Is The Weekend Over Yet?

Usually, I can't wait for the weekend to get here and I'm bummed when it's over  - just like everyone else in the world.  I was think weekend to hurry up and be it over with though because on Monday, we have our ultrasound and will hopefully find out the sex of our baby.  I can't wait!  I've been thinking a little bit about names but it will be easier when I know what we're having.  I need to start a blanket and if we have a girl, the third bedroom needs to be completely redone! 

I do have plans for Saturday that I'm really looking forward to.  The girls and I are having a much needed Mom's Night Out!  It's been a while, I think the last MNO I was able to go on was last year before Christmas, so it's time :)  We're going to Applebee's for dinner and then maybe a little shopping after.

Is It Nap Time Yet?

I swear, no matter how hard I try, I just can't catch up on my sleep.  I am tired ALL THE TIME!  I'm ready for Lauryn to take a nap so maybe I can catch a few zzzz's too! 

I am really looking forward to this Saturday.  Lloyd and I are going to get our Christmas shopping done.  We don't have any other plans but we don't get much time to do anything by ourselves and that's why I'm looking forward to it. :)  We're also picking up the things I'll need to make some Christmas goodies.  I've been in the mood to bake and make some yummy treats but didn't have all the ingredients.  I'm planning on making everything on Sunday.  The treats I'm making are things I haven't made before so if they turn out, I post pictures and share the recipes. :)

Getting Ready for More

One Christmas get together down, three more to go!  We will be going to Lloyd's parents on Christmas eve to have dinner, visit and exchange gifts, then on Christmas day, there's the big family Christmas at their house and on the 27th, we're having my Mom, brother, sister-in-law and niece over.  Not to mention our Christmas morning, with just us :)  I love getting together with everyone else but that one is my favorite!  I love seeing Lauryn open her presents from Santa :) 

We're doing our Christmas shopping this Saturday and I also plan on making some yummy treats.  I haven't decided what all I'm going to make yet but there are a few things I want to try.  I put all my decorative Christmas dishes way up on the top shelves of the cupboards and have found our little two step stool extremely handy lately, when trying to reach those dishes.

Clothes

So many of my friends have kids going back to school this week.  For the past few weeks, I've heard a lot of school clothes shopping.  Although I'm not quite ready for Lauryn to go to school, and thankfully we still have time, I am looking forward to getting her school clothes.  I always loved doing that when I was a kid and I think it will be fun to do that with her.  There are lots of girls clothes stores in Grand Rapids but there are some online too.  Whatever we can't find in stores, I'll just have to hop online and get.  Next year, I'll be one of those moms posting pictures of my girls first day, wearing a cute new outfit!  I might just have to get myself some things while we at those girls clothes stores too!  I know I'm getting way ahead of myself here but hearing everyone else talking about their kids going to school, really has me thinking a lot about it and how it's not that far away.  I know how I feel about it already but I wonder how Lloyd is going to handle it all.  He's going to have a hard time sending his baby girl to school, I'm sure!

Thinking About Christmas

So it's a little early but I'm already thinking about Christmas gifts.  We're usually last minute shoppers and this year I want to have a plan and not save everything for the last minute.  Lauryn is the easiest to buy for, of course.  I already have quite a few things on my list that I'd like to get for her.  I have one idea for Lloyd, something he mentioned once, but I've been searching online to get more ideas.  I found a neat site where you can get a gourmet gift for your husband.  Every thing looks so delicious that I might not be able to wait for Christmas...I might just have to go ahead and order something for myself! :) 

There are still a bunch of people we have to figure out gifts for but Lloyd can help me with some of that.  As I said, I just want to be prepared this year so we can enjoy the holidays as much as possible!

Setting Up Shop

So I finally decided to give Etsy a try.  I've had a lot of people tell me Ishould try to sell the things I've made there and I was always a little too intimidated to do it.  I got over that and I'm determined to make it work!  I've spent the past few nights figuring out my shop policies and shipping and I'm basically trying to figure everything out beforehand so I know exactly how thing will work, what I expect from my customers and what my customers should expect from me.  Once I have it all taken care of, I'm going to start posting scrubbies and wash cloths.  I want to start small and see how it all goes and then I'll add jewelry, blankets and more.  I'm very excited about it!  There's an online handbook that gives sellers suggestions and I found one suggestion in particular to be very helpful.  They suggested I get a mail scale so I can know exactly what my items weigh and will know exactly what USPS will charge to have items shipped.  That was a big problem I had before when I was trying to sell things online.  I guessed at the shipping and it always costed more than I had asked the buyer to pay.  Lauryn and I went to Greenville today and I picked one up while I was getting a few other things.  I am really hoping to be able to bring in a little more money for us. 

