Mommy's Reading Again

Now that we're getting used to our new schedule, I've started to get back into things I enjoy. Mark and I have been tackling our yard and garden again. Which feels so good! There is just something, about digging in the dirt, that heals the soul!

And during the day, I'm finding a lot of "down time." Probably because I'm getting up earlier. Much earlier. And I get so much housework done. By the time I get Elena to school, I'm usually completely caught up with the cleaning. OK, there is still laundry to do. But that just kind of does itself. You know, throw it in the machine, and it washes.

When the girls go down for their naps, I'm sorta without anything to do. I mean, there is always something to do, but I actually have some free time. Well, I'm working on this project for me. Which makes me so happy! And I've started reading again.

With that, I've leaned on some friends for book suggestions. Things that will interest me. And aren't too crazy. I've also been reading my Bible a lot more. Which really heals my soul!! But recently, I've really gotten into this book.



Now I've read other books by Jennifer Weiner. They really are good. But I'd never read this one before. Which is about the "suburbs." And a murder. Which has had me completely "hooked," all week long!

I have Lola to thank for introducing me to Jennifer's books. And Cam to thank for this book. So around 11AM, I've probably got this book in my hand. Oh, and a sweet treat in the other! A

Something for Mommy

I had a lot of fun, participating in this Crochet Along. I actually finished my owl bag on time! And now, I need to make another 2. :) My 1st one was for Elena. But Ofelia just adores it too! My niece, who is a bit older, also asked me to make her one. I'm going to be a little busy. But it really is a fun and easy pattern to work with.

Just as I was finishing up, I noticed that Lola was hosting another Crochet Along. With her mom. And this one, is for a beautiful shawl. Something I could definitely use! So I signed up. :)



Mark just laughs. But I do think I'm "hooked" on crochet! Like I've said before, I don't have a lot of time to crochet. But when the girls are napping, and I'm all caught up on "house stuff," I like to sit and relax. Crocheting is helping me to do just that. Relax.

I'm really excited about this project. Because this is something I could use. In more ways than one. Yes, after 3 girls, I'm starting to realize even I need a break. At least for a few minutes every day. And this momma, could really use a few more additions to her closet. A

Last Week of Summer

Today marks our last week of summer. Officially. Elena starts school next Monday!! Yes, I'm still not sure about this whole thing. But you know, she's growing up. And we have to let her. You know, she still needs her momma to guide her on her way. And I'm definitely here for that!

But I wanted to do something special to start off our week. And I wasn't quite sure what to do. I called my friend Lola. Funny how that works. She has no kids, but I ALWAYS turn to her!

And what did Lola suggest? Maybe a mini shopping trip. To buy a special little something, to take to school. Something that would remind Elena of home. And of course, a new book! Thanks again Lola! We have on happy girl on our hands!!

Mark even wanted in on the fun! So he's taking a "half day." And I've got the girls this morning. Just enjoying the good life. In our pjs. We watched some cartoons, snacked on fruit, and now the girls are napping.

And when they wake up, we'll get ready to head out. They know about all this. And our adventure to a local bookstore. We like to shop local when we can. So the little bookstore it is. And hopefully, we can find a cute surprise, while we're out. Before all this...a little summer treat!!

And what is this exactly? An orange coke float. Another idea from Lola. :) I should have remembered these, from when we were younger. Lola would always ask for a coke float, with orange soda. She said it reminded her of Dreamsicles. Yum!



Doesn't that just sound yummy? I think so! And it's a nice way to kick off our week. We're also planning a bigger adventure on Friday. I'm a little nervous, about my baby going to school. So I'm going to enjoy every last second of her, this week! Remembering the days, before she went to school, and was still my baby girl! A

Cute and Refreshing

This has been a busy week. I feel like all holidays, kind of make the week a little more crazy than normal. But we wouldn't have it any other way! Seriously. Because on Wednesday, we got to spent the day with our friends and family. At my SIL and BIL's Ranch. Which let me tell you, is a nice change of pace.

And now that we're settling back into our routine, it's been refreshing. Is my family the only one, that completely thrives on a solid routine? Because we do! It's almost like clockwork. And it works well for us.

Along with our little routine, I'm excited about this Crochet Along. My friend Lola, and her goddaughter are hosting it. And well, I'm just a sucker for some good "kid stuff!"



I've signed up. And actually started working ahead. I figure, I need all the help I can get. With 3 little girls, I don't get lots of time to crochet. On top of that, I'm not a fast crocheter. Let's hope I get it done by the end of the Crochet Along. That's my goal. I'd feel very accomplished. Oh, and there's still time to sign up if you're interested! A

So Sweet!!!

It's no secret, that this is our 3rd baby. In our family, we have 1 baby shower. For the first baby. After that, people are still happy for you. With each additional baby. But everyone feels like, now you know what to expect. You should have things from your previous babies to use. A little more on your feet. And your now a mommy, and know a little more about what's ahead.

I think this is a good thing. You celebrate with family, and get advise, the 1st time around. After that, people still bring gifts by. But it's a little more low key. I really like that. Our other babies are not loved less. It's just more low key.

