Love at First Scoop

I love pumpkin. It' one of the best things about fall. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin scones, pumpkin butter, pumpkin PIE! The only thing I don't really like pumpkin in is drinks- not a fan of pumpkin spiced lattes. I'll stick with my dirty chai thankyouverymuch.
Last fall I discovered another pumpkin love. Pilgrim Joe's Pumpkin Ice Cream from Trader Joe's.



Now, don't misunderstand me. I have had pumpkin ice cream before and loved it. It's one of those seasonal things I look forward to every fall. But THIS pumpkin ice cream blows all the others out of the water. or the park. or whatever..

I bought some last October and knew I had found something amazing the first second it touched my tongue. The rich creamy texture, the spices, and the amazing pumpkin flavor, all partying together in my mouth. Like a perfect waltz. I made a mistake, though, that has haunted me ever since. I only bought one carton. Thinking that it would be around at least through Thanksgiving I figured that I would be able to get another when we finished the first. Wrong. They  had completely sold out by the end of October! WHAT?? So I was left to only dream about this wonderful frozen goodness and cry myself to sleep at night wishing I could have just one more spoonful.. ok, maybe not that bad.

Anyway, as the cooler weather approached this year I was anxiously waiting to see if they would have it again, and when. About a week ago we got our newsletter from TJ's and I rushed to the store as fast as I could. Behold! There it was! and pretty well stocked, for now. Not wanting to make the same mistake as last year I quickly put three in my basket and headed home. Yes, that's right. I bought three. I am not ashamed. I am determined to make them last as long as I can. Or at least until Thanksgiving. To be honest, I don't know if I should even be sharing this with you because if you know whats good for ya, you would run out and get some as well. But then there will be less for me.. if I cant control myself. which I can.



Ya know what, forget it. Forget everything I just said. It's not that good. honest.

more spray paint crafts

I had been trying to figure out what to do for Lawrence's monthly photos since before he was born. I took photos for Charles every month but hadn't done anything creative with them really except to hang them up at his first birthday. For Lawrence, I wanted to do something a little more creative and cohesive, and had seen some cute ideas on pinterest (of course). I really liked the idea of something that said how many months he was at the time of the photo so I decided on getting some kind of board or banner or something that would be in each photo. I found these two trays at a thrift store and decided to paint them with chalkboard paint. I really wanted something with a more ornate or scalloped shape but couldn't find what I wanted so I got two - one silver and one wood- to paint and then decide which to use for the photos. I figured I would find a use for the other one either way.

I taped off the rims with painters tape and then sprayed away. (it would have been easier to just get the brush on paint, but they didn't have it at Michaels)

I wasn't sure how the spray paint would turn out but it ended up great. Here are my two trays! As you saw in my last post, I used the silver tray in Lawrence's one month photos. As for the wooden tray it's going to be hung in our kitchen above our 'coffee station'. (pictures to come)

One Month

Lawrence is a month old!

Family of Four

WARNING: this is a long one!

Lawrence is a month old- while that doesn't seem like a long time it feels like he has always been with us and yet I can't believe it's been a month already. Life as a family of four (and an at-home mom with two) has been going well so far. Yes, we are sleep deprived. Yes, I don't always get to shower. Yes, we feel so blessed and are thankful for our two beautiful boys!
What have we been up to since Lawrence came? Let me show you..

 We went on our first outing to the  lake


With the weather getting colder and the days getting shorter we have again started going to the playland at Ridgedale. It's a perfect place to take Charles in the evenings to get some energy out before bedtime. (Or anytime of the day as it gets too cold to go to the park!)


Charles has been getting to know his baby brother and helps me out at home with him- reading books, singing songs, and watching me change his diaper. ha! He has even on occasion shared his very special bear with Lawrence.
   

I love seeing my two boys together- my heart is full.

Of course we have been taking tons of pictures of our new little boy- they change so fast and I want to remember every second!

    

Charles turned THREE last week. I can't believe I have a three year old. He is such a big boy- so smart and sweet and funny. I love him to pieces. To celebrate we started off the day with a birthday donut just mommy and Charles. Chris took a half day so later in the afternoon we headed to the Minnesota Children's Museum.
   
Charles LOVED it. He especially liked the water/bubbles area and the little town with the shops and market and city bus. I foresee many more trips to the museum in our future- thank goodness for free admission once a month!

Great Grandma Betty visited over Charles' birthday too and met Lawrence for the first time.

Charles wanted a dinosaur birthday cake so after seeing some ideas on pinterest I gave it a go.. he was pretty excited!
 

Of course, Fall isn't complete without a trip to an apple orchard.
   

And that's what we've been up to.

Lawrence Theodore

We would like to introduce you to the newest member of our family..

Lawrence Theodore Weaver.

Lawrence: "Crowned with Laurel" (The laurel leaf/wreath was a symbol of high status in ancient Greece. It also symbolizes the resurrection of Christ)
Theodore: "Gift of God"

Born Friday, the 7th of September at 2:36pm. 

8lbs 4oz and 20 inches long

We were able to come home the next day and have been thoroughly enjoying every minute as a family of four.




Charles is doing well in his new role as Big Brother. He likes to hold Baby Lawrence and sings to him if he is crying.

 


I loved this baby from the moment I knew of him but the love I feel for him now that he is here in my arms is indescribable. I am constantly reminded how blessed I am to have both my boys, my heart is just overflowing.

Tears of Joy

"You're the reason a young immigrant who grew up here and went to school here and pledged allegiance to our flag will no longer be deported from the only country she's ever called home.."
-Obama, 2012 DNC


This made me cry. And still is. Say what you will about Obama, but I say that this was a job well done. Praying for one of my dearest friends as she submits the needed papers and awaits the verdict regarding her status. I love you friend. 



"When this new program is finally in place on August 15th, many more American DREAMers will be able to live without fear, and the rest of the country will get to know them. They are our classmates, our neighbors, and our FRIENDS. They are Americans. And one day, they'll have the papers to prove it."
-americasvoiceonline.org 

The Countdown

I can't believe it's September already! In May the end of the summer seemed so far away but something told me it would go by fast and boy did it ever! Now the countdown to Baby's arrival has officially begun. I have 17 days to go till my due date (which I know doesn't really mean anything, they should give you a due 'range' or something.. but still, September 22 has been a date burned into my mind for months and months) and I am so very ready for this baby to be born! I am feeling BIG and swollen and just plain ready to go.
Speaking of 'ready to go', I recently completed sewing my first blanket (ever) for our baby.



with matching burp cloth





and a few other burp cloths as well



I have fabric for another blanket that I will post once it's done too :)
I haven't been able to make any onesies for this baby yet, my hands are so swollen and tingly most of the day that stitching by hand is out of the question, but after he is born and I lose all this water I have been retaining, I sill surely be making some onesies.

Not working this summer has been a bit stressful, but as my mom has reminded me, this is the last time I will have with just me and Charles. I have been trying to really cherish the time home with him before Baby Brother gets here. I know that Charles will be a great big brother but I am sure it will be an adjustment too. Soon our family will grow from three to four!