Review: Water for Elephants

Allison and I haven't seen a movie together since our rush to watch all the Oscar films.  I was definitely missing her and hadn't seen her latest addition - her BABY BUMP!!!  (And - SQUEAL - I know what she's having!!)  So we decided to go see 'Water for Elephants' last night.

Plot: A veterinary student abandons his studies after his parents are killed and joins a traveling circus as their vet.  {From imdb.com}

Review: The movie got mixed reviews, but Allison and I both really, really enjoyed it.  I haven't read the book yet (but intend to), but Allison had, so we definitely had different expectations going into it.  We both got sucked into the allure of the circus, the craziness and cruelty of August (the Ringmaster and hubby to Reese Witherspoon's character), the spark between Jacob and Marlena, the adorableness of Rosie the elephant and the excitement of the plot.  By the time it ended, we had both shed a few tears (Allison can blame hers on pregnancy hormones, I cannot) and had big smiles on our faces.  I can't wait to read the book now! 

AND as an added bonus?  Robert Pattinson looks so much better alive than dead. {grin}

Still Friends

Remember this friend of Trent's?  Yup, they're still friends...and as precious as ever!

My 2nd Little Boy

I was scrolling through Patty's iPhone photos and had to send a few to myself to show off my 2nd little boy. 

Shopping at Target...I mean seriously...this is the definition of 'presh'

I know what this looks like...it's not quite that bad.  He's using his breast pump in the park - ha!  Love it!

This little boy just makes me laugh, and it's so adorable when he and Trent see each other.  They both get so excited...until one of them takes the other's favorite toy. {grin}

Happy Easter...The Sequel

I remembered I had a few pictures from Saturday's Easter celebration at my parents' house on my iPhone.  Not the best pictures ever taken, but I did want to capture what I had.

Miles deciding that mowing is better than hunting eggs, Trent semi-interested

'Now...what am I supposed to be doing again?', all the kids ready to hunt! 

Godmother lovin', 'Hey Uncle Sky, hold my stick!'

And for the added 'Awwww'...look at this preciousness...I mean seriously...ruffles on the butt!

My mom keeps saying how much she's filled out...but she still doesn't even weigh 8 pounds!  Such sweetness!

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter weekend.  We spend Saturday with my parents (and both sides of their families), although I have no pictures to show for it (and am hoping I get some via email).  Sunday, we were at Brent's parents, but his brother and family were out of town, so Trent was spoiled as the only grandchild around.  He got to crack eggs on PaPa's head, mow, eat cookies for dinner...no wonder he loves to be at NaNa and PaPa's house!

Mowing with NaNa, modeling his new Easter shirt (thanks Aunt Kris and Uncle Sky!!)

Trying out his new chair, cracking an egg on PaPa's head, asking for more eggs...such a little ham!

I feel a little like a failure because we never do 'traditional' holiday stuff, we haven't ever taken his picture with the Easter bunny, he's got a $2 Easter basket from Target, we haven't dyed eggs...maybe next year!  {grin}

Confessions

• I have not posted pictures of Trent in a while.  I will remedy that very soon.  He got an even shorter haircut and it's presh.  {Not having a good camera stinks...waiting for money to fall out of the sky to buy a new one stinks.}
• Phase 1 of my cleanse is over, and I'm taking the weekend off before staring Phase 2 on Monday.  Let me tell you, I ENJOYED the heck out of some food today.
• I may or may not have bought 4 Cadbury Creme Eggs today.
• Lent is over!  I had a VENTI Chai today and it was magical.
• I bought more cutesy girl things for Blair.  One thing is for her newborn pictures, and I can't wait to have a picture of her in it to share.  I got to squeeze on her some today, and it's official - My namesake {wink} thinks I'm the best aunt ever.
• Hope everyone has a great Easter!

Toothache

I just got back from the dentist.  OUCH.  And not a physical ouch.  A pocketbook ouch. 

