February 28, 2011

Cookie Cutter Ideas

I discovered the GREATEST thing ever with cookie cutters!
bisquick batter on the stove
end result! heart pancakes

February 27, 2011

Welcoming Some Changes

I got in a mood to where I wanted a new layout for my blog. Behold the new look and feel of my blog. Let me know what you think! Do you like it more than the old one, or the other way around? Anything you would change? I wanted to separate the sidebars without putting funny looking lines. Is all the blue too much? Is the white too much or weird looking? Thoughts, comments, ideas, opinions? Feel free to share! I am happy with it for now so we will see. Although I constantly tweak it anyway. I spend way too much time editing my blog, I swear. Let me know what you think!

February 26, 2011

One of Those Lazy Days

Today is one of those 'alone time, have to be lazy' kind of days. You know, one of those days where you sit back and relax on the couch all day. Those days where you spend all day on the computer and watch watching movies, pigging out. I am definitely having one of those days! My husband is gone for the night on a little trip to Yakima. I could only imagine how cold it is over there. While he is gone, I decide to make myself comfy on the couch, watch some movies, eat pizza, and spend countless hours online.

This is my lovely jewel for dinner tonight. I went to Safeway and it turns out they were having a $5 family special on DiGiorno pizzas. I don't mind frozen pizza at all and delivery costs way too much. Besides, I haven't had pizza in quite some time. My mind was blown when I saw that they now had sides! I had no idea! Especially CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE sides!! You just can't go wrong there! So for dinner, I shall veg out on pepperoni pizza and chocolate chip cookies! I suppose I will be nice and save my husband some. ;)

In other news, weeks ago my friend and I found cute little plants that you grow yourself at Target. Have you ever seen that $1 area in the front? Well that's where we got them! I only got basil for now, because I wasn't sure it would grow but LOOK! It's definitely starting to grow. I'm excited and can't wait to use it. You're supposed to transfer to a larger pot when they get bigger so we shall see. I mind you, this pot that came with it is smaller than the palm of my hand, probably about the size of a tennis ball. I'm just pretty excited about that!

What do you do when you are home alone or have those lazy days?

February 25, 2011

Six Months DOWN.

How far along: 24 Weeks!
Total weight gain: 17lbs so far! Not too terrible I suppose.
How big baby is: About the size of an eggplant! Average baby is about 13-14 inches and a little over a pound!
Maternity clothes:
I currently sport two pairs of maternity pants and a couple maternity shirts still.
Stretch Marks: Still finding new spots here and there over my old stretchmarks (from being bigger).
Sleep: I've been ok lately, having a hard time falling asleep though.
Best moment this week: Feeling Liam move so much!
Worst moment this week: Getting some interesting news which I wont mention.
Movement: I feel him all the time! Waiting on those kicks still, I can't wait for the husband to feel them!
Food cravings: Nothing lately.
Belly Button (In or Out): Still in, but it looks a little funny.
Gender: Boyyy still, Liam Oden! =] 
Labor Signs: None yet!
What I am looking forward to: This ultrasound workshop my doctor's office is having next month! Hellooo lots of pictures from three different ultrasound machines. =]
What I miss: Being able to tie shoes and get up from couches haha.

View my collage of 6,12,16 and 24 weeks HERE.

Washington Scenery Makes Me Happy!

Outside, on our balcony
Our cat loves to watch the snow...and birds
What makes me happy this week is our snow, here in Washington. Of course I do not like how cold it is or the fact that driving is horrible in it, but I love how it makes the scenery look. Snow makes everything beautiful I think and that makes me extremely happy. It makes the world peaceful in a way. I guess this is because not as many people are out and about. Even though it is not sunshine, it is a nice change from rain. Besides, we never get snow in February so it was a bit of a shock. Although we tend to have some pretty weird weather, especially the past few years. I have lived in Western Washington my whole life and even though I am used to the weird weather, I complain constantly. Bring on the sunshine for the rest of the month!

Join in on the fun!

Mommy Chronicles

February 22, 2011

Another Idea!

