Gender & Christmas

Lily Lee will be here in 12 weeks. OMG!

With Christmas just 2 weeks away I can't believe how quickly time flies. 

I'm sure there are lots of things we still lack for Miss Lily but we have some essentials. 

In an effort to better re-purpose our finances we have canceled cable. 

Our tree is lacking the usual number of gifts but to be honest the things I really want can't fit under the tree. My healthy child to be born this March, to be able to get my Masters in Women's health (BSN first of course) without sacrificing my sleep and missing my daughters life and having finances to do so. I thought the latter I might have a plan to achieve but that has been revealed as a failed attempt. Not giving up but somewhat discouraged and lost on how to do so. I also find myself unsure of how my child will have care provided when mom & dad are at work. Unfortunately life is not a board game that you can just restart from the beginning of adulthood (not that I have regrets but I could have planned some things differently). Through and through I know I have God and some family by my side. I have an adoring husband that I love so much and can't imagine life without him. I'm thrilled to welcome our child next year and hopefully a few years later we can welcome a sibling for her. So there is no gift under the tree that could give me what I'd like this year, unless there is a winning 6 figure + lotto ticket under there (the baby thing is all God though). 

Now for some link love....

• If anyone is in an extra giving nature, my baby registries are at Amazon.com & Walmart.com
• On pinterest I found some cool stuff (of course that isn't anything new, pinterest rocks). Baby apps here   Baby tips here 
• Check out the latest shopping trip of my fav coupon blogger Hip2Save here 
• In an attempt to get more financially in shape with the upcoming birth of our baby I am trying to shave the grocery budget, found this interesting article (not sure if I can trim too much with it but still useful). 

Well that's all I got. My back hurts and the sleepiness is setting in....

Getting ready for shopping...

Time for some Tidbits... aka things I find interesting...

• Black Friday is weeks away.... some bring on the leaked ads.... Of course I'm not really one to venture out on the event. I do cyber stalk my favorite stores online and of course make a T-day run to Walgreens & CVS.... Check of some leaked ads here... my fav so far is Walgreens (looking forward to walmart though). 
• Another favorite site is Deal News... I've gotten several good buys from visiting this site, particularly some awesome batteries last year but anywho. They cover everything from vacations to vitamins...
• Kohls is having their kohls cash event... If I knew the baby's gender I would definitely buy some clearance baby clothes....

Thanksgiving (from the heart not the belly)

So it has been a long while since I updated this thing....

I'm currently 23 weeks prego! And sick... yuck. Been sick nearly a week with a sinus thing. I was thinking back on the year and realized I've been sick a lot.... Jan, March, April, July, & now....I'd like to believe this is my last hoorah for this pregnancy but since I still have about 4 months left I have feeling the winter season will get to me....Prayers!!!

As it is now Nov (maybe a little sentimental due to the hormones) I want to express my thankfulness. This year I am very thankful. I am thankful that my mom and my brothers family and I are living in the same state again, just in time to welcome baby watts. I'm thankful for my husband. Perhaps the one silver lining to most of the reality trash on tv is that I am reminded that despite flaws we all posses, I have a good man by my side. He has gotten a new job this year and seems to be happier and hopefully will continue to rise to the changes as this next year is sure to full of them (like baby watts and someone going back to school - fingers crossed). I'm thankful for my little dog Max, because I love him so very much and grateful for every day God continues to bless me with is presence. He will always be my first baby (as tears stream down my face while type this). I'm thankful for my dad who is still protected during all his driving and will never probably truly know how much I appreciate him, his help, and how one day I will probably publicly acknowledge that without him I would not be or be doing what I am today. I am thankful that my husband and I have a beautiful home, good jobs, 2 good cars, etc.... I'm thankful for Gods everlasting presence in my life and though him I am able to achieve the goals and will he has set forth for me. That through the trials and tribulations, the many unknowns that he is always there as a shining star of hope in every dark night that approaches..... Last but not least I am thankful for this unborn child that is growing inside me as we speak. This child was no accident, my husband & I prayed for this baby and tried for months to conceive him or her. God willing this baby will be healthy and Rob & I will be far better parents than we ever could hope to be (as a few more tears trickle down my cheeks). Oh and I'm thankful that I was able to attend each football game and band competition in 2013.... Love miss H & K. 

Hump Day

So Last night I made some chocolate chip cookies; today mocha cookies and for dinner Beef Paprika. YUM! I can't tell you how handy it is for me to go to my previous blog post for the recipe vs searching my house. I also cleaned our "new to us" crib. My sister-in-law gave it to me, not hardly used as my niece kayla didn't really like cribs. 

