simple made special

Baby Update

Darn it I don't have much to report, but maybe not a lot of news is good news? Here's what I do know:

• We aren't sure how far along we are. We are anywhere between 18 and 22 weeks. This seems funny, but I just wasn't keeping track of my period at all. Dave and I were analyzing why so many people are so sure of when they conceive. I tried to convince him that a lot of couples know because it happens on a special occasion, like their anniversary, but because we are so spontaneous, we don't know. He then pointed out the possibility that we did conceive on our anniversary. Oops. A few months before I was taking daily temperatures and was pretty involved in my ovulation, mostly because I couldn't tell if I was ovulating. I decided I definitely was, and that was enough to satisfy me. On this topic, an amazingly helpful book is Taking Charge of your Fertility. I cannot recommend it enough. Every woman should fully understand her biology, and this book taught me a lot. 

• I have gained 20 pounds

• I feel good, but have a short temper. My joints also hurt a lot.

• It is hard to eat all of things they want you to. My eating habits were so bad before. We ate good things, just not often enough during the day. 

• We have our ultrasound Feb. 22

• I am going with Hypnobabies for labor preparation. Actually, hypnobabies would want me say birthing preparation. I though it sounded weird at first. It's not that I don't have an open mind about meditation, etc, I really do, but something about the website and info about the program just sounded kind of dumb. But so far so good, and I heard so many amazing things from other moms.

That's all for now, when I know more I will update.

Our house is for sale.

Dave decided last summer that we were going to be farmers. I agreed. We will be moving to a stone pioneer house on 10 acres in the spring. We are very excited, but also sad to leave our house. We really have put our hearts and souls into this place, working and remodeling as if we would never leave, but that time has come. If you know anyone who is looking, please let them know! Here are some pictures.

 
Here is the living room, viewed from the fireplace. 

 
 The living room viewed from the other direction.

 
 The brand new kitchen. Viewed from the dining area.

 
A bedroom.

 
This is the exterior in the fall after all the pretty plants started going dormant. It's much more lush and pretty in spring and summer.  

Here are more details: Download OremHomeDetails

Baby

 

We are now at week 14. Image above is week 12, so just imagine how much cuter it is now. I'm feeling more comfortable talking about being pregnant, less 'superstitious' for lack of a better word! I think the initial shock and disbelief are fading. We found out pretty early—about 6 weeks, I felt good but had a one very unusual symptom (really ouchy boobs, so, so ouchy). 

I am feeling so many emotions, and have a hard time articulating what I'm feeling...unless I'm feeling annoyed. That I can express pretty easily. I'm sure there will be more information to come, but for now that's my big announcement!

Currently the baby is about 3.5" long, and is getting a bit furry. Dave likes to update me on the size. 'This week it's the size of a raspberry.' 'This week it's the size of a medium shrimp.' 

We watched a documentary 'In the Womb'—well, I've made two attempts to watch it, and fallen asleep both times, but not before being completely amazed at how much is happening in there. Really, really amazing things going on.

cute

Have you ever seen a bird with a fry? Pure joy. Heaven. They love life. 

I once worked in a fabric store that overlooked an Arctic Circle. The employees often tossed the old fries out to the birds, so I have witnessed the satisfaction on the little bird faces.

To buy, or see more cute prints, go here

 

Two Books

The first book, Handmade Home was actually at Lowe's (as in the home improvement warehouse). I had plenty of time to look through it as I waited for Dave who was making returns. It seemed pretty great. She lost me a little bit on the re-useable maxi pads, but her cloth diapering info was great.

The second book is something I will be getting for Christmas. All about making your own patterns for simple, comfy clothes. I hear she neglects the busty women's needs, but I'm so excited. I love making my own clothes, but my biggest hang-up is the ugly and poorly written patterns. Look for me in some home-made duds in the new year!

  

Remember when I promised not to buy any glitter?

I might have to get some. Just the 24 color set, nothing major.

  

Holiday Hush

It has been pretty quite here. We are moving into the holidays slowly. Some years, it's really hard for me to get into the mode, and I think this is one of those years. I know some of you have already started baking and crafting. I have good intentions as always, but I know my capacity for follow through is limited. We've been cleaning up and organizing the basement, and it is sad reminder of my unfinished projects from Christmas past: the felt hamburger (for nephew), plastic birds waiting for glue and glitter, cards unsent. I think this the quality I like least about myself. I vow to keep peace in my heart this year, to try for a little fun, and not buy ANY more glitter, cardstock or pom poms.

 

thinking about

far away places. 

save your pumpkin stems!!!

aren't these wonderful? my love of all things pumpkin has really taken a back burner this season (along with exercise, proper sleep, human interaction...) but these are just about as good as it gets I say. This fabulous idea really makes me want to craft.

image stolen from here

and while you are harvesting pumpkin parts, do roast the seeds for a delicious and Fibrous (capital F intended!) snack.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Ingredients:

• Pumpkin seeds
• Cooking spray, olive oil, or butter
• Optional: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, or other seasoning of choice

Preparation:

Rinse pumpkin seeds. Use your fingers to remove all the pulp. Drain pumpkin seeds and discard pulp. Spread out on a cookie sheet to dry overnight. DO NOT DRY ON PAPER TOWELS. 

Preheat oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil. 

Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder,onion powder, cayenne pepper, cumin, chili powder or your choice of seasonings. Toss to coat. 

Bake about 1 hour, tossing every 20 minutes, until golden brown. 

Cool pumpkin seeds before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 months or refrigerate up to 1 year. 

If you like your toasted pumpkin seeds extra-salty, soak overnight in a solution of 1/4 cup salt to 2 cups of water. Dry an additional day, then proceed as above. 

Note: Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepitas. 

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you eat the whole thing, shell and all. Provide lots of roughage. Requires water. This recipe also works with Large squash seeds. I tried Banana Squash. Awesome.

I need more papers to litter my desk...

no usb cable required!

spits out credit card sized images, instantly. The film costs $1 per shot. The images have a white border and the color and flash look crappy-cool like Polaroids. For $80 I'm tempted.

buy me one?