Stormchaser and His Wife

24 Weeks

2011-12-18T15:17:00.000-06:00

Getting bigger everyday! I feel baby moving almost all the time. Most active when I'm finally calm and not moving around a lot. Jason has been able to feel baby move too. Actually got nudged in the face quite forcefully one time. :)

18 wks 2 days

2011-11-08T09:50:00.001-06:00

We had another visit to the doctor on Monday. We got to do a sonogram this time for them to measure length of different bones to estimate size/age of baby. I was supposed to be almost 19 weeks when they did it, but measurements put us back where I knew us to be, 18 weeks 2 days. (Which means I was right, our "weeks" change on Saturdays, not Tuesdays like they originally said.)

I feel lots more wiggles and kicks now. It's so nice. I really enjoyed all of that so much when pregnant with Evalyn. Not strong enough movements for Jason to feel yet, maybe in a couple more weeks. My weight is going up as it should and my finger prick test for iron was still really good. (Must be all those hamburgers I crave when pregnant, LOL!)

Here's the 2 pictures we got to take home with us.

First is the "freaky" picture. Baby is facing straight up, so no cute profile picture. :-) During the sonogram on the screen you could even really see the eyeballs...very neat and weird at the same time. Of course Jason's comment was, "Can you tell what color eyes they are?" Silly guy! If you look closely you can see some of them in the picture I scanned. This picture really shows the ribs well!

This 2nd photo is why we still are definitely not finding out what baby is! (We are still discussing it though, we do have a little over 4 months to decide still.) ;-) Baby was not going to show us this time anyway. Those are the knees on the right on and the head to the left. Gorgeous little arm/hands in the middle.

Due date is still towards end of first week of April.

Any votes on boy or girl? Leave a comment. Thanks

2011-10-19T22:25:00.006-05:00

Celebrating 2 years!!

Last time for bed...

2011-10-18T20:02:00.002-05:00

I put my baby girl to bed tonight as a one year old, in the morning she will be 2 years old!!

(Although technically I can say that tomorrow night because she was born at 10:56 pm.) :-)

And I admit it...I got a little teary...thanks to all these extra hormones!

A Rockin' MAM Rock-a-Bye Baby Party!

2011-10-09T22:02:00.000-05:00

+ = A Rockin' Good Time!!

I was honored to host another party for Child's Play Party...this time for our little ones at home. MAM Baby Products made this such a fun and exciting way to learn about new products. Thank you MAM!

It all started a couple weeks ago when I received this HUGE box. We're talking almost 5 feet long and 2.5 feet tall! There were so many goodies in there. I was spoiled by them supplying pretty much everything I needed to host a rockin' party! The thought of everything, even the cookie cutters shaped like a baby bottle, teddy bear, and rocking horse and the door prizes for the games!

I invited 10 moms over to learn more about their products. I enjoyed having friends and all their little ones over to play for a couple of hours. We enjoyed snacks, chatting, and learning some interesting facts about the MAM products. I'm surprised how different their new MAM Anti-colic bottles are from bottles just a couple years ago for Evalyn. I even heard one mom remark that she really liked the bottle and it looked like she would be buying a new set to try!

Some hadn't heard about MAM products before and were very happy to receive so many products to try out. The Trivia Game was a lot of fun and we learned a lot. (Did you know 25% of babies suffer from colic? I didn't!) One mom remarked that she'd like a copy since she's a 1st time mom and it was so informative.

My $75 Package Included:

MAM Baby Triple pack Anti-Colic Bottle 8 ounce
MAM Baby Triple pack Anti-Colic Bottle 5 ounce
MAM Baby Night pacifier
MAM Baby Air pacifier
MAM Baby Clip & Cover (for pacifiers)
MAM Baby Oral Care Rabbit
MAM Baby Cooler Teether
MAM Baby Bite & Brush

The guests $30 Packages included:

MAM Baby Single Anti-Colic Bottle 5oz
MAM Baby Single Anti-Colic Bottle 8oz
MAM Baby Night Pacifier
MAM Baby Oral Care Rabbit
MAM Baby Cooler Teether
MAM Baby Learn to Brush Set

Snacks for the party.


Getting ready for the fun to begin.

Our wall of fame! So many cuties!

All the goodies ready to go.

Lots of happy moms and babies!

Again...thank you MAM and Child's Play Party!

Looking forward to the next fun party!

Sausage Balls

2011-09-20T10:07:00.003-05:00

These are a family tradition for Christmas morning at our house. They are so yummy and quick that sometimes I like to do them at other times during the year.

This is my personal preference on the recipe. Feel free to find a way to make it your own for your family.

Sausage Balls

3 cups Bisquick
1 lb breakfast sausage (turkey)
8-10 ox sharp cheddar cheese
1-2 tbsp Worchestershire sauce (opt)

Heat oven to 400°F degrees.
Using your hands mix until 1 large ball is formed and then roll into balls, no bigger than ping pong size. Place on baking sheet (with sides) and bake for approximately 15 min. Remove from oven and enjoy! These refreeze well once baked and taste best reheated in the oven.

The ones E and I made we mixed in a gallon zip bag so she could help mix. I then took it out and finished it off by hand. I did use a scoop to make the balls this time to keep my hands clean, but the hand rolled ones look better.

Other variations used by my extended family include:

half mild and half spicy pork breakfast sausage
adding a few dashes of Tabasco

Phineas and Ferb Movie Screening Party

2011-08-11T09:14:00.007-05:00

WOW!! From the beginning we were so excited to be chosen as a host for the First Ever Phineas and Ferb Movie Screening Party by Child's Play Party. I actually went to the "Bullseye" store and found a few items in the $1 section. Sadly they were sold out of most. I picked up some magnetic notepads and post it notes for the moms coming since I knew Disney Channel was providing the swag for the kids. (Masks, temporary tattoos, sling backpack with buttons and stickers!) I wanted something that could hang on the fridge at home and remind the whole family of what a fun time was had.

I actually used a Phineas, Ferb, and Perry mask to hang outside from the trees to alert people where we lived so the house was easy to find. (Sorry no picture...a couple of them disappeared during the movie time....off to the 2nd Dimension I guess.) Guests were greeted with a locker wipe off board inviting the come in and join Agent P's gang.

Once inside we had a mom stationed at a bowl of water with scissors for tattoo application. HUGE hit! Each child had at least 1-3 put on and they still were able to take home some in their bags also.

I tried to theme my snacks around some of the episodes I remember and loved. Here's the snack table run down:

The Lemonade Stand

Mr. Slushy Dawg's Mini-Dawgs

Apple Pie - "Anyone want pie?" (Quote from end of some episodes. Snacks already there with pretzels.)
(Notice the Platypus egg?) :-)

My husband even came up with his own Dr. Doofensmirtz invention - The Bubblinator! The kids LOVED it!And you'll notice that Perry is "attacking" Dr. Doof in this picture.

Now on to the show!

Trivia questions prior to show starting...thankfully they weren't too upset I mute the episode that was on just prior to the movie. ;-) Bribes of lollipops will do that I guess.

Kids and parents enjoying the movie.

Final poses after the movie of kids with their masks.

We all had so much fun and many of the mom's later posted on Facebook that they REALLY enjoyed it, not just their kids, but them too. Thanks Child's Play Party! I hope to host another party in the future!

Even my daughter, who's only 21 months old loves Phineas and Ferb! When she hears the theme song play she comes running in, "Ferb! Ferb!" And she also now says, "Where's Perry?" and signs it too! (We're teaching ASL as a 2nd language.)

Videos to follow in 2nd post.

Excited!

2011-08-04T21:41:00.003-05:00

I know it's been awhile, summer with a crazy work schedule for hubby and laptop that crashes yet another motherboard (where all photos from Jan-June are stored) makes for lengthy time away from blogland.

This is the preview post for tomorrow's Phineas and Ferb Movie Screening Party that we are hosting. (Thanks to Child's Play Party where I applied and was chosen to host.) Disney Channel has sent some awesome swag for the kiddos coming and I picked up a few "mom" type goodies to handout also. The big debate right now is to mix up some sidewalk chalkpaint to "roll out" the teal carpet or not...what's your vote?

Friday night we'll be tuning in at 7 pm CST to watch Phineas and Ferb The Movie Across the 2nd Deminsion

Check back here for a follow up post with pictures and video of all the fun and goodies!

Oh and for the g-parents - Evie LOVES this show and when she hears the music for the intro start she'll start counting because of the numbers on the calendar flying off counting down summer vacation! And she walks around saying, "Ferb....Ferb...Ferb" Hmmm since she pronounces it so well maybe it should go on the list in case a brother ever comes along...LOL!

https://www.facebook.com/PhineasandFerb

Wednesday Lunch

2011-05-18T15:07:00.003-05:00

Since my lunch today is getting such rave reviews on FB. I thought I'd post it over here too.

E and I went to Sam's to check on which Women of Faith Bible Studies they had available for my ladies group and saw these gorgeous portabello mushrooms. Since Jason isn't a fan of them as the main dish and E LOVES mushrooms, I figured it would be yummy for today.

I grilled Portabello mushroom with balsamic vinegar in a skillet and then topped it with sauteed spinach and garlic. Then I sprinkled some panko bread crumbs on top and sliced the basil pesto goat cheese on top, sprinkled a few more panko crumbs on top and into the toaster oven to broil for about 3 minutes or so. I served it with some artisan multigrain bread I picked up also. It was excellent!

