It's been a while...

I know it's been a while since I wrote a real post. Life has been cluttered with stuff, just like my desk currently is. And it bugs me. But, I'm trying to look past it and do just what needs to be done. So, I'm finally posting a belly shot of this pregnancy. I think this is the first one I've posted. (Yes we've taken them for posterity, but I've not thought to post them!) So, just for fun, I thought I'd post the one from the same time with Emily.

with Emily

now

Just to catch everyone up on what's going on with us...
About six months ago, I started talking to a speech pathologist friend about Emily. She just wasn't talking as much as I thought she should be at the time and wanted to visit with our friend about it. At the time, she said that Emily was behind, but wouldn't classify it as a delay. Fast forward six months to now. While Emily's vocabulary has expanded, it hasn't exploded like it should and many of her words are "Klingon" (according to my dad). They aren't English so I have to interpret for people (including Phillip) what she's saying. So, next Thursday, she and I will meet with a speech pathologist at Hendrick Rehab to see what we'll be doing. Keep us (me!) in your prayers as we start this journey.

Never Say Never

I used to say that I never won anything. I think I should stop saying that. In the past 18 months, I've entered countless giveaways, mostly diaper stuff. I can't even count the number of places and blogs I've entered on. But, I'm sure glad the "I never win" never got me down. Just for grins, I added up what all I've won.

12 diapers $249.07
1 diaper cover (got me hooked on wool!) $24.00
1 pair of BabyLegs $12.00
1 diaper duffel $6.25
1 bottle of Booty Luster $6.25

For a grand total of $285.57

Most recently, I was the winner of a $100 gift certificate to Mom's Milk Boutique. It has become my go-to diaper shop online, mostly because they offer free shipping, and where I decided to register for cloth diapers (and a few other things) for this new baby. Abbie is so nice and helpful.

I just want to say a quick thanks to all the sponsors of the giveaways that I've won. I've tried (and loved!) a lot of new diapers that I never would have, had I not won them. I'll pass your store name along to anyone!

Kelly's Closet
Earth Angels Diaper Company
The Cloth Diaper Blog associated with Diaper Junction
Mom's Milk Boutique

Child Passenger Safety Week

September 19-25 is Child Passenger Safety Week. Car seats are one of my biggest pet peeves...people who don't buckle their children (or don't do it right) really irritate me. Pass these links on to anyone you know who has kids (like under age 10!). Do it for the kids' safety!

http://mamadweeb.com/2010/09/child-passenger-safety-week-top-ten-car-seat-safety-tips.html

Texas laws: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/public_information/carseat.htm

Meal Plan Monday

This week I'm trying some new recipes from 6 Ingredients or Less that I received before we got married. There have been some I've wanted to try and just never have, so that's my theme for this week. Well, that and easy!


Thursday: Cantastic Night at the West Texas Fair & Rodeo...I'm sure there will be Aggie Fries and funnel cake involved!
Friday: Hawaiian Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwiches, chips
Monday: Chicken Parmesan, squash casserole
Tuesday: Popover Pizza Casserole, spaghetti squash with garlic butter
Wednesday: spaghetti, garlic bread, peaches

Meal Plan Monday

It's back!! I've changed up my routine a bit and am now planning Thursday through Wednesday. But, Meal Plan Thursday just doesn't have quite the same ring to it, so you'll see what we ate last week and will eat this week.



Thursday: Date Night! :-)
Friday: Salmon, new potatoes with gravy, leftover strawberry pineapple salad, broccoli
Monday: cracker crumb chicken, leftover corn casserole, green beans
Tuesday: Tater Tot Casserole, broccoli, leftover strawberry pineapple salad, peaches
Wednesday: spaghetti, garlic bread, peaches

Winner again!

I just love entering contests. I enter mostly blog contests because fewer people enter them and you have a better chance to win. I'm not sure how I stumbled on Seventh Smith (maybe from Sara's sister-in-law?), but I've been entering her baby-related contests for a while now. I finally won! Click the link below to see what I won. (It's the first prize, not the second one.)

Seventh Smith Fabulous Friday Freebies

I may have to buy the second set, just to keep it going for a year!

My Shortcomings

I don't normally like to talk, much less blog, about my shortcomings. I mean, who likes to talk about what they feel they're not doing well at? But, I've heard it said several times lately that we need to be more real so I'm trying to be more honest and not put up a front. I will admit it...I get overwhelmed easily. Right now that overwhelming feeling is coming from starting a business and moving at the same time. I wouldn't suggest it! But, as I've always said, I don't much like change so I might as well change everything at one time and get it over with. The stress of getting Bogie's organized and thinking about getting our house settled (notice I said "thinking about!") and starting a new MOPS year where I'm the Finance coordinator and having a 2 year old constantly wanting my attention (and being pregnant on top of all that!) has recently gotten to me. MOPS is about the least of my worries right now, but I do want to make sure I do a good job. I appreciate all the positive feedback I get from each job, but sometimes it's just not enough, I guess. There's the saying and then the actual doing. I know people think I'm doing a good job at everything, but I just want to be settled in everything and be doing a good job. So, if you see me in the near future and I look like I've been crying...I probably have. I'm just trying to sort everything out and remember my priorities. I'm getting there. At least I'm starting to ask for help and share my feelings a bit!

Thanks for listening to my rambles and honesty. It wasn't easy to share!