Painting with the girls

Well, let me start off by telling you its 3:00 in the morning. This is the third night in a row I have not been able to sleep. I thought I would just blog. What else is there to do at 3am? This week has been a bit of a struggle. Kerrington has been sick, and I am just simply worn out. Friday and Saturday I had to wear a holter monitor to study my heart. I have been having a little bit of trouble with my heart rate getting high. I am still waiting for the results of this test. I am just really hoping they figure out what is going on. I am trying very hard to keep my chin up, but I have to admit I have been put to the test this week. I am the biggest with this pregnancy, and I would have to say the most tired with this one too. On a more happy note I am 25 weeks today!

Saturday morning Tony goes and plays tennis for a couple hours. While he was out the girls and I decided we would do a  little painting outside. We had a blast. Hope you enjoy the pictures. 

Campbell's Growth Chart

What kid doesn't enjoy a growth chart? It's something that they can enjoy marking on every year to see how much they are growing. I thought a growth chart would be perfect for my little man's room. 

I got this idea online, and changed a couple things to make it my own. I love how it looks like a ruler. I wish I could take all the credit in making it, but I had a lot of help. Here's how it was done:

First, I went to Lowes and purchased a 8ft board.  Then, I took it to my Dad, who sanded it down with one of his tools. After it was sanded down, I picked out a stain, and went to work. After the stain was dried, I had to leave while Tony and Dad sprayed it with a clear coat. They thought breathing in all the chemicals was not such a great idea for me. The next day, it was ready for its marks. My Mom and I made the marks with a black paint pen. This was a very tricky process. The final step was sticking the mailbox numbers on my board. 

I was so pleased with how it turned out. It looks great in his room. I still have to hang it (after I make a few touch-ups). I would like to thank my parents for helping me out! I guess I will thank Tony too :)

Sanding

The staining process

More staining

Clear coating

Making the marks

The final project

Lillian meets her teacher!

Wow, this summer sure has gone by fast. I can't believe my Lillian will be starting Pre-K this year. This is the last year she will be in preschool. Where has time gone? I can't believe I will have a five year old in April. Kind of makes me teary-eyed thinking about how fast time flies.

A few days ago, we headed up to her school to meet her new teacher and drop off school supplies. The parents attended orientation while the kiddos watched a movie in the gym. I thought that was a great idea, and Lillian really enjoyed watching a movie. 

This year, her teachers name is Mrs.Vicky. She was very nice, and has a four year old of her own. I think she will be a great teacher. She had all the kids write their name on a piece of paper to see their progress. Lillian wrote her name very well. We got to talk to Mrs. Vicky for a while, and Lillian really felt comfortable around her. This Friday will be her first day of school. Even though it's Pre-K, it's hard for a Momma. I love to watch her grow, but sometimes I feel like it's moving way too fast. 

Cheers to a new school year, and thank you to the wonderful teachers out there who dedicate their lives to teaching our children. I have several relatives in my family who are teachers, and I am so blessed to have such wonderful ladies in my life!!  

Lillian with her teacher


Putting her school supplies in cubby.

Making my own soap!

 I have become quite the blogger, and enjoy reading other blogs filled with DIY ideas. I came across a blog the other day where a lady started making her own laundry detergent. I thought it was an awesome idea! 

The next day, I went to the store and purchased the three ingredients I needed. The three ingredients were less then half of the price of laundry detergent. Not only do I love this stuff, but I am saving a TON of money at the same time. I did do a lot of research to make sure it was safe for our HE washer. The soap has been used several times, and I love how the clothes feel. There is no scent to soap, so I added a few drops of essential oil to the load. I don't think I will ever buy laundry detergent again!



After making the laundry detergent, I started wondering what else I could make to save money. I went on to make dishwasher soap and an all purpose cleaner. I have loved all three of the products. Hope you enjoy some pics of the girls helping me make our new chemical free soaps! 

Our Ingredients

Kerrington measuring and pouring

Lillian doing her measurements

Mixing it all up!

Kerrington mixing it all up

Added laundry soap to container!

 

Lillian has a stuffed hamster that she got in Oklahoma while visiting Lexie and Jill. She named her hamster after their dog, Emmie. She loves that little hamster, and at night she tells us it keeps her from having bad dreams. Lillian has been asking Tony to take her hamster to his work so he could show all of his friends. Tony took the hamster to work, and took pictures of her hamster through out the day. He texted the pictures to my Mom's cell phone. Lillian got to see what her hamster was doing all day. Every time my Mom would get a new text, Lillian would get SO excited. Tony did such a good job, and took such good care of her hamster. Here is what Emmie got to do throughout the day...

Hamster and Daddy both get dental exams!

My Biker Chicks

Saturday night, Kerrington had a sleep over with Nana.  Lillian got extra time with Tony and me. It was a beautiful night. Lillian asked if she could ride her bike in the dark. Up to this point, Lillian has not been able to ride her bike. Tony put her on her bike, and she basically went off with no help. This was so exciting for us. We have not had much practice over the summer, because it has been so hot. We were both so impressed with her. I can't believe how big she is getting. The next day she could hardly wait to show Nana that she could ride her bike. Nana came over to see her, and she did even better the next day. Since Lillian was on her bike Kerrington had to be on hers too. It was so fun just to sit outside and watch the girls on their bikes. We have been so blessed to have such sweet girls, and can't wait for a thousand more bike rides together. Way to go girls!!!

 These two pictures are from the park later that afternoon. Thought they were pretty cute!

Pregnancy Update

Well, I am very happy to say I am over halfway done with my last and final pregnancy. I am so happy to be expecting a boy. I really feel complete as a family now. Tony was the last Lee in the family, and now that we are having a boy, the name will carry on. I know Tony is happy that the family name will continue. 

As far as my health goes, I am doing great. I still go every Tuesday to get a shot in my hip. It does not hurt that much anymore. I think I am getting used to the feeling, and have learned some techniques to make the injection less painful. I feel very fortunate that there are medications out there to help prevent a pre-term baby. I will meet with my high risk doctor on September 14th. At this appointment I will be evaluated for the first time. I am hoping for great news, and a healthy baby. I will also get an ultrasound at this appointment. Seeing the baby will definitely be the highlight of the day!

I am really not into taking pregnancy pictures. My Dad took a good photo of me, and I decided I would share just this one. Hope everyone is staying cool. I know I am looking forward to some cooler weather. Take care and goodnight. 

The Big Reveal

When I became pregnant, my Mom decided that she wanted to throw me a gender reveal party. It seems to be the new "in thing". I had so much fun, and it was the perfect way to share the gender of the baby with my family. My Mom made everything, and my Dad was in charge of the food. The girls revealed the gender to everyone by opening a present that had baby boy clothes and blankets. It was so much fun. Thank you to my Mom for throwing such a fun party. Tony and I enjoyed every minute of it. Here are pictures with descriptions to go along. 

This is what you first saw when walking into the house. Each guest had to pick a blue or pink necklace, and make a tally on the chalkboard marking their guess of the gender. The final count was Boy 10, Girl 7. 

Pink Diaper Cake 

The mantle

Blue diaper cake 

Decorations made by Mom

More decorations made by Mom

Treats!

Door Prizes

Lillian making her selection

Paper straws

Team Pink

Team Blue

Its a Boy!!!!