This Friday is the game of the year, East vs West and then Saturday our first band competition. So excited.

My mom spent the night in the hospital last weekend. She seems better but it was stressful. I love my moms and hope she won't have any future issues. Grateful that MHHS was able to place her on my unit. 

September

Picture 1: My beautiful nieces, Holly & Kayla at the last football game
Picture 2: Miss Kayla in the pretty guard uniform, theme Disney princesses
Picture 3:  Miss Holly winning Homecoming queen (I cried)
Picture 4: My baby bump, aka baby wattsy at 16 weeks gestation

So at 16 weeks now, really 16 1/2. Went through a period of backaches, now just once in awhile. Frequent headaches, most likely stress and/or allergy related. Baby's heart rate is 145, no movement yet. Next appointment the sonogram! YAY!!!

So I have a most of the "needs" for the baby...
-Donated crib (not put together yet and dad probably bringing my baby crib too)
- my mom bought a dresser & stroller/car seat combo
- few clothing items
- a starter bath set
-wipes & diapers
-starter set of bottles & pacifier

Of course there are tons of "wants" but if I fast forwarded 5 months, I'd have enough to bring home baby without a major "I'm not ready" meltdown. Will probably get a mattress in the next few weeks. And after we know the gender in a month will add lots of stuff to the registry (like baby blankets, clothes, whatever I haven't added due to gender influenced colors).

We are pretty excited around here. Baby on the way, favorite season is here (fall), football games and competitions starting soon, potential for my nieces to be in a Disney world parade, etc. Hopefully God will continue to bless our family, our growing baby-to-be, our jobs/finances, our pets (aka babies), our home and cars, and of course of family and hearts! I hope everyone is having a blessed Fall like we are and that it will continue through to the new year!!!

Baby Bump

My Baby Bump!

I'm 11 weeks pregnant, nearly 12 and into the 2nd trimester. Next Dr appointment is Tuesday!

200 days left until this family becomes 3

If you'd like to contribute to baby Watts we are registered at walmart.com and amazon.com

Baby Stuff Tally

So far I have a nice little collection of things for my little baby:

Baby Towel
Bibs
1 pair socks
Bottle set w/100 inserts
Healthcare grooming kit
Johnson & Johnson starter kit
 Daiper genie refill
Slippers/booties
Flip Flops
Formula can
Onesies
    0-3m
        4 short sleeve
         2 long sleeve
    3-6m
        2 short sleeve
    6-9m
       1 short sleeve
    12-18m
       1 short sleeve
Tees
    0-3m
       3 short sleeve
     3-6m
       3 short sleeve
2 packs Wipes
Diapers
    Size 1 = 2
    Size 2 = 1

and so much more still to buy (or be gifted)

8 Weeks on Thursday

• This week your baby can officially be called a foetus. This particular label will continue for the rest of your pregnancy until after birth, when is finally known as “The Baby” or by its name. Around this time, some couples makeup a nickname for their foetus. Be careful though, it can be very hard to stop using those little terms of endearment once they stick!
• Your baby is around 1 centimetre long this week and it is finally losing its little tail. But it still looks like it is all head, with a big forehead and a little body. Don’t worry though, in the next few weeks it will lengthen and those limbs which look so tiny now will only grow and take more shape.
• This week your baby develops a tip on the end of its nose. Its fingers, toes and lips, eyelids and legs are becoming more clearly defined. Its eyes look to be positioned very far apart and more to the side of their face than where they will eventually be.
• In week 8 the valves in your baby’s heart are present and the passages which will help air flow from their throat to their lungs have formed. There are small definitions on their paddle like feet and hands where their toes and fingers will be.
• This week your baby is making little involuntary movements, though these are so small you won’t be conscious of them. It is still in a C shape, similar to a kidney bean but flickers and jumps around inside your uterus.
• Your baby’s bones are starting to form in week 8 and they can bend their tiny arms at their elbows and wrists.

Stay tuned for tomorrow is another doctor appointment...

6 weeks and counting...

So in a few days we'll hit the 7 week mark. I wish I were skinny and not bloated because I feel like my tummy is sticking out more than usual but I know it is too early for the "bump". So far routine nausea but no vomiting. So I have been checking out maternity clothes because sooner probably than later I'm going to need some. I was pretty bloated when I went to the Drs so my jeans were a bit tight. Maternity clothes are $$$. So I think my plan is to make trip next month to the motherhood maternity outlet and check out places like old navy and kohls. Of course I will have to buy some scrubs, probably will buy one set fairly soon to just check it out before I need it. That will cost me at least $50 just for 1 set.... ridiculous! Might see if I can just were my scrubs low and get bigger tops... like walmart style??? I will have to make it through winter so we will see what I can still use.
I just had to get my dog in from outside and noticed 5 webs with spiders on my deck (note this AM there were none as I had made sure). Creepy... too dark to defeat myself so I sprayed them with wasp spray and will let hubby take webs down in am. Then time to invest in spider spray!!!! Maybe we should invest in pest control too... ahh the expenses of home ownership and adulthood.

