You Know What Really Grinds My Gears? (and a menu!)

I normally like to pride myself on being an optimist. No one likes a Debbie Downer, Nelly Negative or someone who just can't seem to find enough to complain about. (At least I don't like them anyway!) I've found life is just much easier when you can find something good in everything.  But lately there have been so many things that have gotten under my skin that I can't help but give in and complain. So here goes...

• When you find out that this is my third pregnancy, DO NOT say the following:

• "You need to slow down!" (Why? Is my pregnancy pace to much for your stupidity to keep up with?)
• "Don't you know what causes that?" (Yeah, it's called sex. Unfortunately, I don't know what causes you to say such rude things.)
• "You had a boy and a girl! I thought you were done!" (Oh, I'm sorry that I've screwed up YOUR vision of MY perfect family.)
• "Are you getting your tubes tied after this?" (Not that it's your business at all what happens to 'my tubes', but no. I'm not. Are you getting your mouth wired shut so you can't ask things like that?)
• I'm fully aware that my house can be "a mess". When you mention something about it, I'm going to assume that you're being funny and sympathetic. When your twelve year old mentions it, I'm going to assume that you haven't taught him any manners.
• I've chosen to be a stay-at-home mom. This does not mean I am lazy, uneducated, or not ambitious. It also does not mean that I have nothing better to do than be at your beck and call - no "job" does not equal no life.
• Not everyone is obsessed with their size. I may be fat, but I'm also smart, funny, cute, and a thousand other wonderful things. Get over yourself.
• I don't go to church because I think I'm better than you. I go to church because I think I can be a better me.

I wish I could say that this made me feel better. But it didn't really. So that will conclude my "You Know What Really Grinds My Gears?" series. :-)

It is no use to grumble and complain;
It's just as cheap and easy to rejoice;
When God sorts out the weather and sends rain -
Why, rain's my choice.
~James Whitcomb Riley

And here's whats for dinner:
Monday - Hacienda leftovers (Super YUM!)
Tuesday - Hamburgers, corn on the cob
Wednesday - Buffalo Chicken Dip and salad
Thursday - Enchilada Pie
Friday - Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs: Peer Pressure Edition

After saying I needed a few boppy covers, numerous people told me/commented that I should use my 'skills' and make them. This had crossed my mind, but I knew it would require effort and honestly I just don't want to do anything these days except sit and watch The Daily Show on my DVR. But I caved to the pressure and gave it a whirl. I found a tutorial online (there are only about 1.7 trillion links to one if you do a google search!) and found one that was pretty basic. So basic that I could have figured it out on my own. Anyway!

I just traced the slipcover I had onto some freezer paper, ironed the freezer paper to some cute material, cut, sewed and I came up with this:

I carefully pointed out a few flaws (and my toe) and put a baby in it...well, just because I could. This cover is a little snug, especially around the middle section. So the next one I'll make sure I cut a little bigger. I'm not sure I cut big enough for the seam allowance. I don't have a zipper big enough for it right now so I'm debating on whether or not to purchase a bigger zipper or go for the zipper's cheaper, easier sister Velcro. I'm also debating on whether or not to just use the cotton I have in my stash or find some soft knit to try.

 Once I actually got off my tookus and DID it, it really only took me about an hour tops and saved me $10-15. And it's a good thing I bought a second boppy, cause I may not be getting this one back.

One Word Wednesday

Why I Love My Church

This was played on Sunday as a promo to a new 'blitz' our church is doing. (We are giving away free umbrellas at the next First Friday in Goshen!) I'm pretty sure even Jesus giggled at this.



The Great Big Umbrella Blitz Promo from Scott Avey on Vimeo.


For more information about my church, check out Grace Community Church.

Forbidden Fruit and a Menu!

I've never been much of a drinker. I don't have a problem with those who drink (responsibly!), I've just found that:

1. Beer is nasty
2. Wine gives me migraines
3. Everything else just makes me sleepy/grouchy

But for some reason, everytime I'm pregnant I WANT BOOZE. And just the fruity stuff - Mike's Hard Lemonade, Coconut Rum, Strawberry Vodka, Blueberry and Lemonade Smirnoff....mmmmmm. Strangely I never have the desire to drink any of these when I'm not pregnant. I think it's just a case of "I Want What I Can't Have". I did recently see chocolate wine at the grocery store. Just the thought of that makes me want to throw up. EW.

