7 Quick Takes Friday... 2

-1-

Last Thursday, Friday and Saturday we enjoyed a beautiful Easter Triduum.  I thought that it might be a little much with a 23month old and being so pregnant but it was really joyous.  I especially loved the Easter Vigil mass at our new parish (we moved in December).  We missed it last year because we didn't think Luke would last through the whole Mass last year. But this year we knew he could make it.  It is by far the best Mass of the year.  And now we are still celebrating Easter and the Risen Lord.

-2-

My in-laws came over for Easter.  We had a fantastic Ham dinner that I made along with deviled eggs and fruit salad.  My Mother in law made fantastic potatoes au gratin and two cakes... one a flourless chocolate cake which was out of this world, and the other was a daffodil cake her mom used to make.  My sister in law brought a salad with a great avocado dressing that I'm just going to have to make soon because I'm really craving it.  She also brought her two kids so the kids played the whole day and we all, obviously, enjoyed the food.  I really enjoyed the company of my in-laws.  It seemed that everyone had such a good time.  And I'm excited because we said we'd like Easter to be at our house.  I love Easter and it's a good holiday to host!

-3-

I finally checked in on facebook.  I had a lot of birthday messages.  But in this last week I have decided to weed out some of my friends list.  I think I've almost got it to where I like it.  

I feel refreshed.  And I don't really even care about it too much any more, this year was different than last year.  Very hard to explain.

I did miss several things though.  3 friends had babies, my cousin got engaged (though I probably would have heard that through the grapevine), and a few other things. 

-4-

This week has been tiring.  My son has had a bit of an ear infection.  His sleeping has been way off.  My poor husband hasn't gotten too much sleep and is really busy at work.  And I am in those last few tiring weeks of pregnancy. I'm so looking forward to relaxing a little with my husband and son this weekend.

 

-5-

Usa, my best friend, finally had a day off from work and came to visit us Wednesday for dinner.  She's been having to work a lot lately so we haven't really gotten to see too much of each other.  Oh, and the fact that I'm really too pregnant (tired and lazy) to drive to her house which is about 40 minutes away.  She's always so nice to come down here because she knows its easier for me.  I just can't believe we haven't been hanging out very much lately.  She used to live with us, I really miss her around all the time and I miss not living as close.   I don't recommend going a long time with out seeing close friends.  Oh, and my son is crazy about her.

-6-

Luke got his first water colors for Easter.  His grandma knows he likes to draw.  Anyway, he can't get enough of the water colors already.  He's been painting almost non-stop from the time I got them out... well non-stop in between playing guitar with his daddy.  He even ran out of the paint.  So last night I bought him some more water colors with more colors so he's having fun with that today.  I can't believe how much he loves to color and paint.  And he is really getting good control now.

 

 

-7-

I always try to pray when I first wake up.  Sometimes this leads me off into trailed thoughts.  Well anyway this morning I remembered I have been trying to contact this Priest friend of ours who we met while he was serving as a deacon at our Parish.  After our parish he went back to Rome to study then got ordained as a priest.  He went to Rome again for a year before coming back to work here again.  He went to a parish in another part of our state so we haven't seen or talked to him recently.

Anyway, I looked his name up and found out where he was.  I contacted the parish and he wrote me an email today.  I just am so excited that we can talk to him again... he even asked us if we could catch up on the phone next week!  Yay!  My husband and I just had the best time getting to know him when he was a deacon, we even named Luke's middle name after him.  The news of getting back in contact with him was the highlight of my day!  (at least so far)  

I love doing things like this because I can actually come up with things to talk about.  Then I also get to write down and remember my week.  See you next Friday!

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Wordless Wednesday- Pretty pink pregnancy pedicure with my best friend, followed by a nice purple toe to match.

For more Wordless Wednesday pictures visit Hobo Mama!

37 Weeks and 1 day

Well, here I am.  37 weeks.  Maybe I'll go into labor soon!  (yeah, right)  I don't have much else to say except that I'm big haha.  I can't believe it's almost time.

