Southern Sayin' Of The Month

I live for the light of a full moon. -me

Friday, August 31, 2012

Top Five Friday...Me and Monkey

This week has been a huge adjustment for our family as school started back. I was just going to do my Top 5 on how I had to adjust, but Colson had such a big week at school I thought I'd share a bit about his week as well.

Colson's Top Five Best Moments: 
First Week in First Grade
1. Day 1- His sweet teacher traded popsicles with him because he wanted grape flavor.

2. Day 2-The principal chose him to come to the office and pull the fire alarm for their first fire drill!

3. Day 3- He got to watch a video about manners. (Watching videos in school rocks!)

4. Day 4- Getting to write about people from his bubble map. (I remember teaching my first graders to write stories using a bubble map!)

5. Day 5- Getting to go to the prize box and get a mini Hungry Hungry Hippo game. Colson's words, "I don't know where she finds all this cool stuff!" -on the game and the rubberband ball he saw in the prize box


 My Top Five Biggest Adjustments:
Back to Work

1.  Getting up before 7am. It's not for me.  Especially not for me when I'm pregnant. Who do I lobby to change the start time for school?

2. Trying to remember everything. Folder signed, lunch packed, snack packed, clothes laid out, my bag packed, Lilly's bag ready for the sitter, and on and on. I need a checklist!

3. Letting the little things go. There's just no time or energy to be spent "tidying up". Only the necessitites are taken care of, the rest just has to wait.

4. That thing called dinner. It doesn't seem quite as daunting when you're at home during the day, but it's just about the last thing I want to think about when I get home. I just want to SIT.


5. No naps. :(  I'm not going to lie; this third bebe has wiped me out and I loved the fact that I could take a nap if I needed to during the summer (Bug still sleeps 3 hrs and Monkey will nap if I tell him to).  Now that precious gift is gone. I miss it dearly!

I know that I will adjust, but this week's been a hard one.  Thankfully we have a three day weekend to recover before we are back at it again. Happy Friday friends!





Wednesday, August 29, 2012

First Grader...Right Here!

Colson started first grade this week and boy was he excited! We bought our supplies, ordered a new red camo lunchbox, packed his bookbag and then it was here...the first day of school!

We are very lucky to have a close friend as his teacher this year and I know she will love him and help him grow just like he was her own child (and I've told her she better fuss at him like he's her own if he gets out of line).  His Kindergarten year was wonderful and I know First Grade will be too!

Colson's First Day of First Grade...he wants to be a painter when he grows up.
Colson and Mommy

Colson and a proud Daddy
My Monkey and The Bug

Two silly babes!


 

Monday, August 27, 2012

Duh...Duh...Dirty Thirty!

That's right...goodbye 20s, hello 30s! My twenties were very good to me so I can't complain, but I'm always looking forward to what's next and I think my thirties will be fabulous!

Here's a recap of what's happened in the last 10 years.
21- I marry the love of my life! (Dec. 2003)
21- 5 months later I graduate from Appalachian State University and prepare to begin my first year of teaching. (May 2004)
22- I buy my first ever brand new car. A green Nissan Altima that I drove for 7 years. (Aug. 2004)
23- My Monkey, Colson, is born! (March 2006)
26- Nick and I celebrate 5 years of marriage! (Dec. 2008)
26- The Bug, Lilly-Belle is born! (April 2009)
26/27-Weeks before I turn 27 I decide to start a blog while trapped under a nursing baby.(Aug. 2009)
27- We begin building our forever home.(Jan. 2010)
28- We move into our forever home! (Sept. 2010)
29- The RedHead throws me the best surprise party to celebrate the last year of my twenties! (Aug. 2011)
29- I get pregnant with little ButterBean!(April 2012)

Then it was time to celebrate turning 30. We actually did most of our celebrating a week before my birthday. The babes went to the beach with their YaYa and Poppy, so it worked out for the best (plus the first day of school was the day after my birthday).

On Friday, my Mama took me to lunch at the Chop House in High Point and I had the most delicious crab cake salad ever. Then we did a bit of shopping and I found a cute blanket for ButterBean and we got icecream at Brusters before heading home. Can I just say I'd marry Graham Central Station if marrying icecream were legal! This is the lovely purse Mama gifted me...she understands my handbag addiction.