Any strange cravings while you were pregnant?

Anyhoo, here's the menu plan for this week:

Monday - Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo
Tuesday - Roasted Vegetables and Penne
Wednesday - Carolina Marinated Pork Tenderloin (I don't like pork, but hubby does. I'm taking one for the team!)
Thursday - Leftover Buffet or Bubble Pizza
Friday - Frozen Pizza 

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs : Food Edition

eeGo Bottles - Not what we are using, but super cute!

I've had a very easy time with breastfeeding. Both of my kids took to it like fish to water. Riley spoiled me by being on an exact three hour schedule. Brenna on the other hand had me convinced that she was literally going to suck the life out of me because all she wanted to do was eat! (Once we were home from the hospital she quickly started to sleep through the night - and I began to think we should keep her.) I realize how lucky I am to have no issues with feeding and am going to assume that this baby will be just as easy. So for the first months of her life, she'll be getting her food from...

I was only able to breastfeed for about six months with my first two. I was working full-time then and even though my job was really great and provided a special room for nursing mothers (something that is unheard of in most workplaces!) I would eventually stop producing enough and have to supplement. I was okay with that, but I'm looking forward to NOT buying formula with this one! That stuff is so expensive! 

 I have gotten a few accessories to make it easier, such as: 

This Medela Pump I stole bought from Myra. (Seriously good deal on this!) 

Medela bottles and freezer storage. We had used Avent before but they leak! So we are giving these a whirl. 

And of course the boppy. We have two, I just need to purchase covers for them. I'm having a hard time finding the cute ones they advertise on their site. I refuse to settle for anything less  than supercute.

I also purchased two nursing bras, two nursing camis (to wear at night) and will probably pick up another nursing bra down the road. And yes Haley, I have nipple cream. :-)

Anything I'm missing?

A Letter To My Child's Teacher

I wish I could take credit for this gem, but I copied this directly from The Five-Minute Mom's Club website. I can really see myself doing this someday, because not only do I also feel bat-**** crazy some days but I think my kids also communicate in interpretive dance. 


Enjoy!

Dear Mrs. X,
In just over a week, you will be my son’s Grade 1 teacher. He is ever so excited to be under your tutelage. Why, since the last day of kindergarten, entering your class was all he could talk about. He gleefully thrust a piece of paper into my hand on that June afternoon, and said, “Here’s a list of the stuff I need for school next September!”
And I have to admit, I, too, was excited. I’m a school supplies geek from way back. And so, in early August, I set out to buy the items you’d listed. It was on my fourth store that the realization began to sink in. You’re a crafty ONE, aren’t you?
This list was a thinly disguised test. Could I find the items, exactly as you’d prescribed? Because if not, my son would be That Kid, the one with the Problem Mother, Who Can’t Follow Directions.
For example, the glue sticks you requested. In the 40 gram size. Three of the little buggers. (What kind of massive, sticky project you’ve got planned for the first day of school that would require the students to bring all this glue, I cannot imagine.) But the 40 gram size doesn’t come in a convenient 3-pack. The 30 gram size does. But clearly, those would be wildly inappropriate. So I got the individually priced 40’s, as per your instructions.
Another bit of fun was your request for 2 packs of 8 Crayola crayons (basic colors). The 24 packs, with their 24 different colors, sat there, on sale. I could have purchased three of the 24 packs for the price I had to pay for the 8 packs. (Clearly, you’ll not be teaching the youngsters any sort of economics lessons this year.) Even the cashier looked at me, as if to say, “Pardon me, ma’am, but are you slow?” as I purchased these non-bargain crayons. But that’s what the list said. And I was committed to following the list.
But the last item, well, now, you saved your malice up for that one, didn’t you? “8 mm ruled notebooks”, you asked for. Simple enough. Except the standard size is seven millimetres. One. Millimetre. Difference. Do you realize, Mrs. X., exactly how infinitesimal the difference between 7 mm ruling and 8 mm ruling is? Pretty small, I assure you. The thickness of a fingernail, approximately. But that millimetre, that small bit of nothingness, made me drive to four different stores, over the course of three sweaty August hours. And when I finally, finally found the last remaining 8 mm notebooks, I took no pleasure in my victory. I merely shifted my focus. To you, Mrs. X.
You wanna dance, lady? Let’s dance. Because I am just bat**** crazy enough to play your games. And, in turn, come up with some of my own.
On show and share day, my son will be bringing the video of his birth. It will be labeled, “Ben’s First Puppy.” Enjoy.
At some point, you will attempt to teach him mathematics. And I’m quite sure that, like most of your ilk, you will require my son to “show his work”. And he will. Through interpretive dance.
Because that is who you’ve chosen to tangle with, toots. A stay at home mom who is not entirely balanced, and has altogether too much time on her hands. But is, most certainly, A Mother Who Can Follow Directions.
Sincerely,
Ginny