Ok, so this is not really an idea BUT I am utterly excited about it! As you may (or may not...shame on you) know, I have been heavily involved in photography for as long as I can remember. I got even more into it when my dad got me my Canon a few years ago for Christmas. I suppose that was many, many years ago. However, it is still a champ and as lovely as ever. It is only showcasing my belly at the moment, but soon, very SOON I hope to start doing photos again of everything! I got to thinking about how all my friends are doing photography, or knitting/crocheting and I have nothing to do. I miss doing photography so badly and it has been a year or so, since I did a real day of photography. Here is my plan! I am almost done with my online class for my AA (with the pregnancy, I didn't know how I would handle it so I didn't want to take a class on campus). I have 3 or 4 weeks left and then I am DONE forever! Once it warms up, I want to get back into photography! I need to get better, I want to get better. I am currently looking for somewhere else to post my pictures, whether it is another site or an extra blog on here. I am not sure yet, ideas? I hate that I only have them on facebook, how lame! I will figure something out one day!

For now, check out the past pictures I have taken. ^^^^ Up there in the little tab marked 'my photography' go now! I mind you, I have no equipment of any kind, just my Canon and my photoshop (which I try not to edit pictures much if at all). Don't criticize me too harshly. ;)

February 19, 2011

I Have A Proposition!

I am taking today (since I have nothing to post) to run something by you all.

To my whole NINE followers, you are amazing. However, I need your input!! I need more followers! Well, I like the idea of more followers! Some of you have hundreds and I love that. I don't mean to just so I am more 'popular' but just to help get ideas out there and such or to MEET NEW FRIENDS. I loveee making new friends all over the world.

Let me know your ideas, questions, comments. What should I add to my blog, get rid of, modify? I love all these linky parties and deals going on around me, one day I hope to create some myself!

SO...if you would be so kind to spread the word around, use my button or do whatever you need to do:


Mommy Chronicles

February 18, 2011

Twenty-Three Weeks!

How far along: 23 Weeks!
Total weight gain: We will see next friday!

How big baby is: A papaya!
Average baby is about 11 inches and 12-20 oz. Holy Cow!!
Maternity clothes:
I currently sport two pairs of maternity pants and a couple maternity shirts. I still need more!

Stretch Marks: Still finding new spots here and there over my old stretchmarks (from being bigger).

Sleep: I've been having trouble lately but not too bad.

Best moment this week: Feeling Liam move so much!

Worst moment this week: Bickering with the husband.

Movement: I feel him all the time!

Food cravings:  Nothing lately.

Belly Button (In or Out): Still in, but it looks a little funny.

Gender: Still boyyyy.

Labor Signs: None yet!

What I am looking forward to: Feeling real kicks and punches, surprisingly haha. I still only get weird twitches.

What I miss: Being more flexible. It's hard to do anything now ha.

February 17, 2011

Hear Me Out For A Sec

I usually don't like to complain in my posts, but I feel the need to do this one time haha...

Yesterday I went to an FRG (Family Readiness Group) meeting with my husband because he wanted me to go since it was a mandatory one for some reason (usually it's optional and he skips out lol). It only lasted for a half hour, so it wasn't bad as he made it seem and I know some of his buddies he works with so they were nice. They guy who was talking throughout was cool too. ANYWAY, I found out a lot of upsetting information. They are starting to do a lot of crazy field work and overnight field work, changes of commands and such. Lets just say for the next month or two, I won't be seeing much of my husband. They have a four day weekend this weekend and next week it starts. Next weekend they will be gone to Yakima (which is a few hours East) and they will be there ALL weekend. Then next month they have a couple more times where they will be gone during weekends or during the week for a few days at a time. THEN April...I am heartbroken. They will be gone to the field for the WHOLE weekend of our 2nd wedding anniversary. As many of you know, he was deployed during our 1 year anniversary last year. My mood completely changed, take it to the army to screw things up. He reassured that it could change and I know this but I highly doubt it will. I'm hoping it does because I don't want to be that couple that has to wait until their 5th year anniversary before they actually celebrate it on the day. I'm just upset about the whole thing. He will be here the weekend after for the baby shower, but I was REALLY looking forward to spending that weekend together for our anniversary. It was really important to me, to us. :( We could always celebrate the weekend before since I think he might have that weekend off, but it wont be the same.

