I have been burnt out

Hipstamatic is a fun camera, and I am obsessed with taking pictures of my cats, I know. Haha.

I have been needing a break so bad lately. I had Saturday, Sunday off and didn't take a moment to slow down and breathe. I did errands, visited people, and was busy-busy the whole weekend. I was so tired at work Monday-Wednesday. Everyday was tiring and crazy in one way or another. I was not in the best of moods, but hiding it because I was at work, and I need to be in a good mood for my patients.

I woke up yesterday at 10:15am, laid around, ate breakfast at 11, showered, went to Trader Joes, H-mart, Costco, the bank, and Ross. Then I came home, cleaned, vacuumed, cooked, and then Paul came home. We ate, went swimming, came home and watched a bit of tv, then went to bed.

Today I am making myself chill, it is harder than you may think. I keep wanting to get up and do stuff. The heat from the fireplace in my bedroom is keeping me here though, since the rest of my house is 58 degrees. Um brr. I have someone coming to look at the furnace today, Paul and I think the ignitor is out. Our house is freezing!

I got this new planter thing at ross for 6 dollars in hopes that the cats would stop digging the dirt out of the pot. It is working so far. And those mints, cutest container ever. I am keeping it once the mints are gone for sure.

See how those closet doors are open just wide enough for a kitty to slip in? Yeah, they like to open the doors with their paws and then they jump up inside and mess everything up. Oh, and we are trying to sell all of Paul's xbox stuff, we have sold a lot of it, but still have quite a bit to go. That cut on my finger? From the laundry basket, rude!

I made "strawberry shortcake" for dessert last night. I used the lemon cranberry scones we had in the freezer, fresh strawberries from costco, and whipped cream. Oh yummmmmmm!!

I visited Paul at work yesterday and brought him a costco mocha (it wasn't that good but not the point). We had so much fun just hanging out, and he got a little work done, not too much though, so then I left.

Paul wanted his hair cut, and he swore we have done a 3,1 on his hair, I said it was a 5,3 then a 4,3 then and 3,2. Um, lets just say he made me do a 3,1 and his hair is soooooo freaking short! Good thing it grows back fast!

I know my hair looks insane in the picture but when I saw it last night I realized I could put a bunch of little curls in it and it would look awesome. Just have to wait for another day off since I am going swimming this evening and it is already noon. :)

I have been bundled up in my room with the fire on since 8 am. I am loving the warmth!

Love you girls!

26 weeks :)

I thought I would post my belly pic just for fun!  14 weeks left!

Oh and these pictures cracked me up.  First we're all happy.  Then I'm telling him something in a serious mommy face.  Then my face is all contorted because Shea starts squishing my face and digging in with his nails!  Crazy kid.

Happy Friday!!!  I'm off to make some tomato soup to bring with for my dinner and then go work my lovely 10.5 hour shift!  Send some energy my way, PAleese!

Work, Seattle, and a cozy day at home

What a week!  Last Friday I worked a 10 hour shift, then Saturday morning I went to Zumba then drove straight from there to my 7 hour shift at work (which turned into a VERY busy day - we had a 3 hour line and customers all day long) so I ended up staying late and working a 9 hour shift. Let's just say I was BEAT afterward.  But so excited to have two days off for our anniversary!


We decided to pack very light, since we had to walk up to our condo and we were only staying one night anyway.  So, this meant that instead of bringing out working camera (which is quite chunky) I decided to try and use my broken camera.  The thing about my broken camera is that it still takes pictures just fine, but the screen is broken so you can't see what you are taking at all.  Ha.  It was kind of this fun thing that we had no idea what pictures we would end up with after the trip - and believe me, there were plenty of bad ones I deleted!  Anyway,  I'll share the ones that did make it.


After church, we put Shea down to sleep for his nap and Gramma and Papa's house and Jeremy's dad drove us out to take the Bainbridge Ferry.  We played Phase 10 during the ride.

Once we got off in Seattle, we stopped for a latte at Starbucks and then shopped for a bit in Westlake Center.  I bought a shirt at Forever21 for $2.99 (and probably stood in line way too long, but hey, it is a comfy shirt!).  We made our way up to our condo and checked in and freshened up.  It was a studio, so our bed actually folded down out of the wall where that coffee table is.  Isn't it cute?

