A Bite of Perfection!!

I owe a HUGE thanks to this girl. She introduced me to the cupcake. Well, not introduced me. I knew them. I'd had them as a kid. Occasionally, at work. But I had never really known, a good cupcake. Not until my friend.

She happens to adore cupcakes. And she's good at baking them. All sorts of them. And she treats so many people, to her yummy creations!! But this week, she totally out did herself!! With these sweet treats.

 

When Lola asked me, what she could bring to the girls' baptismo, I left it up to her. Knowing that we wouldn't be disappointed. She's a GREAT cook!! And when she should up, with dozens of these perfect little cupcakes, I was over the moon!!

 

They were light, and full of flavor. Yummy strawberry. The icing was light, and fluffy. And when I asked her for the recipe, she didn't hesitate. She pointed me here. Told me about the little changes she had made. And we ate a few more. I have a feeling, I'll be making these for years to come!!

50 and Hot!!

This week, one of the amazing ladies I work with, is turning 50!! We're having a surprise birthday party for her. At work. :) I already bought her a gift. But I wanted to get her something, well a little fun.

After hours and hours, of searching on Pinterest, I found this blog post. And this fun idea!! Even me, the craft challenged, can do this. :)

I think this is going to be a fun little project. I'm pretty sure I can find the candy and the jar, at the Dollar Tree. The numbers and letters, I might have to make a quick trip to Hobby Lobby!! :) James thinks I make up these trips to HL. Because I can never leave, without buying something for the girls!!

Fresh for a Friday

Tomorrow night, we're headed to a dinner with our "Firefighter Family." It's always a good time. Lots of laughs!! Just time to catch up, with all of our friends.

And one of the best things, about our little dinners, is trying new food. This time, I'm supposed to be bringing the dessert. After finding out, what everyone else was bringing, I knew I wanted something light. Something fruity.

What's a woman to do? Turn to her friend of course! Especially when she's a dietitian. :) Lola told me about this yummy recipe she had come across. And you know what, it just sounds too yummy!!

On my way home from work today, I made a stop at the grocery store. For all the ingredients. I might have dug into a few of the berries. I couldn't resist!! They looked too perfect. And the glasses?? I found something really similar at the Dollar Tree. Who knew?? Better yet, the manager let me have them for half off. Why?? He said because I'm a nurse. My hubby is a fireman. And I was buying 2 dozen. Sweet, sweet man!!

 

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. Other than the yumminess going on tomorrow night, it's going to be a busy weekend for us. It's almost Cinco de Mayo. So around here, that means lots of celebrations!! And we're definitely going to see this lovely lady, sing her heart out. Have a GREAT weekend!!

Just the Inspiration I Needed

Last week, while reading this post, I was inspired. In case you didn't know, I've been a bit lazy in the style department. I have no excuse! But during my last trimester, my outfit of choice was pjs. Or these comfy maternity pants, with a long maternity tank. Shhh! I still wear those tanks. :)

 

And let's just be honest here, I'm a nurse. I spend my days, in scrubs. They're comfy. Perfect for a lazy bun like me. And very matchy, matchy. Essentially....a "no brainer." When I get home, I reach for those pjs. It's a sad, sad cycle. But one that I've been in, for a few months.

 

But back to Andrea. She is 9 months pregnant. In this picture. With her 3rd baby!! And look at how stylish she is. I adore, and maybe just maybe, am a bit jealous of her scarf collection. Reminds me a lot of Ms. Lola's scarf collection. Where do these ladies find, such fun scarves??

 

I saw this look last week. And really liked it. Andrea actually has on jeans, a white t-shirt, and a comfy sweater/cardigan. But these earrings and scarf....they make the entire outfit for me!!

 

 

I wanted a scarf and these earrings for myself. Like these. But how do you ask a perfect stranger? Andrea probably already thinks I'm a nutcase! I asked her about 100 questions last week. So I thought twice about this....

 

But I just couldn't get them out of my mind. What's a girl to do?? Then maybe just maybe, my sweet friend came to the rescue. Told me to hit up Wal-Mart for a similar scarf. Are you for real?? She was!! They had them, in all sorts of neon colors!!

 

And those earrings?? I found a very similar pair at the mall. Where?? Claire's!! I know. It's supposed to be for little girls. But as I walked by, twins in tow, I saw the girl unpacking some boxes. And a bunch of flower earrings. Mine are neon pink, with "gold" accents. Now I need somewhere to go. I've got a cute outfit to wear. Thank you Andrea, for the inspiration! Now do think my sweet hubs would like to meet for lunch??

Sugar and Spice: Week 15

What a week!! People. It. Was. CRAZY!!!! And emotional. And I'm glad it's in the books. And behind us. Looking forward to a better week! Let's start this week's Sugar and Spice!!

 

Sugar:

 

*SURVIVING my first week, back to work. I cried many times. Leaned on friends at work. And I'm grateful, that our girls get to stay with Rach, when both James and I are working!