Friday evening Nick got home from work and I guess the secret was killing him because he went ahead and gave me my birthday gift, a Slane and Slane Bee Pendant. It was above and beyond anything I expected and I even gave him the opportunity to just take it back, but he really wanted me to have it. I made him promise that it would be my birthday, anniversary and Christmas gift all together (oh, and push present) ,but I have to say I'm quite smitten with it. As is that weren't enough, he gave me a sweet Marley Lilly clutch too. Not sure what I did to deserve this guy!

The next evening we went out to eat at Salty Caper with our friends Jed and Emily and not only was the pizza delicious, but dessert was heavenly. It's called a fritta and they take a candy bar (we had reeses and milky way), deep fry it in this sweet breading and put powdered sugar on top. Sugar heaven! I really with I had taken a picture of it, but we were too busy eating it.

Jed and Emily gave me a precious birthday/early baby gift for ButterBean. Some Aden and Anias swaddle blankets and a Sophie teether (which I've had my eye on).
Since we did our main celebration the weekend before, my actual birthday was pretty relaxed (which is exactly what we needed the night before school starts). We went to church and went out to lunch together. All of the fun and gifts were amazing, but I feel truly blessed to have such a loving husband, precious children, supportive family, and caring friends. God has given me these gifts to enjoy on my birthday and every day!

 

Sunday, August 26, 2012

22 Weeks

Today, on my 30th birthday, I finish up my 22nd week!

The Belly:
Somebody's gettin on out there!

Hi Point: All of the kind words and excitement I was welcomed back to school with this week! It is so nice to know that others share in your joy and anticipation. I think I've answered "When are you due?" about a hundred times this week and it was with smiles that I answered, "Christmas Eve", each time.

Lo Point: I keep having this feeling that this pregnancy is going to go much like Colson's. I don't know why I feel that I'll go early, except that I'm carrying this baby low like he was, but I don't like feeling like this.

Siblings: Colson continues to give the baby kisses and then refuses to give me kisses. He says the baby can share them with me. They're already teaming up against me!

Cravings: I bought these Edy's Coconut Popsicles this week that I just LOVE, but I've also been craving salads. A little good with the bad!

Lbs: +19-20

Looking Forward To: Nothing really big going on at the moment.

Friday, August 24, 2012

Thanks Andrea!

A big Thank You to Andrea @ The Blonde Ambitions for a sweet blog award!


1.  Someone "gave" this award to you? 
Create a blog post including 11 random facts about yourself
2.  Also in that blog post, answer the 11 question the person that nominated you has given you, and make up another 11 questions for the people you will nominate
3.  Give this award to at least 5 blogs (up to 11) and link them in your post!
4.  Tell those people that you have nominated them for the award
5.  You cannot nominate the person that has nominated you
6.  Remember to tag blogs with less than 200 followers (I may have broken this rule...oops!)

11 Facts about ME
1. I am NOT a morning person! Adjusting to waking early for work this week has been a nightmare.
2. I will never pass up dessert. Never.
3. I was a cheerleader all through school, but I always wished I was a ballerina.
4. I'm not a dog or cat person. (Don't tell anyone. People think you should just love animals.)
5. I absolutely love baby feet. I don't know why, but I just think they're so sweet!
6. I will turn 30 this weekend!
7. I am addicted to handbags. They're my favorite accessory!
8. I love fried green tomatoes.
9. I have dated/been engaged to/been married to Nick for half of my life.
10. My favorite Starbucks drink is a pumpkin spice latte. I really wish they served them year round.
11. I pride myself in having very neat handwriting.

Questions from Andrea:
one: what was the most recent thing you bought online?
Goodies for the baby! The crib, bedding, and some decor from etsy.
 
two: if you could meet one famous individual who would it be?
It would have to be the President. I think he is fascinating!
 
three: do you prefer snow/cold or beach for a vacation?
Send me to a bed and breakfast in the mountains with snow falling any day of the week.
 
four: do you have a pet? what kind? what is their name? (sorry I know that is 3!)
No pet. We used to have a cat and dog, but they now have better homes.
 
five: if you could change jobs to anything else, what would you be?
I think I'd like to be a play therapist for children with special needs.
 
six: tap or sparkling water?
Tap. (But I'd rather have sweet tea.)

seven: what was the first car that you owned?
A blue Honda Accord. 

eight: what is your favorite pizza topping or type of pizza?
I love pizza from the Salty Caper with bacon and artichokes. Delicious!
 
nine: what kind of camera do you take most of your pictures? (Nikon, iphone, etc)
Usually on my phone. Thank you Instagram!
 
ten: what is your favorite reality TV show?
I love cooking reality shows like Master Chef and Hell's Kitchen.
 
eleven: where is the farthest from home you have ever traveled?
To Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for our honeymoon. Only time I've ever flown as well. 
 
