Just a Thought....

I am an avid pinterest.com addict.  They have some amazing stuff on there.  One of the things that they have on there are sayings like the one above.  I thought I could have a little segment on my blog where I can elaborate on these inspirational thoughts.  Here are my first thoughts:

So many times we look at others and wish we could be like others rather they be real or fictional.  The thing about us all is that we can be whomever we want to be.  There is no reason to look at others and be envious.  We are all different, and God made us the way we are for a reason.  For example, something about myself that I use to not like when I was younger was how easily I would cry.  I was always told that crying was looked at as a weakness.  Now that I am older and understand myself better, I don't believe that it's a weakness.  I like that I'm emotional.  It's good to cry with others or by yourself for that matter, and it feels better to get those tears of joy or tears of sorrow out rather than bottling up those feelings and letting them fester.  Maturity taught me to love myself for who I am because I am the way I am for a reason.  No sense in wanting to be some hard person that I'm not.  

Not too long ago, I gave my hair stylist a compliment.  I told her that I really admired how she raised her daughter to be independent and gave her constant instructions on how to be a lady.  She thanked me of course, then said "you just never know who is watching you."  She never knew that I admired her for doing something that she just saw as natural.  That's the thing, everybody is always watching you and you never know who might just be admiring you for being you.  My advice for everyone is to just Be Yourself and not wish to be like others.  You are probably inspiring someone else to be better, and you don't even know it.

Baby Bump Chronicles-26w 5d

Here's a picture of me after work today.  She's getting bigger and moving all around.  I just love it!!!!!!!!

Any Krispy Kreme lover knows that when you walk in, you are greeted with a complimentary glazed original donut.  Not anymore!  Effective November 1st, Krispy Kreme no longer offers all customers the complimentary donut.  Krispy Kreme is doing this instead of increasing the prices on their donuts.  I can't complain too much because who wants to pay more when you could pay the same.  I just thought I would let you all know in case you walk into your local Krispy Kreme expecting someone to hand you a complimentary donut. Ha!

Skee Wee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The following are some pictures from this past weekend when I was at UCA Homecoming.  We celebrated our sorority line birthday.  Yep, those pretty ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha had to represent.  Enjoy the pictures to follow!

My line sisters and I with another UCA alumni...None other than Scottie Pippen, former Chicago Bulls player and NBA champion

Kendall's mama still got it...just doing a little dance at the tailgate

Dancin' to the left

Dancin' to the right

Natasha, Niya, Raven, and Me

Natasha, Shana, TaRhee, Niya, Me, Jazmin, Raven, and Angel at Mike's Place in Conway after a long day at the tailgate.

Yummy Goodness!!!!!!!

This is a grape and strawberry platter that I made for my boss's birthday brunch at work tomorrow.  I did something a little different with the strawberries.  I got the idea from my favorite site pinterest.com.  It is as followed:

1.  Wash the strawberries and dry each strawberry with a napkin
2.   Cut off the stems
3.   Use a sharp knife to cut the center core out of the strawberry.  Discard of the core.
4.   Dip the strawberries in melted chocolate and place on a plate lined with wax paper.  Note:  I used Hershey milk chocolate chips.  I melted the chocolate in the microwave in 30 second intervals stirring the chocolate each time.  Place the strawberries in the refrigerator, so the chocolate can harden some.
5.   Combine one softened 8oz Philadelphia cream cheese with 4 cups of powdered sugar with a hand mixer.  Put in the refrigerator for a few minutes to set.
6.   Put the 1M tip in a piping bag.  Put the cream cheese mixture in the piping bag.
7.   Inject one squirt of the cream cheese mixture into each strawberry.  Chill until ready to serve.

Hopefully, my co-workers will enjoy them.  I mean, who doesn't like strawberries, cream cheese, and chocolate?

Baby Bump Chronicles-24w 4d

Due Date: February 16th




Zodiac Sign: AQUARIUS-which has characteristics of being good communicators, being friendly, intelligent, and strong-willed.



Symptoms: Here lately I can feel Kendall really low in my abdomen.  I can say it's not the most comfortable feeling, but it's one of the parts of my pregnancy (I guess).  I am feeling her move more and more now.


How big is the Baby: She is a little over a pound now and almost a foot long.


Any Cravings: I love sweets.  My new thing is lemon coffee cake that I've been getting from the cafe downstairs at work.  It's sooooooooooooooo good!

What can't you stand to eat? I still can't stand Mayo or creamy stuff.



Any Anticipations? I am looking forward to finishing Kendall's room, and decorating for Christmas.  I just love decorating.


