...granted some things are not on "sale" and others are only 10%, but STILL!!! Oh and there is a free.shipping.code right there on the site for orders of $49 or more! HOLY CRAP! Here is a list of the things I got for just $52. I saved $112.58!!! ($11.58 in shipping and $101.00 in merchandise!) The most expensive item I got was $7.80 and it was regularly $38.99. I'm getting in the registering mood!!

2 shirts
1 onesie
2 pants
1 hat
pacifier pod
teething toy
2 packs silicone nipples
1 pack glass bottles
1 surprise for Daddy

And on another note...check out this birth story of a BIG 'OL baby!!

Monday, December 29, 2008

AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!

5 family functions, 1 friend function, and 1 cousin move and it's finally over!! The holidays that is. I HEART Christmas, but this season has seemed to have kicked my ass. Not sure if it has anything to do with the fact that I'm in the middle of my 2nd trimester or not, but Oh.My.God. By the end of Function #2 on Christmas Day, I was B.E.A.T. Then we had 1 more to go, and 2 more the next day!! Now I am dreading taking down all of the beautiful decorations it took us 2 days to put up!! Thankfully, I am off work the rest of the week (after tomorrow) so we can stretch it out a bit.

We did manage to move all of the Christmas boxes out of the baby's closet and into the close downstairs. Then move all the crap from the downstairs closet into the "blue room" closet. We gave the queen sized bed from the blue room to my cousin, then moved the furniture (that was previously my great-grandma's that I refinished) from baby's room to blue room... So now we only have 1 guest room and Peanut's room is empty and ready to be furnished! Speaking of furnishing, I think we are going to try and register this Friday or Saturday - Babies.R.Us. (or We.B.Babies as Dean calls it) and Wal.Mart. I really like Tar.get but have heard and read so many horror stories on their "new" return policy (even if you have a registry)....so no thanks. Wal.Mart returns anything, receipt or not, and there's always one close by! AAAHH. This means more decisions to be made before Friday. I think we have the basics picked out:

Apoligies.in.advance.for.all.the.periods.between.the.words.but.I.don't.like.when.my.bloggy.blog.is.one.of.the.first.things.returned.in.Google.searches.for.random.words!!

  • Baby.Trend - Snap.N.Go. Stroller.Frame
  • Chicco.Car.Seat (Brand might change, as this one doesn't have the cut out to allow to sit carrier in grocery cart. It has to go into the cart itself - thus less groceries will fit!)
  • Chicco.Caddy.Hook.On.Chair - leaves a smaller footprint in the kitchen and it's portable!
  • Babi.Italia.Pinehurst.Single.Dropside.Crib (Tea.Stain) - I need the drop because when the mattress goes all the way down, I don't think my shorty arms can reach! And we don't want one that converts all the way to a full.size.bed. because we want the kiddo to be able to pick out his/her own "cool kid" furniture!
  • Glass.bottles - still TBD on the brand...I heard some good things about Dr.Brown's last week...

And that's it!!! EEK! That really isn't too many things to have picked out before we turn into Scanning.Machines!!! Anyone have a good recommendation on a stroller - non-travel system?

And last, but not least....there's a new item above the baby tickers....The Baby Artall Game!!

Enter your guess for the baby’s gender, weight, length, and birthday. The winner will get a prize!!

To participate, click the banner above or the URL is:

http://www.expectnet.com/games/BabyArtall1

or go to ExpectNet.com and enter BabyArtall1 as the game name in the space indicated on the home page.

We look forward to seeing all of your guesses!!!

Love,
Mamma and Daddy Artall

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Merry Christmas with some photos....

Merry Christmas to all!! I just wanted to take a few minutes to let you all know how much I appreciate you thinking of and praying for us during our crazy journey this past year. We have come so far since this time last year. 4 IUI's and lots of pokes and prods later, we are on our way to having our very own little baby in just a few short months. I am so thankful for each and every one of you plus my friends and family IRL as well....

Here are a few photos I have been delayed in posting..

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!!

Andrew's 1st Birthday

CAKE BALLS!!!


Cousin's Graduation cake including a pair of crutches made out of gum paste - he broke his kneecap about a month ago...


It's an Engineering book with a grad cap on top!





A plate full of Christmas mice! My contribution to the Cookie Exchange party!


Isn't he adorable!!


And finally....me @ 22 weeks


And 23 weeks....not much change that I can really see.


Friday, December 19, 2008

Happy Friday Before Christmas!

