Domestically Brooke

So Long- Farewell Facebook

2014-05-05T10:55:00.001-07:00

About a month ago, I sat in my comfy LazyBoy chair and was flipping through my cellphone and my son came up beside me and asked what I was doing. "Looking at Facebook" I replied. My homepage or whatever that thing is called on Facebook was scrolling along and a video started playing. I didn't know what the video was and thank goodness Kai wasn't impressed and looked away because the images were horrific (shooting of people in a middle eastern country) and made my stomach turn. Immediatley I tried figuring out how to get this off my phone and away from my Facebook page.

That was the beginning for me. Next it was my kids handing my phone to me when I look grumpy...like it is my pacifier or something. Then it was my realization that I don't talk to my friends, I don't even text them. I rely so much on social media (particulary Facebook) to keep in contact with people. But lastily and probably the defining moment when I knew something needed to change was when I watched a video (on Facebook of course) that hit home to me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY

My kids are growing so quickly and I want to document their lives but I don't need to do that through social media. The line in the video that stood out was something about not needing to share a special moment with all my friends but share it with the ones that are there. I took this picture of the kids on Saturday and me and my husband giggled about how cute our kids are...and immediately I had it uploaded onto social media. For what...so people will LIKE it? Why not put on an apron backwards and join in the superhero fun? Instead I sat on my phone for a good 15 minutes after I posted my picture to look at all the others totally missing this moment with my kids. Shame on me!

Blogsphere

2011-05-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

It was probably close to three years ago that I was introduced to wonderous "blogsphere".. I was intrigued as I read about other amazing women who so openly shared their lives with the world. Women who allowed themselves to be exposed and all their weaknesses. It was basically like daily I was reading about other people who I didn't even know and knowing their whole story without ever meeting them.

Amazing women like Stephanie Nielson (nienie) who my husband thinks I am semi obessed with. I have read every post she has ever written and just love her outlook on family and life. Her faith strengthens my faith. Women like her sister CJane who I related to as I was trying to get pregnant. A woman who has amazing wit and humor to her daily entries. I have never met her...but met her husband Chup (quite funny semi stalkerish story).

I also am amazed by the talents of so many women who I blog stalk as well. Women who quilt like Camille over at Simplify (see I talk like I know them... I don't but I buy her stuff so in my world that makes us BFF's), who craft, who cook, who take pictures, who do it all. One of those women is Ree Drummond aka Pioneer Women. I am semi obsessed with her lately. Mostly because I got her cookbook which I LOVE. If any of you (two readers) want a really good, down home, two stick of butter, and definitly NOT CALORIE WATCHING cookbook...get this one.

Its yummy just to look at the pictures. Not just of the food but also of her wonderful world on her ranch.... and the pictures of her husband aren't that bad either. There is something EXTREMELY HOT about a man in a cowboy hat. I have tried to get (beg) my husband just to entertain me once by wearing a cowboy hat but he seems to think it doesn't go well with her rocker image. Whatever.

Anyways. Today I am paying tribute to Pioneer Woman...thank you for sharing your stories, your photography free actions, your amazing cooking skills, and your super hot husband "Marbolo Man" with the world.

I do believe her Monkey Bread recipe is the best...maybe thats because I haven't had other recipes but I will keep hers... plus doesn't it just look delicious.

I am off to make some yummy Twice Baked Potatos (yes recipe from her book).

I am back.... with avengance (or however you spell that)

2011-05-21T18:46:00.000-07:00

I am a HORRIBLE BLOGGER... Almost every other day I will say to myself "self...you need to catch up your blog" and then a get home, feed a hungry husband, feed a hungry child, feed a hungry self and then plop myself in front of the tv and never get around to blogging, or quilting, or cleaning, or laundry, or anything else for that matter. Being a mom is time consuming. When I get home from a long day of work- I just wanna hang out with my two favorite people instead of recording the many memories that we are making as a family.

Kai is such an awesome kid.

He is four months now- he will be five months in a few days. We love him so much. It was amazing when he hit the 4 month mark it was like a whole new baby. He started sleeping through the night (yay yay) which means mommy can now sleep in her bed WITH daddy. (sidenote- I have not slept in bed with Brian since I was like 6 months pregnant on a regular basis- my bed was not comfortable to me when I was pregnant and then once Kai came- he and I would sleep on the couch together). Kai is now sleeping in his crib (which I love). He eats lots of yummy (horrible) baby food. We started him on solids and he LOVES it. He is definitly his daddy's child because he loves bananas.

He also giggles alot now (which is like the cutest thing ever because he snorts sometimes and squeeks others).

We are so blessed to have such a sweet little baby boy. He is so amazing.

Has anyone seen Extreme Couponing on TV??

