First Day of School Pictures 2012

Another sweet anniversary present..straight from Heaven!

Well we did it again.  Joe and I celebrated yet another wedding anniversary in the hospital, welcoming a new addition to our family.  Eight years ago Amber was born and now Megan Mckenna decided to come to us on the same day!!  August 17, 2012 @ 5:38 pm weighing 8 lbs 9 oz Megan joined us sprouting a full head of hair typical of our other girl babies.  She is a very good baby and already sweet as can be.

6 weeks and getting ready!!

I cannot believe I am down to 6 weeks-I am so happy to be so close to the finish line.  This has been a pretty tedious pregnancy but not my worst  (Whitney's will hands down always be the worst).  I am excited to meet this new little girl-hold her and see her sweet face. Even Joe is excited-he was telling me the other day when our entire family was spending time together in the living room, that it felt like someone was missing.  It just validated to me that this little girl is meant to be part of our family-she isn't a mistake (huge surprise) and our family will hopefully be complete very soon!!  Gathering optional names has been a bit tiresome but I think we are narrowing it down and we are in our final stages of getting ready and prepared for her arrival.  I just forced Joe to dig out my girl clothing totes out of the garage today and I was shocked at how much I still have and also a bit shocked on the things i didn't have anymore.  I remember Brooke had about 10 dresses (at least) for 0-3 months-and I am down to 2.  I think most people assume when you have more than one kid-that you don't need anything with your next children but eventually things wear out and become more of safety hazard then functional or you gift things away or sell them (especially when you thought you were done having children). Our crib is the one thing I can say will have outlasted all of our children-thankfully.  We have just a few more things to purchase, hospital bag to pack, and organizing the house a bit more and then we're all set.  I haven't posted a belly shot of me yet but my sister in law did take our family pictures a week ago and I want to share one with you!! I love how it turned out!!  I will share some more when we get them back-there are some really adorable ones of the kiddos!!

Kitchen makeover...if I ever did one...

So if we do end up staying in our house indefinitely here is what I'd like to do to our kitchen:  Here it is now with our seafoam green countertops and oak cupboards from the 90's.  Not the greatest picture due to the babyshower decorations-but the only one I could find that was readily available.

   I've been wanting to paint our cupboards for years-but Joe has been against painting natural wood...???  At least we are on the same page about getting new countertops/and backsplash.  Just cannot decide if I like the white granite better or the grey slate color.  I'm leaning more towards the white to keep everything open and it looks cleaner to me.  What do you all think??
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I am getting soo behind on my blogging...not certain if it's just being crazy busy-being pregnant or just that sometimes Facebook seems an easier social network to send out news on.  Our summer has finally started- Whitney's last day of school was a week ago and it's been so nice having her home.  I've been keeping the kids busy doing their daily chores in hopes of establishing some kind of routine-next on their schedule is homework.  We have been doing a reading challenge-put on by mom where they earn some spare change for reading (although whitney can earn extra by writing book reoports).  I hope that this becomes something that they all enjoy doing and at the same time they are building their reading skills and as they earn coins-possible lesson in saving, smart spending, and ofcourse tithing as well.   Brooke has 10 more days before her cast comes off and I am so excited!!  No more telling her she can't jump on the trampoline, or play on the playground equipment, or go swimming.  She will once again be walking and jumping and alot more independent. My body for one will be happy not to have to lift her with my preggo belly anymore.  Speaking of Pregnancy-I am feeling a bit better-still nauseated all day-but better.  We are still struggling with choosing a name for our new little girl-and with three girls that already are so different in coloring and personality, i think we won't make the final decision until after this one is born.  I cannot wait to see what she looks like and snuggle her.   I held my friends newborn the other day and it just made me more anxious for her arrival.  9 more weeks to go -I am hoping 7 weeks...it's so close yet so far away.  It's still hard to believe that our family will finally be complete.  And is my tradition when nearing the end of my pregnancy-I get my hair cut-this time I went for layers and sideswept bangs!  So far I really like it-Can you believe my hair was almost waist length??  I so needed to get that extra weight off!!