I need:

• a crown
• 3 cavity fillings
• a night guard
• my 4 wisdom teeth pulled

I'm a little embarrassed.  I had 2 cavities when I was 7 and needed a crown about 6 months ago (which I blamed on breast feeding).  But apparently the wear on my teeth (hence the need for the night guard) is causing major problems.  And I've known my wisdom teeth needed to come out for a while.  But seriously.  ALL.AT.ONE.TIME. 

Maybe I should just do this?

Sick Sick Sick

We've had a rough couple of days.  Trent is sick.  During the day, other than running a fever, you'd never know he was sick.  At night, he cries and cries (not all night but for easily an hour or two) or can't get comfortable.  Saturday night I actually put him in bed with me (Brent was out of town), which I've never done before.  Well, yesterday his fever spiked at 103 (after taking ibuprofen) and last night he was crying uncontrollably.  I felt so helpless as a mommy.  And of course Brent and I were gripey with each other (mainly because I won't listen to his advice...there I admit it...).  I finally called the on-call nurse to see if we needed to go to our pediatrician's after hours clinic.  She thought it sounded like an ear infection that could wait until the morning.  So I got Trent back to sleep, got myself into bed and 45 minutes later had him in bed with him.  He slept pretty good after that because I had him propped up on my chest (which I think relieved some pressure in his ears), but I, of course, slept little to none worrying about him, meaning today at work I look
GORGEOUS.  So we went to the doctor bright and early this morning and the diagnosis...double ear infection (with pus and everything!) and tonsilitis/strep throat.  I am not always about antibiotics given Trent's history with them, but I couldn't get to the pharmacy fast enough today!  In my mind I keep saying I want to do research about general health and wellness for Trent (and our family) to try to prevent some of this stuff.  But I wait until he's sick to think about it, and then I feel terrible.  Well, I got my act together and finally started asking some questions to start figuring out my 'plan' to hopefully prevent this junk from happening again to my precious baby.  There is nothing as bad as a sick baby.

Review: The Hunger Games

I finally got my act together and read 'The Hunger Games'. 

Summary: In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place. (courtesy my city's public library website)

Review: OMG! I really loved this book. The plot was so unique and I really loved the main characters.  I thought it was written really well too.  The first part let us learn a lot about Katniss, what happened to the U.S. that resulted in this new world where children must fight to the death each year.  The second part was about the preparation for the Hunger Games and the beginning of the competition, and the third part is the conclusion of the Games.  I was worried it was going to be really graphic, which I would not have been able to handle, but it wasn't.  The added bonus was the beginning of a love story, I mean, love triangle!  I cannot wait to read the 2nd and 3rd books!

What's a little different for me with this latest fad book is that I didn't read it until after casting was complete.  I started reading Harry Potter in college and loved all the casting.  I read all of the Twilight books and hated Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen until I saw the first movie.  I quickly changed my mind!  But...even though I probably should have learned my lesson and should trust casting agents...I'm NOT pleased.  I think Jennifer Lawrence will be an amazing Katniss (some people think she looks too old and curvy but I imagine they can make her look younger and I'm sure she'll lose a lot of weight), but I do not like the casting for the male roles.  Peeta is the boy 'tribute' chosen with Katniss to compete in the games and Gale is her only friend at home.  I pictured Peeta as more pretty and Gale as more rugged.  I actually thought I read the casting backwards when I saw who was cast.  I think flipping it would be much better.  So here's hoping I have a Twilight 180 and start to love this casting!

Josh Hutcherson (Peeta), Jennifer Lawrence (Katniss), Liam Hemsworth (Gale)

Did anybody actually make it through this rambling, long, horribly nerdy bookworm post??  If so, you deserve a prize! {grin}

Oldies But Goodies

I watched 'Crazy Heart' last night (Sidebar: such an excellent movie, Jeff Bridges totally deserved the Oscar, and I loved all the songs and performances).  But it got me thinking - I adore Jeff Bridges and want to watch just about anything he's in just because it's him - and then I realized there are quite a few 'distinguished gentlemen' I love.

{Kevin Kostner, Robert Duvall, Kurt Russell, Robert Redford, Jeff Bridges, Tom Skerritt}

Who am I missing? Any 'oldies but goodies' you love?