*The HUGE sale at Target!! For real. If you haven't been, run now. Or first thing in the morning. I'm not lying!! GREAT prices on diapers, wipes, baby clothes, and baby gear. With coupons, some stuff was free!! And they gave us giftcards, just for shopping this week!!

*Shopping for James and I. Since we saved some money this week, on diapers and wipes, we bought some clothes. Because you just can't pass up $5 shirts and tanks. And $8 shorts!! Not when we have over 40 days of 100+ temps, a year!!

*A little splurge for this momma. Essie's Tart Deco nail polish. LOVE this color!! It's perfect for Spring!!

*Beautiful, 70 degree, Spring weather. Thank you Jesus!! This week was just beautiful!!

*A long lazy, Friday evening. Spent laying under our tree, in the backyard. With the girls. Enjoying each other. And this weather!!

*A yummy dinner, with our "Firefighter Family." Good food. Great company!!

*Hart of Dixie. LOVE this show!!

*Bible study. This week, I just needed it. God answered my prayers. And my soul feels complete again!

*Baby bath time!! My favorite time of the day. Playing with our girls. Watching all their cute facial expressions. Just soaking it all up!!

 

 

Spice:

*Going back to work. Being apart from my girls. It was almost too much for this momma to take!!
*All the demo going on in this city!! So much controversy going with it. So much destruction. So much dust and smoke.
*Eating McD's twice for lunch. This week. Because the cafeteria was insane!! I need to start packing my lunch.
*My aching feet. I forgot what it was like, to work 12+ hours/day.
*Dry hands. I NEED to go buy some good lotion. Working in the hospital, is tough on your hands.
*Doing our taxes. When did it get to be so crazy? We finally got them in the mail on Thursday!!
*Cancelling my mani-pedi. Because my feet were so tired, I couldn't think of walking from my car, to the front door.
*Sonic charging me full price, twice this week. During "Happy Hour." For my favorite diet cherry limeaid. FAIL!!
*Re-runs of Grey's Anatomy this week. What's up with that?!?!
*And re-runs of 2 Broke Girls. I miss my favorite TV shows!!

It was a crazy week. This weekend completely made up for it!! Lots of time spent with my little family. Cuddling. Comfy in our pjs. Loving our life!! The little shopping trip to Target today, was a total success!! Love when that happens!! Have a GREAT week!!

The Best Chinese Chicken Salad

The weather around here is warming up. Like REALLY warming up. And I'm not much in the mood for cooking. It happens every year. The weather gets warmer....I get lazier. It's horrible! But who wants to be stuck in the kitchen....when it's hitting 80 degrees outside? Not me!!

 

I'm also a BIG fan of salads. To be quite honest, at least 3 times a week, during the summer....we eat salad for dinner. Not just the kind out of a bag. But a salad that has some protein in it. Something filling. And yummy!! My fireman doesn't mind either. Because 9 times out of 10, it's followed up with dessert. Some kind of ice cream and fruit. :)

 

 

This morning I was catching up on my blog reading. And noticed this salad on Little Miss Momma. Hello! Ashley, you just made my week!! Tomorrow, I'm making the Best Chinese Chicken Salad. A few friends are coming over for lunch. And I think this would be an awesome fun, and light lunch!!

LOVE Me Some Hearts!!

Tonight I was catching up, on a few of my favorite blogs. What else do you do when your hubby is working? And your twins are sleeping. Most people would say sleep. Me? I'm munching on some ice cream. Wondering if my friend Lola was working. Or if I should call her.

Everything about Amber's blog, makes me smile. All the time!! Jolie and Parker make my day! Almost as much as my own precious girls. Almost!! ;)

Well, this post, has me all smiles!! These pictures are adorable. Especially this one. Where in the world, can I get a blanket like this?? Or any of the others, in this post. Or the headbands. So sweet! As are the babylegs....

Amber has such great style. So do her girls! Wish I lived closer to the Massey Family. I'd want to be Amber's friend. I'd turn myself in. So she could help me with my style. And help me shop for my girls. I'd love to go shopping with her! And I bet, our girls would enjoy a little playtime too. Until then....this momma will be searching for a blankie like this. Lola, can you make one??

Sugar and Spice: Week 2

Can we start this week's Sugar and Spice with....when did time start flying? How are my girls already a month old?? This is just too much!! Here we go!!

 

Sugar:

 

*Our twins, turned a month old!! Yesterday. There were a ton of tears shed. On my part. I just feel like they are growing so fast.

*Aubrey's sweet smile, when she's done breastfeeding. It makes me, want to eat her up!

*Her little sister Rosalie's soft coos, during our early morning feedings.

*My sweet hubby. Who insists on getting up with the girls at night. For diaper changes. Even when he has to work the next day!!

*This sweet lady. Just because she's so sweet. Never goes a day, without calling to check on us. And sends us the sweetest packages in the mail!!

*The "warmer weather." Yes, it hasn't been so cold lately! And that has been such a comfort!

*These silly footy pjs. Love them!! James is a total rock star hubby. But especially for buying them for me. :)

*The stack of movies, that my MIL sent us. They've been a nice little blessing. :)

*Sweet friends who visit. And bring yummy food with them!! Thank you Chavez Family!!