And as June is our Parade/Festival month-we got the chance to hit the Emmet Cherry Festival for the very first time-And we came across this-They were doing free pictures and so since Joe is a Nascar fan and Trevor loves cars-they had to get their picture taken-and ofcourse the girls didn't want to miss out either.  So here is a belly shot of me-with my old hairstyle and my two sweet older girls.  

Brooke wasn't interested whatsoever.

Life never slows down...

Round 2 of Brooke's foot surgeries:

She finally got a pink cast this time around-yay.  You should have seen her expression last time she woke up to find a blue cast on her other foot-just slightly upset (understatement). Because she's had this done before to her other foot-she is dealing alot better with knowing what she can and can't do.  Although it is kind of tricky lifting her at times (28 weeks pregnant)-she gets around pretty okay in her wheelchair. She did however break out in a really bad rash while she still had her softcast on and was itching like mad-waking up every hour in the middle of the night for 3 nights straight.  She was on benadryl/zyrtek and hydrocortisone cream for a good week before it started clearing-and when they put her hard cast on the dr had to give her a sterroid cream for the skin we weren't able to treat beneath the cast.   So we know she's allergic to something (either the bandages, the iodine or perhaps latex?).  We will have to do a patch test at some point to find out for sure what, since she will have to do more surgeries in the future.  Yippee.  Her next batch of surgeries will be when she's 6 yrs old- and that will deal more with the bone structure of her ankles/feet.  One her cast is off we get to take her back into to get "put out" again-so they can mold her feet for orthodics.  Because she is quite tempermental-it is easier to do this.....you can't tell in this picture but she puts up a pretty hefty fight.

Bountiful Baskets-my thoughts

Okay...so here is my first impression of bountiful baskets. I wasn't able to get a picture of my basket because my husband had already cut up the mango, watermelon and strawberries-needless to say those and about 1/2 the apples are gone as well as the broccoli- they have already been eaten.  While my variety is different than the one below by only quantity-(I got 2 beets-3 tomatoes and maybe one more banana)..this picture is a good comparison to what i received last Saturday. I really like it-considering half is almost gone by day 3....I'm thinking i may need to order more often. I had wanted to purchase extra strawberries last week-but they were all gone.  So If I still do every other week but am able to do a few add ons-I think every 2 weeks will still work for my family.   i definitely enjoy the variety so far and it is encouraging me to make my meals around what I'm getting-which means my family is going to be eating a lot more veggies for sure--which is so nice in warmer weather. Tons of salads in the recipe forecast!!  We already made broccoli  salad-and will be making a casserole later this week with the cauliflower. The green beans are on the menu for tomorrow night..still leaves the beets to figure out-as a child i hated them..so not sure those will get used at all..but will try to make something work.  The fruit will get downed by my children as snacks-they love fruit.  And tomatoes are always a staple in our house for salsa, blts, salads, stews, tacos, pizza...etc.  I'm loving it so far!  What do you all think-did you order a basket last week-are you enjoying it too??

Bountiful Baskets-Have you ordered Yet??