Happy Easter!

Pregnancy Kindness

I always like praying the Joyful mysteries of the Rosary.  If you aren't Catholic and never have prayed a rosary, one of the reflections of the Joyful mysteries is when Mary goes to visit Elizabeth who conceived in her old age.  There is a lot of other biblical theology behind this but I remember someone talking about how Mary went to take care of her pregnant cousin.  They said that we should look to the example that Mary went to help her out and should do the same with other pregnant women we see.  Because they are with child, carrying a new life, using their own body to nourish and provide for the new being inside. 

I always wished that I could help a pregnant woman out in some little way.  And now, being pregnant with my second child, I want to do better to help, even if it's just something small, a pregnant woman.  Because it's hard.  This pregnancy was more challenging than the first because now I am not only caring for myself, but my wonderful son. 

My neighbors showed me a wonderful giving example of how you can help.  The woman who lives next door saw me a few weeks ago walking my dog and having my son with me running all over the place.  She knew that it looked hard to do both and that I must be tired pulling both of them around.  So last night, she came by with her daughter and asked if they could walk our dog (who is a puppy with a lot of energy) because they were taking their three dogs for a walk too.  She said that it must be hard to take our dog for a walk while being so pregnant.  Yes, yes it is.  After the time she saw me I told my husband that I wasn't doing that again.  It was just too tiring.  But, we feel bad because we want to take her for a walk every day, we just don't have the time.  It was so heart-warming that our neighbors, who barely know us, would take them time to do that.  Maybe I can remember to do little acts of kindness next time a friend or someone I know is pregnant.

Round Steak Stir Fry Recipe

I don't normally do this, recipe posts that is.  But we have a whole beef in our freezer, well we've had beef since about December.  It's a small one so equivalent to half a beef.  Anyway, we've gone through a lot of cuts that we know what to do with... especially the steak, ribs, etc.  But I have all this round steak.  I knew it wasn't exactly steak, but I wasn't sure what to do.  My parents suggested using it for stir fry and my friend Holly suggested slow cooking it, shredding it and adding 'primal ketchup'.  Well we tried the stir fry tonight, and then the slow cooking is for tomorrow.

1lb of round steak, Grilled then sliced
1 package of frozen organic broccoli
1/2 package of frozen organic green beans
2 teaspoons of orange zest, or about half a zested orange (I didn't measure)
2 small oranges peeled and sliced
half a purple onion sliced
2 teaspoons or so of fresh grated ginger
1 heaping teaspoon of crushed garlic
some pepper to taste
olive oil


I just poured the olive oil in the pan and when it got hot I added the onion and garlic.  Once the started to get tender I poured in the frozen veggies.  Then the oranges, zest, ginger, pepper and grilled steak slices.  Then basically you just stir until it's all defrosted and hot.  It was really good.  I'm sure I'll make this again.

Oh, and I added Sriracha to mine of course :)

36 Weeks!

Full Term today!  Now I can definitely deliver at home, my midwife said I would have to go to the hospital if I went into labor before today (lol, like that was going to happen) Look how big little Taryn is!

First Time 7 quick takes

-1-

My spring time allergies have been pretty terrible lately.  I have been taking local raw honey in hopes that it helps a little.  I've heard that a teaspoon of local honey helps, if you start early enough.  But sometimes a spoonful of honey is a little, well, sweet.  So my new concoction, yogurt, frozen blueberries, sometimes almond and a big spoonful of honey.  Mmm is that good, who cares if it helps my allergies!

-2-

Tomorrow, April 16th, is officially one month until my due date, May 16th.  Can you believe it?  One month left.  Time to start nesting.  I have a nice little list of things to do before the baby comes.  Every once and a while I freak out a little with the amount of things we need to accomplish.  Yesterday I had a small breakdown when my husband came home from work.  He helped me (he did a lot of it) clean up the house, mop the floors, clean the bathrooms, and finish cleaning the kitchen.  Later on in the day when I apologized for freaking out right when he got home from work, he told me that he remembered last time, with Luke, we did the same thing at about the same time.  So maybe it's normal?