Taming Our Household

2011-04-30T20:43:00.002-05:00

So I decided that I'm going to participate in Joyful Mothering's 31 Days to Clean Challenge. I heard about it a few weeks ago, but didn't think anything of it. Now it's come across my radar again so I decided maybe this is just what I need to give me the support I need to get my house clean and make it a HOME! After signing up Jason said he'd like to participate with me too! I'm very excited that this will be a joint effort. I'll be thankful even if the effort he puts forth is to take E out of the house while I work on different rooms. :-) Although I'm pretty sure he'll be doing some cleaning too. So be on the look out for posts not just from me, but from him also on how our 31 Days to Clean is going each week.

If you're interested in this challenge also click on the button on the right and it will take you there.

Or click here: 31 Days to Clean Challenge
You can also find it on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/31DaysToClean

Gently Being Lead

2011-04-27T20:51:00.003-05:00

I was on Facebook tonight, no big surprise there, but I saw a post from Cravings. I linked over and read through Amy's post about peace. I was so thankful for her sharing her story as she touched upon a verse I don't think I have ever paid much attention to.

I, like her, feel as though sometimes I do not give the needed attention to either the ministries I am working in or to Jason and Evalyn. I feel as though there are times when I don't have time for God, but I know that isn't true. Even now in my weekly Bible Study with 6 other ladies I am working on making sure that I schedule some time in each day to read God's Word and work on my homework for the study. (More on this during another post.)

The verse that surprised me the most was Isaiah 40:11.

Isaiah 40:11 (New International Version, ©2011)

¹¹ He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.

I've always known that God is compared to a shepherd in the way he cares for us. As have I known that I'm usually the one straying away from Him. The part that surprised me was the last line of "...he gently leads those that have young." Wait..what.."he gently leads those that have young." (Emphasis mine.) Wait, that's me! I have young now! I have a rambunctious, darling daughter! This verse is saying that there is provision for mothers! Not only will he tend to all of us, he will lead me gently and keep my child close to his heart.

Wow! What tranquility that brings to my mind. God knows exactly what I need as a mother. I need someone that understands that sometimes I only have 10 minutes to myself and I need to just breathe and close my eyes for that time. He will gently guide me as I guide Evalyn too. I'm so very thankful He carries Evalyn "close to his heart" because I know there are times she is on my last nerve and she's not very close to my heart at that instance. But God will guide me back to Him and her also. Love covers all, if only we let it.

Here's another version of that verse:

"... He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young." Isaiah 40:11, New Living Translation

Thank you God for gently leading me with my little lamb. I'm so grateful that there is someone else leading .... now just help me stay on that path right behind you and not stray....

What about you? Are you being gently lead?

Verses looked up on www.biblegateway.com

Cravings

2011-04-18T16:28:00.005-05:00

I want to tell you a bit about a new product that will launch in August 2011. It's called Cravings. They are daily devotional cards to help moms "in the midst of motherhood." Carey Bailey knows how hard it is as a mom to carve out that special one on one time with God. She wanted a way to help it be easier, but not any less meaningful.

You can find more info about them here at the website: Cravings

She's currently hosting a giveaway also for a book by Sarah Mae, 31 Days to Clean: Having a Martha House the Mary Way - all you have to do is "like" the Cravings facebook page.

http://www.facebook.com/CravingsOnline

For more information go HERE.

I hope you'll join me in putting a reminder on your calendar to be on the lookout for Cravings in August. You can also subscribe to her blog. Right now she has a great post about Easter and being intentional with planning traditions with your kids.

And the best news of all...Carey has told me she will send me a set when they release to raffle off at one of our MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Meetings when we start in the fall!! Thanks Carey!

If you have a moment, check out her personal blog too, it's fun of tutorials and other neat stuff.
With Joy

Bun in the Oven

2011-04-06T14:52:00.005-05:00

Nooo...not that kind of bun in the oven! :-D

I have really been enjoying making homemade bread. (Even if it's in the bread machine. But that is a different post.)

But what we really like is our No Wait to Rise Bread. I found the recipe here at Crafty Kin's blog and have really loved the simplicity and it turns out wonderful each time!

I make the recipe in full usually and split it into smaller buns and also 1 LARGE round loaf or 2 smaller ones. Next time, I'm going to try with some whole wheat flour, instead of just regular unbleached, all-purpose flour.

Here's a few pictures to tempt you.....wish you could smell the house when these are baking....mmmm!

Round 1 - March 6th
Only 2 of the probably 8-10 buns I made first time around. The rest were yummy! Ask Jason....

2 smaller round loaves Close up of one of the loaves.

Round 2 - April 6th

This is the my large round stone that is 15" across.
It's probably almost 3" tall.

And this is how they came to be.

That's E working on her heart shaped bun you see in the above picture.

Air Fiesta

2011-03-20T21:38:00.005-05:00

A few pictures from Air Fiesta 2011 -

Jason had Saturday setup/work for the NWS Booth and I had a shift at the MOPS Changing Station on Sunday morning while he worked the NWS Booth. We had a lot of fun. My dad came out to on Sunday to enjoy the show and helped watch Evalyn. Oh and Saturday we went and watched from the NWS office on the other side of the airport/runways the B2 Stealth Bomber fly over.

Jason ready to work!

What happens when you choose to not nap until in the Ergo....

What Evie does during a Stealth Bomber flyover!

She liked her ear "muffs" but only for the loud planes of course.

Hanging with Poppy at the fence line watching the planes!

The A-10 after his very entertaining show!

And for fun.....

Charro Days

2011-03-20T20:34:00.003-05:00

At Sombrero Fest 2011

Eating a lemon

Dessert Swap

2011-02-11T22:28:00.003-06:00

White Chocolate Raspberry Tart

Pampered Chef Recipe

I made this for my Cooking Club's Dessert Swap night. Everyone loved it!!

*It could be prettier if I was more patient melting the chocolate and let it drizzle a little thinner in places. Also skipped the dusting of powdered sugar at the end before serving.

Merry Christmas

2010-12-19T11:09:00.002-06:00

A Very Merry Christmas from the Straub Family

Thanks for visiting! It's our 100th post!

Evalyn's 1st Birthday

2010-10-20T20:46:00.002-05:00

Video Montage of Evalyn's First Birthday

approx. 3 min

Free Stuff?!

2010-09-24T11:48:00.004-05:00

Wow! I was surprised when this deal came up! Check it out!

Hurry over to One Kings Lane and you can score a totally free two-piece cutting board set. This won’t last long so be quick! New signups HERE , get a $15 credit applied to your account. The credit can also be used toward shipping, which is nice.

To get the free cutting boards:

Register or Login to One Kings Lane
Click the Core Bamboo Sale
Add the Small & medium Cutting Board Set to your cart (towards bottom)

You $15 credit should be applied toward the deal and shipping making the items totally free!

Even if this deal sells out before you click, they have some other cutting boards and bamboo salad tongs that would be great gift ideas that you could get for only a few dollars with the $15 credit.

Here's another set that is only $14, so you'd pay $1 + 7.95 s/h for 3 cutting boards!

Playdate

2010-09-09T21:30:00.001-05:00

Sorry everyone....I'm very behind because my laptop seems to have a DNR on file that we don't know about. :(

Sooo....you'll have to make do with whatever photos I have been able to pull off of the video camera for now.
The picture quality is not great, but at least here's some "updated" photos of Evie!

If/when I find my charger for the battery on my regular camera I will pull off of there also. Technology is just not our friend right now!

These were taken at a MOPS Playdate at the Brownsville Children's Museum.

She loves to crawl around and explore and then winds up passing out before we leave the parking lot!!

Trying Asparagus

2010-09-01T13:02:00.001-05:00

July 29, 2010

Trying on New Shoes

2010-09-01T12:54:00.001-05:00

Evalyn liked the new shoes at first....then not so much.

August 9th

*Thanks Sandra for the shoes...she still needs to grow into them some though. We'll try again soon!

Time for ....

2010-08-30T16:36:00.000-05:00

Evalyn loves when it's "Baby Signing Time"

We have a set of dvds of "Baby Signing Time" she sits for a little bit, checks it out up close, then plays around and listen/watches the rest.

I think she is now saying "baby" or something close to it now thanks to the show.
She also says what sounds like "Ebie" over and over again, "ebie, ebie, ebie" very cute!

4th of July

2010-08-05T09:33:00.003-05:00

Pictures from the 4th of July!

PoGo wanted into the picture too!

Yes, I made her 2 outfits. The first is USA fabric and the 2nd is fireworks. They're a bit big, but I think she'll wear them next year too!

She was getting so tired!
Better view of the dress.

Thanks to my sister for making her flower clips!

Hurricane Alex

2010-06-30T16:57:00.003-05:00

We're doing just fine during this hurricane. Evalyn and I are pretty much treating it as a normal day. A very rainy, often times kind of windy, one though. I dumped the rain gauge from yesterday at 6:40 this morning and it had 1.4 inches of rain. From then until 3:15 pm we got 5 inches of rain!!

Hence the reason our backyard looks like this:

And the street like this:

(Until neighbors went down and cleared debris from storm drain, then back to normal.)

My dad and Aery even drove over to say hi. So that was a nice break from the monotony of just the 2 of us at home.

Will post some picks of Evalyn next when I download my camera photos. These are all off my/our new video camera! (Haven't figured out how to get the videos off it yet.)

Love to everyone out there in sunshine land! We've seen maybe 10 minutes of it total today.

"ALEX"

2010-06-28T22:55:00.002-05:00

We are preparing for Tropical Storm Alex, probably Hurricane Alex by the time it gets here. Jason is currently in Biloxi, MS for an Inundation GIS Conference and could be sent over to Lake Charles, LA for back-up of the Brownsville WFO. For now I have stocked up on what is needed for Evalyn and myself, yes I had to give in and actually purchase baby food. Jason will let me know if he feels like we should leave and head to San Antonio or Houston area...or somewhere in between..College Station.