While Lauryn and I were shopping, it all the will I had in me not to go crazy on clothes and shoes for us!  I kept telling myself that I wasn't there for those things and we did not need them.  I did good but there was one pair of womens boots that I had to make myself put back.  They were awesome but honestly, it's sandal weather and I won't be wearing boots any time soon!  Lauryn doesn't help either.  She tells me, "Mama, that's pretty!"  and "Mama, I want that shirt!  It's so cute!"  The two of us could be dangerous if we didn't have to be concerned about spending :)

Cameras and Printers

I have a very nice camera that Lloyd got me a couple of years ago for Christmas but I've been looking into upgrading it.  I am also interested in getting a new printer for our computer.  The one we have is a little "old school" and I'd like one that can print and scan pictures. 

I've been looking online and have found a lot of helpful sites that are educating me on what is best for my needs.  One in particular  I found that has a lot to offer is www.canadapost.ca/shopper/canon/store/445  and it seems that everything has free shipping!  I am all for free shipping!  Now my problem is to make a decision on just what I'd like to purchase!

A Good Monday

After having a pretty relaxed morning, Lauryn and I got ready and went dollar store shopping to pick up a few things for the camper.  It was about lunch time when we finished so we went to Big Boy and both had the salad bar.  Lauryn had a good time there.  We had a really sweet waitress who kept talking to her and she loved it!  Afterward, we came home and Lauryn colored for a little bit while I read my book.  Then it was nap time.  It took her a little while to wind down but when she finally did, I thought I might get a little nap too.  At first I couldn't fall asleep so I called my mom and talked for a bit, read more of my book, then dozed on the couch for a little while.  When we got up, it was close to dinner time.  Since Lloyd was going to be home late, I made myself a french bread pizza and Lauryn had a sandwich, string cheese and a juice box.  After dinner we went out in the backyard and I weeded the garden and my flower bed, took care of my three flower baskets, replanted some cucumbers and melons and then Lauryn helped me water everything.  She REALLY loves watering everything :)  I LOVE getting work done in the garden and being able to look at it after and see how nice it looks!  When we came in, we were both a little dirty so we took a quick shower.  Lloyd came home a little bit later and now we're relaxing before bed time.

Whew!

Lauryn and I ran a few errands this morning and ended up going to a nursery nearby to get some flowers and things for the garden.  It's pretty nice and warm today but being in those greenhouses was fricken hot!!!  We both left a little sweaty and red-faced but we got some very pretty flowers and some peppers, cucumbers, melons and herbs for the garden.  I let Lauryn pick out some flowers to plant and she was thrilled!  I told her she could pick anything she wanted and she went for some pink ones, which made me very happy because they will compliment the flowers that have already been planted.  She's very much her mama's girl, picking out the pink :)

Mom will be coming over for our usual Friday visit.  I'm going to be making chicken breasts on the grill, rice and watermelon.  I picked one up yesterday and it was delicious!  Perfectly sweet!

I'm almost done with my Pay It Forward crafts.  I've made four different things, that I've never done before, and the five recipients will receive one of each.  Once I know that the gifts have been received, I'll be posting pictures of each projects.  They were all little things but since they were new things I'd never made before, it was fun and I can't wait to show them off!

Weekend In Review

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Friday ~ Spent the morning  doing a little light cleaning then Lauryn and I met up with my best friend, Kristin, and her son, Jesse, for lunch.  We had a really nice time and want to do it again soon!  Afterward, we made a stop at the back and then to the store to pick up a few things for dinner.  When we got back, Lauryn took a nap and I did some laundry.  My mom came over and we had a nice visit and a yummy dinner. 

Saturday ~ I didn't do a whole lot in the morning.  Lloyd had early appointments so I picked up breakfast at Burger King :)  After he left, I made some strawberry jam, picked up the house and got me and Lauryn ready for the day.  When he got back, I went and picked up mom and we went to Grand Rapids to do some shopping :)  It was my Mother's Day gift from Lloyd, to get to go shopping for summer clothes and to be able to do it without taking Lauryn.  She gets bored and it's a lot easier to try on clothes when she's not there "helping."  Mom and I went to Ponderosa for dinner, went to a couple more stores, washed the car and then went home.  Lauryn and Lloyd had cards and a hanging basket of beautiful flowers for me when I got back :)

Sunday ~ Happy Mother's Day!!!  It was a gorgeous day!  We got up, got ready and went to Lloyd's parent's house.  There was great food, as always, great people, we played lots of ladder ball and Lauryn ran around, charming everyone and keeping her grandparents busy. 