I also got all the baby clothes washed and ready in the 'kids room' closet.  Which really isn't a kids room, since we co-sleep... and all the rest of the stuff (toys) is out in our living room.  We just basically use the closet for clothes and we have a diaper table in there.  But the closet looks pretty good.  I put our folding shelf in there and found enough of these blue boxes to store the clothes in.  Now I want to make some cloth baskets for their socks... maybe someday.  Oh, and I need some more hangers- I'll put that on the to-do list.

-3-

Next week is Holy Week!  I can't believe Palm Sunday is in two days.   And I can't believe Lent is almost over.  I gave up facebook.  I am still liking not being on there.  I can't pinpoint why exactly.  But one of the reasons is that I feel like I have stayed in closer contact with my good and close friends.  My close friends are the ones that text me every day, call me, and email me.  I just feel better being personal with a few and not having so many 'acquaintances'.  Though, I did miss pictures of a few old friends that had babies.  I would like to see those.

As far as what I have done in the time I normally check facebook.  Well, I probably could do more.  But I have tried really hard to read the daily readings everyday.  I have felt that it has strengthened me in my prayer life.  Sometimes I lack the right things to say but after reading the daily readings I have something to reflect upon.  That has really helped me.  Especially in these last few tiring weeks of pregnancy.   I have also learned about the Angelus prayer and prayed it a few times.  As a mother I feel especially close to Mary and how she gave her life to God.  Those words, 'let it be done to me according to your word'.  Oh, how I love reflecting upon that.  She is such a good example of what it means to love the Lord. 

-4-

My old Neighbor's and their two kids came over to visit us in our new house this morning.  It was so fun, I miss living in our old neighborhood.  But I like our new house better.  And I like that my husband is closer to his job.  The drive was miserable.  But I miss my two stay at home mom friends and how we used to walk up to the park with them any chance we got.  I know I'll miss going to Lisa's backyard in the summer while our kids played in the kiddie pool and we sat and absorbed the vitamin D, and got to eat their fresh berries. Now we're an hour away :*(

 

-5-

My son watches this cartoon called Kipper.  The cartoons talk in a British accent.  I think he's starting to pick up on it a little.  Some of the things he says sound like it.  He also says 'yes' now instead of 'yeah' or 'yep' which he used to do.  Sometimes it just sounds so proper.  I don't know why, I guess it could be from Kipper too. 

-6-

Sometimes I want to be natural but I just can't find the right thing.  I've been weaning off shampoo for a while.  Mostly because I ran out of my 2-in-1 kids shampoo that I know is toxic but smells oh so good.  I've used Dr Bronners sometimes and then baking soda followed by apple cider vinegar.  I'm not really a fan of either one, but they work ok.  But now that I'm starting to get allergies, I've been trying to shower more and wash my hair on a regular basis so I'm not laying in pollen when I sleep.  I haven't used real shampoo in probably almost a month now until last night.  And oh man does my hair feel silky and nice.  So now I'm in search of what shampoo I will buy next.  I want something inexpensive and natural.... those two things hardly exist.  The thing is that I can stand using baking soda and vinegar, but I don't love it.  Any suggestions?

 

-7-

We've spent a lot of time outside the last couple of weeks.  Luke and I have been outside for walks or in the yard everyday in the last two weeks.  He's been digging in the dirt in our yard and he can't get enough.  He always asks to go dig with his shovel everyday.  Today was the first day we didn't really go outside to do anything.   I feel pretty good that since I've been pretty lazy about getting out of the house, that we're able to play outside.  I think he really enjoys it.   We've also really been lucky to catch a little sun in between rain storms.  I saw that the weather looks sunny next week.  Thankgoodness.  I'm getting tired of the rain here.