We will probably go stay with my parents and sister and her kids. My dad has a generator if we needed it like we did during Dolly 2 years ago. Not to mention the gas grill.

We ask for prayers not necessarily for us, but for the people that don't have everything available to them that we do during the storm. Also pray for Jason that he has peace of mind while working and not to worry about us.

Me and My Dad

2010-06-15T20:24:00.000-05:00

This was me hanging out with Dad after a nap.

I put Bunny in the picture at the last second!

Snuggled up with Dad.

But, I don't want to smile.... Dad helping....

~Evalyn

Pushing Up

2010-06-15T20:22:00.000-05:00

Hi! Look at me pushing up on my toy and trying to crawl over it!

Oops, looks like Mommy caught me!

~Evalyn

Sleeping or Escaping?

2010-06-15T20:05:00.003-05:00

I walked in to peek at Evalyn during a morning nap last week and this is what I found.....

Did she fall asleep trying to escape? :-)

Needless to say since she is sitting herself up now (and trying to pull herself up every so often), her crib mattress has been dropped down.

She is on the move!

2010-06-08T21:04:00.002-05:00

Evalyn is officially mobile! She is on hands and "knees" (which also happen to be toes too). She is very interested in checking out toys on the opposite side of the rug in the living room. Her world is opening up more and more...and my "free" time is rapidly shrinking! No more posting photos or updating videos when she's on the floor free and ready to "move about the cabin."

There is another video posted on our YouTube page also

http://www.youtube.com/user/TXStraubs

Arrr....Pirate's Landing

2010-05-28T17:58:00.006-05:00

We took Evalyn out to Port Isabel and Pirate's Landing for lunch. Well, we got to eat yummy food...she was just entertained by the decor.

And entertained by whacking Dad with the toy phone. Guess she wants a real one instead!

Hugs for being good during lunch!

She never noticed this marlin hanging above her car seat the ENTIRE time she sat in it.

Outside by the fishing pier with the Black Dragon pirate ship behind us.

"Umm, excuse me Mr. Pirate, but can I have your sword?"

Arrr, me new mates!

Hop, Hop, Hop

2010-05-13T21:43:00.003-05:00

Evalyn has definitely figured out her horse jumperoo.

High Chair Toy

2010-05-03T14:41:00.003-05:00

We got Evie this new toy at Walmart on clearance for $2.00! She figured it out rather quickly as you can see in the video.

She has always used just one finger to do things or the pincer grasp. Very detail-oriented!

Somewhere in Dreamland

2010-04-30T09:45:00.004-05:00

I snapped this photo during her morning nap about 9:30. (She had been up since 7:30 and been asleep for about 15-20 minutes.)

She is apparently liking falling asleep on her belly.

When Daddy Feeds Me

2010-04-28T20:26:00.000-05:00

This is what I look like when Daddy is done feeding me squash.

(I grabbed the spoon and got it on my hand, then proceeded to rub my eyes.)
Thankfully bathtime was soon after!

I LOVE eating food!

Big Girl Chair

2010-04-22T18:06:00.004-05:00

Evalyn now has a high chair! We went today to Target to purchase it. We liked one online a little better, but this one I could use right away, and we saved a few dollars.

She REALLY likes it!

Here's a link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3PRgMa5nXA

Go Green!

2010-04-20T13:42:00.004-05:00

Evalyn's first food choice was avocado. Since she has been nursed exclusively for the first 6 months we are starting her into regular foods right away, no blah rice cereal. (No offense to anyone that chooses rice as first foods. We're just doing it our way.) Avocado also had lots of healthy oils and calories to it, and it's oh so yummy...even if Jason abhors it. :-) So I mashed up about half a tablespoon and mixed in some mommy milk to make it runny, since she's never had any food in her mouth, don't want her choking on it...and we got down to business.

That girl was going to eat the spoon and my hand with it on the first bite! She dove right in and LOVED it! She ate everything I prepared and then even licked the bowl some. She loved cleanup, until right at the end when she realized there would be no more, then she got mad. Hehehe
Here's a few pictures of this fun time. (Video should be up on youtube soon.)

6 Months Old

2010-04-20T13:05:00.003-05:00

Our baby is 6 months old...that's half a year people! Time just flies by, even on the days where it crawls slower than a giant sloth. (which spends roughly 18-20 hours a day sleeping upside down from a tree. They move so slowly (if at all) that fungi and algae grow on them!) source

I can't believe that she's been home with us that long, and has changed so much during that time. Her little personality is showing more each day, even the not so fun side. She does have a bit of a temper it seems...must be because of her red hair. :-) We are so proud to be her mommy and daddy, and look forward to her calling us finally.. not just whining to get our attention.
Here's a photo right before she had her first solid food.

Rolly Polly

2010-04-08T09:45:00.002-05:00

Well, Evalyn has reached the age of mobility!! She started rolling over on Tuesday and hasn't stopped since!! These are just a few of the pictures I have been able to get.

Check out her new gDiaper also...it's got ruffles!

These last couple pictures are showing how big her feet are getting! HUGE! She didn't have much of a chance with Jason and myself having big feet.

Washington Trip

2010-04-01T19:14:00.003-05:00

Hi everyone just a few teaser pictures of Evalyn and I on our trip to Washington and time with The "Wilgi", Brian & Emily.

First flight -Yes she's backwards in her seat. It was something "new" to try to keep her busy for 5 more minutes. She did awesome for the trip!

Playing in the living room. Playing with Eugene outside.

Random Photos from Jason's "Hero"

2010-03-19T10:45:00.005-05:00

Here's a few pictures I pulled off Jason's phone when I finally downloaded everything since October! LOL

New Daddy

Our friends the Johnson's put a rolling sign up announcing Evalyn's arrival!

@ Jason's holiday office lunch (early Dec)

One of her first true smiles 12/15

One our trip for New Year's - Evie's & Daddy's first time at Buc-ee's!

My parents' dog, PoGo, HAS to be on my lap when I'm holding Evalyn.

Valentine's outfit and card from Papa and Grandma, Jason's parents.

Ahh, eating out... we don't get to do that much right now because of diet restrictions for nursing Evie. (NO: Dairy, eggs, beef, nuts, & easy on tomato products.)

Look at this cutie!!! 3/2

We love each other lots, even when cleaning the kitchen.

Air Show Preview Night 3/12

Jason's office in the background (under the wing).
They were loud! Aeroshell Aerobatic Team

Nap this morning in her crib - 3/19 - 5 months old!

Nap & Laundry

2010-03-19T10:29:00.000-05:00

This is her all crashed out for nap after shots on Wednesday. She has to have a hand up by her paci and loves to shove her face into something, bumper on crib, pillow on our bed, or mom/dad.

This is to show that our weather is beautiful enough to dry her gDiapers and liners outside! Jason tied the rope up and I made them all fit. They dried within an hour and half, could have been less, I didn't go back out until then. The ones on the right post are in the sun because they had stains on them, and sunning them removes the stains! I LOVE sun!

Neighborhood Kitty

2010-03-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

This is a black kitten that likes to lay in our yard. I was coming home last night after church and he/she (not sure) was sitting IN the road, and didn't move when I went by. LOL!

Super cute kitty!

Evalyn's First Air Show

2010-03-14T11:48:00.002-05:00

My Uncle Bubbles, AKA Randy, came down to Brownsville for the Air Fiesta. (He's with the FAA) So when Evalyn and I were working the MOPS tent, it's a changing/nursing station for moms, he stopped by to say hello!

As you can see she loves my dad, Poppie! (In marroon.)

Jason's favorite plane.

Just before Uncle Bubbles had to leave to drive back to San Antonio. We were hanging out at Jason's National Weather Service Booth. (Evalyn's a little tired...hence the yawn...she crashed on the way to my parents and then again at church that evening.)

Helping Dad pass out coloring books, and weather info. (FYI- That's a weather balloon laying on the table, when blown up for launch it is at least as tall as Jason.)

We go again this afternoon, will try to get some more photos. (Of planes and stuff!)

Go Sioux Go!

2010-03-12T09:45:00.000-06:00

Rooting for Dad's team!!!

Teething

2010-03-08T14:44:00.000-06:00

This is how we find Evalyn a lot these days.

Teething!!

Oh the joys!

Trying New Things

2010-02-17T14:35:00.002-06:00

Here's a few pictures of Evalyn trying some new things:

See how big my rosemary plants from last Valentine's Day are!

Mmm- SUPER fresh rosemary!

Jason and I love to eat carambola (star fruit).
And so does Evalyn!

Video link to Evalyn trying rosemary

Shadow Play

2010-02-13T16:11:00.000-06:00

It was such a pretty day out that we took Evie out to play. I thought how cute to take pictures of the family in shadow form.

Look at this big girl!

Rolling the Other Way

2010-02-13T16:06:00.001-06:00

Evalyn then proceeded to roll to her left also!

February 3, 2010

Evalyn Rolling Over

2010-02-13T16:02:00.000-06:00

Evalun rolling over from tummy to back!

3 Months already?!

2010-01-19T20:13:00.002-06:00

3 Months

Evalyn is 3 months old today!

Weight/length to follow Friday after our appt. Thursday along with a more detailed update.

Little pink gBum! gDiapers

Who me?! Three?

* Thanks Becky for the cute, sparkly outfit! She wore it to Bible Study.

