Our Father's Day

Father's day was a great day with lots of time to relax and enjoy family!  Ava wanted to wake up early and make her daddy breakfast in bed.  Saturday evening she asked her daddy what he wanted for breakfast to make sure we had everything she'd need.  I have created such a little planner! 

The sun was just coming up when I heard little princess toes coming down the hall.  She was ready to start making here daddy breakfast and she did a great job!!

Doesn't that look yummy!

She was so proud of her work and she should be!

After her daddy enjoyed his breakfast in bed we completed a few chores and then went to enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening with my parents.  We swam, BBQ'd and had so much fun!

Both my girls and I are so lucky to have such wonderful men in our lives, we couldn't ask for better dad's!

I hope all of you enjoyed your father's day with your dad's!!



Kylee's birth story

We'd had a very productive Sunday.  I vacuumed, dusted, swept, mopped floors, finished all the laundry and then went outside to help the hubby.  The hubby, Miss Ava and I worked on organizing the garage, pulling a few weeds and then came in for some much needed showers.  I'd invited my parents down for a simple BBQ and some yummy dessert!  We all ate and then chatted a bit before calling it a night. 

I was exhausted and fell asleep quickly, however my rest didn't last long.  At 12:45 am Monday, April 2nd I started having contractions.  The contractions were coming consistently every hour but weren't lasting too long.  Needless to say when the alarm went off at 4:30 am; I was not well rested.  Thinking that the contractions were going to go away I got up and started getting ready for work.  I made it to work with the contractions still coming every hour but getting a little more intense and lasting longer.  I warned our school secretary when I first got to work that I'd been having contractions.  Of course all my co-workers thought I was crazy for coming to work but I kept thinking it was nothing. I taught all morning and when lunch time rolled around (12:00 pm) my contractions went from being about every 45 minutes to every 25-30 minutes apart.  It was then that I realized these contractions were not going to go away!

I made it till 2:10 pm and finally went to the office to tell the secretary that I thought it was time for me to leave.  The contractions were much more intense and I was starting to have back labor which was very uncomfortable!  There was only 50 minutes left of school but I couldn't do it or I didn't believe that I could do it!! At this point I was beginning to worry about delivering in the very rural community that I taught at; which meant the fire department would be delivering my baby or delivering on the side of the road.  I quickly gathered up my stuff and headed out the door while my students were at recess.  I drove myself home which was about 15 minutes away on very rural country roads.  I just kept praying let me deliver this baby at the hospital!

Yeah, I made it home where my husband was finishing the pluming in our newly remodeled bathroom.  He was worried about not being able to finish before we needed to leave the hospital.  I told him not to worry get it done then get in the shower.  I still needed to get a few things packed in my bag for the hospital.  The hubby worked quickly completed the bathroom, took a shower, and then got a bite to eat before we left for the hospital.  We left the house about 6:05 and still had a half hour drive to the hospital.

Once we arrived at the hospital we checked in and I was placed on the monitor for an hour.  In that hour I had progressed on centimeter.  I then got up and walked around for another hour, the contractions where consistent and coming about every 5-7 minutes.  I was tired and needed to rest.  I went back to lay in the bed for a bit to try and rest but the pain was to frequent and I was very uncomfortable.  A few hours passed and around 10:20 mom my arrived at the hospital.  From this point on things seemed to moved very quickly.

Just as with my first little girl the nurses began flipping me to try to get the baby in a better position, her heart rate was dropping.  I have to thank the great nurses for keeping me calm and explaining what was going on, within a few minutes they had everything under control and her heart rate was back to where it needed to be.  Unfortunately the scare was not over, my blood pressure dropped drastically and they had to immediately give me a shot to bring it back up.  By this time I was tired and wanted the pain to go away, I quickly asked for an epidural, they called in the doctor who began to start getting me ready for an epidural.  The doctor was great and it didn't take long however within minutes I felt a tremendous amount of pressure.  They nurse was getting ready to start a catheter but found that there was not time for one I needed to push this baby was coming now!! 