  • I am 3/4 of the way through with the Graduation cake that is needed for TONIGHT'S graduation party. EEK! The cake itself looks like a book with "Engineering" written on the binding, then supposed to be another small roundish cake (I used my Pampered.Chef.Batter.Bowl) that is the base of a grad cap, then the mortar board on top of that. Well my black fondant to covered said bottom of cap was waaaayy to dry. Partly because (in order to make it black) you can add some melted chocolate and some cocoa. Well I used up all my chocolate making cake.balls (YUM-O by the way) earlier in the week, so I only added cocoa. This made it brown and then I didn't have to add so much black color and make everyone's mouths black. So because of the dryness, it kept cracking and would not lay smooth on the cake. So I had to chunk it. Luckily I had leftover batter that I made cupcakes with. So when I get home I am putting those on instead, with the mortar board on top.
  • Tomorrow is our Cookie/Beer.Exchange. Last year I hosted a cookie.exchange, but Dean asked me "what about the boys?" So I asked him what he wanted to exchange....well you know what he said!! Everyone loves the idea so I can't wait for the party. We have yet to go to the store to get all of our ingredients (we're doing appetizers too) but we'll be making a late night run somewhere tonight after the Grad Party.
  • I'm off next week - WOOHOO! Last minute hair appointment on Monday (the roots are KILLING ME) and gift purchasing. Oh and more food preparing I am sure.
  • I wish people would start commenting on my belly. They are now just starting to look at my belly, and then look at my face, and then look at my belly and I guess just assume I'm getting fat because they don't ask if I'm pregnant. I should be happy about that, but I am FINALLY really pregnant and I want the comments so badly! I guess its still a small bump so people might think I am just gaining weight, that and the fact that 'TIS THE SEASON for getting large and in charge with all those hoilday goodies, right?
  • Oh and I took a belly pic this week, but camera-dora is at home and I have the USB cable in my purse. DOH! I'll post that and cake pics when I have a moment....

Have a good weekend!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Cake Wrecks Christmas Nightmares

I couldn't resist. I regularly follow this blog called Cake Wrecks, but today's post made me laugh out loud. Check it out: http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2008/12/seasonal-non-sequiturs.html

Burial At Sea

Too cute not to give someone a laugh today....

Bubbles and Barbie, two blonde sisters had promised their Uncle, who had been a seafaring gentleman all his life, to bury him at sea when he died. Of course, in due time, he did pass away and the two blondes kept their promise.They set off from Clearwater Beach with their uncle all stitched up in a burial bag and loaded onto their rowboat.

After a while Bubbles says, 'Do you think we're out far enough, Barbie?' Barbie slipped over the side and finding the water only knee deep said, 'nope, not yet Bubbles'.

So they row a little farther.... Again Bubbles asks Barbie, 'Do you think were out far enough now? Once again Barbie slips over the side and almost immediately says, 'No, this will never do, the water is only up to my chest.'

So on they row and row and row, and finally Barbie slips over the side and disappears. Quite a bit of time goes by and poor Bubbles is really getting worried when suddenly Barbie breaks the surface, gasping for breath she says, 'OK, it's finally deep enough. Hand me the shovel.'

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Christmas Songs for the Disturbed - HA!

  1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
  2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
  3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
  4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
  5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
  6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
  7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
  8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
  9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look,.. a chicken! Can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
  10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder --- Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells

On another note, since Peanut has started moving around last week (where I could feel it at least) she hasn't stopped!!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Have You Done It?

I stole this from Nikki...

Simply copy the list and cross out the ones you have done.

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland/world
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang/played a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables.
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing (if indoor counts)
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71.Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (if fish counts)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Made a baby (with some medical intervention!)
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee

Friday, December 12, 2008

Recent Pics and an Update

This is Dean and I at Grandma's 82nd birthday 2 weeks ago. She's not as talkative as she once was, but when she does, she's still quick as a whip!! Love you Grandma!

Our House - Christmas 2008....I need to take another. The lights inside aren't on and you can't see either of the 2 trees!


The finished Tinkerbell (one of them) and the cake....well this pic was last night. This morning, both this Tink and my backup Tink broke to pieces. I had to rush to Wal-Mart to find SOMETHING Tink to go on the cake...
And here's the replacement....So sad. I wanted my icing Tinks to work. Oh well. I guess I need to practice more. She's going on the circle cake. But a bonus...press that little lady bug and Tink's wings flutter!!

And last, but definitely not least.....I have finally fallen into the Land of Belly Pics. This is me, 21 weeks, 1 day,sporting my Christmas watch no less!! And a way too tight tank top. Good thing you can't see what I was seeing because the girls were all kinds of pouring out of there! I am hoping to keep wearing this shirt for the pics so you can really see the belly and how much smaller the shirt gets!!!

So before this morning's Tink Disaster, we had an awesome experience. After hitting snooze twice already, I was laying there and felt a little bump in my tummy. Then the bumps started back to back - like Peanut is in a marching band!! I told Dean I could feel him kicking and squirming around and then he felt it too! It was so awesome. The first time I felt it, was the first time he felt it! I couldn't believe how much she was moving around in there. Also, lots of people refer to the feeling as flutters or butterflies or gas bubbles. It reminded me of a muscle twitch - you know, like you get in your leg, arm, eyelid, etc. but it was on the inside! So awesome! I had to snooze it again so we could feel it longer. YEAH!

Christmas Funnies!























