Yum to the E

Forgot to tell you about our dinner last Friday.  As many/most/all of you know, I'm not the greatest chef in the world.  Like, I would never spend my time cooking a meal if let's say, I didn't have to.  So I usually don't.  I mean one day I might.  But for right now my hubs and I are totally fine living on ramen and mac n cheese.  We save a lot of money and time this way.  But I took a pic of the most amazing strawberries we had the other day when we had our own little 'fish fry' together.  I am so craving them right now. 

Tell me your mouth isn't watering.  I need them now! 

Happy Easter!

HAPPY EASTER! It's been a great long weekend so far.  I had Thursday and Friday off last week, which let me tell you, was well-needed.  I had today off and even get tomorrow off too which makes it even nicer.  One of the greatest things?  I got to see my sister Lauren.  She came home from the big MN.  I was so excited for her to come home!  I wanted her to see the bump  in person and feel the Beany kick.  She saw the bump alright...but as for the kicking...well, let's just say our little one wasn't into performing on the spot (perhaps a little foreshadowing of what's to come?).  I laid down, stretched out, drank orange juice.  Nope. nothing.  She's convinced he's not real.   But RIGHT when I got home, who'd I feel all active and ready to play?  Yeah....he's already got a mind of him own.  Yikes.
Anyway, guess who took ONE pic on Easter?  Yep, count 'em....ONE.  I had fabo plans to capture the day with the fam, the bump, etc. and I was only able to bust out my camera at the end of the day when we were over at our brother and sister-in-law's house.  But since I did end up taking the one pic afterall, I better post it.

Hopefully I become a better picture taker when Beany's born.  Which reminds me that I'm in the market for a nice, new, profesh-style cam.  Anyone have a good one they like?

Besides Easter Sunday, I've been meaning to tell you that Chris and I are pretty much 100% on the name for our little Teaner Beaner.  And we've been this way since the 18th week when we found out he was well......a he.  But for some reason it feels so much more official now.  It's amazing how this feeling of 'rightness' just comes over you.  I've liked this name for a while because it's the name of a Saint who I've prayed to for a few years and who is super special.  And not very well-known.  But the more Christopher and I look up the life of this saint, the more we are totally sure about it.  So excited to name our first born son after him.  June just can't come soon enough!

Baby at 33

My baby is just going crazy this week!  He must be getting so big because I'm feeling all sorts of body parts in all parts of my body (ok, mostly just my stomach...but he's pushing on things I didn't even know I had in there).  What a cute love!  Here he is at 33 weeks.

A few things I notice when I look at this picture:

1.  Wow, I'm actually pregnant.

2.  I think I need to go back to being a blonde. I miss it.

3.  It's too hard to keep the blonde up. and expensive.

4.  When can I get a tan?

5.  What will Baby look like?!

Besides being in love with Baby already, I rediscovered an old love today.  Ok, not so much a love, but sort of.  In the form of music.  Don't you love when you re-listen to a CD you haven't listened to in a while?  It's one of my favorite things.  Totally brings me back to my life when I loved it.  That's what happened to me when I was listening to my Adele pandora station.  Feist came on.  And it reminded  me how much I loved this CD.

I first became obsessed with this CD years ago when it came out.  I remember I was working at Ann Taylor Loft in the summer with some super fun girls who became my good friends.  We'd go out all the time.  This was sort of our summer soundtrack.  I love how music can bring you back.  For some reason I have a feeling this summer's soundtrack will be something...um...different.  Like in the form of baby einstein. ish. 

Not So Sunny Sunday

So far I haven't done much today but mow.  I can never start the mower the first time using it for the year.  Both the mower and I are kinda rusty after several months without use.  But once the hubs gets it going, I honestly don't mind mowing.  Had some tunes on the ipod and went to town.  The hubs would mow but he has super bad grass allergies and I prefer that he be able to breathe the rest of the day.  He does do the grocery shopping so it evens out. I took some pictures of our house as it enters spring.  Check for some more pictures in the house to home section.

Wish there was some sun!

Aren't these tulips gorge?  That pink one is the only pink one that's bloomed so far.  Can't wait to see the other pink ones.  It'll really add the much needed color to the front of our house.

Welcome Spring!



A Day to Myself?

Just a quick hello this morn....I mean afternoon.  Actually, believe it or not, I've been up since 9:15.  That's early for me on a weekend.  But it's a beautiful day today so I can't complain.  Plus, it's so much easier to get up knowing I have no real plans.  Why is that the greatest feeling?  I am so not a type A personality.

