Ode to...

Bed rest led me to many a random thought.

For example, why are there so many shows about death on tv these days? Or how come my right middle toe is longer than my left middle toe? Or even, I think I can make out a smiley face in the texture on my ceiling...

I also reflected on many of the things that bring me joy while I am laid up... hopefully ending today!

So I sumbit a celebration of 4 things that make me happy right now:

1. Heating Pads- I have one electric and 2 rice bags for the microwave. I've developed specific placement for all 3 that maximize relief. It's odd, but effective.

2. Rachel Ray's Turkey Spanikopita Burgers: a-may-zing! I made them on Monday night and am still dreaming of them. They are full of turkey, spinach, onion, feta and a delicious red pepper cucumber sauce. Oh, how I loved them!

3. Costco- I love my new couch! I love everything Costco sells. Daddy and I often say,

"if Costco has it, we want it". Costco has provided hours of fun for our family on Sunday's after church as well as the necessary supplies of a new family- diapers and formula. How I miss walking your aisles...

4. Feeling my baby boy kick- he is really really strong!

Bed Rest

This pregnancy seemed physically harder, but less emotional. Last week I started having serious pains in my hips, back and pelvic region. I just thought it was being 6 months preggo and standing all day while teaching. But, by Friday, I knew something worse was wrong.

Monday I found out I have a separated pubic bone. Hence... all the pain...

I'm on official bed rest until Friday. Then I can return to work while wearing a horrific brace around my hips. It is so uncomfortable. I'm pretty nervous about the next 3 months. I do have a lengthy list of 'stuff to do' from my computer and bed. Including making my list of sewing projects for baby boy!

Pretty School

Pinkie started pre-school (or as she likes to call it pretty school).

She's going to ABC Children's Academy. It happens to be the school my grandma and aunt own. We went there, our cousins went there and finally, before it closes forever in June, Pinkie will go there. Each Tuesday and Thursday Auntie Shanna picks Pinkie up at my school then takes her to Pinkie school. She stays with Pinkie the whole time (because of Pinkie's young age) and then takes her home, feeds her lunch and naps with her. Then at 3:30p they arrive at my school again with napping faces and hair to tell me about all the fun they had.

It is thrilling to imagine your 2 year old's days- making friends, eating snack, sharing and creating works of art. Our house is covered in her masterpieces.

Auntie Shanna, Grandma and Auntie Kimmie- thank you for allowing us this wonderful experience full of family legacy, memories and special keepsakes.

What I've been up to

Merry Christmas to all!

Working full time has put a crimp in my blogging, crafting and sanity. But, we made it through Christmas with lots of blessings and family. Princess Pinkie (formerly known as Pinkie) had an outstanding Christmas full of princess paraphernalia and sweet treats. Her aunties pulled out the red carpet with a new pink "biker-scooter" and a real Cinderella costume complete with light up high heels! The King and I (dad and mom) had a wonderful holiday with lots of days off and new toys to entertain the princess. {My Seester's Gift} I tried my best to do some homemade gifts again this year. This trend started 2 years ago by my friend, the PsychMom. I sewed 6 reversible place mats and 2 pot holders for each lady in in my family. That equals 36 place mats and 12 pot holders. The days before Christmas were crunch time, the sewing machine was going its fastest. Ugh, a deadline takes a little of the fun out... but I finished them and the ladies loved them!

{My Aunt Pami's Gift}

{My Aunt Kimmie's Gift}

{My Mother-In-Law's Gift}

My mom's and grandma's gifts were a tad late because I broke the sewing machine on Christmas Eve at 11pm. Turns out it was a simple fix, but I was really bummed to give IOU's to my beloved moms.

We cut down our tree again this year. My family always went to Bale's Thriftway to buy out trees. So, when Dad came along and said, 'Nooooo, we cut them down', I was thrilled. Pinkie really wanted a baby tree, but we convinced her more candy canes could fit on a bigger one.

And happiest of all, we celebrated Thanksgiving with our cousins, Brooke and Katelynn!!! They were baptized and we got to be there. Pinkie and Brookie are best friends and really, truly miss each other. Their phone conversations are so cute.

Hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season too!