Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Party

Two days after my newest squishy cutie pie came into the world, my oldest turned three years old. Kinley and Merit had the same due date (Aug. 17) so I've known for awhile that I wanted to make his 3rd birthday special for him since it was going to be so close to such a big change in our lives. I tried to plan ahead, but the last few weeks of my pregnancy were so dreadful that I didn't get everything done that I had hoped to do. Still, fresh outta the hospital, we partied! I couldn't have done it without all the help from family. We just had a few people over because I was afraid of inviting a bunch of folks in case I went into labor on the day of the party, but it was nice to see everyone and eat some delicious cake. Kinley is very into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse right now so that's the theme I rolled with. 

For the invites, I used this printable and put my enormous scrapbooking paper collection to good use.

I actually hit up Pinterest for A LOT of printables. The ones I used for the "Mouseketools"(forks), "Hot Diggity Dogs" (hot dogs), "Daisy's Garden Veggies" and "Clubhouse Sandwiches" (subs) can be found here.

I used this, too.

See the Mickey Mouse head near the bowl of chips? I just used Styrofoam balls, hot glue, spray paint, and a little glitter. Voila!

I had all these plans for a cute homemade cake and other Mickey themed sweets, but I ended up calling up Bi-Lo for a cake. I'm glad I did--I was stressed enough as it was. They did a great job anyway and it was delicious.

The celebration was short and sweet because I was so tired, but I think he had a good time!

Happy Birthday, Kinley! I love you lots.

Birth Story #3

Friday started off like any other day of my pregnancy. It was sort of miserable. For weeks, I had felt like death warmed over, a combination of flu-like symptoms and pregnancy ailments plaguing me. I stepped on the scale and saw that I had lost six pounds if that tells you anything about what the last few days had been like for me. They were rough. Still, it was becoming my new normal and I thought nothing of it. I hoped I would have the baby soon, but I had no idea how soon that could be!

Abel had an appointment that day to get re-fitted for his hearing aids. It was the last thing I wanted to do because I was feeling so under the weather, but I knew I should do it because delivery day was drawing near and so is Abel's surgery date so I wanted to get it done before hand. I carted my big boy, my middle child, and my unborn off into the pouring rain of East TN. We managed to make it into the appointment without any huge tantrums and I was starting to feel as if I had all this a little more under control than I thought. That feeling changed quickly shortly after we got home and I noticed I was having contractions. I had been contracting for weeks, sometimes pretty regularly, so I didn't think much of these pains until they had me laid up on the couch texting my husband that he was soooo in charge of the kids when he got home because I needed to take yet another bath and relax. He got home shortly after, poured me a big glass of water, and ran the bath for me. Ahh! Finally. I could relax. HA!

The bath felt wonderful and certainly eased the pain of my contractions. Still, I laid there thinking- these feel a bit different. I called Captain J from the warmth of the tub and asked him to come see me when he could sneak away from our wild indians. He came in and I said, "Do your parents have any plans today? Do you think we should call them?" He said he'd give them a call. I decided it wouldn't hurt to get checked out (again)- better to be safe than sorry. I stood up to get out of the tub and the contractions got worse. I had been timing and they went from 6-8 minutes apart to 2-3 very quickly. Nearly in tears as I tried to throw some items into a half-packed hospital bag, J suggested we call someone in the area that could get here a lot quicker. I'm so glad he did. My great aunt arrived a few minutes later to watch the kids and we were off. The hospital is about twenty minutes away, but that doesn't take into account rush hour traffic and heavy rain!

