Ring the Bell

Since I was a child I have always wanted to ring the bell for The Salvation Army, but never actually took the time to do it. You know multiple excuses and life getting in the way. Well, this year Bo's civic organization had sign up times. Bo jumped at the opportunity to sign us up. Bo and I took turns ringing the bell for 2 hours. I was amazed at how many people gave. I thought for sure that this year would be disappointing because of the economy, but it really lifted my spirit.

Bo ringing the bell.

New Dresser

Bo and I decided to get a dresser instead of a changing station. I really like the yellow against the paint.

Happy Birthday!!

Today is my mom's b-day and I just wanted to wish her a Happy Birthday.

Christmas Train

Christmas at our house wouldn't be complete without a train. Thank you Bo for putting ours out tonight.

More Stocking Fabric

I sometimes feel like a Christmas stocking factory. Lucky for me these don't have to be finished until next year. The penguin and the hat fabric are stockings for my Mother-in-laws house. The penguins will be for my niece and the Santa hat fabric will be for my son. The blue Santa fabric will be for my son at my parent's house. My mom has only one specification for the stockings at her house, they have to be made out of Santa fabric. It is really hard to find a small fun Santa print. I have to find one more Christmas fabric for the stocking for my son for at our house. I just haven't found one yet.

Candle of Peace

Last year I did a segment on different ornaments Bo and I have on our Christmas tree. I debated on sharing the meaning of this one, and decided not too. I think this year it the right time to do so. After I experienced my first miscarriage a friend of mine suggested that I buy a Christmas ornament to represent the child, hopes, and dreams that I lost at that moment. She told me she did this after she had a miscarriage. She said she had other ornaments on her tree for all her other children, and she thought why not represent the one she lost.

I thought about this for several months and one night Bo and I were in Hallmark getting an ornament for my nephew. We looked around and both agreed on this ornament. This weekend as we were unpacking our ornaments and decorating the tree. I thought about how far we have come on our pregnancy journey, and how close we are to having our first child. This ornament is bittersweet, but it will always have a place on our Christmas tree.

Like any good Hallmark ornament it has a little verse written on the box. This box says the following:
Let's light a candle

to shine in the darkness,
calming and soothing
til troubles all cease...
Let's light a candle
to dream, hope, and promise...
Let's light a candle of peace.

How much more appropriate can an ornament be.

New Niece

I'm an aunt again!

This is my brother-in-laws baby, Bo's Brother. She was born yesterday around 3:30 p.m. She was 6lbs. 8oz. and 19 and 3/4 inches long. Congratulations M & H!

Happy Birthday Bo!

I just love this picture of Bo because it reminds me of the fun we have together. He is an amazing friend and husband. I couldn't have asked for a better one, and I know that God gave him to me

Today is Bo's 37Th birthday!

It is amazing to me that Bo and I started dating about 2 weeks before his 31st b-day and now he is 37. My how time flies.

What's funny is that I meet his mom the week before his 31st b-day and she took our picture together in front of his Christmas tree. Little did I know that she was taking my picture home to show his grandmother and dad. I suspect that several other people that she knows saw the picture also.

But what was great about meeting her was that she asked me to come to her house a week later to spend the night and celebrate Bo's b-day with his family.

I graciously accepted, which several of my friends thought I was crazy for doing so. They didn't know why I would go an hour away with a guy I barely knew to meet his parents. Looking back this may not have been the smartest thing I have done, but I had already decided that Bo was the one for me, and I was going to marry him. So I guess I needed to meet my future in-laws. I had dinner with his mom, dad, grandmother, and an uncle. His brother came in two hours late so I just got to meet him, but not talk to him to much like had the rest. Earilier in the day I got to meet 2 other aunts and a few cousins and friends.

All of this meeting of the family would have made most people run, but I didn't. Bo and I were engaged 6 month later. I would have married him the day he proposed.

So in away Bo's b-day is how I judge the passage of time in our relationship. Now, that it has been 6 years later I'm amazed by all we have done together and how far we have come as a couple. We have our share of stuff to deal with and lately that has felt more overwhelming than ever. So it hasn't always be rosie but I wouldn't have wanted to spend these last six years with anyone else.

Happy Birthday Bo!!

Nursery Update

Bo and I have been really busy lately getting the nursery ready for the baby.

