Rach's Blog

A Bed Fit For A Princess

2012-01-11T22:19:00.002-05:00

It's been a long time since I've posted. It has been so embarrassingly long since I've posted to this blog, that I don't even know where to begin with updates. So I thought I'd start with this post that I started this summer.

The reality is that I could have done it a lot earlier, but pictures required me to clean the girls' room enough to take a picture that made it seem like I don't allow my kids to live like slobs.....don't judge.

This past summer we bunked the girls beds. I promised that we would make it special.

I was able to do this all for about $25

(the light dimmer cost the most by far! $10)

Wooden dowel: $6

I let Stella paint it.

Christmas Lights: free (from storage)

Dimmer Switch: $10

White Hooks: $2

Closet Flange Thingy: $5

Screw it on to the bed....cross your fingers and hope your husband doesn't yell at you for messing up.

Plastic Shower Curtain Rings: $1

Fabric: free (donated scrap from S. E. THANKS!!!)

I sewed some custom sheer curtains for Stella's bed. I also made a matching cover for Sofia's bed rail. We also painted the plywood between the two beds white.

And TA-DA!! A bed fit for my princess Stella

A view from the inside.

The dimmer switch is awesome for a night light as well as evening reading that won't disturb her older sister.

She loves her princess cave!

ISO Challenge (Again)

2011-09-21T21:42:00.005-04:00

Okay, well I know that I haven't posted in a long time. I have a lot of other posts, but they are still in my head. Two more craft posts, a couple recipes, a GI update, etc. I am also on a job hunt for a full time job and have been faced with the reality that Michigan's job market really is as bad as they are saying. So much more to say, but I need to organize my thoughts before I try to write them.

My addiction, hobby, and passion is photography. I also love my sewing, but not like photography. I spend my evening Internet time on Pinterest and reading about things like exposure, lighting, & tips for taking pictures of kids. One of my favorite sites is ISO created by Nicole & Michelle....2 very talented photographers. They clearly state that their contests are not restricted to professionals and that anyone can enter. So here we go, another entry.

Week 9: Silhouette
I live in the Midwest.
We love Chicago as the closet big city.
Last July, I visited with 3 kids for a bridal shower.
I was alone in a hotel room with 3 small children.
It. Was. Awful.
Urban camping stinks & I strongly discourage it.
On the flip side, we did enjoy our room right on Michigan St.
Our room faced Lake Michigan & the view was beautiful.
We were 36 floors up and Mark loved it.

DIY Flower Flip Flops

2011-08-30T22:11:00.003-04:00

I have taken the month of August off from sewing. It has been fantastic. I have been able to spend time with my children and actually enjoy them. So we decided we needed a craft to do during Mark's nap.

We went to Hobby Lobby with a $5 budget. We came out with flip flips for $1.59 each. We went to my fabric scraps and fashioned some fabric flowers and used a hot glue gun to attach them....and Voilà!!

These are Stella's. She insisted on having a purple flower and a red flower. She could not be convinced otherwise.

These are Sofia's. She made her flowers herself....picked out and cut the fabric....and even pieced the flowers together. I just helped with the hot glue part. She has worn them a lot already and her flowers are already starting to fray a bit....but I still like the look. And I'm not worried about the longevity of these flip flops as they were only $1.59.

Total Cost: $3.37

ISO Challenge

2011-08-16T23:18:00.006-04:00

So I'm not sure how I found Nicole's blog, but I love it. She is also a wife, mommy, & photographer among lots of other things. She and her super talented friend Michelle Sauer have a photography blog, ISO, with weekly challenges. I'm certainly NOT a photographer, and would never claim to be....but they say that non photographers can participate. So here are my entries for Week 5: Water & Dream

Week 5: WATER:
Peter's parents own a place on Lake Michigan.
We spend most of our summer weekends at the lake.
I have yet to swim in a body of water that compares.
Lake Michigan is breathtaking & I am blessed that my children are able to experience it as much as they have.

Week 5: DREAM
My brother got married about a month ago.
I honestly believe he married the girl of his dreams.
She perfect for him & I am so happy for them.
I always knew my brother would marry up....but I never predicted this far up! ;)

DIY Jewelry Box On My Wall

2011-08-16T13:45:00.001-04:00

My jewelry has been haphazardly thrown into drawers and boxes for the past 15 years. I have lost more jewelry that I am willing to admit due to my terrible storage methods. I know, if you can believe it.....OCD ataxophobic Rachel was pathetically unorganized.

Thanks to my new Pinterest obsession, I have been gathering all sorts of great DIY ideas to organize my jewelry. So this is how it started.

Found some scrap wood in the garage.
My brother constructed a square frame for me. We traded.
I cut my nephew's hair. He made a frame for me....in 15 minutes.
I also had him drill some holes so I could attach the knobs.

Go to the side garden and steal some rabbit fencing.

Buy some door knobs at Lowe's for $1 each

I painted the frame gray.
I added the wire fence in the middle.
Then added the knobs and a few hooks.
And Voilà! I am very proud.

Wood: free
Rabbit Fencing: free
Carpenter Labor: free
Hardware: $13
Paint: $3
Total Cost: $16

Not Me Monday

2011-08-15T10:23:00.001-04:00

I did not dance around in line at the bank to help myself dig out a massive wedgie from my hungry rear end. No way, that's inappropriate....and besides, I wear underwear that fits.

I did not turn around and make eye contact with the personal banker who was awkwardly watching my undergarment mining side show and blurt out "yep, it was in there pretty deep? Hope your day gets more exciting than that." Nope, I do not take extreme pleasure in stranger's discomfort or glorify embarrassing moments.

I did not arrive home from a weekend away to realize that I left my door unlocked.....with the key stuck in the lock! Nope, only a bimbo would be so careless.

I did not take so long to hem my mother-in-laws shorts that when she finally got them back....they no longer fit her. Ummm.....eewps.

I did not decide that the best way to rid the terrible squealing coming from my back tire was to turn up the radio volume. Nope, I do not ignore auto noises because they can lead to serious problems.

I did not keep Mark in the same outfit for two days....and two nights because I was too lazy to change him. He was not covered in snot, boogers, dirt, sand, unknown purple stains, tomato sauce, & chocolate, when I finally bathed him.

I did not allow my son to walk around my house completely nude so he could air out his boy parts....and then watch as my girls pointed, giggled, screamed, and ran away from his yucky boy parts. Nope, I do not use my son as entertainment.

I did not cover his nakedness with a small kitchen towel & rest him on my hip to answer the front door. No way, I would at least put him in a diaper before I opened the door to a complete stranger.

He did not giggle with delight and slap my face while he peed all over my hip.

I did not hastily push front door girl off our front stoop so I could hold my son at arms length and allow him to finish his male lizard drainage on our bushes.

I did not ask the speechless & completely grossed out gas lady if she'd like to trade jobs.

I did not open all the windows in our van do drown out Sofia's never ending and irritating questions about mundane things. "Can't hear you Fia! Ask me when we get home!" Nope, I do not squelch innocent and inquisitive young minds.

Rach's Whatever Casserole

2011-08-12T09:58:00.005-04:00

I have a "go to" casserole that is a creation from my head.
I make variations of this recipe at least 3 times a month.
I call it a "whatever" casserole because I usually grab whatever will work from my cupboard. Whatever pasta, whatever cheeses, & whatever veggies.

It freezes really well, so it's also great to bring to a friend.
I said I will eventually write the recipe down to share.
My apologies for not having a finished product photo.
I'll post a photo next time I make it.
So here we are....a variation of:

Rach's Whatever Casserole

The Quick Recipe
- 3 breasts of chicken breast (cooked & cubed)
- package of pasta (cooked to package directions)
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 12 oz good melting cheese (see below)
- 1 package veggies
- 4 slices of bread
- 2-3 Tablespoons melted butter
- Parmesan cheese for sprinkling

Cook chicken & pasta.
Melt cheese, cream of chicken soup & sour cream
Mix chicken, pasta, veggies, & sauce & pour in baking dish
Top with bread cubes.
Add thin layer of melted butter on bread
Sprinkle with parmesan cheese
Bake covered at 350 degrees, then uncovered for 15 minutes.

And a detailed and pictured run down of my methods. Here are the ingredients.....oops, the chicken is still in the fridge! The first 3 steps can easily be done ahead of time...making the finally casserole assembly quite easy & fast.

FIRST
Cook & cube (or shred) the chicken.
You can use grilled chicken, pan cooked, or baked.
This can easily be done a few days before.
Or even weeks before & then frozen for later use....like now

SECOND
Cook pasta according to directions on box.
You can certainly cook the pasta a few days before too.
I like rotini because it collects lots of sauce.
I also use penne (tubular) & farfalle (bowtie).
Always run cold water over it to stop the cooking.
That way your noodles won't get too mushy.
Be sure to salt the water before you cook the pasta!

THIRD
Cook the broccoli.
My method is put water in pan & bring to rapid boil
Add broccoli florets & cook for 6 minutes

I always drain the broccoli in cold water to stop cooking.
Then I lay on paper towel so absorb excess water.

I usually use a small bag of frozen veggies.
I like the one with carrots, peas, & corn.
Sometimes I get the one with green beans in the mix too.
I just happened to have some broccoli in the fridge.

FOURTH
Start with a can of cream of chicken soup.
Make sure your burner is on medium/low.
Lower heat is important for melting cheese.
Add shredded melting cheese

Good melting cheese are Havarti, Asiago, Cheddar, Fontina, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Meunster, Gouda, Blue cheese, Camembert or Brie.

Do not use Mozzarella, Provolone, Colby, or Colbyjack because they will be stringy. Also do not try feta, goat cheese, or cottage cheese....because they won't melt...and it would probably taste like barf.

My favorite is an 8 oz block of creamy havarti from Aldi. Another favorite is Monterey Jack cheese because I almost always have some in my fridge. I haven't ever used Pepperjack, but I bet it would be awesome and give your casserole a mild kick. I shred an 8oz package of either Havarti or Monterey Jack (because they are somewhat mild, but still have flavor) & then grab some of more of whatever I can find in my cheese drawer. This time I found some Muenster & Cheddar. I shredded about a small bowl of cheddar & used 2 slices of Muenster. I also love adding a tablespoon or two of blue cheese....yum.

Melt slowly like you're making cheese fondue.
Also, adding a tablespoon of white wine is delicious!

Once the mixture is smooth, stir in about 1/4 cup of sour cream.
I have also used a few tablespoons of cream cheese.....yum.

FIFTH
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl

SIXTH
Pour casserole contents into baking dish
I love using the disposable ones if I'm going to freeze it or bring it to a friend. Totally worth the $0.50 for zero clean up!

SEVENTH
Sprinkle on some bacon.
Sometimes I use real bacon bit that I fried earlier that week.
But most times I am lazy

EIGHTH
Cut up 4 slices of bread & sprinkle on top

NINTH
melt a few tablespoons of butter and brush on top

TENTH
Sprinkle some Parmesan on the bread cubes

Now look at your job well done. It's gonna be so yummy!

ELEVENTH
Cover with foil & store in the fridge
Or bring it to a friend

Or throw it in your freezer

Bake covered at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.
Remove foil.
Bake additional 15 minutes.
Bread cubes should get golden & crusty.

** If frozen, then let thaw in refrigerator for a day before cooking.

Not Me Monday

2011-08-06T10:41:00.003-04:00

I did not tell Stella that she may have string cheese only if she ate it in strings instead of chomping off large pieces like a beef stick. Not me, I do not force my OCD eating preferences on to my children

I did not strap a naked baby to my back and mow the lawn & reaffirm my place as crazy lady on the block.

I did not rake my son's face into a giant bush on the side of our house and decide that such rakings would be avoided by not mowing the entire side of the house. No way, I am always thorough with my work and never jump at pathetic opportunities to be lazy.