Thursday, December 11, 2008

Christmas Ornament Exchange Update

For those of you who signed up for the Christmas Ornament Exchange, the names have been drawn and emails have been sent. Instead of me tracking down your addresses, I just sent you their email addys so you can contact them about their home address. I look forward to hearing about your wonderful ornaments and maybe a pic or 2!!!

Thanks Martha, Stefany, FamilyofTwo, DeLenn, and Sandra for participating!

HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly. It's rare. You cannot find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000 calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy. Gravy does not stand-alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's. You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the center of attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind, you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin, Mincemeat. Have a slice of each. Or if you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three. When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.

10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live by:
"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming "WOO HOO!! What a ride!"

Have a great holiday season!

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Can't Think of a Title

  • We finished our annual Bake-a-Thon this weekend. We made 11 types of cookies, candy and fudge to give to my team at work (too bad Dean works from home - they are missing out since I've left that place!) and for the neighbors. We started about 1 PM on Saturday and finished around 10PM. That's quick - last year it was from 9AM to 11 PM!!
  • Sunday I hand decorated all of the sugar cut out cookies. It was my first (outside of class) to experiment with royal icing again. They came out so cute. Too bad this is also the first time we forgot to take pictures of them!!!
  • We found out my great aunt (Grandma's sister-in-law) who is in her late 70's has ovarian cancer. She lives on a farm by herself in north Louisiana, but has been staying with her daughter in Lafayette while going to the doctor for some other things. She is in the hospital, but for a blood clot in her leg when this news was broke. Apparently it's beyond curable and she is refusing any type of treatment. She just wants out of that place and to go back home to her place. Home care nurses will watch over her and her son who is currently out of work will be moving up there to stay with her. It makes me so sad. To think of how big our family reunions used to be with great grandpa and his 9 kids, their spouses, their kids, their kids' kids, etc. Her husband was my Grandma's oldes brother. He died in 2002 I think. Now there is only Grandma and 2 sisters and this sister-in-law remaining. I am glad though that instead of putting herself through treatment that ultimately will not help her, she's going home to "live out the rest of my life as best as I can."
  • My laptop crashed yesterday at work before lunch. I am talking fatal system error including the blue screen of death. I cleaned up my cube, filed all the papers I have been avoiding, put birthdays in my 2009 planner, cleaned out my purse, read a techy magazine....Finally they showed back up with it around 9:30 this morning. They had to wipe it clean and do an XP reimage. UGH. This means all my applications were wiped out and I have to reinstall them. Quite annoying, but at least I'm back up and running and they saved my files!
  • I made 2 Tinkerbells out of royal icing last night for my first paid cake order, to be delivered on Friday to a lady at work. It's her daughter's 7th birthday and she wants Tinkerbell. She bought just a Tink head pan but it's kinda boring and just covered with stars - the star tip that is. So I asked if I could do something else and she said sure. I will reveal the results soon!!
  • Busy this weekend again - 2 parties. Friday is a Graduation from Nurse.Anethetist.School/30th Birthday and Saturday is Andrew's 1st birthday (my ex-evacuee baby!!!) I also have to start working on my cousin's graduation cake for next weekend!!

Monday, December 8, 2008

U/S update

OB follow up to 20 week u/s:


  • Dr. S was unavailable - tied up in OR for a C-section, so we saw another associate in the group.
  • All measurements are on schedule!
  • 1st belly measurement was taken - 20 (cm? she didn't say - Martha?) +/- 3. This is my "Gestational Age" so that is on schedule as well.
  • No protein in my urine
  • Next appointment is Jan. 7th with the GD test 2 weeks after that.

Grow, Peanut, Grow!!

(ok maybe not THAT MANY of you, just one!)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Peanut's 20 Week Glamour Shots!

Yeah for ultrasounds!! They are so fun. Especially when Peanut is so active. She was moving all over the place, but I still haven't felt it myself yet. :(

The u/s tech said everything looked good. We won't know specifics until tomorrow when we go over the report with Dr. S. So more stats and updates tomorrow.

From what I had Dean write down:
Head is 6.1 x 4.3 cm
HB 145 (lower than previous readings)

One time he had his mouth open and Dean said, "Yep, that's definitely YOUR baby with the big mouth!" Then later when she took the head measurement I said, "Yep, that's definitely YOUR baby with the big head!"

And now....the photo shoot results!

Profile















Legs














Hand














Foot













Feet















Face















Face















Arm

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

THE BIG ONE


So today is the BIG ultrasound. We are so excited! It has been 8 weeks since we have seen him last! I pray that all of his body parts measure perfectly and he is growing right on schedule. I also hope that she isn't spread eagle showing all the parts and we have a decent tech who will be able to tell us when to look or not look or just not show us the parts at all!

Also, please keep my friend S.O. in your prayers and thoughts today. She had her 2nd IUI 2 weeks ago and goes for the pregnancy blood test today. Please pray this is the one for her!!!