I was very lucky and only had to push for about 10 minutes before our beautiful baby girl was born. At 12:41 am on April 3rd Miss Kylee Kay joined our family at 6lbs. 4oz and 18 3/4 inches long

 My precious little girl just moment after delivery!

Once in our own room we were able to get some rest before your visitors began to come see our new beautiful baby.

Here are a few photos of some of your visitors.

The first moment your Big Sister saw you!

 Ahh, she is in love~ The memories you two will share . . .



Noni

Popi

Daddy

Of course there were many other visitors who came to meet you at the hospital and once we were home as well.  

Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sister we so excited for you to join our family!  Miss Kylee you are the perfect addition to our family and we are so blessed to have you in our lives!

XOXO

Kylee's Nursery

Wow, I have been a horrible blogger, I guess all I can say is that I have been busy with life!  We are really loving everything that we have been blessed with and we love each and everyday that God gives us.  I  do miss blogging and for that reason I'm really going to try to get back into the swing of things! 

While remodeling our bathroom we also were busy working on a nursery for baby #2.  I love our simple yet comfy nursery that we created.  Here are a few pictures of Miss Kylee's nursery.

 I love the tree that my husband hand painted!  Its hard to tell in this photo but there are two pink birds and a birds nest which holds two eggs that create a heart!  I'm so lucky to have such a talented hubby! 

 This is a nice quiet place for Kylee and I rock together and read stories!  The quilt is one of many made by my mom!  Yes Kylee has more that one quilt already!

 Kylee's dresser and changing table! 

One of my favorite frames from my sister, Kylee's Auntie!

The window treatment made by my mom, hubby, & myself.  We found some birch tree's that had just been trimmed, located the perfect branch, lacquered it and made it the curtain rod.  I love it and I think it goes great with the tree on the wall.

We can't wait to get some of her newborn photo's framed and up on the wall then everything will be complete!

It's Complete

Wow, I can't believe all that has happened since my last post! Let me first start by saying our bathroom is finally complete and it was finished just in time. As many of you know my husband and I have been remodeling our guest bathroom all on our own. Unfortunately with me being pregnant there was only so much that I could help with. Therefore a lot was left for the hubby to do. I must say that it turned out absolutely beautiful. We worked on this every evening after work and on the weekends for 4 weeks and it was finally completed one hour before we left for the hospital to deliver our baby girl, Kylee. Yes that's right my husband was connecting the plumbing for the sinks as I walked around the house breathing out the contractions. He quickly finished, took a shower and we were off to the hospital. So when I say we finished it just it time I really mean it! In case you forgot what the bathroom used to look like here is a reminder of the "blue" bathroom:

So, here are the finished pictures of our new bathroom, which I love!

Oh course I had to show you the new white toliet since the other one we had was blue.  Yes, we had a blue toliet, 2 blue sinks, and a blue bath tub.  Luckily they are all white now, YEAH!!!

I will save our new bundle of joy for tomorrow's post. In the mean time have a great day!

Where I've been

Yes, I know I've been missing since February but for a very good reason. I'm now 39 weeks pregnant and everything seems to be going fine. However, I'm beginning to wonder what my husband and I were thinking when we decided to start a total remodel of one of the bathrooms about 4 weeks ago! The craziest part is we are doing the remodel ourselves. Don't get me wrong my husband is very handy and I know he can do it but there's just some much else going on. Anyway things are coming along and it looks like everything will be done by Thursday, YEAH!! Here are a few pictures of what the "blue" bathroom looked like before.

Even the little one got right in to help with the demo!


The bathroom is a great size but there is just way too much blue tile!!


Soon we will no longer be bathing in a sea of blue!!



We have been working on this every night after work and on the weekends and I can't wait till it's done. Not that we will get any rest since we have a baby set to arrive in 7 days but it will be complete and so beautiful. Stay tuned for the completed photos to come.

As for baby #2 she is still baking and everything is going great! Only she knows when she will arrive! I'll work on posting photos of the nursery this week!

Have a great Tuesday, we are going to try to stay dry today which looks like a big challenge!

Happy Valentine's Day ~ Yummy!