*Lastly, I found this recipe on Pinterest. James got up, extra early yesterday. And made us a batch. With some yummy bacon. To celebrate our sweet girls!! They were delish!!

 

 

Spice:

*The HUGE blowout that Rosalie had, at her doctor's appointment. That got James dirty too. And we didn't have a change of clothes for him. Let's just say, I've learned my lesson. Not only do we have a change of clothes for the girls. We've got 2 each! And a change for each  of us....
*My slow cooker just dying. In the middle of making us dinner.
*Me not realizing it, until dinner time. By then, the food smelled like it spoiled. We had pizza for dinner that night.
*Realizing that baby spit up, gets everywhere. When does this happen?? I swear I don't see it happening. But I smell it later....
*Not having clothes that fit. I'm in that weird "in between" stage.
*Calling my mom, in the middle of me crying about something. But not really. I realized I had dialed the chief's home number. Did I go blond while I wasn't looking?
*Mailing some "Thank You" cards. And forgetting the postage. Needless to say, all 50 showed up in our mailbox.
*BIG tears after baby shots. I felt like they had tore my heart, right out of my chest. When did that happen??
*Miscalculating our "baby needs." And running out of wipes, in the middle of the night. :(
*Craving that chocolate raspberry ice cream. The one that H&D used to make. What I'd do for another taste of it....

What was your week like? I feel like mine was so full of ups and downs. Mostly ups. I'm falling more in love with my hubby, and girls, every day!! I can't remember what life was like....just a month ago. I just wish, I could bottle up this time!!

I'm Not Alone!!

OK, so I should be in church right now. Should. But you know the situation. I'm on bed rest. Just 10 days from being induced!! And well, I can't contain myself. James left for church about an hour ago. I'm sure he won't be home, for another 2 hours. That's the tough part, of worshiping, an hours drive from where you live....

That means, I've got some time to kill. The minute hubs hit the door, I hit Pinterest. And these pictures, just made me smile!!

 

Do you get it? It's Christmas decorating....for a nursery!! First of all, I adore little Harper's nursery. And Jessica's blog. Which I originally found through Pinterest. Because of her amazing chalkboard skills!! If you personally know us, now you know!! That was my inspiration, for our mass amount of pictures....with the chalkboard!!

I'm not completely sure how I missed this post. But I found the pictures on Pinterest. Just now! And I just couldn't help myself, I had to go to the post!! The thing is, I've been buying Christmas decorations for the girls. I've ordered some online. Including an "Elf on the Shelf." And I might have also convinced some friends, to pick me up a few things.

James on the other hand, thinks I'm a nutcase!! Why would I want to decorate the nursery?? With Christmas decorations. After 10 years, you'd think he would know me by now! Little by little, I've been handing the decorations over to Lola. You know, our nursery is still a secret, to James and I.

But I know Lola. And I know her LOVE of all things holiday! Christmas included!! She decks out the kids' rooms at the hospital. Every holiday. So I knew my girls would be in good hands. This post, just solidifies, that we're not nuts!!

I like how the decorations aren't too much. Or overwhelming. Just perfect. Adding the charm and magic of Christmas, without too much "in your face." A few fun additions. Splashes of holiday cheer, and color.

Between you and me, that doll, she just caught my eye!! I don't know what it is. But I just have to have her. Or something really similar. I've left a comment for Jessica, and hope to hear back soon. 23 days 'til Christmas. Y'all my girls NEED that doll!!

And that red polka dot blanket. You can bet your behind, that I called this lady. Who by the way, is helping to transport some pediatric burn victims today. Flying back and forth, between our hospital, and the nearest burn center. Please keep them all in your prayers. It was a tragic accident. I'm just grateful, that our hospital has an amazing team. Including this gal!

Between flights, and work, I managed to get in touch with her. Sent her this picture. And asked her, if she might have some time, to make me 2 blankets. :) I was prepared to beg. But I'm so blessed. With a friend, who has a heart, the size of Texas!!

Then I sent James a text. With this picture. And told him, he needed to stop by the fabric store. To pick up some similar fabric. His response, "Gotcha babe!" I love him so!! Now you all know, why these 10 years, have been such a blessing!!

I should probably stay off of Pinterest. You know, for at least the rest of the day. :) Before I get into any more trouble. Dream up anymore ideas, for my girls. And spend more money. Happy Sunday!!