The ride to the hospital got more and more frantic. I realized I was most definitely in active labor about half way there. I started making comments to J that he needed to drive better, faster- JUST GET ME THERE OR WE'RE GOING TO HAVE THIS BABY ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD! Perhaps I'm a dramatic person sometimes. I know my husband thinks I can be a little emotional about things, but pregnancy pains are not one of them. I keep a level head. Multiple nurses have told me that and I know it to be true. At one point, the rain was coming so hard that I almost told J to pull over on the Interstate and dial 911 because I was sure he was going to have to deliver the baby in the rain on the side of the road. Luckily, the rain eased up and the traffic pressed on and we were soon pulling off our exit. Five o'clock on a Friday in Chattanooga, TN is not somewhere you wanna be when you're in labor, let me tell ya. The traffic was thick. We sat through three THREE green lights just trying to get off the exit and I was starting to lose it. In an effort to make J understand that he needed to turn on the flashers and drive like a maniac, I told him the truth- "I feel lots of pressure. I'm going to be pushing soon. DO NOT TELL ME NOT TO PUSH. I KNOW." Finally, my alarm was registering with my Type A Army Officer husband. He started meandering through the cars like a champ and pretty soon we were screaming into the parking lot in our jeep. He pulled up to the door and ran in looking for a wheelchair for me, but no one was around. Meanwhile, I'm letting myself out of the car and hobbling into the doors...barely. J finds the chair, sits me in it and we make our way up the elevator to labor and delivery. My moans alert the nurse to skip introductions or paperwork and just open the door to let us into the first room. All social or procedural expectations out the window, I drop my pants without instruction. The nurse says, "First time?" I said, "No, third." And she jumped into action. When she checked me she started yelling to the staff that there was nothing there (meaning I was fully effaced and dilated) and to call the doctor. I told her the doctor wouldn't make it and it turns out I was right. My body was involuntarily pushing. They wheeled me into the delivery room where I warned the girls that my water exploded last time so beware. With all the excitement, the room was filling up fast. Ten or so nurses chuckled at my comment until they were shocked into a momentary silence as my water broke all over a bystander. "I'm sorry! I warned you!" I said as she assured me it was okay, but she could see the head. To her credit, she didn't tell me not to push, as if that's an option anyway.

My beautiful third born arrived after about three pushes. We hadn't been at the hospital five minutes. My Chacos were still strapped to my feet! 

When I think about that intense hour of my life, it feels a little terrifying but mostly just miraculous. God has given me the most precious gift. All I want to do is hold him all day and stare at his perfection. These little boys are everything to me.

Marvelous {in my} Monday

There's not a lot that's good about a Monday, most people would agree. Mine started off rather rocky as I battled with the eldest to just brush his teeth (FOR THE LOVE) and with the other small child's pesky hearing aids that I'm pretty sure he's already outgrowing (UGH..MORE $). BUT! I happily dropped those two cuties off at "school" for the morning and nearly skipped back out to my car so I could go to Hobby Lobby, my happy place.

Because this post is supposed to be about the marvelous things about this sunshiny Monday, I won't discuss why I felt the need to go to Hobby Lobby in the first place. We'll only focus on the positive, okay?

While there I bought stuff to create fun things for Kinley's birthday. He's turning 3 and his recent addiction to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse has spurred me on to have a fun little Mickey party. Never mind that I have no idea when I will have said party because-oh yeah- I have to labor and deliver another small child and plan around a hypothetical surgery for Abel that month, too.

This is marvelous, though...

I have recently joined the crazy oil train and decided to sign up to receive Young Living Essential Oils. I have heard such good things about using them to feel better, clean better, et cetera. I was a skeptic. I guess I still am, but the process is trial and error. Finding what works for you can be very different from something that works for someone else. I had my very first 'oh my gosh that essential oil is a miracle worker' moment recently and I wanted to share it with all of you. Got a sore throat? This one is easy. 2-3 drops of lemon essential oil into a glass of water worked wonders for me. I was so surprised how quickly my aching throat felt better. Try it next time!

Another marvelous happening this past weekend was reconnecting with many of my former high school classmates. It's hard to believe it has already been ten years since we graduated. It feels more like five. It was great to catch up with them, though. I moved around a lot after college and so I hadn't seen so many of them in years.

One other marvelous thing? Three years ago today, my husband and I dressed up as Tonks and Lupin for the final Harry Potter movie release. He used to love me. ;)

I was 35-36 weeks pregnant here, too! What a coincidence.

I hope you can find some marvelous thoughts to reflect on today. Happy Monday to ya.

12 Months

Dear Baby A,

My sweet Christmas baby, Happy Birthday! I can't believe you're already one. You were born just yesterday, I'd swear it. I look back on that day as one of my happiest. You added so much love and joy to our hearts when you came into the world. You've continued to do so over the last year. Your smile is contagious, your laugh precious. You mean the world to me!

