A Little Holiday Baking

I didn’t have to be at work until 2 today, so this morning I tried to be productive. I straightened up the house, got my class work organized (tomorrow is my last night of class) and got started on my holiday baking.

I found a recipe for Eggnog Pound Cake in my December issue of Southern Living. There was a pound cake recipe and a variation for cupcakes with eggnog icing. I am supposed to bring a dessert to a holiday party in a couple of weeks and I think the cupcakes will be perfect! Since I have never made them before, I figured I would make the pound cake for Jon and I to enjoy, just to make sure its good (although every recipe I have used from Southern Living has been good).

Here is the pound cake recipe:

• 1 package of pound cake mix
• 1 1/4 cups eggnog
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Preheat over to 350. Beat all ingredients together at low speed with an electric mixer until blended. Increase speed to medium, and beat for 2 minutes. Pour into a lightly greased 9-by-5 inch loaf pan.

Bake at 350 for 1 hour. Cool in pan on a wire rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pan to wire rack and cool completely (about 1 hour).

**My house smelled amazing while this cake was baking. I had to try a piece as soon as it was cooled and it taste great! I think I am going to make the cupcakes for the holiday party and maybe a loaf for each of my clients.**

Here is the recipe for the cupcakes:

Prepare pound cake following the recipe above. Spoon batter into 2 (12-cup) muffin pans and bake at 350 for 18-20 minutes. While muffins are cooling make the icing.

Icing recipe:

• 1/2 cup butter (softened)
• 1 package (3-oz.) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 package (16 oz.) powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup eggnog
• 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla

Beat butter and cream cheese with an electric mixer until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and eggnog alternately, beginning and ending with sugar. Add nutmeg and vanilla and beat until smooth. Spread over cupcakes and enjoy.

I love baking during the holidays! What are some of your favorite holiday baked goods?

-Lauren-

**Looks like I made it, 30 posts in 30 days!! I have to admit it was a little hard to think of something to write about some days, but overall it was fun to do. While I don’t think I will keep up with a post everyday, I do want to try to post at least every other day or so.**

Relaxing Weekend

Jon and I have had a nice relaxing weekend. I’m sad that I have to go back to work tomorrow, but one of my clients is going out of town next weekend, so I have a 3 day weekend to look forward to.

Last night we hung out with Jon’s sister and her family and some of their friends. We all had a blast sitting around a fire and making smores and telling stories.

Today we pretty much just hung around the house, cleaning and doing laundry. We made a big grocery store trip since we had not been in a couple of weeks. I’m excited because I am planning on making some chili and I am going to try a new soup recipe this week since its going to be kind of cold here.

Jon took me to see New Moon tonight. He is such a great husband. :) I thought the movie was so so, but that is what I expected. I loved the books so I just had to see the movies, even though I knew it wouldn’t be spectacular.

Even though Jon and I both have to go into work tomorrow, neither of us has to be up early so we are about to grab a warm blanket and curl up on the couch to watch an episode of Life (we have become addicted and season 1 and 2 are on Hulu).

-Lauren-

A Country Thanksgiving

"There is a fifth dimension beyond that which is known to man. It is a dimension as vast as space and as timeless as infinity. It is the middle ground between light and shadow, between science and superstition, and it lies between the pit of man's fears and the summit of his knowledge. This is the dimension of imagination. It is an area which we call the Twilight Zone."

We left late Wednesday morning to make our way to Whitehouse TX to visit with Jon’s family for Thanksgiving.

No trip to the country would be complete without bringing along at least 3 guns.

We decided to take an alternate route to Whitehouse to prevent spending hours on I35 only to get to Waco before getting off. After slowing down through 23 small towns and lots of 2 lane roads we made it to Jon’s parents house in about 4.5 hours.