Then we decided to head out and find some dinner before walking over to the theater in Belltown that we had a certificate for.  We were going to go to Cheesecake Factory, but it was an hour wait.  Then I remembered a great Pho/Thai place up the street, but they were closed on Sundays.  We ended up eating at PF Changs for the first time.  So yummy!  We shared a wonton soup and some cashew chiken, YUM.  Then we walked out to Beltown.  We ended up arriving too early, so we sat at Starbucks and drank a smoothie and read the paper for a while.

The theater was really cool!  You walk in and pay for your ticket, then you can go and order some drinks and hang out in the lounge before the movie.  We had two free drinks and popcorn, so we ordered those (I got some fruity nonalcoholic drink) and they put white cheddar on our popcorn.  Then we sat in a dimly lit room on some comfy couches.  The Theater itself was TINY, but fun still.  We saw the Hunger Games.  I didn't like it that much, but I want to read the books now.

It was after 11 when we started walking back to our room.  There is something about walking through the city at night that I kind of enjoy, but also it makes me realize how much I love living in Indianola.  Two different worlds.

Here we are being dorky in the morning before heading out.  The left picture is at Ivars, which we had for lunch.

But before that, we went to this little french cafe and ordered two coffees and shared a giant brioche.  Oh my goodness.  This was the best cup of coffee I have had in a long time.  We sat for quite some time and chatted.   I love being married to my best friend and talking about life and everything we value and believe in.

We killed time before taking the ferry and walked around all the little tourist shops along alaskan way.  The t-shirt shop was going out of business so Jeremy picked out the blue shirt for me.  He said it would be a good pregnancy shirt (its a large).  I totally look like I'm 14 in that picture. haha.  Anyway, it is comfy and bright and fun to have just a normal tshirt that is long enough for my belly!  We got Shea a flattened penny from the machine too.

Today was supposed to be belly pic day, but we both kind of forgot!  Which is funny, because we basically sat around at home in our pajama's until like 1pm.  I was supposed to work at 2, but didn't end up going in until 4:30 because it was slow.  We had a fire going all day and it was so warm and cozy in here!  I baked brownies for Jeremy's men's group, we played lego's with Shea, I cleaned up and did laundry and gave both of my boys haircuts (I'll have to post a pic of Shea, I cut it SO short this time, its ridiculous!), and read by the fire while eating quinoa (yes I am addicted to it).  I have been reading a lot lately - I just finished this one book called "pushed" by Jennifer Block.  I was so intrigued by it, I couldn't put it down.  If you girls want to really be educated about your maternity care options, I HIGHLY recommend this book.  I couldn't believe some of the history behind the practices that are normal procedure in hospitals today (as far as birth is concerned).  I have been kind of addicted to reading books about natural childbirth lately - I'm pretty sure I want to pursue becoming a midwife at this point.  My husband definitely thinks I should, but I don't think I'll be able to become licensed for a while, because there is no way I can do the schooling with little kids, but when I'm older, I think I am just too passionate about it to not!  Another book I am really enjoying is "A Thousand Gifts" By Ann Voskamp.  Amber, you would really like her writing I think.  I love it.  The book is all about gratitude and she writes so poetically and is so REAL about everything.  

Anyway,  I am up too late waiting for Jeremy to come home from Men's group, so that is why you get all of my rambling!  I work 10 hours tomorrow and another 7 on Saturday (after zumba!  Have I mentioned how much fun I've been having at my silly zumba class?), and then Sunday I am off and my whole family is coming over for the day, which means lots of cleaning on Saturday night, I suppose!

Goodnight girls!  Love to you all!

I love having days off.

When we came home from Salem the cat's had rearranged a few things in the house. Their toys where everywhere, a little dirt on the floor from the pots, you know, the usual. Amber was super sweet though and sweeped the laundry room (they always make a huge mess), so we came home to a clean laundry room and I was so so so happy and thankful!

On Saturday Paul and I went with our growth group to distribute sandwiches to the homeless in downtown Kent, Renton, and Tukwila. I have really missed doing service projects and really enjoyed this. We met and prayed for some awesome people.