We got this chair at Babies R Us the day after Thanksgiving for half off. The blanket on it was handmade by my aunt. She also gave baby Bo the Lamb. I hate that she lives a 1,000 miles away from me.
Bo put together this book shelf on Saturday morning. It was something we picked up at Ikea a month or so ago.

I really like how the paint treatment turned out. Bo did an excellent job. He has come along way since we first meet. We did have a few moments when the crib wouldn't go together and then we looked at the directions together and figured it out. Bo is left handed and I think sometimes he looks at directions differently than right handed people. This can be an advantage in some situations.

We still have to remove some exercise equipment from the room.

We still have a long list of things that need to get done before the baby arrives.

Thinking

I have been doing a lot of thinking lately...which if you know me in real life this may be a little dangerous. But I promise that this time it isn't.

You see when I was a kid my aunt used to have poster of a dad and a boy fishing at a stream with the saying, "Give a child a fish he eats for a day. Teach a child to fish he eats for a lifetime."

I used to always have questions about it. Like what if I don't like to fish? or What if I'm allergic to fish and can't eat them? and so on. Needless to say it took me until I was much older to get what the saying was trying to teach me.

Well, now that I'm doing the nursery in a ocean them I'm trying to think of a way to incorporate this saying into some of the art I want in the room. Now, I just have to figure out how I want to do this. Any ideas?

Christmas Wreath

I just wanted to share with you a Christmas Wreath a co-worker made. When she described it to me this isn't at all how I pictured it. This is ribbon is some kind of mesh extra wide ribbon weaved in and out of a traditional evergreen like wreath. I'm still not sure how she made it, but she said it only takes about a half hour to make. She has offered to teach several of us how to make this. So hopefully in the next couple of days I can put up a tutorial on how to make this.

Black Friday

Black Friday is one of my favorite days of the year and this year didn't disappoint. Bo and I got everything that we went out to get and then some.

Our total Savings for the day was $1302.66. Can you believe that?

Did anybody else get any good deals.

Happy Thanksgiving

I know that I haven't posted a lot lately. Life has been busy - birthing class, finishing the baby's room, another yard sale, baby shower, and life in general.

I hope to enjoy some pumpkin pie, shopping and spending time with my family.

I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving!

Stocking

In between all the painting I still had time to make a stocking. This stocking is for my parent's house. Next year I'll have to make 3 stockings for my baby. Yes, that's right he won't have one but 3 stockings. One that Santa fills and one at each grandparents house. I'll have to make one more for at my in laws house because Bo's sister-in-law is having a baby. I guess most of my sewing time will be taken up with making stockings next year. I'm so glad that I can smock in the car and this pattern whips up in no time.

Long Weekend

There was a lot of work going on at my house this weekend. Bo and his cousin painted the nursery and the hall bath room.

The nursery is three colors so it took a little longer than expected. The waves still need to be connected and we are thinking about putting some white caps on some of them. Touch up and trim paint are next on the list of things to do.

New light fixture and new color on the wall in the bathroom. The wall got messed up while putting the light up so that will have to be fixed and then trim painted. Then it will be time for decorating.

Linen Closet

The master bath in our house has no linen closet. Actually, if there was one complaint I have about our house it is that it doesn't have enough closets. So the other week when we were at Ikea we decided to buy some bookshelves and place them on the ledge above our bath tub. I will let you know we use the shower way more than we ever use the garden tub. These shelves have worked wonders and they hold so much. They are rather large and in some ways make the room feel smaller, but I can live with that. Next all we have to do is paint this room. I honestly believe our list of fix it projects will never end.

Yard Sale

Saturday morning Bo and I had a yard sale. It was really cold and traffic was really really slow. So slow that Bo read the paper and I made us breakfast. We did get to talk to several of our neighbors. We have now decided to have another yard sale in two weeks with my mom and my cousin at my cousin's house. He has a great location. So maybe it will be a better turn out.

Happy Anniversary!

Happy Anniversary to two of my longest and most faithful blog followers I have - my parents. They have been married for 36 years today, and they have know each other way longer than that. Actually, my dad's dad was my mom's family milk man when she was little. I have always found that amusing. I don't know why, but it just seems like the start of a romanic comedy to me. Happy Anniversary! I'll call and sing the anniversary song to you later.