Hiro got to do some exploring and I wish I had thought to bring the video camera, because he had some first. First time to meet horses, I’m pretty sure he thought they were just large dogs at first. First time to meet and try very hard to play with a herd of 6 goats. The goats were a little afraid of him and every time he would turn his back, as a group, they would inch forward and as soon as he would turn back around, they would all retreat…it was hilarious! Hiro also got to meet 3 calves (again, I am pretty sure he thought they were large dogs as well). Hiro also made friends with this little guy.

A 10 week old Chihuahua named Jordan. Again a video camera would have been perfect. Visualize a 75 lb dog playing with a 1 lb puppy. It was too cute! It was pretty chilly at night so we all took turns wrapping Jordan up in a blanket and carrying him around. Hiro got a little jealous whenever Jon would hold Jordan, I think he is going to have a rough time in a few months when Aedan gets here.

Jon’s parents have 1 cat, 2 dogs, 3 calves, 6 goats, a bunch of chickens and tons of little baby chicks. Aren’t they cute. They are all huddled under a heat lamp.

 

Jon’s parents also have 2 horses. Here is one of my nephew’s riding one of the horses.

Jon’s dad

The two of them together. 

Of course what horseback riding adventure would be complete without a tantrum (this is another one of my nephews, he was upset because he wanted to ride the other horse),

A farm dog named Daisy,

And of course, my 2 favorite boys.

After horseback riding and a little game of catch with a football, the guys went to shoot (my brother-in-law, Brad and Jon).

This is the only picture I got of them shooting, but Brad, Jon and Jon’s dad (Dean) shot clay pigeons for awhile and then after our Thanksgiving feast, Brad, Jon and Dean and Jon’s other sister’s husbands went out to shoot pistols.

We had a big feast with about 25 people and lots of interesting conversation. After some good food, we enjoyed a variety of desserts while a few of the guys played football and a few more watched football inside. Brad and Jon took on 3 other nephews (have I mentioned that Aedan will be the 18th grandchild on Jon’s side? Yep, there are a lot of kiddos running around). It was the “old guys” vs the “young guys”. Even though the “old guys” only had 2 players they pulled out a win (of course the “old guys” where a bit more out of breath by the end of the game).

We had fun, but we (including Hiro) are glad to be back home. Neither of us is a crowd person, so we were glad to get back to our quiet little house. Hiro is pretty glad we didn’t bring Jordan home and he is still the baby. :)

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!! I know the next few weeks are going to fly by, but we are looking forward to more family time, holiday parties and hanging out with friends.

-Lauren-

24 weeks!

Despite posting everyday this month, I have still failed to up date about my growing belly since 21 weeks. Oh well, better late than never, right?

How far along? 24 weeks!! 
Total weight gain/loss: Up 15 lbs total at my appointment on Tuesday. I’m sure I can add at least 1 or 2 more lbs after all the great food I had over Thanksgiving! 
Maternity clothes: Still holding onto my pre-maternity jeans with the bella band (I get sick of having to pull up maternity jeans constantly). I am excited about cooler weather coming since my friend Lauren let me borrow tons of maternity sweaters that are super cute! 
Stretch marks: Not yet and hopefully it will stay that way. 
Sleep: I think its been pretty good over the past few weeks. I still have to get up an make frequent bathroom trips, but I don’t expect that to change.
Best moment this week: Feeling lots of movement, Jon was finally able to feel a little kick!
Movement: Yes!
Food cravings: Still nothing specific, but I feel like I could just eat all the time!  
Gender: Boy
Labor signs: None
Belly button in or out: Still in, but in the morning it is just about flat.
What I miss: Enjoying beer and wine during the holidays.
What I am looking forward to: This is my favorite time of the year, so I am looking forward to our holiday plans with family. I keep thinking that next year we will have a little 9 month old and it will be so fun! 
Weekly wisdom: I can’t think of anything creative right now. :)
Milestone: While shopping last week, a stranger asked me how far along I was. :)

Jon and I are back home after spending 3 days with his family in Whitehouse TX (outside Tyler). I’ll have pictures and a full update tomorrow.