You're crawling and cruising, but not yet walking without helping hands. You're also not saying a darn word. No "mama" "dada" or "chocolate." I like to think that you are taking after me, that you think before you talk. You clap and giggle and make the sweetest sounds I've ever heard. You know what else warms my heart? Your brother will play with you more and more and you look up at him with adoring eyes, seeking his approval. I hope you two will be the best of friends.
I love you very much and I look forward to many more birthdays to come. Happy 12 months, my dear second born! You stay mama's little man as long as you want, ok? I love having you by my side.

Love,
Mama

Camping Themed Party {with bonus Christmas Craft!}

I'm not much of a party person, but I wanted to acknowledge and celebrate my youngest on his very first birthday. I thought about simply buying a cake and calling it a day, but instead I did a little crafting and created a space and some snacks that were fit for a day of camping!

I started off the throwing-together-of-the-birthday-extravaganza at Goodwill. Love that place. I found the plaid there in the form of a fitted bed sheet. I proceeded to rip and cut it up until I had a table runner, ornaments, and specialized decor for the food and drinks. The sheet was half off, too. Score.
I also found the large plaid bow on the top of the tree and two plaid table napkins there for half its price as well.

The Menu:
Live Bait (Tackle box full of gummy worms)
Bird Food (Chex mix)
Tall Trees (Pirouline Cookie Sticks)
Bacon Ranch Turkey Sandwiches
Mud Cups (No bake cookies)
Meats, Cheeses, and Crackers
Hot Chocolate
and of course- water, wine, beer, and cake- because you can't celebrate birthdays without those.

My son shares his birthday with his YaYa. How special!

As I mentioned before, much of the decorating was done courtesy of Goodwill. The rest was derived from around the house and the great outdoors. I walked the length of the back yard in search of fresh greens, pine cones, and branches to fill the space. I found a lovely branch with pine needles still attached to hang over the table. The other branches I used to display photos of the boy in celebration! I tied scraps of the sheet fabric sporadically on them and added bobber ornaments that I made by using a hot glue gun to adhere an ornament hook to it.

That's not the craft I wanted to show you, though...

How To Make Country Christmas Filler Ornaments For Your Holiday Decor

You'll need:
*hot glue gun with hot glue sticks (duh)
*Styrofoam balls
*burlap ribbon
*plaid fabric (don't purchase fabric, y'all- seriously. Go to Goodwill and look for large sized Men's plaid shirts or maybe you'll get lucky like I did and find a whole sheet!)

Directions:
*Cut fabric in one inch wide strips that will wrap around the entirety of the ball
*Glue the beginning of the strip to the ball and the end of the strip over that
(Note: Don't make it much longer because you'll start to have ends showing all over the place. Not good, my friends.)
*Cover the ball completely
*Knot burlap at the top in a bow or tie like fashion and glue it down (don't burn yourself) (And if you do, don't start aggressively whistling Good King Wenceslas because you will soon question your sanity)
*Finally, loop a Christmas hook through the burlap and you've got mass Christmas decor for cheap!

Merry Almost Christmas (21 Days!)
and a very, very happy birthday to two of my favorite people. You both mean the world to me. Love ya!

My weekend in pictures

Top of the mornin' to ya, friends! How was your Thanksgiving? Great, I hope. We had a good one here. It was nice to have J off for a four day weekend. He used to get those pretty frequently in the military but now they are scarce (and more treasured!). We spent time with extended family, got some work done around the house, visited the Chattanooga Aquarium, and celebrated Baby A's first birthday.

From Top Left to Right: 1/My great aunt feeding the babe 2/ The boys playing in the leaves we raked up. Those faces! 3/ Cray K was super thrilled about the butterfly conservatory 4/First slice of birthday cake!

I'll share more about the birthday party later this week. I'm going to show you how to create cute, inexpensive ornaments as fillers for your Christmas tree! Also, there'll be creative foods and crafts for a camping themed party. I hope you'll come back and check that out.

Tell me- how was your weekend?

P.S. In celebration of Cyber Monday, ad space is 50% off TODAY ONLY. Email me or comment for details.

Also? All these items are for sale, too. Gently used.

The ones with arrows are cute with leggings! You pay shipping...unless you're local and we can work out a way to meet up. There's more for sale here. Make me an offer I can't refuse. 

Have a very happy Monday!