Keep us in your thoughts. Hopefully there will be an A.W.E.S.O.M.E. ultrasound pic waiting for you tomorrow!!!

Much love,
Peanut's Mama

Christmas.Scattergories

SCATTERGORIES - it’s harder than it looks! Play here or let Callie know if you play on your blog. (note to those new to the game: these don’t have to be actual truths. If it helps- replace the word “you” in the questions & substitute it with “someone”.) Play on & use your imagination!

Use the first letter of the answer to the first question to come up with answers for the rest.

  1. What is the name of your favorite Holiday themed song? I saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - it's a stretch, but there are none!

  2. Something on your wish list. kooky fondant letter cutters

  3. Something you plan on baking. Rice Krispies in Wreath shapes - well it's not "baking" but still...

  4. Something you plan on giving. Kind Kookies - also a stretch :-)

  5. Something you plan on avoiding eating. Kelp ???

  6. Something you plan on adding to the chorus of ‘12 Days of Christmas’. 1 Knowledgeable RE

  7. Something you plan on returning/ re-gifting. Ketchup - someone did it last year @ our party!

  8. Something you wish was stuffed into your stocking. Kisses

  9. Some place you wish you could travel to this month. Kissimmee -it's warm!

  10. Something you will decorate with. Kissing Mistletoe


I

CHRISTMAS!!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Christmas Fun

Santa’s Day

When four of Santa's elves got sick, the trainee elves did not produce toys as fast as the regular ones, and Santa began to feel the pre-Christmas pressure.

Then Mrs. Claus told Santa her Mother was coming to visit, which stressed Santa even more.

When he went to harness the reindeer, he found that three of them were about to give birth and two others had jumped the fence and were out, Heaven knows where.

Then when he began to load the sleigh, one of the floorboards cracked, the toy bag fell to the ground and all the toys were scattered.

So, frustrated, Santa went in the house for a cup of apple cider and a shot of rum. When he went to the cupboard, he discovered the elves had drunk all the cider and hidden the liquor.

In his frustration, he accidentally dropped the cider jug, and it broke into hundreds of little glass pieces all over the kitchen floor.

He went to get the broom and found the mice had eaten all the straw off the end of the broom.

Just then the doorbell rang, and irritated Santa marched to the door, yanked it open, and there stood a little angel with a great big Christmas tree.

The angel said very cheerfully, "Merry Christmas, Santa. Isn't this a lovely day? I have a beautiful tree for you. Where would you like me to stick it?"............

And so began the tradition of the little angel on top of the Christmas tree...

Monday, December 1, 2008

Christmas Spirit

To get us into the Christmas Spirit, here's a little Christmas Survey. Respond if you want or repost at will...

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper. Those presents are so much more fun to open!
2. Real tree or Artificial? well...I own 2 artificial trees. That doesn't necessarily mean that I PREFER them though.
3. When do you put up the tree? It's all I can do to wait until Thanksgiving is over. They are up now along with the inside and outside decorations!
4. When do you take the tree down? Around New Year's. It makes me sad to take it down. But I do get to leave up my 1 Frosty the Snowman nightlight in the kitchen YEAR ROUND!!
5. Do you like eggnog? LOVE IT! Had some while we decked the halls this weekend!
6. Favorite gift received as a child? The slot car race track. Me and Dad raced the rest of Christmas Day!
7. Hardest person to buy for? Dad
8. Easiest person to buy for? Mom and Dean
9. Do you have a nativity scene? no, but I really need/want one.
10. Mail or email Christmas cards? I thought I was going save time and just do the email thing, but I love Christmas cards too much to give it up though! And PICTURE cards at that. I have to send out picture cards this year of the baby bump, and then next year it will be because I have to send out baby’s 1st Christmas…even though Dean reminds me that I buy Christmas cards on sale every year and never send them. DUH – because everyone loves picture cards!
11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received? Don’t recall…
12. Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on 34th Street, Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, Elf. I LOVE CHRISTMAS MOVIES.
13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? I started last year, but somehow I’m still not done? But I only have a few left.
14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Not yet, but I think I am this year. Only because I haven’t even opened it yet and I’ve had it for a year!
15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? puppy chow, sausage balls, cookies, candy. I LOVE Christmas food!
16. Lights on the tree? Of Course!
17. Favorite Christmas song? Silver Bells, White Christmas, Let It Snow. I HEART all Christmas music. The blog’s music has been updated too!
18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Stay at home.
19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer's? You know it!
20. Angel on the tree top or a star? I have a star this year. Dean said the snowman head was a little too creepy.
21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? One on Eve, the rest on Morning.
22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? When people don't call it CHRISTmas.
23. Favorite ornament theme or color? No particular one. We try to buy an ornament everywhere we travel to, then I write the year on the back of them. Then when we decorate the tree, we get to reminisce over each ornament. This year we have so many “special” ornaments, we didn’t have to use the balls to fill in the space!
24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? All the leftovers!
25. What do you want for Christmas this year? A digital photo frame and lots of cake stuff!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Happy Almost Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Thighs Quote

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Crack O' Dawn

So I don't really have anything exciting to talk about today, but felt obligated to post SOMETHING....so I stole this off of a my.space bulletin...