-Lauren-

Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many things I am thankful for this year, but most of all I am thankful for my wonderful husband and our sweet little baby boy on the way. What are you most thankful for this year?

I plan on eating lots of good food today and spending quality time with Jon's side of the family.

I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!

-Lauren-

Nursery Furniture Ordered!

Over the weekend Jon and I ordered bedroom furniture for Aedan!

We got this crib (the crib not the ladybug bedding) :)

And this dresser

They were both on sale and we got free shipping because we are having them shipped to the store and then we will pick them up. They should be in sometime next week!! :)

-Lauren-

A Great Thing

This story made me tear up. What a great thing these two teenage girls have started.

Go check it out here.

-Lauren-

Thanksgiving Break

I am officially on Thanksgiving break! I had a session today and now I’m off for the rest of the week. No class, no therapy sessions, no homework, just time off with family!

For the most part our Christmas decorations are up (pictures soon)! Tomorrow I have a doctors appointment and then I think I will start my Christmas shopping. :)

Jon is working late tonight, so I am getting comfortable on the couch and watching My Sister’s Keeper. I never got around to seeing it in the theaters, but it is one of my favorite books. I know the movie won’t to the book justice, but I still have been wanting to watch it.

-Lauren-

A Lazy Sunday

Jon and I had a pretty lazy day, and it was wonderful!

We slept in and relaxed around the house this morning before taking Hiro out to play. When we got home I made this for a snack.

Plus this

Equals this

A perfect snack for a Sunday afternoon of TV watching. Jon and I have started watching a new show (well new to us) on Hulu called Life. It is really good!

Jon also got all the Christmas decorations out tonight! Since we are going to be out of town for Thanksgiving, I am going to start decorating tomorrow. I can’t wait! :)

-Lauren-

A Productive Day

Jon had to work this morning on a remote job (gotta love the commute from the bedroom to the office). While he was working I got the house cleaned up and made some oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. I used this recipe and I love it!

Classic Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
1 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 cups flour
2 3/4 cups oatmeal
2 cups chocolate chips
Cream together the butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy. Add Baking soda, powder, and salt and mix. Add flour, oatmeal and chocolate chips. Mix until combined. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

*the only thing I did differently was double the amount of vanilla*

This afternoon our good friend Aaron took some pictures of Jon, Hiro and I for Christmas cards. Thanks Aaron!! :)

It has been cold and cloudy all day, so for dinner we picked up soup, salad and breadsticks from Olive Garden and enjoyed a warm meal at home. I love nights at home with my husband! I can’t wait to have a little baby here too! :)

-Lauren-

Blueberry Pancakes

Jon and I had breakfast dinner at Kerbey Lane tonight. I enjoyed blueberry pancakes and hot chocolate with whipped cream. :) Yum!

I had a long day of work and its been rainy and cold all day, so I’m going to curl up on the couch and catch up on some TiVoed shows or a movie. I’ll post something more interesting tomorrow when I’m not so tired.

-Lauren-

I have to say

I am pretty jealous of everyone that I know going to to the midnight showing of New Moon! I’m not a fan of crowds or waiting in line for hours before sitting in a crowed theater, but I do want to see the movie and I know everyone going tonight will have a blast!

I am debating on whether I will go see the movie this weekend or if I will wait until after Thanksgiving. Fingers cross that I can get Jon to take me. :)

-Lauren-

Hulu is Back

I know I have blogged about Hulu before, but since I never remember to label my blog post I can’t find the actual post. Anyway, last year we did away with cable and Jon had his Xbox in the living room so that we could enjoy Hulu on our main TV. It was nice, but I still missed cable. I like just tuning into random TV shows when I am feeling lazy in the middle of the day. Long story short, I got my cable back and Jon moved his Xbox into the office/guest bedroom and Hulu kind of got forgotten about.

A few weeks ago we started watching V on abc, but we missed the first episode. We checked and now Hulu has abc shows (last time we checked it was NBC and Fox shows). I know you can watch most of these shows on the networks website, but I like Hulu better. We were able to catch up on V last night thanks to Hulu.

