Whatever happened to snakes and sparklers?



Remy tried to steal my New Years kiss by jumping on Shawn's face at 11:58am, but I prevailed!

This New Year's was a particularly low key affair, being 38 weeks pregnant will do that to you. Usually we do it up, dance-party-champagne-guzzling-scream-singing-style (one year we even got engaged). December 31, 2011 was spent eating copious Costco crab dip, watching The Walking Dead Marathon, and late dining at The OG with several families and retirees that wouldn't stop staring at my belly a half inch (no, but I wish I was kidding) from the table edge.

 We capped off the evening with a bottle of Martinelli's finest sparkling apple cider and Korbel for the Hubs. After chasing the dog in circles in the living room, we could hear fireworks in the neighborhood. As soon as I heard them, I looked over at Hubs. The gleam in his his, the 12-year-old mischief maker smile stretched across his face. "No," I told him. He ducked out the front door and came back in after another loud crashing boom in the not-so-far-off-distance. "No," I repeated. He was already in the garage rifling through a box of explosives before I could hear him say "Just one."

We were hoping for a New Year's baby and the hot baths and spicy foods didn't do the job, so maybe scaring Henry out of my uterus would work? I asked him if this was the reason for letting off two mortars, six bottle rockets, and some other loud fizzy things.

I tried to take a video with my iPhone of one of the bottle rockets, and upon listening to playback, I realize that I will never be asked to video anything and I sound a lot like Butthead. "Heh Heh, Happy New Year." Here's to o longer having a stuffy nose in 2012! Woo hoo! Heh, heh...

Oh Postal Service and your sneaky ways!

My mother sent us a big ol' box of Christmas gits wrapped lovingly (she can't stand wrapping, so I know there was love involved in the process) in scarlet paper tied with green plaid bows. The postal service ran over the box with a truck, but it in a new box and laid it at our doorstep as if nothing happened. It was a ding dong ditch delivery. Having called Mom and asked her about her packaging methods, she insisted that we open the presents, even though it was Christmas Eve, to make sure they all were there. Behold! Our smashed presents, and the giggles we had while opening them.

The apology was the first clue that something was amiss

All the boxes were crunched without care

Please tell me this wasn't glass

Smooshed

Just slightly wrinkled, but still spectacular

Nightshirt for the hospital and a disaster of wrapping paper (we open presents like toddlers)

You can destroy our parcels, post office, but you can't even come close to dampening our Christmas spirit!

Last Christmas as a Twosome

The eve before Christmas Eve was a lovely evening with a late start. We each had taken too long naps and missed a hockey game we had received comp tickets to, but we didn't let that get us down. We opened up our newest game, The Game of Life. I dominated the whole game until the very end when my little red car of a mommy, daddy and baby boy landed on ridiculous items (pay 35,000 for a home gym, a 25,000 art collection, 65,000 for a butler and a maid - so different is my actual life) but still allowed me the retiring comforts of Millionaire Estates. I beat a bewildered-when-he-doesn't-win Hubster by only $10,000. Booyah!

That was the end of that game. We stuffed the 1,000 pieces into the box and pulled out the old game of strategy, Uno! This wasn't Hubby's night as I swept him in that game, too for the first hour and a half. I ended up winning by only 7 points, but I still won. I don't have a competitive bone in my body, but watching him squirm was just as much fun as playing in the first place.

An Xmas Eve Surprise (posting about this tomorrow)

Christmas Eve was spent at church with a wonderful and moving service. We really enjoy the church we have found and can't wait to become members. Each Sunday, we leave the parking lot feeling uplifted and whole. It is amazing how sometimes you don't know how much you needed something until you bring a taste of it back into your life. After church we made it to Kohl's to get Hubs a few presents. I am struggling being on my feet for too long and am constantly surprised at how easily exhausted I become. Fondue for dinner! Our Christmas Eve tradition!