Happy New Year

2010-01-07T12:29:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year from "Baby Bug"

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T15:30:00.001-06:00

Zoo Nights & Lights

2009-12-09T15:13:00.003-06:00

Saturday, December 5th we went to Zoo Nights & Lights at Gladys Porter Zoo after the 4:30 service at church. My parents came along with.

Zoo Nights & Lights: "Enjoy live performances from local bands and choirs while taking in the dazzling displays of approximately 135 lighted animal and holiday fixtures along with 800 luminaria bags placed all around the Zoo grounds." Taken from www.gpz.org

Posing for picture where we took one of our favorite wedding portraits!

Santa and his reindeer.

Reflection of lights in the California sea lion's pool.

My parents posing in front of a tree by the aviary.

We briefly met up with the Ponder Family checking out the Nativity.
Cliff & Michelle, Bennett & baby Brandon (in stroller)

Evalyn's First Illness

2009-12-07T19:13:00.001-06:00

I was very sad when on Sunday Evalyn started getting really stuffy in her nose and then started with a slight cough. It got worse here and there when there was too much for her to deal with. Jason and I took turns staying up with her overnight since sometimes a coughing fit would break out and she's have a hard time breathing. We went to the doctor right away in the morning and they sent us to get a mucus test and x-ray of her chest to see if it was RSV, a respiratory virus. She has it. Since it's a virus there isn't any medication that can give to make her better. She is doing nebulizer treatments to help her little lungs deal with everything. It will take anywhere from 7-14 days for her to get over this. We have no idea where she got it either since we haven't been around anyone that has been sick.

Please be praying for her to get better and us to get enough sleep. Thank you all.

Passed out and sleeping in bouncer for just a little bit.

First breathing treatment with "Bubbles the Fish" mask. (That is the name on the paper it came with.) :-)

She looks so tired of all her coughing. She had just woken up from a nap.

Arrr, we will fight this and win!!!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Evalyn Watched

2009-12-04T17:15:00.003-06:00

I put Evalyn down for pictures and got this one before she did .....

THIS

Later on.. we all watched this....

New Bouncer

2009-12-04T16:59:00.004-06:00

Well, Jason and I finally took Evalyn to Target to get the registry completed for what we still needed/wanted. Here's a few pictures of Evalyn enjoying her new bouncy seat. I really needed another place to sit her safely while I did things around the house or made dinner. She seems to really enjoy it, and now she has woodland friends to talk to!

Peek-a-boo! My friends are hanging out behind me!

She likes the vibrating part.. zzzzz....

Watching her mobile on the swing.

Last Couple of Days

2009-11-23T22:48:00.001-06:00

I know I need to post photos more often, but we're having a bit of an issue figurng out what mommy eats that baby's tummy isn't happy...so not as much computer time.

Diaper change time.

Napping on the sofa by Mommy.

Smiling in sleep.

Michelle's Birthday

2009-11-17T14:18:00.003-06:00

It was happy birthday to me yesterday!

Jason had the day off from work and we just spent it relaxing as a family at home. It was very nice to get up from a morning nap to find roses and cupcakes waiting for me. He and Evalyn also got me two very great cards! We then went out to dinner at Red Lobster. Evie was nice enough to sleep through the entire meal so I got to eat when my food was still hot!

Here's a few photos from my special day:

2 1/2 Weeks

2009-11-06T22:10:00.000-06:00

Here's a few new photos of Evalyn from the past week.

Snuggled with her blanket and paci.

This is the best picture so far of Mom's favorite face. "Cheerio Lips"

Hanging out in "my" new swing. (Wearing Daddy's favorite monkey jammies.)

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T11:11:00.002-06:00

Happy Halloween
from the Straub Family!

One Week Old

2009-10-27T21:02:00.002-05:00

Evie at 1 week old.

Many of her ultrasound pictures show her with her hands up at her face, she still likes them there.

She also likes to hold her own hand. Too sweet!

*Outfit courtesy of Vero, Michelle's Jr/Sr High School Friend.

Video of Evalyn

2009-10-26T15:44:00.003-05:00

Video when we were first were home from the hospital.

Enjoy!

Introducing Evalyn Alice Straub

2009-10-21T08:13:00.004-05:00

Welcome

Evalyn Alice Straub

Born Monday, October 19th at 10:56 pm

Weighing 9 lbs 4 oz and 20 1/2 inches long.

Mommy and baby girl!
Yes I did it! Naturally too!

Proud Daddy!

Family of three now!

Evalyn about an hour old.

Proud grandparents, Marmie & Poppy.
All clean after a bath. Like my hair?

I like to sleep.

Holding on for a "ride."

Setting Up for Baby

2009-10-17T22:03:00.006-05:00

Besides the usual question of, "how are you feeling?" I get, "are you all set and ready for the baby?" The short and easy answer is "Yes!" We have a place for baby to sleep and a place to change diapers. Babies really don't need more than that for the first few weeks. I guess that is another blessing for having helped with a lot of other families and seen how little you really need for the basics. Don't get me wrong, I think it is great for those that need to set up an entire room for baby, but sometimes it just doesn't get used for the first few months anyway.

Here is the cradle we will be using. This cradle my parent's bought for me, when I was going to be born, and stained it themselves. It is nice to be able to use it for our child now and any future ones we have. We have it set up in our bedroom close to my side of the bed.

This is the changing area set up on Jason's side of the room since we had space there. The top drawer in the chest to the right has all of our gDiapers covers/liners, cloth inserts, and cloth wipes. The drawers underneath have the disposables that have been given to use for the first couple weeks while we wait for baby to be able to use the gDiapers and bath and misc. supplies.

Blankets, swaddlers, burp cloths, and cradle sheets are all underneath in the baskets.

Right now baby's clothes are in my childhood dresser that has already been moved into what will become baby's room when we order/receive the crib. Hanging clothes are in my closet since it has plenty of spare room for them.

The one thing Jason wanted to have done before due date was install the car seat base. So Thursday evening we did that. It was his first time to do this and was quite fun to watch.

Now how do I get the seat off the base again?

Where are the LATCH buckles on here? (FYI, I had "stored" them where they were supposed to go so they were out of the way.)

This is easy! Snap on and good to go!

Now to get it nice and TIGHT! (I wound up kneeling on it and he tightened the straps, that sucker doesn't budge at all now!)

Snap in the seat.

Position handle to the back like it is supposed to be. We're ready to go!

Now we're just waiting on baby! Come soon baby Straub, everyone is so excited to meet you! Especially your mommy and daddy!!

40 Weeks!

2009-10-17T20:50:00.003-05:00

Well I have made it to D-Day and now passed it. So now when everyone asks, "When are you due?" I get to say, "Yesterday!" then watch as eyes get big and drop to belly. It's actually quite funny to say that to people.

So we have reached the big 4-0 deadline, which also means I'm essentially 10 months pregnant! Guess we're working on elephant gestation period now. Hehehe

Here's a nice little montage of the past few months. Guess I do look pretty big, but definitely don't feel like it, unless I've been on my feet for quite a while.

Well, that's all for now for the belly pictures. We'll probably take one more right before we leave for the hospital, whenever baby decides to make their grand entrance.

Jason's Birthday

2009-10-09T15:52:00.006-05:00

I'm a bit behind on posting pictures from Jason's birthday, sorry!

My lovey who is now 34 years old!!
(If you asked him that night though he thought it was only 33!)

We went out to dinner at Schlitterbahn's The Shrimp Haus (his usual choice). We invited my parents and David and Katy to join us. We had some time before everyone arrived and were able to walk out to the beach. Everyone enjoyed yummy varieties of shrimp and Jason had cheesecake after the couple that performs each Saturday sang "Happy Birthday" to him.

When Jason went back to work the Monday after his birthday I surprised him with a cake at the office.

He's very excited to get his birthday gift this Sunday... a new cell phone!!

WHOOP!

2009-10-09T15:45:00.002-05:00

In honor of the Aggie game this weekend. Here's a picture of what my dad brought back from College Station last week:

WHOOP!!!

(This will be baby's outfit for Thanksgiving Day.)

Week 39

2009-10-09T14:56:00.001-05:00

Week 39

Here's the picture for today. We've now officially reached 9 and 3/4 months for this pregnancy.

We are looking forward to our little one arriving soon, but not too soon!

Here's a photo from a month before (35 weeks) to show the difference.

Baby Shower with MOPS Moms

2009-10-08T17:36:00.004-05:00

As many of you know I worked with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) for the last 5 years and then back in college for 2 years also. I coordinated the MOPPETS (kid's program) and then last year was just the adult in charge of the babies - 2.5 year olds room. I've already attended 2 meetings as a "mom" and have very much enjoyed it. Some of the ladies wanted to have a shower for me to "love on me" as I have "loved on their kids." It was so nice to enjoy a few hours on a Sunday with the ladies chatting, listening to their labor/delivery stories, and lots of yummy food.

Here are a few snapshots my mom took.

Jenny & Anna hosted the shower.

Measuring the belly - Celeste, Ruby's daughter was the closest! (I had her in the MOPPETS program a couple years ago.) 46 inches in case you were wondering.

Jenny "Barker" as we played The Price is Right game.

I love these MOPS mommies!

9 1/2 Months

2009-10-08T17:21:00.002-05:00

Can you believe we have reached the 9 1/2 month pregnant mark?! I am so happy this baby is deciding to stay in and develop as long as possible. (Of course, as long as that doesn't include getting to be HUGE!)

Here are the last 4 weeks of photos in a collage.