Today, Jon set up the media center (yes, we are high tech like that around here) to run Hulu from his laptop, so Hulu is back (and cable is staying, for now)!

-Lauren-

Oh and for those who don’t know, you can go to Hulu.com and watch tons of shows for free on your computer. :)

My Drive to School

Tonight was my second to last graduate class! Unfortunately my drive to school was just about enough to make me never want to get on I35 again!

For the last 2 years I have made the commute from south Austin to San Marcos for class a few nights a week. While it is only about 20 miles south, I have to be at school around 6:30pm, just in time for rush hour traffic.

Tonight I made it through the typical heavy traffic in south Austin and thought I was good to go. I was wrong. A few minutes later traffic came to a stand still. I inched forward at a snails pace to find out there was an accident and the right lane was blocked. I passed the accident and thought I was good to go. I was wrong. A few minute later traffic comes to a stand still again! Sigh. This time it was because the left lane was blocked off in preparation for road work that was scheduled to be done tonight (according to the flashing sign). Okay, got passed the lane closure, surely I am good to go. Oh no. Not yet. A few minutes later traffic comes to a stand still again! This time, just a car pulled over and a police officer. Why does everyone feel the need to stop and check out what’s going on whenever there are flashing lights. I finally made it to class, 20 minutes late. Sigh.

At least I only have 1 more class!!

-Lauren-

In the Mail

I got a package from UPS and a package from FedEx today, it felt like Christmas!

FedEx dropped off the pillow set from the nursery collection I am thinking about getting. I really like the colors! I think these pillows will look cute on a rocking chair. Hopefully we will be buying nursery furniture in the next couple of weeks and then I am going to order the actual bedding. A blog friend tipped me off to this website, where I can get the bedding set for less than any store I have found it at, plus tax free an no shipping!

UPS dropped off some new maternity clothes from the Gap. I got a new pair of jeans and 3 long sleeve T-shirts. Everything fits really well and came just in time since it was actually cool today!

 

 

 

 

 

 

I just got an email saying my cap, gown and hood for graduation will be delivered tomorrow. :)

-Lauren-

Baby Shower Recap

The baby shower went really well yesterday.

Here is a look at the table

How cute is the diaper cake! My cousin made it along with little paper flower bouquets for decorations (I can believe I didn’t get a picture of them). Oh and my great grandmother made the tablecloth, so impressive!

The hostesses, my aunt Kathy, cousin Jennifer, my mom and me.

And the VIP of the shower, my cousin’s wife Deanna. The cake was from Sweetish Hill Bakery and it was amazing! I don’t even like chocolate cake and I managed to eat a whole piece at the shower and a second piece at my grandparents house last night.

I think everyone had a great time and it was great to see everyone. I even got to meet my newest second cousin, Garen. He is so cute! There are so many new additions to my extended family. Aedan will be the 7th great grandchild for my dad’s parents and the 3rd baby born with in 1 year.

It was such a fun day, but I have to say I am still exhausted!

-Lauren-

A Day of Family

The shower went great! I will post pictures tomorrow. Right now we are all headed up to Round Rock to celebrate my Grandfathers birthday. It’s been nice to see so much family today, but I am already exhausted. Hopefully I’ll get a second burst of energy for the party tonight.

Happy Saturday!

-Lauren-

It’s Friday!

I’m so glad it is finally Friday! For some reason this week as gone by very very slow. I have one more team meeting this afternoon and then I am done for the weekend. :)

Tomorrow I am hosting a baby shower for my cousin’s wife. I am so excited because this will be the 4th baby shower I have hosted in the last year and it is the first shower for a baby girl! While everything is pretty much ready and I have lots of help, I still have a few things to get done tonight. I need to do some run some last minute errands, finish up some cleaning and make mini zucchini bread muffins…yum!

All and all I am really looking forward to a fun weekend! Hopefully I will remember to take lots of pictures so I will have something good to post this weekend!