{Questions for my nominees}
1. Coffee or Hot Chocolate?
2. What is your favorite accessory?
3. What magazine do you love to read?
4. Dream travel destination?
5. What is your favorite childhood memory?
6. Your biggest achievement in life {so far}?
7. What was your favorite subject in school?
8. Chinese or Japanese food?
9. How do you "treat" yourself when you're having a rough day or need a pick-me-up?
10. Driving pet peeve?
11. Shower or bath?
 
I'm nominating:
1. Paige @ Boots, Bows, & the 5-OH
2. Laura @ Cowboy Boots & Baby Booties
3. Laura @ Lillypie Accessories
4. Mrs. Bear @ Think Happy Thoughts
5. Brittany @ Living in the Moment




 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Wrapping Up the Summer List

We've been steadily checking off items on our Summer List for about two months now. We still have a few things left to do, but I think they'll keep through fall and give us some fun weekend activities to do.

Most recently, we've been blowing bubbles, working on our art project for the baby's room, and making homemade playdoh. I decided to try a recipe I found on Pinterest. It used Jello, which I thought would be more fun and sweet smelling than the regular old stuff.

Here's the recipe:
1 cup plain four
2 Tblsp salt
2 Tblsp cream of tarter
2 Tblsp cooking oil
1 cup of warm water
1 3oz package of Jello (choose your flavor!)

1. Mix all ingredients in large mixing bowl and stir until it has an even consistency.

2. Pour mixture into a large nonstick pan and "cook" over medium low heat for 5-7 minutes. (I stirred pretty frequently, but once it started to thicken, I would pause and then turn it over on itself...think omlette style.) You will know it is done when it pulls together on itself to form a ball/blob.


3. Turn it out onto wax paper to cool for about 30 minutes.

4. Slowly add flour and knead into dough until the "sticky" is gone and it has playdoh consistency. (My kids were not very patient, so I only cooled it for about 10-15 min. and it took about 1/4 cup flour kneaded in to make it feel right.)

5. Have fun with it!



Overall, I really like this recipe. A little extra work, but you can't beat the sweet scent and it hasn't dried out yet.

 

Sunday, August 19, 2012

21 weeks

Thankfully, the thing with mood swings is that they go from low to high. This past week has been much better. (I'm back to wearing mascara.)

The Belly:


Hi Point: Moments of being able to "play" with the baby. When little ButterBean is especially active I can now push on my belly and feel a push or kick in return. This makes everything so real!

Lo Point:Welcome home heartburn! I had heartburn with both of my previous pregnancies, and it's back. Pretty much anything I eat can give it to me (even a baked potato), but it's always worse in the evenings.

Siblings: The babes left on Thursday for a long weekend at the beach with their grandparents which has given Mama some extra rest time. It has been nice (especially since I go back to work this week), but I miss them like crazy!!

Cravings: Not a whole lot...I'd say coffee, if anything??

Lbs: +18

Looking Forward To: Possibly dragging out some baby clothes to go through and see what we have that will work for the wee one. Returning to work will be my major feat of the week, so it may not happen at all.


Friday, August 17, 2012

Top Five Friday

Today's edition of Top Five Friday are the top five things every pregnant woman needs.

#5. A personal masseur who is on standby 24-7. This would cut back on the constant requests for my husband to rub my feet/legs/back.

#4. Pillows. Lots of pillows and a Snoogle pregnancy pillow. A good night's sleep is like the holy grail of pregnancy and can only be accomplished with many, many pillows.
 
#3. A mama to call when you think you're going nuts. You need someone to tell you that it is, in fact, the hormones and you're not certifiable (at least not yet).

#2. A page who's only errand is to fulfill your every craving whim. Pecan pie from the Honey Monk. Chocolate Covered Doughnuts from Krispy Kreme. Double Pan Fried Noodles from ENoodle. Just send the page.

#1. A mini-fridge and a toilet installed right beside the bed. I know it may seem counterintuitive to put food next to the toilet, but these are the only two things you need when you wake up for the 5th time during the night. Just roll out of bed, take care of business (keep some Germ-X nearby), have a snack and drink, and back to sleep.