I did not decide the best time for me to meet my new neighbors would be when I was literally dripping with sweat and had a naked baby strapped to my back. Obviously, I was being super smart by lowering their expectations.

I do not tell my children to "leave me alone because mommy is paying bills" and get called out on my lie when Sofia asked me why I have only facebook and pinterest tabs open.

I did not give my daughters a long lecture about how buying a book at the bookstore is silly because libraries loan books for free....and then lose two library books and have to pay $26 to replace them....grrrr.

I do not prefer to dress Mark in onesies because t-shirts and shorts make him look like a little boy and less like a baby. No way. I would never do any such action to keep my son trapped in babyhood....forever and ever and ever and ever.

I did not get called back and lectured by my eldest daughter because I forgot to light a second and third courtesy match in the bathroom. I do not bomb out the bathroom to the point of needing more than one stench eliminator match.

I did not tell Stella that I would love to read to her and then send her back 3 times for a new books because the books she chose had way too many words per page. Nope, not me. Only an super lazy mom would do such a thing.

I have not been calling my son "Cletus" so often that he now answers to this new name. No way, I would never participate in blatant name calling.

Chicken For A Week

2011-08-03T22:41:00.004-04:00

We eat lots of chicken.
I'm making my standard "chicken for the week"
I do this or grilled chicken about every other week.
This recipe is quite mild.
My kids don't like the grilled taste.
Sometimes my kids dip it in ranch or BBQ sauce.
Sometimes I freeze some for recipes next week.
This chicken makes cooking convenient for the entire week.

The quick recipe

- large package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- olive oil
- Kosher salt
- seasonings

* place chicken in large skillet
* drizzle chicken with olive oil (both sides)
* sprinkle with salt & seasoning (both sides)
* turn stove top on low, cover, & let cook for at least 25 minutes (or till you start to smell it)
* flip chicken, replace cover & continue to cook for 15 minutes
* cut chicken into strips or cubes & store in fridge or freeze

And now for my dear sister-in-law, Lesley, I give you a full, detailed, & pictured run down of my exact methods.

START:
- large non-stick skillet (mine is 12" across & nearly 3" deep)
- 1 family size package of boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- I get mine from Meijer for about $10...although they were on sale at D&W this past week for $7!

- Extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Meat Tenderizer seasoning from Aldi (sometimes I just sprinkle a combo of paprika, onion salt, garlic salt, & cumin.....always less cumin than the other seasonings)

- place entire package of chicken in pan
- drizzle with olive oil (about 1-2 Tablespoons over everything)
- sprinkle with seasoning & kosher salt
** SOMETIMES I USE AN ENTIRE PACKAGE OF TACO SEASONING INSTEAD OF THIS SEASONING (Les, the Mexican Lasagna recipe) and then shred the cooked chicken.....it's yummy. **

- Flip chicken breasts and repeat olive oil drizzle & salt/seasoning sprinklings
- Sometimes I add about 1 Tablespoon of water to make sure there is enough liquid

- Exactly how much salt do I use?
- Apparently, I use exactly 1 teaspoon
* Please note that regular table salt is more potent, so I would not use this much! I would use about 1/2 the amount.

- I set my burner on just above low

- This is how much flame I have
- It's really important for it to be quite low

- I put a lid on it & set a timer for 25 minutes so I don't forget about it!

- Walk away & go do something productive....or waste time on facebook

- After about 25 minutes, I check on it.
- The juices from the chicken should be bubbling and the chicken should be white about 1/2 way up the sides

- Flip the chicken, return the lid, & leave it alone for another 15
- I will often turn the stove down to low to allow it to cook crockpot style.....or if I have stuff to do and I can't get to the cutting part right away. If you turn the temperature lower, then it needs more time to cook.

- After you can smell the chicken in the house, then it's usually done.
- If you cooked it low & slow, the chicken should not be dry or rubbery.

- I cut mine up & stick it in my glass container
- I typically use some right away for whatever casserole I'm making at the time
- If you do not have an electric knife....then get one. They are awesome.

- The rest goes in the fridge for a easy grab snack for Peter and for dinner for the next few nights.

- This is what I used them for the other night
- Chicken, black beans, diced pepper, cheese, & taco sauce
- Fill em, roll em, & then spread on a thin layer of butter
- The butter is crucial for a nice golden color & crunch
- Pan fry them on medium heat like a grilled cheese
- Top with a fresh tomato, avocado, salt & sour cream

A FEW OF MY GO TO RECIPES
(which will slowly make it to the blog if they aren't here already)
(I also use grilled chicken in these recipes)

- Rachel's whatever casserole (a crowd favorite...coming soon)
- Chicken pot pie
- Mexican Lasagna
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Tacos
- Chicken veggie omelet
- Chicken Salad Sandwiches
- Chef Salad
- Special K Chicken
- Chicken Mac & Cheese
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Chicken Pasta Salad
- White Chicken Pizza

Kung Pao Chicken. Click HERE for details

Chicken Enchiladas. Click HERE for details

Not Me Monday

2011-08-01T11:11:00.003-04:00

I did not put Mark in a full body dog costume and spend 30 minutes with his 2 older sisters pointing and laughing at him. No way, I would never humiliate my son and use him as entertainment.

I did not get angry at Stella for her fake "my tummy hurts" complains and tell her she should have gone stinkies before we went out to run errands. Nope, I respond with immediate tender care and concern to my children....especially when they communicate discomfort and pain.

I did not knowingly carry Mark around on my hip in his stink bomb diaper and subject surrounding gagging shoppers to his bio-diaper terror. No way, I always immediately find bathroom to change him to relieve him and everyone in nose range. Not taking such actions would be just like carrying a giant bag of smelly feces on my hip....barf.

I did not scoop Stella and run her 10 paces forward creating a beautiful & very straight 5 foot long line of vomit...and then pat myself on the back because I managed to get her barf to project itself off the carpet.....in Gazelle Sports....right in front of the cashier counter....nice.

I did not look up to see 4 of 4 cashiers with looks of terror combined with repulsion & fear and blurt "Awwwkkwaaard.....uhhh....this is really a birth control demonstration for you all.....clean up on aisle 4?" Nope, I do not delight other people's personal discomfort.

I did not make my children wait for cookies until they finished every bite of their their turkey sandwiches....as I inhale a Nutella & peanut butter sandwich and two Little Debbie Nutty Bars....and then wash it down with a can Mountain Dew. No way, I am a big advocate of healthy eating and lead my family by example.

I did not hear Sofia use her best I'm-6-years-old-and-very-smart voice to factually explain to Stella that Mark's "knobber thing is just extra elbow skin that holds the tinkles in....like a cup" Surely she did not hear such misinformation from her mother.

I do not often call my children "cute little buzz kills". Not me, I would never refer to my children in a negative way. Besides, using the word "cute" makes such names endearing.

I do not give my children generic Aldi brand sandwich cookies while I feast on double stuffed Oreos & tell them they taste the same so "you get what you get so don't throw a fit". No way, I always give my family the best life has to offer.

Random Highlights from April - July

2011-07-27T22:50:00.001-04:00

Some of these pictures are from my phone....so please forgive the quality.

The great Easter Egg hunt of 2011 at Nona & Papa's house. Lots of running. Lots of candy.

My first baby Sofia turned 6! She will be in 1st grade this fall and I can't believe it. I feel like she was 2 just yesterday. Now she's all old and stuff. *tear*

I worked overtime Asian sweat shop style and had my first home show. It was exhausting. I hope to do more, but maybe after Mark is a bit older. Sofia's arm was sore after about 1 minute of holding a dress. She gets her super guns from her mama.

Mark started climbing everything around 9 months. This was taken when he was about 10 months old. I blocked the stairs to keep him safe. Mom fail.

My last baby started walking when he was about 10 1/2 months....he was about 2-3 weeks earlier than my girls *tear*

Summer birthday celebration with sister-in-laws Melissa (left) & Lesley (right), and mother-in-law Pati (far right). It's always a fun time with the girls....and they make me feel really tall.

I took two trips out west with my brother Matt for two sibling weddings. It was awesome to spend time with my oldest brother.....plus, he's a super great travel partner.

Matt decided that we should upgrade our vehicle in Colorado to a convertible. It was awesome. This would be a picture of me being a nerd.

My brother Josh got married in the mountains of Bellingham, Washington. It was gorgeous and my new sister-in-law, Aubrey, is crazy beautiful....AND equally nice, sweet, and smart. Thumbs up to my bro for putting a ring on it.....cause he would be a moron not to....just sayin.

While in Washington for Josh's wedding, I got to spend time with my other two brothers (Michael & Matt) and spend time getting to know Michael's fiancée, Allison. Turns out that Allison is all of the above.....pretty, smart, adventurous, sporty, & a Christian! I love both my brothers and have always looked up them.....but let's be honest here....they both married up.

4th of July celebration at Peter's parent's lake house. 9 grandkids on Peter's side. It's crazy and chaotic....and awesome. Can you find my kids? Hurray for my foreign wild card genes in this blond bunch. Oh yeah, and Sofia does not have older brothers.....but she does have some boy cousins that will fill the protective brother role.....I love it.

My brother Michael got married in the mountains of Colorado. It was breathtaking.

While in Colorado for Michael's wedding, I got to spend lots of time with my newest sister-in-law, Aubrey. She's the most talented photographer that I know....like she gets booked for weddings in Italy and all over the globe! She was nice enough to give me one-on-one photography "lessons" all day long. But enough of that boring stuff......isn't she pretty?

Rainbows are pretty. And since I'm a girl, I took lots of pictures. AND....this 136 year old barn got struck by lightning about a week after the wedding and burned to the ground. So sad.

- My baby Mark turned 1! *tear*

A bridal shower in Chicago....overnight.
Me alone + 3 kids + 1 room = 2'ish hours of sleep
Urban camping is overrated and I recommend NOT doing it.

We drove to Chesterton, IN & took the train the last hour into Chicago. There is no way I could have done this trip without Melissa & Pati.

Mark has decided that scrunching his nose is the best way to show me his dissatisfaction

Crazy hair day AND blue day at VBS.

Watching the sprinkler out the front window. They sat there for 20 minutes. Our house is very exciting.

My girls have very different skin colors. Sometimes I think people look at Stella's crazy pale skin and wonder if she is adopted.

Sometimes I need to remind people of my Asian heritage.....or maybe this is what happens when I have had 1 hour of sleep & a full day of travel.....or maybe this is my best photo submission to the ultra exclusive club Beaver Buck Teeth Beauties.

I am able to cross only one of my eyes and use the other to look wherever I please. It's an awesome skill that is very useful for things like job interviews and impressing people who are classy and sophisticated. Jesse Meyer told me my skill would look better if I also stuck my tongue out....but now I think he was lying to me and just wanted to make fun of me.

I cut Mark's hair....he was very squirmy. Now he looks like a monk....or Forrest Gump....or an inbred named Cletus. It looks terrible. Way to make a cute boy look like Dopey. Mom fail.

No surprise, but Mark loves soccer. He loves to kick the ball around.

I experimented with my cake tip thingy. It was lots of fun. I did this for Sofia's 6th birthday. She hates cake. I might also mention that these cupcakes are definitely not from scratch....and neither is the frosting.

I made these cupcakes for Mark's 1st birthday. I stole the idea from someone on my new obsession called Pinterest. He liked them. Nom Nom Nom Nom

Sometimes I am too lazy, tired, and hot to stop my girls from doing things that are considered wrong. They wanted me to look like a princess....but I think my legs look like something from Target.

Stella colored this and taped it on the outside of our front door....so everyone in the world could know about how she was feeling.

Sofia wanted curly hair.....so I made twisty buns all over her head and had her sleep in them. It didn't work....but on the flip side, I now know the best method to create a sick afro. Fail.

Peter plays soccer year round. I love when his games aren't too late and we can go watch him play. Isn't he dreamy?

