Enjoyable walk with reflection time

I am so glad I made the decision to make the trip to Seattle to visit Kristen and Loren.  It's been absolutely wonderful.  There is nothing like being in the presence of your best childhood friend who is not only a delight to be around, but is also a gracious host.

For some reason I suffer from insomnia this pregnancy so I woke up about 5 AM despite the fact that I went to sleep after midnight last night reading the book 29 Gifts I mentioned here.  I woke up this morning to call my mother in law who was watching Jude today to make sure she had everything she needed for the day and again started reading the book. It is so great and I am already almost done.

After I put the book down I putzed around and had a banana and a bowl of shredded wheat (my fave) from their collection of over 25 cereals. No, I am not exaggerating.  I counted.  Next, I used my phone to locate a bakery within walking distance and decided I would take a walk there later after the forecast of rain cleared up. Then I watched a little bit of HGTV, another fave of mine and decided I would take a nap and a bath to follow.  It was an ideal morning filled with luxuries I am rarely able to enjoy.  It felt wonderful.

I got around I decided to navigate my way to the bakery.  Luckily with the help of my phone I didn't get lost.  I ordered a turkey breast and avocado sandwich with green tea and a piece of cake named the Frazier.  I also purchased three pastries to go for us to share and enjoy later.

During my lunch I read more of my book and then decided I would take a walk along the lake and read some more on the dock.  It was enjoyable and gave me time to reflect on all the blessings in my life.  After making a mental list I felt so complete and content with life.  I really do "have it all" or at least all I ever wanted or needed.

From reading this book it has kinda inspired me to maybe take on the challenge of the whole 29 gifts in 29 days concept.  It is intriguing to me and I wonder how I will be changed by the experience.
I have included pics below of my experience at the bakery today and some sights from my walk.

Books for travel

At this moment I am sitting at Detroit Metro Airport waiting to catch my second flight to Seattle.  I am going to visit my best friend Kristen.  This trip is long overdue.  I have been wanting to visit and have talked about it forever...and I am finally doing it.  I talked to Clint about it awhile back anddetermined that if I don't go now....I may never go, especially with having two kids. 

The original plan was that Jude and Clint would come in the airport and see me off but since it was raining and Jude fell back asleep, I told Clint to just drop me off at the door.  As soon as I kissed both of my boys and shut the door, I began to cry.  I have only stayed one night away from Jude since his birth and that time I was only about an hour away. This is going to be tough, but I know I need this.
About a half hour later Clint called and said that Jude wanted to talk to me.  In his beautiful , sleepy voice he said "mommy ride airplane today?"  I said "yes" and explained to him how his day was going to go.  He responded by telling me "no biting or hitting, and play nicely" which is what I discussed with him the night before.  What a joy he is.  I miss him dearly.

Yesterday I went to the library in the afternoon and chose two books for my trip only to be denied being able to check them out.  I had a book out that was severly overdue and unless I paid about $18 for it or returned it, I would biy br able to check any more out.  I knew I had the book somewhere but couldn't put my finger on where.  I went home and found it within 3 minutes maybe.  Luckily, the library doesn't close til 8 PM on Tuesdays so when Clint arrived home from track practice I went to retrieve the books.

Here is what I chose:
The first one is called "A Different Kind of Perfect" by Cindy Dowling, Neil Nicoll and Bernadette Thomas.  It contains writings by parents on raising children with special needs. 
I started it on my shirt flight from Flint to Detroit.  The preface was intriguing as it explained how the book was set up.  The chapters are broken up into sections such ad Grief, Denial, Acceptance, Spirituality and Laughter.

The second one is called "29 Gifts, How a month of giving can change your life" by Cami Walker.  I read the inside cover at the library and was instantly attracted to it.  It is about a woman who was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and couldn't escape the negative thoughts that plagued her.  She was told by an African medicine woman who was her friend to give away 29 gifts in 29 days.  It tells of how this 'prescription' changed her. 

I am so excited to read this one.  It may be just what I need to get my mind off the negative thoughts about Gwenyth's possible diagnosis which is what my mind seems to be consumed with a majority of the time.

As my trip to Seattle continues, I will keep you all updated about how it is going.

Maybe, maybe not.

As the due date draws nearer, I am more consumed by the what if that is still in the back of my mind.  I say back of my mind....which is where it was (honestly) for quite some time, but as it gets closer I find the thoughts and worries creeping closer and closer to the front of it.  I keep finding myself thinking about it more and more and how it will change the dynamic of our family if our sweet Gwenyth does in fact have Down's Syndrome.  I have been trying to prepare myself...but how do you really do it? 

I have always been a believer of signs and I feel like something is telling me to prepare myself.  I don't know whether it is just because I know that the possibility is there that I am noticing it more or if its just that I have an increased awareness but I feel like I am coming into contact or being presented with children with Down's more and more. 