Maternity Clothes: I have some larger shirts that I have been wearing, and some cute maternity jeans.  They are all so comfy!!!!!


Exercise: Child Please!!!!!!! lol


Diet:  Lots of fruit and water.  I just love soul food, but I'm try and eat healthy with every meal.  Lots of green veggies.

Things I miss: Sleeping on my back and stomach, glasses of wine, and shopping at The Limited.  I also miss being able to bend down normally (I use my thighs and squat down).



Things I'm enjoying: Scott talking to my belly bump, my growing belly, and people actually being able to tell that I am pregnant. People actually can tell I'm pregnant, and I love it!!!!

Latest Cake

This is a cake that I did for my Sorority line's 10th birthday.  Our actual birthday is November 18th, but we celebrated it during Homecoming.  It was good to get together with my line sisters.  We said that we would make it a point to do it more often.  The cake is strawberry cake with cream cheese filling.  I don't plan to do too many cakes while pregnant, but I made a special exception for my girls.  Stay tuned for more pictures from this past weekend.

In the meantime, Skeeeeeeeee Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I just have two words for you.....

Today marks 2 months until the big day.  I can't wait to decorate for Christmas this year.  So excited!!!!!!!!!!!

Baby Bump Chronicles 23w1d

Here's my latest picture.  Little Miss Kendall is really growing, and so am I.  She is a little over a pound and the size of a large mango.  I feel her movements more and more now.  It's so amazing!!!!!!!

This is Kendall's first outfit.  One of our church members and friend, Annette, gave this to us for Kendall.  I just thought this was so sweet of her.  I can't wait to put my little girl in this outfit. 

Thank God for Snoogles

This is the latest addition to the family.  This is a snoogle pillow that my wonderful hubby got me.  I slept with it for the first time last night and loved it.  I had been sleeping with a body pillow and two other pillows, but this one pillow takes the cake.  I basically wrap it around my whole body and my back and belly bump are supported all night long.  Before, I was waking up to adjust my pillows and just trying to get comfortable.  My hips and back were suffering quite a bit.  Since I am to the stage where sleeping on my stomach and back are frowned upon (plus it's not good for Kendall), this pillow will definitely come in handy.  I highly recommend it!

Baby Bump Chronicles-22w

Here's me at 22 weeks.  I think I finally look pregant enough that people actually feel comfortable asking me, "Are you pregnant?"  I must say it feels good to finally be pregnant enough.  I had to think, I only have 18 more weeks left to go.  Scott and I are working on the nursery now, and everything is turning out cute so far.  I can't wait to get it all up and ready for Kendall. 

Until then later,

Tootles

DIY Project

This is my latest craft project.  Some friends of mine have done this, and I just thought it was so neat.  I got the instructions from pinterest.com and decided to try it.  I made these letters to go into a project called Project Nursery.  You will get more details on the nursery later on.  Until then, here's how I did the letters B and Q that you see above:
Instructions for Decorated Wooden Block Initial:

Step 1. Purchase a wooden alphabet block (letters can be purchased at Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)

Step 2. If letter is not already painted to your liking, paint the letter using paint and a foam brush.  I used white acrylic paint.  Once dry, sand edges of letter using sand paper, if desired (for a vintage look).

Step 3. Purchase scrapbook paper(s) of desired color and design (ideally mimic colors and theme of baby's nursery).
Step 4. Place wooden letter on top of paper you'd like to cover the face of the letter with. Using a pencil, trace around the letter onto the paper. Cut the letter out of the paper just a little bit to the inside of the traced lines (so the paper doesn't hang over the wooden letter edge). Then place the paper letter on the top of the wooden letter. Make any trimming adjustments to the paper if necessary.

Step 5. Use Mod Podge or craft glue to cover the back of the paper letter with a thin layer of adhesive. Apply paper to wooden block and smooth out the paper.

Step 6. You can Mod Podge the face of the letter to give it a sheen and to make the whole letter smooth - brush a layer of this on and let it dry completely

Baby Bump Chronicles 21w

Due Date: February 16th


Zodiac Sign: AQUARIUS-which has characteristics of being good communicators, being friendly, intelligent, and strong-willed.

Symptoms: My stomach has started itching, but I am not going to scratch it.  I've just been rubbing this cream on my stomach 2 sometimes 3 times a day that my friend, Mary, turned me onto.  It feels so good when I rub it on.  I do go to the bathroom a lot more.  Other than that, I'm pretty much the same ol' Christian.

How big is the Baby: She is 3/4 of a pound and the length of a carrot (10 1/2 inches).

Any Cravings: I love rice krispy treats for lunch.  I've been eating 2 a day with my lunch.  That's about it.  I'm sure I will wear out this whole rice krispy thing here in a few days.