Enough Is Enough

2011-03-09T21:12:00.016-05:00

Crohn's Disease it is. Doctors have been going back and forth between Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns Disease. The decision has been made....unless they change it. Whatever.

On a different note, I have made a final decision to begin the process of de-milking my feeders so I can start a new medication to address the ulcers that have been in my throat & GI tract since OCTOBER. I had about 3 days of non-ulcer glory after a 6 day steroid pack. But they came back almost immediately. I don't remember life without severe pain in my throat and mouth.

I am sad. Mark still nurses at 5:30 in the morning and I love it. He is my last baby and this will officially mark the end of a mother/baby connection that only I share with him.

AND formula is expensive. AND now I'll have to start exercising or something because milk making calorie burnage is so easy...and I am so lazy.

Back to point, large ulcers grow in my colon, deep in my throat (out of sight) and also in my gums, on top of my tongue, under my tongue, and every other place in my mouth that you can think of. They are awful and painful to say the least. At this moment I have 7 that that I can see and 2 that I can feel 1/2 way down my neck....awesome.

Right now, I am exhausted. Exhausted from 3 kids, no sleep, no food, and non-stop pain. I have found that a few beers help take away the edge, but I don't think this is the best remedy....besides, it's expensive. The other remedy is vicodin. Vicodin works great....so great that I look forward to the next pill....which is very scary to me. Last thing my family needs is a pain medication addict. I'd rather be in pain than take lots of vicodin.

Okay, this picture below is gross. Peter advised me to NOT post it, but I did anyways. Here is an example of what I am talking about. This location is especially painful because the pain radiates through my ears....and feels like I have a large dagger being twisted in my ear drum. Awesome.

My hope is that if my ulcers clear....then maybe (just maybe) it will also help my liver/bile duct issues....which cause perpetual deep pain in my ribs and upper abdomen. It probably won't, but at least I'll be able to eat without wincing. Yay food!

Stella's Food

2011-03-08T18:29:00.000-05:00

Stella is a fickle eater....at best. I went through a period of time fighting her to eat her food....every day and every meal. I finally started a new approach. I learned that she will eat her food if it is presented in a fun way. Now she is excited to eat her fun food. A favorite is salami and cream cheese sandwiches....with cheese on the side.

Do these pictures invite valid mockery? Yes
Am I over the top? Yes
Did this stop my food battle with Stella? Yes
A few extra steps with a cookie cutter is worth it to me.

I heart Stella

Stella is Latin for STAR!! (Also a tasty beer)

This was supposed to be a sunshine, but Stella thought it looked more like a flower.

Creepy Dorito girl...REDRUM!!

Smiles

A bunny in some grass....with a fish rainbow

Yes, that's right....this is a GIRL bear....with green eyelashes.

Jack and Jill went up the hill.
To be reincarnated as gingerbread kids.

A smiling turtle

Ahhhhh....sank you, sank you verdy much!!

And this would be my meal.
Sandwich crusts, turkey slices, & the last few bites of yogurt.
Being a mom is awesome.
*sigh*

Snapshots

2011-03-06T22:20:00.003-05:00

Sofia loves to play mindless games on my iPhone.
This is her concentration face....with pouty lip.

One of Stella's favorite activities.....fill up the slots and let them go!

I spy with my little eye.....

Stella loves puzzles. We do puzzles everyday.
Except Stella is a big girl & likes to do them all by herself.
So my job is to sit and watch her be a big girl.

Her concentration & focus is so contrary to her personality.
And this is where uncle Michael lives.
He bought this puzzle for Fia a few years ago, it's a family favorite.
Stella does this puzzle at least 10 times a day.
Thanks again uncle Michael!!!

This is a more accurate picture of my Stell-Bell.
Jumping off furniture like a super hero.

I know I am biased, but I think my boy is cute.

I cut Mark's hair so he looks a little less like Donald Trump.
Yeah, that's right....I used a kid scissors.

New Year's Resolution:
Style My Hair & Apply Makeup (not just Sunday)
Well, that was fun while it lasted.
I look like a trophy wife....that was recently barfed on.
And here are my feelings about my failed resolution.

Stella feels the same....wow, my eyes are pretty angry in this one.

Sometimes I tolerate healthy food.
Roasted sweet potatoes taste like candy....num!

So Mark is crawling & I'm so annoyed....I mean, super excited!

Except he's already frustrated because he wants to walk.

Hmmm.....now that I'm crawling,now I have access to all this stuff!!

Why was I surprised when he finally opened the drawer?

Now he is pulling himself up and ready to cruise.
Check out his toupée in the second picture...nice.

So now that he is VERY mobile, I am taking as many pictures of his fatness that I can. Cause I'm sure it won't be long till his baby fat melts away into skinny boy legs. *tear*

Career Change? Nevermind....barf.

2011-03-02T21:15:00.009-05:00

My friend Emily posted a story about human breast milk ice cream on my facebook wall and I just had to share it. I think she thought of me because she remembered that I am a milk making freak. After several painful months of "training" my milkers, I am finally only over-producing about 10 ounces a week. I used to make anywhere from 15-25 extra ounces a day!

THE STORY

A London ice cream shop decided to make a batch of ice cream with human breast milk, naming it Baby Gaga. It sold out within the week.

The remains of the breast milk ice cream have since been confiscated by the Westminster City Council with concerns for food safety.....and samples that came back from the lab that tested positive for possible hepatitis contamination.

Mmmmm.....hepatitis ice cream.....yummy!

The women were paid £14 per 10 ounces.
As of today, this is $23.00!!
I was making at least 350 extra ounces a month.
That would be $8,000!!

While boob milk is great and all.....let's be honest here. Would you eat it?

Barf.

The End.

Not Me Monday

2011-02-28T12:02:00.008-05:00

I do not consider last week's Not Me Monday a total success because I managed to gross out my husband. No way, I do not aspire to make him feel awkward and uncomfortable.

I did not discover a lost tub of jelly beans and Skittles from last Easter and devour them in the next 24 hours. Nope, that's gross to eat super expired candy. And besides....I was obviously doing a good deed by not wasting food.

Since the disappearance of my throat ulcers I do not treat every meal and snack like a Thanksgiving feast. No way, I don't participate in apocalyptic eating....that's gluttonous.

I did not accidentally drop a large handful of chocolate chips into the peanut butter jar and decide the only way to amend the situation was to dump more chocolate chips in the jar, stir them around, and label the jar as "tainted" and hide it from the rest of the family.

I did not discover Mark's ticklish spots by squeezing his mini man boobs together to see how big of a cleavage line I can make. No way, that is demeaning and borderline child abuse.

I did not watch Finding Nemo with my girls and then ceremoniously flush our 4 live fish down the toilet one by one....wishing them all a happier and better life in the big lake.

I am not completely annoyed that Mark started crawling. No way, such milestones are celebrated and I was sure to document the date and time in his non-existent baby book.

It did not take Peter telling me Mark smelled like rotten milk to realize that it had been over a week since I last bathed him....barf.

I did not let Mark suck on a chocolate chip cookie. No way, he is only 7 months old and only eats healthy baby food veggies and fruit....only a bad mommy would introduce her toothless baby to the glorious bliss that is chocolate chip cookies.

I did not just blankly stare at the disgusting blackish greenish brownish yellowish sludge growing inside our toilet.....nearly barf....and then decide the best thing for me to do about it was go downstairs and click away on my computer. No way, I would never turn a blind eye to my desperate house begging for a cleaning. Besides, I always keep my bathroom spotless for health and sanitation reasons.

I did not force Stella to use apple slices to dip into her peanut butter while I used Godiva chocolate squares. No way, I always demonstrate good eating habits by setting a good example.

Simply Sofia

2011-02-24T22:32:00.003-05:00

Sofia was my first baby, my mini-me. I love her. She loves to get her hands dirty and help me or Peter with whatever. I don't know how it happens, but she somehow grows up really fast.....too fast for my liking.

Sofia is in now Kindergarten. This makes her very smart and know lots of things. She's all like, "Yep Mom, that's how we do it in Kindergarten" and "Ugh, no mommy, Kindergartners do it THIS way"

Making pizza with mommy. She's really good at kneading dough....it's one of her favorite cooking things to do with me.

Making a snowman with daddy. She loves to bundle up and go outside with daddy just to be with him.....even if he is only shoveling.

Sofia's 100 Days of Kindergarten Project.
Anyways, she has been in Kindergarten for 100 days. This is a big deal. She was assigned a project. Create something using 100 of something else. (I maybe helped with the idea)

100 Pictures of Things She Thanks Jesus For
(Shout out to uncle Josh for the Polaroid printer thingy!!)

And for the record, she really did do about 95% this project. I cut out the numbers and typed the list items. But she took the pictures, printed them, arranged them, adhered them to the giant 100 (they're stickers), cut the 100 list items, & then glued those on too. And you better believe the title poster has GLITTER letters! I was so proud of her diligence, dedication, and quality control.

A Night To Shine
Sofia participated in a forensics night at school....after she told us she didn't want to. We didn't push it because Peter also hates public speaking and understood her resistance towards it. But then Nona advised us that we get her more comfortable speaking in front of groups of people when she is young....as the fear only gets worse with age. So we took Nona's sage advice and made her do it. It wasn't hard to convince Sofia because all her cousins participated too. She did great and we were beaming with pride. My favorite part is when she is done and is soaking up the applause. All the participants handed over the microphone immediately....Sofia waited for the applause. (Thanks aunt Lesley for taking the video)

Well done indeed....

Snapshots

2011-02-23T22:24:00.002-05:00

I am just getting back into sewing....little by little. This is my new(ish) thread holder....I love it. It keeps them nice and organized and de-clutters my previous thread drawer.

After stepping on a pin (awesome) & Stella finding several random pins on the ground....I also decided I should probably own a pin cushion....hopefully now they will stay put.

My work table....with my newest color scheme.

Stella loves to play with her train.
Sharing her train with Mark is fun and new....for now.

Sometimes I let my girls do my eye make up.
They are sure to use ALL the colors.
Sofia went for the dramatic eye make up look.

Stella went for more or an artistic eye look.

My dad brought me flowers last week.
They are still blooming and very fragrant.

I wanna give Crayola a big fat hug.

Painting princesses!

Please note that Sofia had to "create" her orange and purple to complete her rainbow of colors.

Stella's favorite part is watching the water turn colors.

Stella is not really one to sit on concentrate....so her painting is always amazing for me to witness.

Everyone was Kung-Fu Fighting.....
.....in knee high boots.....

We play with our food....sometimes it's healthy food.....

Not Me Monday

2011-02-21T10:18:00.003-05:00

I do not consider Nutella and peanut butter are a fantastic and nutritional form of protein....especially when eaten together.

I did not discover that 3-4 beers is a fantastic way to ease burning throat, mouth, & tongue ulcers....and further decide that the extra expense should come from "medical" portion of our budget.

I am not slightly disappointed that my new bout of steroids did not grow me a nice handle bar mustache.....cause that would have made me famous.

I do not look forward to Valentines Day solely for the purpose of clearance candy....because Valentines Day is stupid. The End.

I did not beam with pride when Sofia emerged from the bathroom to tell me "Well mom, I just dropped a double deuce...and now I feel much better." Nope, no child of mine uses such language.

I did not use breastmilk in Stella's mac & cheese because I needed to save the last 1/4 cup of regular milk for Sofia's cereal the next morning. Eeew.....barf.

I did not seriously consider warming up mugs of breastmilk, adding some chocolate, and feeding it to my two girls in an attempt to rid them of their sicknesses.....nope, that crosses the line into crazy-lady land.

I did not take Mark along on Sofia's doctor appointment & have the doc take a quick looksie in his ears, listen to his chest, and also discuss his health. No way, I only paid for 1 child and would never sneak in a second child evaluation....that would be a dishonest way to save $30.....cha-ching!