For example, while in Florida at a resort I saw a family at the pool who had an infant with Down's Syndrome.  The family looked as though they were having a wonderful time as their beautiful little girl watched the older kids in the pool happily from her stroller.  I have to shamefully admit that my first reaction to seeing the little girl and her family was compassion and pity.  I felt so bad that the little girl wasn't healthy for her own sake and for what it meant for her family.  Seconds later, I thought to myself "how is this any different than any other family?"  They were having what seemed like a normal, fun filled family vacation like every other family that was there.  I told myself.....I can do this.

When we got home, I was watching a TV program featuring Albert Pujols who is a famous baseball player who does amazing work on and off the field.  He works very closely with children with Down's Syndrome.  Each year he organizes a prom for kids with Down's.  It told his story and his connection to the syndrome.  His wife's daughter, whom he considers his own has Down's.  It was obvious that he absolutely adored his little girl and was passionate about providing these children with an event that to healthy kids would be considered normal.  As soon as I saw the program was about Down's Syndrome, my heart dropped a little.  I thought...this must be another sign.  This must mean God is trying to prepare me, right?  I paused the program about three minutes into it and called Clint into the room.  I didn't disclose my fears or thoughts.  I just rewound the program to the beginning and said let's watch this.  It was inspiring.  It put me more at ease again.  I thought...there are so many opportunities and experiences out there that I need to explore.

Lastly, today I received my monthly Parents magazine.  On the back cover is a precious little girl featured in the Pampers ad that obviously has Down's Syndrome.  Was this another sign? 

I may be crazy.  But this is just how my mind works.  It is something I sometimes wish I could change about myself....but I can't.  I am wired to look very very very deep into things.  I analyze every aspect of every situation til I am worn out.  I do it til my brain cannot take anymore til it finds something else to consume itself with.  Do the signs I am noticing mean anything?  Maybe, maybe not.

So in putting my thoughts down...what have I learned?  I learned that regardless of what the outcome is, we can truly give our child the most normal childhood possible.  I know myself and I know my husband well enough that we will take on whatever we are dealt head on and do it to the best of our ability.  Am I saying that I am not afraid or that I am not constantly hoping that everything will be alright?  No.  Obviously, every parent wants the most healthy child possible.  I just know that we will make it.  No matter what....we can do anything together.

Blogs that Inspire Update

After looking at my blog, I realized that I needed to update my "blogs that inspire" tab.  I haven't edited it since I first began my blog and felt it was time.  I added a bunch and removed a few that I hadn't been actively looking at. 

I wanted to give some insight to a few of them in case you all wanted to start following as well.  Here is a little summary of a few of them that I absolutely love. 

1.

 
I love this blog.  I look t it almost on a daily basis.  I love it for a number of reasons.  First, the frequency of posts is amazing.  So consistent!  I envy this.  Next, it has introduced me to so many blogs that I now follow.  The writer of this particular blog, Lorie, basically features other projects and ideas from other blogs.  The variety she offers is amazing!  There are home decor ideas, party ideas, links to recipes, fashion, and even baby ideas.  This is one to check out.

Recently, she posted about these Fortune Cookie Baby Booties.

And what about this great idea.  I know I will pass by some old shutters at a garage sale this summer so I have this idea saved to my favorites.  I love the colors used in this room as well!

2.

If you like to throw a good party, this is the site for you.  Kara features parties she has planned and those that are chosen from the submissions she receives.  There are so many great ideas...some that I am going to borrow for parties I host for Clint, Jude and the new baby on the way.  Also, if any of my friends would start getting married or having babies....I have some great ideas from this site I would love to share with them!  If you are looking for a prticular theme, there is a categories section on the right.

I will for sure be throwing a football party with ideas taken from her feautured party some time in my future. I really like this table set up from the Football Birthday Party. 

For the adults, I like this Bloody Mary bar.  Clint's friends, Steve especially, loves Bloody Mary's.

Also, there is not much I don't love about the Carnival Birthday Party.  That was actually going to be our theme for Jude's party this year, but I think it will be best to save it for when he is a little older...maybe next year or the following.  (When he is a little less afraid of clowns). 

 

And for a girl party, a Baking Party would be so fun!

Or how about this Owl Birthday Party!

3.  LoveK
This is a blog written by my very best friend, Kristen who lives all too far away in Everett, Washington.  (Oh, how I miss her always).  I especially love her blog because it keeps me updated on what she is up to in a different, non-traditional way.  It makes me feel closer to her.  She is uber creative and smart and always comes up with great ideas.  She gives a lot of how-to's on her blog which are so helpful.  She makes tasks that you may have thought too difficult seem easy. 

For example, her explanation of the install that took place of this push-button lock impressed me.

And this transformation made me want to do this over my sink as well because I despise what is currently there.



Well here are three of the fourteen blogs I have listed on my page.  I absolutely love these ones as well as the other ones...but only have so much time to tell you all about them in detail.  Maybe later this week I will give a breif description of some of the other ones!

