Showing posts with label photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label photos. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
2011 in pictures
I have been wanting to make a video compilation of all of my favorite pictures from the past year and was so excited when I found out that I had an application for doing just that! I hope you enjoy my first photo video!
Be on the lookout for videos from previous years and years to come!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Pregnancy Gripes
I love being pregnant and would continue having children as long as I could. My husband on the other hand, took some convincing for us to try for a third child and absolutely does not want any more children. With this in mind, I have decided to document some of my pregnancy gripes from my current pregnancy to pull out for future reference when I get baby fever!
1. Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel: I experienced pains in my wrists during my last two pregnancies. During my pregnancy with Aidan, I wore wrist braces for several months. This time it wasn't bad enough to get out the braces, but I did have numbness and pain for a few weeks.
2. Back pain: In the past few weeks, my back pain has been so severe that I can barely walk. I expereinced sharp pains in my back as I stood up from sitting or moved in my chair. Once standing, I walked while dragging my left leg. Besides having trouble walking, it was unbearable to get dressed!
3. Swollen feet: Recently my feet have begun to swell incredibly. Though I have been propping my feet up under my desk, my feet have swollen outside my shoes! The last thing I want to do after sitting at work all day, is go home and sit to prop my feet up, but I can't do anything else!
4. Less time with the kids: As my current pregnancy has progressed, I have not been playing, snuggling, or even parenting the kids like I usually do. When a fight breaks out between the kids, I often let them try to work things out themselves, because I do not have the energy to put myself in the middle of their fight. Also, the kids do not fit in my lap for snuggle time like they used to!
5. Sleeping: It is almost impossible to get comfortable. With pillows between my knees and under my belly, I usually start out the night on one side and rotate at least 4 times (the amount of times that I get up to go to the bathroom!) Each time that I get up to go to the bathroom I carefully make my way to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. Then I sit for a minute as my body registers all of my aches and pains. Finally, I stand up and limp, waddle and wince as I make my way to the bathroom. I am always amazed when I crawl back into bed and spend 10 minutes struggling to position all of my pillows, that my husband has managed to sleep through the whole 25 minute ordeal of me going to the bathroom!
6. Cleaning: I prefer to maintain a clean and organized house, not only because it makes it easier to find things and maintain a schedule, but because cleaning is a stress reliever for me. I usually spend Saturday mornings cleaning the entire house and clean as needed throughout the rest of the week. In the past few weeks, my ability to get around and clean like I usually do has severely suffered. It seems like there are piles of stuff everywhere, clothes sit sorted in the basement and are worn again before even making their way to the kids dressers!, I go to bed with the kids toys strewn all over the living room, etc. It drives me crazy, but just the thought of getting the clothes from the basement to the kids rooms on the second story makes me tired and sore!
7.Nesting: Though I despise the thought of having to exert myself to clean, I do have an urge to make room for the baby and to decorate the kids rooms. I have not "decorated" the kids rooms since we moved into our home 2 1/2 years ago because I knew that I wanted more kids and was not sure that the rooms they strarted out in would be the rooms they would stay in. Reese's room is larger and attached to a half finished attic space that could be expanded to make an even larger room. We planned on having the third child share with either Reese or Aidan in this larger room depending on the baby's sex. I did not find out the baby's gender because I wanted to enjoy this pregnancy since it will likely be my last. I spent the 20 weeks after finding out the sex of the previous two buying furniture, decorating rooms, and finding the clothes and blankets and stuff to fill it all in. Since we have everything for a boy or girl, we will simply need to pull the right items out of the closet and set up. But now the wait is killing me!
8. Social Life: Usually after spending the entire week at work and at home, I can't wait to get out of the house to go out to dinner or do some shopping. Lately, if it is not a necessary trip, I am more than happy to just stay home. I even asked Randy to go out and do the grocery shopping by himself this morning because I just did not want to get dressed and go out of the house. We even skipped our ritual of eating out Friday night and Randy picked up pizzas instead! Family members have been trying to plan summer time vacations and keep asking if we will really be ready to go with only weeks after having the baby, and I immediately respond "Yes!" After spending the next 6-7 weeks at home or at work, I am going to be so ready for a change in scenery!