Just had to rant about the Army HA.

February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day!

This year, I am thankful to have my Valentine here with me. Being together for almost three years, this is the first Valentine's Day he has been here! I decided to make him something from the heart and what better than chocolates! I made them all myself, by melting chocolate and some even have peanut butter inside! I was quite proud of how they turned out. I also found some awesome boxes to put them in so it's like I made him a professional box of chocolates from the store, but homemade of course! We pretty much demolished them but one day I want to make more. It took me a couple hours so next time, I just wont make so many hah.

What you'll need:     

* Plastic heart-shaped candy mold    
* Red, white and cocoa colored candy melts   
* Sandwich bags 
* Scissors   
* Spoon    
* Wax paper   
* Plate    
* Wooden skewer or clean craft paint brush


How to make it:    
1. Put a handful of candy melts into an open zipper sandwich bag.  
2. Microwave candy in bag for 30-40 seconds or until melted.  
3. Cut one corner of the bag with scissors to squeeze melted candy through.
    (Caution: Bag may be hot, so use paper towel or a pot holder to handle it)
4. Gently squeeze chocolate out of bag and into the molds.
5. Tap the side of the mold tray to knock out any air bubbles and flatten chocolate.
6. Place in refrigerator until set.
7. Pop out of molds and serve. 


Decorating:
  Polka dots - Use the flat end of a wooden skewer or a clean paint brush to dip into melted chocolate. Dot onto refrigerated molds, then refrigerate again.
Drizzles - Use a fork to drizzle the chocolate over solid candy that you have already made and let set.

Tips:
* Candy molds can be found at discount department and craft supply stores in the craft section near the cake decorating supplies. They look much like a muffin tin, though much smaller and made from clear plastic..
* You can use chocolate chips instead of candy melts and use food coloring to change or tint white chocolate.

February 11, 2011

Twenty-Two Weeks!

How far along: 22 Weeks!
Total weight gain: We will see at the end of the month. I've gained 13lbs so far, but i'm sure i've gained another 1lb this week.
How big baby is: A spaghetti squash! Average size is about 11 inches long and about 1 pound! Maternity clothes: I currently sport two pairs of maternity pants and a couple maternity shirts. I still need more!
Stretch Marks: ALL over ha! I have the famous 'pregnancy line' too... the linea nigra.
Sleep: I've been sleeping about 6-8 hours a night, so not bad.
Best moment this week: Feeling Liam move so much!
Worst moment this week: Bickering with the husband.
Movement: I feel him all the time!
Food cravings:  Nothing lately, although today I REALLY want Ihop.
Belly Button (In or Out): Still in, but it looks a little funny.
Gender: Our baby boyyyy.
Labor Signs: None yet!
What I am looking forward to: Feeling real kicks and punches, surprisingly haha. I will only get weird twitches/flutters.
What I miss: Being more flexible. It's hard to do anything now ha.

February 10, 2011

Final Day!

Day 30 - A picture of someone you miss 


Aww it's not a person, but my dad's dog. We had him since I was like 9 yrs old. He was a german shepherd, malamute, wolf mix. I miss him a lot! My dad had to put him down a while back because he was just too old. He was losing his hearing and could barely go up and down stairs. I wish I could have gone down there more to see him. :(

February 9, 2011

Hair Dye and Valentine's Day

I FINALLY dyed my hair...it was this blahh, dull dark brownish color because my old dye faded. It's darker now, closer to my natural color now which is a dark brown/black (I had a lighter brown before). I also added a red-ish color underneath for something different. However, it didn't turn out as bright as I wanted. My hair is too dark so you can only tell in the sun or when you hold it up to the light, but here is the best picture I have so far. Hopefully it will lighten up a bit in a few days or something.