More Than Enough

The trouble with a blog is that I never write anything I'm proud of anymore. I'm 28 years old today and I can think of a million goals that might not ever come to fruition because where is the time? I haven't had a chance to sit down all morning. When these little fellas who call me Mom (yes, I got "Mom" today) finish their breakfasts, there are mouths and little hands to clean. When they both are excused from the table, there are diapers. As I'm cleaning the kitchen that is suddenly a mess, I break up multiple toy scuffles and by the time I sit down to roll a train across the hardwood floors it's time to start the routine over again for lunch. The time just isn't there. There's so much love in its place, though. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.  I'm going to scoop up my babies on this special day of mine and be thankful for these two precious blessings. I can't believe they're mine. If I don't do anything else in my life, I'll be happy at the end because I know I've poured my heart and soul into loving and raising my sweet boys. That is more than enough.

Birth Story- Baby A

(First of all, let me start by saying I like to keep things pretty neat and clean around here. With that being said, I'm also going to tell you a lot about my birthing experience with Baby A so if that sort of thing weirds you out...well, you'll have to just check back in in a few days. Ye be warned.)

My mom and sister arrived Sunday night after driving all day to get here from Tennessee. They came with plans to help us out, especially in regard to watching Cray K while we headed to the hospital for my induction day on Monday morning. I went to bed that night feeling quite uncomfortable. I wasn't necessarily contracting, but my back was killing me and my nerves were completely shot. I was a mess, worrying about every little thing about the impending birth. I was told to wake up at 5am to come into the hospital to be induced. Instead, I woke up around 2 o'clock in the morning in pain. The contractions in the middle of the night thing was nothing new to me so I didn't think much of it until they became worse. By 3am I was calling the hospital to ask their opinion on if I should go ahead and come in. The nurse told me, "You should come in when your contractions last a minute and are coming every five minutes." I was torn. My contractions were three minutes apart, but only lasting about 40 seconds. This sounds absurd to me now--GO IN MRS. K! But I was still worried about my husband getting a little extra shut eye because I'm still thinking I'm going to be induced and it's going to be a very long day. Naturally, I decided to blog.

I find it hilarious that I typed up a post in active labor before even telling my dear husband that he was about to be a dad to TWO!

Anyway, at 3:30am, I woke up Captain J and told him we should probably head that way because my contractions were pretty close together. I suppose I didn't understand or reiterate the severity of the situation because I soon found my dear husband slowly making preparations for the day. Hmm...what to wear? What sort of coffee should I make? Just where is that special coffee mug I like? Oh, look a toy in the floor, I'll pick that up! That's what it seemed like he was thinking. We were finally on the road by 4am. On the 30 minute drive to the hospital, he soon learned that I was pretty serious about this pain and he spent the drive telling me that I really should have roused him from his slumber much sooner. Obviously, I started thinking that, too. Ouch, those contractions were no joke!

I was attempting not to be dramatic so we followed all the rules. We stopped at every red light. We slowly pulled into the post gates for ID checks. We parked. And then it hit me. I have to walk in without crying hysterically like a crazy pregnant woman (because aren't those women sooo dramatic?). I walked into the hospital doors and J grabbed a wheelchair for me which I was grateful for. By the time we reached labor and delivery, I was full-on ohmygoshthisistotallyit!

The front desk nurse also noticed this too and quickly hurried me to a room. Minutes later I became that pregnant woman I secretly judged. There were no dainty moans or lady-like complaints escaping my lips as I labored. Oh, no. I sounded more like a body builder trying to break his dead lift record. I was so ashamed. I barely got into my gown before I was all- WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THAT ANESTHESIOLOGIST? The nurse hesitantly told me that I was 5cm and that he would get there as soon as he could, but he wasn't actually in the hospital. I tried not to cry. I think I succeeded. Another nurse walked in asking me if I'd like to get in the shower. Perhaps I'd like to stand up and sway back and forth? Or maybe I'd like a birthing ball. My first thought was, but but I just want some druuuuugs! Clearly, that wasn't an option at the moment so I told her I would take the birthing ball. I sat down as instructed and within minutes, I'm telling her, "I'm burning! I feel like I should push!" I feel confident that she thought I was a total nutcase as I was just at 5 not too long ago. She must have registered my terror because she decided to check for herself. The two nurses are very encouraging as they say, "Okay, you're ready to go!" I had already progressed to 10.