Peanut Festival

We made our yearly trip to the Peanut Festival on Saturday night. We thought the yard sale was cold, but it was nothing compared to the fair.

Bo forgot his hat and gloves at the house. And I told him not to wear two pairs of pants, I was wrong about that one because our legs were freezing by the end of the night. Luck for us we had plenty of extra shirts in our car.

My mom is to cold to smile for the camera.

Fresh HOT boiled peanuts. A great reason to go to the fair. We mostly went and ate this year. Watched my nephew on a few rides and then went home.

My dad riding the scooter he rented. Lets just say this one was nothing like the one we rented at Disney World this summer. It barely made it two hours before it lost all of its juice.

Baby Shower

Bo's family had a baby shower for us this weekend. His family and friends were very generous towards our new baby.

My brother and sister-n-law got us this plate to hang in the babies room. I almost started to cry when I opened it because Bo and I have prayed for our child and we know that other people have prayed for us to have a child also. My sister-in-law told me that she had got this plate for me before and my brother accidentally broke it so she had to go back and buy another one. I have a very thoughtful sister-in-law. I'm going to hang this above the light switch in the baby's room so I see it every time I go in his room.

Another gift just made me laugh.

I was handed two gifts that were wrapped the same and I asked if they were togeter and Bo's aunt said no one was specifically from Bo's uncle for us. I thougth this was a little odd because I wondered what a guy was doing sending a baby gift. Inside was this bib. Bo is a CPA just like his uncle so they both have the same sence of humor. When Bo saw it he loved it. I guess my son will have no choice, but to be a CPA.

Beautiful Coat

I don't usually post pictures of celebrities on my blog, but I just fell in love with Kendra's coat that I saw this morning on People.com. I love the color and the cut. The collar is amazing. Way to go Kendra on picking out such a great coat!

On Becoming Baby Wise

I have had several people tell me I had to read this book, and after going to dinner with some friends Friday night I finally decided to go and buy it. I will say that it didn't take that long to read. But sometimes I did find it confusing and repetitive. I don't think that I follow everything that this book says but I really did like the idea of a schedule. Maybe more of a schedule with a little more flexibility. I must admit that somethings in this book were a little off the wall, this pretty much happens in most books that are trying to convince a person to subscribe to the author's ideas. I also think that the ideas of this book would work out better for a mom that stayed at home more so than a working mom.

After reading this book I went to Amazon and Barnes and Nobles to see what other people thought of this book. Well, it was interesting that people either loved it or hated it there really weren't many people in the middle about it.

So, now I must move on to the next book on parenting a new born. Any suggestions?

Synopsis From Barnes and Nobles:

The infant management concepts presented in this book have found favor with over two million parents and twice as many contented babies. On Becoming Baby wise brings hope to the tired and bewildered parents looking for an alternative to sleepless nights and fussy babies. The Baby wise Parent Directed Feeding concept has enough structure to bring security and order to your baby's world, yet enough flexibility to give mom freedom to respond to any need at any time. It teaches parents how to lovingly guide their baby's day rather than be guided or enslaved to the infant's unknown needs.
The information contained within On Becoming Baby wise is loaded with success. Comprehensive breast-feeding follow-up surveys spanning three countries, of mothers using the PDF method verify that as a result of the PDF concepts, 88% breast-feed, compared to the national average of only 54% (from the National Center for Health Statistics). Of these breast-feeding mothers, 80% of them breast-feed exclusively without a formula complement. And while 70% of our mothers are still breast-feeding after six months, the national average encourage to follow demand feeding without any guidelines is only 20%. The mean average time of breast-feeding for PDF moms is 33 1/2 weeks, well above the national average. Over 50% of PDF mothers extend their breast-feeding toward and well into the first year. Added to these statistics is another critical factor. The average breast-fed PDF baby sleeps continuously through night seven to eight hours between weeks seven and nine. Healthy sleep in infants is analogous to healthy growth and development. Find out for yourself why a world of parents and pediatricians utilize the concepts found in On Becoming Baby wise.

Halloween Talk

As I'm reading the blogs I follow I can't help but think about what Baby Bo will be next year for Halloween. I love dressing up for Halloween, but this year I just didn't feel it.
I have always loved this McCall's pattern, and I would love for Baby Bo to be an elephant next year. Bo likes this costume also, but he is really indifferent since it is a year away. Now, if only I can convince my mom to help me make it. She is the best costume maker.
Has anyone made this pattern? If so was it very hard?