I was wrapping Amber's birthday present (early I know), and Eric really wanted to help. He fell asleep in the box in a minute, silly boy!

Today Amber and I carpooled to church, stopped by her friends house afterward to drop off a cd of the sermon, then went to a greek place where Amber treated me to lunch, a yummy gyro!! Then we went to costco and bought 200 pounds of food and cat litter. :)

This morning before church I vacuumed and Eric was trying to be brave and be near the vacuum. He cracks me up. That view of Seattle is from the front steps of our friends apartment in Seattle. I wish I would have taken a picture from the inside. I am sure they pay about $1500 for rent a month at least, but let me say they have a breathtaking view of the space needle and Seattle out their back sliding glass door and balcony. One of the girls has the same view from her bedroom. So awesome.

I made cheesecake for the first time on Saturday as well. I made this chocolate cheesecake and everyone said it tasted good. I had a tiny slice but am not a huge fan of cheesecake of any kind.

Tonight I made split pea soup and brussel sprouts (don't think about the color combo) and they were so so so good. I thought brussel sprouts were gross but I was definitely wrong. You have got to try it!

After dinner I spent about an hour in the kitchen getting the fridge in tip top shape. Packaged up the soup, made some salads, made little meals out of rice and leftovers from Chinatown (cashew and sesame chicken!), cleaned off a shelf, threw a few things away, and oh how happy I was with the results! Oh and in the snack bin is cut up cucumbers, peppers, cherry tomatoes, and baby carrots! I am so glad spring is here and summer is coming. I love having fresh fruit and vegetables and not having to pay an arm and a leg for them!

Paul has the next two days off and I work the next three. I so don't want to work, but after talking to the homeless I realize even more how lucky I am to have a job, a house, a car, and never have to worry about my next meal. God is so so good.

the Oregon coast and quinoa.

It is 10:08 PM.  Shea is in bed.  My husband is at Men's group.  I am eating quinoa with some pineapple and orange stir fry sauce (DELICIOUS) and only got home from work/picking up Shea at my in-law's about 10 minutes ago.

This past Monday - Wednesday we were able to go on a little trip!  Jeremy's grandpa passed away two weeks ago, so last Saturday was the memorial service.  Since his brother was up from Oregon for the memorial, Jeremy's parents decided to get a condo and drive halfway with them to prolong their visit.  They invited us along and I was able to switch my shifts around so I didn't lose many hours and we could go!  So Monday morning we packed ourselves into my in-law's car and headed out for Depoe Bay.  Shea got a little tired at times in the car, but we made it through ok!  Definitely need to invest in a portable DVD player or put more shows on my I-Pod.  

Here is the view from our room:

Talk about gorgeous!  The spray went so high that it was soaking our balcony, and it was SO windy I thought  a tsunami was coming, haha.  So I didn't sleep that well, but that was mainly because our doors wouldn't stop shaking from the wind and it was super annoying.

We went swimming, made dinner, celebrated Jeremy's mom's birthday with some cake, and watched "Cowboys and Aliens".  Then I took a bath in our wonderful jetted deep sunk in jacuzzi (we ended up with the master because everyone else was being polite about it and not claiming it).  It was lovely.

Shea had so much fun in our "house" and played and laughed the entire time.

And here is my lovely mother in law with Jeremy. Of course her eyes are closed, but I love this lady so much, I thought I should put her picture up!  Can you even tell she is 61??

We thought we were going to have to drive all the way home the next morning, but I was able to get someone to cover half of my shift on Wednesday so I wouldn't have to be home until the evening.  We ended up being able to reserve a condo in Long Beach as well for Tuesday night.  This was SO nice to break up the driving for Shea.  We went to Lincoln city and shopped around the outlet stores, got lunch, then headed out.  Shea was very excited to be going to a new "house".  And he LOVED the elevators and riding on the luggage carts.

We walked along the boardwalk in the cold, and then Jeremy and I decided to keep walking to go rent a movie at the redbox.  It was at least a 2.75 mile walk, but it felt so good after sitting in the car for so long.  We watched the time movie with Justin Timberlake.  That man should not be an actor.  All I'm saying.

