From the mouths of third graders...

Sometimes my third graders can be great for my self esteem, like when they say I look like Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson, or think I'm 20. Then there are days like today. I started reading with my kids a little book printed off the computer about Harriet Tubman. On the front is a photo of her at about age 90, in a wheelchair. One of my boys asked "Mrs. Minatrea, were you born the same time as Harriet Tubman?" Seriously? I knowI'm not looking like I'm 18 anymore, but do I really look like a little frail 90 year old lady?

Pregnancy Must Haves

Last night I was laying in bed thinking about some of the things that I couldn't have survived this pregnancy without. Because I have nothing else to blog about, I thought I'd share my list!

1. Shoemaker Grey Wolves sweatpants and hooded sweatshirt - This is worn daily, as soon as I get home from school. I call it my "what not to wear" outfit, because surely, if Stacey and Clinton from TLC saw me in this outfit, they'd take me to NYC for a shopping spree immediately. But, it's the most comfortable, warm thing I have right now!
2. Slippers
3. Tums - The candy for pregnant women with hearburn. I also discovered acid reflux the past few weeks. Awesome.
4. Fruit
5. Eye makeup - To help try to hide the bags I've been carrying under my eyes for 8 months
6. Jenn - My coworker/friend who has taken my kids for me on several occasions of running late for school, not feeling well, etc.
7. Long, hot showers - I used to be a quick shower person, but now I turn the water on as hot as it can go and just stand there for at least 10 minutes.
8. Cold tap water, with lots of ice, in a plastic cup - This is unusual because normally all I drink is Ozarka, and definitely not cold. I can't stand ice in my water any other time.

So, all you moms out there, what things did you have to have in order to survive your pregnancies?

5 Weeks To Go!!

Hard to believe I'm down to just a few weeks of this pregnancy. Here's a picture of me now for those who asked. Let me tell you, I didn't enjoy having it taken, and I don't like it much, but here it is anyhow! It's good for the self esteem of those who read my blog - you'll feel so small after looking at me! :)

Just saying hi...

It's been a while again since you've heard from me, so I just wanted to check in and say hi. There's not much going on here - just more cold weather! We had a snow day (ok, an "ice" day if you want to get technical) on Wednesday this week. It was nice to get a day off, but down here you have to make it up later in the year - no freebie bad weather days! I managed to find some time for myself and do some scrapbooking and relaxing, which was much needed. Marc and I have been on the hunt this week for our definite baby name choices, and we're getting close to a girl name. I'm excited to have a busy but enjoyable day tomorrow. First I get to have another massage... ahhhhhhhh... Then I'm off to a baby shower for Marc's assistant's wife (due 10 days before me), and then to a basketball game that was rescheduled due to the weather. It's probably one of the team's most important games to win all year, and I get so into them, that it won't be a relaxing time for me but hopefully a good game with a good outcome! I'm still thinking I'll end up going into labor at one of his games due to how worked up I get at them! And for anyone else who is counting, I'm down to almost 6 weeks to go. My coworkers were talking today about where they want to go for spring break, like cruises and vegas, and they laughed when I said I just wanted to go to the hospital! I am ready to get this baby out. Hopefully everyone is doing great and keeping warm, whether you're in Ohio, Texas, or Poland!

Christmas Photos

Better late than never, right? I didn't realize I never put photos on from Christmas, so here they are. Thanks Aunt Barb for the blue light up thingie! :)

Updates

We have been very busy! When mom and dad were here, we did get a lot done, including the nursery being painted (thanks dad!!), curtains hung, etc. The room is very cute -lilac and pink, with little touches of lime green. Even Marc likes the color. Luke got a new bedroom set too, and he thinks his captain's bed is the coolest, because there's a door on the footboard and he can crawl under the bed and hide! And of course, the large boxes that the furniture came in were also a big hit! Today I missed work for jury duty, and was one of the very few that didn't have to stay for the week, so that worked out great. The baby has been going crazy the past few days. I'm really not sure what all she is up to in there, but I don't remember Luke being this hard on me, especially at night when I want to sleep! The countdowns are on - counting down to my kids taking the TAKS test (in TX, third graders have to pass the reading test to go to 4th, and it's on Feb. 13th already!), the remainder of basketball season (which also officially ends regular season on the 13th!), and of course, baby. Less than 2 months to go! We have everything ready except a name. Here are a few random photos of things mentioned in this blog. Don't mind the mess on Luke's bed -- and the nursery isn't ready - we just have things sitting in there now, so it'll look better when it's put together correctly! I just put out everything for the effect!