I am motivated... now I don't want to be "extreme" but I do want stuff for free. I have been working on trying to budget. Anyone who knows me would know that I don't budget, I don't save money well, I don't think like a budget person. I like to say.."I am not a numbers person I am a people person" and saving money is a numbers game. But I am trying. We are buying a house (see below) and in order to get all the wonderful things I want for the new house...I need to save some money. I told the hubbs that I won't buy frivilous "I think I need this" items and he is not allowed to either. I have to say I have been proud of myself- since watching sales and coupons I have saved close to $100 on two shopping trips. Normally I spend over $100 a trip and I have been successful to get out of the store at half the price. Go me!!

Buying a house has to be THE MOST STRESSFUL THING EVER. I go looking at houses and then always think that I will find one that is better. We have found one we really like but its a short sale (not quite a foreclosure- but awesome price because it is ready to go to foreclosure). Now normally I would not want to mess with a short sale because they take time but we actually have some time since our lease isn't up yet and the realtor (ours and the sellers) think we have a confident chance at getting the house). I am turning it over to Heavenly Father and know if we are supposed to live there it will work out. If not, we will keep looking.

SO I AM BACK blogging world (not sure if anyone reads this but whatever)... I will promise I will blog more about my domesticness or non-domesticness *I kinda like that word*

One Year Older and Wiser Too

2011-02-21T11:25:00.000-08:00

A Few Things I have Learned (or re-learned) In My 30th Year of Life...

1. Quilting- for my birthday last year I got Ernie and have since loved quilting. I have a large stash of fabric that someday I will dig into.

2. I am not good at quilting bee's or groups. I love quilting but am not good at timelines

3. The best way to get pregnant is to not think about it. I have heard this many times but when you are trying to get pregnant its hard not to stress about it. It was only when I stopped thinking about it and stressing over it, we were blessed.

4. Morning sickness SUCKS

5. Front loading washers and dryers are a must

6. Epidurals really are as great as I thought they would be

7. Heavenly Father knows us, listens to us, and answers our prayers

8. Arthritis sucks-- I don't have it but the hubbs does and my heart breaks for the pain that he is in all the time

9. Mommyhood Rocks

10. The laundry can wait, the dishes can wait, the dinner does not need to be gourmet... people are what is important and spending time with those you love is the most important thing.

I am excited for my THIRTY SOMETHING years!!

What the Chuck...

2011-02-20T21:59:00.000-08:00

I came across this tonight and thought I would share.

When I was a little girl I had a pair of hot pink Chuck Taylor high tops. I remember that they were the coolest things around (or I thought so at least). I love seeing these hot pink shoes out but they never have my size. So today I went online to http://www.converse.com/ and lo and behold look what they have....

Create Your Own Converse....

That has to be the coolest thing EVER!!

I love these- I could put on them "I heart Brian", or "I heart Chocolate", or "I heart you".

The options are limitless.

Or these...

How fun are those??

Hmmm.... I am thinking I will have to create myself some for my birthday- the problem is I only wear them with pants or jeans and its almost shorts weather but I guess my feet are not going to grow so I can save them for next year. hmmm?

Mommy Must Haves

2011-02-16T08:42:00.000-08:00

One of the things that I love about blog stalking is seeing what other people use and love. It seems like if someone says they have something and L.O.V.E it then I need to have it. I try out alot of products because someone else suggested it- some I love some I don't.

So today, I want to be that someone and share some of the items that I LOVE and have been must haves in my world the last six weeks.

Body Shop Lip Balm... if you remember from a previous post I shared that I loved Burts Bees (which I still do) but then on a recent shopping trip to the mall... I came across this lovely lip balm. It is AWESOME. Its the best. With boob feeding, I constantly feel like I am dry skinned and chaped lips. This stuff makes my lips not only taste yummy and smell yummy, it keeps them moisterized and silky smooth.

The Boppy... seriously Mr. (or Mrs) Boppy creater (probably a Ms. because its so wonderful) is GENIUS GENIUS... I love this thing. Kai just lays in it on the couch, the hubbs uses it for feedings, I use it when I am pumping and the kid wants to be on my lap. My dog Mia even loves it. If I put a blanket over it, Mia finds herself cuddled up in it.

This was one of the first things I bought the unborn child. I only got it because it matched the room, but I am so happy I did. Kai loves it. It lights up, plays some music and bubble noises (which soothes him). He has been sleeping in his crib since he first came home and we turn this on for him everynight, he just stares at it and listens to the music. Usually he is asleep before it turns off.

A friend of ours got this at her baby shower and I thought we need one of those. Supernanny says that parents should track feedings and diapers in the first weeks. This little gadget doesn't track it but keeps a timer for each item. We used it to track his dirty diapers (which only lasted like two days because it was to much), his feedings, and my pumpings (since I only pump and we bottle feed). This was so helpful the first week or so when you get no sleep and me and the hubbs were on two different schedules. We would pass this moniter back and forth as one was heading to bed and the other was getting out of bed.

These two items go hand in hand. I am addicted to watching The Office. I have never seen it but have had friends say its their favorite. I love it and seriously watch like 4 episodes a night (sometimes more). Thank goodness for Netflix.

So these are my favorite things. I love them all and highly RECOMMEND them.