Oh and the next morning, we decided to drive out on the beach for a minute before heading out.  This is a gross picture, but this is what we found ourselves driving toward:

Yep.  Beached whale.  Apparently it had been there for a week or so.  The other side was grosser (and smellier, being downwind!), because the tongue was sticking out and you could see all the teeth bristle things.  Closest I've ever been to a whale, that's for sure.  I guess they had a killer whale that was beached earlier on too. Weird.

We made it home by 2:30 to a house with NO HOT WATER.  Apparently our water heater needs to be reset if we don't use it for a few days.  Weird.  Glad it didn't cost any money to fix though and we have hot water again!  And I was glad I had taken a shower that morning at the condo.  Anyway, I started work at 4 that evening and was beat when I came home.  Today Shea and I ran out to do a bunch of errands before I had to work again.  We went to Joann's and I finally got the fleece I needed to finish Hailey's baby blanket (I'm sure pictures will come next week when I finish it), and we went grocery shopping and things like that.  I work a 10 hour shift tomorrow and possibly that long on Saturday too, after my Zumba class (I went last week with my sister-in-law and coworker and we're going back again this week.  So fun and only $4 a class!), but then I have two days off for our anniversary!  We are staying overnight in Seattle and I am super excited!  This will be our first time staying overnight without Shea too.

Anyway, I am 25 weeks today!  I'll be in my third trimester in only like 3 weeks!  CRAZY!  This baby is going to be here sooner than I know!

ugh, cats

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It's the little things I always want to remember

Day 2 in Salem, I never want to leave. I love being here with my grandparents. I wish Paul and I lived way closer and I would be here weekly, not a joke. Hearing old stories, learning new recipes, eating amazing food, taking naps on the couch while they nap in their chairs. Love.

This is the upstairs bathroom. Pictures of a bathroom? Yeah, weird I know, but I love this bathroom. It is HUGE. My grandma has cute little decorations everywhere and I love every inch of it. Brings back memories of childhood since not much has changed in there.

For lunch we went to my other grandparents house (my dad's parents). My grandma had this tablecloth and place settings already set out on the table when we walked in. I LOVE this tablecloth and wanted to steal it. I told my grandma I loved it and she said "I haven't used it in 20 years". The silverware? I never noticed how sweet the design was till now. Love it all. Old stuff is coming back in and her stuff is all in awesome shape since she never used any of it! Those napkins? Love. Oh man, I used to think everything looked old, but now I am liking it. :)

The sheep. My grandpa Baaaaaaaa'd at them, then he said he was being "dirty" because that is the call he does when he is going to feed them. They are so cute staring at us!

We got back from the Noteboom Grandparents around 3pm and promptly went downstairs to visit with pop and grandma and lay on the couch. Everyone dozed except me, crazy I know. I love the relaxed atmosphere.

Then it was almost time for dinner, so grandma helped pop get a new cardigan on (with his sweatpants. :) ). I laid on the birthday boy's lap.

Dinner at the Flight Deck. The only picture I have of Paul and I from dinner is this blurry one of my face and his shoulder. It was his birthday, I couldn't force him, so therefore I have one blurry picture. :) There was airplanes all over the ceiling and it was so awesome. (made me excited to decorate a little boys room). You can see airplanes land and take off from the restaurant, but all we saw was a plane that had just landed, a stretcher came out, and went straight to an ambulance. Sad. :(

Yummy dinner. Those fries were freaking amazing.

Mixed Berry cobbler for birthday dessert. Heaven in a bowl. Wonder what my man wished for?

I will be so sad to leave tomorrow.

First day in Salem and I am loving every minute of it!

Last night I got home at midnight, packed everything for our trip, then stayed up till 2:30 am watching Private Practice. So rude of them to leave me hanging not knowing if a doctor was going to be cut open by her psycho patient who thought her baby is in the doctors body. I had to watch the next episode (the baby was cut out, kidnapped, but then returned, needed emergency surgery, mom (doctor) needed emergency surgery and everyone survived. I could sleep after that. Phew.

I set my alarm for 8:15 am which felt REALLY early after going to bed less than 6 hours earlier. I laid in bed for 10 minutes, got up and showered, did my hair, packed some snacks, we took the snow tires off the Honda, ate breakfast, parked the Lexus in the garage, and we were off. Lovely morning even though I was so so tired.

