Same Old Story

There's not much to say, but there is so much to say.

It seems as though, every so often, I am drawn back to this blog of mine. But then, things pick back up and I am absent for a few months. Not surprisingly, this "schedule" of mine goes along with my school calendar. And, in case you didn't realize it, I am always drawn back to the blog when I'm on break.

It's spring break now ... my husband and I have enjoyed calling out "SPRING BREAK!" whenever we're stressed or adulting really hard. It just serves to remind us how much our lives have changed since we enjoyed spring break in college.

Daaang, we're just lucky we still get spring break.

A lot has changed since I was here last.

My baby girl is ONE! I cannot believe it. She is a hoot and a half. I'm 100% positive that her first word was "uh oh" and she first said it when she threw her "pato" (lovey) behind her. She likes to throw things, though she doesn't throw well (or, she throws really well because she adds a little backspin and can play "catch" with herself). She is interested in anything and everything her brother does, and she is not afraid to tell us her opinion.

She is, most definitely, a keeper.

My big guy is almost THREE! That's even harder to believe. I have a three year old person. And man, he is a great guy. Sure, he tests our patience (all the time). He currently says he loves bad guys, but is quick to remind me that bad guys never "winned." And whenever we're playing super heroes, he is Batman because Batman helps all the people. One minute, he is "yer-yer-ing" us (think lightsaber sound). The next minute, he is belting out: "It's a jolly holiday with Mary!" using a toy putter as a cane and attempting to dance like Dick Van Dyke.

Seriously, though. My kid is awesome.

We are currently potty training the big guy. He's a stubborn little dude, though, and often tells us that he would rather poop his pants. (thanks, bud.)

I'm planning a joint birthday party for the kids in the next few weeks and am toying around with the idea of 2 separate themes. I know that birthday parties don't have to have themes ... but I like having a little flair on the invite. Kid told me that he wants to have a spaghetti themed birthday party. I think that is perfect.

Well, hopefully the motivation I'm feeling to write will stick around for awhile....

Happy Easter!

Gender Reveal

If you follow me on Instagram, I'm sure you're thinking: Hey! She already told us!

If you don't follow me on Instagram, you should.

I have already announced the sex of our sweet peanut, even made it Facebook official. Because Facebook, of course, makes it real and true.

I had scoured Pinterest (follow me there, too!) for gender reveal ideas. I didn't want to do a full on party because my pregnant sister-in-law had done that just a few weeks earlier. I also didn't want to spend a ton of money because I'd rather spend my money on cute baby clothes and stuff. Plus, Christmas. It's close and it's an expensive time of year!

1. I Can Teach My Child | 2. The Devoted Wife | 3. Our Homegrown Spud

My first decision was color. I knew that I didn't want to do the pink and blue theme. For one, I really don't like pale pink. For two, sister-in-law did that. And for three, who hasn't done pink and blue for a gender reveal?!

Ultimately, I decided upon some gender neutral-ish colors. Teal/turquoise and yellow. Teal for boy, yellow for girl. And everything turned out beautifully. Truth be told, I didn't go "all out" with decorations, or anything for that matter. We used our regular plates and silverware, I didn't make or buy specialty treats (remember...Christmas is close!). I decided that our money would be spent on an Old Wives' Tales poster and the supplies for revealing the sex of the baby.

Photo/Poster from A Cloth Life

Our 20 week ultrasound was planned for a Sunday, so we also decided to have our party the same day, when our beloved (but horribly horrible) Vikings played, and lost (really, no surprise there).

I'm not here to give a recap of the party. I'm here to show you how we revealed the gender, and to show off my super awesome Old Wives' Tales poster.

Here is what I came up with:

I made my gender reveal poster on PicMonkey and had it printed at Costco (super cheap, and super fast!). If you don't use PicMonkey, you should. I'm giving y'all quite a few tips today -- following me on Instagram and Pinterest (you may as well follow me on Twitter, too), and to use PicMonkey. Trust me. These are all very wise decisions.

I used this tutorial from Our Homegrown Spud for the gender reveal scratch off cards. When I was first looking at scratch off tutorials, I found plenty. But with some practice, I had learned that they weren't that great -- the scratching took too long, and took off some of the image underneath as well. I started to think I'd have to do more experimenting, but then! I happened across Our Homegrown Spud and millions of minutes were saved. Make it a sticker! If you ever have any need (or want) for a custom scratch-off, please, please use her tutorial. The contact paper is magical.

Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, we're having a girl and she's set to arrive in April!

Kid is Turning ONE!

I know, I know, it's a little ways away yet, but the planning has begun.

Mostly Pinterest planning. Can you tell that I've decided upon a theme?

That's right. Kid is going to have a fiesta.

And I couldn't be more excited (it's super fitting, too, as I teach at a Spanish immersion school).

I've begun to work on a simple invite, using PicMonkey. Such a wonderful site!

Besides searching for inspiration on Pinterest, all I have done is decided upon the theme, a date, and the beginnings of this invite. And, of course, I may change my mind completely on the invite. You just never know...