Pregnancy Update: Week 36

How far along? 36 Weeks!! I NEVER thought I'd get this far. Wow!!
Total weight gain: 36 lbs (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs). Can I get a bulldozer, to help us get around? My back is refusing to do anymore work.
Babies are the size of: A canary melon. Again, I turned to this girl. She not only told me what a canary melon is. Lola brought me one. :) It was so sweet, and delicious! Right up my alley!!
Babies' development: The twins' wrinkly skin, is not so wrinkly anymore. There are starting to pack on the lbs. :) Our Dr. can't get over their chunky thighs!!
Estimated length of babies': About 18.66 in
Estimated weight of babies': Around 5.78 lbs. Each people!!
Maternity clothes: Are we talking clothes here? I live in pjs and big shirts. I've done "graduated" out of most of my clothes. Maternity and all! James bought me 5 pairs of "super maternity, flannel pjs." I'm wearing the heck out of them! With some men's white "muscle" shirts. Size XL please!! When we have to leave the house, I've got 2....maybe 3 outfits to wear....
Stretch marks: I'm seeing a hint of something. But I'm not completely sure if they're stretch marks. Here's to hoping they're not. And all moisturizing is doing it's job!! But oh that line....she is so present!!
Sleep: Honestly, it's all day, every day. I'm up 3 hours, I sleep 3 hours. Like clockwork. I never realized you could sleep this much. Or be completely exhausted at times, with this much sleep. But obviously, my body needs to rest. So resting we are!
Best moment this week: Our appointment on Wednesday. Paperwork was completed. December 12th, is the "Big Day!" The "cherry on top," both girls have gained weight. between 6-9 oz. People that means I'm carrying over 11 lbs of baby!!
Miss anything: Moving with ease. A good, solid 6 hours of sleep. Without 5-6 potty breaks. Tying my shoes. Heck, I miss my shoes!! And my clothes. Oh, and eating a complete dinner.
Movement: All day. Every day. It's so amazing!! The girls like to be on the same side of my belly. That means, momma has a lopsided belly....most of the time! On Wednesdays, we have the girls' appointments. On Fridays, we have our regular appointments. Between any given Wednesday and Friday, the girls go from "head up," to "head down." The Drs. just crack up!!
Food cravings: Rudy's BBQ. It's all I can think of. Maybe it's the commercials. Maybe it's my neighbor. Crazy thing is, I've never eaten there! I could also go for this lady's pineapple upside down cake. Yum!
Gender prediction: Still 2 beautiful little girls!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still the mention, thought, or smell of flan. I know!! Totally weird.
Labor signs: At least 2 Braxton Hicks contractions a day. Once in a while, one will be really bad. Like I need to stop, and breathe it out. I've had a couple at night. That wake me up. I actually had one on Monday night, that brought some tears. I can tell, we're getting closer!
Symptoms: Just soreness. I feel like I've been working out, 24/7. My muscles are so sore!! My back is the worst. And when I try to bend over, I get so light headed.
Belly button in or out: Completely out!! I wonder if she will ever go back in....
Wedding rings on or off: On, but they are definitely getting tight. On Saturday, I couldn't even get my rings on. I halfway think, that has to do with all that Thanksgiving food....
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time. I can definitely tell you, I'm a lot more emotional. I've watched Giuliana and Bill a few times this past week. When Duke was born. Balled my eyes out!!
Looking forward to: Meeting our girls!! All of it. Holding them, snuggling them, feeding them, dressing them up. All of it! I'm so glad that we've scheduled my induction for December 12th. I now have a date to focus on. :)

Sugar and Spice: Week 13

Wow! I can't believe I'm writing my 13th Sugar and Spice. You know what that means? I've been on bed rest for 13 weeks!! But people, I can see the end in sight.

Let's get on with this. Because I'm sure, you don't want to hear all about my bed rest, pregnancy aches and pains, and all that other good stuff. So here we go....

Sugar:

*Thanksgiving with family and friends! Hello! It doesn't get much better than that. :)
*Lots of yummy food. Specifically, my mom's stuffing. And my momma-in-law's sweet potatoes. We're not going to talk about the weight, I'm sure I gained. We're just going to blame it on the pregnancy. Even though we all know, it was probably the 5 servings of sweet potatoes!!
*Super stretchy, maternity leggings. Because hello, this belly is HUGE!! Add in all the food, and heck, I don't know how my clothes fit!!
*James going "Black Friday" shopping with our mommas. It was for our girls. So he was all in! And came home, with some really good deals. :)
*Thanksgiving with my hubby. Being that he's a fireman, we usually don't get to spend the holiday together. He's usually working.
*Pumpkin brownies!! Hello!! I LOVE Mrs. C! And she is welcome anytime. Especially with those brownies!
*Teen Mom 2. I know. But I'm ridiculously addicted to this show.
*Buying the girls, their first ornaments. Yes, I managed a fairly quick run to Hallmark. With James. This is definitely something, that I've wanted to do for a while.
*Christmas decorations going up. I didn't get to put them up. But boy, they are gorgeous! And getting me into a festive mood. :)
*A warm Thanksgiving. The weather was so nice, that we spent much of the day, on the back patio. It was beautiful!