Paul and I have found our favorite Mexican restaurant of all time. I think I mentioned it before when we went there after Christmas, but it is called Luis's Taqueria in Woodburn. I LOVE their burritos and they only cost $3.95. I would get fat off these burrito's if I lived closer. They are like heaven in your mouth. We are already looking forward to our next trip eating there.

After lunch we went to the outlet malls. I told you before, but I am in love with the Banana Republic Outlet Malls. There is one in Auburn and then this one in Woodburn that I have been to. I didn't end up getting that dress (the band around my waist wasn't very comfortable), but I did get the tank top and pants. Their pants fit me perfectly, and these ones were only $20 with no tax! Ignore the pink sports bra, I wasn't thinking when I got dressed this morning. I also got this super cute cardigan. I have been looking for one exactly like it for about a year, and I finally found it for the right price! Love it when that happens. I also got this amazing winter coat that was on SUPER sale at the North Face Outlet. I told Paul I wanted to try on the jacket because everyone was trying it on but that I wouldn't buy it. I couldn't pass it up. Warmest, coziest, long jacket ever and now I can go on night walks with Paul and not get cold! ( I just got the coat picture from Paul's phone, that's why it isn't edited at all).

We got to Salem at about 3pm. We went downstairs and hung out with my grandparents, then at 4pm some girls stopped by to visit my grandparents (a grandchild of one of my grandma's best friends who passed away). They stayed for about an hour, then grandma went to cook dinner. I went to help, but she usually likes to do everything herself, so I fiddled on my computer and kept her company while she cooked. She let me set the table though. (shh dont tell, I had to look up correct table settings on google before I set it). :) The picture of Grandma outside is her picking fresh rosemary for the pasta.

Dinner was AMAZING, Paul loved everything too. It was pasta with meatballs (all homemade), fresh homemade rolls, salad with homemade thousand island, and an artichoke cooked in garlic cloves, lemon juice, and and a sprig of parsley for 45 minutes. Um, heaven, all of it. Then for dessert was fresh, homemade today, raspberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Paul and I are getting so so so spoiled. Have I mentioned that my grandma is 87!

I am loving Salem and wish with all my heart I lived closer. I love and miss my grandparents and am so glad Paul is willing to drive me down here and spend three days of his vacation here. (He is the one who brought up the idea actually- love that man. )

Tomorrow is Paul's birthday. We are sleeping in, going to my other grandparents at 11 for lunch, maybe dinking around town a little bit, coming back to Pop and Grandma's house, chillin, watching sports on TV with Pop and then going to the Flight Deck with my grandparents for Paul's birthday dinner. My grandparents had this all figured out before Paul and I even arrived, they are so sweet! :)

Jobs,Work, Employment,Labour,Occupation........

I have a job!  So remember way back when I applied to the ESL teaching position in town?  I can't remember if I told you guys I had an interview.  Anyways, I had it (a month ago), and it went really well.  Then afterwards I hadn't heard back and it'd been two weeks so I called them and they said someone's son was in the hospital so everything was delayed.  Then I called back two weeks after that (this was last Monday) and I asked if they had made a decision yet.  The secretary then asked me if I would be open to being occasional.  I said sure and then she told me training was on Wednesday, to which I responded, "ok, I'll be there."  So I show up on Wednesday and they have an employment contract for me to sign!  That's when I realized I got the job! :)  It came about in kind of a weird way, but I'm just glad to have a job.

I'll be a fill-in teacher for three locations.  Its perfect because I don't really want too many hours while I'm taking classes.  I had my first day of training today and it went really well.  The only sucky part is that this location is an hour drive away (its the farthest location) and I had to be there at 8.  But I'm just so happy to have the experience, I'm willing to do the drive.  All the teachers and students were really nice and I can't wait to start working there!

Justin has two job interviews coming up.  I'm a bit nervous, because if he got them, it complicates things for me with this new job-I would be even further away than I am now.  I feel kind of torn because I want him to get the job, but what about my job?  I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there.  Thankfully God has worked things out for us so far, I know that things will be ok.  I just want it all sorted out now!