What can't you stand to eat? I still can't stand Mayo or creamy stuff.

Any Anticipations? Scott and I went to our first Baby CPR class this past Tuesday.  We learned how to do cpr on an infant to a 1 year old, a 1 year old to an 8 year old, and an adult.  We also learned how to do the heimlich maneuver on infants, toddlers, and even on pregnant women like me.  Next week, we learn about child-proofing our house and choosing the right child seat.  Very informative stuff.  I am also looking forward to finishing up the baby room that we recently started working on.  I can't wait to see how it comes together.

Maternity Clothes: I've been wearing the bella band over my pants. If you are not familiar with a bella band, it's a elastic thinga-ma-jig that you put over your unbutton pants to hold them together and closed. It's really comfortable. I think I am too the point wear I am going to have to break down and get some maternity pants this week.  I have cute shirts, so I just need some pants.

Exercise: I still need to do something, but sorry to say, I still haven't started. (Sad Face)

Diet: I think I am eating pretty healthy and good.

Things I miss: Sleeping on my back and stomach, glasses of wine, and shopping at The Limited.

Things I'm enjoying: Scott talking to my belly bump, my growing belly, and people actually being able to tell that I am pregnant.

Just a Thought...

This is a saying that I came across on my favorite website Pinterest.  I think that this saying is so true.  So many times, we grow up with this plan for our lives.  I know I had planned to go to college, medical school, become a pediatrician, , be rich, get married, have all kids by the age of 30, and live happily ever after.  Let's just say that my plan and what really happened didn't exactly match up all the way through....lol  Any who, life has a way of changing here and there, so that we can go down the road that God wants us to go.  The thing about accepting the road that God has for us is that we can't burden ourselves with this "plan" that we compare ourselves to.  That plan wasn't for us, and we can't enjoy God's plan if we are always looking back.  I love my life, and the way things have turned out.  I just can't wait to see what else God has in store for me.  (Big Smile)

My New Obsession

I am addicted to this site, http://www.pinterest.com/.  This site is a collage of any idea that you can think of.  It has recipes, crafts, wreaths, outfits, sayings, cute picture poses, costumes, and the list goes on and on.  I have gotten so many ideas from this site.  Definitely check it out, but beware, you will soon be an addict too.

Baby Bump Chronicles 17w6d....It's A....

GIRL!  Yep, Kendall Grace is on her way.  Scott and I went to Baby Views, which is an outside clinic from my doctor's office, that offers 2D and 4D ultrasounds.  We got our 2D ultrasound done.  The sonographer not only told us that we were having a girl, but she showed us just about all of Kendall's body parts.  All of her body parts have developed and are the right size for this point in the pregnancy.  She is 8 ounces and 5 1/2 inches long.  She is a healthy little girl.  I just can't wait to see her.

So how did we come up with the name Kendall Grace?  Well for those of you who don't know, Scott's first name is Wendell.  One day way back before I even got pregnant, I was just talking, and I said, "We could name our daughter Kendall because it rhymes with Wendell.  We both liked the name, so Kendall just stuck.  We both liked Grace.  Since it's because of God's grace that our daughter is on the way, we thought Grace would only be appropriate for her. 

Here are some pictures from Kendall's latest photo shoot:



Kendell's side view.  I think she was sleeping on her back until the sonographer woke her up.



She's stretching out here with her ankles crossed.

She's waving here and saying in her sweet little girl voice, "Hi Mom and Dad, what's shaking? LOL

Here's a pic of my baby bump.  It's getting bigger and bigger.

Note:  Early this morning sitting up in the bed, I thought I felt Kendall move.  As I was typing this post, I felt it again.  Scott felt it too.  It doesn't feel like butterflies like everyone says.  It feels more like she is hiccupping, which she may very well be.  It just feels good to finally feel her.

Bug's Life....

I was sitting at my desk minding my own business.  I turn around to look outside and see this extra humongous bug crawling outside my window.  Needless to say, it startled me because at first glimpse, it looked like it was on the inside.  Thank goodness, it was on the outside.  He stayed on my window for about 30 minutes or so.  I named him Leroy since he was hanging around for so long.   

Baby 101

Last Tuesday, Scott and I went to our first baby care class (sorry for the late post).  This was a class that taught us new parents how to feed, change, swaddle, bathe, and soothe a newborn baby.  I thought it was funny how when the teacher asked us all why we signed up for the class, just about all of us said, "I just want to know how to not cause something tragic to happen to my child."  We all just don't want to do anything wrong to this defenseless baby when we bring him/her home.  The class was very interesting and informative.  Just about all mothers in the class were about to give birth.  I was the only early bird...lol

The picture of the baby is Lil Timmy.  He was one of our practice babies.  Oh yeah, the practice baby was a boy.  I wonder if that's a sign...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

You Can Never Have Too Many....