Percy Jackson

Okay, we are still cleaning out our house to get ready for a yard sale this weekend. We did make time to watch a movie on Friday night.
We rented Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Needless to say this was not my choice, but Bo's choice. Bo has always been into Greek Mythology so this movie was right up his ally. I would say that it would help that you know something about Greek Mythology or have read these books. I think boys would love this movie. I loved that this movie was rated PG with a lot of action and adventure that boys would love. I didn't find it a true waste of time, but it wasn't something I would have picked.

The Girlfriends Guide To Pregnancy

Many many moons ago when I got pregnant the first time I rushed out to buy a pregnancy book. I looked at many and remembered my Sister-in-law telling me this was the book she liked this best when she was pregnant with my nephew. So I followed he advice and purchased it. I wish I had borrowed it from her.

I have enjoyed reading this book, but I don't know if it was the most medical sound book out there on pregnancy. It reminds me more of a book that would have been written by the leader of a click, and it seemed to contain stories about her friends. I have stopped and started reading this book several times. Now, I'm so glad that I have finished it. It is one more thing off my to do list before the baby is born.

I will say that when I had my two miscarriages I read this section over again. Which was helpful to get information from a friendly voice. Will, I keep this book more than likely, but would I buy this book again - not really. This is an easy read that doesn't take long to read when I was into reading it.

This is what came from back of the book:

Your Girlfriends, of course -- at least, the ones who've been through the exhilaration and exhaustion, the agony and ecstasy of pregnancy. Four-time delivery room veteran Vicki Iovine, "the Carrie Bradshaw of pregnancy" ("Wall Street Journal"), talks to you the way only a best friend can -- in the book that will go the whole nine months for every mother-to-be. Now, in this newly revised and updated edition, get the lowdown on all those little things that are too strange or embarrassing to ask, practical tips, and hilarious takes on everything pregnant.
What "Really" Happens to Your Body -- from morning sickness and gas to eating everything in sight -- and what it's like to go from being a babe to having one.
The Many Moods of Pregnancy -- why you're so irritable/distracted/ tired/light-headed (or at least more than usual).
"Plus," the latest scoop on . . .
Staying Stylish -- You may be pregnant, but you can still be the fashionista you've always been (or at least you don't have to look like a walking beach ball) -- wearing the hippest designers and proudly showing off your bump.
Pregnancy Is Down to a Science -- from in vitro fertilization to scheduled C-section, the latest technology provides so many options, alternatives, and tests, it can all be downright confusing.
. . . and much more For a reassuring voice or just a few good belly laughs, turn to this straight-talking guide on what to "really" expect when you're expecting.

Supper

Bo and I cleaned out the kitchen cabinets on Saturday. While doing this we came across a bean soup mix that at one time must have looked interesting to us because we purchased it. Since it was almost out of date we decided to try it Sunday for Supper. Lets just say it wasn't that appealing once it had been cooked and it smell horrible. So I guess this one should have just stayed in the cabinet lost forever.
Bo did find a bag of black eyed peas or one cooking show we watched this week called them black eyed beans. He decided to make himself some. He even called his mom at 11pm Saturday night to see how long he needed to soak them. He thinks they taste wonderful. I just can't get over the looks of them to even try them.

After checking out both pots of beans I noticed on the counter that the salt shaker was empty. It was at least half way full before Bo started cooking. I'm hoping that he spilled some and really didn't use that much in the dishes he made. But I'm sure he used it all.

Not much sewing this weekend. We are trying to get ready for a yard sale. One more room down and two to go. I think I can make by the next two weeks.

Funny Story

Last night I was filling out the form for Bo and I to take Childbirthing classes I filled out the form and under name I put both of our names. Later on the form asked for the Coach.

Me: What do you think I should put down for Coach?

Bo: You could always put down Saban. (The U of AL Football Coach)

I kind of gave him a look like you are kidding and he just smiled at me. So I knew he was joking.

Bo: You know you wouldn't be the first person to put that down.

Me: That is sad.