So what happened yesterday, really surprised me! Lola has been in town. Her uncle past away over the weekend. But while the family has been trying to make arrangements, I've gotten to spend some much needed time, with my friend. Who has also been working on baby girl's nursery. :)

Yesterday, I had already agreed to be out of the house. So Lola could finish the nursery. I figured that, as a family, we'd get to see it complete after dinner. The girls and I, left early in the morning. Met my FIL for breakfast. And then we went shopping. About an hour into shopping, Lola called me. And asked if I could come home. I thought, oh no! What happened?

We headed home.When we got here, I was shocked! Lola and Lorenzo planned a "Baby Tea Party" for us! I'm pretty sure that I've said it before, but Mark's family owns a business. Lorenzo runs it. Mark, his brothers, and cousins all work for it. So they got to take the day off, with no problems. My MIL took the day off of work. As did Mr. and Mrs. S, lots of friends, and more family!

This was such a nice and unexpected surprise. It wasn't about the presents. But we really did appreciate those! All of them. :) It was about getting time with our family and friends. Seeing how happy they are, for us. Starting this new chapter, in our lives.



The food was plentiful. Something tells me, Lola spent all night cooking! This was definitely my favorite! If you haven't made it yet, run out and buy all the ingredients. It's super simple. And so delicious!

The day was perfect! Lots of food, friends, and family. An easy going day. Nothing too complicated. Lots of celebrating our baby girl. And our big girls too! And to top it all off, Lola and Lorenzo finished the nursery. Little did I know, it was finished the other night. When they came over, with a few friends. And let me tell you, it's beautiful!

Now I really can't wait for our baby girl to come! This is such a special time in our lives. And we have so many wonderful people, in our lives. We are blessed! Yesterday showed Mark and I, that we picked the perfect Godparents for our daughter. It was not about the gifts or party, but about the love, that they showered our family with! A

Happy Birthday Lola!

We just want to wish one of our favorite people in the entire world, a very Happy Birthday!! Lola has been a life long friend. Of both mine, and Mark's. Someone that has been through so much, with us. We're very lucky to have Lola in our lives. Have a wonderful birthday!! Hope all your wishes come true. :) A

Little Duckies

I've been working on this blanket. And I've been an active part of Lola and Mander's Crochet Along. It's been a lot of fun. Keeps me motivated on my project. And I'm now hopeful, that by the time our daughter arrives, she'll have another cute blanket! What kind of projects are you working on? Is there something that I should try too? A

We Finally Picked One!!!!

A name!! Mark and I finally agreed on a name. With only a month before her arrival, it's nice to have a name picked for our baby girl! We decided to follow our past behavior, and to not tell anyone. :) Except Lola and Lorenzo. Because they are going to be our baby girl's Godparents. And well, they need to come up with a middle name! But we're excited!!!

And a little sad at the same time. Since we're 99% sure, that this is going to be our last pregnancy. We're trying to soak up all the little things. To not anticipate them. Rather, live in the moment. And enjoy everything! But in one month, at least our daughter will have a name!!! A

Oh Baby!

Ofelia saw this doll. Friday morning. While I was reading Hart + Sew. And has been asking for this baby ever since! Mark tried to buy her, a doll at the store. But that's just not, what Ofelia wants. She wants this cute doll. I can't blame her! This doll is 100X's cuter, than those at the store. And so much softer! I'm hoping that Sam or Lola, can help me sew one up. Maybe Mrs. S. I definitely want to make, each of my little girls, there own special baby doll. A

Our Inspiration

I don't think it's a shock, that I like purple, pink, and turquoise. I just adore these colors! In some way, I wanted to incorporate these colors into our daughter's nursery. I found inspiration here. In this fabric. In a more soothing, relaxing, and inviting color palette.



We've decided on lavender walls. White furniture. And Lola tells me, she's picked the perfect fabrics! I'm so excited to see them. :) But the nursery, will be off limits, until late March. Wow! But I trust my dear friend. I know, most of the nursery is going to be handmade. Many of the items going in, are going to be collected, over many different stores. I know, that Lola knows me well. And now, I'm feeling a sense of relief. We're going to be ready for our daughter's arrival! A

Making It Pretty

We're starting to think about Spring and Summer already. And gardening. My in-laws are big motivators in this department. My FIL, plants an amazing garden, every year. He encourages, all his grandkids to help out. Many times, he sends Elena and Ofelia home, with little plants. To plant at our house.

Mark and I, have been really good, about planting a little garden. Over the years, we've added some fruit trees, to our yard. All year long, we grow herbs in our kitchen window. I'd say, we're doing pretty well. :)

But we have a rather long driveway. It's a little boring. When we first bought our home, we planted trees along it. They are growing nicely. And it's a really nice look. But, you know there's always a but! Our driveway is lacking in color. Big time!