So on this fab day, I'm on a mission for some cute maternity clothes.  The hubs went to Kansas City for a Royals game which means I have the day with Teaners to shop til I drop!  Here's to hoping I'll find some cute clothes that aren't too expensive.  I'm seven and a half months prego and have only bought 2 maternity pants.  Yeah, it's time for some more, especially since I'm getting really creative, if not too creative, with the stuff I wear to work.  Good thing I'm not trying to impress any of my students!

I think I might try and update the other sections of this blog sometime later today, too.  I'm excited to get some pictures of my paintings up on here.  And seeing as how time is ticking in our house before we move to the Lou, I better get that going as well.....

....speaking of going....off to shop.....

Pizza down the mountain!

Unfortunately, only my sister Lauren will really understand the title of this post.  But seeing as how it's her birthday today, it's fitting that only she knows.  But if you're curious now, it has to do with skiing.  And her unbelievable ability to just go straight down.  With her feet turned in.  Like in the shape of a pizza.  At least that's what she did when we went to Breckenridge a few years ago.  Straight down.  I was amazed.  Remember, "Do it for Dad!"  Needless to say, we aren't the best skiers known to mankind.

Anyway, it's Lauren's birthday today and who knows how old she is.  No honestly, I seriously never know.  I don't know why I always struggle with Lauren and Alex's ages.  I also never seem to understand what grade they're in.  I had no idea you were graduating this year Lauren aka in a few weeks, but I guess it makes sense, seeing as how you're a senior and everything (apparently).  But nonetheless, I hope you're having the greatest birthday in Duluth.  We miss you in Omaha and I love you so much.  And that story you told me today about the P .... well, that really needs to never be shared again.  I'm just sayin'....

Lauren and her boyfriend Ted.  Aren't they adorable? 



I spent Lauren's birthday at my students' spring concert tonight.  They sang some Mary Poppins songs which were cute.  They had the most energy, which was to be expected.  They always do.  But when you have several people ask you if that's how they are all the time and in your head you think um, that was a tame version of them then you're bound to come home everyday and pass out.  Which is what I do usually.  Except for today, because, well, I had to be there.  I have this feeling tomorrow is going to be extra hard for me to roll out of bed!

Speaking of bed, I'm going to head there now.  But before I go I better let you know how Baby H is doing.  The appointment went well yesterday!  No luck at an ultrasound.  Wow, those are hard to come by apparently.  Little one's measuring right and heartbeat sounds great.  Can't wait to meet him!

sleep > to do list

Guess where I am right now.  The time is 9:05pm on Monday night.  If you guessed bed than you'd be right!  I have a ton of grading to do and so many thank you notes from 2 baby showers that I was supposed to at least get started.  But I didn't and at this point I'm feeling quite alright with choosing sleep.  I totally need it these days.  I'm more tired than ever!  Plus, everyone tells me I better sleep now cause once this beany is born it's over.  And by over, I mean adios to the days of sleeping in.  Yikes, that'll probably be the hardest change for me.

Today was the first day I think I felt beany have the hiccups.  It was the cutest thing. Why is everything he does the cutest thing?  I'm just dying to see him!  I'm going to try and convince the doctor to give us an ultrasound at our appt. on Wednesday.  Wish me luck on that...

In other news, happy birthday to my sister-in-law, friend and neighbor Jen!  We were sisters before we were actually sisters, if you know what I mean, and friends on top of that.  And now her and my brother live down the street from Chris and I.  Now that it's warmer, we really need to start walking to each other's houses more.  This is our last year for that....sad!! 

Isn't this is super cute pic of them?  Makes me want to be tan.

Ok, one last thing before I really start to snooze.  Some of you heard that I was in a wedding magazine in Omaha.  It's too bad the full article with all the pictures isn't online, but here's at least a little sample.  Anyone in Omaha can grab a free copy at the Hy-Vee floral department.

http://www.omaha.com/article/20110124/WEDDINGESSENTIALS18/110129837#perfect-pairs

I hope everyone had a great Monday!

Welcome to 26!

To one of the most beautiful people I've ever met, inside and out.....HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 

This is a big week of birthdays...my best friend Caitlin's today, my sister-in-law Jen's tomorrow and my sister Lauren's on the 14th.  So lucky to have all of them in my life!

Caitlin got married in March and I will someday get around to posting the amazing pictures from her and Jonny's wedding.  And when I say amazing, I mean, WOW you literally can't believe this is a real life couple.  Almost like if you didn't love them, you'd have to hate them.  Good thing we love them.  Cait, I just got off the phone with you, but happiest of hap birthdays to you, my lovey!  I LOVE YOU!