Happy Valentines Day!! Yes its that time of the year when we can splurge and take in a few extra calories and enjoy every minute of it! With the hubby gone today my little valentine and I are super excited to enjoy some homemade waffles, strawberries, and of course she wants cool whip! I think we may just try a few of these yummy brownies as well!



What You Need:
10 HONEY MAID Honey Grahams, broken in half (20 squares), divided
3/4cup butter or margarine
4squares BAKER'S Unsweetened Chocolate
2cups sugar
3 eggs
1tsp. vanilla
1cup flour
2-1/2cups JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows
1cup BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks

Make It:
HEAT oven to 350°F.

LINE 13x9-inch pan with foil; spray with cooking spray. Place 15 grahams in pan, with sides overlapping slightly. Break remaining grahams into pieces.

MICROWAVE butter and chocolate squares in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 2 min.; stir until chocolate is completely melted. Add sugar, eggs and vanilla; mix well. Stir in flour. Pour over grahams in pan.

BAKE 30 to 32 min. or until toothpick inserted in center comes out with fudgy crumbs. (Do not overbake.) Sprinkle with marshmallows and chocolate chunks. Bake 3 to 5 min. or until marshmallows begin to puff. Press reserved graham pieces gently into marshmallows. Cool. Use foil to lift brownies from pan before cutting to serve.

Give them a try, they are super yummy!

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

Valentine's Day Marshmellow Pop's

I found this adorable and oh so easy idea over at Mommy Gaga.



These are so darn cute and I think they will make great valentine's day gifts for all the special people in our lives. My little Peanut and I will definitely be making some of these this weekend! Head over to Mommy Gaga for the easy directions.

What special treats will you be making this weekend??

Add a little color

Have you been noticing all the pastel tipped ends that so many celebs have been wearing on the runway lately. I would love to try this! Kevin Murphy’s Color Bug in pastel pink is adorable and so me. It’s very easy to apply and goes on like chalk. If you want to order your own color bug, they are $24 at Studio 8 and come in a few pastel colors! So fun :)





Happy coloring!

Just a little Something!

So I have been looking for something to put on the wall in our bedroom and it seems that nothing has been just right that is until now. I found this idea on Pinterest and I can't wait till this weekend to go get my materials and get it completed! I think it is absolutely adorable and so easy! So what do you think??



Have a wonderful Tuesday Friends!

Tasty Tuesday ~

It seems that lately I have been all about yummy quick and easy dinners. I think I will have to blame it on working full time, having a busy 4 year old, and being pregnant. I found this the other day and it sounded so yummy I couldn't wait to try it. Luckily it was a hit with the family and saved me a lot of time!




Chicken Italian:

What You Need:
8 oz uncooked spaghetti
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 package (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breast halves
1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 can (19 oz) Progresso® Vegetable Classics hearty tomato soup
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (2 oz)

Make it:
1. Cook and drain spaghetti as directed on package.

2. Meanwhile, in 10-inch skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until hot. Cook garlic and chicken in oil 3 to 4 minutes on each side until chicken is light brown.

3. Sprinkle basil and pepper flakes on chicken. Pour soup over chicken; sprinkle with cheese. Cover and simmer 10 minutes.

Hope you and your family enjoy it as much as we did!

Today I'm linking up with the following blog parties:

Updated belly pics

Yes its been forever since I've updated my blog. I just haven't taken the time to sit down at the computer and blog but, I'm going to try to really make this something that I keep updated more frequently.

It amazes me that I only have 12 weeks left and our little girl will be joining us, that is if she arrives on time which her sister did not! I am excited and nervous at the same time. What is life going to be like with two little girls? Ava keeps me busy enough and now I'm getting ready to add another to the mix! I know it will all work out and I can't wait!

So here is a belly update:


Yes I know the paper is backwards and I didn't think about it when I took the photo but you all get the idea. Things are going good we have started the nursery and hope to have it completed by the middle of February if not sooner. Photos will have to come later.

I'm heading back to work today after a 3 week winter vacation and I'm not sure I ready for the regular routine, oh well ready or not here I come.

Have a great Monday!

A little Belly Update

Sugar and spice and everything nice, that's what little girls are made of yes, that's right baby number 2 is a GIRL and we are so excited!!