Spice:

*I can't move. I'm positive that I've become a beached whale. I need help to get up. There are even nights, when James has to help me roll over. Hello!!
*This itchy belly. Why must it itch so much?? Dry skin is the worst!! I swear to you, I almost feel like I'm basting a turkey. You know, every time I slather on the moisturizer!
*Cankles. Hello there!! Didn't know that you would want to hangout. But apparently, we're going to be BBFs!!
*I couldn't stand cranberry sauce this year. Usually, I eat it all. This year, I didn't even want it near me!
*Still no Wons Upon a Time. What else can I say? I miss the cute little Isabelle posts. I just hope all is well with the family.
*Literally, 12 bathroom breaks a night. Hello!! Didn't think that was possible.
*Staying on that note, I miss sleeping through the night.
*Missing "Black Friday." I usually live for the day. Planning out my shopping trip. Knowing exactly what I'm buying, from each store. With all my ads highlighted, written on, and ready to go!
*Missing church. Yes, I still miss it so! Although, my friend, got our priest to come for a visit. I didn't know that they did "Home Visits." But it was nice! It definitely lifted my spirits as we prayed together. But I still miss going to church.
*Saying "goodbye" to our family. I really wish they lived here!

That's it folks. At least that's all I can think of. But then again, I'm sure I'm still in a "Turkey Coma." And we're already missing our family!! Glad that they came. And cooked us so much amazing food! But I really do wish, that they could stay longer. Have a Blessed Sunday!!

Christmas PJs

A few weeks ago, I ran into a Dr. that I work with. I was at the hospital for a checkup. And he was there, having dinner with his wife. By the way, when James and I are old, I hope to be just like Dr. and Mrs. C. He still call his wife, "My Bride." They've been married over 60 years!!

James and I ran into them, as we were leaving our appointment. We were on "Cloud 9." My belly was leading the way. And Dr. and Mrs. C, invited us to sit with them. The fact that she had brought a homemade pie, and was offering me some, was a total bonus! Mrs. C makes dinner every day for them. And brings it into the hospital to share. Most days, they eat alone. It's so cute! Some days, they invite Dr. M and Dr. S to eat with them.

This was a total treat for me!! I NEVER get to eat with them. Although, Mrs. C has brought us plenty of yummy, baked goods. My schedule usually doesn't "match up" with Dr. C. But this day it did. Can you tell how much I enjoyed the pie?? Oh, and I also got a meatloaf sandwich out of it. :)

Dr. and Mrs. C happened to have 4 kids. Grown of course! With tons of grandkids. But they never get to see them. They live in NYC area. And we live in the southwest. Instead, they spoil the Drs., interns, and such that work in the hospital. Take all of us in, like their family. :)

We were all chatting about the girls. How potentially, I could be induced on December 12th. How the pregnancy is progressing. Mrs. C asked if there was anything else I was needing. Or wanting. Before the twins come. Honestly, there is not much left to do. We've been so blessed!! By our friends and family.

But I've been wanting some Christmas pjs for the girls. I haven't found anything online. James hasn't found anything in the stores. He's so cute! I send him out, looking for random things like this. Or tights with polka dots. Anyway, Mrs. C stopped by yesterday. To bring us some yummy treats. And 2 sets of these....

Aren't they adorable!! Not only did the girls get pjs. They got the slippers, and hats too! So sweet. I can't believe Dr. and Mrs. C did this for us!! I'm sure the girls are going to look adorable. Simply adorable!! I'm tempted to order James and I, a pair of these. ;) So we can all match!! Too bad they're not our size. But wouldn't this be a fun tradition to start? New Christmas pjs, for Christmas Eve!!

Anyway that you spin this, we're going to be so blessed this Christmas. We're going to have 2 of the most precious gifts, that we could ever ask for. Totally styling, in these cute outfits. Thank you Dr. and Mrs. C!!

Sugar and Spice: Week 12

How's every one's week been? Me? I think I might have forgotten what sleep is. I'm exhausted! But I'm getting it together. And I'm just grateful, that I can nap whenever I want. Let's get this week's Sugar and Spice underway!

Sugar:

*Once Upon a Time! Hello, it's so good every week. Clearly, it's becoming a favorite of mine. What in the world am I going to do, when I go back to work. I usually work Sundays....
*Dove's dark chocolate and raspberry candies. Thank you Lola for sharing them with me!! Life changing. People you must try them!!
*Long phones calls, with good friends. Sometimes, you just NEED to talk it out. Glad I got this girl, and this one, and this one....to talk to!
*Cranberry juice. Unexpected for sure! I've never liked it before. But all of a sudden, I NEED a glass during breakfast. Every day!!
*A hubby that brings home beautiful flowers. Just because. He's definitely a keeper. Y'all don't be jealous!!
*Beautiful gift wrap. Just sitting here, waiting to be used up! The ribbons are pretty gorgeous too! Christmas, you can't come soon enough!
*My hubby's "All Day Chili." Heck ya! He cooked it twice, in 8 days. Love this man! And his chili. :)
*Online shopping. It's helping me get through the day. And not go nutso! I MISS shopping. But I'm finding out, online shopping can be fun too!!
*Carrot cake cupcakes. Thank you Lola! You know the way to my heart. The girls say Thank you too! Let's just say, we were all happy campers!!
*Most of all, this week I'm grateful for growing babies. My girls are both gaining weight. And doing well. We've even begun talking about potential delivery dates!! :)

Spice:

*Watching Orphan. It scared me to death!! Literally, I couldn't sleep on Wednesday night. Because of this movie. I had to wait until James got home. Don't watch it!
*The smell of burnt toast. It takes forever to go away! Ugh!!
*"Pregnancy Brain." I can't remember my name at times.
*I miss getting my hair done. It's just a "Hot Mess" at the moment! I consider it a total success, to wash it. And throw it in a messy knot. Lame. I know!
*Fighting with Blogger. There are just some days, that I want to blog. And it doesn't let me. Or I want to add something cute to the 'ol blog. Blogger, just let me do it!
*Hearing people say, I look like I'm at 42 weeks! Really, you're not helping me out here. And all the "Bless your little heart," makes me cry.
*On that note, all this crying. When did I get so emotional? I cry for everything. Simply everything! Including when James killed a bug last night.
*All this "Holiday TV" interrupting my regular TV shows. Don't get me wrong, I love me some holiday movies. But I really do miss some of my favs right now.
*Our mail system. Why must all of our mail come back? Or get lost? Ugh! And the USPS is wondering why it's crumbling.
*Politics. Period. I'm so over them! Just get it together. Get our country back on track. Remember the average American. And how hard we work. Please protect us, and our families.

That's it! Oh, I'm so excited!! Our family is coming for a visit this week. Yes, I'm so excited!! Not only am I happy to see our family. But I'm also glad, that James will have some help. I know he's been doing a lot lately. Have a Blessed Sunday!!

Colorful Monkeys

I'm pretty darn sure, that by now, you know about my love of monkeys. It didn't really start until I was pregnant. That first time. And it has only "peeked out," while I've been pregnant. Believe me, I don't usually have stuffed monkeys hanging around.

But now that the girls are almost here, I find myself drawn to little monkeys. We bought some larger stuffed monkeys. At Babies-R-Us. And I asked my friend to decorate them. So that we can hang them on our hospital room door. After the girls are born. I seen this years ago on YouTube. But I can't find that video. :( My friend also made something similar for another friend of hers. But with a baby sheep. So cute!

James already knows, if there's a monkey on a onesie, blanket, or pair of pjs....were buying it. Times 2!! We're not all crazy here. Just a few stuffed animals, a set of Christmas ornaments, and some cute clothes. You know, with monkey faces, on the bums!!

Who knew that my hubby would join in, on all this madness?? I know! Shocking!! But one afternoon, I was cruising through Pinterest. Drooling over all these pictures. Am I the ONLY one that does this?? It proved to be too much for my pregnant self. I fell asleep. And when James got home, he noticed the last picture I was looking at....

Yes, I know! Shocking I tell you! But James hunted down the pattern on Etsy. From what I was told, by the firefighters, it took a few days. And a few of them. And maybe a few of their wives. Who knew it was that hard to find??

In case you're wondering, I don't have a "crafty bone" in my body. But my friend, is beyond talented!! Beyond folks! She did our entire nursery. And I'm thinking, I might need to put in some overtime, this Summer. Just so she can decorate our entire home!! I hear the nursery is AMAZING!! In case you're new around here, James and I, aren't going to see it until we bring the girls home. But I know Lola's work. And I know, it is gorgeous!!

Well, to make a long story short, Miss Lola outdid herself. And recreated this fun outfit. Just for our girls! In about a 3-6 month size. Because my dears, the twins' closet, is overflowing at the moment. With all these teeny, tiny clothes. And this will definitely be something fun, to dress them up in. You know, when it's warmer out.

I still can't believe James. He's "Mr. Wonderful" I tell you! And Lola, for making the cutest little things, just for our girls. I can't wait to dress them up. And take loads and loads of pictures!! Yes, I'm positive, that I'm going to be "that" mom!!

If Only I Could Stand Up....

There is something going on with me. Something that even James, knows not to mess with. I'm not sharing my sweets. From the beginning of my pregnancy, I've craved sweets. All sorts of them. But in the last few days, it's been all about this candy bark. It started 2 years ago. My friend Lola, brought some candy bark to work. I stole it. Ate it all up. Then begged her to make more.

Let's fast forward to last Fall. When I spotted this post at Mix and Match Mama. Immediately, I printed it. Didn't matter that I had just started my shift at work. I knew, I MUST make it. When I got off of work, 18 hours later, I headed to Walmart. Picked up my supplies. And went home.

Yes, I made it. Didn't matter that it was 6am. I made my bark. Put it in the freezer. Took the world's fastest shower. And ate my bark. It wasn't completely hard. But I couldn't wait any longer! Boy, since then, I've made this candy bark so many times!! Well, maybe not with the candy corn. But some variety of candy.

Today it's all I can think of. If I wasn't on bed rest, I'd be all over it. ALL OVER IT PEOPLE!! But apparently, even melting some candy, to make candy bark, is too much for this pregnant lady. I wonder if any of my friends are reading this? Lola? I'd really adore some candy bark. Pretty sure the girls agree with me! :)

Christmas Perfection!!