I think pregnancy would be a bit easier if one could just have these five simple things!
Happy Friday!!

 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Anticipation!

Every day I wonder who's bumping around in there.

Is it a Bouncing Baby Boy?? 

Or a Precious Giggling Girl?? 


Guess we'll have to wait a few more months to find out!

 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Quick Pickles: A (Preggo) Girl's Best Friend

Truth: There are always 5-6 jars of different types of pickles in my fridge at any time. This seems to bother the RedHead, but I think it's perfectly normal. There's too many kinds to pick just one...spears, chips, minis, sweet, dill, or bread and butter.

But my favorite kind are homemade pickles. These aren't the kind that you make with a mix and "can" (botulism scares me) so I guess you'd call them semi-homemade.



I've bought cucumbers at the Farmer's Market pretty much every week so I can keep these in the fridge. Make some and enjoy before summer's over!

Quick Pickles 

2-3 sliced cucumbers
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/2 cup cider vinegar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp mustard seeds
1/2 to 1 tsp celery seeds
pepper to taste
**1/2 cup water

Slice and layer cucumber in glass jar.
Heat all ingredients (except water) in saucepan, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves.
Add water.
Pour over cucumbers and refrigerate.

Variations: Add in a sliced onion if you like them. 
Add in dill for a nice twist.

Note: The cucumbers in this recipe are fairly sweet. Decrease sugar to 1/3 cup if you prefer them less sweet.

  

  
 

Sunday, August 12, 2012

20 weeks

This week has been a rough one. Glad that it has passed and onto the next!

The Belly:

Hi Point: Nick was able to feel the baby's kicks for the first time. ButterBean seems to be very active in the evenings and the kicks are finally getting strong enough to feel from the outside.

Lo Point: Again with the horomones. This is definitely my "blue baby". I remember crying when I was really stressed with work and being pregnant, plus worrying about preterm labor with Lilly-Belle, but this is different. The tears flow often and for many reasons or for no reason at all. I've pretty much given up mascara lately.

Siblings: Both are anxious for their turn to feel the baby kick! They will put their little hands on my belly, but they seem to have a calming effect on ButterBean. I'm sure it won't be long before they have their turn though!

They also started their art project for the nursery. Here are a few pics:


I'll post more once we finish their frames.

Cravings: Old Fashioned Cherry Cokes from the Drugstore, Pecan Pie from the Monk, and Pet Vanilla Icecream (very specific)

Lbs: +16

Looking Forward To: Just enjoying feeling this little on grow!


 

Thursday, August 9, 2012

It's Okay...

 
Today I'm linking up with Neely @ A Complete Waste of Makeup and Amber @ Brunch with Amber for their weekly "It's Okay" series. This is what's okay in my world right now...

It's okay... to eat nothing but icecream and noodles because you just had a wisdom tooth pulled.

It's okay... to not care what kind of mess the babes are making upstairs because they're playing quietly and nicely together.

It's okay... to squeeze in a catnap whenever you can.

It's okay... to fill online shopping carts with things you like, but never buy any of it.

It's okay... to be concerned for people you've only ever met through the blog world. Sending hugs to Neely and Brittany.

This list could go on forever, but I'm going to stop at 5 because that's my favorite number. Happy Little Friday!

 

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Blog Star...Meet Southern Belle Mama

This is my second time linking up with Mrs. Monologues for the Blog Star series. A big thank you to her and her co-hosts for sharing this linkup with us!!


Here is a link to my first Blog Star post, and so as not to completely repeat myself from last month, I'll share 5 things I like to blog about or describe my blog style.

#1. I love to blog about my babes...Colson, Lilly-Belle, and ButterBean on the way.

#2. I have a certain affinity for ellipsis (...) and exclamation points (!). Sideways smileys are often found in my posts and in the comments I leave. :)

#3. I am proud to be a southern girl! One thing I'm most proud of is our food and although I do eat real meals, there is a special place in my heart for sweets!
Rose's Brownies
Mamaw's Pound Cake
Southern Banana Puddin'

Just don't try to make biscuits like me...you will not be impressed! They still need some work.
Mamaw's Biscuits

#4. I blogged about my Life List last year and will be writing an updated post to share all of the things I've crossed off the list since last July.

#5. I am hosting my very first Blog Sale...up for sale are items by Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors, TOMS, Thirty-One, Dansko and more. I'd love to have you come shop! (excuse the shameless plug)

Just a bit about me. I can't wait to read more about you!


 
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