So I did some research on how to save on maternity clothes, best tips so far are here. Of course I'm a big old navy person so you can bet I'll buy something from them.... I just hope my winter coat fits, if not I guess I might have to steal hubby's?

In the next 10 days I probably won't have much to post but might manage something... since my schedule is crazy I'll mainly be working and sleeping (wish more sleep than work but unfortunately that isn't how my job works, one can only hope maybe I will get a school nurse job or something..). But in just over a week near the end of my horrible schedule I will get my first ultrasound of baby watts!

1st photo of me after the "preggers"

So this is a bad blurry picture but just a sort of baseline shot before I start "bumping out". I wasn't "thin" before the preggers but I do feel quite bloated and perhaps a little bit of a bump building.... I ate a whole can of peaches today (it really just looked like a big bowl) but maybe I need to cute back before I birth a 10 pound baby. After all I have a long way to go.... BTW please vote on my Blue or Pink Poll to the right of this post!!!!!

Diapers

Preparing for baby

Stocking Piling Diapers - I found a blog that gives hints on how to do this. Check it out. I already got 2 packs (one each size 1 and 2).

I have a couple items I have collected through the years (they are in boxes somewhere...). But maybe I can go through them ..... Still low to no caffeine sucks! Feeling nappy....

We're expecting...

I'm Preggers!

Baby Watts is due March 6, 2014. I am currently 6 weeks 2 days. I feel nauseous and bloated. I'm coming off of a sinus/cold things which has only made things worse. 

Our first ultrasound is July 24th

We are registering at Walmart and ???

That is all I have for now

Except I did read this interesting article, about disney pixar films - check it out.

10 Fastest Growing Suburbs?

So it is rare that on a night I must work I actually develop a post but I saw this article and you all know how much I love ranking our great nation in any capacity. Check out this article which ranks the 10 fastest growing suburbs in the US. Washington and Utah have multiple listings and I was somewhat surprised to see my state, TN, and even one in Louisiana on the list.... Maybe I will daydream about relocating...

Shopping...

Well it has been awhile since my last post... My mom's visit has come and gone but in about 2 weeks she will be moving in my house to stay for a little while. My mom is coming back to TN and that makes me happy.

Please say a little prayer that I am able to get my schedule so I can attend all the football games and competitions. If I am lucky to get some beautiful shots with my Nikon then I might get one published in the yearbook!!! Excited! I'm a photo taking kind person, always have been....

Going to have a big tye-dye day with the nieces, making some "school" spirited stuff and something cute for my bestie's future child.... Also thinking about taking my nieces to knoxville to go to target or something... we'll see. Before I know it summer will over, the girls will be in high school together, and we'll have weekly football games.

• I noticed that many shops are having semi-annual sales, or had some memorial day discounts. I have to say I have spent some money- got a few gifts, couple things for the house, maybe a couple things for myself (some needed). Bras at VS 
• Also I got the free shipping subscription at Zulily- I love them so much because 1. everything is one sale! 2. they have the best and newest stuff 3. they have new items/retailers every single day and email the list at 9am 4. I can save things to my wishlist so if i don't buy it the first time I see it then I can think about and easily see when it has returned for purchase! Please sign up for an account through my link (I get credit for you if you use my link to sign up) Sign up is free it just allow to see the sales - no obligation to buy, to fee to sign up.  Go here Zulily please!
• I have part of my garden started, still have to dig my second bed and have hubby build the frame. That will have my cucumbers, zucchini, cantalope; already got my tomatoes and pumpkins started. The pumpkins have actually started to sprout above ground (so excited). 

Stool $12.99

Top $9.99

Cotton Swab Holder $5.49

Above photos are my recent purchases from Zulily, aren't they cute? and affordable?!!!

• One problem I am having is what to send my dad for father's day. No idea what to do but hopefully I can come up with something this weekend. Any ideas?

I  guess that is all for now folks... Seeing my nieces tomorrow and then a shift a work...

Happy Nurse Week

Tomorrow begins National Nurse week, so to all my nurses out there thanks for your effort and let us celebrate! My job is doing a couple things, my last shift before my vaca-stayca I will get to wear a t-shift for half my shift & get an ice cream sundae (assuming that my patient don't hit the call like constantly at the start of my shift).