I did not change our coffee to 1/2 decaf in a sincere effort to reduce my caffeine dependency....and then decide that the best way to handle my caffeine intake change was to drink twice as much....nice Rach....I'm smart.

I do not wish that the picture I entered for Mark's photo contest was more Asian looking...to give him more of an edge and perhaps a better chance....no way, that would make me racist....because Asian kids are not cuter than pale faces....suckers!

I did not read full episode spoilers for a tv series (Dexter season 4) that Peter and I are watching through Blockbuster movie mailings. No way, that would demonstrate both my impatience and compulsive addiction to Dexter.

I do not claim to live a lowfat diet lifestyle and then give way to daily temptations such as cookies, chips, chocolate, salami, bacon, pot roast, & grilled cheese. No way, low-fat is what the doctor ordered....and I take my GI health more seriously.

Just a Formula....and some laughs

2011-02-14T21:09:00.002-05:00

My friend.....and neighbor....who also happens to be my only babysitter posted this today and I just had to share it because I thought it was hilarious.

Snapshots....and stuff

2011-02-12T09:18:00.000-05:00

I dedicate this post to KMS, who informed me that the spacing between my posts is unacceptable. So here is a disjointed & somewhat unorganized update. Even Mark is upset.

I'm not real sure what this post should really be....so I suppose it'll be a little of everything....and therefore also quite long....so feel free to scan through. Where to begin.....A LOT has happened since my last post.....I miss my blog. I don't really like posting sad baby pictures....so I will equalize it with a happy baby picture. This is Mark taking a bath in his bucket. He loves it!

Indianapolis
I have GI malfunctions....lots of them. They have caused me a great deal of on/off pain and discomfort for the past 2 years. My recent flare ups have been awful. Since this past October I have been dealing with bleeding throat ulcers, colon ulcers, food non-digestion (yeah, that's a word) and constant severe upper abdominal pain.....and no real definitive answers. In December, I had that unwelcome extended hospital stay with pancreatitus, ulcerative colitis, & biliary/liver problems.....always comes at the worst time for me.

My chart was labeled "special" and then I was referred to some specialists at Indiana Univeristy in Indianapolis, IN.

I met with a ERCP/bile duct specialist and only dealt with problems regarding my common bile duct. Any questions regarding my ulcers or my liver would need a different specialist. After my consultation with the doctor, the questions we wanted to answer were about the relationship between my common bile duct, the unsuccessful ERCP fixes, & my elevated liver enzymes. He wanted to take a closer look at my common bile duct and see if a blockage near the bottom of it was the reason for my elevated liver enzymes.

I had an MRI, an endoscopic ultrasound, and ERCP #7.

I also look like a recreational drug user....the nurses started having trouble getting IV's in and had the anesthesiologists use the veins in my hand for the last 2 procedures. This picture does not give a good depiction of my gross arms.....barf.

During the ERCP, the doctor removed a large amount of sludge, made larger cuts into the bile duct scar tissue and inserted 3 plastic stents.....so now "A mac truck can drive through my bile duct." Sweet. And yes, these are actual pictures of my bile duct....barf. (I think I barf a lot)

What Now?

-A liver biopsy in 2008 diagnosed me with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC)

- PSC is a chronic liver disease that produces inflammation which leads to scarring of the bile ducts inside and outside of the liver. As a result, bile builds up in the liver and damages liver cells. Eventually, scar tissue can spread throughout the liver, causing cirrhosis and liver failure.

- 3 of 4 people with PSC also have IBD or ulcerative colitis....the relationship is not understood.

- I will need another liver biopsy and will most likely search out a liver specialist.

- With a diagnosis of PSC & UC, I am considered high risk for colon cancer....which means yearly colonoscopys.....awesome....keep the good news coming! *sigh* *tear*

- I will have to go back to Indy in 4 months to have the stents removed.

- The doctors can't quite decide if I have Ulcerative Colitis (UC) or Crohn's because people with UC don't usually get throat ulcers. I was told that if my ulcers are deeper in my esophagus, then I definitely have Crohns....but if they are only higher up in my pharynx, then it still could be UC. If I want to find out, then I need to get them tested. Whatever. The treatment is the same so I don't care what I have....as they are equally crappy.

- I will most likely start a new regime of meds to address my UC....which include a nice dose of steroids....maybe I'll grow a mustache.

Let's End With Some Good News

- I did not have choledochal cysts....which can be cancerous and require major bile duct surgery.

- My doctor is confident that these stents will work and I will not have common bile duct problems again!!!! He feels that when I get them removed in 4 months, that I won't have another ERCP again.

- I have zero risk for prostate cancer.

A few pictures

So these were the hotel beds in Indy....a little lumpy. We thought they looked weird.

Stella calls these my pretty bracelets.....pretty indeed.

I would argue that Peter and Stella missed me the most.

I love my family

Old Stomping Grounds
Pati and I went to Butler University to look around, take pictures, and feel old.....very old.

Such a beautiful campus!

Good ole' Jordan Hall....ALL of my classes were in this building!

Schwizter Hall (a.k.a. The Virgin Vault)

Go Dawgs!

Other News

This past November and December were absolutely crazy for me with NamHee Designs....lots of Christmas orders....which was fantastic! Here are some of my new color combos.

Christmas parties, shopping, decorating, and celebrating filled every other minute. Check out out super sick Christmas socks from grandma Feyen.

Sofia likes to be silly

See the rat nest that is Stella's hair? Try to ignore the psycho-from-the-movie-The-Ring look she also has going on here.

So I chopped it off

Two little monkeys jumping on the bed.

I love genuine laughter

Stella is not a good sleeper....and I love when she finally settles down and gets some shut eye.

Sofia and Stella both got some super sick pink boots from Papa....and yes, they are bedazzled with rhinestones & silver studs.

This is me playing with my camera from Peter.

I wish I looked so perfect when I sleep. Maybe if you add some drool, a bunch of zits, & a double chin....then we would be daughter-like-mother.

Snow Pictures

We went sledding. It was a blast!

We had so much fun that Peter could randomly throw Sofia in the air and let her land in the snow. I think Peter had more fun with it than Sofia.

Wheeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!

Plop!!

Completely sunk into the snow.

Yep, I'm old

2010-11-04T21:54:00.006-04:00

So I'm officially old because these are funny to me....
The last one is a bit long & annoying, but she about sums it up

Swagger Wagon

Mom My Ride

Dad Life

Mommy Rhapsody

Mommy Rhapsody from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Not Me Monday

2010-10-18T13:20:00.003-04:00

I do not wish for the sky to open & strike down the punk who allowed their dog to leave an elephant sized deuce on our lawn....which did not finally get shoveled into our toilet and clog it because it was so massive.....thanks a lot jerk.

I did not post a picture of my 200+ ounces of frozen breast milk on facebook....no way, that's weird...and displays what a freak of milk-making nature I have become.

I am not 100% bitter that my dinners are not even a little bit large. Nope....I am totally content with my wee front-side blessings & happy that I do not get to enjoy being a buxom mama....even if just for a year....or a few months.....what a colossal gyp.

I did not insist my daughters finish their Rice Crispies while I spooned large amounts of Nutella in my mouth....followed by a huge helpings Reddi Whip straight from the can. That would be a poor example & just mean.....mmmm.....best breakfast ever.....dairy & protein, right?

I did not tell my girls that if our goldfish don't die soon....then we will definitely need to "set them free" in a random pond outside....or flush them down the toilet.

I did not reach down my shirt at a stop sign & give each one of my milkers a slight squeeze to confirm which side had more and get an approximation of the ounce-age. I don't assess my jublees in public....that would be totally inappropriate.

I did not get caught doing previous stated action by a wide-eyed & confused pedestrian attempting to cross the street....to which my remark out the window was not "It's cool...breast cancer awareness....." and then speed away before allowing her to cross.

I did not tell Sofia that Mark's "knobber hangy thing" is comprised of extra elbow skin. Not me, that would be confusing....and a gross comparison.

After male acquaintance decided it would be nice to tell me "way to go....your face is waaaaay less swollen & huge" my eyes did not glaze over because I had stopped listening & was definitely not imagining myself happily punching him in the face over and over....and over and over.....till his face was swollen & huge. Not me, I am not a violent person. Idiot.

I did not forgot to wear breast pads & decide that stuffing Kleenex down my shirt was a great replacement....which did not result in a disgusting mess....as if someone TP'ed my baby feeding mountains...and then it rained milk....barf.

I did not lean Mark over & scrub his head sending a winter wonderland of cradle cap flakes snowing down....all over the ground in church. Nope not me....I totally understand that such actions would be totally gross.

I did not have an afternoon of severe stomach cramping because I spent the entire church service sucking in my belly.....no way, my clothes totally fit me just fine.

My kids are definitely not still in the their pajamas....at 1:15pm....on a Monday....because I am definitely not clicking away at the computer when I could be dressing them.

I did not just brush my teeth for the first time today. I always brush my teeth first thing in the morning.

The Last Year According to iPhone

2010-10-13T23:25:00.017-04:00

Okay then....it's been quite awhile since I've posted to my blog...I miss it lots. Unfortunately my blog has taken the backseat....

A LOT has happened in the past year. We have officially been in our home just over a year....and I have officially owned an iphone 1 year. So while the quality of photos is not that of an SLR or anything....my phone is usually with me and therefore has been able to capture a lot of otherwise forgotten moments....and yes, most of the last ones are of Mark.

And yes, this is a crazy long post so feel free to skip over the videos & browse quickly through the pics. There are a ga-zillion videos so if they are not playing...then give your browser some time to load them all....sorry.

September 2009
The very first picture taken with my new phone. I think she looks so young!

Neither Peter nor I are good singers....so unfortunately I don't think it's in the cards for Sofia....

Proof that Stella does occasionally eat healthy food. She loves broccoli!!

The house was basically move-in ready. We've only painted the girls' room....Sofia helped me quite a bit....now it looks like the pink panther barfed everywhere.

Ahhhh....my Stell-Bell & her famous nightly dance....never gets old for me.

October 2009
Our first fall season in our new home. Sofia is just starting to play with the neighbor girls. 8 girls all under the age of 6.....all live next to each other....so fun.

Extreme leaf jumping....with the help of a mini trampoline

Need I say more?

Stella preparing for Trick or Treating with Nona.

Halloween 2009 - Trick or Treat!!
Yes, her outfit is on backwards....and yes, Nona DID get the previous video before she sent her out....hehehe

Annual Halloween party at the Bosschers....although now they live in Louisville....sad.

Sofia & I like to play the "No Laugh" game....whoever laughs first loses....she is really bad at it....but I maybe cheat....

Time to switch out the summer clothes with fall clothes!

First week of November 2009.....and this might also be how I informed my husband....why do it in person when you can send a picture text message?

The above picture occurred just days before our beer tasting party.....awesome....or not.

Peter's cousin Kyle comes for a very boring visit. I was preggo & colitis sick....and useless. I sent him to the park with Sofia while I napped on the couch....way to be a great host Rach.

Watching daddy play indoor

Sofia looks forward to the visit with Santa every year. Stella had issues with the creepy fat man in red.

Christmas 2009
Fia wanted to wear her Christmas dress every Sunday for a month.
Stella wanted to wear the Mardi Gras beads.....hmmm...

Just opened Christmas gifts from uncle Josh. Stella LOVED it!

Stella learns the pouty lip

Cold weather doesn't stop this mover!

Peter goes on a skiing trip every winter with his dad....the girls miss him lots so we send him video messages when he is away....

Dancing with daddy

Our first winter in our first home!

Stella's first winter where she was able to actively play outside

It's official....documented here. I think this is one of Peter's favorites....

We made gingerbread cookies!! They were completely inedible....barf.

Three is better than one!
Gotta love my Stell-Bell

Sofia reads a letter she wrote to me.
This is my favorite video....ever....the reasons why should be obvious...