9.Finally, many family members and friends have been very sweet to remark that I make a beautiful pregnant woman, but I feel more like a beached whale than anything human these days! Here are a few pictures from this pregnancy as evidence: January 2012- 22 weeks
March 2012- 29 weeks
There it is, my gripes about being pregnant and a reminder to myself to look back on when baby fever strikes about a year from now!
1. Pregnancy Carpal Tunnel: I experienced pains in my wrists during my last two pregnancies. During my pregnancy with Aidan, I wore wrist braces for several months. This time it wasn't bad enough to get out the braces, but I did have numbness and pain for a few weeks.
2. Back pain: In the past few weeks, my back pain has been so severe that I can barely walk. I expereinced sharp pains in my back as I stood up from sitting or moved in my chair. Once standing, I walked while dragging my left leg. Besides having trouble walking, it was unbearable to get dressed!
3. Swollen feet: Recently my feet have begun to swell incredibly. Though I have been propping my feet up under my desk, my feet have swollen outside my shoes! The last thing I want to do after sitting at work all day, is go home and sit to prop my feet up, but I can't do anything else!
4. Less time with the kids: As my current pregnancy has progressed, I have not been playing, snuggling, or even parenting the kids like I usually do. When a fight breaks out between the kids, I often let them try to work things out themselves, because I do not have the energy to put myself in the middle of their fight. Also, the kids do not fit in my lap for snuggle time like they used to!
5. Sleeping: It is almost impossible to get comfortable. With pillows between my knees and under my belly, I usually start out the night on one side and rotate at least 4 times (the amount of times that I get up to go to the bathroom!) Each time that I get up to go to the bathroom I carefully make my way to a sitting position on the edge of the bed. Then I sit for a minute as my body registers all of my aches and pains. Finally, I stand up and limp, waddle and wince as I make my way to the bathroom. I am always amazed when I crawl back into bed and spend 10 minutes struggling to position all of my pillows, that my husband has managed to sleep through the whole 25 minute ordeal of me going to the bathroom!
6. Cleaning: I prefer to maintain a clean and organized house, not only because it makes it easier to find things and maintain a schedule, but because cleaning is a stress reliever for me. I usually spend Saturday mornings cleaning the entire house and clean as needed throughout the rest of the week. In the past few weeks, my ability to get around and clean like I usually do has severely suffered. It seems like there are piles of stuff everywhere, clothes sit sorted in the basement and are worn again before even making their way to the kids dressers!, I go to bed with the kids toys strewn all over the living room, etc. It drives me crazy, but just the thought of getting the clothes from the basement to the kids rooms on the second story makes me tired and sore!
7.Nesting: Though I despise the thought of having to exert myself to clean, I do have an urge to make room for the baby and to decorate the kids rooms. I have not "decorated" the kids rooms since we moved into our home 2 1/2 years ago because I knew that I wanted more kids and was not sure that the rooms they strarted out in would be the rooms they would stay in. Reese's room is larger and attached to a half finished attic space that could be expanded to make an even larger room. We planned on having the third child share with either Reese or Aidan in this larger room depending on the baby's sex. I did not find out the baby's gender because I wanted to enjoy this pregnancy since it will likely be my last. I spent the 20 weeks after finding out the sex of the previous two buying furniture, decorating rooms, and finding the clothes and blankets and stuff to fill it all in. Since we have everything for a boy or girl, we will simply need to pull the right items out of the closet and set up. But now the wait is killing me!
8. Social Life: Usually after spending the entire week at work and at home, I can't wait to get out of the house to go out to dinner or do some shopping. Lately, if it is not a necessary trip, I am more than happy to just stay home. I even asked Randy to go out and do the grocery shopping by himself this morning because I just did not want to get dressed and go out of the house. We even skipped our ritual of eating out Friday night and Randy picked up pizzas instead! Family members have been trying to plan summer time vacations and keep asking if we will really be ready to go with only weeks after having the baby, and I immediately respond "Yes!" After spending the next 6-7 weeks at home or at work, I am going to be so ready for a change in scenery!