For Valentine's Day, Adam wants to do something. Not sure if we are doing anything for actual Valentines day though. I kind of think it's over rated, but I still want to do something kinda. Adam has a three day weekend anyway so we could! It's just that i've never had a Valentine; 2 years ago, he was at NTC (training) for a month in Cali, then last year he was deployed. I guess that is why I want to do something this year. EVEN if it is just dinner or quality time together. I got him a Valentine's day card with penguins on it whether he likes it or not. It says "I don't need a fancy place to go or special things to do to make the moments wonderful whenever I'm with you. I don't need to have a busy day or perfect evening planned - I only need to be with you, together, hand in hand. Happy Valentine's Day to My Husband" haha. I love it and I think it's cute.

I plan on making my husband something sweet for Valentine's day. I shall not say yet since well, he may see this some how. Hopefully they turn out. I plan on posting pictures, maybe even a recipe IF my test run comes out tomorrow! I will probably wait until Valentine's day or that tuesday to post just because my husband is a snoop...so i'm sorry that it wont be here in time for the big day (unless you want it, I can message you the info)... BUT it will be lovely and maybe i'll get some great snapshots in with my lovely skills. ;) I got all sorts of colors for what i'm making! I also found these cute little boxes to display them in and tiny wrappers to place them in so it will look like store bought goodies. He better like them. If not, I will gladly eat them. =] Either way I am excited haha.
Anyone else doing anything this weekend?

Day Twenty-Nine

Day 29 - A picture that can always make you smile.


This was about a year ago, but our cat Martin always makes me smile. He has his toy mouse in his mouth. He's so cute sometimes, I just want to hug him and squeeze him.  

February 8, 2011

Day Twenty-Eight

Day 28 - A picture of something you're afraid of.


I would have to say that the thought of dying scares me to well...death (no pun intended). I hate the fact that one day I will no longer be on this Earth, or that someone close to me will no longer be here... and it scares me. I hate that I will be leaving loved ones behind. I hate that I might not be able to do everything I wanted to in life, that death can happen at any moment. However, I try my hardest to have a fulfilling life, to enjoy every moment and not let things be taken for granted.

February 7, 2011

Day Twenty-Seven

Day 27 - A picture of yourself and a family member.


This is my dad and I right after Adam and I got married almost TWO years ago. Two, really? That's insane...any who! This guy raised me all by himself and he has given me everything. A car, a laptop, pets...everything. We go to the sand dunes together in Oregon and go camping. Of course now that I'm married we don't do any of that as much anymore. Plus now that I am pregnant, yeah right. He is supportive. He was happy with our marriage and he's happy now that I am pregnant. I don't know what I would have done without him!

February 6, 2011

Flavor That Lingers On Your Tongue

As my random post for today... This is THE best candy bar I think I have ever had. I randomly wanted chocolate and we shop at Safeway. I saw this and had to try it since it sounded good. However, I didn't know just HOW good it was. The white chocolate is creamy (btw I love white chocolate so that's a plus) and I had never had blueberries in a candy bar so why not try it? They helped add this crunch to the bar and boy did it tickle my taste buds. The flavor definitely lingers on your tongue. Anyone who hasn't tried this, GO BUY IT NOW lol. It's a bit steep for price but it was on sale so I tried it. I hate paying over like $1.50 for a candy bar so $2 was a bit much, but well worth it!

Day Twenty-Six

Day 26 - A picture of something that means a lot to you.


Hard to tell, but that's our baby boy's face. Our baby to be is definitely something that means a lot to me and that will never change.

February 5, 2011

Day Twenty-Five

Day 25 - A picture of you last year and how you've changed since then.



I grew up a LOT this past year. That picture was from around jan-march of 2010. I can't believe it was almost a year ago! I don't hang out with my friends as much (what I was doing with this picture...hanging with friends) and that saddens me, but life happens. I am also pregnant so that's definitely something new. I can't wait to be mom and continue to grow up. I have my child side of me, but I am definitely older and wiser.