It's a tea party & you're NOT invited....there were no more hats left.

Stella's hair finally grows long enough to braid. Sofia was born with this much hair....Stella was nice & bald till this past year.

I'm very attractive when I want to be....

Sometimes we have salon night & the girls get curlers

February 2010 - Baby bump starts to show

Taught art last school year. This was one of the projects. We did lines.

Sofia gets glasses. I've never had an eye exam so this was a new experience for me too.

Sofia ice skates for the first time.

Hot cocoa after a family day filled with ice skating & a chilly downtown walk.

One of hundreds of pictures that Sofia colors for me. Peter has a largish head....

Sofia LOVES games. We have accumulated several board & card games this past year.

Stella wore her crown from uncle Josh for several months

One of our fish (from Christmas) finally died. We will have 3 of 6....ugh, why won't they die?!?

We love to go to Centerpointe mall.

2 for $1 at Goodwill!

Looks like Stella will be a lion for Halloween this year....

We got a digital piano.

Peter took the girls to the Big Bug exhibit

This is what happens when we get overzealous with the sprinkles

We went on a full day date for Sofia's 5th birthday. We went to a movie and an indoor water park. It was so fun & I'm so glad she wanted to share her day with us.

Sometimes Sofia gets a little dusty with sidewalk chalk....

Stella is not a good sleeper....she gets so wound up & then just passes out....in weird positions....

Another girl salon night

The result

Girls...Sofia wants to take dance lessons....she's such a natural....or not.

Family trip to Home Depot to do the free workshop....butterfly houses!

Sofia upgrades to a larger bike

June 2010: I had a MASSIVE garage sale....I was 8 months pregnant & Peter was out of town....I'm a idiot. I will never have another garage sale again.

Sofia & neighbor friend Madelyn had a lemonade & cookie stand. They EACH made $12!!

I love sales.

We frequently make the coffee table into a fort....complete with flashlights, snacks, & story time.

The last few weeks before D-day.....I kept my overweight preggo self inside our freezing house. My girls always wanted to be outside & play in the sauna....so I had to document the few times I made it outside with them.

Poolside....who needs a pool membership when you have this?

The newest family member

Kisses

Kinda looks like a girl....but still love him!

Our door is always dirty and gross....this might be the reason why....

Gun show

Mark has a long toe just like his mama! Sometimes it's the little things in life that make me smile....

Stella loves her baby brother

This was our main summer entertainment....bathing suits & a sprinkler

Stella was trying to show me that she had a huge gash on chin that was spurting blood....and therefore DESPERATELY needed a band-aid. I'm not sure how band-aids make pain go away...but they do for Stella.

Ice cream on the front stoop was a very frequent treat this past summer.

I tried to phase out Stella's nap in an attempt to end her 10pm fall asleep time....sometimes I have the worst ideas.

What would I do without this girl??

I am a milk making freak. This is about 3 weeks worth of extra milk. I have since found several people that want my liquid gold donations. My current recipient is an adopted baby girl in Baltimore who has allergies to all formula. So glad that I can help another baby.

Nice pick Stella

Washing a baby in a bucket

Stella's first Chicago Fire soccer game....courtesy of K Sheldon! Shout out. We all had a blast.

Sofia's 2nd Fire game.

Stella felt that Mark should be a princess because being a princess is fun. Peter was NOT happy about this picture....

Smiles!

A baby gift basket by NamHee Designs for a dear friend

Mark's favorite thing to do....let's hope he's not a total narcissist when he's older.

Mark occasionally finds his thumb & will soothe himself back to sleep....I just wish he would do this all the time.

Stella loves most anything that doesn't fit and looks obnoxious. This past Saturday it was a hat 4 times to large for her....

Mark is a very happy baby....can you tell?

Mark is finding his voice

Mark James

2010-07-25T23:12:00.008-04:00

We welcomed Mark James Sheldon into the world on Wednesday, July 14th. I started contractions at 2:30am....and he FINALLY made his way out around 8:30'ish pm. I didn't have an epidural with Stella....so I delivered him all natural as well....and YIKES! Pushing out an 8 pounder (Stella's weight) is A LOT easier than a 9 pounder! This baby most certainly did not "fall" out of my like people told me he would.....thanks for nothing punks....ugh.

I have been anxiously awaiting this baby to see what he would look like....as I have one very Asian child (my mini-me Sofia) and one very white child (Stella). So then.....I think Mark is a decent mix of the two.

Details:
9 lbs, 3 ounces
21.5 inches
black hair....with weird blondish highlights
chubby Asian cheeks

A few pics from the hospital....

And.....exhaustion....I hardly remember this picture.....I'm pretty sure if they didn't put a pillow underneath my arm...there is no way I would have been able to hold him.

The older sisters checkin out their new baby brother.

Me and my babies

My family feels 100% complete!!

Sleeping baby.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When I was young, I spent many of my days playing with a friend who lived a few blocks away. Her name was Kasey Blickley.....we grew up....we lost touch....and then facebook reconnected us again. Turns out she got married young (like me) & now has a beautiful family....and has her own photography business called POSH. She does amazing work. Please check her out. She shoots weddings, babies, pregnant bellies, & more. Click Here

So....the last time I had "nice" pictures taken.....Sofia was 10 months old.....so maybe we are due for some professional grade pics....looks like Stella got the shaft on baby pictures....oops, still love her just as much. Here is a sneak peek at what she shot today. I can't wait for the rest!

And he didn't even pee on the ottoman.

Love this one

So tiny

I don't want him to grow up. I am really enjoying the infant baby stage....way more than my first two....probably because we are planning on this one being our last.

Just hatched!

Okay....so I was having flashbacks from 2 weeks ago when he really was in my belly....and maybe had a slight freak-out moment....I love how the picture turned out.

I am trying to rest up and really enjoy these short few weeks of my baby as a newborn before I dive back into my sewing business. Sofia & Stella have adjusted like a dream....as I predicted. They love their new baby brother. They are careful & cautious around him & love to help mommy care for him. God has truly blessed my life with a wonderful husband & 3 healthy & beautiful children.

Not Me Monday

2010-07-12T21:31:00.003-04:00

Well....I suppose I'll do another one of these since I'm still pregnant....(sigh). I know I am "so close", but patience is NOT my gift. Waiting for this kid to be out of my belly does NOT involve fine motor skills....so I'm irritable & grumpy to say the least.

I did not stuff my face with a huge meal and then decide that it would be a good idea to also devour a huge Butterfinger flurry....which did not result in a Butterfinger flurry barf session....that would be totally gluttonous....I always observe self control with food consumption.

I do not drop pieces of trash in my house and stare at them on the ground and wait a few days until there is at least two other pieces of trash near by to pick it up....that is just really lazy.

I do not sleep with a giant box fan approximately 2 feet from my face and wonder why my throat and nose are dried out every morning.

I have not told people for the last two weeks that my due date was "yesterday" to convert their "you're about to pop" comments to "good luck". That would be deliberate and premeditated lying.

I do not call Stella "whitey" because her skin is pale and she does not get tan like her sister or mother. No way, we celebrate diversity in our family....I would never give my kid an offensive and derogatory nickname.

I did not ignore my husband's remarks about his "lost black shirt with the white buttons" for months (literally) even though I knew it was hanging in the basement waiting to be ironed. That would be a blatant lie...and besides, I never fall behind in ironing.

I do not insist that our house be kept at frigid temperatures & completely ignore my family's complaints about it being "freezing"....because they can put on a sweatshirt!

I am not bitter that both my very good friends (Megan & Kristin) had their babies already. No way, I am so excited for them and focused on their joy....not my own misery....punks.

I do not resent any person who is able to hold their urine for more than an hour and 1/2.....I hate you all.

Not Me Monday....and an update

2010-07-05T10:32:00.005-04:00

It's been so long since I've done one of these......I don't even know if the original lady who invented it is still doing it....

I did not tell my girls that the only way mommy was going to sit outside with them & their kiddie pool is if they kept a constant cool water spritz all over my arms & legs....and fed me chilled watermelon. No way....that is basically slavery.

I did not let Stella drink 1/2 my root beer with her dinner because I was too lazy to get up & get her a glass of milk.

I did not keep my girls in their pajamas until 4:00 in the afternoon....and finally put regular clothes on because I was forced to make a run to the grocery store.

When my husband told me he slept on his back wrong & it really hurt....I did have flash visions of me clubbing him in the back whilst bellowing out evil sadistic laughs and screaming "how does your back feel now!?!? Ha ha ha ha ha!" No way, not me....that is selfish....just because I am uncomfortable....does not mean that my husband is banned from complaining....well....maybe a little.

This conversation did not happen..........not me, I am always delightful & of a cheery disposition....especially with stupid inquisitive strangers who like to comment on my belly size.

[Rachel sits down on bench while Peter takes girls on a walk]

[Lady approaches Rachel]

Lady: (gasp) Are you having twins?!? [she is very excited]

Rach: Yeah!! [equals lady's excitement in her response]

Lady: Really?!?! [even more excited]

Rach: No! [smile gone & suddenly angry, serious, & very irritable]

Lady: Oh.....[visibly awkward]

Rach: But thanks for pointing out that it LOOKS like I'm having twins...

Lady: Well....[eyes darting everywhere searching for a way out]

Rach: Yeah....lesson learned [glares at stupid lady]

Lady: [quietly tip toes backwards out of situation]

I did not "clean up" by throwing all my large items into the dishwasher & run it with 11 items total....that would be really wasteful.

I do not tell my girls that they only get showers & no baths because we don't have time....when the reality is that there is some weird blackish greenish stuff growing around the underside of the spout....and I'm too lazy to scrub it out.

I did not use the underside of Stella's dress to wipe her snotty nose all day....until her dress was so crusty that it did not hang properly. Not me....that is unsanitary and gross. I always keep tissues handy.

I did not go two weeks (& still counting) without brushing my hair. That would mean that I stopped caring about my outward appearances.....besides, I understand that running my fingers through my hair is not the same as actually brushing it.

I did not damage my eldest daughter by telling girls have 3 bums....the tinkle bum, the stinky bum, & the baby bum....and this baby will come out mommy's baby bum. Her mouth was not agape for several minutes of shock....followed by running around our house screaming that a baby is going to come out her mommy's bum. Nope, I would certainly wait till my daughter was a bit older before trying to explain medical marvels to her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

YO! It's been a very long time since I've even had a chance to turn on the computer....let alone do some blogging. NamHee Designs has been exploding and I've barely had enough time to keep up....which is awesome.....but I've decided to stop taking orders and allow myself the next week to "nest" and rest myself up for baby #3....mostly because my belly is so large that I can not sit at the machine for longer than 15 minutes without my feet going numb. I am also giving myself a few weeks after the baby is born & will slowly resume sewing again. I should be in full swing by early fall.

I hope to professionalize my website this August....but I finally updated it with pictures & pricing....so check it out. http://namheedesigns.com or find NamHee Designs on facebook

The dresses have been a huge success so far & I can't wait to dive back into them again...they are so much fun to make!

These photos were taken by a childhood friend. She is a photographer who does amazing work. Click here to check her out.

This is my latest dress color combo....very bright & summery.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A couple pics......

So here I am at about 39 weeks....a rare photo...as I usually avoid the camera like the plague....but as this is my last....I thought I should have at least one preggo pic. I am enjoying my time relaxing & doing nothing!

We spent our 4th of July weekend at the Lake house with all the Sheldon cousins. We couldn't have asked for better weather. We had cloudless sunshine, warm water, waves, and gentle breezes. It was perfect.

More Random Rachel Thoughts......

So.....now that things have slowed a bit for me....it is now occurring to me that I AM HAVING ANOTHER BABY!!! AAAAAGGGHHH!! I haven't had time to think about it....and now I am only about a week away.