Thanks for listening to my news and mini rant.  :)

Super excited

This morning I watched a cute/sad/adorable video about a scared little dog that was going to be euthanized but it turned out she just needed some love.  (Watch the first few words setting up the story, then skip the first third of the video as the camera work is really bad and then they show it again from another camera).

I am never going to replace Gordo.  But as you may know, I do have a passion for rescuing animals...and if we'd had room for a fourth cat while we had Gordo, I would have wanted one!  Well, now we have room for a "fourth cat" since Gordo is just in our hearts.   And after watching this video I got all fired up again about finding an adult cat to adopt.


I found Another Chance Cat Adoption in Kent that fosters cats, gives them medical care, and then tries to adopt them out.  They have a cat on their website who is also listed on Petfinder:  Simon. 

He has extra toes on his feet and he is all white!  6 years old so he won't die on me like Gordo did.  He's male which I wanted; older than Jazzy and Wiggle, which I wanted, and gets along with other cats which of course I wanted.  It says his family wasn't able to take care of him anymore.  =(  So he just needs some love!  And I want to give him that love!

I was asking Joe about it this morning and at first he was like "Ugh, why do you want another cat" and I was like "Do you want to see a picture?"  and he said "no because then I'll say yes."  haha.

I chopped my hair off.  I'm going to try to take a picture for you with my webcam, since I lost my memory card.

This is just down with some gel in it.  I had it in pigtails for working out, and I have some cute flower bobby pins from Kauai I'm going to look all cute with. 

My crafty and errand running day!

I woke up this morning and all my daffodils had bloomed, which was an amazing start to my morning! Then I made a coffee and had some cereal while watching an episode of Private Practice, then it was crafting time! Eric was my cuddle boy while I caught up one some pinterest and blogging. :)

We did a five dollar gift exchange with my dad's side of the family for Christmas and my aunt and uncle gave us the A and the P. AP and PA don't look good next to each other because of anatomy and physiology and physicians assistant, so I knew I needed and ampersand. Thing is I couldn't find one anywhere, anywhere meaning JoAnnes and Michaels. So I decided to make my own. Took me probably 45 minutes to cut the ampersand from cardboard and wrap it in twine, and it was all worth it. I love my A&P!

I finally finished Kathy's mothers day present and I want to keep it for myself! I think next time I got to Ikea I will buy a tray for myself. :)

After crafting for a few hours I went swimming and started my errands. I went to home depot to buy some moss out and spray adhesive (to finish Kathy's present). Then to Safeway for some killer deals (I saved as much as I spent), the ads were great this week! Then onto Fred Meyer to get Paul a lock for the gym and some color catchers so I could wash the quilt from my Aunt and Uncle. Then onto Costco for a mocha freeze and some pears. And then I got some gas. Lot's of errands, but it is so nice they are all super close together in Covington.

When I got home I put everything away and then went upstairs to craft some more. After I had been upstairs for 5 minutes my little helpers showed up. :) I was making those twine balls seen above. I had made the pear earlier in the day from a lightbulb. :)

And that my friends was my craft day. I needed it. It was awesome. Now two more days of work till I get to go to Salem with my love to see my grandparents! I am so stinking excited!

Hi again

I joined the baguette bandwagon, but I can't find my memory card so I didn't take a picture.  It turned out pretty good, a little yeasty (is it supposed to be yeasty?) and I think I'll brown it more next time.  I wanted to use it up before it molded so the next morning I toasted slices and buttered them.  Joe said, "Um...for breakfast?"  I was like "Yes, toast, it's what people have for breakfast."  He was like "I guess I thought of it more as a dinner bread" and "well we ate almost a whole loaf last night, it shouldn't take long to finish it up."  I was like "Yeah..." and I didn't tell him I ate most of that loaf myself before he even came to the table!

I also made a carrot cheesecake.  If you make it be sure and chill it, because it doesn't taste sweet unless it's cold.  There's only about 1 1/2 cups of sugar in the whole thing; it's the two pounds of cream cheese that makes it sweet, really.  That was super delicious.  There were a few times that I got a fork and ate it right out of the pan.  I made it in a 9x13 because I didn't have a springform pan.  It turned out fine.  It doesn't really cut well with a knife so I used a spatula and that worked better.  Oh, and I didn't make marzipan carrots, I'm not that fancy.