Well here it is, the baby bump has arrived!! I am not 20 weeks 2 days and feeling great!! I am finally over the all day sickness and I have regained my energy! I'm looking forward to the rest of the pregnancy, well maybe not the point where I can't see my feet but the end result will be worth it!


xoxo

Vacation = Hospital Stay + Exciting News!!

I know I have been really bad about keeping my blog up to date, but I have a good reason. Yes, I know that is what all us blogger in a rut say, but I really do!

On July 27th I became very sick and was in horrible pain all night long. Finally after hours of being sick I felt some relief and finally was able to get some sleep. I was leaving the next day for a very fun family vacation. My dad was turning the big 6-0 and the whole family had a planned trip to see my sister's new house she had just purchased in Huntington Beach, along with many other adventures in So Cal. This was a trip I had been looking forward to all summer, and I didn't want anything to get in the way. On the 28th I thought it would be best to make an appointment with my doctor just to make sure everything was OK since I still wasn't feeling myself. After some time at the doctors office I discovered that I needed to have some test run however, with our flight leaving early afternoon I couldn't get the test done before we needed to leave. I know silly right, well being the stubborn person that I am I thought it was nothing and would soon go away so we all boarded the plane.

After the short plane ride the pain seemed to increase and I knew something wasn't right. We arrived at my sister's new beautiful home at 8:30PM and at 10:29PM I was checking into Huntington Beach ER. After hours of test I was admitted to the hospital at 3:00AM only to discover that I would be going in for emergency surgery! Yes, that's right what I thought was something minor and would go away was not going anywhere without surgery. About 9:00 AM on July 29th (My Dad's Birthday) I went in for an emergency appendectomy. The doctor's thought it would only be a little infected however once they where in they discovered it was just hours from bursting. So I guess you could say I'm not the best at judging whether or not something is serious or minor.

Unfortunately I missed out on a great concert with the family, trips to the beach, and of course the wonderful shopping. I did celebrate with everyone on Saturday, however I was pretty low key. This will not only be a family vacation that I will never forget but it will also be a birthday that my dad will never forget!! Happy
60th Dad!!

Oh don't think the excitement ends here . . . .

While in the ER we not only found out I would be having emergency surgery but we also found out I was pregnant!! Yes that is right I'm due April 7th. So for the past 13 weeks I have been not only recovering from surgery, preparing for the beginning of a new school year, starting a new school year, but I have also been dealing with ALL day sickness!! It has just been in the past week that I am starting to feel better so hopefully I can get back on track with blogging!!

We are all very excited and Miss Ava is super excited to finally be a big sister!! So stay tuned for all the excited that this adventure brings! I'll keep you posted!!

No Bake Granola Bars~ Tasty Tuesday

This is a super yummy treat that the kids and adults love! I think the best part is my little one loves to help make this healthy, yummy snack!




What You Need:
2-1/2 cups crisp rice cereal
1-1/2 cups quick-cooking oats
1 cup PLANTERS NUT•rition™ Antioxidant Mix
3/4 cup PLANTERS Creamy Peanut Butter
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

Make It:
LINE 13x9-inch pan with foil, with ends of foil extending over sides.

COMBINE first 3 ingredients in large bowl.

MICROWAVE remaining ingredients in microwaveable bowl on HIGH 1 min.; stir. Add to cereal mixture; mix well. Press onto bottom of prepared pan.

COOL 30 min. Use foil handles to remove dessert from pan before cutting into bars.

Today I'm joining these great blogs:

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff

Chicken Alfredo Pesto Pasta~ Tasty Tuesday

This is a great, light and easy dinner the whole family will love!



What You Need:

1/2 lb. angel hair pasta, uncooked
2 tsp. oil
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
2 cups milk
1/2 cup (1/2 of 8-oz. tub) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread
1 large red pepper, cut into strips
1/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese
2 Tbsp. pesto

Make It:


COOK pasta as directed on package, omitting salt. Meanwhile, heat oil in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken; cook and stir 7 min. or until done.