Can anyone else believe I'm having a BOY?!? Seriously!?!? I definitely still don't really believe it. I don't think I'll be 100% convinced till it comes out.

My mother-in-law keeps telling me that everyday is another day closer to having the baby....how exciting!.....and all I can think about is how everyday is another ounce bigger to push out....ugh, I need to change my attitude.

Two of my very closest friends (Megan & Kristin) are both due within a week of me! So fun. Maybe we'll all have our babies on the same day - that would be crazy.

I am looking forward to my "vacation" at the hospital.....nurses waiting on my hand & foot, they wheel in my 1 child for feeding & then wheel it back out so I can sleep, endless diet coke....it's gonna be awesome.

This is the first year that I did not attend fireworks. :( I love fireworks....but the thought of sitting on a blanket without a bathroom in sight was enough to keep me home this year.

I had a garage sale about a month ago....and I had a lady pay with all dollar coins & I was so annoyed. Yes, I'm preggo & my irritation levels are higher....but seriously.....dollar coins are for grandparents to give to their grandkids....and for piggy banks.

Whoever the random Asian is that is posting crazy Asian fonts in my comments section can please stop. My appearances have fooled you....I know I look Asian on the outside....but I'm really very white....excluding my current dark brown skin color. No but seriously, stop with the weirdo Asian comments....leave my blog alone!

Random Update

2010-05-27T14:22:00.014-04:00

namheedesigns.com is finally up and running.....it's a serious work in progress, but it'll do for now. I finally feel like I have most of the basic stuff for the business set up and now I'm just taking in alterations and gift requests.

Last week, I made 11 aprons & a baby gift set for my cousin....in 4 days & had so much fun doing it! She wanted the catering staff to have matching aprons....and then give them to her friends & family as gifts after the wedding. But I am an idiot & forgot to take pictures...oops. I was hoping to make a few more gift aprons this week....I'll be sure to take a pic this time.

A few of the more recent items I have done.....I really should be taking pictures of all of them....but alas, I am lazy and forgetful.

This is my first attempt to make my girls' clothes!
I bought a pattern, but I didn't use it....what a waste of $.
I mimicked the Matilda Jane dresses minus the apron...at $52 a pop!!

These are the pacifier clips....I used the soft pink minky fabric.

I had my first request for yellow/green burp cloth sets

A simple blue set

Other Randomness

I am having a garage sale next week and so I feel like I should start preparing for that....as all my garage sale items are thrown in large black garbage bags that are haphazardly thrown about my basement.

Stella is finally potty trained....and this has made my life A LOT easier! Praise the Lord.

The hot weather makes me tired, lazy, & cranky....not that me stating this fact on my blog makes it any easier for those to have to tolerate me everyday. (sorry Peter)

We took the RV to West Virgina last weekend for a wedding. RV trouble on the way there extended our trip there to 24 hours....awesome. The last hour of the trip goes through some rolling hills/mountains of West Virginia....Stella got car sick & threw up ALL OVER ME....awesome. The wedding was so fun....it was worth the road trip.

I am completely ignoring my children so I can post to my blog....I know they are making a huge mess....I will continue typing away so long as I don't hear crying....I just need about 15 more minutes!

And a few snapshots for the road.....sorry about the quality of some....they are taken with my camera phone.

If there is ever a picture that best describes me....then this would be it.

This is how Stella falls asleep sometimes.
Notice that there are band aids on both knees.

Watching videos in the RV on our way to West Virgina.
This would be BEFORE Stella got really sick.

She had a long travel day....and Nona became her pillow.
Stella is NOT a sleeper so this means she was EXHAUSTED.

The wedding was at a beautiful estate nestled in West Virginia.
There was a grass maze & dancing in a barn...awesome.
Thank you B. Mahler for this picture....hehehe

Hot weather means we sit poolside.

Turns out Stella loves corn on the cob.

Ice cream is the best on hot summer evenings.

Sometimes we have a girly salon night in the bathroom

Then the next morning....we have CURLS!!

Snapshots

2010-05-08T12:10:00.002-04:00

Well then.....I guess it's been a little while since I've been able to post to my blog....YIKES!! I miss it dearly and feel 100% disconnected from my blog friends and family....and that depresses me a bit....not to mention my Not Me List is getting really long....but such is life.

I am finally caught up with sewing and have a few minutes for an update for the past month.

I am up and running with NamHee Designs & Alterations & have been busy taking orders & altering clothes! I am in the process of designing a website.....turns out that there is a reason people get paid lots of money for doing that! Ugh, I'd love to snap my fingers and have that be done. I'll be sure to post again when it is up and running.

So almost all my spare time is spent sewing. I have been keeping very busy with alterations and baby gifts. I finally took a few pictures of the most recent gifts. These are burp rag sets with little matching blankets.

The green & brown set. I also do a blue boy set & another neutral set with yellow & brown with orange & turquoise accents....super cute!

I had a request for a few hooded towels. She wanted pink with a ladybug theme to match her granddaughters newly painted room.

And the main part of my day.... long lost snapshots from the past month

Goldfish #1 finally died.....1 down, 5 more to go.
R.I.P Cinderella.

I don't remember every having a set Easter tradition growing up.
Our family does the following.....
1. I "splurge" on a brand new pretty dress from Walmart.
2. We paint Easter eggs & discuss the real meaning of Easter.
3. We have an egg hunt Easter morning.

Yay Stella! Her eggs really weren't very "hidden"....but she had fun.

Ahhh....collecting the goods!

I went solo to Chicago visit one of my best friends, Megan.
We are both pregnant and due about a week apart!
The belly on belly is a weird sensation....Megan LOVED it

This is me stuffing my face with the most glorious bakery rolls on earth. About a 10 minute walk from Megan's place....I had been craving them for months....mmmm....sooooo delicious

Megan & Stephen's son Calvin.
We were buddies.....right.....or he was really afraid of me.

Peter stayed home with the girls & took them to the Big Bug exhibit.

Stella inherited a lion costume from her cousin. Looks like that's what she'll be for Halloween this year.

Stella still wears her princess crown as if she just got it from the store.

Home Depot finally sent us a gift card to replace the items not considered "attached" to our vehicle. So....while Home Depot was blacklisted....we're not stupid....we'll use the money on the gift card & then reinstall blacklisted status. If you don't know anything about the incident, then click here.

I inherited a baby grand piano as my wedding gift from my parents. It has been stored an another woman's house for years. We do NOT have the space for a baby grand....but we did for an upright. We traded it in the baby grand this is actually a full size digital piano with volume control, touch sensor keys, programmed songs, & more. It's awesome. I am giving Sofia lessons & she is doing really really well. I won't be surprised if she is a concert pianist someday.

My Sofia baby turned 5 on April 26th. We had cousins over for pizza & ice cream on the 27th.....nice belly Rach....ugh.

All her cousins were able to come, including Henry & Sammy. Sammy is almost a year!

All the kids ran like crazy animals around outside playing some sort of tag game that included lots of screaming & getting dirty. And when the evening drew on....they all AMAZINGLY sat & watched a beginning of a movie....in SILENCE!!

Stella is cruising around on her bike super fast these days....which sometimes force me to "jog"....which does not agree with my giant belly.

Sofia loves to color with chalk.....and sometimes her face & hair get covered in chalk dust.

NamHee Designs & Alterations

2010-04-07T22:56:00.002-04:00

My blog has been put on the back burner and this is why. I am launching a new business of sorts. I decided to key into my stereotype & start doing alterations & unique handmade items such as the baby gifts I've made for friends and family in the past. (A nail salon will be my next project....j/k). I finished my logo & am now working on business cards, flyers, & a price sheet. I am very excited to start this because it is a job that I can do from my home with the flexibility of not paying for child care. It is also something I can continue to do once all my children are in school full time.

So as much as I would prefer to spend my spare time venting my aggravations & pet peeves to the world....I will most likely be sewing. I will definitely try to keep up with my blog, but my posts will definitely slow down.

Keeping Up With Sofia

2010-04-05T23:20:00.009-04:00

Okay, so I know I've been extra super bad at keeping up with the blog. This is mostly due to the fantastic weather.....which has kept the girls & me outside every spare minute we have. This is awesome....except when I go back inside and remember that I do not have a clone who stays inside, cleans, does laundry, or prepares dinner.

I have been working with Stella as she desperately wants to ride her bike like her big sister. Yes, she has training wheels, but she is doing quite well for only being 2 years & 3 months. I imagine those training wheels will definitely be off next summer!

I think Peter and Sofia are more proud than she is excited.

Snapshots....LOTS of them

2010-03-28T22:39:00.014-04:00

Okay then....so I've neglected my blog the past few weeks....it has been placed on the back burner for many reasons.

1. I am in the process of starting my own business....more on that later.
2. I had 5 sewing projects to donate for the School Auction.
3. My two out-of-town brothers stayed with us this past weekend.
4. My dad got married this past weekend....hence #4
5. 3 other projects I'm working on for my dad

WHEW!!! My brother Josh's girlfriend, Aubrey, is am amazing photographer. Check out some of here pics click here. Her photos look like they are from magazines....if only she didn't live in Washington. Anyways, Josh has taken an interest in photography & goes along with her for various photo shoots. He brought her camera with him this weekend & took some "professional" pictures for me this weekend....he even let me take some. I couldn't decide which ones to post....so I am posting lots!

Yes, the fish are still alive....not sure how.

Pink ribbons are a favorite

Stella's hands are usually covered with marker smudges.

Sometimes she begs like a puppy

I'm still getting used to the glasses. They suit her personality.

I think she is so beautiful....and therefore not allowed to date till she is 21

Stella isn't so sure

The many faces of Stella

Up in the air!

I just love these sweaters from Aunt Nick & Uncle Matt!

Sofia collected pine cones. Stella collected dirt.

I really wish I looked so great first thing in the morning.

Matching dresses!

My favorite Stella picture....and I took it!!

She loves her uncle Josh...he helped keep her entertained in the hours past her bedtime.

Not Me Monday

2010-03-15T10:32:00.006-04:00

I've slowed down a bit on my Not Me's....mostly because I am lazy....and 28 weeks worth of Not Me lists is a bit embarrassing. I'm sure the lists will be more frequent once we go from man-to-man parenting to zone.

I did not pack a church snack for my daughter and allow her approximately 4 goldfish while I consumed the entire baggie full. Clearly, I was being helpful by not allowing her to spoil her lunch appetite.....mmmm...goldfish.

I did not crack our snow shovel because I decided that it was the best tool to use to pick away at the last ice mound on our front lawn.....and then forget to tell my husband & hang it back in the garage....where he will first hear about it here....oops, sorry Peter.

I did not go to a nice awards dinner & decide that the chocolate dessert cake on my table was placed there to be eaten first....before salads & the prayer.....as only a truly terrible person would tortuously place chocolate cake in front of a preggo lady & expect her to patiently stare at it until dinner was done.....fools.

It did not wait till Stella barfed all over her car seat to finally decide that it was time to clean out the van...& wash her gross car seat. I did not have enough random cereal scattered about the floors & seats of my van to feed a small family.....my van is always immaculate & crumb free.

I was not secretly disappointed that we did not win the lottery after my husband said he bought a Power Ball ticket because it was up to 200 million.....I do not get my hopes up for completely unrealistic dreams.

I did not feed my kids Ramen Noodles & Bugles for dinner & order ourselves delicious take out. I do not frequently feed my kids low quality food while I treat myself to delicious food.

I do not happily munch on Reeces Pieces in front of my husband because he decided to give up sweets for Lent. That would be mean.

I did not waste my time playing an iPhone game until I beat my husband's high score & then lose interest....until he beat my score....and then obsessively play until I beat his score again.....and then lose interest again. That is overly competitive.

I did not send my husband irritating repeat text messages asking for him to bring me a glass of ice water. I have a great nagging wife voice that works perfectly, I do not need the assistance of annoying text message dings to aggravate my husband.