One Word Wednesday

Oreos.

Mario Wisdom and a Menu

This weekend I was playing Mario Brothers with Riley on the Wii. He is getting better, but still feels like he has to physically jump when Mario jumps and often runs into the Goombas (And then yells at them, because it's clearly their fault.) I was trying to patiently (read - "through a clenched jaw")  help him when I had video game epiphany...playing video games with Riley is a lot like how it will be to watch him grow up. No matter how many times I try to run ahead and get rid of the bad guys or point out all the goodies (gold coins)  for him, ultimately I know I just have to sit back, trust he remembers what I've taught him and let him figure it out on his own - no matter how many times he jumps into the same pit.

Pretty deep for Mario Bros., eh? :)

And now that we have the beautiful Black Betty , I can plan my menu again!

Monday - Taco Salads
Tuesday - BBQ Chicken Sandwiches and Corn on the Cob
Wednesday - Lasagna
Thursday - Leftovers
Friday - Beef and Noodles 

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs : Name Edition

We have no idea what our little baby's name will be. Jeff named our other two (and did an awesome job!) so he's basically letting me have free reign with this baby. (Within reason of course. I wanted to name her Eugenia after my favorite character in my favorite book. Complete veto on that one!)

There are a few names that I keep coming back to, but nothing sounds just right. I want it to be different, but not weird. Cute for a little girl, but classy for a woman. Something that sounds respectful and not like she's destined to be a stripper. Here are the few I'm tossing around:

• Ella - I love Ella. It reminds me of both Eleanor Roosevelt (one of my favorite women in history) and elephants (my favorite animal). I think Ellie is such a cute name for a little girl, but neither Ella nor Ellie sound right for an adult.
• Allison - I don't have a specific reason for liking Allison. I just do. Although I do think there is some connection to my fondness for SYTYCD's Allison Holker (see side pic!) - who is beautiful, talented and a fellow curly girl.
• Lauren - Just a pretty, classy name that isn't heard often. My biggest fear is that she would be called "Laurie" and I hate that. 
• Elisabeth - I love the way this spelling looks - and it would eliminate her being called "Liz" which I don't like. Leaning more towards the middle name for this one. 
• Macey - (Or some variation on the spelling.) Such a cute name. I only know one other Macey (Spelled differently) and she is a doll! Just a fun name but still classy for an adult.
• Katelyn - I've loved Katelyn for years. A good friend also named her baby Caitlyn a few years ago. Unfortunately, Caitlyn passed away a week after she was born due to an undetected heart defect. So that name is very bittersweet to me. 

So I've made little progress. We still call her Baby Rosie after Riley's favorite girl train from Thomas and Friends. (Rosie is not a name I would consider!) I'm constantly on the look out for names and eventually we WILL find the right one! 

One Word Wednesday

Fashionista.

Bam Ba Lam

You may have noticed (or not) that I haven't posted my menu for quite a few Monday's. Our refrigerator was in it's final stages of life and it was hard to plan when I didn't know what would stay fresh and what wouldn't. But I can now plan happily ever after, here's the story...