STIR in milk and cream cheese spread; cook 3 min. or until cream cheese is completely melted and sauce is well blended. Add peppers, Parmesan and pesto; stir. Cook 3 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

DRAIN pasta. Add to cream cheese sauce; toss to coat.


Today I'm linking up with these great blogs, check them out and join the fun!

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff

Fashion Wednesday

Well It's been a while since I have done fashion Wednesday. It seemed that after having emergency surgery I didn't really get dressed in clothes that were presentable for a while but now I'm back to work and getting dressed every day! So here are a few photo's of what I wore this past week.


Pink lace top- Old Navy
Shorts- Old Navy


Mustard colored dress- Nordstrom
shoes- Macy's


Navy dress- Target
Belt- Local Boutique
shoes- Steve Madden shop

Today I'm linking up with these blog parties, come join the fun!

The Pleated Poppy
No Model Lady
Momma Go Round

Frosted Peanut Marshmellow Crispy Squares~ Tasty Tuesday

These have always been my all time favorite treat! With school back in session what a better way to treat your kids after a long day at school than with one of these squares.



What You Need:

1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 pkg. (10 oz.) JET-PUFFED Marshmallows
1/2 cup PLANTERS Creamy Peanut Butter
5 cups crisp rice cereal
1 cup PLANTERS Salted Peanuts
1 cup BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chunks
1 cup butterscotch chips

Make It:

MICROWAVE butter in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 45 sec. or until melted. Add marshmallows; toss to coat. Microwave 1-1/2 min. or until marshmallows are completely melted, stirring after 45 sec.

STIR in peanut butter until blended. Add cereal and nuts; mix well. Press onto bottom of greased 13x9-inch pan.

MICROWAVE remaining ingredients in small microwaveable bowl 1 to 1-1/2 min. or until completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring every 30 sec. Pour over cereal mixture; spread to cover. Refrigerate 1 hour or until chocolate mixture is firm.

Today I'm joining these great blogs, check them out for some great inspiration!

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee CraftsA Diamond in the Stuff

Apple Walnut Chicken Bake~ Tasty Tuesday

We are back in full swing with school and work which means dinner menu's. This is a very yummy yet fast recipe that the whole family loves! I hope everyone at your house loves it as well!



What You Need:
1 pkg. (6 oz.) STOVE TOP Stuffing Mix for Chicken
1 large apple, chopped
1 cup PLANTERS Walnut Pieces, toasted
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup KRAFT Honey Dijon Dressing, divided
6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1-1/2 lb.)
1/4 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Make It:
HEAT oven to 375ºF.

PREPARE stuffing in large saucepan as directed on package. Add apples, nuts, raisins and 1/4 cup dressing; mix lightly.

SPOON into 13x9-inch baking dish; top with chicken. Brush chicken with remaining dressing. Cover loosely with foil.

BAKE 35 min. Top chicken with cheese; bake 10 to 15 min. or until chicken is done (165ºF).


Today I'm joining these great blog parties, check them out!

Not Just a Housewife
Sugar Bee Crafts
A Diamond in the Stuff

It's Back to School!

Well, its official my summer vacation is over and its back to reality, work! I do consider myself very lucky that I have such a wonderful and rewarding job, it does make going back much easier! I am very excited to meet all my new students, I love the first day of school photo's, new outfits, and all the fun that a new year brings!

I'm however sad to see my days at home with my little peanut come to an end. This has been one of the best summers at home with her. She is at such a fun age and I love our special time together. Today is a big day for her as well she will be going to her new school for a meet and greet, luckily I have such a wonderful mother who will be taking her. I can't believe my little baby will be starting PK on Wednesday, time has flown by! She will always be my little peanut!

So as you can see today will be a lot of fun first's for our family, stay tuned for a recap of today's events!

Happy Monday everyone!

S'more Cupcake~ yummy!!

I love s'mores and it seems ever since our bon-fire on the beach I have been craving them like crazy. I stumbled upon this great recipe at Just Drink a Coke. Thank goodness she shared this yummy recipe from Chef in Training! This is on my "To Do" list for this weekend for sure. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water and my tummy grumble. Check out Chef in Training, you won't be disappointed!




Happy Friday and hopefully a weekend full of yummy baking!