Friday Fails

2010-03-12T09:50:00.003-05:00

Yikes! I supposed I've neglected my blog for awhile. I think our family is past the various sicknesses. I opened all our windows yesterday & sent the diseased air out. Then I hard scrubbed the bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, & floors....followed by vacuuming & laundry....our house may have been 50 degrees....but now it smells sterile & clean. Whew!

Hurray for Friday! Time for the Friday Fails. It's hard for me to believe that this is not staged....but I think it might be real. Smooth one best man....smooth.

This test is designed for aliens.

Nice

Do I need to explain this one?

This one is classified as a "WIN".....right.

This Irritates Me

2010-03-09T20:48:00.005-05:00

I have been tending to a sick household for over a week. Fevers, vomit, sore throats, gross smoker coughs, tears, whining, & lots of extra laundry have filled my every minute. Perhaps this has put me on edge. In the few moments that I've had to myself, this commercial has been played....and it just irks me!

I hate this commercial for several reasons.

1. This dude looks like he has taken 9 years to complete his 4-year degree.....and his face looks like it is composed of potatoes. I'm not really a mean person, but I suppose my standards are a bit higher for people on TV.

2. "So, do you need any extra money this week?"....seriously?!? She probably cleans up after his parties & does his laundry too.....colossal mom fail.

3. "You get yourself something nice."....what a tool.

Snapshots

2010-03-03T20:53:00.005-05:00

We've had sick people in the house and so my blogging has been on the back burner. We are finally on the flip side....fevers have broken....and hopefully sleep will find us again. These are a few snapshots from last week....before kids starting getting sick.

Sofia's favorite "kitty" PJ's from cousin Maggie.

Daddy makes the coolest forts....ever.

Sofia got Shrinkart as a present a few years ago.
She was a bit young, so we had it in storage.
We had a craft afternoon.

Watching it bake...and shrink!

Dancing with daddy

Sofia nicely rolls the ball to Stella.
Stella hurls it at Sofia's face.

Move Over Estrogen!

2010-02-26T21:58:00.010-05:00

YESTERDAY
Sofia wanted a baby brother.
I was positive we were having another girl.
I told Sofia that it was God's decision...another sister would be fun.
Sofia told me "Ok, but I think God wants us to have a boy."

TODAY
We had the ultrasound.
We were ready for the "It's another girl" confirmation.
I've never been so positive that I was having a girl.
I was caught completely off guard & 100% surprised.
I cried.
I told the tech she was lying to me.
I am still in shock.
Peter is still glowing with excitement.

Friday Fails

2010-02-26T10:16:00.001-05:00

It's Friday again. A special thanks to my brother Matt who sent me this week's first 6 Fantastic Friday Fails.....did you enjoy my alliteration usage? Did you? Did you?

Okay, I'm not going to judge these.....because I will readily admit to taking a test and having NO clue what to write for answers that I did not know.

Nice Peter.....nice.

Ataxophobia

2010-02-24T20:29:00.007-05:00

Ataxophobia: the fear of disorder or untidiness.

Okay, so I don't think I'm 100% ataxophobic....but I will admit to at least 80%. I must also mention that I was NOT always organized and tidy....seriously, just ask my mom. My room was never clean & I was the champion of the throw-random-items-into-closets-and-drawers cleaning method. I would have never dreamed of turning into the freak that I am today.

In high school, I started organizing my notebooks & folders. It made homework & studying a lot easier & less stressful. I went to college and my notebook organization graduated to new levels complete with color coding & labels....hmmm, organizing is fun!

Since I got married in 2001, we have lived in smaller apartments with little or no storage space. I started applying my schoolwork organization methods to my closet spaces. As our family grew....so did my quasi-OCD organization insanity. Since we moved into our house, all our items in storage at other people's houses made their way back to us. Translation: "Great! Now that you have a house....you can take back all your junk!"

Last April I gave my readers a small glimpse into the psychotic world that is Rachel Sheldon by revealing the contents of my diaper bag/purse. If you did not see it, then click here. After much debate.....I have decided to allow you to see my closet spaces & basement storage. Go ahead....open mockery is welcome & accepted. I am no longer ashamed.

Main Level Closet - the "Supply Closet"
Sofia can easily reach all her art supplies.
The shoe holder has all our winter mittens, hats, etc.
Winter items go back to storage & are replaced with summer stuff.

Top shelf

Right Side

Left Side

Basement Storage - Main Wall
Yes, I have a giant box filled with empty boxes...with the label "Empty Boxes"

Basement Storage - Back Room

Back Room - Left Side
Mostly college books & paperwork

Back Room - Right Side
Yes, all the clothing bins are labeled

Back Room- Far Wall
Sewing stuff & baby gift stuff

Toy Closet
I allow my girls to take out a few bins at a time.
If they want more, they must put away what they pulled out.
Is this tyrannical & make me a control freak mommy? Yes.
Does this keep my house clean & my sanity in check? Yes.

Upstairs Closets
Linen Closet & Bathroom Closet

Random Facts Pertaining to My Closet Spaces
1. Walmart has incredible back to school storage bin sales. This is when I buy them. I'm pretty sure I bought the smaller bins in packs of 5 for $3.

2. The wire racks are from Aldi. They occasionally get random items & crazy markdown prices. They had the wire 5-shelf units for $30....normally they go for $75-$150.

3. My husband got me a gift card to The Container Store for my birthday....it was easily one of my most favorite gifts....ever.

4. Garage Sales & Craigslist are also great places to find storage containers & organizational type of stuff. I have found fantastic deals on basic plastic containers & shelving units.

5. I love to buy in bulk...and with coupons. Now that I have the space, I feel like I have a mini-store in my basement....awesome.

So there it is. I'm really not crazy....just crazy about space usage. I feel like it's a giant Tetris game....which btw, I am the master player. (Megan G, please back me up on this one)

The Man Your Man Could Smell Like

2010-02-23T20:39:00.005-05:00

I have seen this commercial a few times over the past few weeks & it makes me laugh out loud every time. It's so random.

...."the tickets are now diamonds....I'm on a horse"

Snapshots....LOTS of them

2010-02-22T20:51:00.002-05:00

The reality is that I had intended on using these pictures to make several posts.....but I'm lazy.

We ordered Sofia's glasses today.
Glasses & eye exams are new experiences to me & Peter.

My girls love to color.
Notice how Sofia tilts her head to focus with her good eye.

Taking a break for sister kisses.
I know they won't always love each other like they do now.

My girls hold hands in the car about 85% of the time.
It makes me happy.

Bedtime stories with daddy....way more special than with mommy.
Sofia's wears her Dora Christmas PJ's from 2009.
Stella wears Sofia's Dora Christmas PJ's from 2008.

Bippity Boppity Bacon.
I frequently fry up an entire package & keep it in the fridge.
It's perfect for adding hints of bacon to most of my dinners.
Also fantastic for a serious salad upgrade.

Thursday night dinner. Based on this recipe. Thanks MDiek!
I added chicken...sauteed with paprika, chili powder, & onion powder.
And a splash of lemon juice & a few strips of bacon.
I wanted to add tomato....but alas, I was out.
Yes, it is in a popcorn bowl.

Stella has been cutting back molars.
This has made her want to be with mommy....A LOT!
Life on mommy's hip makes mommy's left arm really strong.

The sun came out.....and so did we.

Her feet don't reach the pedals....but she gets around quite fast.

I love games.
Didn't play too many growing up because my mom wasn't a fan.
Stella's nap time = precious game time with Sofia.

Dinner will be ready in 10 minutes.
Just enough time for a quick game of Sequence with daddy.

Stella's pouty lip.
She pulls this when she doesn't get what she wants.

Sofia has been working on her poker face....nice.

My friend Sandy advised me to start loving my fish....because they always die when you want them to live and live when you want them to die. So look....I'm taking pictures of my beautiful & precious fish....in gross water...that won't die.

My new favorite snack....a better option than potato chips & Doritos.
I ate a lot during high school & then stopped.
My neighbor got me re-addicted.

Stella occasionally uses the toilet for her body waste.
She is rewarded with permission to wear princess undies.
She LOVES them!!
Now to get consistent toilet habits....any tips?

D&W Valentines Day bears.
75% Off....additional mark downs....$3.00 total. I couldn't resist.
Sofia named her bear Diamonds.

Stay on the Rocks! Don't Fall!
Hot lava! Aaaahhhhh!

No More Lava.
Just Hopscotch Rocks.

Mommy cuddle time!!
I am so blessed.

Friday Fails

2010-02-19T09:51:00.004-05:00

It's Friday again, so it's time for Friday Fails. I missed last week, so we have double this week. Enjoy your weekend!

This actually doesn't seem that extreme to me....but then again I place my children in those mini-shopping carts without seat belts.

Ummm.....right.

Baby Party indeed.

Only someone as immature as me would giggle at this one.

This just can't be true.....can it?

Well, obviously only a small child can can fit in there to work.....that's just using common sense and logic.

I was a Resident Assistant when I was at Butler University....this shames all RA's.

Ahhhh....working for the U.S. Government has it's rewards....like NOT working!

A good parent wants all the best for their baby. Libations seem to make adults happy.....so logically.....they MUST make babies extra happy.

Peculiar Plumping

2010-02-18T22:39:00.007-05:00

I hate when people say I have a "cute" belly during this stage of my pregnancy.....because the reality is....is that my belly really isn't very big. It only becomes large because of it is filled with excessive amounts of food, water, body waste....and mostly gas.

My body goes through a drastic change everyday. I am tiny in the morning....I barely look pregnant. And then by the end of the night....I look a solid 7 months pregnant....ugh. These pictures were taken today.

Morning Picture
Awwww.....look at my cute non-existent bump!
This picture is before food....and after clearing the system.

Night Time
YO! Either I ate a basketball....or my body is holding several weeks worth of body waste. For the record.....this is NOT cute.

Upgrades

2010-02-17T21:28:00.020-05:00

Sofia loves music. She enjoys all types....Bible songs, classic rock, teeny-bopper music, punk, etc. She gets obsessed with various genres & artists and wants to listen to certain songs on repeat. These repeat songs have been:

He's Got the Whole World In His Hands (Wee Sing Bible Songs)
Blindman (Vacation Bible School)
Mr. Roboto (Styx)
Ob La Di Ob La Da (Beatles)
Party in the U.S.A. (Miley Cirus)
Connected (Barbie & the Diamond Castle)
7 Things (Miley Cirus)

Sofia has recently upgraded her favorite repeat songs....YES!! My tolerance for Miley Cirus expired a long time ago. Even Stella loves "the Gun Song"

21 Guns (Greenday)
Spaceman (The Killers)
Don't Stop Believin (Journey)
Viva La Vida (Coldplay)

I grew up in a household with 3 older brothers....our toys consisted of Leggos, GI Joes & various sports equipment. I embraced the various boy toys and became a super tomboy. Our household is different. We are drowning in all things girly. We have dolls, princess dress up clothes, a pink play kitchen, and Barbie movies....lots and lots of Barbie movies. My girls love them. They watch them over and over....and over and over. Stella's absolute favorite movie has been Barbie & the Diamond Castle. We have been watching about 20-30 minutes of this same movie every day for the last month.....ugh.

She has recently upgraded her favorite movie to "Foo Panda".....or Kung Fu Panda. Awesome. If you have not seen this movie....I highly recommend it. The intro is easily my favorite part of the entire movie.....Ska-Doosh!

Sofia told me today "Mommy, there is no charge for awesomeness....or attractiveness." I laughed out loud for a solid 10 minutes.

Snapshots

2010-02-15T21:49:00.005-05:00

I took last week off due to my busy schedule. Peter's grandma Jean died last week & we spent a few days in Detroit for the funeral & to visit family.

Peter took Sofia ice skating downtown.
Stella watched patiently....or she was really cold.