I heard about Bountiful baskets about a year ago and was always interested in participating. Bountiful Baskets is a non-profit food co-op for families that want to have more fresh produce for less money We've done a garden in the past in our backyard but since we are on city water we wanted to see if we would save more money purchasing our produce through Bountiful baskets for the same amount we would have spent extra on our water bill had we gardened.  So this week is my official first week ordering!!  I am kind of excited because there is a mixture of fruits and vegetables and it's only $15.  Ofcourse this is all able to happen because of Volunteers and they ask you if you are willing to volunteer on occasion to help.  If that is what i need to do to get great produce at an amazing price-then alright!  There is usually 6 fruit items and 6 vegetable items-that are in season, high quality and locally grown.  They have changed the order cut off to Tuesday in our area-so you have one extra day to contribute (I love how they call it contribute instead of purchase)..because it allows a big group of people to buy locally and get wonderful prices for wonderful produce.  Besides Produce each week, they have other offerings you can add to your basket such as::
Produce By the Case: Utah Peaches, Citrus, Tomatoes, Pickling Cucumbers, Apples, Pears, Chiles, etc.
Bread Products: Sandwich Bread, Hamburger / Hotdog Buns,
Ciabatta, Chile Cheese, Cinnamon Raisin & Other Specialty BreadsEthnic/Specialty Produce Packs: Italian, Asian, Mexican, Guacamole, Party Produce Pack (think Guacamole, Salsa, and things you dip in ranch!)Pantry Items: Rice, Beans, Granola, Olive Oil, Canola Oil, All Natural Nut ButtersDecadent Deserts with 100% Butter, No hydrogenated oils or corn syrup

This week in my area the add-on offerings are: a veggie lovers pack (mexican themed), tortilla pack, granola ingredients, 9 grain bread, honey wheat bread,  valencia oranges,  tropical fruit pack and strawberries.

The typical savings from participating in Bountiful baskets is $35!  Awesome!!   This is a picture of the amount/types of produce you might get in your basket:

When I pick up my first order this weekend I will post a picture of what I get!  

Things to know:

The First time you participate you pay a $3 fee.

NO Refunds or exchanges

You must pick up your produce at the specified time/place or it will be donated. 

(you can have another person pick it up for you -just give them the confirm. number)

You will need to bring your own container to bring home your produce.

To Participate and Find a local bountiful Basket site close to you visit the website: http://bountifulbaskets.org/ 

Let me know how you like it!!  And if there isn't a location site close to you-you can 

send in a request to get one started-how cool is that??

Ultimate Blog Party!!

Welcome all you Ultimate Blog Party Goers!!

If you aren't familiar with  5MinutesForMom you should pop on over there and see what this party is all about-tons of giveaways and the opportunity to meet more amazing bloggers like you!!

I wanted to just say a little bit about myself to the new visitors:
I am a mommy of one boy age 2 and three girls ages 9,7, 4  with another girl on the way (August). Wife of 10 (almost 11) years to a wonderful husband who will do anything for his family. I am so lucky in my choice of companion!! I love to save money and keep a clean house and have fun with my family when I can. I love to dance- in any form. I love to play sports when I have the time-basketball, volleyball and softball. I love to make my house a home and am continually working on some area of my house. I usually keep this blog up to keep my family and friends updated on my life and also to share the fun things I find. I am Independent consultant for Paparazzi Accessories-which I absolutely love- $5 accesssories??SAY WHAT?? OH YEAH!!  My family keeps me busy and when they don't..I have plenty to keep myself busy with.  I have to say I love being busy and active -when I'm not struck down with morning sickness.  I am one of those people who really doesn't not like anyone-I was talking to a gal lately abt this and I really can't say that I dislike or hate anyone-even though they may have done something awful to me, I forgive and then get over it and am friends again.  Maybe I'm too trusting and inclusive-but it's better than the opposite right?  SO hopefully that gives you an idea about me-if you didn't know me already!!  Anyway-I hope you all enjoy my blog and are welcome to come back often.  And I am also doing a giveaway on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/PaparazzibyArin...so head over there and like me to be entered-it ends on Friday 4/20!!

That time of year again!