9.Finally, many family members and friends have been very sweet to remark that I make a beautiful pregnant woman, but I feel more like a beached whale than anything human these days! Here are a few pictures from this pregnancy as evidence: January 2012- 22 weeks
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Fairy- The Best Week of Summer
This past week was the Mississippi Valley Fair, the greatest fair in the state in my opinion. We bought our fun cards which allowed us entrance into the fairgrounds and to each of the concerts during the entire week for just $40. The fun card is definitely worth it, as the acts that we were able to see would easily be $40 each in concert. Tuesday was the first day and we had a late start as Randy did not get home from work until later. We had about an hour before the concert started, so we wandered around the fairgrounds taking in all of the sights (rides, animals, music, etc). We found a grassy spot in the grandstand for the concert where we could hear the music, but the kids could run around and play. It was so hot, around 95 degrees, but the kids would not sit still!
The second night we were able to get to the fairgrounds early enough to go to the petting zoo and watch a few midway shows. Blake Shelton performed for an almost record crowd while the kids enjoyed playing with their glow sticks from aunt Steffy!
The third night we left the kids with aunt Steffy so that we could enjoy a date night. I was really looking forward to Darius Rucker's performance and he did not disappoint. Though I was thankful to be able to enjoy the concert without being interrupted with having to go to the bathroom or get snacks or toys, I definitely teared up when he started singing, "It won't be like this for long".
The next night we took it easy and the kids played in Aunt Linda's van. When the concert started (Steve Miller Band) the kids and I took a walk around the fairgrounds. We checked out the rides and sought shelter when it started to rain. Fortunately they had a display where you could watch baby chicks hatch. Soon after we decided to head home.
Saturday night we also hung out by the cars while the kids played. There were a lot of horses walking past from the barns to the judging area and the kids stopped whatever they were doing to just watch them walk past. It was so funny when they started to play Limbo under some parking tape. Aidan just kind of stuck his belly out and walked under the tape. So cute!
We were pretty tired from the week, so we sat and listened to the music of the Charlie Daniels Band while the kids played.
Sunday was the final day of the fair. We spent the early afternoon boating, so we got to the fairgrounds just before the concert. Miranda Lambert was on stage and I was really excited for Reese to see a female singer. Though she was excited to see a cowgirl, she was much more entertained playing with the cars in the dirt.
We were worn out from the weeks events at the fairy (nicknamed that by Aidan) and the kids were absolutely delirious, so we went home and went straight to bed. The kids woke up the next morning and asked if we could go to the fairy, so I would guess that they enjoyed it! I only hope that next year will be as much fun as this year was!
The second night we were able to get to the fairgrounds early enough to go to the petting zoo and watch a few midway shows. Blake Shelton performed for an almost record crowd while the kids enjoyed playing with their glow sticks from aunt Steffy!
The third night we left the kids with aunt Steffy so that we could enjoy a date night. I was really looking forward to Darius Rucker's performance and he did not disappoint. Though I was thankful to be able to enjoy the concert without being interrupted with having to go to the bathroom or get snacks or toys, I definitely teared up when he started singing, "It won't be like this for long".
The next night we took it easy and the kids played in Aunt Linda's van. When the concert started (Steve Miller Band) the kids and I took a walk around the fairgrounds. We checked out the rides and sought shelter when it started to rain. Fortunately they had a display where you could watch baby chicks hatch. Soon after we decided to head home.
Saturday night we also hung out by the cars while the kids played. There were a lot of horses walking past from the barns to the judging area and the kids stopped whatever they were doing to just watch them walk past. It was so funny when they started to play Limbo under some parking tape. Aidan just kind of stuck his belly out and walked under the tape. So cute!