Becca, now that you've been using your homemade laundry soap for a while, do you find it works as well or better than storebought?  Do the clothes smell pretty fresh?

That's all for now!

a day of doing

Shea and I were out most of the morning and afternoon.  Jeremy ended up working last minute, but we had planned to take a trip to Bremerton to pick up our EBT card (just got monthly food benefits, and boy, is it a help!) and then go grocery/thrift store shopping.  He thought he wouldn't be working too long, so Shea and I left an hour after him and went to McDonalds so Shea could play for a  bit while we waited for Jeremy to get done working.  Jeremy wasn't going to be done any time soon though, so after about 40 minutes, we headed out to the DSHS office ourselves.  It was super fast and Shea was SO good while we did have to wait.  Then we went grocery shopping - which was a major stock up shopping trip (for us, anyway).  I was a little overwhelmed though, because now that we had some extra money, I can get some things we don't normally buy or better quality items (like organic produce, better meat, etc.)  but also wanted to get home, because I was tired and Shea needed lunch and a nap.  Anyway, it was about 2PM by the time we got home and finally had lunch!  Shea was such a trooper though, he hardly complained the whole time, but was definitely ready for a nap - he slept for THREE hours!

I was tired, but knew I had a lot I wanted to get done today, so I turned on my pandora, made a chai-tea latte and wrote this on my computer screen once nap-time began:

Although I didn't get to the sewing room (pretty sure it got messier since its the catch-all room right now), I did do some major bedroom cleaning/rearranging today, which was definitely worth it.

First, I'll show you my pantry.  Tiny, impossible to find ANYTHING, I took everything out and put it on our kitchen table.  Including the empty boxes which hadn't been recycled yet...oh shame.  Okay, so those were on the floor, apparently.

Then put it all back in!  Not like cute or special, but organized and we can SEE everything now.  Much better.

Then, our bedroom.  I don't know if I've ever posted a picture of our bedroom.  This is the after.  Where the rocking chair is, was where the dresser used to be.  Where the dresser is, was where a tv stand and unused TV used to be.  The tv stand has my shoes in it - it went in the closet.  The TV is actually still sitting on the floor at the foot of the bed until I find a new home for it.  The picture frame on the wall above the rocking chair is just a place holder.  It happened to be the EXACT size of our breaker box and is hiding it, haha.  But I don't like the frame or whats inside of it, so I'll be painting and putting something new in...and hopefully adding more artwork to that wall to look at while I'm nursing/rocking the baby.  Anyway, I like this arrangement much better.  I also moved the hamper you can sort of see to the right in the picture into the bathroom.

And, last, Shea's clothes.  This has been much needed for MONTHS.  Jeremy will dress Shea in clothes that are too small and then when I came home and discovered it, I just threw them up on the shelf in his bedroom until I got to sorting them all.  This meant clothes falling on me every time I went to change Shea's diaper.  Super annoying.

So I took out all of his clothes, divided them by size, made a pile of donation clothes and consignment clothes, and then picked out what was gender-neutral enough that Hailey could wear.  Then I organized them into two bins:

Now just need a place to store them.

Another fun project I've been working on - baby headbands!  I am literally obsessed with making these, and have several more flowers to attach to headbands.  I think I need to give some away or sell them though, because there is no way one child needs this many variations of headbands.

Oh and the pink cash box I recently thrifted.  Isn't it cute?  I think it will go on a shelf by Hailey's things and I'm going to put some jewelry I've saved since I was really little in it for her to have some day.  Her wardrobe has been growing - I'll have to lay it all out and take a picture some time!  She is going to have way too many clothes by the time I finish sewing and have showers.  Ah well.  A girl needs to be spoiled a little bit, right?

And I posted this one on facebook, but here is my belly pic from this week!  Partly because these are my new curtains I found at Goodwill for $7!! I love them and they are in front of our sliding door.  I'll have to post a picture of our little "entryway" that I made soon, but that will have to wait for another day.

My husband came home early from his men's group and is waiting patiently for me to get off the computer so we can go to bed. So, GOODNIGHT!