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Happy New Year!

I hope everyone had a fun night last night. Marc and I saw a movie and ate dinner while mom and dad kept Luke. We were in by 7:30 though, and asleep by 11:15! I did see the ball drop, but only because we can see it at 11:00 here. We have 2 more days off of work, and I'm desperately trying to finish up my gigantic TO-DO list and maybe rest a little in the mean time. Right now one of the last on the list is being accomplished - dad is painting the soon-to-be nursery lilac! So if this girl turns out to be a boy, hope he likes purple! I thought I'd list everything I got accomplished this break so that I can feel like I have a reason to still be tired after having 2 weeks off of work!
1. Celebrated 6 year anniversary
2. Had 3d/4d ultrasound
3. Finished Christmas shopping and wrapping gifts
4. Bought new furniture for living room - Tv, tv stand, curtains
5. Rearranged rooms - cleaned out the spare room and moved things to either the study or garage
6. Shopped for and bought a new car
7. Celebrated 3 Christmases (Is that how you spell the plural of Christmas??)
8. Went to 4 basketball games
9. Bought and assembled Luke's new bedroom set and rearranged his room
10. Bought baby bedding and painted nursery (Ok, so I didn't paint, and this is still a work in progress, but it will be done hopefully!!)
11. Had several doctor appointments - for me and Luke (He has another new skin problem... Pityriasis Rocea... never heard of it!)

I'm sure I missed some other things, but that covers most of it! Nowhere in there did I get to scrapbook, which was supposed to be a priority. But, maybe with all of the big things done now, I can make some time the next 9 weeks to do some pages. Only 9 weeks left till baby!

These are a few of our favorite things...

This year, Santa was good to us all! The past two weeks have been filled with large gifts for us all! Luke's favorite is his new train table which he loves! Now we just have to find a place for it. Molly got some new bones, which you can see she really enjoyed! Marc got his flat screen LCD tv for an early gift, and he couldn't be happier! I got a great pink iPod for Christmas, and now that I finally figured out how to use it (Is there a reason it can't come with instructions? I didn't even know how to turn it on!), I am loving it. I am representing Marc by putting on some good Bell Biv Devoe and Run DMC songs as my first ones. I'm still frantically searching for his Vanilla Ice CD... And finally, yesterday we (ok, I!) got a new toy - my new car. We've been looking for a while, and finally I convinced Marc to check out the Nissan Pathfinders, and 5 hours later we came home with one - fully loaded with leather seats, DVD, sunroof, and really anything else we could have asked for. It's not much bigger than our Xterra, which Marc has inherited, which makes it very comfortable to drive, but having that extra seating and just being new makes it perfect!

Thoughts from daddy to be

Since learning we're having a girl, our discussions haven't been centered around names and nursery as much as this child not being allowed to wear head scrunchies. Marc is very against it, and lucky for him, I'm not a big fan. Today at church there was a little baby with one on, and after pointing it out to Marc, he made a comment that I felt was worth sharing... "I'd rather put a sign around my child's neck that says 'I'm a girl' than put a head scrunchie on her." Doesn't that sound like a Marc comment? :) But, I will say, that last night we did buy our nursery bedding and I love it!! So that's one thing to check off the list.

Meet Our Baby!!

Today we had our 3D/4D ultrasound, and it was a really neat experience. When I'd feel the baby move, I'd see it's hand move on the screen too! We saw fingers and toes, and a nose that looks just like Luke's! And yes, a very clear shot that tells us it's a pink baby! :) If you can't tell what you're looking at, let me know! Most of them have a hand up by the face, but the baby also had a foot all the way up there most of the time too. There's a shot of just the two little feet and toes that I thought was cute!

I am thankful...

Ok, I know it's not Thanksgiving season, but I just have to put a quick note on here about how thankful I am that today starts my holiday break! I have so much to do, and even after sleeping in today, I am still exhausted, so I am hoping a few days of this will help me catch up on some much needed sleep! I have tons to do today, including a doctor's appointment, finishing shopping for gifts, baking, making a few gifts, cleaning (yuck... that never ends. Maybe Santa will put a housekeeper in my stocking this year!), and hopefully getting my new car! But even with all that to do, at least I don't have to be at work at 7:00 am! I know most of my readers are feeling my thankfulness, even if you have another day or two of work, at least the end is in sight!