Lovey Day

2011-02-14T13:46:00.000-08:00

I have always loved Valentines Day and this year is no different. I am not really sure why- I think its all the red and pink and lots of love going around. Last night at Sunday dinner my dad declared that he hates Valentines day because it is always about the girls. Which I guess is somewhat true because its wierd to send guys flowers and if you have a hubby like mine- he doesn't like candy or chocolate and thinks cards are a waste. So I have to be a little creative on Valentines for him.

This year I decided to hide his presents around the house and send him on a scavanger hunt to find his gifts.

All of the gifts for the Hubbs

I made him some homemade Woopie Pies that I found here

The only thing I could think of to go with Whoopie-- we are married I am allowed to say that.

On each of the hearts, there is a lovey note to the hubbs and then the clue to the next gift

I hope that my Hubbs loves his gifts and his hunt for the gifts. I had fun putting it all together for him.

I love my hubbs and baby daddy so much.

Joy with the Boy

2011-02-13T10:45:00.000-08:00

I can honestly say that the last six weeks has been joyful.

Yes, he cries now and then.

Yes, he likes to EXPLODE in his diaper right after I put a clean one on him.

Yes, he likes to wake up right after I tuck myself and my hunny into bed.

No, he is not sleeping through the night (which happens to be everyones first question- does he sleep through the night??)

Yes, he spits up on my clean shirt that I just put on.

Yes, I look like death worn over half the time (probably because I only shower every other day- TMI).

but Yes...Yes I am in love and my little boy has brought so much joy to my already wonderful life.

Some of the wonderful things that he has started doing- he smiles now and not just when he is pooping or sleeping...sometimes even when I talk to him or play with him.

He started looking more closely at me when I am holding him and when he is facing away from me- he looks back at me.

He holds his neck up all strong and tough like a big boy.

He is officially out of newborn diapers and clothes.

He is always kicking and sqwirming around.

He LOVES taking baths.

He LOVES to pee all over me when he takes his baths.

His hair is kinda getting wavy and his eyes are still blue (fingers crossed- I have blue eyes)

Life as I know it

2011-01-28T14:45:00.000-08:00

The last few weeks have been such a learning process. I am not really sure what I thought motherhood meant. I had read many many mommy blogs, read lots of parenthood/pregnancy books (I even own Parenting for Dummies), but never did I realize what being a mother was going to be like. I am not sure even if I would have "rented" a child from my friends would have prepared me for the experience that awaited me once Kai joined our family. It truely is unconditional love.

I thought alot about what unconditional love meant the other night as I snuggled with my baby on my lap at 2:00 AM trying to get him to fall asleep.

I had heard this idea of unconditional love.

I thought I had that kind of love for Brian but I was wrong.

If Brian for some reason cheated on me or abused me (not that he ever would) but if he did- It would be hard to still love him- but I can't imagine Kai doing anything that would cause me to "un-love" him. He is my child and I love him despite anything that he does or could do.

Some moments where I knew I have crossed over to "mommyhood"

The other day the hubbs went to change Kai's diaper. He immediately came out to the living room and said "I can't do it... you will need to do this one". I went to the room to see Kai laying on the changing table with this totally content look on his face, a diaper half hanging off his butt, and there I am looking at his poo trying to figure out what I ate to cause such a commotion in his pants... only a mother could do that.

I have given a spit bath- I used to hate it when my mother would lick her thumb and rub it on my face (especially in public)-- I am totally guilty of it.

I always feed him first. I love to eat and for me to sacrifice my belly gurgling is a true sign of love.

Sometimes when he is totally content sleeping in his bed, I find myself going in and picking him up just so I can cuddle with him a little bit more before I retire to bed.

I love this opportunity to be a mom. I love the learning experience and feel so blessed that Heavenly Father has given us this opportunity.

who could resist this face anyways...

Labor, Delivery, and LOVE

2011-01-05T16:29:00.000-08:00

I am happy to announce the Kai Frederick Beaudoin joined our family on Thursday December 30, 2010 at 10:40 AM. He weighed 6 lbs. 11 oz and was 20 inches long and cute as can be.

I went in to be induced on Wednesday the 29th. I had asked my doctor if I could be induced before the new year- partially because I wanted to schedule the birth rather then just wait and wait until my water broke in the middle of the night (I know I am not one that is patient). I would be lying if I didn't think about the tax deduction as well. I had been dialated to 2 cm for two weeks and went to 3 cm and 70% effaced the day before the induction so I am sure he would have come on his own not to much longer. SO anyways- I went into the hospital at 6:00 PM on Wednesday and they thought it would take all night for me to get to a 10 and I would have the baby right when my doctor arrived at 7:00 AM. Since I was already dialated, they didn't start pitocin and instead gave me some meds to slowly start contractions. Once I got to 5 cm. I asked for the epidural. I personally had no intentions of doing the birth naturally. I felt a couple contractions and was beyond uncomfortable so I knew I wanted the drugs and I am so glad that I did.