Honeycrisp Apple, Summer Sausage, Baguette, Onion

When I dip, You dip, we dip

Christmas Day brought with it cheer and joy that only such a blessed day can provide. Bread and Butter Pudding for Breakfast followed by  present opening. Shawn loves his new leather jacket, shoes and Kenneth Cole watch that I gave him. I spent all day playing with the iPhone he got me and dreaming of the day i will be able to squeeze into the shirts he bought me, too. Later that night we put on real clothes and makeup for me and saw Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. While it may not be a Christmas classic; it was very intense and very good.

Bread and Butter Pudding breakfast

The Mommy Milker/Booby Juicer from Shawn

Our family photo

How the dog spent the entirety of the holiday

Armful of Philosophy Gingerbread Girl products (Remster wanted to eat it)

A very Cubbie Christmas

Hope everyone had a great day just as we had. May your new year be showered in many blessings!
Love,

The Family G!

Tis the Season for Wreaths

Its December (meaning I have six weeks before Henry dances onto the scene)! My three fall decorations are packed away and Christmas ones are now on display. The Tree is up and covered in glittering garland, bulbs and icicles and topped with an angel. 

The dining table is decked in a snowy runner and a tiny flocked tree with our yearly ornaments (yearly since 2007 at least, I wish I had 2003-2006) and somewhat melted red tapers.

The stockings are hung by the tv with care... and bells. Even Buddy the Turtle is feeling festive!

Our windows wear wreaths as does our door and lights adorn the garage and the bushes.

 

Its beginning to feel a lot like Christmas!

Halloween Traditions - Caramelicious Apples

I am linking up with Casey Wiegand at The Wiegand's for a delightful Fall Posting Spree.
I wanted to share a few of my family of two's (the third debuting in January) favorite Autumn traditions.

Caramel Apples

We triple coat Granny Smiths with may favorite candy - caramel - and then smash on whatever delicious treat we have laying around. One year it was chopped nuts, another it was crunched up Snickers Bars, mini-Chocolate Chips another, last year we crumbled Oreos and this year Reese's Pieces. Fall colors, juicy apples, and sweet peanut buttery lovin'... perfect way to start off the Haunting Season.

So what do you need?

• 2 of the biggest apples you can find
• 2 Popsicle sticks/tongue depressors
• 1/3 of a bag of caramels
• 2 Tbsp. water
• Topping du jour

simple math for delicious results

1. Jam the Popsicle sticks into your giant apples (we used tongue depressors I had left over from making our Wedding Program Fans/Game Cards from last year) so they are halfway into your hugemongous apple.
2. Place apples on small sheets of wax paper.
3. Unwrap all those caramels. Feel free to eat a few so it feels worth the effort. Over medium-low heat melt with your water, stirring constantly. You must not burn the caramel!
4. When sufficiently soupy, roll/dip/dunk/drip/spoon that syrup of the season over the apples.
5. Let cool for just a few moments (these babies harden quick!) and apply handfuls of your topping all over it. Plop it down on the wax paper.
6. Cool in the refrigerator for about an hour.When you can no longer stand the wait, return to room temperature for about five minutes then DEVOUR.

You can save them in an airtight plastic container for a few days to keep the fun alive for several days.

Halloween Traditions - Dressing Up

I am linking up with Casey at The Wiegands for Follower's Fest to talk about some of my favorite Halloween Traditions. Thanks for stopping by!

Last year, Shawn and I wore my favorite costumes - The Sailor and Nurse from V-E Day ("The Kiss") photograph from Time Magazine.

The only thing I haven't made a decision on is my costume. We aren't attending a Screaming Soiree this year, opting instead to pass out candy to the neighborhood kiddies. When I suggested to my dear Hubby that I dress up as a crazy person because I feel like I lost my dang mind. He laughed and said, "Yeah, I can't argue with you there." Hmmph. My hormones may have gotten the best of me this week (a bottle of non-toxic cleaner may have flown across the kitchen earlier) and I may not remember the "name of that thing you stand in and get wet with soap." That really came out of my mouth, my baby is stealing all of my brain power from me.

