Prepare for Dos!

So in preparation for our newest addition "Mr. Dos" I have made up a little list of things I need to fill in the gaps. Obviously I already have a lot of the stuff I need for baby #2 as I already had baby #1...

It is just amazing how the Lord works. I made up a list of things I needed, and slowly but surely, without even really sharing my little list with anyone (except for ma and sisters) - people send me, randomly, things I need off my list! It is just amazing and I am so grateful to the Lord for this type of reassurance that he is the Amazing Provider and will always take care of us.

Nesting

As all of you already mama's know - Nesting is a feeling that comes over your body during the last trimester to get your house all ready for your new born baby. I'm just starting to get that feeling of wanting to turn my house up-side-down and go to town on it! Except it has been too hot! I have been doing a few things here and there and I have my list. I'm sure I'll get it all done soon enough! There isn't much to do as this is our second boy.

This morning I was thinking about this feeling I have to go crazy cleaning and reorganizing and I thought about nests - how much work birds put into making their little nests the perfect home for their tiny ones is just amazing isn't it! I actually love birds and nests as part of decor so below are a few pics I found of where people have used bird's nests in their decor. Enjoy!

This chandelier is amazing - but I'm not sure how one would go about cleaning it. Probably really carefully!


This came off of Etsy - funkiefinds is the seller.

I found this at quillcottage.blogspot.com - I love the bird and the nest!

Aren't these creative - love them and totally doable!

This is totally me. The letters, the candles, the glass... I love it all!

Let's Go!

Pauly's new thing is telling us "Let's Go" He takes his hand and waves us to come his way and says it in his cute little half understandable language. It is too adorable.

Now he has started doing a wind-up with his leg where he pulls it up as if he is a hardball pitcher - it is too cute! He says it for everything, when it is time to go change his diaper, eat dinner, go outside or if we are actually getting ready to leave the house. I need to get it on camera before he is on to the next adorable thing.

I've Lost my COOL!

For the last 4 to 5 days, here in western Idaho, we've had triple digit temperatures. My husband jokes and says that if the temperature is hotter than our body temperature (what is it supposed to be 98.6 or so?) that is no good! I totally agree as I have (not to mention extra insulation (if you will) another human being inhabitating my habitat... Ughhh... I'm getting so sick of the heat! Not only am I loosing it over the heat but also I've definately noticed that the pregnancy hormone craziness has been coming out loud and clear.

Up until about a week or two ago I had definately been struggling with monitoring what I just let spew from my mouth as if I am an out of control bubblegum machine. Bubble Gum coming out everywhere and there is nothing you can do to stop it! Whatever was coming to mind I would just splurt it out and not even give it a second thought as to if it might hurt my husband's feelings or not. I was letting Satan get away with WAY too much! I had a break down and my hubby and I struggled for a whole weekend - where I couldn't quite figure out what the problem was. I just knew he was driving me crazy, he was a stinky, gross man who was completely unaware of what I needed or expected from him nor (I thought) did he care to know. I was so disgusted by even just looking at him and I just knew that I really liked it when he left for work and sometimes I wished he would stay there!

Finally Saturday evening, after I had talked to my dad, I realized that I wasn't being aware of what I was saying and any old thing that came to mind during our conversations I would say it. When I'm struggling with such things, I usually talk to my mom and sisters and things tend to just blow over... I can't hardly ever talk to my dad without bawling and everyone knows when your bawling you can't listen or really get anywhere in the conversation - so I usually just tell mom... No I can't talk to him - I'm okay. I think it is because I'm very concerned and probably mostly embarrassed of what he'll think about me having such issues.

I went to the Library and picked up 'Help Me! I'm Married' By Joyce Meyer (this author and speaker is a family favorite) She talked about asking the Lord to give you a new set of eyes for your husband, which has helped me with the whole - he's just a stinky man thing... :) and also she encourages you to pray for the Lord to help you be a better listen vs. trying to always have the last word.

Anyhow, through much prayer and petition of getting back in the Word... and as daddy-o says "Got to Battle, Battle Every Day" I've been monitoring my thoughts and actions and working through this hiccup. It is totally working like a charm and those snappy, cranky things I once would of said are getting held back to reflect a more loving and respectful wifey.

Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

James 1:19-21

little tid bits

for dinner tonight - pan fried chicken breasts, steamed zucchini and yellow squash and baked potatoes with cheddar and sour cream

we're watching - The Bachelorette, The Men Tell All - She has two great guys to pick from Ed and Tristan (who was my first pick on the very first show but I've switched to Ed as being my pick for Jill) We'll see who she picks!

tonight - Ben worked late but got home earlier than I thought - nice surprise :)

the temperature - is too hot! Our house is not air conditioned so we spend a lot of our time down in our basement.

tomorrow - Paul and I will do a few house chores and in the afternoon he is going to spend the night with Granny and Grandad.

my next doctor's appointment - is Wednesday morning I'm excited to hear the baby's heart beat again. He is kicking around like crazy as we speak!

