It Really Isn't Any of Your Business

I have had a question on my mind for about three years. It's that question every couple contemplates. Are we going to have kids? How many? When? When Sean and I got married, we knew we wanted two more. Sean had never been married or had any children, unlike myself. I was in my mid twenties and that ol' clock was ticking but not too loudly. Then I got closer to 30 and it started to tick louder. We had been married for a couple years and I had full blown babyitis.

But how could we have a baby. We didn't have the room. Our home only has two bedrooms and the lay out really isn't family friendly. But somehow I talked myself into the idea that it would all work out. The baby would bunk in our room until we moved. Not a big deal. And it wouldn't have been, had we not brought the most adorable baby who suffered from colic.

Those months were tough, beyond tough. Sean and I were lucky to get two hours of uninterrupted sleep for the first year of Liam's life. He sleeps much better now but rarely all night. We did survive although I honestly do believe I am permanent brain damaged. If you are around me long enough, you will start seeing little glimpses of a person who is mildly suffering from PTSD.

I sometimes get excited thinking about bringing another gorgeous miracle into this world. Would it be a girl or a boy? A boy would fit like a glove in this house. But maybe I need someone on my side. A little extra estrogen couldn't hurt anything. And when to plan this venture. The house would have to be at least 75% complete. Sean is depending on my meek manual labor to help with tasks. And I really don't need another child born in November. I think an early spring baby would be perfect. Am I over planning just a little?

So you see why taking that step to have another baby is so hard for us to take. We really do want another child. We aren't getting any younger. I turn 34 in a little over six months and Sean turns 41 in January. He really doesn't want to be using a walker or oxygen when the youngest graduates from high school. We really want Liam to have a sibling closer to his age. But can we do it again?

I know, looking back it has been all totally worth it. And yes, I would do it all over again. And there is a chance that another baby may not suffer from colic or be a super light sleeper. I guess I have answered my own questions. It may be harder. It may be easier. We most definitely will kill thousands more brain cells. But we will get through it, one day at a time.

 Just so you know, no baby in the womb at the moment, maybe next year at this time.

You Wanna Piece of Me?

The Brobee Cake revealed! It was actually very easy to make. The hardest part was getting the shades of green right. It took a lot of food coloring, so expect to sporting some green teeth for awhile.

I started with a 13x9 white cake. I baked two 8" round devils food cakes to use for the arms and horns.

I cut the shapes by eye and they turned out pretty good. I simply notched out a little area to make the legs.

Then I frosted away!

It wasn't as neat as I would have liked, I was running behind and needed to pick T up from school. But it definitely looks like Brobee. I wish I would have had a larger tip to make the lips a bit thicker. And the eyes were a little sloppy. But he was oh so good!

The Only White Icing Recipe You Will Ever Need

2 lbs. Powder Sugar
2 cups Shortening
1/2 cup Water
2 teaspoon Clear Vanilla
2 teaspoon Butter Extract
1 teaspoon Almond Extract
1 Envelope Powdered Whipped Topping Mix

Throw it all in your stand mixer and whip until nice and fluffy.

This is actually a wedding cake frosting recipe but it is so good on birthday cakes.

I Was at a Loss for Words

A couple days ago, Liam and I were out enjoying the dwindling fall days, soaking up some sun. It was Wednesday, so I sat the trash out at the end of driveway for pick-up the next morning. Liam and continued to play when a younger man strolled by on our road. He spotted our trash cans and headed straight for them. Right there in front of us, he started to rummage through our trash.

I didn't know whether to turn away, keep gawking or shoo him away. I mean, technically, it still is our stuff. I turned away. I was just so shocked. I know it sounds totally insensitive but this is the first time I have ever seen anyone actually rummage through the can. Well, I take that back. I have witnessed things like that when I have been in a big city but not in little ole hickville, illinois.

And yes, I am not above picking up items that people have sat out by the curb. Sometimes people do throw away some good stuff. But this just felt different. He actually poked around the bags and let me just say it was not fresh in there. I forgot to set the trash out last week so we are talking about two week old trash. And we have kids, so roll your windows up when you drive by. It was that bad.

But I did start thinking about how this world is changing. I have seen the headlines that the recession is over. But does that really mean anything? Aren't there still millions of people unemployed out there? I know of many in my small circle of friends and family. I often wonder what it will take to bring back stronger times. I honestly don't know.

I am a believer that hard times can be good for us. I know the rock bottoms I have hit before brought me closer to those I love and strengthened my faith in ways I never knew could happen. I haven't forgotten those times. They have made my life even more beautiful. It is just getting to the point that you can see the good and the beauty that is tough. So today I am counting my blessings and praying for those in need.