I've had people tell me that it looks like belly is dropping down some. I think I can definitely feel the difference since the heartburn at night doesn't happen nearly as much and I can eat a pretty decent portion of food for a meal. I've also had people say that each time they see me from week to week that I look bigger. Thankfully that doesn't bother me, since I do know my weight is not changing the last few visits to the doctor.

Baby does like to practice his/her kickboxing moves, mainly at night, so that hasn't been much fun. Sleeping is starting to become a pretty big issue, but I try to sleep as much as I can when I have the time.

We toured the labor/delivery and postpartum floors at our hospital (Valley Baptist Brownsville) yesterday. That was very nice to get to see more of the rooms and meet some of the people around there. The lactation consultant was the one that showed us around and she was very helpful!! I'm looking forward to using her services while there. She's only there on Mon-Fri so I'm hoping baby decides Sunday is a good time to be born and I can have help all day Monday before going home. We do know we will have to be very assertive when it comes to breastfeeding and what we want done with baby for rooming-in and medications/procedures, so please pray that the staff is open to listening and following our wishes. We don't need the stress of that along with trying to be relaxed and bonding with baby.

Good luck to all of you that put a guess in on http://pregpool.com/online/baby_straub/

Player	Relation	Boy or Girl	Baby's Birthdate	Baby's Weight	Score
Shelley Crawford	Relative	Boy	7 October 2010	8 lbs/8 ozs	?
Nezette Rydell	NWS	Girl	24 October 2009	8 lbs/3 ozs	?
Geoff Bogorad	NWS	Girl	22 October 2009	8 lbs/1 ozs	?
Lizette Fleming ie: Marmie	Relative	Boy	21 October 2009	8 lbs/4 ozs	?

Special thanks for guessing lower birth weights! I appreciate that!

Family Gathering

2009-09-16T12:55:00.005-05:00

Here's a few photos from our family get together in San Antonio the weekend of September 12-13th.

Poppy (my dad) and Cameron watching NASCAR

My mom and cousin Pierce chatting

Cheyanne & Cameron chatting with Uncle Charlie (my dad's brother).

Cameron eating his "puffs"

Lizette, Erin, Cheyanne, Clint, and Jeff (cousin)

Aunt Peggi feeding her grandson and my niece Aery checking out his teeny, but LONG feet.

Jason resting his back while Cameron and Pierce (P3) play.

Belly picture with my sister.

Lizzy messing around with Marmie's shirt.

My mom wanted to take Cameron home, so he is "hidden" from sight.

(He's behind suitcase w/ just legs sticking out.)

My dad and Cameron hanging out waiting for everyone to be ready to leave to drive back home.

Baby Clint

2009-09-14T19:19:00.002-05:00

It's a Boy!

No...this one's not ours! Ours still needs a little more "baking" time. :-)

This past Saturday we rode up with my parents to San Antonio to celebrate my grandfather's 90th birthday that is this week. Sadly, he was diagnosed with full blown pnemonia right before so he was unable to attend the party. We still got to see a majority of the family that decided to come anyway.

I was super excited to see my cousin Erin's new baby, Clint. You'll remember that she was 6 weeks ahead of me for her pregnancy. Clint was born on August 26th. Here's a few pictures we took.

Jason was happy to hold Clint for a little bit and even got him to go to sleep. His response to seeing Clint, "I want one of those!" Everyone else said, "You will soon enough!"

You'll remember my cousin and I took belly pictures together during our pregnancies, well here's one of the last ones we'll take.

My belly is now MUCH bigger than her's!

My sister, Cheyanne, and I were able to take a belly picture before we all had to head back home. (She is due Feb. 2nd)

Don't forget you can cast your vote HERE for your chance to win the pool if you're closest to the right info for baby Straub!! (Or click on the link to the left here on the blog.)

35 Weeks

2009-09-11T21:54:00.003-05:00

Well, we're just about at the 9 month mark. As Jason says, "35/4o" (as in the fraction). Although he thinks baby will be 1 week late. This past month we went on our "babymoon" to Washington. We were able to spend some time with Brian and Emily at THEIR new home, have 2 wonderful days to ourselves exploring downtown Seattle, a weekend with Jason's family for his cousin's wedding, and then dinner with my aunt and uncle that live in the Tacoma area. It was a VERY busy 7 days, but ones we will treasure as the last big trip just the two of us.

I know I am behind on posting belly pictures, so here's a collage of the last few pictures we have taken. It's a bit harder to tell the difference in the weekly ones we are trying to take now, but there is a slight difference.

Sleeping has become difficult again, mainly because when I have to roll from side to side I'm sore and trying to get this belly to flip takes so much work! If I can get 3-5 hours in a row and then about 2 more hours after getting up for a trip to el bano, then it's a "good"night. A couple days this week I've had to take a nap in the morning to make up for lack of sleep at night, luckily I have been able to get those naps in. There was one night that heartburn woke me up because I felt like the burning was all the way up to my ears! I felt like a cartoon character looks when there is smoke coming out of their ears, it hurt so bad. I haven't had heartburn that bad this entire pregnancy.

We have 1 more of our "2 week" appointments this coming week, then we go to weekly appointments. (Fun, fun....) Which means we're definitely in the final stretch (no pun intended). Which also means it's time for everyone to make any predictions on gender, date, and weight of baby.

On our main blog page (http://txstraubs.blogspot.com) you can click on the link in the left sidebar for PregPool.com and make your guess for $10. All you need is a paypal account. We figured this is the easiest way to have friends/family guess and Jason will update when the little one is here and whoever wins will have the money deposited directly to their paypal account, no need to collect from each person and make sure we get it to the winner in the hectic time when baby first arrives. (You can also go to www.pregpool.com and do a search for "Straub" to find the pool.)

Happy guessing!

New Sonogram Pictures

2009-08-14T16:35:00.004-05:00

Well, I did promise new sonogram pictures. Some are here and the rest can be seen by clicking here.

Since we are now going to doctor's appointments every 2 weeks, we were pleasantly surprised when they did an ultrasound. We've been missing being able to "see" our little one and how big he/she is getting. Usually it's just in for the usual, blood pressure, weight, any complaints, listen to heartbeat. So when we lucked into an ultrasound we were very happy!

Everything is going well. Baby is growing and growing. I've only had 1 day so far where I truly felt like I could do nothing. I had no energy what-so-ever and felt like I should have just slept all day. We are attributing that to a baby growth spurt day, since the next day I was totally fine again. (Good thing too since my baby shower was 2 days later! Post to follow on that soon.)

During the ultrasound baby was face down by my left hip, bottom up by right ribs. They didn't decide to turn over until the very end. Kathy, the nurse practitioner, told us this baby is very much arms/legs! What a surprise with 2 tall parents. (FYI: I was 21.5 inches long when born and Jason was 20 inches.) We couldn't get an angle of the face or anything so the first few pictures are of head, a leg bone, heart/abdomen area, ribs, spine, etc. So I asked if we could at least get a picture of a foot (because I thought it would be cute to go with the one of just the hand we have). Kathy was looking, but then said, "I've got to get out of this spot because it's just WAY to obvious to me!" We totally missed an opportunity to try a humble guess at boy or girl! We are still laughing at the fact that Jason and I were looking for a foot on the screen, we were oblivious to the fact we could have tried guessing the gender! Hahaha! Yes, we still want it to be a surprise, and apparently God does too since neither of us were paying attention!

So here are the latest pictures that we will add to the scrapbook one day:

(Pictures are labeled to help you pick out what is shown.)

These were at the very end when baby finally turned some and could get a profile view at least.

This is our favorite: Baby is sucking their thumb, and the spot just above is a foot!
(See what I mean about all arms/legs?!)

If you look closely you can see baby's nose just below the fist, and the forehead/cheekbone.

Remember you can go to this link http://picasaweb.google.com/mls624/Sonogram81209#
to view ALL the pictures we have and zoom in if you need to see it bigger.

Oh and right after leaving I got a call from the office, they had finally caught up with my file and realized I had not had my glucose tolerance screening, which is usually done between weeks 24-28. (I'm at 31 today, hehehe.) I was hoping to skip it because I truly feel like everything is fine in that area and I didn't want to drink the icky drink and sit for an hour and be a pin cushion. But, I was a good girl and went the next morning. My mom was sweet and went with me to sit and wait so Jason could at least have 1 morning to himself on his days off. I survived it, and will know beginning of next week if I passed or not. (If not I have to go do it all over again and sit for 3 hours! Let's pray that doesn't happen.)

Next week will mark the beginning of month 8! New belly picture then, and we'll probably start weekly ones at that point.

Thanks for taking the time to read/view all of this!
We're very thankful for all of our family and friends praying us through this special time.

28 Weeks (7 Months)

2009-08-02T16:30:00.007-05:00

Wow! It's been 7 months already, the time has flown by it seems.

I was out of town when I marked the entrance into my third trimester. Jason and I had been to San Antonio with his family and then I went over to College Station for a while then back down to San Antonio to fly back home. While in San Antonio, the second time, I had dinner at my aunt & uncle's house then stayed the night at my cousin's house. We were able to take "belly pictures" again. We were both excited to since it had been exactly a month since the last one. She is 6 weeks ahead of me for her pregnancy.

Brian got a good picture of us discussing our size!

Erin (34 weeks) Michelle (28 weeks)

Here's me from the past few months:

It's interesting to see them in succession to really see how much I've grown! I do know that right now I'm growing about 1 inch around the middle of belly each week! I've tracked it for the last 3 weeks and that is what it has been.

This coming Saturday is the baby shower my mom and sister have been planning. I'm looking forward to spending some fun times with friends and family that are coming into town.