Stream of Consciousness

Trent came home with an incident report yesterday.  When Brent told me I thought 'Great, we can't even make it 2 weeks without a report.'  Turns out another kid bit him.  How bad of a mommy does it make me that I was just relieved the incident report wasn't about HIM misbehaving?  I made another new recipe this week (who is this woman?), and it was even easier.  Ground chicken/turkey and dry ranch dressing mix, mix together, shape into patties, grill.  Yum!  Two thumbs up from Brent on both.  Amazing.  I got 'The Hunger Games' today at the library (after paying my $.25 fine - oops), jumping on that band wagon for that series.  I'll let you know what I think. I also started a cleanse today.  I gave up trying to lose my last 10 baby weight pounds about 10 months ago which is just pathetic.  So don't judge me, but so far, so good!  1 day down!!

Recipe: Triple-Decker Tortilla

I made this tonight from 'Kids Favorites Made Healthy' cookbook, and Brent, Trent and I all 3 really enjoyed it.  Plus, it was super easy and pretty quick.  Winning!

Ingredients:
-Nonstick cooking spray
-1 cup canned pinto beans, rinsed and drained
-1 cup salsa (I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Julio's from H-E-B)
-4 6-inch corn tortillas
-1/2 cup frozen whole kernel corn
-1/2 cup shredded reduced fat cheese
-1/2 cup shredded lettuce

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.  Lightly coat a 9-inch pie plate with cooking spray; set aside.  Place beans in a small bowl and slightly mash.  Cook beans for 2-3 minutes in skillet over medium heat.
2. Spoon 1/4 cup of salsa into bottom of pie plate.  Top with 1 tortilla.  Layer half of mashed beans, 1 tortilla, corn, 1/4 cup cheese, 1/4 cup salsa, 1 tortilla, remaining beans, remaining tortilla, remaining 1/2 cup salsa.
3. Cover with foil, bake for 12 minutes.  Remove foil, cover with remaining 1/4 cup cheese.  Bake for 3 minutes.  Cover with shredded lettuce.  Enjoy!

I think this would also be good with shredded chicken, but it didn't really need meat.  I'm not sure Brent noticed that it didn't have meat in it {grin}!  What I loved about this recipe was how simple it was, it had some vegetables in it without being overpowering (and you could totally add more corn and lettuce), and we made our own mashed beans (instead of canned refried beans).  Delicious!

SQUUUEEEE!

Dear Lord,

Please do not let me spend all my money on baby girl clothes. 

Amen.

Extreme

I just watched 'Extreme Couponing' on TLC.  Wow.  Have you seen it?  I have a few thoughts about people who do this.

1. It takes A LOT of time and dedication (that I don't have).  One woman spends 70 hours/week couponing.  Seriously?
2. While I respect what they're doing, is it just me or do they buy a lot of stuff they don't even really need?  One guy had like 150 years worth of deodorant and then bought MORE deodorant during the show.
3. Almost nothing 'fresh' is bought using these coupons (and of course you can't buy 150 years worth of fresh lettuce).
4. I thought maybe I could learn a thing or two.  I did.  I learned I don't want to extreme coupon.

Oh Trent...The Conference

So we had our 'conference' at school yesterday to discuss Trent's behavior.  It actually really went well, and this week we've had 3 good days!  The way his incedent report was worded made me think they thought his behavior wasn't developmentally normal, but one of the first things they said was that they recognized it was normal.  It just isn't acceptable (duh).  So we discussed how we react at home to outbursts, how they react at school when he has outbursts, if the outbursts are happening more in the morning vs. afternoon, etc.  Overall, it was a good discussion.  So I don't think we're being asked to leave the school just yet!  Now if we can just get him to stop with the hair pulling and pushing (and, of course, the laughing afterwards)! {grin}

Baby Girl Gets A Name!