Once I got the epidural life was pleasant. I rested, watched some tv, spent time with the hubbs, and was anxious to meet my boy. My water broke around 12:30 AM- that was interesting. I was listening to my iPod and all of a sudden felt this gushing. Not really what I expected my water breaking to feel like. They started pitocin around 4 am. When the doctor arrived at 7:00 I was at 8 cm and fully effaced. With my water breaking, the babies heartrate lowered with each contraction so they actually put a tube in and inserted water into the uterus so the baby was a little more comfortable. When I started pushing, they eased the pushed so that I didn't have any "issues down there" afterwards. I felt alot of pressure which I wasn't really expecting. I thought that the epidural was supposed to make me feel nothing but I guess I was wrong. I kept saying "I never saw this on 16 and pregnant". With just a few pushes... the little guy showed up. My doctor said, "put your hands down here and grab your baby". I was not expecting that at all but it was kinda neat (and a little wierd) pulling the baby out.

It was amazing that he was really here and he is breathing, and he is cute, and he is perfect.

Here are some pictures...

Dr. McKernan is seriously the BEST OB... he sang rap songs to me as he was delivering the placenta and just made the whole experience awesome. I HIGHLY recommend him to anyone who is pregnant.

I just love this picture. His little pouty face is like saying "mom, what the heck I was comfy in there- you are so mean".

But that pouty face slowly turned to this. He was like 4 hours here. Doesn't he look perfect??

Our little family.

Bri with his little man.

love him so much...

Cutie

Life so far with the little guy has been great. He is such a good baby. He is so calm and patient.

He eats really well- although we had some "boobie issues". He latched on really well at first but wasn't doing it right apparently which causes LOTS of pain and he decided he didn't want to latch anymore. So now I pump and we feed him by bottle. I am hoping once he gets a little stronger and my boobies heal, we can try again but if not, the most important thing is that he is getting food.

He loves to just sit and look around at everything

He likes to pee on himself and daddy and mommys friends

He loves when mommy kisses his face (well he may not like it but I like it so thats all that matters right now)

He is awesome.

I love being Mommy.

Baby stuff...

2010-12-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

So I have beyond sucked at blogging through this pregnancy. I thought for sure I would be good at keeping up with all the appointments and information but I am not. My mind is like mush and when I get home from working... I find myself wanting to do nothing but lay on the couch. I can't even tell you the last time I cooked dinner (seriously).

Anyways here are lots of pictures of the last couple months...mostly the baby shower and the Kai's room.

The baby shower theme was childrens books- every centerpiece was a diaper cake decorated after a childrens book on top of a recieving blanket that my mom made to match. It was sooooo cute.

The favors were magnets of some favorite words like "Bliss" and "joy" and "Giggle" along with cake pops.

The cake was made by my friends Neil and Megan at Sugar and Spice and Everything Iced. It not only looked awesome, was completely edible, it tasted amazing

My Aunts and Mother who put the shower on for me

LOVE MY MOM!!!

Kai's ROOM!

My mom made this mobile for over his crib. It is painted shower curtain rings and looks AWESOME

My mom made the dresser

My Dad made this book rack for all the childrens books that I love so much.

Yes Kai has a 40 inch tv in his room

More pictures will be on the wall. My mom made the curtains

Kai's custom surfboard from Hawaii

Our Christmas Card picture.

So the little guy will be here next Thursday (the 30th). I will be induced just shy of 39 weeks. I asked my doctor about the tax writeoff if I have him before the new year. Yes... I know maybe bad but heck if he comes two days after Jan 1st or two days before and I can get money from the government... I will take the two days before. Plus- I am ready to meet the little guy and he is ready to come out (I know this because he kicks me all the time like he is trying to bust through the walls).

We have been SOOOOO Blessed this year with the baby and everyones support. I am amazed at the love I feel from people and some that I don't even know. I am so grateful for everything that I have been given and know that this next year will be an exciting and challanging one for us. The hubbs will always turn to me when I get that "oh crap...we are having a baby look" and gives me a high five and says "Team B squared". (thats us...get it Brooke and Brian "B SQUARED"). Anyways- I am so grateful for such a loving husband who has been right there with me through this whole thing. I remember laying in bed crying my eyes out when we were trying to get pregnant and he just held me and soothed the pain away. I am so grateful for him.

Brookies Cookies

2010-10-18T19:36:00.000-07:00

I tend to jump from hobby to hobby...

one day I am a photographer

the next I am a knitter

the next I am a baker

the next I am a quilter

then a crocheter

then a cook

then I am writer

then a gardener

then a food storage master of the universe

then a photographer again

Well whatever- I think I consider it multitalented- or multi "wanna be" talented

Anyways- Last year around this time I wanted to be a "Cookie Maker"

and I was convinced I would open a little shop called

Brookies Cookies (catchy huh?)

My parents bought me this wonderful Bosch Mixer and I just want to say... its AMAZING

I love this mixer... I highly recommend it for all baking needs.

I can't really compare it to the kitchenaid mixer but I love my machine.