So... any guesses by seeing pictures of if it's a boy or girl? Still seems like about 90% are saying "boy."

(My cousin's having a boy if that helps you make any comparisons.)

4th of July

2009-07-16T13:58:00.006-05:00

I know I'm a bit behind on updates and pictures so today will be the BIG posting day. I decided just to let Jason take the car to work so I can stay home and rest, do laundry, and such for our trip this weekend. We'll be in San Antonio with all of his family (parents and brother & family) so I know it will be busy. Resting now is important.

Our friends the Van's, Kurt, Susanne, and Tex came down to Valley for the 4th of July weekend. We were lucky enough to get to spend some one on one time with them and also in group settings. Yes, I just stayed a week up with them in League City, but it's always nice to see friends!

Friday the 3rd

Jason had off so he and Kurt went golfing. A mutual friend, Andrew, was able to join them for the final 9 holes. They started close to 10 am and finished just before 2 pm. Needless to say Jason got a bit of a sunburn. :-)

Susanne and I went to the Family Thrift Store to do some shopping. Then we all came back to our house and relaxed/cooled off before heading to the bowling alley.

Dinner at the bowling alley, love their fajitas and nachos, and the Hartzler's came and joined us for a couple games.
Kurt, Andrew, Jason

Susanne, Ruth, Michelle

We all had a very nice time chatting and getting a bit of a workout bowling. This is the first time bowling since pregnant so I knew to take it easy, I even used a 6 lb ball, which is half the weight that I usually use. The kids had fun too. I'll post video clips later if I get the chance, or they'll go on YouTube instead. I broke 100, ok I think it was 100 even, but still a great game for the shape I am in.

Speaking of shapes. I took this fun picture of the "2 bowling balls" . . .

which then led to this picture....

Yes, we are totally silly!

Saturday, July 4th

I was able to sleep in some while Jason went to breakfast with Kurt & Tex. They then stopped on the way back to the house to locate a geocache. (More info about geocaching HERE.)

Jason and Tex play Connect Four and we all relaxed for a bit then got ready for BBQ. Barry & Michele Goldsmith from Jason's office hosted the bbq. Super yummy appetizers, games, swimming (for Tex), and some really great grilled meats!

Games:

Yes, Jason even drank a beer!! (He said it tasted like every other beer he's had. Not too fond of them I guess.)

Me and my water bottle, Jason wouldn't let me take the funny picture holding his beer. :-(

Back to the house later on and we headed over to grill hotdogs with my dad. (When I say "we" I mean, ME.) Dessert was yummy cake and ice cream and root beer floats. The 4th is Grandma Straub's birthday and tradition is root beer floats that day.

We hurried back home where I prepped our floats while Jason set up the chairs in backyard to watch the fireworks show to be done at the Bville Sports Park just down from our house. We had a very nice view of it. I downloaded Patriotic music from amazon.com and played it on the laptop while we watched. Our neighbors assisted with a few "up close and personal" fireworks.

Then I dug out the "Rambling Wreck" from last year some time for Jason to light. Had to explode something!! It was so windy it took a votive candle to get it to light and actually go off. Here's some "action shots" of it and the mark it left on the road.

Sunday the 5th

Church with the Van's and the lunch at El Pollo Loco. There were 15 of us there for lunch before the Van's drove back to LC. We were so happy that Jim and Darlene came to join us for lunch! I hadn't seen them in so long, and the Van's missed them the last time. We all had a wonderful meal and took some photos. (I only have this one from my camera, I'll post others when I get them.)

What a great weekend celebrating our country's independence with friends and family!

Love you all!

6 Months

2009-06-27T17:22:00.005-05:00

Friday marked the beginning of 6 months and entrance into the 3rd trimester. I'm currently up in Arlington, TX at my sister's house for a long weekend. My cousin, who's 6 weeks ahead of me in her pregnancy, had her baby shower today. It was lots of fun! We have been looking forward to the shower since Erin and I wanted to take "belly" pictures together.

First, photos of me at 24 weeks. Jason was taking the picture and said, "Where did the moulding go?!" So here is a photo at 20 weeks and then at 24 weeks.

This is when I first got to my sister's house and sat down with my nieces and nephew. Cameron is 6 months old, Aery is 5 years old, and Lizzy is 10 years old.

My cousin, Erin, and I for our first true belly pictures. She is 30 weeks and I'm 24 weeks.

And finally, this is the 3 pregnant ladies at the shower. Erin, myself, then my sister, Cheyanne (due in February).

2009-06-11T15:27:00.001-05:00

21 Weeks

Our appointment today went very well. I started the morning off thinking the appointment was at 8:45 am, on the way there I double checked my calendar.... oops.... 9:45 am. So we went over to Dean Porter Park (by the zoo) and sat by the resaca and watched the ducks and seagulls for a little while. Quite entertaining. Then back to doctor's office by 9:30ish and was out by 10:10 am! Love my doctor.

Did all the usual, blood pressure (116/80) and weight. I've gained about 3 lbs! Woohoo! (This is big for me since I have not gained any the entire time and I was starting to wonder what was going on.) We listened to the heartbeat first then went to the other room for sonogram. Baby is so much bigger than last time, at least it definitely seems that way. I know I feel him/her moving around a lot more.

Baby is growing just the right amount. At 1 pound already. We told the doctor before sono that it is supposed to be a surprise so not to say anything. She said she wouldn't even look, but we both know she went over the area just to check the entire baby, sadly she was too quick and even with eye strain we didn't see anything. =) It's going to become a game for us whenever we go in I think.

Here's the two photos we got today:

Head and belly shot

We got this one because the doctor said the hand picture was just too precious to not have a copy of.
So hello from baby Straub to all of you reading this!

20 Weeks: Halfway There!

2009-05-29T17:09:00.003-05:00

Today marks 20 weeks, AKA halfway there!

Not too much going on for us. I've had some lower back pain this week which I think can be attributed to baby wanting to renovate their condo and make it bigger. It hasn't been very fun, but it seems to have tapered off since yesterday morning at least.

Other big news is I can definitely feel movement. Last night Jason and I were talking and I got a nice little punch/kick to the middle of my gut. Definitely knew at that point that it wasn't a gas bubble doing that! It's nice to enjoy the little flutters every now and then. Jason is very excited for when he get to feel baby move for the first time.

This is about where baby is at right now: Size of a cantaloupe!

Here are the fun belly shots:

This is what I look like right now.
There is enough of a bump that I feel like I'm showing, but I wonder how many people look at me and think, "she's just pudgy." But, it doesn't matter because Jason thinks I'm beautiful, so I'll accept his opinion.

Our next appointment is the second week of June. I think we are decided that the gender of baby will be a surprise. The next big task will be working on our name list.

So that is the question of the week:
Suggest some names (boy or girl) for baby Straub!

Nursery Theme

2009-05-23T11:29:00.005-05:00

We are at 19 weeks as of yesterday! Yay! Feeling good, finally getting some sleep at night the last couple of nights. I had sinus/allergy problems start at the end of last weekend and couldn't sleep for a couple nights. One night on the couch in order to prop myself up enough to be able to breathe while sleeping. Oh and Jason was on midnights this week, which usually makes it harder for me to sleep too. Only 1 left tonight though!

I still like to eat about every 3 hours, but I have become accustomed to that a little more now so it's not so annoying when I'm all of a sudden starving. I've come to expect it. Amazingly so far this entire pregnancy I have not put on ANY weight! I am surprised at each checkup that my weight has not changed since they weighed me at the very first visit in February. And people, this is not for lack of trying! Like I said, I eat about every 3 hours and it's not huge portions, but it's a decent amount of food (and not empty calories either) and I'm stuffed full. I guess this little one just has the high metabolism like I did when younger. (Secretly I have missed that. Eat whatever I want and not gain anything.) :-) As I type this I am snacking on a peanut butter and honey sandwich to help me last until 12:30 when I go to lunch with my mom.

Everyone has been asking 3 questions right now:

How are you feeling?
Is it a boy or girl? Will you find out?
How are you decorating the nursery?

Well, #1 is kind of starting to get annoying, but I understand that there are so many that just want to know if I'm doing ok. Sadly when I explain some of the "symptoms" I'm having no one else has been able to relate to them. Which is okay, maybe one day someone will ask me about it and I can tell them how I coped with them.

The second one is of course what everyone REALLY wants to know. The sad thing is, I still don't know! At our next appointment in June we could possibly find out, I'll be far enough along for them to at least try to figure it out, but I still don't think I want to know. I've heard lots of opinions on this. Some say, "It's still a surprise when you find out now because you didn't know before." Or one couple we know had the husband tell the wife when the baby was born. That seems really special too! So often I try to please people to keep the peace, but for now, I'm still holding out on not finding out until birth. Feel free to try to persuade me, I've really enjoyed some of the things people will come up with to go one way or the other. :-)

And finally, what IS the theme for the nursery?! We've kept in under wraps until now because we had to get in the color palette to choose from. It's here and Jason and I have started working on it, so now I know the colors. Our theme will be..... drum roll please.....................

Noah's Ark

We have decided on this theme because it is gender neutral and that is what we want because it will carry through any and all kids that we might have. I'm not one to buy everything in one color then have to go back and buy it all again later in another color because that just doesn't work for how we want to spend our money. Plus, once a child is a toddler and outgrows the crib and/or we have another child and need it, then they will go into their own room with a design/theme that suits their little personality and preferences. (Within reason of course.) So for us, we liked the idea of Noah's Ark.