I miss - my family. My mom and dad's house should be done soon and I am so looking forward to a long weekend to spend with them and my sisters and their kids and just bummin' around and laughing till we pee our pants ... okay, okay till I pee my pants (why is it always me?)

I hear - my boy playing with his daddy laughing as they sharing a piece of cake, the window air conditioner humming, the dishwasher washing and the television blaring, Daphnie's collar jingling as she itches

I'm looking forward to - lunch with a long lost friend I haven't seen in 7 or 8 years ... kinda nervous but mostly excited!

I need to - make a organizing list and get hopping before this baby is born :)

Something Funny!

So this weekend (on Saturday) we went to Jerome for our Stauffer Family Reunion - we saw so a lot of family that we hadn't seen in a while. It was very nice to also see my immediate family as I hadn't seen them in a few months.

The reunion was at a park and we ate really yummy food like prime rib, delicious salads and tasty desserts.

After eating we went swimming at the Rec Center there. We took all the kids and they loved it! We were just swimming around and then all the sudden, out of nowhere, I started singing - I've Got You Under My Skin... just singing along then Casi says - literally, you literally got something under you skin. We just laughed and laughed till tears were filled in our eyes. It was hysterical!

Don't Talk To Strangers!! vs. Be Friendly!!

So... for the last couple times that we have took a trip to the grocery store, my little rascal has been - And I'm not kidding! - seems like he is running for President of the United States! He is telling everyone! and I mean everyone! Hello! Good Bye! Hi! (with a sweet little wave) and I'm surprised that he isn't kissing babies and signing ladies chests... this kid is flirty, friendly and seriously outgoing! It, sort of, embarrasses me... just a teeny tiny - but then the mama in me is so proud of him for being friendly and sweet. EVERYONE always smiles and says hi and just gets a kick out of him.

Last time we were in Winco I thought for sure that people were kind of worried about him because it was just after his dad shaved his head WAY TOO SHORT! so people kind of were looking at him like... is he sick? oh well, I'll just say hi - and they'd say something like, "you're so cute" and "awwwwwww" But tonight they were just like regular friendly back to him since he doesn't look like such a poor little bald pale boy :(

When is it okay to say be friendly and when is time to say - don't talk to strangers? I always want my kids to be greeting people with smiles and be friendly - that is what I try and do... I guess the challenge is teaching them that in certain situations you do have to be quiet and also to learn to read people's character and know when they are trustworthy vs. not trustworthy/shady - ya know?

My Wish

Some of you might recognize the lyrics below it is to the song sung by Rascal Flatts. I love it and I always thought portions of it would be so cool stenciled somewhere maybe in a kids room or maybe a play room... I love it so much and I wanted to share! Enjoy!

I hope that the days come easy and the moments pass slow,

And each road leads you where you want to go,

And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,

I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.

And if one door opens to another door closed,

I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,

If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile,

But more than anything, more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,

All the ones who love you, in the place you left,

I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,

And you help somebody every chance you get,

Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,

And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,

Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,

You never need to carry more than you can hold,

And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,

I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,

Yeah, this, is my wish.

This is my wish I hope you know somebody loves you

May all your dreams stay big

Snot Rag!

So Pauly has a new trick... he has always been the type of kid to HATE and I mean hate! having a snotty nose... most kids will just let it drip down (mom, I know your gagging right now :) and they lick it and well you know... Anywho... Pauly ever since he could say it will say "Nose..!" after he sneezes. He'll sneeze than say "Nose!" waiting for whoever is closest to wipe his nose - BUT lately he has a new trick where he'll sneeze - say "Nose!" then wipe his nose on ... YOU! So watch out Mimi! He does it almost every time. I can't wait to see what happens if he does it on Grandpa Bill at the family reunion. Hilarious!

Busy little Mr. Brown!

If you could, you'd want to follow daddoo all day long,

right behind him, with your matching blue jeans on,

Belt buckle, work boots and that hat pulled down tight,

Keep up! Gotta keep up! with all your Might!

Please help daddy feed the horses and fix that worn out fence,

You're an awesome daddy's helper, but that only makes sense!

Mama and Sissy will be waiting for you both with arms open wide,

They're so proud of you brother for working by daddy's side!

Wrangling the doggys and keeping a really close eye,

on those chickens, kittens and cows - Be careful! Oh My!

You're busy, yes so busy, you've got lots of things to do,

but now it's time to sleep Mr. Brown and shut those eyes of blue!

In the morning it will start again and there will be lots and lots to see,

like rocks and sticks and muddy holes and don't forget to climb that tree!