-Lauren-

Who is ready?

I got the Pottery Barn Christmas catalog in the mail last week and I heard that the red cups are out at Starbucks!

I know Target is decked out for the holidays with snowflakes on the doors and ornaments hanging from the ceiling.

I can’t wait to break out the Christmas decorations! Now I just need the weather to get a little cooler around here. Its going to be close to 80 this weekend. Sigh.

-Lauren-

I passed!

This is the email I got today from the dean! Yay!

Lauren Dechiro,
It is my pleasure to inform you that you have successfully completed your
written comprehensive examination taken on October 30, 2009.  I will submit
the paperwork to the Graduate College informing them of your accomplishment.
Congratulations and good luck in your future.
Dr. L. W.

Now I just have to get motivated to finish up my research paper and practicum work. December 1st is just around the corner and I can’t wait to be DONE!

I was hoping to be able to sit for the BCBA exam before Aedan comes, but its only being offered in April or September of 2010. I am thinking that I probably won’t feel like cramming for a big test during the first few weeks we have Aedan, so it looks like I am going to be signing up for the September test. It shouldn’t matter too much since I will be on maternity leave until the end of May or June and then I will be co-supervising a few cases until I take on my own cases.

Okay, enough about school. Check out what Jon and I made for dinner tonight.

Yum!

Here is the recipe (it’s from the Food Network)

Ingredients

• 4 medium russet potatoes
• 8 ounces 90%-lean ground beef
• 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup reduced-fat Cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat sour cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 3 scallions, sliced

Directions

Pierce potatoes all over with a fork. Place in the microwave and cook at 50% power, turning once or twice, until the potatoes are soft, about 20 minutes. (Or, use the "potato setting" on your microwave and cook according to the manufacturer's instructions.)

Meanwhile, brown meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring often, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl. Increase heat to high, add broccoli and water to the skillet, cover, and cook until tender, 4 to 5 minutes. Drain the broccoli; add to the meat.

Carefully cut off the top third of the cooked potatoes; reserve the tops for another use. Scoop the insides out into a medium bowl. Place the potato shells in a small baking dish. Add 1/2 cup Cheddar, sour cream, salt and pepper to the potato insides and mash with a fork or potato masher. Add scallions and the potato mixture to the broccoli and meat; stir to combine.

Evenly divide the potato mixture among the potato shells and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Microwave on high until the filling is hot and the cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.

Vegetarian variation: Replace the ground beef with a soy-based substitute or omit the beef altogether and increase the broccoli to 1 1/2 cups and the cheese to 1 1/4 cups.

***This was so easy and it taste great. We thought it was a little dry so next time I think I will add more sour cream. We did add a little butter on the top (we won’t want this to be too healthy, right?).

-Lauren-

One of My Favorite Things

One of my favorite things to do is getting my hair cut and highlighted. I absolutely LOVE my hairstylist and have so much fun visiting with her as I am getting my hair done. I don’t get pedicures, manicures, facials or massages, so I feel like this is something I do for myself every few months. I know after Aedan comes it will be even of a special time, since I am not going to have time to myself much at all.

So today I got my hair cut and highlighted and I love it! My hair grows really fast, last time I was there I got 3 inches cut off and it seemed like it had all grown back by my appointment today. I had her take 2 inches off and add some layers at the bottom for a change. I will have to post a picture soon along with a 21 week picture. :)

What are some of your favorite things to do just for yourself?

-Lauren-

COMPS

Well I should find out how I did on my comprehensive exams this week. I had a meeting with one of my professors over the weekend and she let us know that everyone was supposed to be finished grading the questions by this morning. Each question is graded by 3 professors, if at least 2 pass you then you pass the question.

My professor said that the dean will be going through and figuring out who passed and who failed today. This afternoon, he is supposed to email the people who have failed a question (or more) and are graduating. So I guess if I don’t hear anything from him this afternoon, that’s good news. :) If I did fail a question, I will get to go back and retake it on the 20th, so at least it is not a complete all or nothing thing.