It is official - it takes Patty and me forever to name babies!  Because Patty and David wanted to go home today, Baby Girl needed a name.  I was at the hospital when they got serious about picking a name, so I became scribe and referee/mediator (as my sister showed a little irritation at her husband as he kept repeating names she had already vetoed - and we thought I was the only one with a temper).  At the end of the day, this is what our board looked like:

A name was picked, birth certificate paperwork completed and turned in...and then David had 'buyer's remorse'.  Birth certificate paperwork was retrieved and Baby Girl was renamed.

So enough talking already - WHAT is Baby Girl's name?!?! 

It was Quinn Elise.

It is Blair Allyn.

What is so sweet about David is the reason he didn't want to stick with Quinn was because there was no family significance to it.  Miles' name (first and middle) is all about David's family.  So yours truly get a shout out via Blair's middle name - what, what - you got it - she's named after ME!  Okay, okay, she's named after my dad and grandpa but sorta me too. {grin}

So...cutest baby girl name ever to go with the cutest baby girl ever?  Yup!

First Pictures of Ms. Squeaky aka Bitty

A girl!  I still can't believe we can really say it!  Little Miss is just precious.  I could eat her up with a spoon.  Patty did a fantastic job - she pushed through 1 contraction for all of 5 minutes and (to quote the nurse) the baby 'coasted on out'.  As to be expected, she doesn't have a name yet but there is 1 in particular that has a good chance, David is just 'marinating' on it.  {grin}

Precious baby girl

Yes, she did JUST push out a baby!

Our newest love

So far Baby Girl is just eating, sleeping and screaming (when really mad).  She squeaks a little bit with her cries and snores in her sleep.  She is SO tiny too!  Can't wait to see her tomorrow!!

And the Baby is...

A GIRL!!!!  

6 lbs, 11 ozs

19 inches long

ABSOLUTELY PRECIOUS!

Today's THE Day!

Baby Patnode #2 will be making his or her grand entrance TODAY!  Patty is set to be induced at 7:00 AM.  (She has had 2 appointments this past week and both times her blood pressure was high...)  I will post updates throughout the day while we wait on this little prince or princess.  {Just for the record: I think this baby is a girl and I have thought so since day 1 of this pregnancy.  So we'll see if I'm right!}  I am SOOO giddy!!

7:45 AM - Patty is checked in and awaiting administration of Pitocin.
10:15 AM - Pitocin has been given, water has been broken, debating epidural.
1:15 PM - 9 1/2 centimeters!!!
1:30 PM - Doctor is on her way over to have a baby!

Yee Haw!

A few weeks ago, we took the boys to the rodeo! {Counts as my Project 52 activity with Trent for the month.  grin}  The boys definitely had a blast and as they get older I see us staying longer and doing more - we have dare devils for sure!

Watching a horse show

Feeding the animals (STINKY!!)

Favorite activity (there may or may not have been a tantrum when we got off)

You can't go to the rodeo without eating some carnival food.  In the first picture, you'll see Trent made some friends with people we don't know because their food apparently looked too good!  He also refused to share his ice cream with his mama!

Checking out more animals

My mom thought this picture was so funny.  I think it's time to lose my last 10 baby pounds - you can't even tell who's pregnant. {grin}

Rides!  Trent wasn't big enough for very much, but Miles rode a few 'big boy' rides with his daddy.  One of them he did NOT like and kept reaching for Patty out the side of the ride - we didn't mean to laugh but it was kind of funny.



Can't wait for next year!

Project 52: March Update

I accomplished 3 goals for Project 52 this month and maintained all my continual goals (no fails!), so I'm pretty happy this month.  I need to pick up the pace though on some, since 3 a month isn't going to equal 52 by the end of the year! 

1. Create (read: pay someone to create) a header for my blog. - As is evidenced by the new look to my blog, I got a whole new look!  Yay!
 9. Finally finish Jane Eyre (I’ve started it twice). - I really enjoyed Jane Eyre!  It started out a little slow but turned out really awesome.  Had some neat twists and turns throughout.  Definitely happy I finally finished!
 16. Spend some time in my flower beds. - I officially have done some work in the beds (although Brent has done the most), so I will say this is accomplished, but I hope to actually plant some pretties in the next few weeks.