Our busy little Mr. Brown, you're quite the little guy,

May the Lord bless and keep you, for you're the apple of our eye!

Love you forever, Aunt Sam

Where do I begin?

Do you ever feel like you are watching your life and not participating in it? I've been feeling this way for a while and I just can't seem to snap out of it! I am in a fog and I have aspirations of "the woman I want to be" and know I have it in me somewhere... I just can't seem to get the ball rolling in the right direction.

My sister and I were talking about this the other day and I was telling her what I was working on, as far as personal goals and aspirations, and she was telling me about her things. This way we can encourage each other - but honestly it obviously can't just end there... I've got to Start! I've got to get going! or I'll be sitting here another 10 more years from now and wish I would have (as I do now).

These aren't really career things, I've never really been a career type gal - I never went to college, I've never really had any true career goals or ideas of "What I wanted to be when I grow up" my challenges mainly include becoming a Woman of Substance for mainly my God, my family and myself. I need to establish a daily, weekly, monthly routine consisting of everything from exercise, to family time, to home projects and goals, and don't forget outings for the kiddo.

As the Proverbs 31 verse goes I want to be a Godly woman, I am going to work towards my husband and children being proud of me and I hope they see me more precious than any jewel in the world, I will strive to be more diligent with the affairs of our home, become a noble woman and every morning rises before those in my home and that way I can get my day started seeking his face, with prayer and devotion.

So, where do I start? I feel like I'm getting swallowed by the never ending tornado... I can't get out of the pulling and swirling of what the world wants and the idea that I've already failed and there is !No Hope! I should be this woman already! Where did I go wrong, why am I stuck!? I guess I could go on and on about asking questions as to Why and How did this happen and Where did I go wrong?

BUT!! That isn't going to get me anywhere. I've wrote out my plan and all I can do is pray and Start!

This morning I read something on DivineVerses.com and it mentioned that we can set up plans but those plans don't necessarily mean they are God's plan for us. It reminded me that I need to seek his ways first and rely on him for the plan for my life. (Prov 3:5-6) So I have a outline, "a game-plan", and I will seek him daily for guidance and strength... by listening (can't forget the most important part) that is the only way to Start!

Proverbs 3:9-18
9 Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. 11 My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of his correction: 12 For whom the Lord loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. 13 Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. 14 For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.

Reporting for Duty

Daddy got a little carried away with the haircut last night. The Army called and wants Pauly. Such a great head won't go unnoticed!

When Ben was done cutting his hair, I took him in the bathroom and held him up to the mirror and he looked at himself, said "OH! No" and hung his head in shame. It was kind of sad... (but kinda funny too!)

I think mama goes back to doing the haircut again next time! Daddy is FIRED!

Tick - Tock - Tick - Tock

I often wonder if my house has that certain comfort that just makes you want to return as soon as possible. Both of my Grandma's houses had clocks in them that would make lovely sounds on the 1/2 hour and hour mark. I loved them! I loved hearing it during the night, knowing everyone was all snuggly in their beds and the clock was ticking and tocking along till morning when I would wake to be greeted by my Grandma Pattie's smile and hugs or my Grandma Sally's sweet songs that was either 'You are my Sunshine' or 'Good Morning to you, Good Morning to you - you look like a monkey and you smell like one too'... I loved every second of it! I also loved I could tell what time it was without even waking up all the way and I didn't have to get out of bed to check - I instantly knew the count down till morning... Ahhhhh... simply lovely.

I want my house to have that certain loveliness about it. I want my kids to hear that lovely tune during the night and know they are safe in bed and look forward to the morning where they will be greeted by my smiling face, a hug and maybe a sweet song or two. My house is probably too small right now for one of these beauties but some day I'll have a clock and it might not be as big as these but it will sing that sweet tune to assure us that morning is on its way.

photographed by James Merrell

Scottish Mahogany Round Dial Grandfather Clock

Masterpiece Faux Black Cherry Mini Grandfather Clock

Bulova Jerome I Bulova Villa


Cream Grandfather Clock

If you are wondering the first one was my favorite! I couldn't find who made it only who photographed it. Takes my breath away...

1 Little Monkey Sitting on the Dresser?

So... Last night Pauly was being WAY too quiet in his bedroom - so Ben decided to go sneak in his bedroom just to see what he is doing. A lot of time we'll just catch him sitting on the floor or on his bed reading a book. It is adorable - he loves to read!

BUT yesterday, he was sitting on top of his dresser. He wasn't doing anything - just sitting very still on his dresser - of course it was where he could climb on one thing and over to it - so I've got some rearranging to do. I think no matter where I move things he will still climb. That is just the stage.

Tonight, he was jumping from couch to ottoman back to couch. Ben keeps saying thank God we have insurance because soon enough we'll take our turn with our trip to the Emergency Room (Knock on wood)... 2 boys - I think, unfortunately, it is inevitable!