February 4, 2011

What a LONG day!!

Adam left this morning at his normal time (about 4:45am - crazy early) and of course I could not get back to sleep, which happens every once in a while. I stayed up and caught up on my shows (last night on the dvr was CSI woo). Then I slowly got ready to meet Janaya for lunch at Red Robin. I got up to the area she was at a bit early and shopped around. We got our tax return money today so I used some to buy new maternity clothes woo! I went to motherhood maternity and got THE most comfy pants ever, i'm excited to wear them!  Anyway, I needed to see my friend before she ships off to basic for the AF! So excited for her! I had a bbq chicken wrap and their fries of course! At the end, she gave me a present for the baby! It was so nice catching up and hanging out since the first/last time we met up was like a year 1/2 ago.

(The bag she put the bodysuits in...super cute)


After lunch I decided to shop some more and I ended up going to 823947923 different stores haha. It's sooo hard finding maternity shirts. I hate buying stuff online so I have to go in store and it's hard! I finally found a white tank top (I have a black one already) and a SEVEN dollar shirt (80% off..loveee clearance) at JC Penny! The tank is maternity and the shirt isn't, but it's a bit big so it works! I also got new shoes because my skate shoes kill my feet now that i'm pregnant (skate shoes are usually the most comfy because I have really big/wide feet)... SO I went to payless and did the bogo sale. I got Champion plain white athletic shoes. The ladies there were super nice and one told me they were really comfy so I tried them and I LOVE them. I can't wait to wear them, seriously haha. Then I got another pair... except gray flats. I figured I needed something more 'dressy' besides athletic shoes HA. I got insoles just incase because I have arches and my feet don't tend to like flats...but we will see. I kept the tag on for now.

(my score today...plus a better picture of the gray flats)


Overall, it was a very LONG but successful day! I'm glad to have another pair of maternity pants, you don't even know. Now i'm finally relaxing at home. Adam is still not home...he's working a long night for some reason. :(

Twenty-One!!

How far along: 21 Weeks!
Total weight gain: I gained 3lbs my last monthly check up so i'm sure i've gained like a lb again. We will see, since I don't have a scale at home (probably a good thing).
How big baby is: A banana!! The average size is 10 1/2 inches long, 12.7 oz.

Maternity clothes: Still the same stuff...BUT we got our tax return money today so I plan on getting at least another pair of maternity pants and maybe a shirt! =]
Stretch Marks: AAHHH all over! Ok well I had stretchmarks before I was pregnant (from growing and being bigger) so I have red dots and marks start on TOP of those on the sides of my belly...
Sleep: I have been doing ok lately! Although I have only been sleeping 6-8 hours instead of like 10 HA.
Best moment this week: Getting our tax return money!
Worst moment this week: I don't really have one HA.
Movement: He's been moving like crazy!
Food cravings:  Fruit and chocolate! I love fruit as is, but this pregnancy has made it worse HA... and I made brownies since I wanted chocolate badly, oops.
Belly Button (In or Out): Still in, but it's definitely starting to look funny. I'm sure it will poke out one day.
Gender: Still a baby boyyyy. =]
Labor Signs: None yet!
What I am looking forward to: Getting the nursery set up! My dad got us a crib/mattress/changing table set for Christmas and it's been in boxes ever since HA.
What I miss: Fitting in my clothes! I wish I had more maternity clothes lol.


**No pictures this week, since I only take them every other week**

Day Twenty-Four

Day 24 - A picture of something you wish you could change


I wish I could change parts of high school. I wish I could have kept in touch with more of my friends, I wish I would have worked a lot harder than I did (even though my grades were pretty good), and I wish I could have been more involved in things. Of course I was in band for 8 years (including the 4 years in high school), but that was the end of my involvement. I also participated in homecoming week, ALL week...but that is about it. I wish I could have done more activities and been involved in more 'groups.' In the end, I wouldn't change the friends I had or the classes I took, but I do wish I was more involved.

February 3, 2011

Day Twenty-Three

Day 23 - A picture of your favorite book.