Perhaps a Mama Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde? The Incredible Shrieking Woman? Good Old Fashioned Witch? How about Hungry? I AM that costume.

Halloween Traditions - Pumpkin Carving

I am linking up with Casey of The Wiegands for Followers Fest. Thanks for stopping by!

We always carve pumpkins just before Halloween night - anyone who lives in a hot climate has probably experienced a pumpkin melting and or disintegrating. FYI, they leave a stain on concrete if not cleaned up quickly... and they stink, or so I have heard. Greenville, SC is a taaaaaad cooler than the deserts of Arizona. We threw caution to the wind and carved those gourds a full five days before All Hallows Eve. Only time will tell.

This year we free-handed our carving. No stencils. No outline. No mercy. They ended up being a couple of my favorites we have ever done.

 Happy Halloween, y'all!

Halloween Traditions - Decorating

 

 Happy Halloween, my lovelies! I am linking up with Casey at The Wiegands for Follower's Fest. Thanks for stopping by to hear a little about our favorite time of year. 

 

We decorate our little home with ghouls and skulls and enough spiderwebs to catch an unsuspecting Trick-or-Treater. I dream of making our humble abode a haunted house one day - a la Modern Family.

This wreath was "crafted" by yours truly. Okay, I added a glittery owl to a premade feather wreath. I was going to make one myself, but the two boas I would have needed cost more than the one that took no effort. Decision done.

Every year I bust out Edgar, my ghoul. I don't even dust him off as it lends to the old and creepy vibe I'm going for.

I cover most of our furniture in black, gray or white cheesecloth that has been slashed and shredded. Mrs. Havisham would feel quite comfy in our living room. Fred, my Macbeth skull, proudly sits atop our entertainment center, as he is used to being center stage.

We certainly don't neglect the outside of our house, but we certainly have big plans. Our dead tree forest will have a private cemetery next year (buying decor after the holiday saves buko bucks).
So if you see this house, be sure to stop by. We have some treats for you! Bwaaa ha ha ha ha!

We always carve pumpkins just before Halloween night - anyone who lives in a hot climate has probably experienced a pumpkin melting and or disintegrating. FYI, they leave a stain on concrete if not cleaned up quickly... and they stink, or so I have heard. Greenville, Sc is a taaaaaad cooler than the desrts of Arizona. We threw caution to the wind and carved those gourds a full five days before All Hallows Eve. Only time will tell.

Feeling It

I felt the baby move.. A lot. It felt like gentle rolling in the right side of my tummy. I kinda liken it to waves crashing on a beach shore, one after another. Or series of bubbles being blown, taking a breath and then blowing another series of bubbles.

Little One was performing gymnastics just long enough for me to pounce on a sleeping husband and insist he try to feel our baby rock and roll. I don't know how well he could feel it, since I have an anterior placenta (it covers my belly acting like a mattress on the wall Hubby will be trying to feel through), but he said he could feel little jabs. Yes! I have been waiting for this moment!

At 19 weeks, our soccer player has started practicing his penalty kicks. Hooray!

Wedded Bliss

We spent a wonder whirlwind weekend in Prescott, Arizona to celebrate one of my besties weddings. I have to say that I really needed a mega dose of seeing my friends. We can always pick right up where we left off. Laughter is non-stop; a must in any relationship I am part.

Kenda, Dusty, Hubster and me after the rain cleared up

The rehearsal on Friday was spectacular! The Andersons organized a Golf Scramble for their guests at the incredible Talking Rock Ranch. Just off to the side of the putting green sat an inconspicuous BLACKHAWK HELICOPTER! The chaplain flew up from Phoenix to run through the following day's oh so important ceremony. With a roaring blast he took off, blowing all of us standing nearby about five steps backward. Happy Hubby was like a little kid. The groom was proud (he is a Blackhawk Pilot) and the bride beaming. That night us bridesmaids and Miss Natalie stayed at a "cottage" on the golf course. She said it was rustic, but her Nana let the cat out of the bag. Freakin' Gorgeous!