Shoes!

I needed to get some flats being that I am preg and all.  So, I got a few pair that I can dress up or down with outfits.  Check me out!  I just love getting new shoes...ha!



I just love a red shoe!  I've worn these a few times to work, and they really are a good add.  It is something about a red shoe that brings out my inner Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz.

I haven't worn these yet, but you just can't go wrong with silver shoes.  They will make any outfit pop with the right accessories.



These are some everyday flats that I am sure will get worn quite often.  You can't go wrong with a classic black shoe. 





 

I've been wanting some chucks for awhile.  I have long feet, so I always thought they wouldn't look good on me.  Well, you never know until you try is the saying I had in my head when I saw these shoes.  They look so cute!  I got them in grey, but plan to get another color...something funky.  I'm quadruple excited about putting together cute weekend outfits with the shoes. Scoot over Snoop Dogg because me and Baby Dismute gon' be stylin...lmbo

 

Pregger Alert!!!!!

Unless you live up under a rock somewhere, you know that Beyonce announced last Sunday that she is pregnant.  I know this sounds weird, but it made me a little excited knowing that we are both pregnant at the same time, and our due dates are not that far apart (she is due in March).  I mean, she is a good friend of mine in my head...lol  Any who, her b-day is today, so Happy 30th Birthday, B.  Our kids will have to have playdates in the future...lol

Baby Bump Chronicles 16w

Here's just a random picture of me at 16 weeks.

Baby Bump Chronicles 15w4d

Due Date: February 16th

Zodiac Sign: AQUARIUS-which has characteristics of being good communicators, being friendly, intelligent, and strong-willed.



Symptoms: I feel really good except for this headache that I've had for the past 3 days.  I'm not tired like I use to be, so I am really glad of that.


How big is the Baby: The size of a red delicious apple.  He/She is the 4 inches long and about 2 1/2 ounces


Any Cravings: Still no cravings.  I love fruit still.  I just got some yummy plums from the grocery store that are oh so yummy.  I am sooooooooooo tired of eating out, so I am craving home cooked food.  Glad I'm not tired so I can cook it.


What can't you stand to eat? I still can't stand Mayo or creamy stuff.


Any Anticipations? Scott and I go to our first child care class at the hospital this week.  I'm excited to see what all they tell us.  We find out the sex of our baby at the end of this month, so I am really excited about that. 

Maternity Clothes: I've been wearing the bella band over my pants.  If you are not familiar with a bella band, it's a elastic thinga-ma-jig that you put over your unbutton pants to hold them together and closed.  It's really comfortable. 


Exercise: I still need to do something, but sorry to say, I still haven't started.  (Sad Face)


Diet: I think I am eating pretty healthy and good.  Even think I've gained a little weight.



Things I miss: A good glass of wine and sleeping on my stomach sometimes.  I try to stay sleeping on my sides because its better for the baby.


Things I'm enjoying: Scott talking to my belly bump and my growing belly.

Do You Remember?

Yall remember these?  Man, they were so good.  They seriously need to put these back on the shelf.  I swear I would tear'em up!!!!!!!!! lol

A Must Have....

Old Navy has NFL team shirts for under $20 bucks.  Definitely got to get one for the upcoming season!

Latest Cake

Here is a cake that I did for my line sister, Tasha's, 30th birthday party.  The top tier is strawberry and the bottom tier is white almond sour cream.  It's covered in buttercream and mmf accents.

It's Showtime

I absolutely love the fall time.  September until  the end of December is my absolute favorite time of the year.  I mean, all the shows come back on with new episodes, it will be football season, you got Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, and it just an exciting part of the year.  Plus, let's not forget about holiday decorations.  Man, I just can't wait....Any who, here are a list of shows that I am anticipating watching this fall. 

This is one of my favorite shows.  I can't wait to see how the saga continues.

We are Eagles fans over here, so of course we are excited about the upcoming season.  Oh yeah, I'm joined a fantasy football league this year.  My name is "Mother Nature" because I may bring that Hurricane, Tornado, Tsunami, or just whatever...LOL  Beware!!!!!!!!

Of course, I'm a big Real Housewife franchise fan.  I'm ready to see how Camille handles life without Kelsey.

This show is totally new, I am looking forward to it.  I just hope it doesn't get as "Bough-ghetto" as the Miami series.

Tia and Tamara is just the cutest show.  I really like it!  Definitely a must watch.