This past weekend was one of those, that pre-bed rest, I probably would have enjoyed. Because I would have had time, to meet my friends for lunch. Or go shopping. Maybe have a "spa day." You see, James hasn't worked an entire weekend, in almost 2 months. Not from Friday afternoon, to Monday morning. But this weekend, was his weekend....

And I knew, that I was going to have a ton of hours, to fill up. My friend Rachael offered to hangout with me on Saturday. She's a "firefighter wife." So she gets it. Besides, Rachael was bringing her darling 3 kiddos with her. Total score!!

James had stocked the fridge. With my favorite foods, and snacks. He also was very thoughtful. And got me a lot of things, to occupy my time. Hello new nail polish! I told you ladies, don't be jealous of my hubby. He's just a doll! My friend Sarah, was going to come over, for dinner on Sunday. And I was really excited about this. Because she was bringing over our favorite take-out! All the plans were made.

But it still left me with hours, to fill. Yes, I had my stack of books, magazines, a movies to watch. But I also had Pinterest. An entire weekend, and Pinterest. I don't think I've shared this with you. Since being on bed rest, I must spend 3 hours a day, drooling on Pinterest. Boy, I could get myself into trouble there! If I followed all the links. Instead, I pin the pictures. And this past weekend, I found so many ideas. But nothing, and I mean nothing, as cute as this!!

I know! Christmas is 3 months away. But folks, that's just 3 months. What did I do, the minute I seen this on Pinterest? I followed the link here. Oh ya, I don't know how to crochet. But this lady does. And I just might have, emailed her the link, and begged her to make me 2.

Now my friend doesn't want to charge me. And I don't have a way to get the supplies. But I'm going to do something for her. Because this is just too much!! And honestly, it didn't take more than me asking, "Can you make this for the girls?" Lola said yes immediately. She is too sweet. And after a long talk this morning, we agreed that she'd "girl up" this little outfit. Maybe make a skirt, for the diaper cover.

I just can't wait to see the outfits! And to see my girls, in these outfits. Lola is going to make them in a newborn size. And I've already dreamt up, ways to take the girls pictures. Newborns at Christmas. Who would have thought! But it sounds like so much fun!! Just 3 more months.

A Summer Must!!

I adore Summer! Almost a little too much. Especially, because I live in the southwest. And it's hotter than heck! Let's just put it this way, we've got more triple digit temps, between June and August, than double digit temps. Many of those days, you can feel the soles of your shoes, melting as you walk across a parking lot. Yes, it is hot!!

Your AC, never gets turned off. Ever!! Not during the Summer. You don't plan activities, between 11am and 6pm. Not outside. And you ALWAYS carry around ice cold water. ALWAYS!!

If you are my friend Lola, well you are crazy. Because she has no AC. Relies on fans, that do little to bring down the temps in your home. And finds any excuse, to eat ice cream. Maybe even drink it. Because this is her favorite drink....

What is it, you ask? An "Orange-sicle Float." At least that's what Lola calls it. And just about a month ago, she introduced it to me. Oh. Emm. Geee!! It is delicious! And the perfect drink to quench your thirst. Even in the desert.

I know. It sounds odd. But really, you must all try this. Take some vanilla ice cream. Or a heck of a lot in our case. And your favorite orange soda. Scoop up the ice cream, into a tall glass. Add in some ice cold, orange soda. And enjoy!

If you happen to be "slightly" lazy like me. Head to your favorite Sonic. As for a Root beer float. With orange soda. And maybe a spoon. You are going to thank me and Lola. Hurry and try this!

Pregnancy Update: Week 14

How far along? 14 Weeks
Total weight gain: 9 lbs (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs). I see a pattern developing. And it scares me. But my Dr. tells me, it's normal. We'll see when I'm as "big as a house!"
Babies are the size of: A nectarine.
Babies' development: All of the twins organs formed, in the 1st trimester. From now on, they'll be maturing.
Estimated length of babies': About 3.42 in
Estimated weight of babies': Less than 1.52 oz. Their weight has almost doubled again!!
Maternity clothes: Why didn't I do this earlier? I've never been more comfortable. I even managed to find some maternity scrubs! :)
Stretch marks: None
Sleep: I'm completely exhausted after work! Completely!! I need to nap, after my shift. But that could be from the long hours. On my days off, I'm pretty good. I seem to have more energy these days.
Best moment this week: Last week, we started our registry. But I was pretty lost. Didn't get too far.  But on Wednesday, Rachael helped me out so much! She brought Miss Savannah with her. And we put lots of stuff on our registry. Mostly "gender neutral." But I totally trust Rachael. She's a momma of 3. 2 boys, and a new baby girl. Hopefully, we can do this again. In 2 weeks. When we find out our babies' genders.
Miss anything: Being comfy in clothes. It's weird to explain. But I can't wait to come home, and rip off my scrub pants. Maternity or not, my belly is screaming for help. All day long!!
Movement: I felt some flutters at our appointment. The nurse told me, that the babies were moving. It was the oddest feeling. Not strong. Just....different. Like muscles moving. Or bubbles. Yes, that's more like it. Bubbles!!
Food cravings: This week, all I can think of is, sweets!! Ice cream, cake, cupcakes, warm chocolate chip cookies. Oh, and watermelon. I think I can eat an entire one!
Gender prediction: James is predicting 2 girls. I'm positive that there is at least 1 girl. But not sold on 2....not yet anyway. :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Anything with mayo. This is new. And so weird! I just can't deal with the smell.
Labor signs: None
Symptoms: I've been getting dizzy more often. I just think, I'm trying to move too quickly. Last Saturday, I went to the Farmers' Market. For 2 days after, my feet were so swollen. This was very odd to me.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and excited! I never thought I could be this full of joy and love!!
Looking forward to: Time with our friends this week. And with our families soon! I just can't wait!! I'm bursting with love for everyone. :)