The wedding party, pre-party

In the morning we primped and relaxed for the night's festivities. Natalie looked gorgeous (even more glowing than her usual loveliness). A sweet perk was that I got to see my stylist from AZ! Sabrina! I truly miss her (and her considerable talents). Her talent for updos keeps getting better as evidenced by the masterpieces on the ladies' heads.

Christy helping her only daughter prepare for her Big Day

Theres a little 13 week bun in that oven

The wedding was beautiful. The photographer also did not capture for posterity my foot sliding out of my shoe as I took my spot at the altar. I was thanking the Lord for giving me some kind of balance and not letting me fall flat on my face (Nat had a nightmare that I passed out and couldn't walk down the aisle). I can see why Tyler had Chaplain Walgren officiate, he was wonderful, toughing and funny. The reception was a blast. Great music and dancing, the food was great (so, I heard. I got sick just as dinner was set in front of me. Super bummer.). Best of all, it was the happiest I have seen my friend.

The Blessed Couple

I wish you a lifetime of happiness, Nat and Tyler!

How Now, Girl-Who-Feels-Like-Cow?

It was brought to may attention this past weekend that I have severely been neglecting this blog-diggity-dog. My sincerest apologies. Also, I offer my advance apologies for the next six months as I start defining my life in WEEKS, rather than months, days, years, whatever measure of time normal, non-preggos use. It will probably get old, but hey I'm excited for the little bun in the oven.

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Let me tell you about the anxiety of job searching while pregnant... it makes me anxious. Told ya. If they see my chub will they think I'm preggo and not want to take the risk of me leaving after hire or will they see the chunky and then immediately see that my waistband on my work pants may or may not be buttoned (I rigged up a rubber band contraption to keep my moon in check). Being too big for mt regular clothes and small (thank the lawd I am too small for something!) for maternity pants.

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The sudden onset of nausea in my 11th week of being in the family way (tee hee hee) didn't help matters either. I kept thinking as I would position myself as close as possible to the nearest restroom, "If I squeeze through the giant man and the three inches between the chair behind him and then clothesline his grandma, I might be able to barf in the bathroom instead of on my own chest." On Hubster's Special Day of Getting One Year Older (aka his 30th Birthday), I flew through a German restaurant faster than a bowling ball hurtling through a vacuum tube, and made it le toilet before Mt. Saint Mo's mushroom appetizer made an encore appearance... twice. Don't worry friends, I regained my appetite the following Tuesday (as this was Thursday, over a wedding weekend, I was somewhat okay with that).

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I discovered that chicken, yes that incredible, edible bird that I cook five days a week officially gives me the creeps. I just got a shiver up my spine. Blech! A few weeks (there I go again) ago I realized that I haven't eaten my feathered friend in a while...hmmm... odd. I made hot wings for dinner with my other love, Frank's Original Red Hot Sauce, and could barely choke it down...strange. BBQ chicken breasts with corn on he cob... I only ate the corn... bewildering. Then I noticed that I eat massive quanities of ground beef. Chili, burgers, meatloaf, stroganoff, salisbury steaks, tacos, burritos, nachos (really like Mexican food, okay). I have replaced bird with cow. Who am I?!

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One of my besties got married!!! The wedding was incredible! Natalie looked especially gorgeous and Tyler so handsome. (I felt like the aforementioned cow, but managed to have a great time before and after getting sick in the country club's restroom during the dinner that received rave reviews). God provided a light show in the form of far-off lightning storm, too. More on this beautiful occasion to come in another post, promise!

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Oh yeah, while at the rehearsal I received my job offer at The Children's Museum of the Upstate. Blessed Be! I am once again gainfully employed! I started Tuesday (the day after we got back to Greenville). I looooove watching the children get excited to enter the museum. The jump up and down and tug on the mother's shirt hems and say, "please, please, please" when their eyes see the kaleidoscope climber. This is a great step in the right direction for me and my growing family.

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So there it is. The last few weeks of my life. Weeks weeks weeks. Finally things worth blogging about :)