Free Oregon Cafe for me!

Remember my previous blog post about a new product I tried called oregon cafe vanilla latte? Well after I posted my great thoughts about it on my blog I sent them an email to share it. I just wanted them to know that I thought it was great and wanted to share it with my friends and any random person that takes the time to read my blog or FB page. I never thought they would be so super sweet to send me anything in return but they have.... Maybe I'll have to do a sampling and blog about my favorite! Honesty and kindness pays off, yay!

If you missed my previous post- these are coffee concentrated drinks you just add milk too. I have only had the vanilla one and I usually get a cup- add ice- pour in some milk & Oregon Cafe- stir and ENJOY! I don't have a coffee maker and sometimes am on the go so this is great. I've even thought about taking to work but then I'd probably have to share... hehehe. Grab some today! For under $4 at my local walmart it is well worth the price (that is like 1 starbucks drink but with O.C. you get 8= awesome!). I love starbucks but lets be honest- thrifty they are not.

If you can find it in your local grocer try Amazon or Walmart  

Would love to here about anyone else's experience!

Wednesday -snow covered!

"Fear not..for I am with you.."

Jeremiah 46:28

Although that is just a excerpt from the verse, to me it is the best part of the message. (This is where I am at in reading the bible) There is another verse in the bible that states that same thing, probably more popular...

Isaiah 41:10

New King James Version (NKJV)

        

Fear not, for I am with you;

Be not dismayed, for I am your God.

I will strengthen you,

Yes, I will help you,

I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

As much as I probably need this in my life I should have it tattooed on me. Have you seen the Bible on the History channel? I'm watching the first part right now (on DVR)- pretty good. 

• Are you in need of a winter coat? Right now Kohls online has most of theirs on clearance, check it out! 

To be honest I thought I'd come up with some fabulous things to post about but so far this is it... bummer... maybe I'll get lucky later. Until then have a blessed evening!

Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies

Jumbo Chocolate Chip Cookies

by way of Miss Betty Crocker

3/4 cup each (brown sugar & granulated sugar)

1 cup butter, softened

1 tsp vanilla

1 egg

2 1/4 cup flour (i used more like 2 1/3 cup)

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 bag (12 oz) semi sweet chips (or 2 cups for those who buy in bulk)

1. Preheat oven 375

2. Cream sugar, butter, vanilla, & egg

3. Stir in flour, salt, baking soda

4. Use a #16 scooper or 1/4 cup measuring cup to scoop out & place on ungreased cookie sheet 3 inches apart

5. Bake 12-15 minutes (i did 15)

Makes 1.5 dozen (I got 19)

Options: 

• You can add 1 cup nuts (i did not). 
• If you aren't into jumbo yummy goodness you can make "regular" cookies- use tablespoonful & cook 8-10 min. 
• You can also substitute candy coated chocolate candies (M&Ms) for the chips (might have to try that next time..)

This were pretty spot on and think they will be a hit in any home!

Oregon Cafe concentrate...

I recently tried Oregon Cafe Vanilla Latte concentrate. It's pretty good, the best part is I pour and go, just like getting a glass of juice or something. I have only tried it cold but I think it is great. The best part is that you can control the taste by adjusting the amount of milk you use. I tend to live in the land of " I like a little coffee in my milk and sugar" so this fits me well. The best part is right now on coupons.com they have a coupon for $2.50 off (at my walmart this product is just over $3 so I basically got it for a dollar).

Duck Dynasty, The Bible, & GMC...

At the moment I'm digging this song. And yes I am also watching Duck Dynasty (I thought to myself months ago "Duck show, what in the world". Though it would be boring but truth be told it is funny. Nothing wrong with a little mindless entertainment that makes you life)

• I recently saw a preview for a show in the history channel called "The Bible". Looks good so I might DVR it. I could always use some more God in my life, especially with my current struggles with work. 
• Do you have the GMC on your tv? I do and have been watching it hear and there for years. A few reasons why I like it is because they have awesome "uplifting" wholesome movies, also a pretty good show called Heartland. I admit I watch probably more than my fair share of tv but sometimes there is just too much garbage and I need something positive, not to mention I could leave the channel on 7 not have to turn it if my nieces came over because they don't have inappropriate content. 