PS.  Why can't there be one more day in the weekend?

Were you surprised?

Today is the best day of the week....Friday!  But when I woke up this morning I was in the worst mood ever.  I was grumpy and tired.  I'm not getting the best sleep these days and for any of you who know me you know that I really value/need my sleep! 

Ok, so I get to school, sit at my desk and pray to God for the patience and strength to get through the day ahead of me.  Ever have those days?  Yeah, well today was just that day (as I get farther along in pregnancy those days are becoming more and more familiar)

The students came in at 7:55 (yeah, way too early), active and LOUD as ever.  Almost all of them were asking about the schedule for the day, which is posted on our board.  They were asking about the 'blank space' in the afternoon.  I got so frustrated with all the questions about that 'blank space' in the schedule that I threatened to take a ticket away from the next person who asked about it (tickets = big deals for 3rd graders).  They know we go over the schedule every morning after prayer, so I told them to wait and I'd tell them what it was later. 

When prayer was over, I explained our plan for the day and told them the 'blank space' in our schedule was their project presentations.  They had been working on a project for 2 weeks and it was finally time to present them to the class!  They seemed to be relieved when I told them.

I made it through the morning (barely...I was so craving a nap, if that's something you can crave) and through the first part of the afternoon.  It was time for the presentations and all the students were really excited to show off their projects.  Presentations were going well, just running a little longer than expected.  We were supposed to be at the middle school curriculum fair at 1:45.  I stopped the presentations so we could head down to the fair.

We weren't at the fair for very long...maybe 5 minutes when the principal came up to me.  In a super serious voice she said, "You know, I don't want to rain on anyone's curriculum fair, but I need to talk to all of the 3rd graders.  We have a situation that we need to handle right now."  In my head I was like, "Oh gosh, what'd they do now??"  She asked me to wrangle them all up.  They all lined up and she started to talk to them in the hallway and then said, "You know, this is something serious and I don't think we can handle this situation in the hallway.  Let's head up to your classroom."  I followed, super curious about what they had done to be in so much trouble.  In fact, I was a little nervous for them and like any teacher, totally preparing my "you should've known better" speech.

And then we walked in the room........SURPRISE!

I couldn't believe it!  I looked around the classroom and there were parents and presents and lots of delish cake.  They totally pulled off a surprise baby shower!  It was the cutest thing ever.  Not to mention, with the class that I have,  there's no way I thought they'd ever be able to pull off a surprise like this.  They're quite the talkative bunch, but they hadn't mentioned anything!  I really was totally surprised!

Some parents took some pictures, too.  These aren't the greatest, but they're the only ones on my cam, and well, you get the point.

So getting back to that 'blank space' in the schedule.... Well, all the students thought it was for the baby shower.  They thought I knew about it and had it on the schedule for the day!  They said they were sad that it wasn't going to be a surprise.  So cute of them!

Long story short (or long), when your day starts off terrible, and you think it'll be impossible to make it through...it sometimes get's better.

Baby at 31

There's a baby in there!  Isn't that crazy?  I still can't get over it.  Anyway, here are two pics of me in my 31st week of pregnancy.  These weeks are seriously flying by!

The first pic was taken on Saturday.  The other one was taken last night.  Boy do I look tired in that 2nd pic.  That's what an entire day in a super active classroom will do to ya.  My class wears me out!  Speaking of my class, I have some exciting news to share with you later tonight about something that happened today....

Book Rec

I forgot to tell you a great book I just finished.  It's really good and a super easy read if you're looking for something quick and entertaining.  It's called Heaven is for Real.  I think most of you would really like it. 

Have a great day today.  The 3rd graders and I are heading out on a field trip this afternoon to see a play at the Rose Theater.  I'm just excited for 2 hours out of this day where I don't have to be the entertaining one.

Sweet Child of Mine

Hi Baby!

Mommy's been thinking about you all day today!  Probably because you've been kicking up a storm.  Sometimes you even do these flips where I can see who knows what body part poking out of my stomach.  I think it's pretty adorable and whenever we're alone I talk to you about it.  I can't believe how cute you already are, even though I've never seen you.  Speaking about seeing you, I've really been thinking a lot about what you look like lately.  Are you gonna have Daddy's hair?  Mommy and Daddy's eyes?  Mommy's freckles? Either way, I hope this pic is no indication.  That would be weird...