What name do you go by?
Kimberly, Kim, Kimbo, Kimbosue

What'​s the last pill that you took?
​prenatal vitamin

Do you have a good relationship with your ex?
hell no, thank the Lord

Who was the last person to call you?
Shannon from work

Last person you took a nap with and where​?​
my doggy, Maddie, at home in my bed

Did you make a best friend in high school?​
Yep

You'​re currently listening to?
Feliz Navidad by Jose Feliciano - it's Christmas music!

Who are you expecting a call from?​
Nobody

When will your next kiss take place​?
​probably when I get home from work

What are you feeling right​ now?
tired and anxious to have a Thanksgiving FEAST!

Do you have any homework to do?
hell no!

Are you happy​ with your life right​ now?
loving it

When was the last time you smile​d?​
this morning

Does anyone like you?
I hope so!

Who was the first​ person you talked to today​?
Deano

What are you NOT looking forward to?
Christmas without Grandpa

How late did you stay up last night​ and why?
9:45, was reading a book and already up past my bedtime!

If you could​ move somewhere else,​ would​ you?
Depends

Have you ever dated​ a soccer player?​
No

What were you doing​ at 7:00 AM?
walking into the building

Can you keep a secret?​
Yes

Do you tell your mom every​thing​?​
no, it’s better that way. Plus she’s way too innocent to hear some of my tales.

Have you ever done something outrageously dumb?
​let me start a list :)

Did you speak​ to your mother today​?​
Nope

Do you have plans​ for tomorrow?​
working and hopefully blowing out early because “the van” has to leave! :)

Were you happy​ when you woke up today​?​
yes, but then no because I had to go to work!

Are you missing someone?
​Yes

Where​ were you at 3:02 AM this morning?
Snoozing

Which​ Shampoo is in your bathroom right​ now?
a couple

What movie​ is in your DVD player?
​None

Last two numbers in your phone​ number?
​01

What are your plans​ for Friday?
waking up at the crack o' dawn to go to Penney’s, then Baby’s.1st.Furniture! WOOHOO!

When was the last time you were up all night​?​
when I thought I was having a gall bladder attack, but it was really an ovarian cyst bursting!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Boobies!

***TMI WARNING HERE - for those guys that are still reading, you may just want to skip this post altogether...***

So while we were out of town for Dean's bday (which was fun btw), I checked out the boobies in the mirror. Yes, I have to use the mirror - I can't see the bottom of them from way up here!!! They are so gi-normous (pre-pg and even worse now) to see if they were "changing." You know all the books say that the Montgomery's.Glands are more pronounced as well as the nipples getting darker.

Well let me just say - BLECH!!! They are definitely changing. The color is G.R.O.S.S. Almost turning black but only on portions of it...like they are diseased!!!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

2nd Trimester and Other Good Stuff

So the 2nd trimester has me with no more nausea (YEAH), but tons and tons of heartburn. I had it pre-pregnancy anyways, but during pregnancy it comes at all hours - day and night. I have a bottle of TUMS beside the bed for nighttime hits and some in my purse for during work/not at home! But I have to say that I will do anything but complain about it. Just knowing the REASON for my heartburn makes me smile with delight.

On the nursery front, we have selected our bedding. I ordered a swatch last week and got it in the mail yesterday. All the colors match the VERY YELLOW walls perfectly! I was nervous the yellows in the pattern would clash with our VERY YELLOW paint color - paint color that was selected pre-baby, pre-house-being-built, even pre-move-in! WHEW!

Now that our hurricane tenants have moved out, we'll be moving the furniture (was my great-grandma's that I refinished in a beige under cream crackle) from Peanut's room into what we call "The Blue Room." Walls are blue with an awesome beach scene painting we bought at an auction on our WeddingMoon in Jamaica! The blues match perfectly there too - also a pre-house-was-built selection!!! The bed in the Blue Room is going to my cousin who graduates from college in December and moving out 2 days after Christmas! So YEAH for him and YEAH we don't have to store a bed somewhere!

Once Peanut's room is clear, we'll have a better feel for what furniture can go where. I think we've picked out the crib. I have to have a dropside because I'm a shorty and by the time the mattress goes down to the last setting, my short arms won't be able to reach to put Peanut down! I don't think we're getting the armoire or the dresser/changing table that goes with this crib though because:

A. Who needs an armoire when you have a giant closet that is fully capable of hanging baby clothes and putting clothes in cutie baskets on shelves?

B. The dresser/changing table is so DAMN expensive and it doesn't haven't very much drawer space. There is like 3 drawers in the middle and then on the outer sides there are 2 doors that have one shelf in them...I guess for baskets or whatever, but it isn't very roomy. We're hoping to find a bigger dresser somewhere - a furniture store? - that matches the stain to the crib.