Things I want to make/do

So there are a few ideas that I have been gathering of things that I want to make in the near future.  Most of it includes sewing since I have to stay away from my beloved spray paints while pregnant.  Oh how I miss them!  I miss them on a day like today especially when it's getting nice out and there is no wind.  The spray paint calls to me but I must refrain.  I am sure that within a week of the baby's birth, I will be back at it in full swing!

In the meantime, here are some things I am looking to create.

1.  Mr and Mrs Burlap Pillows with insert by Ballard Designs.
These beauties retail for $59.00 each!  Can we say INSANE?  These would cost $10 at most to make both of them.  I cannot wait to pick up some burlap on my next trip to JoAnn's and make them.  Not sure if I will use the Mr and Mrs idea or put some other genius words on them.  I love the earthy feeling of them.



2.  Utensil Holders done by Crafts by Amanda - found this idea via Be Different Act Normal (a blog I <3).

I like this idea for one reason-I have a lot of utensils.  I have tried to downsize or get rid of some of them many times and have a hard time doing so.  I can honestly say-I use them all!  I cook a lot, so I use them frequently as well.  As of right now I have a stainless steel utensil holder that has my go to necessities, but then I have a drawer of others that I use less often and then another space for all my serving pieces, and another space for the grilling utensils.  It's not that they are all unorganized and a mess...its just that they are all in different organized spaces.  If I had seperate holders for each, I could keep them together - but separate in a wonderful way.  I am not sure when I make mine if they will necessarily be in the same type of plastic containers...but I just like the concept used here.

3.  Neu Home Mounting Wrap Storage Rack

I want to better utilize my storage space in the kitchen.  I am constantly improving this problem by moving things over and over again, finding better storage tools that are sold or by changing the way I buy items.  I want to free up some space before the new baby arrives since where Jude's bottles use to be, there are now sippy cups, cups, kids plates/bowls, etc.  Now we will need space for both.  I thought that if I bought two of these it would free up two drawers in our kitchen.  I would install them on the cabinet under the sink and use one for the wraps and storage bags and the other for the phone book that is in the other drawer.

4.  Car organizer found at http://www.themayfly.com/weblog/

I have been saying for awhile that I need a car organizer of sorts.  My vehicle has always been my downfall.  I keep everything else in my life neat and orgaized....everything has its place.  My car on the other hand is a different story.  It's a disaster.  Unfortunately for me, Jude doesn't care about the cleanliness of my car either.  I found this tutorial and I think that I may use this exact one or find something similar.  I will likely make one for each of my seat backs; one for Jude and one for the new baby when she makes her appearance.

5.  Shower Curtain by DesignSponge

I have been searching for a gender neutral shower curtain so I can redo the guest (kids) bathroom.  Right now-it is decorated for adults.  I don't necessarily want it to be too kiddish, but more kiddish than it is now.  That means that it needs a paint job, a new curtain, new rugs and kid friendlier wall art.  Also, I would like to remove the existing towel bar and replace it with a hook for each child at a kid friendly height.  I would like to put an additonal hook above to hang a slouchy basket or a galvanized bucket with their names on it above to hold their lotions, washcloths, and such other things.  I thought that this tutorial from DesignSponge was great for including things that would fit both genders.

I live for Mondays!

I always look forward to Monday's. It's not the whole going to work part that gets me excited, it's the fact that it's the day that I take a look at my Dashboard of my blog to see what the bloggers that I follow had posted over the weekend. I find so much inspiration from the people that I follow! The ideas that they come up with are amazing!

For example, over at Frugal Life Project, I found a great way to repurpose unattractive canvas art that can be found at the Dollar Tree. The how-to can be found here. Not only does this blog contain greta project ideas, but they often post different coupon codes and promotions that are going on. How helpful is that when you are trying to be frugal?

Everyone knows from previously posts of mine that I love to refinish furniture. I currently have a hope chest that I refinished about 2 years ago that serves as a TV stand in our master bedroom. Now that Jude is so mobile and touching everything, we need to find a something for the TV that will stand higher. The reason for this is because he is constantly turning the TV and components on and off continuously. Not only is it a waste of energy, but also probably not good for the tv. Anyways, I had been thinking that a dresser would be a nice height and add a great deal of storage. Therefore when I saw the before and after over at Be Different, Act Normal, I got excited to search for suitable dressers on CraigsList.

Another great furniture makeover I found was this desk over at Sweet Something Design. I have been trying to think of something to add to the buffet I recently refinished and I think that this helped my decision. I was going to add some scrollwork to the side panels of my buffet, but am thinking that this may be a better option. I have decided that I will be putting the buffet in our master bedroom for towel and toiletry storage, so I think that the initial or our monogram would be great in the master bath.

Now do you understand why Monday's are so wonderful? They are full of inspiration!