When you get to our house, we always plant pretty flowers. We've got roses, irises, and gladiolas. We add in annuals, for color. It looks so pretty, late in the Spring. But our driveway, is so drab! Then I remembered Lola. She planted these gorgeous roses. Along her driveway. And they grow nice and low. So I called her. :)



She pointed me in the right direction. And we just ordered 30 of these rose bushes. I told you, our driveway is long! I can't wait to see, what it's all going to look like. Imagine in 2 or 3 years! This just excites me. I also wonder, when our roses will get here. And if I'll be able to help Mark plant them. A

Nursery Ideas....

3 months from today, is my due date! Where has the time gone? I swear, this pregnancy is flying by! And we're not really ready. I've managed to get the girls' baby clothes out. And washed. For the most part. I've made a little list of things, that we're going to need. As our babies, have all been born in different seasons.

Mark and I, did manage to buy the carseat today. We are completely OK with using "hand me downs." Just not with the carseats and cribs. I think those need to be repurchased every time. For safety reasons.

But we're stuck on nursery ideas. Lola and Lorenzo are incredibly generous! They've offered to cover the expense, of our baby girl's nursery. Such amazing Godparents! Lola has helped me in the past. She could have been an amazing interior designer. She is just a natural at it! And she helped design Elena and Ofelia's nurseries. And now, their "big girl rooms!"

Ideas? I'm lost on those. For the nursery. And I need some! Soon! As Lola has a very busy schedule. And I'd like to give her some ideas. Before much more time goes by. I've been staying up late, looking through so many nursery websites. Do you have any ideas? For our baby girl's nursery?



Where not much into "matchy, matchy" things. We like that "collected over time" look much better. Mark and I want something that our daughter can grow with. So not too "babyish." No cartoons. Something simple, girly, and inviting. I'd love to hear your ideas! Please! A

For Our Baby

Yesterday, we shared with our family and friends, and you too, that we're expecting a baby girl! Honestly, we're thrilled! I always thought, in the back of Mark's mind, that he might want a little boy. But he honestly doesn't. He cried, when we saw her, for the first time. Every ultrasound picture we've gotten, he takes and frames them. Makes a copy, to put in his wallet. Yes, my husband is a "Girl Daddy." And he loves it!

I'm so excited too! I wasn't sure, how I'd handle a boy. I think it would be fun, and interesting, to have a son. I watch my BILs and my own brother, with their sons. It blows my mind, just how different girls and boys are. But I'm so excited, that we're having another girl. Our daughters, are over the moon! As much as a 3 and 1/2 year old, and 22 month old can be. :)



In the back of mind, over a year ago, I'd seen this pattern. Lola was making it. And I always hoped, that I'd have another daughter. And I'd learn to crochet. Just so I could make it for her! The first thing I did this morning, was print out this pattern. I have just over four months, to finish this project! I've dreamt about it for so long! And now, I can't wait to meet our little girl! A

New Inspiration

I've gotten some new inspiration lately. You know, to blog more. Mostly from my SIL and Lola. I've never really been good at this. I was better at twitter. But somehow, I fell off that bandwagon too. Much like FB and MySpace. But I'm trying.

And I really want to be better at this. I think it's a good tool to keep in touch with friends and family. And a great way to record memories! That part, I really enjoy. :)

So I'm going to work on a little "blog" schedule. I'm going to try to post more often. Oh, and share my new love of crochet with the world! Thanks for teaching me Lola! I'm having so much fun! And my girls are really loving all their new toys. A

Cute Bunny Baskets

I'm doing something a little silly. Since I've only been crocheting, for 2 months. But I fell in love, with these little baskets. And I knew, I just had to join Lola and Manders' Crochet Along! The whole idea is, to crochet an Amigurumi Bunny Basket. Over a few weeks. They're going to be posting a goal, each week. Hopefully, I can keep up! My goal is, to have 2 made by Easter. For my daughters. A little ambitious. I know. But I have faith, that I can get it done! If you crochet, you should join in on the fun! A

Learning to Crochet

Lola has been in town. Since her dad got sick. I'm not exactly sure, just how long she's going to be here. But we're all enjoying her company! Very much! There have been many lunches. Lots of trips to the library. And a few runs to the store.

One thing that I've always wanted to learn, is how to crochet. And anyone that knows Lola, knows that she is skilled! So is her mom. :) I watched as Lola, mindlessly crocheted in the hospital. And it just intrigued me.

A few days ago, I asked Lola to show me the basics. We went to Hobby Lobby, and stocked up, on supplies. And one night, we had her over for dinner. Mark agreed to clean up the kitchen after dinner. So that we could get started. :)



I was hooked from the very beginning! Every time we go visit her dad, I bring along my crochet. Just so I could ask a question or 2. From Lola, or her mom. Right now, I'm working on this blanket. In these colors. For Elena. Lola insisted, that it's a very basic pattern. And it really is easy. Even for this beginner. I'm slowly coming along!

When I finish it, I want to start a pink and turquoise one for Ofelia. This might take a while, but I'm OK with that. I never realized, just how calming crocheting is. Thank you Lola! You've taught me something, that I've wanted to do for years. And I love it! A