Speaking of crib, we are getting one that only converts into a toddler bed. I know, I know...convertible cribs "last a lifetime" and convert all the way to a full bed are all the rage right now. But I don't want Peanut to feel tied to that bed for the rest of his/her life. I mean come on! Once you're like 4 or 5, you want to pick out your own "big kid" furniture, right? At least I did when I was little and I want our little one to have the same opportunity. Then maybe I can have the bunk beds with the desk underneath that I always wanted....ok, maybe I won't be able to FIT at the desk or the bed or that it will even be MINE, but it will at least be in MY house!! That is....if Peanut picks that one.... I am sure a boy of Dean's will end up picking the race car bed or a girl of mine will pick....uh...not sure since my childhood room was "everything blue." I guess normal girls would pick a princess bed?? Anyway, we want to let the kid pick whatever they want once they get out of the toddler bed.

Wow this post ended up being longer than planned, but oh well. Now everyone is filled in on our nursery plans.

Almost time for the pot luck - MMMMM! I can taste the turkey and turtle.pumpkin.pie already! Have a good weekend and be safe. We'll be enjoying ourselves in San Antonio!!!

Happy Birthday Deano!!


Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Holy 18 Weeks Batman!

So today I am 18 weeks. I can't even believe it. I think I said that in the last pg post, but I still feel that way. This means only 2 more weeks until the half way point and the BIG ultrasound! I have been reading posts on some boards on babycenter and was wondering why it was called BIG. But it's apparently because it's better known as the anatomy scan where they measure Peanut's working parts, head, body, etc. to make for sure he's measuring on schedule. I can't wait! But I sure do hope she keeps her privates hidden and doesn't spread eagle (like Daddy would do) for the camera and show the goods! I want to keep it a surprise. But since I've been on babycenter so much, I already know what a boy part and a girl part look like on the u/s. So I'm going to try not to look too closely. But I am going definitely going to look! It'll have been 8 weeks since we've seen him last!

Also, according to babycenter's cool info on pregnancy progress, our little Peanut is the length of a bell pepper and weighs 7 ounces! She also has her reproductive organs and is busy flexing those strong arms and legs! I haven't felt any movement as of yet (then again, I have been gassy here lately) so it could very well be the little one.

Last night was the last class of Course 4. I am now a Wilton Graduate! Man, this was the longest cake decorating run in history! I didn't think we'd ever finished. And now that I am finished, I have to say I don't really think I got too much out of it. I mean, I did learn how to make 85 types of flowers and 5 types of icing, a few techniques, but not anything I couldn't have learned from a book. I wanted to know how to do frozen.buttercream.transfers and other crazy things. Oh well, I guess that's what the Internet is for! I delivered my final cake to my friend S's doorstep (my ex-evacuee). I talked to her the night before and she asked what I was doing - making a cake of course. And I could hear the sadness in her voice - She HEARTS cake - seriously! So I left her a surprise. I know it will not go to waste at that house, that's for sure! :)

We're having a Thanksgiving Pot Luck at work tomorrow. I'm bringing Turtle.Pumpkin.Pie and Corn.Casserole! MMM, MMM, GOOD! Just in time to get me in the Thanksgiving spirit!

This weekend is Dean's birthday. We're taking a road trip to San.Antonio and have tickets to see the Blind.Boys.of.Alabama. Apparently they are a New.Orleans style gospel/jazz band and really good. Bill.Engvall was my first pick, but hey - it's not my birthday. :) Anyway, hoping the little R&R before the holiday rush will do us both good.

Grateful for:

  • Holiday Pot Lucks before the season officially begins to get us in the mood!
  • No more cake classes
  • Bebe.Sounds monitor -haven't heard the hb yet, but it gives me faith that things are still going well down there.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Christmas Ornament Exchange

Anyone interested in doing an ornament exchange with fellow bloggers?
I think it could be fun and I can always use a new ornament!
Here are the rules:
1. Nothing over $10.00
2. Cut off date for signing up is December 10th!
3. Leave a comment on this post with your email address. After December 10th, I’ll email everyone so we can send our home addresses (so they are not posted online!)
4. I’ll then do a random drawing and send out the assignments.
5. Have fun and enjoy!

Monday, November 17, 2008

More Cakes...


So this was my first attempt at a fondant bow. Obviously, next time I won't make the strips 1" wide. It was hard to work with. I'll probably try a 50/50 fondant-gum paste, or maybe all gum paste mixture. Most of the ribbons cracked because they dried so hard, but I guess it looks OK for a 1st stab at it.


I forgot to take pics of it before the candles got put on! This is a side view. Also, will definitely try drying the loops on their sides instead of with tissue inside them. That's what caused the mis-shapen-ness. (Is that a word?)