Now then, the colors. The next big hurdle to get across. I knew I did not want to purchase the crib "sets" that are out there because they just don't suit my style. I don't need a crib comforter/quilt because you can't use it until the child is 2 years old or so, and I won't hang it on the wall as decor. The styles and colors the Noah's Ark choices are definitely not me either. I'm going to be spending plenty of time in this room, so I want it to be something I can relax and enjoy. So I decided I will make my own sheets and bed skirt. (Still debating the crib bumpers, don't really see a need for them right now.) We don't want everything all "matchy-matchy" either. So the only option was to find a "theme piece" and base the room off of it.

Many of you remember last year when Jason got me started on cross stitching. View past projects HERE. Well we've come a long way! This is what I found that we both loved and thought it would be perfect to center the room on. It's called "Noah's Journey."

I purchased the chart and charms package off of ebay and then ordered the thread and aida. This past week the last of the back ordered colors came in and it has been started. I sat down with all of the colors, there are 31 to choose from, and chose the ones I liked best for colors in the room. I scanned them so that everyone can see. Remember, they are scanned so the colors will be slightly different on each person's monitor. I've also included the number for the DMC thread so if you'd like to see it in person you can go to any craft store that carries DMC thread and find them.

So now, everyone knows what the theme will be and the colors. Hopefully that will occupy everyone for a while as those that wanted to make something by hand will have a better idea of the colors/style we are going for. Please, please, please don't by anything and everything that looks like Noah's ark. We don't want to have a TON of it in the room. We want this cross stitch to be the main piece for the room and we'll just accent it with a few other items.

I hope this catches everyone up on what has been happening with us.

Now, let me leave you with this:

Post a comment on your best reason as to why or why not to find out the gender of the baby.
Maybe this will help me decide. ;-)

17 Weeks Today!

2009-05-08T11:56:00.005-05:00

Thursday morning we had another appointment at the doctor. It was a fun appointment because my mom got to come with us! (Since she's off for "swine flu" school closure this week. Silly we know.) When she was pregnant with my sister and I they did not do sonograms unless they thought there was a problem. She really enjoyed seeing her next grandchild for the first time.

I was totally surprised by the fact that I still have not really gained any weight! And believe me, I am TRYING!! I think part of it was because of overnight stay in hospital back on April 15th when they thought my appendix was going bad and would have to be taken out. They starved me for 21 hours because if I had to have emergency surgery I couldn't have any food or drink in my stomach. This was a pain because I usually ate something every 3 hours or I got sick. Anyway, I think I lost a couple pounds those couple days and just gained them back.

Having the sonogram was a lot of fun since the baby is so much bigger! He/she wasn't too active, but wiggled around a bit. We got to see a beautiful shot of the umbilical cord across the front of baby, it looks like a pearl necklace kind of. Currently baby is about 1/2 pound. No change for due date at the moment, still October 16th.

The photo below is labeled to help those that have a hard time figuring everything out. The "dot" in the middle of the belly is the umbilical cord. The position is like if you were looking down on a baby laying down on its back. At the time the head was up on my right side and feet down by my left leg. Jason said, "The picture of the baby looks like a teddy bear." Which is true since the knees are drawn up.

The new question for everyone to ask now is, "Do you feel any kicks or movement yet?" Well, all I can say to that is, "maybe." Since I've never done this before I'm not sure exactly what it feels like. I do feel some little slight twinges in different areas every so often. I had a friend tell me that when the baby kicks, I will definitely know I've been kicked. I look forward to that.

Here are a few things that are going on right now with baby:

Hearing is developing and can maybe hear our voices and other noises.
Little fingers and toes are now topped by one-of-a-kind prints
Moving joints and sweat glands are starting to develop
About the 5 inches in length

And of course for those interested, here's a photo of me from this morning and also the beloved "belly shots." And YES I am showing now! My mom said I've hidden it well.

Thanks Becky for some fabulously comfy shorts!!!

What Color Eyes?

2009-04-30T14:40:00.003-05:00

I saw this on another mommy to be blog and had to do it too!

Ever wonder what color eyes your child will have? We'll since Jason has gorgeous blue ones I thought it would be neat to see what color our child will have.

This is what I found out:Want to try it for yourself? The site is here.

Little Pumpkin On The Way

2009-04-29T19:49:00.003-05:00

Well we are happy to announce that we are expecting our first baby!

Baby Straub will arrive in mid-October. Right now our due date is October 16th, but I have a feeling it's off by a few days, we'll know more hopefully after our next appointment. (May 7th) Jason was so excited when I told him, he of course wanted to go out and tell everyone right away, but I wanted to err on the side of caution and we waited until past the first trimester, which lined up with Easter weekend. A few close family and friends were told before then so we had a support group for the first few months as we learned what this pregnancy thing meant. :)

We have both enjoyed this time. Some days are good, some not so good. I really didn't have any morning sickness. Allergies were actually my biggest issue, so our trip to the Pacific Northwest (WA & OR) while nothing was really blooming and the warmest it ever got was 62 one "hot" afternoon. Food issues have seemed to be the only problem. Not cravings, mainly being hungry every 3 hours or waking up at 4 am because my stomach growled so loud it woke me up.

The big question now is "are you showing yet?" I don't really think so, but I have noticed a slight change. But, I'll let you judge for yourself. Here are the 2 photos I have so far. Hopefully we'll get on a set schedule to take the photos at regular intervals from now on.

At our last appointment on April 9th we had a sonogram, and here's the best one of all of them. I've labeled it the best I could so hopefully you can see what is what. Again, more photos coming soon with this next appointment.

And last, but not least, the rest of the usual questions:

Boy or Girl? Gee we hope so! Truthfully we don't know yet if we will find out we have differing ideas on that, but don't have to decide until June when it's more likely the doctor could tell us.

Names? We're having lots of fun reading baby name books, but no real list narrowed down. We also will not be telling anyone the names chosen until baby is here.

Nursery theme? This is in the works and when it's a little more finalized I will post information. I know there are lots of people that want to do a handmade item for the new little one and want color options. I can tell you to avoid all pastels. I've never been a fan of them, even for babies. Sorry everyone! :)

I think that is about it for now. There should be plenty more posts coming soon since "the news" is out for the world to know. Thank you for the prayers for us as we go through the coming months.

Lots of love,
Jason, Michelle, and baby Straub

Easter "eggs"

2009-04-12T18:27:00.005-05:00

Our church had 5 services over the course of the weekend: 1 Friday, 2 Saturday, and 2 Sunday. Everyone was asked to bring in cookies since we usually have that available with the coffee and juices. My dad made 2 batches of sugar cookie dough and my mom and I rolled and cut out 3/4 of the dough. We made cookies shaped as eggs, flowers, bunnies, and crosses. We then had a fun time decorating them. There were 68 of them that went up to the church. It was neat to see the kids walking around munching on all the fun shapes and colors.

I will have another Easter update to post soon.

The only cookies that didn't make it up to Church. :-)

We have arrived!

2009-03-30T23:01:00.003-05:00

This is what we saw on our flight up:

San Antonio to Las Vegas:

Edge of snow and dessert

Grand Canyon

Closest Michelle has been to the Vegas strip. :-)

Vegas strip from terminal in airport

Flight from Vegas into Spokane, WA:

Lots of pictures of snow on the ground.

Getting closer to Spokane. Snow stops and mostly brown with some green.

More to come soon!

Good bye and hello!

2009-03-29T08:31:00.011-05:00

We leave today to go here

Monday we will go here

Tuesday we will hopefully go here

and Jason will get to do this
And hopefully not this

Where as Michelle will be doing this

Then off to here

Rest of the week heading to here

Will be back here on Monday

Finally back here Tuesday!
And then we rest!

Stay tuned to updates coming later, they will explain the photos!

No, we haven't dropped off the planet ...

2009-03-12T13:06:00.002-05:00

I know a few people have been wondering where all my posts have gone these past few weeks. We've been busy, and sorry, the blog isn't at the top of the list of things to keep up to date. I'll work on that.

Jason has been busy with work and Men's Ministry. I've been busy getting a new women's Bible Study set up on Tuesday mornings for our church. It is a great group of ladies, about 26 have committed to coming each Tuesday for 8 weeks. We are doing a Focus on The Family study, Women of Worth. We've only had 2 meetings so far, but they have both been awesome! In between I've been doing the administrative side of it with attendance lists, who's at which table, and money for the books coming in. Our Financial Peace University class we co-lead is going very well too. MOPS has been busy for me too. We've had new moms come, so I have new babies and toddlers to play with. Our group had a booth at the Sombrero Festival that takes place each year during Charro Days, we set up a changing and nursing station for any moms that needed to change diapers or nurse their child while the festival was going. We had quite a few come in, including dads, that were very surprised to have such a great amenity available to them. My friend Becky and I took a two hour shift on Saturday afternoon. Luckily we go there just early enough to watch the Jalapeno eating contest before our time began. I was excited to see it because one of the guys from our church was the champion 2 years ago! He came in 2nd this time (his brother was 3rd). I think he ate 35 this time? I don't remember the exact number, I just know that it was way too many!! And it was only 2nd place! We were able to see lots of people we know and enjoy some good music. Maybe next time I'll take one of the 10 pm - 12:30 am shifts so I can enjoy the live concert. This year was Tracy Lawerence.

That is about what we have been up to. Today is a nice CHILLY day, it's about 53 out there. We're going to enjoy this nice cold snap since it may be the last one before temperatures start going up and staying up. On Sunday I will be watching Isaiah while Alex & Becky go run a half marathon in Harlingen. Then it's Spring Break down here! We're looking forward to the end of March when we drive up to San Antonio to stay with my cousin Erin & her husband Brian before we fly out to Washington for our week with Brian and Emily. We'll be doing a road trip over into Oregon so they can see their parents and we'll stop and see Jason's parents too. (Jason's live in between Brian and Emily's so it is perfect!) We'll drive the coast and hopefully make it up to Tillamook for some yummy cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.