So Close to Being a Teenager

12! The boy is 12! I can't believe I have a kid that old. Honestly!

But I can't complain . . . . too much. :) T is a great kid. He makes excellent grades. He is quiet. I can't believe I just typed that. But it is true, the kid is quiet. He makes me smile, just thinking about him.

I always laugh more when he is around. I am always a bit lonely when he is gone. What will I do when he does hit the full teenage stage? What will I do when he is ready for college? I can't think about that. I will focus on one day at a time. I will cherish every moment with him. Even the cheeky times. He is my first born. He is my everything.

Just a Few Ideas to Help Santa Out

I love Christmas shopping. Yes, it can be a hassle and some people (I won't name any names) are very difficult to buy for. But that feeling you get when you find that perfect gift, is totally worth all the effort.

And buying for the little ones is probably my most favorite. Here are a few ideas for kiddos who just might be a little energetic and possibly might be prone to a little cabin fever in the long winter months.

A Mini Trampoline that Folds for Easy Storage - $59.00 Keep in mind that it will be 4 weeks before this ships from the warehouse. Order now!

Play Tent with Tunnel - $39.49

Henry the Horse - $49.99 Liam is absolutely in love with horses. This rocker makes horsey noises and his mouth moves.

A Cuddly Horse Pillow - $12.95

My Very Own ATV - $36.95 This is perfect for two and three year olds. No pedals just push with your feet. Plus it makes all kinds of neat noises. This is only available for a limited time so order now!

Pantry: A Fancy Closet for Food

Simple but spacious

I love the cherry in this pantry but it would be nice if the shelves were a bit deeper.

Bright with tons of storage and counter space.

I love how the doors to this pantry look like cabinetry. What a surprise to open them and find a large walk in pantry.

I love the finished look to this pantry. Functional and pretty.

Compact and I like the beverage refrigerator.

Love the counter!

Open storage.

Wow, love the chalk boards on the door.

Extra dishwasher.

Two Is the Year of Spirit

Today Liam turns two. And we have hit the ground running. You name it and this boy does it. He has decided he no longer needs a nap. He has decided he can and will try to do everything himself. He does not take no seriously, it must be merely a suggestion. He will give a hug or kiss freely and often. He smiles and laughs more than he sulks and cries. But when he is unhappy, the whole block knows it.

He is the definition of a challenge, the quintessential spirited child. He forgives so easily. And that is an important quality for a younger sibling. He loves to cuddle every night. He may not talk much but he is learning new sign language words everyday. He wants to help with every task I try to complete. And many times he offers help without being asked. He just recently started clearing the table after meals. It isn't perfect but who cares.

Some of these traits are hard for me to handle at this age but I know someday soon those same tenacious qualities will make him into a wonderful adult. I know most parents say no matter how hard it is being a parent, they wouldn't change a thing about it. And for the most part that is absolutely true. I wouldn't change one thing about Liam. But I wouldn't mind some live in help.

Happy Birthday Liam. I love you.

A Little Something to Get You in the Mood

Thanksgiving Table Setting @ Midstate Magazine

Thanksgiving Candles @ Saucy Dragon

Thanksgiving Buffet @ Erin Lanigan

Halloween is behind us but so much more to look forward to. I am in the middle of planning our Thanksgiving menu for this year. And Christmas shopping!

The Blessing

Happy Halloween courtesy of Alisa Jane @ Flickr

Last night I gave Sean my blessing to remarry, if I should go before him. I don't even know what made me think of it. Maybe it being right before Halloween, all those movies about murder and death. In the past, I admit the idea of him remarrying made my stomach churn. But for some reason, I am now okay with the idea. I hope this doesn't mean something sinister for me.

I did have a few stipulations if he should go down the aisle again. He must keep a picture of me in the home, preferably on his nightstand. He still has to wear our wedding ring. He can wear theirs on his right hand. I mean, I am the first wife and all. It just seems to make sense. Oh, and she can't be significantly younger than him. And in all honesty, I would rather he didn't marry someone who is more attractive than I was. Just as attractive is fine, but I don't want people thinking things like, "Boy, Sean's new wife is a knock out. I bet he doesn't miss what's her name at all." Lastly, the children. Of course, she has to love our kids like they were her own. Not the fakey kind of love either. The "I would give them one my kidneys" kind of love.

In the end, all of this really is the best for him. It will definitely weed out those who aren't good enough. Now to find out if I can make any of it legally binding.

A Few Bathroom Ideas

Unfortunately, I didn't save any link info for these pictures. Please pass along any source info you might have.