I made some fabulous cookies as well that I will share in another Fall Baking post

(make sure you check out the sign in the picture... love it)

The Baby Bump

2010-10-18T19:24:00.000-07:00

Me at 28.5 weeks

I made the Hubbs take this picture like 20 times.

me- "I look fat"

me-"I have a muffin top"

me-"Let me change shirts because this one is to tight"

after changing shirts

me-"this shirt makes me look like I am not even pregnant"

me-"Do I look fat to you?"

me-"honey... don't cut my face out of the picture"

me-"honey... my face looks huge"

the hubbs- "you are so beautiful and I love you so much"

Gotta love good husbands

Fall Baking- Peanut Butter Rocky Road Brownies

2010-10-16T10:32:00.000-07:00

Another one of my Fall Baking Projects

Heat oven 350 degrees. Grease bottom of 13x9 inch pan.

1 box Betty Crocker fudge brownie mix

(all ingredients for brownie mix- water, oil, eggs)

1 jar marshmellow creme

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tbsp. milk

30 minature peanut butter cups

1/3 cup chopped salted peanuts

1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 tsp veg. oil

Make brownies as directed on box. Let them completely cool once baked.

While baking/cooling- chop up peanuts and unwrap all peanut butter cups. Chop up peanut butter cups into small pieces

Mix marshmellow, peanut butter, milk in a mixer until fluffy.

Once brownies are cooled, put the marshmellow fluff mixture on top of brownies.

Then sprinkle peanuts and peanut butter cup pieces over the baked and cooled brownies

** its very important that the brownies are completely cooled otherwise this will become a messy project of melted everything**

melt the chocolate chips and oil in the microwave for 20 seconds stiring often until all is melted. Drizzle that ontop of the brownies.

I put the brownies in the fridge and let them cool down completely and harden up. Once completely cooled and chilled, I took them out cut into small pieces and served in cupcake liners. These are really rich (but amazingly yummy).

They were a HUGE hit at my Relief Society meething that I took them too.

Fall Baking- Pumpkin Woopie Pies

2010-10-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

I love the FALL TIME even though here in Arizona it is still like 98 degrees outside. Ugh!

But whatever... I can imagine a nice crisp fall time.

I have done a little fall baking and everything turned out so yummy so I thought I would share the recipes.

I got them all from here... As you all know I love Bakerella and making cake pops so I was naturally drawn to this little book at the grocery store. If you have never bought these little recipe books- you should. They have some great stuff in there.

Pumpkin Woopie Pies

(these were super yummy and easy to make)

1 pouch of Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix

1 tablespoon of flour

1/2 cup canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix)

1/3 cup of butter softened

2 tsps. ground cinnamon

1 egg

Mix the above ingredients in the mixer on slow/med speed and then scoop in rounded tablespoons onto a non greased cookie sheet

If you do not have a cookie scoop (looks like a little ice cream scoop) I would suggest getting one. It is an awesome tool and makes your cookies round and all the same size.

You will have to put a little flour on your fingers and push down on the cookie dough balls so they flatten a little.

Bake 8-10 minutes in a preheated 375 oven.

Let the cookies completely cool down

Filling:

2/3 cup of marshmellow creme

1/3 cup of butter or margerine softened

2/3 cup powdered sugar

beat these ingredients in a bowl with an electric mixer until fluffy.

Once the cookies are cooled down- scoop a little of the filling on one cookie (the bottom) and sandwich them together (bottoms together). Store them in the fridge until serving. When serving, place them on a plate or cake plate and allow them to thaw a little and sprinkle powdered sugar on them.

Yummy.

28 weeks and counting...

2010-10-16T09:58:00.000-07:00

Time flies by so fast. I am 28 weeks pregnant now and starting my 3rd trimester. It seems to be going by so quickly. Just yesterday I was sitting at a restaurant enjoying a nice meal with the hubbs and I looked over at him and said... "uh you do realize that in a very short time our world will be flipped upside down??" I am not really sure if either one of us is really prepared for having a baby.

Neither of us have ever changed a dirty diaper (like the REAL dirty stuff... I have changed wet diapers but not DIRTY ones).

Neither of us have little brothers and sisters that we got stuck babysitting

Neither of us have any nieces or nephews that we been around

Neither of us have ever had a baby (duh). Brian was married previously and his ex had a daughter so he is told me he is good once the child walks, talks, and goes to the bathroom in a toilet (geez thanks hubbs).

Both of us LOVE to sleep

Both of us enjoy going out to dinner

Both of us enjoy coming and going as we want....

But with that all said-- BOTH OF US ARE SUPER EXCITED...scared, nervous, freaking out yes... BUT EXCITED.

Here are some advances we have made in the Kai's room. Still alot of work to do but I thought I would give you a sneak peak.

I love sea turtles... my dream is to swim with them someday. Since Kai mean "the sea" in Hawaiian, we decided (or I decided) to add some sea turtle touches to his room. I have had this picture in my Crafice for a while and love the colors. We used this as the color palette for the room.