That about sums up what is going on for us these past few weeks. Life... just moving along like it does for everyone else.

Anyone else have plans for their Spring Break week?

Pasta Florentine with Meatballs

2009-02-17T20:37:00.003-06:00

Dinner Tuesday night was homemade sauce with the last of our IKEA meatballs.

I used the extra diced tomatoes from the Tortilla Meatloaf plus another can. I added some frozen chopped spinach, Italian seasoning blend, one clove minced garlic, dash of dried onions, sea salt, pepper, and fresh rosemary. I added the frozen meatballs and let everything simmer for about 25-30 minutes. Then I heated some heavy cream and thickened it a bit then added them together and served it over penne pasta.

It was very good!

Tortilla Meatloaf

2009-02-17T20:20:00.002-06:00

This was dinner on Monday night. Jason made it!

Recipe is below, SOOOO EASY!!!

Tortilla Meat Loaf (in crock pot)
Serves 4

1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (or turkey)
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1 cup chunky-style salsa
1/2 tsp chili powder
1 egg, slightly beaten
1/4 cup tomato sauce

1. Unless your slow cooker is oval in shape, tear off a 2-foot piece of aluminum foil, cut in half lengthwise, and fold each piece in half lengthwise, forming strips.
2. Crisscross the strips and place them in the bottom of the slow cooker and up the sides, to be used as handles.
3. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the tomato sauce.
4. Form the mixture into a ball, and place it on top of the foil strips, pressing the mixture down to fit the bottom of the slow cooker.
5. Spread the tomato sauce on top.
6. Cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours, or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours. Remove the loaf using the foil "handles."

Tip: Omit the foil basket if you have an oval-shaped slow cooker, and simply form the meat into a loaf and place it in the slow cooker.

This is approx. how Jason made it:
1 lb ground turkey and divided ingredients above. Instead of tomato sauce he used some diced tomatoes. (I think salsa up on top would be better.) We have oval cooker, so it looked just like a loaf when we took it out. Could use some sour cream and cheese or something to be served with it.

Day 5 in Arlington - AKA Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T19:38:00.005-06:00

Here's a few photos I was able to get Valentine's morning before I had to leave for the airport.

Aery was my bed bug while I was there. She woke up a little dazed, but then remembered it was Valentine's Day! She smiled so big and was wide awake once she remembered that little fact.

I woke Lizzy up and asked her if she was ready to get up. She said, "No...because you have to leave today!" So sweet!

Aery got a Ladybug animal, Lizzy got a caterpillar that's about 4 feet long!

Aaron and Cheyanne seeing just how much bigger Cam's new frog is than him!

Ahh, my froggie friend!

Cheyanne and I then left for the airport. I got checked in and realized that somehow I lucked upon the one direct flight from Dallas to Harlingen! No stopping in San Antonio, Austin, or Houston! An hour and half on the plane and home!

Jason picked me up and we went to lunch at Applebee's then went home. Where my Valentine's card and gift awaited me! The card was wonderfully poignant and the gift is awesome!

He planted two rosemary plants for me by the front door.

Day 4 in Arlington

2009-02-16T17:27:00.006-06:00

Here's photos and videos from Friday the 13th in Arlington.

I like to sit in Momma's computer chair!

I like to smile!

This is what Tia did on her trip! A lot! And loved every minute!

After Lizzy got out of school on Friday we all went to a park nearby and the girls played while Cam napped the whole time.

Lizzy played on the monkey bars.

Aery enjoyed the slides.

She took time out of playing to pose with Cameron.

We found a little "pond" area down past the playground and saw ducks and turtles!
And the girls got to throw some pebbles and sticks into the water to make ripples.

Tia's last time to pick out his outfit for bed. Little baseball guy!!

Day 3 in Arlington

2009-02-14T15:35:00.004-06:00

Here's a few snapshots from the Arlington trip. This would be Thursday the 12th.

Does my hair look ok?

Ahh! Bath time!

Sister helping comb my hair out.

Just hanging out with Tia!

We went for a walk and Aery started a stick collection. Cameron napped most of the time.

This is after a couple ounces of bottle. He TOTALLY passed out and I just laid him across my lap and pillow next to me on the sofa for a few minutes.

Cameron wearing his pj's Poppy picked out.
Oh and he's signing "I Love You!"

Day 2 in Arlington

2009-02-13T13:36:00.005-06:00

We took a trip to IKEA in Frisco. We had lots of fun! Started with lunch in the restaurant, then through some of the showrooms, then the market place for some shopping!

Of course the food was yummy! ( Look familiar? It's because you've seen it HERE.)

(Except I can't get the cake at home, sadly.)

You have to understand that Aery has tended to find EVERY pair of scissors in their house and cut her hair at one time or another and another. She was so excited to see an entire bin of scissors!!

Shopping at IKEA is hard work! All passed out!

This is how the evening ended up, nice and relaxed.

More photos to come later!

Day 1 in Arlington

2009-02-12T21:15:00.004-06:00

Here's some photos of the first day in Arlington visiting Cheyanne, Aaron, Lizzy, Aery, and Cameron.

This is Tues., Feb. 10th. I flew in to Dallas Love Field and then we drove to the house in Arlington. I wasn't able to get my hands on Cameron until we got to the house. This photo is a replica of one I have of me holding Aery when I first flew up to meet her. If I can find it back at home I'll post it later.

Tia & Cameron

This one was too sweet not to post. He was just staring at me trying to figure out who I was I think.

Here's just a few more random photos from that day.
Aery and Cam

All snuggled before a nap.

What a fun day!

Salmon and Wild Rice

2009-02-10T10:16:00.002-06:00

Just a quick post since the plane should be arriving soon for me to fly up to my sister's house. Next few posts might just be photos during the trip of my nieces and nephew.

Dinner Monday night: Salmon with a glaze and wild rice with edamame.

This was a recipe from Everyday with Rachael Ray magazine for March in the weekly menu plan. We both really enjoyed it.

Glaze: brown sugar, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and pepper
Rice: lemon juice and zest

Healthy Dinner

2009-01-21T19:26:00.003-06:00

Tonight for dinner I went healthy. We had taco salad with chips, Caprese salad, and fruit. Jason's not a huge fan of Caprese so he ate more of the taco salad than I did.

Sorry I don't have a longer post, but I'm in the middle of transferring photos from old to new laptop. It's working on 1 file right now that is 1 GB!! I can't believe there are so many photos and videos in it!

Yummy food though. I may snack on some angel food cake in a little bit for my something extra sweet. Fruit salad had white flesh peaches, bananas, and clementines.

New Computer!!

2009-01-20T18:10:00.003-06:00

Yay! My new laptop is here and I'm having so much fun with it. Jason has installed and updated quite a bit, but there is still a bit more to go. I'm not really looking forward to the moving of all my files from my old laptop and Jason's computer on to mine, but once that is done I will be strictly on my new one. I love the keyboard because it's a full sized one. I really wanted the number pad because I do use it quite a bit. Here's some photos of Jason taking it out of the box and then once it's open.

It's name is Bronze, because it is bronze!! That was one of the main things I wanted for it, to be a fun color! Oh, and it has a remote too! Fun!

T.G.I.M. ???

2009-01-16T16:33:00.004-06:00

Well for most today it's a TGIF, Thank Goodness It's Friday, but for us it's a Monday. Jason had the last two days "off." I say it that way because yesterday he actually worked from 7 am - 2 pm for the big Fire Weather Conference at the office. He has worked so hard on the presentations and having everything all ready to go. He came home very happy that it went well and everyone that was able to go from around the Valley and Corpus Christi area were happy with how it went. I'm so proud of him! We got to cap off the lovely day with a dinner among friends. The Pyke's, Johnson's, and ourselves had a wonderful time of catching up from the holidays and yummy food at The Longhorn Cattle Company. (Honestly, I go for the banana pudding!) We got to see 2 of their 3 kids (all adults mind you) before they headed either back off to college (Whoop!) or on to see what God has planned for them to work in Dallas. Oh and of course the Pyke's little guy, Isaiah, was a blast to have around, although he just about chewed my thumb knuckle off! We missed you McAngus', we'll do something with you this next week.

So my Friday, Jason's Monday, was spent actually getting to relax and read some. I had a tough night sleeping for some reason. Here's some of the latest books I have read and enjoyed very much. Check them out sometime, especially Marley & Me. Jason and I have both read it so now we can go see the movie.

(Finishing this one tonight.)

LOVED this one, laugh out loud funny. Just found out there are 2 more after it! Sadly our library doesn't have them, so I'll have to be patient while they do inter-library loan.

What good books have you read recently?

Growing Basil

2009-01-14T21:17:00.002-06:00

Ok, now I'm usually very good at keeping things alive and growing. My snapdragons outside the front door survived our very hot summer and bloomed through the cold days too. So, when I decided to start keeping fresh basil I didn't think it would pose a problem. I have figured out that when I need basil it was cheaper to still get the large live plant for $3.99. It was much more cost effective than a small package that was about a third of the plant and $2.19. The live plant is also hydroponic basil grown here in Texas. Now, this is my 3rd plant. I'm not terribly proud that the others didn't make it, but for good reason, usually we were heading out of town and they didn't get watered enough.

We shall see how this one does, it's 5 days old.
(From when I bought it of course.)