09:00 AM	gmc World Premiere Movie: Letters to God	Letters To God
11:00 AM	gmc Movies	Woodcarver, The
01:00 PM	gmc Movie: Facing the Giants	Facing The Giants
03:30 PM	gmc World Premiere Movie: Abel's Field	Abel's Field
05:30 PM	gmc Movie: Fireproof	Fireproof
08:00 PM	gmc World Premiere Movie: To Save A Life	To Save A Life
10:30 PM	gmc World Premiere Movie: A Warrior's Heart	Warrior's Heart, A
12:30 AM	gmc World Premiere Movie: To Save A Life	To Save A Life

- See more at: http://www.watchgmctv.com/schedule?prog-day=2013-03-03T07--2013-03-04T07#sthash.OF9FCk7K.dpuf

That is this coming Sunday's schedule, I have seen a few of those so tune in if you can, you won't regret it!

5 reasons (clips) why Kayla should see the Wizard of Oz, Love Auntie Lee

This song is a classic, and draw a tear to my eye...

This is a "OMG" moment from 1939

Who doesn't love munchkins? 

This horse is awesome, one of a kind ya know?

Finally, don't ever forget.... oh Auntie Lee there's no place like home...

With all my love forever & always

Fredericks of Hollywood: additional 50% off clearance

Today Fredericks of Hollywood is taking an additional 50% off clearance merchandise + use code SHIPFREE to get free shipping. I always love a deal on a bra! I spent less than $14 and bought 1 bra & 1 panty!

This is what I got ($9.99) plus it have convertible straps- so awesome. Need this to wear with some tops to show off my newest tattoo this summer! Not sure how long this deals last so you better buy today.

Happy Valentines Day!!!!

Book Review: Lord I Give You This Day by Kay Arthur

I first want to say that this my first official book review (I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review). It is kind of exciting but even more joyful because this is actually a book I would buy....

Lord I Give You This Day

By: Kay Arthur

This book is pretty awesome, allow me to explain: First, the set up of this book is so easy to follow that a 5th grader could read this & take in all it has to offer. It uses the "daily" reading type of layout. Each day is a page, simple right? It's not so overwhelming that you can't keep up with a little daily devotional but yet does offer some healthy spiritual nourishment. Second, it is a great addition to any Christian's tools for spiritual guidance & praise to the lord. Each page has a little "words for the wise" I'd as call it, just an excerpt of how you can relate a bible verse(s) to today. Each one is motivational and uplifting. The end of each page includes a little special prayer for that day. Example:

"When the Day's challenges seem overwhelming, when life doesn't go according to our plan, it bring such a comfort to remember that the birthright of every child of God is grace - grace that saves and sustains, grace that will keep us and bring us joy."   

That is the beginning of today's page, Feb. 10th. Isn't that just an amazing way to start or end your day's journey? Sometimes we know the day will be hard or maybe the day is over and boy a long day it was. We all need to be reminded of God's love and faithfulness to us. That he sacrificed his life for us and encourages us through all things to stay strong & carry on. 

I have not read any other Kay Arthur books but I'm seriously thinking I should because this one was stellar. If you'd like to know a little more about Miss Arthur, check out her bio here. If you are moved to purchase this book, check it out  here or if you have a kindle/amazon prime account check it out here. If you aren't convinced this book is awesome and want to check out a few pages, please go here and view it for yourself! I also think this would make a great gift to any christian or God believing person. I urge anyone to take a look and maybe you'll love it as much as I do!

Jan so far...

Well it's nearly halfway through the first month of 2013 and I don't have much to say or show for you. Working has definitely contributed to my stagnate, go with the motions kind of life. I've learned that it takes effort, which at times I have very little of. Of course I work tonight (the next 4 nights to be exact) so I'm trying to kick my start myself. I'm also trying to cut back on caffeine, which is working in a negative way with the "effort" situation. Why do I either want to get involved in something or go to sleep in the moments before getting ready for work.... I'm starting to forget those days when I actually worked days. Which disturbs me because I felt like i wanted back to days but then I feel like maybe now nights aren't so back.... I'm kind of at a loss. All I want is to have my schedule where I can make it to my football games and competitions.
Other things: Rob has yet to apply for a job or venture into furthering his education. I think Thursday maybe he will job hunt but I find that I must let him do whatever because the stress/frustration is not within my control.
House: we finally have my stainless steel kitchen, in which I need to post photos of....However the ceiling fan in our bedroom has been making a funny noise. Kind of like the sparky static electric something going on kind of noise? So I imagine that a call to an electrician may be in our near future.

Long story of my at-the-moment-life is I've kind of fallen of the wagon. Trying to get more pro-active vs reactive. Keep God first and always active in my thoughts/actions. Unpack/organize my mess of a house. Help the hubster progress and help our family's future. Lose a little weight and start a family. Boy- all that sounds exhausting... no wonder I want to take a nap before I get ready in 20 minutes for work (12 hour night shift, more like 13).

I hope everyone is having a good Jan.