Sofia failed her eye test at school.
She had an eye exam....with another evaluation on the 22nd.
She will most likely need glasses.

Workin those 3-D glasses.

Kindergarten Art
TOP: Warm colors, Jackson Pollock & worked with paint & string.
BOTTOM: Lines, primary & secondary colors.

Monday: Fish bowl cleaning
How are these things still alive?

I am not a morning person.
Sofia & I almost always pick out her outfit the night before.

Stella took my phone & took some pictures...this was my favorite.

Sofia's latest masterpiece she colored for daddy.
Mommy is on the far left & daddy on the right.
This is easily one of my favorite Sofia drawing.

Out with 2T & in with 3T....sad.

Stella's new favorite PJ's.
They were also Sofia's favorite.
Why are my girls drawn to extreme tackiness?

I always loved the monkey pajamas.

What? Is there a problem?
The baby needs sugar!

Looking at video & pictures that Sofia took with her camera from uncle Josh.

Our friends dropped off some flowers a few weeks back. Just beautiful.

My mom used to collect snow globes.
She gave me one of the larger ones.
They make flowers look HUGE!

We made Valentines Day cookies for Sofia's class.
An unexpected snow day & funeral reassigned the classmate cookies to family cookies!

Stella's only participation was eating the dough.

We didn't have hearts....so we settled for butterflies.
And rice crispy treats with sprinkels for her teachers.

Sofia loves to spend time with daddy....especially when she can help him with various projects.

Stella is less focused on being helpful and more about having fun.

Peter made two snow hills for the girls. One out front & one in the back. The front mini snow hill was complete with steps & a princess throne for Stella. Please note the shovels at the top of the hill to ensure they didn't slide back into the street. Good thinking Peter!

Friday Fails

2010-02-05T14:04:00.003-05:00

Time for Friday Fails to make you feel better about yourself before the weekend. A special thanks to Megan & Stephen for the first 2 pictures!

Hopefully they were celebrating something AWESOME.

I will never go deep sea diving....for this reason.

Wow, sometimes you just gotta have em!

I was thinking to start mass producing similar hooks because they would be great to use on Stella!

I really shouldn't laugh....but it still made me giggle.

Maybe he was applying for a job at a liquor store

This is why Macs are awesome

Nothing against cheerleaders....but seriously??

Note to self....shut window

If you have any Fails that you wish to contribute or would like to see on this blog, feel free to email them to me at sheldonrachel@gmail.com. Have a great weekend!

It Made Me Giggle

2010-02-03T20:01:00.002-05:00

Okay, so I know I've completely neglected my blog this week....and last week too. I've been very busy recently and have been cooking a lot more than usual. I really wish there was a more efficient way to get all the blog posts from inside my head on to my computer. I came across this last week and it made me giggle.

Battle of the Church signs!

Friday Fails

2010-01-29T09:51:00.001-05:00

Addicted Much?

Hopefully this is an international company that didn't translate well....otherwise someone needs to be fired.

Maybe this is what he was going for....I won't judge.

Well...this answer does seem quite reasonable.

How can you NOT notice this?

K82 - 1453

2010-01-27T23:29:00.013-05:00

This post is dedicated to my birth mother & any other mother who has given up their baby for adoption.

The recent controversy regarding CBS & the Tim Tebow commercial has opened a part of my heart that I normally like to keep to myself. If you don't know anything about this, then click here. I don't share the intimate details regarding my adoption....mostly because I completely forget that I am even adopted and it feels like I'm talking about other people. Talking about the specifics of my story makes it real....which then makes me overly emotional....and I don't like myself in that state.

I finally decided that I would share some of MY adoption story as it pertains to a topic for which I am truly passionate about. I dug through my old adoption papers....and thanks to a scanner, I can share them with you.

The Story of K82-1453 Begins

I was left on a doorstep outside a the CheChon Orphanage on October 10th, 1981. I was just over 11 weeks old. This snippet states that I was "in good health & weighed 11 pounds & was 22 inches."

CheChon (or Jecheon) is about 3 hours Southeast of Seoul

A Christmas Card sent to me after my arrival in the States.
Jane White was the founder & heart of that orphanage.

Don't Mess With me....or so my papers state.
"Is very demanding. Wants to be held the minute an adult walks into the room. However, when she is with the other children she is very happy and content. Is a real fighter with the other children her age. Is very seldom the loser. I would like her placed in a Christian home in the U.S."

(This is the reason why I was placed in a home with 3 older brothers)

K82-1453 (My Case Number)
The very first picture given to my parents from the orphanage.
I carry it with me in my wallet. It is very precious to me.
Yes, I look a bit crossed eyed.

A Letter from Jane White (November 9, 1982)
"...Nam Hee is a doll - am sure you already know this. She is really a lover. Just loves to be held and cuddled. She has a real good appetite. Has been on jr. foods & drinks from a cup. In the last few days she has started to walk all over the place. She is usually happy & content - however when she is hungry she wants to eat now. Not interested in waiting a minute. Sometimes even refusing cookies..."

The other picture of me from the orphanage (I only have 2)

The purpose of this post is to say Thank You. Thank you to my birth mother for choosing life for ME. Thank you for selflessly choosing to carry MY life in your womb for 9 months and then painfully labor & deliver MY body to the world. Thank you for allowing MY life be the exception...for allowing ME the opportunity to laugh, cry, sing, learn, play, fall in love, live in a country where I can speak & worship freely, experience the joys of having my own family...and to taste cookies.

I do not take my life for granted. I do not know the reason why I was left on a doorstep. But I do know that I honor my birth mother's decision to keep my life by living my life to its fullest.

I know the counter arguments.....trust me, I have heard all of them. My birth WAS the counter argument. Social, economic, & physical factors can make a mother's decision to keep her baby seem impossible. I get it. I am posting this because this topic hits me at a very deep and personal level. As an adoptee, I will always be an a passionate advocate of choosing life....because it was my birth mother's decision that brought me here. I can not ignore the course of my life....from doorstep abandonee to happily married wife & mother of 2 with another on the way.

A Few Pictures From My Childhood

Cover Girl Rach
That's my brother Matt changing my diaper.
Not a glorious cover, but it's my small claim to fame.

Calendar Girl Rach!
Miss October...HOT!

Beach Babe
I would spend hours laying in the warm sand.

I always liked to swing.....but especially loved to jump off!

Climbing Trees
I was a super tom-boy & LOVED to climb trees.

Who could imagine the miracles that would happen from being placed on a humble Korean doorstep.
Adoption is ALWAYS an option.

And finally...the letter from the Judge, Randall Hekman
February 3, 1984
Not sure the Kent County Juvenile Court would be allowed to release such letters these days...it's a shame.

"My Dear Child....
You didn't choose the
Place or the
Time of your
Beginning when, in
Darkness,
God's fingers
Patiently and
Lovingly and
Skillfully wove a
Rich tapestry of Life called
You.

Nor did you choose the
Home of your
Growth from child to
Adult, where
God will use
Us to
Food and clothe and hug and
Train and model and console and
Encourage and rebuke and most of all
Love.

And, through it, we all will grow.
'Til nuggets of refined
Gold and precious
Gems of beauty shine from our inner
Lives to give
Glory to the One
Who patiently and
Lovingly ever lives to
Finish His work in us."

Friday Fails

2010-01-22T09:40:00.002-05:00

It's Friday again. Here are some more fails to make you feel better about yourself. Enjoy.

Parking Fail

Maybe this person is on their way to Florida...probably from Michigan.

Apparently these are the only choices.

He said the kid in the orange shirt tripped him....right

If you have any Fails that you would like me to share, then email me at sheldonrachel@gmail.com and I will be happy to post them.

Snapshots

2010-01-21T14:10:00.011-05:00

It's a tea party & you're invited.

Sofia slept in old lady sponge curlers.
The result is her favorite super curls.

This was the day Sofia picked out all her clothes.
I suppose the theme was pink.
Her socks & underwear are hot pink as well.
I do a full load of pink laundry every other day.

I upgraded Stella to french braids!
I can't believe that she just sits for me.

Uncle Josh sent the girls Christmas presents!
Sofia got a digital camera. Her expression says it all.
She LOVES it. I'll post some of her pictures later.

Stella got a cool bath toy & a princess crown.
She wears the earrings to church.
Her reaction was similar to Sofia's.

Dinner earlier this week - Chef Salad
Umm....it's "healthy" if there's a few pieces of lettuce underneath, right?
Bippity Boppity Bacon!

Do I ever take pictures that are NOT in our kitchen?

Dear Mommy....Love Sofia

2010-01-20T21:26:00.005-05:00

I have been in a slump lately. I'm not depressed, but for some reason I have been uncharacteristically negative. I had a long list of excuses, but I will choose to blame it on my crazy hormones. And for some stupid reason, the only "cures" to my disposition cost a zillion dollars. So to fix my slump, I have been writing lists (yes, I LOVE lists) of the blessings in my life and all the reasons to be thankful. This really does help....A LOT!!

I tell people that my eldest daughter Sofia is sweet. But I want to say is that she is docile, aims to please, exceedingly polite, respectful, considerate, rarely defiant, and has basically been the perfect first child for me. A few weeks ago Sofia "wrote me a letter". Then she decided to read it to me. I watch this video on a daily basis and it warms my heart and reminds me to be thankful and happy.

This video is not the original version of her "letter". The first version was way more humorous as it talked a lot about how she was "sorry that I was always throwing up and that my belly was getting fat" and how she will take good care of me. I like this version better.

I debated posting such a long video, but since this is my blog....I suppose I can post whatever I want! So, this post was for me.

Dear Sofia,

Thank you for my letter and making me the happiest mommy alive. I love you very much.

love, Mom

Not Me Monday

2010-01-18T12:15:00.003-05:00

Monday again....another fantastically embarrassing list of things I did not do this week.

I do not wait for my husband's On-My-Way-Home phone call to finally run a comb through my hair & throw some make up on. No way, I always put my face on in the morning....and clock in a full day of looking presentable.

I was not secretly relieved that my husband was in Colorado for 6 days because it translates into one less mouth to feed, one less person to pick up after, my glorious queen sized bed all to myself, going to bed at 9:30, and more me time....nope, I was definitely sad to have less laundry & the tv remote to myself all week.

I did not hastily dash into Stella's room after a phantom cry and when she immediately fell asleep on my shoulder....I did not find myself in resting bed with her for the next 30 minutes. That would prove my selfish need for unnecessary cuddling.

I did not make Sofia lay her wee bird turd in the bathroom at Walmart & then race across town back home because mommy dropping a deuce in a public restroom is absolultely NOT an option. No way, I do not lessen restroom sanitary standards for my children.

I did not replace my usual after-meal oranges with gummi bears.....and reason that gummi bears are a bit cheaper.....and therefore a much better option.

I did not haul myself out of bed at midnight....and decide the best remedy for my restlessness would be a large bowl of sour cream & onion potato chips.....that needed to be eaten in bed. That's gross.

I did not drop small pieces of ham, cheese, tortilla chip, & apple into our fishbowl in hopes that I would walk down the next day to see a few floating. No way, that's morbid.

I did not pack up 4 bags of smelly garbage, transport them to my dad's & dump them in his giant waste container to use his service.....and not buy tags. That's silly. I do not go to extraordinary measures to be that cheap.

Friday Fails

2010-01-15T09:27:00.002-05:00

Time for Friday Fails to make you feel better about yourself before the weekend. Click here if you missed last week. Hopefully you will have a better day than this dude.

This one is for my soccer loving husband.....nice.....barf.

This one is a shout out to a certain uncle....oops!
Maybe Marriott was hosting a Document Convention....yeah...that's it.

This one just makes me laugh. Looks like someone should have been the statistician instead.

If you have any Fails that you wish to contribute or would like to see on this blog, feel free to email them to me at sheldonrachel@gmail.com. Have a great weekend!