I am a very blessed woman!  Thank you to my family for making the whole weekend special for me :)  I love you guys!

Cold and Rainy

Yesterday we had snow, today it's cold and rainy.  Oh well, we ran our errands before it started and we don't have plans to go anywhere so I guess it's no big deal.

We found the cutest little Easter dress for Lauryn yesterday.  With a sweet little white sweater to go with it.  We found some dress shoes and tights and she's all ready for Easter now.  When we were looking at the shoes, it took everything I had not to go crazy and buy everything!  They had the cutest little tennis shoes, riding boots, sandals, etc.  I did good and stuck to getting just the things we were there for though.  I can't wait to see her all dressed up and to get a ton of pictures :)

We had a great visit with my sister-in-law, Trisha, and my sweet niece, Emma, today.  Lauryn really enjoyed it too!  We really need to do it more often!  I don't get to see them nearly as much as I'd like to!

We're having a soft dinner tonight.  Lloyd had to get some work done on his teeth so we're having soup, rolls and applesauce for dinner.  That should all be soft enough to eat without making his teeth sore.

Easter

I think Lauryn and I are going to head to Greenville today to see if we can find an Easter dress for her.  We're probably going to have to get new shoes for her too.  I haven't put her dress shoes on her in a while but I'm sure she's outgrown them.  We're going to head to Baby Bloomers first.  That's my favorite second-hand baby store.  Everything is always in the best condition.  I'm sure we'll find something :)

I am tired today!  I must not have slept too well last night because it's only a little after 10:30 am and I feel like I could take a nap!  Maybe when Lauryn takes hers this afternoon, I'll try to get one too.  I'll probably end up doing some cleaning or laundry though. 

I recently saw something on the news that said that Michigan has one of the highest rates for people moving out of the state.  Makes sense to me when you see how many jobs we've lost here.  I saw an ad for Columbus jobs and it was surprised to see how many were available.  Being a stay at home mom, this doesn't affect me personally but it does to many people I know and I dread the thought of friends and family having to move out of Michigan just to get work.  I wish our state could get it together!

Much Better!

I called the salon early this morning, explained why I was not happy with my haircut and they told me to come in and they'd fix it.  When I got there, I was very happy to see that the girl I like the most, was there to do my hair.  Unfortunately she didn't work yesterday :(  I wouldn't have had to go back if she did!  Anyway, as soon as she saw what was going on with my hair, she called the manager to have a look.  They were both pretty surprised at the job the other girl had done.  She wasn't there so she couldn't see how upset everyone was about it.  I told them I didn't want her to get into trouble but she didn't do what I'd asked and didn't do a very good job overall.  I told them that I felt she rushed since it was getting close to closing time.  Stacey did a great job fixing it and I was very happy when I left.  Lauryn had a great time running around there.  I couldn't keep her sitting still but she didn't do anything naughty so it was okay.  She was chatting away with all the stylists and the other customers :)

After that we headed to Grand Rapids and went to Michael's.  I LOVE THAT STORE!!!!  I got more yarn to finish my netbook case, felt to line it, thread to sew it and a plastic mug for Lauryn to decorate :)  We stopped in at Lloyd's office on the way back for a quick visit.  When we got home, Lauryn went down for a nap and I fell asleep on the couch for about 25 minutes.  Then I called mom and found out that she didn't have to work tomorrow so I invited her over for dinner.  I'd had a roast and veggies in the crockpot all day and it was pretty yummy!  Lloyd's parents came over after we ate and visited for a couple of hours.  Now Lauryn's in bed and we're chilling for the rest of the evening :)

Disappointed

I had a much over due hair appointment tonight and I was really excited about it.  I wanted to get my hair dyed and cut.  The color turned out a little darker than I had anticipated but I really like it.  The layers in the front, that I had asked for, are really cute and I'm happy with how that part looks.  What I'm disappointed about is that the back of my hair looks choppy and uneven.  The stylist asked me if I wanted layers in the back and I told her that I didn't.  I'm not sure if she didn't hear me or what but even if she was trying to put layers in it, they don't look good.  They were closing when I left otherwise I would have went back as soon as I noticed it.  I'm going to call them in the morning and I'm hoping they will make it right.