We were pretty tired from the week, so we sat and listened to the music of the Charlie Daniels Band while the kids played.
Sunday was the final day of the fair. We spent the early afternoon boating, so we got to the fairgrounds just before the concert. Miranda Lambert was on stage and I was really excited for Reese to see a female singer. Though she was excited to see a cowgirl, she was much more entertained playing with the cars in the dirt.
We were worn out from the weeks events at the fairy (nicknamed that by Aidan) and the kids were absolutely delirious, so we went home and went straight to bed. The kids woke up the next morning and asked if we could go to the fairy, so I would guess that they enjoyed it! I only hope that next year will be as much fun as this year was!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Summertime 2011
It has been a jam packed summer so far! So jam packed, in fact, that we put a list of the things that we want to do on our chalkboard to make sure that we get to them all!
We spent the first few warm days lounging around grammy's pool.
Soon after Reese's birthday we bought a membership to Niabi Zoo. The kids ran from one exhibit to the next! We started in the petting zoo and worked our way through 1/2 of the zoo. We took a quick break to ride the train around the zoo and then made our way back to the exhibits we had missed.
Here the kids are in front of the lion cage. Unfortunately, I did not have my memory card and did not get many pictures! Thankfully with the membership we can go back as many times as we want over the next year.
That weekend, we went boating, as we usually do, but we also got out the tube.
Reese and daddy
Aidan and daddy
During a rainy day the next week, we decided to go to John Deere Commons in Moline to check out the tractors. The kids had a blast climbing into each of the different tractors on display and pretending to drive.
During our weekly boating trip that Sunday, the kids discovered the fun of jumping off of the back of the boat!
This activity keeps them entertained for hours!
Over the course of the rest of the month we also visited a local park, spent a few days with Grandma Potter, played at the beach, went to the races, and spent countless hours outside riding our bikes and fourwheelers and swinging in our own yard. Despite how busy we have been, we still have lots of activities left on our list, and only about 6 weeks left to do them in!
We spent the first few warm days lounging around grammy's pool.
Soon after Reese's birthday we bought a membership to Niabi Zoo. The kids ran from one exhibit to the next! We started in the petting zoo and worked our way through 1/2 of the zoo. We took a quick break to ride the train around the zoo and then made our way back to the exhibits we had missed.
Here the kids are in front of the lion cage. Unfortunately, I did not have my memory card and did not get many pictures! Thankfully with the membership we can go back as many times as we want over the next year.
That weekend, we went boating, as we usually do, but we also got out the tube.
Reese and daddy
Aidan and daddy
During a rainy day the next week, we decided to go to John Deere Commons in Moline to check out the tractors. The kids had a blast climbing into each of the different tractors on display and pretending to drive.
During our weekly boating trip that Sunday, the kids discovered the fun of jumping off of the back of the boat!
This activity keeps them entertained for hours!
Over the course of the rest of the month we also visited a local park, spent a few days with Grandma Potter, played at the beach, went to the races, and spent countless hours outside riding our bikes and fourwheelers and swinging in our own yard. Despite how busy we have been, we still have lots of activities left on our list, and only about 6 weeks left to do them in!
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Family Vacation
I have spent the past week vacationing with my family on sunny Pensacola Beach, Florida. 
We spent the mornings playing at an area playground,
digging in the sand,
and running away from crashing waves,
and splashing and bathing in the hotel pools.
After a quick lunch and refreshing nap,
we prepared for dinner and nights spent out on the town.
We got to totally relax and just have fun as a family.
By the end of the week, I was totally refreshed and ready to return home! Though it was nice to not have to cook or clean for almost a week, I really began to miss my home!
We spent the mornings playing at an area playground,
digging in the sand,
and running away from crashing waves,
and splashing and bathing in the hotel pools.
After a quick lunch and refreshing nap,
we prepared for dinner and nights spent out on the town.
We got to totally relax and just have fun as a family.
By the end of the week, I was totally refreshed and ready to return home! Though it was nice to not have to cook or clean for almost a week, I really began to miss my home!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
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