We are also getting ready to plant a garden in the next couple weeks, I say 'next couple of weeks' that hoping that my loving husband will do it this weekend.  I know that Luke will enjoy to help us plant.  And we still need to plant the raspberries and blueberries I bought.  I will post pictures of these later.

This was my first "7 quick takes Friday".  I love doing things like this because I can actually come up with things to talk about.  Then I also get to write down and remember my week.  See you next Friday!

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Wordless Wednesday- Things around the house

For more Wordless Wednesday Photos Check out Hobo Mama!

35 Weeks

Welp, 5 more weeks to go.  I have a feeling the next few weeks are going to be really hard.  I'm just so tired, not wanting to do anything but relax.  But, when you have a toddler, that's the last thing you really get to do.  And there's always cleaning, dishes, getting baby stuff together... it never ends.  I am excited to deliver though, I just know my body will feel so much better. 

Birthday Weekend

I had a fantastic birthday weekend.  My birthday was on Sunday.  I am now 28!  whoo hoo.  lol.

Thursday night before my birthday we went to Benihana's.  This Japanese restaurant where they cook in front of you.  My grandma 'took' us there, she had sent me some birthday money.  Luke loved it.  He loved watching the cook make everything right there in front of you and how the Chef flips food around.  He ate more than I have ever seen him eat.  He probably had 10 shrimp. 

Friday I went to my in-laws for an early birthday party.  My Mother in law made fantastic cedar plank salmon.  It was so good I forgot I was abstaining from meat during a Lenten Friday.  Luke had tons of fun playing there since his cousins Kenzie and Kruz were there.  He just has such a blast with them.  We haven't seen them for a while and he was just dying to play with Kenzie.

All the cousins playing tag/hide and seek

Luke and Daddy running in my inlaws backyard.

Saturday morning I had scheduled a pre-natal massage at a place that specializes in pregnancy and women.  It was wonderful.  I would have one everyday if I could.  We also ate at a really good breakfast place before.  We actually had to wake Luke up to leave our house in time to have breakfast before the massage.  But it was worth it, my avocado, bacon, cheese, salsa and sour cream omlette was SO yummy.   The rest of the afternoon and evening we just relaxed.  Luke's friend had a birthday party so we went to that.  Then we took care of some stuff around the house. 

Yummy Breakfast

Sunday, on my actual birthday we went to Mass.  Then we didn't do a whole lot.  That's what I had wanted.  I hate being gone from home Sunday before Ben goes back to work on Monday... the house is just always a dump if we do that.
I used my home depot gift card from Grammy and Grandpa to buy some raspberries and blueberries for my yard and also some flowers and seeds.  We're still in the middle of planting so I'll post pictures later.   We also got most of the things on the list of things needed before delivery day for the home birth.  So now, I actually feel like if I went into labor, I would have everything needed.  That is a wonderful feeling.  Then we came home and my husband and Luke dug some holes so I could plant my berries but we needed a few more things before we put them into the ground.  Then I made taco fixings to top baked russets and yams.  It was delicious.  We even got to go to bed early because Luke didn't take a nap and went to bed at a more normal time. 

It was a great weekend.  I don't know how I feel about 28 yet... I feel like I really can't be that old yet.  Oh well, at least I don't have too many gray hairs. 

Change of Plans... all day

Last night I had every thing ready for today.

My plan for this morning was to... get up at 8am.   Make it to  my chiropractic appointment at 1030, which was an hour away.  And then drop the dog off before for her grooming appointment before our hour drive.

I had it all planned. My husband even made us some bacon the night before for morning.  I got the bags packed, the snacks packed, everything.  In the morning, I even had to wake Luke up early.  He usually sleeps in until 9.    Luke was even a good sport about me waking him up earlier than usual.  Then it happened... after I was all ready, even on time....

My husband forgot to take my car keys out of his pocket and leave them for me.  Because he was so generous in cleaning my car last night, he must have forgotten.