Meet Crappy McCrapperson.

We've had this fridge for 6 years and I've hated it for about 5 1/2 of said years. Whoever thought a side by side fridge was a good idea was sadly mistaken. The freezer is practically non-existent and they are deep so things get shoved to the back and you can't see them until they are growing enough fuzz to practically move on their own. So when the freezer started going out, I was not sad. Ticked, but not sad.

Enter Mike and Matt from Lowes.

They removed Crappy and brought in the new love of my life - Black Betty. 

Be still my heart. A bottom freezer. Tons of space. AND my food. stays. cold. I still have no idea what we're having for dinner this week. But it's SO nice to have a fridge that works! 

Now enjoy this song that was written specifically for my fridge. :-)

What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs : Clothing Edition

I had a pretty decent freak out last night. Why, you ask? Take a peek over at my sidebar. See that green button? The one that mentions the third Rudd baby? Check out how much time I have left...go ahead, I'll wait.

Did you see it? 10 weeks. 69 days or less! (I refuse to think of going past the due date!) I can't believe I'm already at week 30. This pregnancy has gone so fast! Last night I found myself feeling very panicky - there is still so much I need to do/buy!

In reality, we are pretty ready, but I still feel so unprepared! So I'm going to take a few posts, lay out what I've got and what I plan on getting, and ask my fellow mommy's to give it a look and see what you think I'm missing.

• several newborn sleepers and gowns 
• two hooded towels
• breast pads
• newborn hats
• 7 cloth diapers

As soon as I'm childless and/or motivated to take the young'uns out, we'll head to Target to buy:

• a pack of disposable diapers (I'm not confident enough to go all cloth, so she will be a hybrid baby. Ooh, potential baby name? Prius Rudd? Nah.)
• newborn onesies and pants
• hopefully a maternity bra or four (I've used the same ones since Riley was born. They weren't the best quality to begin with, so I'm totally treating myself to some nice, new, fancy ones)

Clothing is really where I feel the most comfortable. I have an incredible weakness when it comes to buying clothes for my kids, so I've really had to watch myself and not go crazy. Especially when she'll wear newborn size for such a short time! I do also have a decent stash of 0-3 month sleepers, onesies and one piece outfits already on hand.

So, what do you think I'm missing? Anything you found you couldn't live without? Anything you think is a waste?

Becoming a Morning Person

I used to think I was a morning person. I'm not sure where I got that horribly wrong idea, but clearly I've seen the light. As a stay at home mom with young kids,  it's generally okay to not be a morning person.  However, Riley will start preschool again in the next few weeks and that will require me to have him up, ready and at school by 9:30. Last year it was a challenge to get him there by noon.

I've read the Inspired to Action blog for a while now and have skimmed the Maximize your Mornings e-book. When I saw this challenge, I knew I had to give it a whirl. I've only got a few weeks to whip my mornings into shape! So here goes! (In true Mighty B fashion, I'm several days late posting this. Next week it will hopefully be done by Monday - but honestly I'm not making any promises.)


1. What time will you wake up? I'm starting at 6:30 and would love to be up at 5:30 by the end of the month.


2. What time do you  need to go to bed to make sure you still get enough sleep? I really don't know what my body determines is 'enough' sleep. I normally get around 6-7 hours, so I'll shoot for 11:30 and work on rolling it back.


3. Collect all the items you need for your morning time: Eventually I would love to use this time to read my Bible, balance the checkbook, etc. But I don't trust myself to get up early and then sit down without falling asleep. So my coffee supplies are ready, dishes are in the dishwasher and laundry is ready to be started.


4. Set your alarm clack (and a backup clock, if necessary). Setting cell phone to 6:30am.


5. Find an accountability partner. I'm watching my niece and nephew until school starts and they arrive at 7.

I'm linking this post back to the Maximize your Mornings Challenge at So, I Married a Mennonite...

One Word Wednesday

Geeks.

(Both kids playing on our iPhones.)

My Kind of Dog

See more funny videos and TBT Videos at Today's Big Thing.

Looks a little like me when I'm shaking a tail feather.