The past few weeks

Last weekend, Carsyn and Marcus came over to make cut out cookies, my favorite of all holiday treats, and then spent the night. I think every cookie Carsyn made was pink, and I'm not sure where more frosting ended up - on cookies, or in 3 year old mouths! But they did great, and seemed to have a lot of fun doing it. Luke's favorite was the Thomas train cookies. There's also a photo of Luke's gingerbread train that he and I had a lot of fun making a while ago. And, for those who want to feel skinny during the holidays (and who doesn't??), there's the most recent shot of my ever growing belly. And finally, just because he never makes it on here much, there's a photo from Marc's district opener basketball game last night, which they won, showing Marc hard at work.

Holiday Eating Tips

A friend of mine sent me this list today of helpful tips for holiday eating. Ok, so I know most of us can eat just fine at the holidays without these tips, but I thought they were worth sharing. And Nancy, the carrots just keep coming up... number 1 is for you! Hope they are helpful to you all.
HOLIDAY EATING TIPS

1. Avoid carrot sticks. Anyone who puts carrots on a holiday buffet table
knows nothing of the Christmas spirit. In fact, if you see carrots, leave
immediately. Go next door, where they're serving rum balls.

2. Drink as much eggnog as you can. And quickly; it's rare. You can't
find it any other time of year but now. So drink up! Who cares that it has 10,000
calories in every sip? It's not as if you're going to turn into an
eggnog-alcoholic or something. It's a treat. Enjoy it. Have one for me. Have
two. It's later than you think. It's Christmas!

3. If something comes with gravy, use it. That's the whole point of gravy.
Gravy does not stand alone. Pour it on. Make a volcano out of your mashed
potatoes. Fill it with gravy. Eat the volcano. Repeat.

4. As for mashed potatoes, always ask if they're made with skim milk or
whole milk. If it's skim, pass. Why bother? It's like buying a sports car with an
automatic transmission.

5. Do not have a snack before going to a party in an effort to control
your eating. The whole point of going to a Christmas party is to eat other
people's food for free. Lots of it. Hello?

6. Under no circumstances should you exercise between now and New Year's.
You can do that in January when you have nothing else to do. This is the time
for long naps, which you'll need after circling the buffet table while carrying
a 10-pound plate of food and that vat of eggnog.

7. If you come across something really good at a buffet table, like
frosted Christmas cookies in the shape and size of Santa, position yourself near
them and don't budge. Have as many as you can before becoming the centre of
attention. They're like a beautiful pair of shoes. If you leave them behind,
you're never going to see them again.

8. Same for pies. Apple, Pumpkin. Mincemeat, have a slice of each. Or if
you don't like mincemeat, have two apples and one pumpkin. Always have three.
When else do you get to have more than one dessert? Labor Day?

9. Did someone mention fruitcake? Granted, it's loaded with the mandatory
celebratory calories, but avoid it at all cost. I mean, have some standards.


10. One final tip: If you don't feel terrible when you leave the party or
get up from the table, you haven't been paying attention. Re-read tips; start over, but hurry, January is just around the corner. Remember this motto to live
by:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving
safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in
sideways, chocolate in one hand, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and
screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"


Have a great holiday season

Another Chance

I am pretty excited, because today I scheduled a 3D/4D ultrasound, and it's on our anniversary, Dec. 22. I've heard great things about it from some friends who had one. One girl even said that she could tell that her baby had her sister's lips! How crazy is that?? I can have at least 12 people in there with me too... any takers? OK, just kidding, that's a lot of people to be in there! But I'm really excited that Luke can go too, as usually kids aren't allowed at ultrasounds, and he'll get to see the baby. So we'll see if the third time is a charm, and if this baby really is a little girl! We are pretty sure it is already.

Maybe + Might = Girl??

So I had my appointment today, and got another ultrasound. Everything looks good with the placenta - the doctor said it's high enough to not be a problem, so I'm very happy about that! Then he asked if we knew what we were having and when I said that the last person said that maybe it was a girl, he said "Yeah, it might be a girl." Hmm... is that enough to paint pink and buy frilly clothes?? So two iffy answers both saying girl. We think that it is a girl, but would love a straight up "Yes, it's a girl!" Oh well.

For Aunt Nancy

I had to put in the photo of Luke enjoying his carrots that Nancy did such a good job making!