This is the bday cake I made last week for a co-worker. I was very upset as this was the 3rd co-worker (IN A ROW) to not show up for their cake. This is just something I do out of the goodness of my heart - and to let me practice more, but still...I really wasn't feeling up to this one since I shopped till I dropped at Nutcracker.Market that day. Came home at 4, baked the cakes (napped while baking), left for cake class, came home and decorated, got up early next morning to finish flowers. UGH. Oh well, everyone else enjoyed eating it.

An close up of the carnations with "shimmer.dust" on the outside.
I think the flowers turned out nice, I just need to work on the dusting part...
Speaking of cakes....tomorrow is the final class of Course 4! F.I.N.A.L.L.Y! I made my daisies for the cake yesterday so they could dry over night. Tonight I'll be making the cake, fondant-ing it and the board it sits on, and putting the flowers together. We'll just be putting the cake together in class plus learning how to make a little box - mine will have daises flowing out of it. I HATE when classes are on Tuesdays. It makes Manic Mondays, that much more manic!

Friday, November 14, 2008

I HEART Your Blog and Other Random Notes...


So I’ve been given a blogging award! I’ve never received one before, so I am super-duper excited about it!

Thanks to Martha who thought I was so worthy of the honor! She loves my blog! :0)

Here are the rules:
Part of accepting this award is:

  1. Displaying the award. (Check)
  2. Linking back to the person who gave it to you. (Cheers to Mrs. Martha!)
  3. Paying it forward & nominating 7 blogs. (See below)
  4. Leaving comments on their blogs telling them they’ve received one. (Will do)
  5. Enjoying the award. (LOVING IT!)

Below are my “I HEART Your Blog” recipients, in no particular order….

My Husband Calls Me Weird – she’s a little heavy with the F word, but ya gotta love her!
Adventures in Toddlerhood – my inspiration to start a blog
Infertility on the Brain – a fellow IF’er. Love ya!
Infertility Bites – a fellow IF’er. Still praying for you!
Riding the Roller Coaster – a fellow IF’er. Always on my mind!
SCRAM Clark – an old friend, but a new blogger!
New Life of Nancy – a good source of humor and pregnancy tales.

I was also tagged by Martha (in the same post, no less!) for this meme…

Now here are the rules for this Random Meme: (Gosh, so many rules.)
1. Link to the person who tagged you. (That would be Martha again, Done!)
2. Post the rules on your blog. (here they are)
3. Write six random things about yourself. (Don't laugh, okay?)
4. Tag six people at the end of your post. (I’m with Martha….that and I don’t read that many blogs….so consider yourselves tagged!

My Husband Calls Me Weird
Adventures in Toddlerhood
Infertility on the Brain
Infertility Bites
Riding the Roller Coaster
SCRAM Clark
New Life of Nancy

5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. (will do shortly)
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up. (ok)
7. Thank you sincerely for any randomness or blog love that you have to share.

  • I am 30 years old and have a 30 y/o stepdaughter, 27 y/o stepson and a 10 y/o granddaughter. And a bun in the oven! (although that is not really random, as everyone knows it!)
  • I was in all honors classes until I graduated high school.
  • I have only had 3 cars my entire life.
  • I am the first one in my family to experience fertility issues.
  • I can pop about every joint in my body!
  • I really, really, really want a cute baby bump – NOW!

Thursday, November 13, 2008

A Few Random Questions

I stole this from Nancy...

1. How should the roll of toilet paper go on the roll? Overhang or underhang?

2. When changing your sheets, how should the top sheet be put on? With design down, "face to face" to the bottom sheet? Or design side up, "face to face" to the bedspread?

3. How do you store sweaters in your closet? Hangers or folded?

4. Do you wipe forwards or backwards?

5. What color socks do you wear with black tennis shoes?

6. If wearing a white shirt, what color bra should you use?

7. Is it ever okay to wear pantyhose with open toed shoes?

8. Is it ever okay to wear socks with sandals? (Birkenstock, crocs, etc.)

9. Is it okay to shout out to your husband/boyfriend "spank me daddy!" while having sex? (okay, that one was just to be funny. I hope no one would answer yes.)

10. Is asking 10 questions still considered "a few"?

My Answers

1. Overhang
2. Design up
3. Hangers
4. Backwards
5. I don’t own black tennis shoes. Well some Converse I guess and I wear white.
6. white or cream
7. if is cold out and you get the seamless ones
8. negative
9. no, especially since he is so close to MY DADDY’S age!
10. I don’t think so

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Wordless Wednesday


Monday, November 10, 2008

The Quad Screen Results are back...

And everything is negative! WOOHOO!

Dean just told me "he's going to be a healthy boy."

So he's thinking blue!

And I'm thinking pink!

Monday Again!

Hope everyone had a good weekend.

We had back to back parties yesterday. Me and S co-hosted a Premier.Jewelry party. The "Jewelry Lady" is a friend and needed some bookings before the end of the year. We had about 12 people show up and buy lots of stuff! We will have tons of "free jewelry" to order for our hostess benefits. They have a holiday catalog too. You know how I love me some Christmas!