Tomorrow, Lauryn and I are going to go to Grand Rapids for a little bit to do some shopping at Michael's.  I have a project I can't finish until I get more yarn and some felt.  I'm making a case for my netbook and I really want to get it done so Ican see if the finished project is what I had in mind! :)  When I do get it done, I'll post pictures of it.  I think it's going to be cute!

All I Want For Christmas...

...are some everlon diamonds!  :)  I have fallen in love with the everlon knot ring and bracelet.  They are beautiful!  I think I drool a little when I see the commercials :)  Speaking of Christmas, I have my shopping for Lloyd done but we haven't started shopping for anyone else yet.  I am working on a couple of handmade gifts for a couple of people but there is still a lot of shopping to be done.  Hopefully we can get it all taken care of this weekend.  As much as I love the holidays, I'm also ready to get them over with.  It can all get a little overwhelming at times.  So many Christmas parties, writing a million cards until my hand cramps up and then there's the shopping.  I am not the typical woman shopper.  I'm the get in, get what I need and get out type of shopper and with all the crowds at Christmas time, that is never the way it goes.  Less than two weeks and it will all be over with!

Clothes Shopping

It's time to get out and do some clothes shopping again.  Mostly for me this time.  Lauryn needs some warmer shoes and some boots for this winter but I am in need of jeans and warmer shirts.  I love shopping for her but for me, not so much!  It's one of those things I just like to get over with.  I saw an ad for rocawear jeans the other day and thought they looked adorable!  I don't think they'd make my butt look like that but hey, it's worth a shot right?  :)  Hopefully when I do get out there, it will be a quick and painless experience!  Ugh, shopping!

Winter Clothes

I've been doing some shopping for winter clothes for Lauryn.  There's a great second hand baby store in Greenville that I found quite a few cute tops at.  I think we're good for a little while with tops and pants, I just need to get Lauryn some sneakers and boots.  I saw a cute pair of kids ugg boots but didn't have the cash to buy them.  I've never been big on those kind of boots for me but I think they'd look cute on Lauryn :)  I need to get a few sweaters for myself and maybe another pair of jeans.  Ah, shopping...it's fun to do it for Lauryn but not so much for myself!

Busy Morning

So far, I've made homemade meatballs and now have them simmering in sauce in the crock pot, I just pulled a caramel apple cake out of the oven, two loads of laundry done-one more to go and have cleaned the bathroom.  My in-laws are coming over for dinner tonight and I like having the house spotless when they get here.  Just a few more things to do and everything will be ready.  We're having linguine oil and garlic with dinner and ciabatta bread...YUM!

The other day, a friend of mine was talking about having her Christmas shopping done already!  What?  I wish I was that together!  I am definitely a last minute shopper.  She was telling me that she was looking forward to Black Friday this year, so she could get some good deals and possibly a few more gifts.  That is not my kind of shopping at all!  I don't like crowds and I'm not about to get up and get to a store at 3 am, just to save some money.  I'm all for a good deal but to me, that's just now worth it!

It's Wednesday

It's Wednesday but after having such a long weekend, it feels like it should be Friday already!  I have no big plans for today.  Just a little house cleaning, some crocheting and maybe working a little more on the zoo scrapbook I started for Lauryn.  Other than that, it's going to be a very uneventful day!

Tomorrow night, mom and I are going to head to Greenville for a little shopping.  I still have to make a list of things I need to get.  Mom mentioned looking at things that might be comparable to prototype 37c.  I'm sure there's something that we'll be able to find.

About the scrapbook I started last night, I think I might be getting into it more that I thought I would.  I had only decided to try it because I wanted to make something special for Lauryn using the pictures we took from her first trip to the zoo.  It's a lot more fun than I thought it would be and I'm already thinking about the millions of other pictures we have around here and what I can do with them :)

Crabby Pants!

I don't know what is up with Lauryn today but she has been a little crabby pants all day!  I'm thankful that it's the end of the night and she is in bed :)  Mama was about to pull her own hair out!

Got a few things done around the house today.  All of the laundry is caught up, I swept, dusted and vacuumed, put a million toys away and made braided pizza and salad for dinner.  Afterward, I did the dishes and went outside to water the garden and the flowers.  It's so nice to see everything still doing well and growing!

Lloyd and I were talking about insurance again the other day.  He decided to add disability insurance to our policy, just in case.  It's one of those things that you wonder "why am I paying for this?" but should anything happen, you'll be glad you had it!

Tomorrow I plan on doing a little birthday shopping.  My mom's birthday is Saturday and she'll be coming over for dinner Friday night.  I hope to find the things on my list :)