Boys' Room!

I plan to put the two boys in the same room as the other two bedrooms in our house are down in our basement. My Little Man is too little still to go down in the basement all by his lonesome. He'll only be 2 in September so for now they will go in the same room. I plan to keep the room the same for the most part but maybe changing up a few things. I was looking through Google Images to see what ideas I could find. Here is a pic of the nursery when Pauly was born and for the most part (minus rocking chair, nightstand then add in a toddler bed and a toy box) it is the same... I really want to paint their names on some boards or maybe directly on the wall. Maybe just their initials like this

I also ran onto this cool idea which I completely love. The alphabet letters in all sorts of different fonts and colors. We don't have any crown molding in that room but just putting up a boarder like this and maybe painting beyond that a separate lighter color and same as the ceiling would really be appealing to the eye.Then I found this sign and I just couldn't help myself. Maybe I can recreate it on my own... I bet I can ;)

I've still been struggling getting Little Man's quilt done that includes the same bold colors as the baby bedding set. I've got to get focused and get it done before I get too big! I wasn't sure if I had posted any ultra sound pictures so here is a couple. We are calling HIM Dos. (as in #2) (Paul's nickname when he was in utero was Banjo - it was a nickname that came to a dream of his Auntie Holly - so we just called him that as we kept his name a secret from the family and that is what we are doing again - not that we have a name yet anyway... we are really struggling :)

Spit like a Man!

So... on Thursday - Pauly and Daddy went to watch some men practice Rugby. These are some men that not to long ago Ben played Rugby with and is friends with. Pauly had a great time watching them and they played with him and talked to him.

They came home and Pauly was tired! Just worn out! We got him bathed and then off to bed. The next morning, Ben left for work and Pauly and I were hanging out at the house and I noticed that he was squatting down and spitting. ALL THE TIME! I had to tell him no spitting just when you brush your teeth and outside - okay!

Daddy got home and explained to me that he had learned about spitting during the Rugby practice. I was totally NOT MAD! about this - I think it is perfectly natural and totally adorable for a little boy to want to be like his daddy and spit and stuff! Don't get me wrong it is hysterical watching spit drip down his chin because, of course, it takes practice! But just the same it is darn cute!

Now, he has also started telling me he doesn't want his shirt on because... (you got it) he wants to be like daddy and run around without a shirt all the time. It is totally adorable!

I just can't believe all these Men I'm surrounded by! Not to mention the one that has taken up residence in my uterus who thinks he can kick me anytime he wants to! (mouthing the words... !!Help Me!!)

Special Agent Dos...

Some of you may remember when I was pregnant with Pauly... Our Auntie Holly had a dream that we named him Banjo! Hilarious right? Well... that became Pauly's nickname while he was in utero.

Have you seen Special Agent Oso on the Disney Channel? Ben gets that silly song stuck in his head and well let's be honest... we all get it stuck in our head. So last night, we were out on the front lawn talking (it was gorgeous out last night!) Pauly was playing with Dapher and Ben said Special Agent Dos that is #2's nickname... So I shall call him Dos... Here are a few ultra sound pictures of our baby boy "Dos".

Nickname: Special Agent Dos

Makes My ♥ Smile...

This picture is so inspirational to me! I love the color and shape of the tile. The glass cupboard doors make it feel so open and delightful. I love the wooden wicker like shades. So very beachy and fun! Yes please...

photo from: My Home Ideas

The bedroom below kind of looks like something you would find upstairs at Grandma's House... Okay, Okay Grandma in the Hamptons but just the same... very put together, the ocean colors and crisp linens are delish, along with the white boards that goes up three quarters up the wall - Awesome!

photo by: Posh Living, LLC Beach House bedroom on Flickr

Now, this bed! Who couldn't fade away into the sweet dream land in it?! I adore the white wood plank walls and what about that door? I would love one or two of those doors in my house with the frosted glass... Yum!

photo by: Studio M Design on Flickr

I swear I was born on the wrong side of the U.S. I adore this house in East Hamptons... (who doesn't?) Can't you just imagine waking up to this view and drinking coffee out on the porch? Then later taking a nice walk along the beach collecting sea shells.

photo by: drbeach.org

Picture this... You and the one you love sitting here for hours.

photo by: Just Beachy
What makes your heart smile?

I ♥ Ina!!

The Barefoot Contessa is something I look forward every day at 3 p.m. on Food Network. My boy is usually still not up from his nap by then and I can squeeze in one last moment of peace and quiet with Ina Garten.

From her fabulous kitchen and yard to her scrumptious, decedent desserts and don't forget those fantastic tips and tricks for party favors and table settings. I just love her! She is sunny, beautiful, classy and timeless! Take it all in and enjoy Ina asap!