Followed by the jewelry party was a birthday dinner for my dad. The ladies had been there all day for the other party, then the guys showed up. I made chicken and dumplings (they are ALL GONE! No leftovers for me!), mixed veggies (sister), corn casserole (Mom), and a fruit salad (Aunt). I also made the cake. Picture tomorrow I suppose. I actually forgot to take one until the candles were already in it! We had a good time spending time with family. We also drew names for Christmas.

OH! 20 week u/s has been scheduled for December 3rd, with f/u with OB on December 5th!

Busy week this week already. Was hoping for a breather....

Mon: making 4 flower bases for class on Thursday, working out with D
Tues: D's Jazz concert
Wed: Baking cake for bday @ work (really 2 weeks in a row)
Thurs: OFF - going to Nutcracker.Market with Shani. The most AWESOME Christmas craft show on EARTH!; decorating cake; cake class
Fri: NOTHING!

Friday, November 7, 2008

People Can Be SOO RUDE!!

Was craving McD's hot mustard sauce....so I wen to the drive thru....and then....

So I am so frustrated by what just happened in the drive thru at McD's that I had to diagram it for a better story!

As you can see, there is a random construction trailer taking up most of McD's parking lot. Therefore the actual entrance is to the right of that building and the other driveway is the EXIT. When I came around the corner of that building, there were already cars in line for the drive thru. The arrow points to the LAST CAR at the time of my pulling up (obviously at the wrong angle, but hey! I came in the right driveway. THEY did not.

So when said last car gets up to the make the turn to the order menu, I nudge my nose into the line behind it. The B.I.T.C.H next in line scoots her nose up and won't let me in. Lucky for me, her windows are down. I toot a little friendly toot on the horn and she ignores me. I roll down my window and here's the conversation:

Me: Hey, it's my turn. I was here next.
BITCH: I don't think so honey. (NOTE: I H.A.T.E when chicks call me honey)
Me: Yes, I was. That lady (pointing to car in front her) was the last car when I pulled up.
BITCH: I don't think so maam (NOTE: I H.A.T.E when chicks my age call me maam) I was here first all the way around the building.
Me: (shrugs) and looks at next car. They politely wave me in.

I could see the last car in line. This means there were NO OTHER CARS in line! And REALLY does it matter THAT F'ING MUCH what "place" you are in the damn MCDONALD'S LINE!!!

Let the people that at least followed the TRAFFIC RULES come in every other car or something. GEEZ. This is also what I get for going to the "high class" i.e. in a ritzy part of town, McD's. For those of you in Houston, it's on Post Oak near the Galleria. This should indicate to you the caliber of B.I.T.C.H. I am talking about....

Anyway, hope you like the drawing. Happy F'ing Friday.


Thursday, November 6, 2008

Because He's Black!

In light of the recent Presidential nomination....I found this post on my friend's blog and thought it worth re-posting. The original is here.

Thought provoking!

This older white guy asked his older black friend, 'Are you voting for Barack Obama just because he's black'?

So the older black guy fires back and says, 'Are you not voting for him because he's black? Why can't I vote for him just cause he's black?

Hell in this country men are pulled over everyday just cause they're black, passed over for promotions just cause they're black, considered to be criminals just cause they're black, but you don't seem to have a problem with that.

This country was built with the sweat and whip off the slaves back, and now a descendant of those same slaves has a chance to lead the same country where we weren't even considered to be people. A country where we weren't allowed to be educated, drink from the same water fountains, eat in the same restaurants, or even vote, so you damn right I'm going to vote for him!

But not just because he's black.

But because he is hope, he is change, and he now allows me to understand when my grandson says he wants to be president when he grows up, it is not a fairy tale but a short term goal. Now he sees, understand, and knows, he can achieve, withstand, and do anything just because he's black!

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

We HEART NKOTB!



Tuesday, November 4, 2008

16 Week Update

HOLY CRAP ON A CRACKER!

Can you believe it's been 16 weeks already! Only 24 more to go!

Weight: only gained 1 pound since 12 week check up (Ladies never tell you know)
BP: 110/70, not in my normal range, but at least its going down and not up!
Baby hb: 170

Everything is progressing nicely. I also had blood drawn today for the QuadScreen (similar to the NT scan). It screens for down's, trisomy18, trisomy13, and spina.bifida. Should have the results back within a week.

Other than that, I am waiting on a schedule call back for the 20 week u/s! I C.A.N.N.O.T. believe it will have been 8 weeks since we've seen the little bugger!

Grateful for:
  • a clean bill of health for the 16 week check up!
  • Girls Night with Laura tonight!
  • Cake class (finally Course 4!) starts tonight.

Friday, October 31, 2008

Happy Halloween!

My new pumpkin idea... they need to be straightend up.

Andrew's 1st pumpkin! (my evacuee baby)

My cheater pumpkins!

Dean and I @ Murder Mystery/Masquerade Ball last weekend.

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