Pregnancy Update: Week 10

How far along? 10 Weeks
Total weight gain: 1 lb (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs)
Babies are the size of: A kumquat.Thank goodness for this girl. She told me what a kumquat is. And here I thought, I was eating a good diet before.
Babies' development: The twins' are stretching their spines. Their eyes, and eyelids are more developed. And their eyebrows are starting to grow.
Estimated length of babies': About 1.22 in
Estimated weight of babies': Less than 0.14 oz. That's double from last week!
Maternity clothes: Nothing yet. But my clothes are feeling tighter....
Stretch marks: Nada!!
Sleep: It's not going so well. Nothing seems comfortable. The heat is getting to me too. Mostly, I like to nap during the day. Darn work, is getting in the way of that!
Best moment this week: Hearing the babies' heartbeats. Since we are a high risk pregnancy, we get to go to the Dr. every week. But there was just something about my appointment this week. I cried my eyes out, when I heard the twins' heartbeats. :)
Miss anything: Mostly sleep. And going out to eat. I can barely take working at the hospital, during meals. I can't even imagine going out to dinner....
Movement: Nothing
Food cravings: Bing cherries. For breakfast. Lunch. And dinner! Crispy tortillas. And cheese. In any form! Dry Cheerios before bed. It's a must!
Gender prediction: James is predicting 2 girls. I'm leaning towards 1 girl, 1 boy. 99.9% of the people we work with, say 2 boys....
Anything making you queasy or sick: Sudden movements. Long car trips. This is new. But driving to church (an hour drive) is killing me. I NEED there to be no sudden movements. I need to lay down. And have soft music on. With my eyes closed. Oh ya, food is still my enemy. Anything with a strong smell.
Labor signs: None
Symptoms: Just exhaustion. I'm not really sleeping. Or eating much "cooked" food. Nausea is constant....all day....every day.
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy, but tired. I'm realizing that mornings are not great. I'm usually just tired. And right after my shifts, I'm pretty crabby. But after resting for 30 minutes, I'm happy again!
Looking forward to: Really looking pregnant. I definitely feel it. But right now, I just look like I've had 3 too many Sonic Cherry Limeades. And Chico's fries....

Pregnancy Update: Week 6

How far along? 6 Weeks!!
Total weight gain: 1/2 lb (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs)
Babies are the size of: A pomegranate seed
Babies' development: They have tripled in size. And the amniotic fluid is protecting them.
Estimated length of babies': About 1/8 in
Estimated weight of babies': Less than 0.04 oz
Maternity clothes: Nothing yet.  
Stretch marks: Nada!!
Sleep: I'm just plain exhausted. I can't seem to sleep enough. Honestly, I feel like a bear, that NEEDS to hibernate....
Best moment this week: Telling our family and friends. My dear Lord, knows how hard this was to keep a secret. Dr. C and Dr. S are the only 2 people that knew. Other than our fertility Drs. It was so amazing to share our "little secrets." With the people we love most! Believe me, we've waited a very long time for this!!
Miss anything: Eating. And not feeling sick all the time. TMI: I've never in my life, thrown up this much!
Movement: Nothing
Food cravings: Dry Cheerios. I can eat these all day. Every day. Bing cherries always sound yummy. And good 'ol mac 'n cheese. You know, the box kind!
Gender prediction: James says there are 2 girls. I'm feeling there could be a boy and a girl. All the Drs. and nurses I work with, say 2 boys. My dear friend says, 2 girls. Only 9 weeks until we find out. :)
Anything making you queasy or sick: Every kind of food you can imagine. Meat is my new enemy. Spicy or strong smelling/tasting foods, send me running. Pretty much, I can only stomach dry cereal, crackers, fruit, and some veggies.    
Labor signs: None
Symptoms: Horrible "morning sickness." That lasts all day, every day. Crazy headaches, when I've been on my feet too long. And I'm exhausted. Like "barely keep my eyes open," after 2 hours of work. Not the norm for me. At all!
Belly button in or out: In
Wedding rings on or off: On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Completely shocked, happy, and excited. James and I, have prayed for this, for a very long time. Honestly, I'm still in shock. I don't even know, if I completely believe what's going on.
Looking forward to: Everything!! There is not a thing, that I can't wait for. I want to experience the entirety of my pregnancy. Even all this "morning sickness."