My mom found this dresser. I wish I had before and after pictures but imagine an old looking dark brown dresser with lots of drawers. She totally transformed it to exactly what I wanted. My dad helped in working the drawers to that we could have baskets slide in and out. They painted it and changed the nobs. LOVE IT. Thanks Mom.

I just love this piggy bank. The hubbs played football in college and we love football AND it matches perfect.

This is our crib. My mother in law took me and Bri out to pick it out. At the time I did not know if I was having a boy or girl. I did know that I wanted something that was very straight lined. I love it. Now just imagine all the bedding (my mom is making it all) and an awesome surfboard we ordered with his name on it above it.

I still have ALOT to do. We also have bought a LAZY BOY recliner that will go in there but currently it is in the living room being enjoyed by me as we speak. We also bought a 40 inch TV because every baby needs a huge tv in his room-- really?? We went out to get a small 19 inch tv but they had a huge sale on the big tv's so we got one. It will only be in Kai's room while he is a baby and up all night so I have something to watch while I am in there with him. After that- he will get a little one and the big one will go in our room.

Still lots to do.

An Apple a Day....

2010-10-16T09:41:00.000-07:00

I have been sorta on an APPLE kick lately. I have been lots of apples and trying different kinds. A friend suggested Honeycrisp Apples and I haven't been the same since. I LOVE THEM. Yummy. I think my baby in utero likes them too...

Since apples are in season and there are so many great prices on them right now I decided to buy a bunch and make some applesauce. I have never done this before so I did a little online research (love The Google) and watched some YouTube and enlisted the help of my dad. He is always excited about any canning project. Here are some pictures of my applesauce canning adventure.

I bought this awesome thing at the local thrift store (for $4.00) and it peels, cores, and slices my apples. What used to take like FOR EV ER now is super simple. You can get the same one from Pampered Chef but its a little more expensive.

After you have sliced or cubed your apples you want to cook them on the stove for about 20 minutes until they are soft. You will need to add a little water to the mixture so it kinda simmers the apples.

I blended my apple mush in a blender and added cinnamon and sugar. You don't really need to add anything beacuse the apples naturally give off sweetness but the cinnamon is a nice touch. Then I filled pint jars and processed then cold packed them to seal the jars. Love it.

I hope Kai likes applesauce because he will be eating lots of it. Now I am thinking about what other babytype foods I can make and store.

DADDY/DAUGHTER FUN

2010-09-04T22:27:00.000-07:00

i LOVE My Dad

(I love my Mom too but this post is about hanging out with my dad)

Dad and I have a great relationship. Its awesome because we do lots of fun things together

that are totally different then I would do with my mom.

One of those things is watch Football.
Prior to dating and marrying my husband (who was a high school and college football player)

I never really liked football. But I am kinda one of THOSE GIRLS that

adopt whatever sport the guy I was dating liked.

So since my hubbs loves football...

SO DO I

and my Dad does too (but he liked it long before I dated the Hubbs).

Dad and I went on a Daddy/Daughter date this last week to the

Arizona Cardinals pre-season game

I have been before

Dad hasn't

So it was lots of fun to take him to the game. Plus- we had great seats

and you gotta love Quarterback bums

My attempt at Healthy- introducing Shrek Shakes

2010-08-26T20:08:00.000-07:00

I like (okay LOVE) reading blogs and getting a glimpse into other peoples lives and what they do and don't do. Yes maybe its stalkerish but hey... if they put it out there then they must want SOMEONE to read it and maybe that SOMEONE is me. (someone being said in that tone of voice where its kind of drawn out more like sooooomeone...just a sidnenote).

Anyways- in my various blog readings I came across Jenny Vest (who is now Hatch). I don't know if she ever reads my blog but I read hers. We were in the same church together when I lived in Texas and she was a year older then me- awesome gal- awesome family. Anyways she shared on her blog this green smoothie which she calls (along with others in the blogsphere) a SHREK SHAKE. Now I normally am not a health nut by any means but Jenny claims that drinking these shakes and giving them to her children was "the best things she has done for her children health wise" (or something like that). So I was interested.

I am getting large with child.

I like to eat "not so healthy things".

I am getting large with child.

My lovely Mema told me on the phone that I need to eat more fruits and vegatables. So I sold. I am going to try the Shrek Shake.

I followed the recipe that Jenny shares here and my did not turn out green. It was more of a sludgish brownish redish color. It didn't taste fabulous but it did have alot of good stuff in it- Fruit, Spinich, Collard Greens (whatever those are) and Flax seed. I drank it and went on with my day.

Then next day... I made another Shrek Shake (really its a smoothie so I think I will call them Shrek Smoothies) and again it did not turn out green. I took some fruit out and added more spinich. Tasted okay and went on my day.

Today I made this beauty.

Its Green and it tasted SUPER YUMMY. So here is my recipe- a little different then Jennys but I am hoping to work up to hers.