Ol' Wives Tales: Fact or Myth?

Everyone keeps asking me, "Do you know what you're having?" or "Do you want a boy or a girl?"  Well, I wouldn't mind having either being that this is our first child.  I just want to see 2 healthy eyes, one healthy nose, a healthy mouth, ten little fingers, ten little toes....y'all know the deal...lol  Any who, there are so many ol wives tales that people tell you to do to see if you're having a boy or a girl.  Of course, me being me, I've tried them all.  I thought it would be neat to share all the tests I've done, and the results.  Oh yeah, check out our newly painted bathroom courtesy of Scott.  Not too bad, huh?  Also, I'm officially 13 weeks.  Woo Hoo!

Chinese Gender Chart:  The Chinese Gender Chart is a chart that the Chinese use to determine if a mother is having a boy or a girl.  Of course, the Chinese are pro boys.  The way the chart works is I enter my due date (Feb 16th) and my birth date (June 9th).  The chart uses some type of calculation to figure out what I'm having.  The chart said that I am having a.................GIRL.  This chart has a 93% accuracy rate.  Will shall see in due time.  Here's the link if you want to try it yourself:
http://www.babycenter.com/chinese-gender-predictor

Pencil Pregnancy Test:  With this test, you stick a needle into the center of an eraser on a pencil.  Then you thread the needle.  A second person will hold both ends of the thread, and then center the pencil on the middle part of the mother's wrist.  After the pencil is still, the second person raises the pencil up above the mother's wrist.  If the pencil sways up and down (wrist to elbow), you're having a boy.  If the pencil sways across left to right, you're having a girl.  If it sways diagonally, you're having twins.  So you want to know what this test said I'm having........A BOY  LOL   Here's the link for more information on this test: 
http://pencilpregnancytest.com/

Heartrate Test:  This one is easy.  If the baby's heartrate is above 140, you're having a girl.  If the heartrate is below 140, you're having a boy.  Just FYI, a safe and normal heartrate for a baby is 120 to 160 beats per minute.  At our appointment yesterday, the baby's heartrate was 155.  So you know what that means, I'm having a GIRL!  For more information, you can go to the following link:
http://pregnancy.about.com/od/genderpredictions1/ss/genderfht.htm

Baking Soda Test:  With this test, you take a teaspoon of baking soda and put in a cup.  Then you pee in a cup.  Next, you pour a very small amount of pee on the baking soda.  If it fizzles any, you're having a boy.  If it does nothing, you're having a girl.  This test determined that I am having a........BOY!  These tests are cracking me up.  Here's the link:
http://community.babycenter.com/post/a26396415/baking_soda_gender_test

Carrying Low or High:  If you are carrying high, you're having a girl.  If you are carrying low, you're having a boy.  I'm not really sure myself how I'm carrying since it's so early.  My mom says I am carrying low right now, so that would mean I am having a BOY!
http://www.parenting.com/gender-predictor

Mayan Legend:  Legend has it that the Mayans determined a baby's sex by looking at the mother's age at conception and the year of conception. If both are even or odd, it's a girl. If one's even and one's odd, it's a boy.  I was 29 when we conceived and the year is 2011.  9 and 11 are both odd numbers, so that means we are having a GIRL.
http://www.parenting.com/gender-predictor?pnid=13991


Queasy or not:  They say if you are sick as a dog during your first trimester, you're having a Girl.  If you have little or no morning sickness, you're having a Boy.  I was hardly sick at all. So according to this test, I'm having a BOY!

What everyone else says:  Scott and I took a poll with our immediate family.  64% say GIRL and 36% say Boy

Mother's Intuition:  Well, early in my pregnancy around the 7th or 8th week, I had a dream I was holding a little boy.  He was a cute little boy.  You know they say you have vivid dreams while pregnant.  I don't have a "feeling" either way right now, so we will just have to wait and see.

I think all these Ol' Wives Tales are just fun to do while you wait.  It will be fun to finally find out what we are having.  We have about another 7 or 8 weeks before we find out though.  Ugh!  The agony of waiting and not knowing.  I'll just continue bugging all of you in blogland when I get antsy about it...lol

Welcome to the Neighborhood!!!!!!!!

These are 2 gift baskets that I made for two new neighbors in our neighborhood.  Our neighborhood property owner's association wanted to start giving our new neighbors a little gift to welcome them to the neighborhood, so I volunteered to make the baskets.  Any opportunity to do anything crafty, I'm all in.  I put 2 bags of chips, a Vitamin Water, box of candy, peanuts, sunflower seeds, a greeting card, and our neighborhood by-laws in the baskets.  Scott and I plan to deliver them this weekend.