I feel pretty good about all my answers, but you never know. All the questions have multiple right answers and a lot depends on opinions. I guess I’ll just keep hoping not to get an email today.

-Lauren-

***Update***I just checked my school email account and I didn’t get an email from the dean. Hopefully that’s a good sign! :)

Bedding

I think I have decided on a bedding set for Aedan’s room.

I really like the colors and I think it will look great with dark wood furniture. :) It is available at a bunch of different stores, but I haven’t gotten to see it in person. I ordered the 2 decorative pillow (I think they will be cute on whatever chair we decided to get) so I can make sure I like the colors in person and to help me pick a paint color.

Here is what we are thinking for furniture:

 

And:

I like that the dresser has 6 drawers instead of 3 drawers and a cabinet. I feel like the cabinet looks too much like it belongs in a nursery, while this one should last quite awhile in his room.

-Lauren-

My Day

This morning I went shopping with my good friend Lauren. I set up baby registries at Buy Buy Baby and Babys-R-Us. Lauren has a 9 month old little boy, so she was super helpful picking out things that we will need.

After a couple hours of shopping we meet up the rest of our small group for lunch. It’s been awhile since we have all been able to get together, so it was great to see everyone.

When I got home I was exhausted so I just laid around all afternoon. We took Hiro to the park this evening, but another dog kept taking his ball and the owner didn’t seem to care…annoying!

We got home just in time to catch the session premiere of Legends of the Seeker. Its a pretty good show that we both enjoy watching (there aren’t too many shows we both enjoy).

Tomorrow we are going to have to get some cleaning done since I am hosting baby shower for my cousin next weekend. I’m really looking forward seeing all the family that will be coming over!

-Lauren-

Worn Out

I am so glad its Friday, because I am feeling pretty worn out. I have been sleeping really well all week, but I have had a few a lot of rough sessions with a few of my kids and I think its taken its toll.

The good news is, I should be done with my practicum hours in a couple of weeks and I am also coming off this case at the end of the year. I will miss all the kids, but my back is having a rough time keeping up with all the tantrums and such.

I have one more session left (4-6) and then I am done for the week. Yay! Tonight, I think Jon and I are going to out to dinner and then come home and just relax.

I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and spending some time with some girlfriends that I haven’t seen in awhile.

Happy Friday!

-Lauren-

20 Weeks (and a few days)

I just can’t seem to post weekly updates. Maybe that is something I will get better at this month, since I am trying to post every day. :)

How far along? 20 weeks and 5 days 
Total weight gain/loss: I have gained 8 pounds. My doctor was glad to see that I am gaining weight instead of losing it or staying the same.
Maternity clothes: I can still wear the bella band with my jeans, but I have been wearing more maternity pants and tops this week.
Stretch marks: Not yet and hopefully it will stay that way. 
Sleep: I started using a couple of extra pillows on my sides and that has helped a lot. I still wake up at least once or twice to go to the bathroom, but over all I think I am sleep better.
Best moment this week: Nothing too special this week, but the best moment of last week was having our big ultrasound appointment. It was so cool to see a baby instead of just a blob.
Movement: Yes! I don’t feel anything much during the day, but I think it is because I am moving around too much. In the morning and at night I feel the most movement.
Food cravings: Still nothing specific. However, now that I am not throwing up multiple times a day, eating is much more fun!
Gender: Its a boy!!
Labor signs: None!
Belly button in or out: Still in, but it’s getting more and more shallow.
What I miss: Not being able to wear my regular clothes.
What I am looking forward to: Going shopping with some girlfriends this weekend for baby stuff!
Weekly wisdom: I am becoming very forgetful and clumsy, so I need to start writing things down and being more careful (like when we are out to dinner and I drop my fork on the floor twice…sigh).
Milestone: Finding out we are having a BOY!

Oh and just to see how much my belly has grown check out this comparison.

Where I started:

Where I am today:

Um, yikes!