 Yes-Spring...which inevitably makes you think of Spring Cleaning at some point...no matter how long we want to put it off-it has to be done..at least at my house.  I'm still not feeling the best-but with the sun shining more-it just puts that itch in me to organize better and declutter.  Ofcourse finding out we are going to be having daughter #4--Yes we are having a baby girl!!- has brought us full circle to the question "where are we going to put four girls?"   If baby had been a boy -than it would have shared a room with Trevor and the 3 girls would remain sharing.  Now that there will be a 4th and I don't see us moving any time soon...we are having to do some rearranging...we will transform our Bonus Room into the Master Bedroom and make the Master bedroom our 4th bedroom..hence 2 girls in each room and Trevor with his own.  SO no more playroom/computer room...we have to now get rid of alot of toys and narrow them down to what I feel is appropriate to have in a bedroom. I have loved having a bonus room because I could keep all toys out of the bedroom-hence less distraction to keep kids awake and playing at night.  But I am looking forward to less toys to clean up!! With 5 kids...I'm sure I will appreciate it. Heck with 4 i'd appreciate any help. Now to come up with some creative ways to store the toys my kids choose to keep.  SO without further ado---here are my favorites I've found that I am loving:

Clear Drawstring Bags: kids can easily see what is in each bag!

                                                         Underbed chalkboard storage containers-so toys are labeled

Coolest thing ever: Magnetic Knife strip for toy cars-GENIUS!

I am picturing stuffed animals in these 2 and they both hang up!!

Corkboard or Magnetic strip to hang up pictures!

Another Underbed storage idea-I like this more for books/coloring books.

I love this idea for book storage-it hangs too!!  Less on the floor is ideal to me!

Jewelry Giveaway!!

Paparazzi Accessories Giveaway!!  

Paparazzi Accessories is a company that sells jewelry and accessories for $5...that's right just $5.  It's the most incredible job ever-I love it!!  Beautiful and Trendy Jewelry at an affordable price!!

You can win this beautiful pink ribbon necklace set (comes with 2 pink pearl drop earrings) or another item of your choice from my inventory!! 

Giveaway Ends 4/20

 

All you have to do is stop on by my facebook page PaparazzibyArin and Like it!!!  

Come back here and leave a comment saying you did it. Thanks and enjoy!!

Birthday Suprise!!

  Since my last post we found out that we are expecting another child.  We are excited about adding baby #5 to our family and as luck would have it my due date is on my birthday-in August!  Ofcourse he/she won't be born on my birthday but probably a week before-since my doctor won't let me go past my 39 week-due to my large babies.  Here are the stats on the first 4-
#1-6lb 12 oz 20 1/2 in long (3 days late)
#2  8 lb 1 oz 21 1/2 in long (one week early)
#3  9lb 9 oz  20 1/2 in long (one day early)
#4  8lb 15oz 20 in long  (2 weeks early)

As most of you know I get HG-Hyperemesis Gravidarum with my pregnancies.  It's a severe type of morning sickness.  I usually am sick for the majority of my pregnancy so it is kind of hard to look all cute and happy while pregnant when you feel like you have the stomach flu 24/7.  After the first two month it just wears you down and I am now at the point where I cannot wait for it to start tapering off...which for me usually doesn't happen until about 6 months (at least with two of my pregnancies it was that way).  We think it would be perfect to finish off our family with another boy-so Trevor would have a brother but i have to admit i'd love to break out all the sweet baby girl clothes once again.  We get to find out Friday the 13th in April.  So here's hoping the baby is cooperative-Joe said he wouldn't be able to stand waiting again until the end to find out.

Life has been one crazy ride lately!

So life seems to be catching up to me slowly...Through Christmas and my new enterprise as a paparazzi consultant-school activities and doctor visits, I feel like I have been going non-stop.  And now that school has started back up again and my family is relatively healthy once more-things are starting to settle down a bit.  I have also just come to the conclusion that I have to say no to things and live day by day as well.  Brooke is no longer going to be doing physical therapy until we are all done with surgeries/casts on her feet.  I think it has been a  bit traumatic for her to be going in and out of doctor/specialists' offices so often that I decided she needed a break too.  It was a nice plan to think I could get everything taken care of all at once-but sometimes it isn't always for the best.  So I am slowing down the pace around my household and trying to get organized little by little.  This year I am going to take my time and simplify as much as I know how/and can stand to.  So what does the new year bring for you?  What goals do you have and how are you going about putting them in motion?