In strolls the man with syringe in hand ready to place that gloriousness in my back to numb the whole experience. He tells me he can still give me the epidural if I'd like. After all, the doctor isn't in the hospital either and he'll have to be called. To Captain J's astonishment, I turned him away. Why would I numb myself now? It would probably only have kicked in after the fact and I wouldn't be able to walk for hours afterward for no reason. I distinctly recall J saying, "Are you sure you don't want it?" with much confusion on his face.

I wasn't in the mood for talking, though. I was still grunting like a body builder and trying not to have a baby since I was not exactly encouraged to push, as if that is really an option in that moment. I finally got out that I didn't want the epidural, all I wanted was the doctor to get there so I could just make this end. I'm sure I had a little more tact than I'm remembering now, but probably not much more.

There was no breaking down of the bed.
There were no stirrups.
I simply rolled over and after very few pushes, there's a perfect, slimy, gooey little baby laying on my tummy. In that moment, there was absolutely zero pain. There was only this living miracle staring back at me. I was all smiles. I couldn't believe it. It all happened so quickly.
Over the next hour, I got to hold my newborn skin-to-skin, just like I desperately wanted to do with K but didn't have the opportunity to do. Captain J stayed close by, soaking in the newness of being a father all over again. He also got to cut the cord this time which made him even happier.
I wouldn't change a thing, of course. Baby and I are doing great! I was up and walking shortly after I delivered, feeling like a million bucks. Recovery thus far has been quite different and I much prefer this time around. I never thought I'd say it, but maybe the no pain killer route is the way to go.
I thank God for this precious gift he has given us. A has been such a delight. I spend my days cherishing his sweet sleeping frame on me, breastfeeding him, changing him, and doing the same with big brother, K. Life is so so sweet. Sometimes I just want to hit the pause button and stay in this scene forever.

P.S.- Thank you all very much for the congrats via Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Email, Texts. We're home as you probably know and we're all doing well.

Love,

Isn't Life Fun?

(Thank you all SO MUCH for the sweet birthday comments yesterday. Y'all rock!)

The universe has a lovely way of reminding us that not every day can be your birthday. Today was no exception. After the excitement hangover of my husband coming home from his interview with doritos and a fancy schmancy iPad in hand, I began to realize that not every day can be that fabulous. See, I was expecting none of thee above. I wasn't sure Captain J could come home before I went to bed last night. I certainly didn't expect him to come bearing gifts. It was a delightful surprise after a pretty good day with my toddler.

This morning I had a doctor appointment. And, surprisingly, that went well, too! My blood pressure is normal, heart rate is fine, and Baby K acted like an angel the whole time. I'm also already dilated 1cm! Too much over-share? Sorry 'bout it. Anyway, on the way home from the appointment, K screamed his little lungs off until he fell into a deep sleep five minutes before we arrived home. For the rest of the day, he banked on that five minutes as a replacement for his usual at least two hour nap. Do you know what happens to Mama when she doesn't get that two hours to herself? She goes a little crazy.

She does things like refer to herself in the third person and sneaks off to her car while her little one is yelling at the top of his lungs to get him out of this prison (aka crib).

She rocks him and holds him and tells him everything is going to be okay yet she's questioning it herself. I mean, how in the world will she do it in less than a month when they're both crying at the top of their lungs!?

She's freakin' out here.

In addition, doc tells her "the baby could come at any time now" which would normally sound delightful to a large pregnant woman's ears but this pregnant woman? Her husband is out of town on interviews and that's where he'll be next week, too. So, I think she's allowed to freak out a tiny bit. She can feel a bit unprepared if she wants because, hello, she is!

Still, she wears a smile because she knows that this is only the beginning of the madness.

And she's going to need some momentum to keep her going these next few months. Luckily, she's got this one little ball of fire to keep her on her toes...

Isn't life fun?

My MJ Look (and other happy things)...

Today is my birthday. Naturally, there's all this pressure to create a happy post which is why I'm going to avoid talking about my usual complaints (OMGosh, we're moving, we don't have a job, we're having a baby, haalllpp!). I think I'll simply show you this sweet video from my birthday last year and count my many blessings from God in 2012.