And he couldn't just run them home.  He was in meetings all morning.  So I had to cancel the chiropractic appointment.  Fortunately he was able to bring the keys in time for me to be able to take the dog in.  She really needed it.

But then, I got an email from the chiropractor and she had an appointment open up in the afternoon, after nap time even.  My husband was able to get the dog after she was done.  Luke and I got to drive up there, I had my appointment.  Luke was great at my appointment, really not minding playing with toys while I was being worked on.
Then we got to go to a baby store where I got some more prefold diapers, nursing pads, and some baby leggings that were locally made (yes, they even have some pink on them).  We got home just when my husband got home from work.  Then we had a fantastic dinner of roasted chicken and asparagus. 

It actually turned out to be a really great day.  But I'm really tired, time for bed!

34 Weeks!

6 more weeks to go.  Though, I'm expecting 7-8 more weeks since Luke was 10 days late.  Man, I'm huge.  Here's a pic of the day I went into labor with Luke.  I feel like I'm the same size haha.

March In Review

 Another month... gone.  We had a few beautiful days reminding me that spring is on its way.  It also was the start of the beautiful and reflective season of Lent.  I had a really hard time getting into it this year, but as the days go by, I feel more and more refreshed.  Spiritually that is, my pregnant body on the other hand is in a little different shape.  I have been spending less time doing useless things on the web like checking my facebook account (which I gave up for Lent).  Instead I have been having more personal conversations with people I'm close with.  Sharing emails, text messages and phone calls.  I like this better.  I like my private life.


A thought... Lent has had a lot of great reflections for me.  Especially reading this blog of which a friend sent me.

A sound... Bzzzz, the sound of text messages from my friend Lisa. lol

A taste... Some more cool primal dinners.  Salisbury Steak and Sun Dried Tomato Chicken from the blog Everyday Paleo.  And the wonderful discovery of whipping cream and maple syrup in my coffee.

An image...

He just loves wearing my glasses in the morning.

 
A scent... of fresh pollen through my bedroom window... aaahhhchoo... and spring time allergies.

A word... BIG.  My belly is big with a 34 week baby inside. 


A touch... of ashes on my forehead, starting the beginning of Lent.


A gift for me... some quiet alone time of showers at night to relax and resting time in my bed watching old re-runs of The Cosby Show on Netflix.

A post you may have missed...  I basically only did Wordless Wednesdays this month lol.  I guess I'm getting tired.  Though, I made this post about pregnancy and Lent updates.  And I really loved this post by Kate at Momopoly. 


Thanks Holistic Mama for hosting this.  Sometimes this is the only way I can remember what happened this month. 

Walking Outside

So, I'm huge.  At almost 34 weeks pregnant, I feel almost as I did with Luke at 40.  It could be my imagination or maybe this little girl is humongous.  Usually around mid-day right before Luke's nap, but too early for him to nap, I've been so sleepy.  Almost like I could sleep for 5 more hours.  This last week I decided to just take a walk outside when that happens, even if it's just our little loop around our street, which takes a long time with a toddler exploring.  But I always get a boost of energy, imagine that! lol.  Here are a few pictures from our walking adventures.

'Chase Mama'

Found the first puddle

Debating on going in

Soaked

Found the pinecone

Putting the pinecone in his tricycle that he didn't ride and I pushed

Pushing the bike the rest of the way

This was a walk where we came home, took all his clothes off in the laundry room and went to the shower.  He was pretty wet.

The next was a much nicer day on the way to the park. 

Lady bug found

Watching the lady bug

Picking dandelions, yep out of the neighbors yard... hope they didn't mind

Cat!

In a different neighbors yard.

Oops, he stepped on the plant.

This was really interesting for some reason, he kept reaching down.

Finally made it to the park.

If you are observant, you will notice he is wearing different pants.  He peed his pants on the way there on accident.  Oh well, I had extra.

Boy was I tired after the walk to the park....