This was made a few years ago by your aunt.  We thought it was funny.  Everytime Mommy and Daddy go to the doctor we want to see you, but since everything seems to be normal, we don't get an ultrasound.  So you behave in there and keep growing!  We love you so much already!

Love,
Mommy (and Daddy...he's looking through the grocery ads right now, as usual on Wednesday.  Gotta save moola for ya....heard you're gonna be expensive!)

A Couple, Not a Few

Today is April 5.  You know what that means?  Our Teaner Beaner is due in exactly 2 months!  When you're down to two you can say a couple instead of a few. So a couple more months and we're there!  Here are a few random thoughts today:

1.  How soon he'll actually be here!
2.  I really gotta get that baby room finished.
3.  Taking the beaner on walks in a stroller with 3 wheels (Yes, this was a constant thought throughout the day because it was SO nice outside...something we're not used to here in Omaha lately.  And a stroller with 3 wheels is something I've become obsessed with lately.  Not sure why because most 3 wheeled strollers are for jogging moms and well.....maybe I'll be that when I get the stroller?)
4.  The little guy being....little.  And cute.  And curling up in the fetal position and me patting his cute little bum.
5.  Wow, I need some maternity clothes.   So far I've bought 2 maternity items: leggings and black work pants, which I wear on repeat.
6.  What in the world is he going to look like?

Of course the list could go on and on because I think about him all the time.  But what it really boils down to is the fact that I just can't wait for motherhood! 

There's always tomorrow

As I sit here on my couch, 31 weeks pregnant, I'm looking around at the house and thinking about how I should really, really, really do something about how messy it is.  I've found out that I'm an organization/clean freak when it comes to my house, although you'd never be able to tell.  Instead, I just stress out about it. and watch Dancing with the Stars.  Then I somehow decide to blame my laziness on the fact that I'm pregnant.  Even though I really have nothing to complain about.  I've had the greatest pregnancy any woman could ask for.  The only real bad thing that stands out is how tired I always am, but really, who isn't?  Needless to say, the cleaning and laundry desperately needs to get done, but oh well, there's always tomorrow.

Before I go, I have to share a funny teaching story.  As a teacher I should really write a book with all the funny things my students say. This one might be a "you had to be there' sorta thing, but I'm writing it anyway. 

Each week in school we have a weekly theme we discuss in reading class.  This week the theme is "Making Money."  So I went around the room and asked each student what they did to make money at their young age.  There were the usual responses: chores, lemonade stands, selling art, yard sales, yada yada.  Then I get to one of my favorite students (yeah, yeah, I know we're not supposed to have 'favorites' but he's so cute, he'd be yours too) and asked him how he makes money.  He starts by saying, "Well, every Saturday there's this show called the Suze Orman show..." Um, hilarious, what 3rd grader knows Suze Orman?? And he pronounced the name correctly!  He kept going, "Well, it's a good show and there's a part of the show called 'can you afford this?'.  If the people can't afford things, they're denied.  I watch it with my parents and if I guess right I get a dollar.  My mom owes me like 3 dollars cause this weekend there were like THREE DENIES!!!"  Ok, seriously, it was the funniest thing ever at the time.  Sometimes (most of the time) I wish I had my day recorded in full just to relive moments like that.

Kids can be great.  I can't wait for my own!  9 more weeks til the teaner!

Yep...still haven't cleaned.  Just thought about it and felt guilty.

After several months of saying that I was going to start blogging, I've finally gotten myself to create my own blog.  Procrastination has always been a friend of mine, but I'm seriously excited to start sharing my life experiences with all of you.

In other news, I'll jump right in.  I should've started this blog yesterday because it was a pretty exciting day in my life.  Two years ago yesterday Chris and I got engaged.  We dated only 11 months.  I think it took me like three months or so to decide that I was in love with him and probably going to marry him.   Too soon?  No way!  It's funny how things sometimes seem to work out...the way you want them to.  In those two short years from the "Well, I really need you forever..." we've had the perfect (ly hot) wedding, created our first little teaner beaner (as we call him), and found out that we'll be moving to St. Louis next year so Chris can do that thing he's always wanted to do...become a radiologist. 

So yeah, life moves fast.  Smell the roses. 

(Wow, that felt good.  I knew I should've started this sooner.  It's really too bad I'm such a procrastinator.)

By the way, this is us 2 years ago when Chris proposed.  I was totally not expecting it, as you can tell by the way I look.  And apparently it was just another Thursday night out for Chris.  Yeah, we're a very casual couple.