Thanksgiving Trip

Here are the photos from my trip to Ohio.

Luke, Carsyn, and Payton playing in leaves at the park - something they don't get to do in Texas!


Grandpa and the girls at the park.



Me and my friend Vickie.


Luke watching grandpa's trains, which he loved!!


Returning to Texas on the airplane.

Here I am!

Ok, it's been forever since I posted anything, but I've been way busy, tired, stressed... what other excuses can I come up with? Here's the update on my way too exciting life. I will post again Sunday probably with photos from my Ohio trip.
1. Basketball season has started, so Marc is busy with practice and we've been going to some games. I'm trying to get in as many as possible at the start of the season, because I really doubt I'll be making the 2 hour road trip games while 9 months pregnant!
2. Luke and I flew to Ohio Wednesday morning with Brenda, Carsyn, and Payton. We were a site at the airport - 2 adults, one who is pregnant, 2 three year olds, a one year old, 5 suitcases and 3 backpacks, and no stroller. Fortunately, people were friendly and helpful! The time in Ohio was great, although I am extremely tired now that I'm back home, and I think I gained about 6 pounds. How can I say no to all that homemade, Ohio Thanksgiving food? And let's not forget about Aunt Nancy's carrots... Luke's favorite food from Thanksgiving!
3. My Christmas shopping is actually close to being done! Now if only I could come up with something for my own husband... No clue there! Ideas anyone?
4. I came home today to find Marc went to Hobby Lobby on his own and surprised me with a new skinny, prelit Christmas tree! That may not seem like a big deal to many of you, but first, it is very hard to surprise me. Even when Marc brings home flowers or anything like that, I usually seem to know they are coming. Plus, Marc at Hobby Lobby, on his own?? Impressive.
5. Tuesday I go back to the doctor for my glucose test and another ultrasound. Let's hope for great news on the whole placenta thing, and also that we get a successful peek at the gender of this baby. At some point we need to start coming up with names and a nursery!
I think that's about it. Oh, and Marc won his first game today. Yay for that! Pictures will come soon... keep checking back. I promise to have something to say or show you all more often!

Little Known Facts

Amy challenged her blog readers to create a list of 5 facts that most people don't know about themselves, so here are my 5. I can't promise they are exciting, and maybe you did already know them about me, but this is what I came up with:

1. My dream job is to be a public speaker. When I go to textbook committee meetings or inservices for interesting topics, I am envious of the presenter's job. I love to public speak, and feel that I am very good at it. I owe this to my parents, who forced me to take a speech class in high school to prepare me for college. I was very angry that I had to take it, but it turned out to be my favorite class! I considered in the past pursuing such a job, but I'd have to travel and being away from my family that much isn't something I'm willing to do right now.

2. I cannot sleep with socks on. Ever.

3. I am obsessive/compulsive about little things that seem to all have to do with the concept of time - making sure the alarm is set correctly, making sure I put in the right dates for a substitute, making sure I have the correct dates/times when ordering a plane ticket or hotel room, etc. I will check them over and over and still not feel like I can relax about it!

4. If I could wear one thing the rest of my life, it would be flannel pants and a hooded sweatshirt. Although I like how I look dressed up, those are my comfort clothes that I would seriously wear every day if the weather and my job permitted!

5. At Christmas time, I am still a child. I search for where a gift may have been hidden, and I can't help but to peek in the stockings ahead of time. And yes, I am still a gift shaker - I will find the ones with my name, and check them out ahead of time when noone is really looking! I guess the magic of Christmas has never died for me... it's not about getting the gifts really, but it's just that anticipation and the memories it brings me each year, and I get to feel really young for just a few days!

Trick or Treat!

Ok, so now this is attempt # 7 to post this blog! Something has gone wrong every time I've tried. Anyhow, Tuesday was trick or treating, and Carsyn and Payton came out to trick or treat with Luke. They did great, Luke yelling his typical "knock knock!" as he banged on the doors, saying thank you, and only being a little scared (ok, maybe Carsyn was more than a little scared!) of the spooky house with the monster that popped out of the coffin!

In other news, I get to have another ultrasound on Nov. 28. My doctor told me yesterday that he has concerns about my placenta being too low, so we have to watch it carefully. So, we'll take a look at it that day. The good news is maybe I'll get a peek at the gender, and see if it really is a pink baby! I'll update everyone that night with any news I have.