2 Bananas

1 Tablespoon of Flax Seed (bought at Sprouts)

Blend that up

Add two large handfuls of raw spinich

Blend that up

One squirt of Agave Nector

5 ice cubes

and a little water

Blend that up.

MMMMM.... tasty.

I didn't really drink it in this class- just wanted you to see how beautifully green it was.

So here is the great things about the smoothie that I can testify to after 3 days.

I feel better.

I have more energy- who needs that 5 hr energy drink??

I feel semi Popeyeish

and it has helped some of my not so pleasant bathroom issues I have had since I have been pregnant

(okay probably TMI but just want to give the facts)

I am getting alot of nutrients that I wouldn't otherwise... who eats 2 large handfuls of spinich a day??

So try it out- just once. Promise you will likey.

Also- Google Shrek Shakes if you want more information- apparently its pretty popular amongst the healthy crowd (which I am not part of but maybe will be if I continue with my smoothies).

Baby Baking

2010-08-25T19:35:00.000-07:00

Golly it has been a while since I have blogged. I feel like a schmuck because I always have lots to say but apparently can't sit down to write it out. I figure I also should chronicle life for my future child.

So I did write that we are having a baby. I should probably go back and check what I last wrote... please hold. Okay I am back-

So it was like a week after I last posted so I was 14 weeks along and magically woke up one day and felt great. I had energy. I wasn't sick and boy I was hungry. I did lose close to 20 lbs while being sick. I hated being sick but definitly needed to lose 20 pounds so I guess there is a positive there.

We had an ultrasound at 17.5 weeks and here is what we saw.

The ultrsound tech had a hard time because our baby was being stubborn and the umbilical cord was between the legs so it was hard to tell but she did tell us it was a girl. Now I always thought I would be the mother of lots of little boys. So when I found we were having a girl I was excited but a little shocked. I had already named our baby Kai (which is a boys name) and picked out a baby room that I liked (which was a boys room) but at the same time I have three girlfriends that just had baby girls so I imagined having fun tea parties and dress up parties and lots of fun "girly" things.

We also got to see this cute picture of our little one.

The babies head looks kinda funny but thats the placenta. I love 3D pictures though. They are so fun.

Because of the babies position, we were scheduled to go back in two weeks so I would be at 19.5 weeks to do the anatomy ultrasound. It was then that we got this picture.

So at this ultrasound the babys weiner came out from behind the umbilical cord. During the ultrasound I said to the tech, "well it looks like the baby is still a girl" and she was like "uh...I can't confirm that- it looks like a boy to me". I made her check and check again but apparently we are HAVING A BOY!

Here is another picture of our little boy sucking his thumb

Kai Frederick Beaudoin

He is measuring right where he should be and they said everything looks good.

We are super excited.

His name Kai is Hawaiian for "The Sea". The Hubbs and I really wanted something unique for a name

something that was different and he liked Hawaiian names because my grandfather (mom's dad) was Hawaiian.

Frederick is Brians grandfather (mom's dad) name and Brians middle name.

Its kinda funny but right when we first looked at names- Kai stood out to me. Even when we thought we were having a girl I kept saying, this baby is supposed to be named Kai but because it is more of a boy name I looked for other options (she would have been named Skye)

So all in all... we are super excited. Feeling good and excited to meet our little buddy.

Here is a picture of me getting large with child.

Me at 20 weeks

2010-07-02T18:54:00.000-07:00

Its been a LONG time since I have posted on here. I have been out of commission for the last 6 weeks or so. So I will catch you up without boring you with tons of details.

I am pregnant- 13 weeks on Sunday. The first couple weeks were like "deer in headlights" because we were not really trying or thinking we would get pregnant so soon after the miscarriage we had a couple months prior. The hubbs was really really sick the month we got prego and lets just say... there was not alot of baby making going on. But I guess it only takes once. Because of the miscarriage, we were reluctant to get excited. Didn't really talk a whole lot about it and sorta just waited out the first couple weeks.

So pregnancy was ALOT more difficult then I imagined. My chest was always sore, I was moody, and super tired. But that was nothing to when I started to get sick. I have always had a "stomach reflux type" problem that would happen when I would throw up. One time to the bathroom to throw up would end up being spending a day in the ER get rehydrated and medicated. I always hoped that pregnancy would change that, but I was wrong. Every week for the last 6 weeks I have been sick at least 3 days. Usually spending one day nautious as all can be, one day vomiting all day long, and one day trying to recoop from the day of vomiting. Now mind you... If I am not able to get medication in me, I am vomitting all day everyday until I think I am going to die. The doc put me on Zofran meds which is supposed to be best and only meds that you can get for morning sickness. That didn't help so then they put me on a Zofran pump which is basically a tube connected to my stomach that gives me a constant flow of meds. I have to poke myself with needles every other day and its really NO FUN. Even with that... I still get sick once or twice a week. I am hoping it starts to get a little better soon. I did lose close to 20 pounds- which was good because I had well over 20 to lose but I was so concerned about the baby getting nutrients and whatnot. All the ultrasounds show the baby growing so that is good. We have an appt this coming Thursday so I will keep you posted and maybe I will take a picture of my fancy pump I get to carry around. I know you are jealous.

bLAH bLHA bLAH!