My goodness! How cute is he? And soon I'm going to have another one that size! God is so good to me!

After a not-so-good day yesterday, I woke up this morning feeling happy. Even though Captain J is off on an interview and scrubbing in on a surgery (seriously, he gets to have all the fun!) I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that today is a happy one. I'm sort of house-bound today with no plans so I think I'll hang out and kiss and squeeze and tickle my 15 month old.

To my friends near and far, thank you for all the sweet birthday wishes via texts, calls, fb, twitter, etc. Y'all make me feel a little less alone today. I love ya for it!

And just for a good laugh...
Here's yours truly rockin' my Michael Jackson look as a tyke-

Happy Birthday, Sweet Child of Mine - 12 Months

Dear Baby K,

Where to start? It's hard to believe it has been a whole year since you came kicking and screaming (sweetly) into the world. Happy Birthday, baby! I remember holding you for the first time and thinking you were the most beautiful newborn I had ever seen. My eyes covered every inch of your entire 6 lb 8 oz body, looking for some imperfection, but there wasn't a single one. God made you absolutely perfect and I coud not believe he chose me to be your mom.

This month we found out that you're going to be a big brother to a little boy! I know you don't know what this means just yet, but I see a best pal in your near future. You're typically such a delight to watch with other children. You love to watch babies and toddlers your age and you practically scream when you see one that you can't quite reach. I hope you're just as delighted to see your brother here in a few short months.

I won't hold my breath, though. You've become increasingly attached to your Mama lately. I'm not complaining. I love hearing those sweet sounds exit your mouth when I walk into the room. I'm positive nothing sounds as sweet as "mama". You are starting to complain more and more when I leave which makes it difficult to get things done, but I'm treasuring your last few months as my only child. I enjoy rocking you to sleep when you (and your brother!) will let me. As my middle grows with Baby A inside, you aren't as comfortable when I try to cuddle you. On top of this, Baby A kicks you every time you get comfortable! Don't worry. The two of you will be friends in no time.

My favorite thing you do right now is giggle incessantly when you sneeze and I respond with, "God bless you!" You wait for it any time anyone sneezes and I think I love your reaction as much as you love mine. It is so precious.

I also love watching you clap your hands when you get excited.

I love so many of your little quirks, dear.

This past year has been the best of my life and that's all thanks to you. I promise to try every day to develop you into the person that God wants you to be. I love you to the moon and back and I look forward to many more special memories to come. Thank you, Baby K for making me a mom a year ago today. I look at you and count my blessings.

Happy Birthday!

Love,
Mama

Happy August!

Lots of exciting things going on in the world of Mrs. K and Captain J this month!

*The month of August brings with it visitors from home. I couldn't be more thrilled! It's no secret that this isn't my favorite duty station we've ever been assigned so friendly faces from home will likely give us the boost we need to make it through the next couple months here in Louisiana. My grandparents will be paying us a visit and later in the month, my mom will grace us with her presence. I'm so excited, y'all!

*Before any of this occurs, a certain little man will be turning one year old! I can hardly believe it's been a year since we welcomed our sweet, quirky little bundle of joy into our lives. It has been trying, but it has easily been the best year of my life. Baby K has made me a mother and I still can't quite believe it. He's precious and I wouldn't change a single thing about his developing personality. It's so fun to watch him evolve and I look forward to celebrating with him on his birthday, August 10th.

*I'm also pleased and so thankful to those of you who helped to start off my Scentsy business with me!
 I appreciate your orders so much. From August 1-31, Scentsy is having a 10% off sale on much of the Spring/Summer 2012 catalog. Please let me know if I can help you place an order or if you have any questions for me.

*I've got some book reviews coming up this month, too so keep your eyes peeled for those.

*Also? I'm ready to keep on crackin' on my goal list and try some more sewing projects. My mom sent me some fabric that had been my great grandmother's and I look forward to turning it into something beautiful or at least functional. In addition, I've started the interesting process of making my own cloth diapers for Baby #2 who will affectionately be referred to here as Baby A!

*I'm kicking off August with a fun, very pink manicure.

Oh, the exciting times of a stay-at-home wife.

Now if you'll excuse me, Baby K is ripping down all the blinds in the dining room. I better run!

Love,