I don't know if it's my favorite yet, but I have started Stephen King's Under The Dome currently. I have put it on hold for this quarter since it's my last one before my AA in college and I need to focus on the books I'm reading for this last class. I love this book so far though! It's really interesting and the characters are funny. I always enjoy all of Stephen King's books; he's my favorite author.
 

February 2, 2011

Valentines Day Linky Party

I saw this awesome link to a Valentines Day Linky Party at A Sorta Fairytale, from one of the blogs I follow and thought it was pretty neat. Feel free to join in!

My Valentine is this guy right here
Turn back history.
Think back to the summer of 2008; the end of the month of June to be precise. I had graduated fresh out of high school just a week or two prior. Just a month or so ago I had been let go from a horrible relationship; my first real relationship if you will. One night I am up late, wasting my life away on Myspace (before Facebook got so popular). Suddenly, I receive some random message from some 'weirdo' I was sure. I mind you, the only guys who randomly message me just want a little 'fun' and I was not into that. However, it did not say much, just a "hey, how are you" type message. Therefore I decided to give him a chance. After all, I have made many friends 'online' before so I figured this wasn't any different. Little did I know where that one little message would lead.

We actually ended up talking back and forth quite a bit through messages. Then we switched to yahoo messenger, which later turned into text messaging. Adam turned out to be his name; some 24 year old guy in the Army, living about an hour north from where I was living (at my dad's). We got along well and talk almost every night. However, I did not think anything of it because I was used to guys not being that into me. About a week or so later he invited me up to some 4th of July BBQ that him and his buddies were hosting at their apartment that next month. Silly me said yes for some reason. I mind you, I have met many people off the internet, but normally at the mall or some restaurant; NOT their apartment! Why was this time different? To this day I still wish I knew.

July came very quickly and I soon found myself driving that long hour to his apartment. We ended up spending a little time together before everyone else showed up. I will never forget that we both said maybe five words to each other the whole night; who knew someone was as shy as myself. However, since we started talking, I found out he graduated from my high school, but years prior. That was about the only thing we talked about; our high school days. Everyone was nice and even though we didn't say much to each other, that night was one of the best nights of my life yet. I didn't leave until well after midnight. As I left, I did not get a hug as expected or just a normal 'good-bye' but a handshake. A handshake? Really, that is what I get? I felt like some business partner or some person you meet through a mutual friend. Eventually it was more than just a handshake and from there on I came up to visit a lot; one day I just never left.

Fast forward to the present.
I am now a fresh 21 year old wife and mother to be. In the almost three years we have known each other, we managed to get married just eight short months (April '09) into the relationship (thanks to the local courthouse). Three months after that (July '09), Adam was shipped off to Afghanistan for a whole year. That was one of THE toughest things I have ever been through. A year later (July '10) he returned safely and just three months after that (October '10) we found out we were expecting our first child. Now it is February of 2011 and I am five months pregnant. We have been married for almost two years, together for almost three.  A lot has happened in our lives but I would never change a thing. He is my rock, my soul mate, my best friend. Who would have thought that one little message on Myspace would have lead to all of this?

HERE is a letter to my husband.


Join in on the fun below!

Day Twenty-Two

Day 22 - A picture of something you wish you were better at.


This is almost two years ago, when we got married.Therefore, I wish I was better at being a wife. I mean, no one is perfect but I just wish I listened better. Sometimes we don't always get along, although no one really does. However, I do wish that I could be a better person in the relationship and show my husband that I care about everything he does or says. I wish I wasn't annoyed so much by some of the stuff he does, but I am working on it.

February 1, 2011

Day Twenty-one

Day 21 - A picture of something you wish you could forget.


I actually don't have a picture, but I wish I could forget my ex-boyfriend haha. I don't think about him or miss him, NOTHING like that....but he's around and at one point he wanted to start talking again and I thought 'uh, no way in hell' hahaha. I love my life now, I love my husband and my ex definitely helped me realize why I shouldn't be with him lol so his loss.