2010-05-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

i REALIZED i DIDN'T EVEN SPELL bLAH RIGHT BUT i DON'T CARE BECAUSE tHAT Is eXACLtLY HOW i FEEL. blah blah blah.

I will be back in a couple days. I promise. Right now I am in a state of "maintaining".

Happy Mothers Day

2010-05-09T15:54:00.000-07:00

My mom is one of my besties. I love spending time with her.

Its amazing how different our relationship is as I have gotten older.

I love talking about everything under the sun. I love crafting with her. I love her willingness to help me with projects I get myself into. I love thrift store shopping with her. Yesterday as my mom and I went out shopping, I was walking through the mall thinking about how much my parents have sacrificed for me throughout the years.

A couple years ago (right before I met the Hubbs), my mom and I went to New York together just the two of us. What perfect timing for a girlie trip because right when I got back, I met the Hubbs and as wrapped up in dating, engagement, and marriage.

That New York trip was a blast so on this Mothers Day, I am going to share some of the pics from New York. I love you Mom.

(i wish i was that skinny again... i look good there- sidenote: i got my mothers good looks and her confidence in those looks... semi-kidding)
If you wanna read about the amazing Grandmothers in my life as well....
go here

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun (or Ice Cream)

2010-05-08T14:39:00.000-07:00

Right before I entered into high school, my mom got a promotion with her work and as a result my family moved to Grapevine, Texas. I was extrememly sad to leave all of my friends but went along with it anyways. Did I really have a choice at 13?? ummm NOPE. So the journey began in Texas. Life was interesting there. Going from a school where I knew everyone, had lots of friends, lots of boyfriends (or whatever you call them at 13) to a place where I knew NO ONE. I met lots of wonderful people and got some amazing friends there but it wasn't Phoenix. So right before my senior year, my parents took me to Phoenix for a vacation because we still had alot of family here. I met up with my friend Ashley and we went over and hung out with some of the guys I knew before I left. It felt like I never left. These friends were the types that you could not see for a couple years and it did not even matter. I loved it. I loved it so much... I went back to my grandma's house where I was staying and woke my parents up in the middle of the night and told them that I wanted to move back to Phoenix. I would live with friends, live with grandma, figure it out but I wanted to graduate with the same people that I went to 1st grade with. They sorta shrugged me off (since it was like 2 in the morning) but then when they got up in the morning I told them again. I wanted to move back to Arizona. See the thing is... Phoenix was HOME. So my parents said, "okay we will figure it out". My mom was staying in Arizona for something but dad and I were driving back to Texas. On our way out of town, we stopped at Arizona Public Service (where he used to work) and he went in to see about jobs. They offered him a job on the spot and told him he could start in TWO WEEKS and he would be making more money. Its crazy how when something is meant to be... everything aligns. I remember that feeling when my dad got back into the car from meeting with the APS people and he just looked at me and said, "can you be ready in two weeks". Just thinking about it brings a little tear to my eye. My parents were making my wish come true. Senior year in Phoenix graduating from Greenway High School with all of my friends. It was an amazing senior year.

Now fast forward to last night... Ashley and I thought it would be fun to get a bunch of the girls from high school together. Its been YEARS since I have seen some of the girls. With the help of Facebook we all kinda keep in the loop of things but still we have not been in the same room all of us since high school (11 years ago). It was so much fun seeing everyone and catching up.

Domestic Tips and Tricks

2010-05-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

I am FAR FROM DOMESTIC... but I try. I recently had to teach a RS class on cleaning and organizing. As I was searching for various subjects I came across two awesome ideas that REALLY WORK and I love them.

Making your own WIPES... like those clorox sanitizer wipes that you stock up on because they are so convienient. Basically... you cut a roll of paper towels in half and put them in a food saver container. Pour 1 szcup of pine sol and 2 cups of water. Let them soak overnight and then you can use.

They work AWESOME and its so much cheaper then having to buy those Clorox wipes all the time.

Check out http://www.organizedhome.com/ for more recipes to make Glass Wipes, Heavy sanitizer wipes.

Another great idea... THAT WORKS. Instead of using bounty dryer sheets (WHICH I L.O.V.E), Take an old rag or washcloth and soak in fabric softener. (I didn't really soak it since I used a big rag but made sure it was covered) then let it air dry. When doing laundry, keep that fabric softener rag in the dryer. It makes your clothes smell fresh. I also have those AS SEEN ON TV dryer ball things that work great to get all the static out.

Here is my towel. I have used it in like 20 loads and it still smells good and works. I was a huge fan of the dryer sheets but I realized that I was using two sheets a load to get a fresh smell so I tried this and I think I will stick with it. I use Downy fabric softener in my wash loads so I always have some on hand and really it only takes like one capful to make the rag have it on it.