Latest Project

I know that it doesn't look like much now, but this will be Baby Bo's Easter outfit. This will be another day gown. He will only be 3 months old at Easter so a day gown will still be appropriate for him. This should take me a while to make and then I have several other projects on my list to make.

Coming Home Outfit

I know this is a horrible picture, and for that I apologize. I was having trouble with my lighting and then my computer wouldn't act right.

I finally finished my first french hand sewn day gown. I think I have been carrying this around for years, and I glad it is finally finished. You really can't tell from the picture but it is robins egg blue with ivory lace. I have a great husband that told me he doesn't mind our baby boy in lace which is an amazing step for most men. I think it helps that we went to a church for several years that all the children wore lace and fancy clothes. Kind of made it not seem so strange to him. This day gown just looks classic to me. My plan is to make two more day gowns one in white with a little lace for Easter and a blue linen one (different pattern) for spring. That is the plan for now. I do have the Easter one cut out so that is a start.

Parenting Book

Overview From Books A Million:

In Boys Should Be Boys, one of our most trusted authorities helps parents restore the delights of boyhood and enable today's boys to become the mature, confident, and thoughtful men of tomorrow. Boys will always be boys-rambunctious, adventurous, and curious, climbing trees, building forts, playing tackle football, and pushing their growing bodies to the limit as part of the rite of passage into manhood. But today our sons face an increasingly hostile world that doesn't value the high-spirited, magical nature of boys. In a collective call to let our boys be boys, Dr. Meg Meeker explores the secrets to boyhood, including - why rules and boundaries are crucial-and why boys feel lost without them- how the outdoors is still the best playground, offering the sense of adventure that only Mother Nature can provide- the essential ways to preserve a boy's innocence (and help him grow up)- the pitfalls moms and dads face when talking to their sons- why moody and rebellious boys are not normal-and how to address such behavior- how and when the "big" questions in life should be discussed: why he is here, what his purpose is, and why he is important Parents are blessed with intuition and heart, but raising sons is a daunting responsibility. This uplifting guide makes the job a little easier.

What I thought about it:

This was a book that was easy to read with a lot of good information most of it being common sense. One thing that bothered me was that I wanted the 7 Secrets to be stated and then information or reasons give about these secrets. This really wasn't the case. The seven secrets I think this book was trying to say is that boys need are: 1. to use there imagination and explore, 2. to know that they are loved, 3. guidance and direction from boyhood into manhood, 4.down time is important, 5. God is important, 6. Fathers are important and many times a boys hero and 7. time. Again since they are not listed I'm just giving you what I thought. I would recommend this book to anyone who is having a boy.

This book did make me question again do we really need cable in our house with a young child. Mostly because of the junk that is on tv, and because of the amount of time it sometimes takes out of ones life.

Many times the stories in this book reminded me of my brother, my cousin Z (my brother's best friend growing up), and Bo. Since I didn't know Bo as a child I just have to imagine him that way and relate to his childhood threw the stories he and his family tell me. But all of these boys have turned into great men. But everytime a story reminded me of them it was about being outside, adventure, imagination, and the time that was put in them as children, and the boundaries that were set and they more than likely followed.

One of my favorite quotes from the book was: "Every single boy is born for a reason. And every boy needs to know this. He is no accident. He exists to do something and to be someone unique." I can't wait to meet my little boy in 15 weeks or so and help him find out what he has that will make him uniquely him.

Every Girls Dream

Isn't it every girls dream to have a shark hanging in their bedroom? Well, I can tell you it wasn't mine, but the shark had to be moved from the so to be nursery.

This is Bo's shark and in some weird way I really like it. Mostly because I can see how happy Bo is to tell people about the day he caught it. I'll give you the Reader's Digest version: Bo went deep sea fishing as part of his graduation gift from high school. He said he wasn't to far out when he had a bite. He was the only one in his group of friend to catch anything that day.

From the tip of its tail to the tip of his nose the shark is right at 6 ft. long. Lets just say I wouldn't want to swim in the Gulf knowing it was in the water.

The shark has moved around our house several times and I think we have found a permanent place for it. It started off in the living room above the couch, then it moved to the guest room, and now it is in our room. I have also decided to start calling it Tommy.

Now, if only I could find a place for the deer head that has to move out of the baby's room!

By the way the art hanging under the shark came from the Nassau, Bahamas. I love to collect artwork from different trips we go on, and I picked these up while we were on our cruise last year. The artist is Tiff Barrett.