-Lauren-

Just about DONE

Last night in class we went over our class calendar and decided not to have class the Tuesday before Thanksgiving (ah the joys of having a cool professor and a class of 10 people). Since we will be cancelling class that week, I only have 3 more classes until I will be DONE with graduate school!! I can’t believe I am that close to being done for good.

I have few more little projects to complete for my research class and about 15 more hours to get at my practicum site (which I should be able to knock out before Thanksgiving). By December 1st I will be DONE!

Once I graduate I need to sit for my Board Certified Behavior Analysis exam…sigh. I am hoping to take it before Aedan comes, but it is only offered in March next semester, so it may be close. Before I am allowed to sit for the exam I have to earn 1500 therapy hours. I have been doing ABA therapy since May of 2006, which means I have earned way more than 1500 hours. Unfortunately I can’t count any hours I did before starting graduate classes in January of 08. Yesterday I finally added up all the hours I have accumulated since starting school and currently I have 1425. I should get another 85-90 hours before December 18th, which means I am going to meet my goal of 1500 hours before graduation! Yay! Now I just have to study for the exam…I am pretty sure I won’t worry about that until January. ;)

-Lauren-

Getting Crafty

Here is what I made for Aedan this weekend.

How cute are they? I love them! :)

I got the idea here. I made my tie pattern half the size, since I was working on a small onesie.  I liked the tie so much, that I thought I would make a guitar too…so cute! I also made a couple of girl onesies, but they are gifts for an upcoming shower. I will post pictures of those in a couple of weeks.

Instead of using the sewing machine to finish the edges, I hand stitched. I thought about using my sewing machine, but the onesie was too small and it was just easier to hand stitch.

I have a feeling I am going to be making more of these!

-Lauren-

NaBloPoMo

It’s National Blog Posting month! I didn’t participate last year, but I decided it would be fun to sign up this year. During the month of November the goal is to try to post once a day…30 post in 30 days.

I hope I can find enough things to write about!

Happy November!

-Lauren-

Shopping Day

Yesterday Jon and I left the house at 10:30 and didn’t get home until 4:30! It was a long but productive day. We were doing great on time until 2:30 when we hit major traffic in north Austin…I officially do not ever want to live in north Austin, I think the traffic may have just been normal Saturday traffic, awful!

Our first stop was Target, we checked out cribs and decided we like the dark wood color of a more expensive one, of course. We picked a few other things and then headed up north. We were headed for Ikea, but decided to stop by the outlet  mall first (mainly because I told Jon to exit too late for Ikea…opps). We browsed through some baby clothes stores and picked up some hot drinks at Starbucks. At Ikea we looked at the dressers that I really liked online. Unfortunately the color of the dark wood is more black and the crib we like is more brown, so they don’t match. Sigh, I really like the dresser at Ikea. Its the perfect size and price. Oh well, I have some decisions to make.

We also found a chair and ottoman that we both like at Ikea. I think it would look great in Aedan’s room and once he doesn’t need a chair in his room, it will fit perfectly in our bedroom reading nook. So now I have a question for all you moms…how important is it for us to have a chair that rocks? Here is the chair that we like

It’s super comfortable, but it doesn’t rock. Any opinions?

From Ikea we went to REI, just because we like everything there. I picked out this cute little outfit for Aedan. It was on clearance and it should work for us next summer/early fall.

Our last stop was Costco, we decided to go to the north store since we were in the area. This is where we ran into tons of traffic. Even the Costco parking lot was super full. I think we were both ready to be done and pretty frustrated with all the traffic. The one good thing about the trip was that Costco finally brought back the doggie stuffed animals that Hiro loves! We bought two packs so that we can save some for Hiro’s Christmas gifts. :)

Last night we just relaxed at home and handed out candy to all our neighborhood kids.

Today I have a little bit of homework to do and then I am going to go shopping for materials for a new craft project. I am so excited that I am finally feeling better and I have no more studying to do!! Bring on craft time! :)

-Lauren-