Crib

I ordered our crib today. So now I have the bedding and a crib. If only the room was painted and all the stuff that is in there had been moved out. I love white furniture for a baby. Bo and I still have to find a changing table/dresser and a chair to go into the room. Who knew babies need all this stuff?

Making Room For Baby

I really can't believe I'm showing you this picture. No! this isn't a pile of clothes that need to be folded. It is a pile of clothes that I can no longer wear or that are worn out. I can't believe I have held on to them this long. It actually felt good to get rid of these items. Some of them still have the tags on them which bothered me the most. On to the next closet.

Baby Moon

I think Baby Moon is a funny name for a vacation a couple goes on before there baby is born. So this past weekend Bo and I went on our Baby Moon. We went to Atlanta for the weekend. Friday we took off work and went and heard Dave Ramsey, EntreLeadership. This was interesting and we both learned a lot.

Saturday - We went and watched the Braves v. the Phillies. The Braves Lost! We were there the day they honored Bobby Cox before he retires at the end of the season.

Bo and I at the game. The couple in front of us got on the big screen.

Cleaning Out

Sorry about the lack of post this week. I guess Bo and I have gotten into fall cleaning. We have cleaned out our chest of drawers, dresser and part of the closet. I'm not really sure why we've hung on to some of this stuff for so long. Maybe there will be more time for sewing next week.

Wedding Weekend

This weekend my brother-in-law and his girlfriend of five years got married. It was a lovely wedding. Here is a picture of the bride and groom. The bride's veil was the one her mother had it her wedding. It was handmade by a family member.

Pins and Needles

Last night Bo stepped on something with his bare feet, and before he looked to see what it was he said, "It's either a pin or a needle" This is a huge change in reaction from the first time he stepped on a pin.

The first time went something like this:

Bo: Loud Ouch
Me: What happened?
Bo: A bee stung me. I don't know how it got in the carpet, but I know a bee stung the bottom of my foot.
Me: A bee stung you? Are you sure?
Bo: Yes, and it hurts.
Me: Let me see.

He showed me his foot and we pulled out the pin. Needless to say I thought this was funny and he did not.

We told this story to my mom and dad, and my dad's advise to Bo was to just to get used to it because it wouldn't be the last time he'll step on a pin or needle.

So last night I could only laugh at how far we have come as a couple in the few years we have been married. But I know that I'll have to be better about pins and needles with a baby in the house next year. Any advise on keeping them from falling out of your projects?

Christmas Already

Unlike many I think about Christmas all year long. Not the actual stress of the Holiday, but I do pay attention to what people mention things they would like and then I try to find them on sale or go ahead and make them. This is a homemade gift for someone I'm sure doesn't read my blog.

I usually make these blankets with two yards of fabric, but since the receiver of this gift is taller I decided to make it with 2.5 yards. After I finished this Bo said I like this longer length. Who knows I may end up making another one for Bo. Let me just say one thing it is a lot harder to crawl around on the floor at 5.5 months pregnant. I should let you know that Bo helped me tie this blanket together.

More Birthday Cakes

I had several celebrations and lots of fun. Turning 33 is great!

First B-day Celebration

Last night Bo took me out for dinner. We went to The House at the downtown Marriott. I have only eaten there once for lunch and Bo has never eaten there. But I'm sure we will go again. Let me just tell you the food was wonderful and reasonably priced. We both enjoyed our dinner and the view. Montgomery is having a revitalization of downtown and it is amazing to see what is happening to an area that just a few years ago no one really went to.

At the end of our dinner we were given our lollipop dessert. I just thought the display was just adorable and seemed very easy to do for a party decorations.

I was goofing off and Bo snapped this picture. I told him that I was going to lick both of the lollipop and not give him either. I was just joking with him, but this is the picture he took. We both actually taste both of them. I ended up liking the pink one, which was strawberry, the best and Bo liked the cream one, vanilla.
Needless to say that we both enjoyed our dinner out. Bo, thanks for a great birthday dinner!

Surprise! Pumpkin Cake

My birthday is on Sunday, and Bo decided to surprise me with a pumpkin cake from his works bake sale. Let me just tell you this was the most moist and delicious pumpkin cake I have ever had.